<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><Search><pages Count="45"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[VOL. VII | Issue 16 | FRIDAY | JULY 17 | 2026                                             NY-NJ-CT&PA • IL • CA&TX • US 50C
















                     EYE ON INDIA
                                                        COVER
                                                        COVER
                                                        STORY


                                                            uu 4







        From Trinamool to BJP:
        High-profile defections signal a
                                                        COVER
        new phase in Bengal politics uu 8               COVER

                 BUSINESS & TRADE                       STORY

                                                            uu 4



                                                                                Lawrence Bishnoi in police custody in India (ANI)
                                                                     BISHNOI-BRAR GANG


                                                        HOW THEY GOT BUSTED




        India’s Next Growth Engine: States             The sweeping US crackdown on Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar marks
        Race to Attract Global Capability               the first time US investigators have publicly mapped the international
        Centres Beyond Metro Cities  uu 32                          reach of an India-based organized crime network






           NA
           NA                                                                  STUMP


           NEWSLINE                                                            VISION
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            uu 14





                Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul                                            VAIBHAV SOORYAVANSHI
               Unveil Historic Plan to Build the Fastest,                      The Boy Who Knew No Fear: One Swing That
                              Best Bus System                                       Announced Cricket’s Next Generation]]></page><page Index="2"><![CDATA[ROVING EYE                                                                JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye                    2


















                                                                                                           Amritsar, Punjab, INDIA
                                                                                                           A child performs ‘Sewa’ of
                                                                                                           cleaning the circumambulatory
                                                                                                           with the bucket of holy water
                                                                                                           fetched from the sacred pond of
                                                                                                           the Golden Temple on Thursday
                                                                                                           (ANI Photo/Raminder Pal Singh)
























                                                                                                           Chamoli, Uttarakhand, INDIA
                                                                                                           A view of devotees visiting
                                                                                                           Badrinath Dham amid reports
                                                                                                           of an FIR against the temple
                                                                                                           committee chairman’s personal
                                                                                                           assistant over alleged donation
                                                                                                           theft on Thursday
                                                                                                           (ANI Video Grab)













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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[COVER STORY                                                               JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye                    4




                                             BISHNOI-BRAR GANG

                         HOW THEY







                GOT BUSTED











                     The sweeping US crackdown on Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar marks
                 the first time US investigators have publicly mapped the international reach of

                                             an India-based organized crime network



        OUR BUREAU                                                                                            work, while the Bhagwanpuria orga-
                                                                                                              nization-maintained members across
        Washington, DC / New Delhi
                                                                                                              the United  States, Canada, Britain,
                 hen the US Department of                                                                     Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
                 Justice unveiled “Opera-                                                                         Collectively, these allegations
        Wtion Hard Ball” this week,                                                                           suggest investigators are examining
        it did more than announce criminal                                                                    an ecosystem rather than isolated
        charges against some of India’s most                                                                  gangs.
        notorious gangsters. It signaled a fun-                                                                   Once  largely  confined  to  Pun-
        damental shift in how Western law                                                                     jab’s gang wars, Lawrence Bishnoi
        enforcement agencies view organized                                                                   has emerged as one of India’s most
        crime emanating from the Indian                                                                       feared organized crime figures, with
        subcontinent.                                                                                         investigators linking his syndicate to
            For years, Lawrence Bishnoi                                                                       a string of high-profile murders, ex-
        and his close associate Satinderjeet                                                                  tortion rackets, arms trafficking and
        Singh alias Goldy Brar were largely                                                                   intimidation campaigns. Operating
        seen in India through the prism of                                                                    despite spending years behind bars,
        Punjab’s gang wars, extortion rackets                                                                 Bishnoi allegedly built a decentral-
        and high-profile murders. The latest                                                                  ized network that used associates
        US indictments, however, portray a                                                                    across several states and abroad to
        far  more  sophisticated  organization                                                                target businessmen, politicians, ce-
        -- one operating across multiple ju-                                                                  lebrities and rival gangsters. The
        risdictions, using international drug                                                                 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu
        trafficking networks, extortion rings                                                                 Moosewala brought  unprecedented
        and contract killers while stretching   Once largely confined to Punjab’s gang wars, Lawrence Bishnoi has emerged as    attention to the gang’s reach. Indi-
        from India to Canada, the United   one of India’s most feared organized crime figures, with investigators linking his syndicate   an investigative agencies believe the
        States, Mexico and Europe.           to a string of high-profile murders, extortion rackets, arms trafficking and intimidation   syndicate has increasingly expanded
            The operation also marks the                           campaigns (File photo)                     beyond domestic crime, forging links
        first major American criminal pros-                                                                   with transnational narcotics networks
        ecution directly linking the Bishnoi                                                                  and using overseas operatives, partic-
        organization to the June 2023 as-  chitecture investigators claim to have   transnational enterprises involved in   ularly in Canada and North Ameri-
        sassination of Khalistani separatist   uncovered.                   violent  crimes,  narcotics  trafficking,   ca, to coordinate extortion, contract
        Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurd-  According to  the US Depart-  firearms smuggling and international   killings and  organized criminal ac-
        wara in Surrey, British Columbia.   ment of Justice, the operation has   extortion. Cocaine and firearms were   tivities. The latest US indictments
        US prosecutors have alleged that   resulted in 37 defendants being   seized during the operation, sug-  suggest that what began as a regional
        Bishnoi and Brar orchestrated the   charged through three federal indict-  gesting investigators are examining   criminal enterprise has evolved into a
        killing, though they emphasized that   ments, while 24 suspects linked to   financial and logistical networks that   global organized crime network.
        the charges remain allegations until   India-based organized crime groups   extend well beyond India’s borders.   The priority target
        proven in court.                  have already been arrested across the   The indictments also identify
          Transnational crime network     United States, Canada and Europe.   other  alleged  organized  crime  fig-  he FBI’s announcement of a
                                              Investigators allege the syn-  ures, including Jaggu Bhagwanpuria     reward of up to USD 50,000
              he  significance  of  Operation   dicates  are  no  longer  confined  to   and Ravinder Singh Dhanda. Pros-  Tfor  information  leading  to
              Hard Ball lies less in the names   traditional criminal activities in In-  ecutors  allege  Dhanda  operated  an   Goldy Brar’s arrest reflects the cen-
        Tof those charged than in the ar-  dia. Instead, they have evolved into   international  drug  distribution  net-  Continued on next page... >>


