A sitting Indo-Canadian MP Raj Saini, who is a member of Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau's caucus is facing claims of inappropriate behaviour toward female staff workers over the past six years, yet he is still running in the Federal elections on September 20.&nbsp;

Despite a string of charges of inappropriate behaviour toward young female staffers that spanned his six years in parliament, the Liberal Party has awarded southwestern Ontario candidate Raj Saini permission to run for re-election for a third term as an MP.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained a zero-tolerance attitude regarding workplace harassment and misbehaviour, the latter appeared to have a partisan tilt toward Saini, indicating that "rigorous processes" had been completed, which he had shared the specifics of.&nbsp;

Raj Saini, a Himachal Pradesh immigrant, has served as the Member of Parliament for the Kitchener Centre riding (as constituencies are known in Canada) since 2015.&nbsp;

Sexual harassment allegations against Trudeau's MP Saini date back to December 2015, when he allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances toward at least four female staffers at a holiday gathering at the downtown Ottawa convention centre in the presence of former MP Marwan Tabbara, a now-fired friend of the Liberal MP.

Tabbara, a 35-year-old Ontario Member of Parliament, resigned from the Liberal caucus after being charged with sexual assault.

Two counts of assault, one count of break and enter and committing an indictable offence, and one count of criminal harassment were filed against him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A sitting Indo-Canadian MP Raj Saini, who is a member of Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau's caucus is facing claims of inappropriate behaviour toward female staff workers over the past six years, yet he is still running in the Federal elections on September 20.

A sitting Indo-Canadian MP Raj Saini, who is a member of Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau's caucus is facing claims of inappropriate behaviour toward female staff workers over the past six years, yet he is still running in the Federal elections on September 20. Despite a string of charges of inappropriate behaviour toward young female staffers that spanned his six years in parliament, the Liberal Party has awarded southwestern Ontario candidate Raj Saini permission to run for re-election for a third term as an MP. Despite the fact that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained a zero-tolerance attitude regarding workplace harassment and misbehaviour, the latter appeared to have a partisan tilt toward Saini, indicating that "rigorous processes" had been completed, which he had shared the specifics of. Raj Saini, a Himachal Pradesh immigrant, has served as the Member of Parliament for the Kitchener Centre riding (as constituencies are known in Canada) since 2015. Sexual harassment allegations against Trudeau's MP Saini date back to December 2015, when he allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances toward at least four female staffers at a holiday gathering at the downtown Ottawa convention centre in the presence of former MP Marwan Tabbara, a now-fired friend of the Liberal MP. Tabbara, a 35-year-old Ontario Member of Parliament, resigned from the Liberal caucus after being charged with sexual assault. Two counts of assault, one count of break and enter and committing an indictable offence, and one count of criminal harassment were filed against him. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin Canadian MP Raj Saini denies sexual misconduct allegations

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation.&nbsp;

The government has announced a compensation of around 300,000&nbsp;Czech Korunas&nbsp;(14,000 US dollars) for these women, most of whom were Roma. &nbsp;

Roma or Romani people, an ethnic minority in the Czech Republic, are believed to be originally migrated from India long time back.&nbsp;

Human rights activist Gwendolyn Albert, who was campaigning for the change, said, “This means the wrongdoing committed against all who have been sterilised without their informed consent is acknowledged and can be redressed.”&nbsp;

From 1966 to 2012, several women were forced to undergo the procedure due to coercion, a report by The Guardian said. Threats and incentives were used widely.&nbsp;

There is no specific data to suggest the exact number of affected women, but the campaigners believe there were several hundred victims of this forced sterilisation.&nbsp;

Although the programme ended with communist regime’s collapse in 1989, the women in labour were continued to be misled into signing consent forms before caesarean births. In some cases, they were not even told that they were being sterilised after the delivery. &nbsp;

The compensation claims will be administered by Czech health ministry. It is also yet to announce when the process will begin. The victims will also have to support their claims. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Elena Gorolová, a 51-year-old social worker from Ostrava, said, the move marks a historic win. She was sterilised at the age of 21.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation.