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="5"><![CDATA[COVER STORY                                                               JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye                    5



        tral role investigators believe he now                                                                sections of the police force, though
        plays.                                                                                                those claims remain political allega-
            The FBI alleges that Satinder-                                                                    tions.
        jeet Singh, better known as Goldy                                                                         Whether such allegations with-
        Brar, heads the Lawrence Bishnoi                                                                      stand legal scrutiny remains to be
        Organized Crime Group in North                                                                        seen, but they underscore how inter-
        America. A federal arrest warrant                                                                     national investigations can quickly
        was issued on July 1 after prosecu-                                                                   reshape domestic political debates.
        tors charged him with racketeering                                                                            The road ahead
        conspiracy, attempted interference
        with commerce by extortion and con-                                                                          peration  Hard  Ball  reflects
        spiracy to distribute controlled sub-                                                                        a broader evolution in orga-
        stances.                                                                                              Onized crime. Criminal groups
            According to investigators, Brar                                                                  increasingly exploit diaspora net-
        maintains links to Sacramento and        (from left to right): Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and Hardeep Singh Nijjar   works,  encrypted  communications,
        Fresno in California while also oper-                                                                 international banking systems and
        ating across Canada, India and Mex-  matic confrontation.           dation of businesses and individuals   global narcotics markets.
        ico. Those geographical connections   “India and the U.S. are great   forms an important revenue stream.   The FBI’s decision to place a
        indicate investigators believe the or-  friends,” Verma said, adding that   Drug trafficking appears to pro-  monetary reward on Brar and public-
        ganization has established multiple   investigative  agencies  regularly  ex-  vide another pillar of the organiza-  ly identify his North American oper-
        operational hubs capable of coordi-  change information with one another   tion’s finances.           ational role suggests US authorities
        nating criminal activities across bor-  to pursue international criminals.   The alleged involvement of   believe dismantling leadership struc-
        ders.                                 His remarks also sought to sep-  Ravinder  Singh  Dhanda  in  an  in-  tures is now as important as arresting
            For American authorities, Brar                                                                    individual gunmen.
        appears to represent more than an   arate criminal investigations involv-  ternational narcotics network, com-  For India, the investigation rais-
                                          ing Indian nationals from questions
                                                                            bined  with cocaine  seizures  during
        individual fugitive. He is alleged to   about India’s international standing.  Operation Hard Ball, indicates in-  es uncomfortable questions about
        be the operational bridge connecting   “India is not under investiga-  vestigators are  mapping how illicit   how local criminal organizations ac-
        criminal networks in India with activ-  tion,” he noted, arguing that only   profits  move  through  international   quire global reach. For Canada and
        ities across North America.       specific individuals accused of crim-  criminal channels.           the United States, it highlights how
             The Nijjar investigation     inal offences are facing legal scrutiny.   Political fallout in Punjab  domestic public safety is increasingly
                                                                                                              affected by organized crime that orig-
              erhaps the most politically sig-  Following the money               he American investigation has   inates thousands of kilometers away.
              nificant  aspect  of  Operation                                                                     The indictments do not represent
        PHard Ball is its treatment of          lthough the indictments focus     also reverberated within Pun-  convictions. Every defendant remains
                                                on violent crime, investigators  Tjab. Shiromani Akali Dal lead-
        the Nijjar assassination.         Aappear equally interested in     er Bikram Singh Majithia seized on   presumed innocent until proven
            Since former Canadian Prime                                                                       guilty, a point repeatedly empha-
        Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that   financial  infrastructure.  Extortion   reports that an FBI case also involves   sized by the US Justice Department.
                                          has  emerged  as  one  of  the  defining
                                                                            Punjab  Police  officer  Gurinder-
        there was credible intelligence link-  features of the Bishnoi-Brar orga-  jit Singh Nagra in an alleged USD   But Operation Hard Ball already
        ing Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing,   nization.  Prosecutors  have  charged   400,000 extortion case.  represents a watershed moment.