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation. The government has announced a compensation of around 300,000 Czech Korunas (14,000 US dollars) for these women, most of whom were Roma. Roma or Romani people, an ethnic minority in the Czech Republic, are believed to be originally migrated from India long time back. Human rights activist Gwendolyn Albert, who was campaigning for the change, said, “This means the wrongdoing committed against all who have been sterilised without their informed consent is acknowledged and can be redressed.” From 1966 to 2012, several women were forced to undergo the procedure due to coercion, a report by The Guardian said. Threats and incentives were used widely. There is no specific data to suggest the exact number of affected women, but the campaigners believe there were several hundred victims of this forced sterilisation. Although the programme ended with communist regime’s collapse in 1989, the women in labour were continued to be misled into signing consent forms before caesarean births. In some cases, they were not even told that they were being sterilised after the delivery. The compensation claims will be administered by Czech health ministry. It is also yet to announce when the process will begin. The victims will also have to support their claims. Elena Gorolová, a 51-year-old social worker from Ostrava, said, the move marks a historic win. She was sterilised at the age of 21. (With inputs from agencies)

Women sterilised without consent in Czech Republic to get compensation 

Indian-origin global health expert Anil Soni has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly launched The WHO Foundation, which works alongside the World Health Organization to address most pressing health challenges across the world.

Soni will assume his role as The WHO Foundation's inaugural Chief Executive Officer on January 1 next year. In his new role, Soni will accelerate the Foundation''s "work to invest in innovative, evidence-based initiatives that support WHO in delivering on its mission to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all," the Foundation said in a press statement on Monday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hari-shukla-indian-origin-man-among-first-in-world-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine-348270" hreflang="en">Hari Shukla, Indian-origin man, among first in world to receive COVID-19 vaccine</a>

The WHO Foundation, an independent grant-making agency headquartered in Geneva, was launched in May 2020 to work alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health community to address the world’s most pressing global health challenges.

Soni joins the Foundation from Viatris, a global healthcare company, where he served as Head of Global Infectious Diseases.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described Soni as a “proven innovator” in global health who has spent two decades in service of communities affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-biotech-seeks-emergency-use-authorisation-for-indian-covid-19-vaccine-expert-panel-to-review-348232" hreflang="en">Bharat Biotech seeks emergency use authorisation for Indian Covid-19 vaccine; expert panel to review</a>

“He earned my trust when he and his team at the Clinton Health Access Initiative worked side-by-side with the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia to expand access to treatment and strengthen the management of our health centers,” Ghebreyesus said adding that Soni has a “unique" set of skills that spans the public and private sectors, and his leadership of the Foundation will provide invaluable support to the mission of the WHO and the billions of people who depend on it.

On his appointment, Soni said the world is at a “critical juncture” for global public health.

“After months of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, there is hope for several successful vaccine candidates. Beyond this crucial step, the path to recovery necessitates expanded investment in the many health priorities that have been compromised in recent months - from drops in vaccine coverage and HIV treatment to delays in cancer treatment,” he said, adding that The WHO Foundation represents a unique new opportunity for everyone in the world to play their part in tackling these challenges and in promoting global health, through a strong and vibrant WHO.

Founder and Chairman of the Board of the WHO Foundation Professor Thomas Zeltner said Soni is a “dynamic leader" with deep experience across all aspects of global public health.

“From his work at Viatris where he has led the development and introduction of medicines to treat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, to his leadership of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and his time at the Global Fund (to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria), he has demonstrated his ability to work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors and build successful new organisations from the ground up,” Zeltner said.

The WHO Foundation said Soni is a “seasoned global health expert”, bringing over two decades of experience working across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to expand healthcare access in low and middle-income countries.

“In addition to advisory roles with the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and the MDG Health Alliance, Soni joins the WHO Foundation with a strong track record of mobilising resources and advocating for global health priorities, as demonstrated through his leadership of the Friends of the Global Fight in the United States,” the Foundation said.

Soni was closely involved in the early years of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, serving as the Advisor to the Executive Director from 2002-2004 and then as the Founding Executive Director of Friends of the Global Fight from 2004-2005.

He served as the CEO of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, where he worked from 2005-2010, and oversaw the rapid expansion of the organisation.

He has been a senior advisor to the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and the MDG Health Alliance. He is an alumnus of McKinsey and Harvard College and serves on the board of The Marshall Project.

As a separate legal entity, the WHO Foundation seeks to complement and strengthen the WHO’s efforts to address global health. It acts as a platform for new types of public-private engagement, while protecting the WHO’s neutrality and independence as the world’s leading international health authority.

The Foundation said the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, which WHO and the UN Foundation launched earlier in 2020, together with the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, helped test the potential for broader support to WHO by raising USD 238 million in corporate and individual pledges for its and partners’ COVID-19 response efforts.

Indian-origin global health expert Anil Soni has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly launched The WHO Foundation, which works alongside the World Health Organization to address most pressing health challenges across the world.

Indian-origin global health expert Anil Soni has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly launched The WHO Foundation, which works alongside the World Health Organization to address most pressing health challenges across the world. Soni will assume his role as The WHO Foundation's inaugural Chief Executive Officer on January 1 next year. In his new role, Soni will accelerate the Foundation''s "work to invest in innovative, evidence-based initiatives that support WHO in delivering on its mission to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all," the Foundation said in a press statement on Monday. Also read| Hari Shukla, Indian-origin man, among first in world to receive COVID-19 vaccine The WHO Foundation, an independent grant-making agency headquartered in Geneva, was launched in May 2020 to work alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health community to address the world’s most pressing global health challenges. Soni joins the Foundation from Viatris, a global healthcare company, where he served as Head of Global Infectious Diseases. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described Soni as a “proven innovator” in global health who has spent two decades in service of communities affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Also read| Bharat Biotech seeks emergency use authorisation for Indian Covid-19 vaccine; expert panel to review “He earned my trust when he and his team at the Clinton Health Access Initiative worked side-by-side with the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia to expand access to treatment and strengthen the management of our health centers,” Ghebreyesus said adding that Soni has a “unique" set of skills that spans the public and private sectors, and his leadership of the Foundation will provide invaluable support to the mission of the WHO and the billions of people who depend on it. On his appointment, Soni said the world is at a “critical juncture” for global public health. “After months of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, there is hope for several successful vaccine candidates. Beyond this crucial step, the path to recovery necessitates expanded investment in the many health priorities that have been compromised in recent months - from drops in vaccine coverage and HIV treatment to delays in cancer treatment,” he said, adding that The WHO Foundation represents a unique new opportunity for everyone in the world to play their part in tackling these challenges and in promoting global health, through a strong and vibrant WHO. Founder and Chairman of the Board of the WHO Foundation Professor Thomas Zeltner said Soni is a “dynamic leader" with deep experience across all aspects of global public health. “From his work at Viatris where he has led the development and introduction of medicines to treat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, to his leadership of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and his time at the Global Fund (to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria), he has demonstrated his ability to work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors and build successful new organisations from the ground up,” Zeltner said. The WHO Foundation said Soni is a “seasoned global health expert”, bringing over two decades of experience working across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to expand healthcare access in low and middle-income countries. “In addition to advisory roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the MDG Health Alliance, Soni joins the WHO Foundation with a strong track record of mobilising resources and advocating for global health priorities, as demonstrated through his leadership of the Friends of the Global Fight in the United States,” the Foundation said. Soni was closely involved in the early years of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, serving as the Advisor to the Executive Director from 2002-2004 and then as the Founding Executive Director of Friends of the Global Fight from 2004-2005. He served as the CEO of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, where he worked from 2005-2010, and oversaw the rapid expansion of the organisation. He has been a senior advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the MDG Health Alliance. He is an alumnus of McKinsey and Harvard College and serves on the board of The Marshall Project. As a separate legal entity, the WHO Foundation seeks to complement and strengthen the WHO’s efforts to address global health. It acts as a platform for new types of public-private engagement, while protecting the WHO’s neutrality and independence as the world’s leading international health authority. The Foundation said the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, which WHO and the UN Foundation launched earlier in 2020, together with the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, helped test the potential for broader support to WHO by raising USD 238 million in corporate and individual pledges for its and partners’ COVID-19 response efforts.

Indian-origin health expert Anil Soni appointed first CEO of WHO Foundation

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine

The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois.&nbsp;

A 26-year-old man by the name of Donald Thurman has been arrested in connection with the case. The man has confessed to the rape and murder.

Thurman was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison for robbery and was let off on parole last year. The victim's family originally belongs to Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Campus police chief Kevin booker said that the victim's family contacted them after not hearing from her since Friday evening.&nbsp;

Victim's phone was tracked to the parking garage, where her body was found in the car. An investigation into the case is still ongoing.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, chancellor of the university expressed condolences in a written statement. He said that the girl was a talented Kinesiology student with dreams and aspirations to become a health professional and help others. UIC senior Parind Petiwale said that students are scared to go outside.

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois.

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois. A 26-year-old man by the name of Donald Thurman has been arrested in connection with the case. The man has confessed to the rape and murder. Thurman was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison for robbery and was let off on parole last year. The victim's family originally belongs to Hyderabad. Campus police chief Kevin booker said that the victim's family contacted them after not hearing from her since Friday evening. Victim's phone was tracked to the parking garage, where her body was found in the car. An investigation into the case is still ongoing. Meanwhile, chancellor of the university expressed condolences in a written statement. He said that the girl was a talented Kinesiology student with dreams and aspirations to become a health professional and help others. UIC senior Parind Petiwale said that students are scared to go outside.

US: 19-year-old Hyderabad  girl raped and murdered in Chicago

In Canada, 4 Indian-origin Ministers in Trudeau's cabinet. Anita Anand makes her debut in the cabinet of Canada. Trudeau unveils the 36-member cabinet in 2nd term as Prime Minister of Canada. Watch this video to find out more of the details.

Canada: 4 Indian-origin ministers in Trudeau's new cabinet

Four members of an Indian-origin family, including two boys, were shot dead inside their home in West Des Moines, United States.

The incident took place on Saturday morning. The family members were identified as Chandrasekhar Sunkara, 44; Lavanya Sunkara, 41; and two boys, ages 15 and 10, reported CNN.

The police have found multiple gunshots on the victim bodies.

The matter came into light after the guests who were staying in the victims' residence saw the bodies and informed the local authorities.

"We are continuing to work through this investigation. We will follow through until we have answered as many questions as the evidence allows," said Sergeant Dan Wade with the West Des Moines Police Department.

A motive behind the killings remains unclear. No suspect has been identified.

Four members of an Indian-origin family, including two boys, were shot dead inside their home in West Des Moines, United States. The incident took place on Saturday morning.

Four members of an Indian-origin family, including two boys, were shot dead inside their home in West Des Moines, United States. The incident took place on Saturday morning. The family members were identified as Chandrasekhar Sunkara, 44; Lavanya Sunkara, 41; and two boys, ages 15 and 10, reported CNN. The police have found multiple gunshots on the victim bodies. The matter came into light after the guests who were staying in the victims' residence saw the bodies and informed the local authorities. "We are continuing to work through this investigation. We will follow through until we have answered as many questions as the evidence allows," said Sergeant Dan Wade with the West Des Moines Police Department. A motive behind the killings remains unclear. No suspect has been identified.

Two teenagers among four of Indian-origin family shot dead in US

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday. 
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Preethi Reddy’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in her car parked in an eastern Sydney street, New South Wales Police said.

Her ex-boyfriend has also died in a road accident that appeared deliberate, they said.

Reddy was last seen waiting in line at McDonald’s in George Street on Sunday, the police said.

On Tuesday, the police found her car parked in Strachan Lane in Kingsford. Inside the car, they found her body in a suitcase, according to media reports.

Her body had been stabbed numerous times. She and her ex-boyfriend stayed in a hotel in Market Street in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday, officials said.

Reddy was attending a dental conference in St Leonards at the weekend and last spoke to her family at around 11 AM on Sunday.

She told them that she would head home after breakfast, and when she failed to return, her family contacted police.

NSW Police described Reddy’s disappearance as “out of character” and said there were serious concerns of her welfare.

Her work colleagues said they were “terrified” and had been unable to sleep since her disappearance.

“It’s devastating, and this is completely out of character,” dental assistant Chelsea Holmes of Glenbrook Dental Surgery was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“We got a call on Monday asking if she had turned up to work … and now we are just hoping and none of us has been able to sleep.

“I spoke to her last Thursday and it was ‘see you next week’ and completely normal,” she said adding “Now I am just praying she will be found,” Holmes said.

The NSW police said they were appealing for information in relation to her whereabouts.

Reddy attended a dental convention at St Leonards at the weekend, and last spoke with her family about 11am on Sunday, saying she planned to head home after having a late breakfast in Sydney, according to the police.

She was reported missing to Nepean Police Area Command later that night after she failed to arrive home, police added.

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday.

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday. Advertising Preethi Reddy’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in her car parked in an eastern Sydney street, New South Wales Police said. Her ex-boyfriend has also died in a road accident that appeared deliberate, they said. Reddy was last seen waiting in line at McDonald’s in George Street on Sunday, the police said. On Tuesday, the police found her car parked in Strachan Lane in Kingsford. Inside the car, they found her body in a suitcase, according to media reports. Her body had been stabbed numerous times. She and her ex-boyfriend stayed in a hotel in Market Street in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday, officials said. Reddy was attending a dental conference in St Leonards at the weekend and last spoke to her family at around 11 AM on Sunday. She told them that she would head home after breakfast, and when she failed to return, her family contacted police. NSW Police described Reddy’s disappearance as “out of character” and said there were serious concerns of her welfare. Her work colleagues said they were “terrified” and had been unable to sleep since her disappearance. “It’s devastating, and this is completely out of character,” dental assistant Chelsea Holmes of Glenbrook Dental Surgery was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “We got a call on Monday asking if she had turned up to work … and now we are just hoping and none of us has been able to sleep. “I spoke to her last Thursday and it was ‘see you next week’ and completely normal,” she said adding “Now I am just praying she will be found,” Holmes said. The NSW police said they were appealing for information in relation to her whereabouts. Reddy attended a dental convention at St Leonards at the weekend, and last spoke with her family about 11am on Sunday, saying she planned to head home after having a late breakfast in Sydney, according to the police. She was reported missing to Nepean Police Area Command later that night after she failed to arrive home, police added.

Indian-origin woman dentist killed in Australia, body found in suitcase

A man was arrested for allegedly killing an Indian-origin police officer in California's Newman County when he was planning to flee to his native Mexico, police said.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga and living illegally, was arrested from a home in the Kern County, about 200 miles south from the place of the shooting, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson was quoted as saying in the CNN.&nbsp;

Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, pulled over the suspect just before 1 am on Wednesday and a few moments later he called out "shot fired" over the radio.

Other officers who reached the spot found Singh shot and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Singh was a native of Fiji and joined the force in July 2011.

Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said at a Friday news conference that this has never happened in the history of the 12-member department.

Arriaga came to the US illegally and was believed to have been fleeing to Mexico, he said, adding the suspect was arrested twice previously for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and has known gang affiliation.

Arriaga's brother, Adrian Virgen, 25, and coworker, Erik Razo Quiroz, 32,&nbsp;were arrested Thursday for a felony. Virgen was arrested in Hanford and Quiroz in Modesto, Christianson said.

He said they were trying to protect Arriaga, who was trying to go to Mexico.Christianson said Virgen and Quiroz were also in the US illegally.Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said two men and a woman were also arrested from the home where Arriaga was found.

The three have been identified as Bernabe Madrigal Castaneda, 59; Erasmo Villegas, 36; and Maria Luisa Moreno, 57, he was quoted in as saying in the report.

Youngblood said he could not confirm whether the three were in the country illegally.At the news conference, Christianson had strong words about immigration and border security.

"We can't ignore the fact that this could have been preventable," he said, adding that California Senate Bill 54 -- which became law last year — prohibited his department "from sharing any information with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) about this criminal gang member."

The bill bars law enforcement agencies from detaining a person due to a hold request, responding to federal immigration enforcement's requests for notification or providing information about a person's release date unless that's already available publicly.

It also requires notification to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of scheduled releases of people who have been convicted of violent felonies.

"This is a criminal illegal alien with prior criminal activity that should have been reported to USICE," Christianson said.&nbsp;

"Law enforcement was prohibited because of sanctuary laws and that led to the encounter with Officer Singh. I am suggesting that the outcome could have been different if law enforcement wasn't restricted, prohibited or had their hands tied because of political interference."

A man was arrested for allegedly killing an Indian-origin police officer in California's Newman County when he was planning to flee to his native Mexico, police said.

A man was arrested for allegedly killing an Indian-origin police officer in California's Newman County when he was planning to flee to his native Mexico, police said. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga and living illegally, was arrested from a home in the Kern County, about 200 miles south from the place of the shooting, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson was quoted as saying in the CNN. Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, pulled over the suspect just before 1 am on Wednesday and a few moments later he called out "shot fired" over the radio. Other officers who reached the spot found Singh shot and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Singh was a native of Fiji and joined the force in July 2011. Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said at a Friday news conference that this has never happened in the history of the 12-member department. Arriaga came to the US illegally and was believed to have been fleeing to Mexico, he said, adding the suspect was arrested twice previously for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and has known gang affiliation. Arriaga's brother, Adrian Virgen, 25, and coworker, Erik Razo Quiroz, 32, were arrested Thursday for a felony. Virgen was arrested in Hanford and Quiroz in Modesto, Christianson said. He said they were trying to protect Arriaga, who was trying to go to Mexico.Christianson said Virgen and Quiroz were also in the US illegally.Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said two men and a woman were also arrested from the home where Arriaga was found. The three have been identified as Bernabe Madrigal Castaneda, 59; Erasmo Villegas, 36; and Maria Luisa Moreno, 57, he was quoted in as saying in the report. Youngblood said he could not confirm whether the three were in the country illegally.At the news conference, Christianson had strong words about immigration and border security. "We can't ignore the fact that this could have been preventable," he said, adding that California Senate Bill 54 -- which became law last year — prohibited his department "from sharing any information with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) about this criminal gang member." The bill bars law enforcement agencies from detaining a person due to a hold request, responding to federal immigration enforcement's requests for notification or providing information about a person's release date unless that's already available publicly. It also requires notification to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of scheduled releases of people who have been convicted of violent felonies. "This is a criminal illegal alien with prior criminal activity that should have been reported to USICE," Christianson said. "Law enforcement was prohibited because of sanctuary laws and that led to the encounter with Officer Singh. I am suggesting that the outcome could have been different if law enforcement wasn't restricted, prohibited or had their hands tied because of political interference."

Man arrested for allegedly killing Indian-origin police officer Ronil Singh in California

Two Indian-origin ministers in Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan and K Shanmugam, are playing a key role in facilitating a hassle-free summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday.

Balakrishnan, Singapore’s foreign minister, made important visits to Washington, Pyongyang and Beijing in recent days to ensure that there would be no last-minute spoilers for the historic meeting hosted by the city-state.

Balakrishnan, 57, is from the ruling People’s Action Party. He studied medicine and later pursued postgraduate education in ophthalmology.

Shanmugam is Singapore’s Minister for Law and Home Affairs and he has the responsibility to make sure that the summit, the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean top leader, goes without a hitch from the security point of view.

A lawyer by profession, 59-year-old Shanmugam also belongs to the ruling People’s Action Party.

Singapore is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with both the US and North Korea.

Balakrishnan, who received Kim, the Chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission, on Sunday at Changi Airport, said the summit comes after 70 years of suspicion, war and diplomatic failures.

“This is not the way conventional diplomacy would have been conducted, but perhaps you need two very unconventional leaders to have brought us to this stage,” he told the BBC.

“They may be able to pull rabbits out of a hat that the rest of us conventional diplomats would not have been able to do,” he said.

Still, he noted that decades of tension cannot be resolved in one meeting, although, based on his interactions with their staff and meeting them personally, “both are supremely confident, both are hopeful”.

Balakrishnan also said that the Singapore government was footing the hotel bill for Kim and his delegation who are staying at the plush St Regis hotel here.

He added that the expenditure forms part of the 20 million Singapore dollars (USD 15 million) that Singapore is spending on the summit in all.

Of this, half is on security, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Law and Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam is confident that security is in place for the Trump-Kim summit.

“The fact that we prepared this in two weeks, this adds to logistics demands by officers who worked around the clock,” Shanmugam said at a security briefing yesterday.

“We are confident that we have put security in place. We have 5,000 Home Team officers such as police and emergency response teams like civil defence,” he was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia.

Shanmugam said that four people have been turned away at Singapore’s immigration checkpoints in the lead-up to the summit.

Singapore is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with both the US and North Korea.

Two Indian-origin ministers in Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan and K Shanmugam, are playing a key role in facilitating a hassle-free summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday. Balakrishnan, Singapore’s foreign minister, made important visits to Washington, Pyongyang and Beijing in recent days to ensure that there would be no last-minute spoilers for the historic meeting hosted by the city-state. Balakrishnan, 57, is from the ruling People’s Action Party. He studied medicine and later pursued postgraduate education in ophthalmology. Shanmugam is Singapore’s Minister for Law and Home Affairs and he has the responsibility to make sure that the summit, the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean top leader, goes without a hitch from the security point of view. A lawyer by profession, 59-year-old Shanmugam also belongs to the ruling People’s Action Party. Singapore is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with both the US and North Korea. Balakrishnan, who received Kim, the Chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission, on Sunday at Changi Airport, said the summit comes after 70 years of suspicion, war and diplomatic failures. “This is not the way conventional diplomacy would have been conducted, but perhaps you need two very unconventional leaders to have brought us to this stage,” he told the BBC. “They may be able to pull rabbits out of a hat that the rest of us conventional diplomats would not have been able to do,” he said. Still, he noted that decades of tension cannot be resolved in one meeting, although, based on his interactions with their staff and meeting them personally, “both are supremely confident, both are hopeful”. Balakrishnan also said that the Singapore government was footing the hotel bill for Kim and his delegation who are staying at the plush St Regis hotel here. He added that the expenditure forms part of the 20 million Singapore dollars (USD 15 million) that Singapore is spending on the summit in all. Of this, half is on security, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday. Meanwhile, Law and Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam is confident that security is in place for the Trump-Kim summit. “The fact that we prepared this in two weeks, this adds to logistics demands by officers who worked around the clock,” Shanmugam said at a security briefing yesterday. “We are confident that we have put security in place. We have 5,000 Home Team officers such as police and emergency response teams like civil defence,” he was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia. Shanmugam said that four people have been turned away at Singapore’s immigration checkpoints in the lead-up to the summit.

Two Indian-origin ministers in Singapore played key role in Trump-Kim summit

Pop-singer American Idol judge Katy Perry was left mesmerized after one of the contestants, an Indian-origin singer, gave a top-notch performance.&nbsp;

15-year old Indian origin singer, Alyssa Raghunandan, who hails from Orlando, Florida performed a rendition of Ariana Grande's famous track - Almost Is Never Enough which left the three judges on the show - Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan - completely awestruck.&nbsp;

The Roar singer even tweeted words of praise for Alyssa. She wrote, "You're my hero," and also tagged her on Twitter.&nbsp;

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You're MY hero <a href="https://twitter.com/AlyssaRaghu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlyssaRaghu</a> ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/americanidol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#americanidol</a>
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) <a href="https://twitter.com/katyperry/status/978470823223746560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Alyssa was given a 'Ticket to Hollywood'. Her performance on YouTube has been liked over 73k times.

Alyssa’s story on the show also featured her father Dennis Raghunandan, who is a single parent.

15-year old Indian origin singer, Alyssa Raghunandan, who hails from Orlando, Florida performed a rendition of Ariana Grande's famous track - Almost Is Never Enough

Pop-singer American Idol judge Katy Perry was left mesmerized after one of the contestants, an Indian-origin singer, gave a top-notch performance. 15-year old Indian origin singer, Alyssa Raghunandan, who hails from Orlando, Florida performed a rendition of Ariana Grande's famous track - Almost Is Never Enough which left the three judges on the show - Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan - completely awestruck. The Roar singer even tweeted words of praise for Alyssa. She wrote, "You're my hero," and also tagged her on Twitter. You're MY hero @AlyssaRaghu ? #americanidol — KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 27, 2018 × Alyssa was given a 'Ticket to Hollywood'. Her performance on YouTube has been liked over 73k times. Alyssa’s story on the show also featured her father Dennis Raghunandan, who is a single parent.

Indian-origin singer becomes Katy Perry's 'hero' after American Idol audition

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable.

Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged.

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils.

Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London,&nbsp;had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and&nbsp;calling the decision a &ldquo;huge error in judgment&rdquo;.

Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning.

The school&rsquo;s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation.

Later, she withdrew the decision.&nbsp;

A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils.

&quot;They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils&nbsp;in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so,&quot; Agnew wrote in &#39;The Times&#39; in reference to Lall.

&quot;St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable,&quot; he wrote.

The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a &quot;culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates&quot; and that any opposition to decisions by a school&#39;s governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction.&quot;

&quot;School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion,&quot; Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. 
Under the UK&#39;s Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government&#39;s support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind.

&quot;We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them,&quot; the minister said.

He also warned schools in the country against &quot;promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values&quot; and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom.

&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable. Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged. Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils. Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen's Primary School in east London, had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and calling the decision a “huge error in judgment”. Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning. The school’s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation. Later, she withdrew the decision. A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils. "They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so," Agnew wrote in 'The Times' in reference to Lall. "St Stephen's Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable," he wrote. The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a "culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates" and that any opposition to decisions by a school's governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction." "School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion," Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. Under the UK's Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government's support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind. "We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them," the minister said. He also warned schools in the country against "promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values" and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom. (With PTI inputs)

UK minister backs Indian-origin school principal to ban hijab in schools

A 44-year old Indian-origin hedge fund portfolio manager, who was charged last week with insider trading, has committed suicide in his apartment here. 
 
Sanjay Valvani, had faced securities fraud and wire fraud charges after he had used confidential information obtained from a former official at the Food and Drug Administration to trade in the securities of two pharmaceutical companies and earned about USD 25 million in trading profits. 
 
A New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed to PTI that Valvani had committed suicide. 
 
The spokesperson said Valvani left &quot;a note&quot; and had a &quot;slash wound&quot; to his neck and wrist. A knife was found by the body. 
 
The police had got a 911 call from Valvani&#39;s wife at about 6 pm on Monday and he was pronounced dead by medical personal at 6:30 pm. 
 
The police spokesperson said Valvani&#39;s body was on the floor of the bedroom in his Brooklyn home and by the time the medical team reached the scene he was dead. 
 
Valvani&#39;s attorneys Barry Berke and Eric Tirschwell termed his death as a &quot;horrible tragedy that is difficult to comprehend&quot;. 
 
They said he was a &quot;loving father, husband, son and brother and committed friend, colleague and mentor&quot;. 
 
&quot;We hope for the sake of his family and his memory that it will not be forgotten that the charges against him were only unproven accusations and he had always maintained his innocence,&quot; they said in a statement. 
 
US Attorney Preet Bharara&#39;s office, which had brought the charges on June 15, declined to comment on the development. 
 
Former portfolio manager Stefan Lumiere was also charged along with Valvani in Manhattan federal court. 
 
A political intelligence consultant and former senior official at the Food and Drug Administration Gordon Johnston and former hedge fund portfolio manager Christopher Plaford had pled guilty and were cooperating with the government. 
 
The charges had alleged that between 2005 through January 2011, Valvani unlawfully obtained from Johnston highly confidential and material nonpublic information with the FDA about the agency&#39;s approval of pending generic drug applications. 
 
Valvani was also charged with passing certain highly confidential and material nonpublic information to Plaford, who also executed trades based on the information. 
 
Valvani was the latest Indian-origin hedge fund manager to be charged with insider trading. 
 
(PTI)

'...Charges against him were only unproven accusations and he had always maintained his innocence' says attorneys

A 44-year old Indian-origin hedge fund portfolio manager, who was charged last week with insider trading, has committed suicide in his apartment here. Sanjay Valvani, had faced securities fraud and wire fraud charges after he had used confidential information obtained from a former official at the Food and Drug Administration to trade in the securities of two pharmaceutical companies and earned about USD 25 million in trading profits. A New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed to PTI that Valvani had committed suicide. The spokesperson said Valvani left "a note" and had a "slash wound" to his neck and wrist. A knife was found by the body. The police had got a 911 call from Valvani's wife at about 6 pm on Monday and he was pronounced dead by medical personal at 6:30 pm. The police spokesperson said Valvani's body was on the floor of the bedroom in his Brooklyn home and by the time the medical team reached the scene he was dead. Valvani's attorneys Barry Berke and Eric Tirschwell termed his death as a "horrible tragedy that is difficult to comprehend". They said he was a "loving father, husband, son and brother and committed friend, colleague and mentor". "We hope for the sake of his family and his memory that it will not be forgotten that the charges against him were only unproven accusations and he had always maintained his innocence," they said in a statement. US Attorney Preet Bharara's office, which had brought the charges on June 15, declined to comment on the development. Former portfolio manager Stefan Lumiere was also charged along with Valvani in Manhattan federal court. A political intelligence consultant and former senior official at the Food and Drug Administration Gordon Johnston and former hedge fund portfolio manager Christopher Plaford had pled guilty and were cooperating with the government. The charges had alleged that between 2005 through January 2011, Valvani unlawfully obtained from Johnston highly confidential and material nonpublic information with the FDA about the agency's approval of pending generic drug applications. Valvani was also charged with passing certain highly confidential and material nonpublic information to Plaford, who also executed trades based on the information. Valvani was the latest Indian-origin hedge fund manager to be charged with insider trading. (PTI)

Indian-origin hedge fund manager commits suicide after being charged with insider trading

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