        the issue has dominated India-Can-  Brar with conspiracy to interfere with   Majithia alleged the  develop-  It is the most comprehensive pub-
        ada relations. India consistently re-  commerce through  extortion, sug-  ment pointed to a deeper nexus in-  lic effort yet by American authorities
        jected those allegations.         gesting investigators believe intimi-  volving gangsters, politicians and   to expose what prosecutors describe
            The American indictments in-                                                                      as an international organized crime
        troduce an alternative legal path-                                                                    enterprise rooted in India but oper-
        way by alleging that the killing was                                                                  ating across continents. The arrests,
        orchestrated  by  members  of  an  or-                                                                indictments and FBI reward suggest
        ganized crime syndicate rather than                                                                   investigators are no longer treating
        directly attributing responsibility to                                                                the Bishnoi-Brar organization as a
        any state actor.                                                                                      regional gang. Instead, they are pur-
            That  distinction  is  significant                                                                suing it as a transnational criminal
        because it shifts the immediate legal                                                                 network with the reach, finances and
        focus from diplomatic accusations to                                                                  operational sophistication of a global
        criminal prosecution.                                                                                 organized crime syndicate.
            The Justice Department never-                                                                         Whether the prosecution ulti-
        theless cautioned that indictments                                                                    mately secures convictions will be de-
        remain  allegations  until  proven  be-                                                               termined in court. Yet, irrespective
        yond reasonable doubt in court.                                                                       of the judicial outcome, Operation
            Former Indian High Commis-                                                                        Hard Ball has fundamentally altered
        sioner to Canada Sanjay Verma de-                                                                     the conversation. What was once
        scribed Operation Hard Ball as a joint                                                                viewed as a series of isolated gang ri-
        effort involving investigators from the                                                               valries in Punjab is now being inves-
        United States, Canada and Europe.                                                                     tigated as part of an interconnected
            He stressed that investigative                                                                    criminal  enterprise  whose  influence
        findings  would  ultimately  have  to                                                                 extends far beyond India’s borders,
        withstand judicial scrutiny and ar-      The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrests the brother and close aide    forcing  governments across  North
        gued that international cooperation   of dreaded gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol Bishnoi, on his deportation from the US to India   America, Europe and South Asia to
        against organized crime should not                     on Wednesday (NIA/ANI File Photo)              confront a new generation of globally
        be viewed through the lens of diplo-                                                                  networked organized crime.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="6"><![CDATA[EYE ON INDIA                                                              JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye                    6


                         Ram Temple donation row




                 widens as probe gathers pace,




              political blame game intensifies







          Recovery of cash, jewellery and other valuables from accused in the Ayodhya donation theft

                       case fuels demands for greater transparency in temple trusts across India



        OUR BUREAU

        Ayodhya / New Delhi
              he investigation into the al-
              leged theft of donations from
        Tthe Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
        has gathered momentum, with police
        recovering cash, gold jewellery, a mo-
        bile phone and a car during custodial
        interrogation of three accused, even
        as the controversy triggered fresh po-
        litical attacks and renewed scrutiny of
        temple fund management.
            Police said recoveries were made
        after raids conducted on the basis of
        information allegedly provided by the
        accused -- Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp
        Mishra and Karunesh Pandey -- who
        are currently in police remand. Offi-
        cials said the investigation has yielded   Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, leaves for the Ram Temple from Vaidehi Bhavan,
        several crucial leads.                                               in Ayodhya on Wednesday (ANI Video Grab)
            According to  investigators, Rs
        20,000 in cash, a gold chain, a mo-   The case has sparked a political   name anyone.                 Jammu and Kashmir, alleged that
        bile phone and a car purchased in   storm in Uttar Pradesh, with oppo-  The BJP has rejected the alle-  corruption had peaked during the
        the name of Anukalp Mishra’s father   sition parties questioning the func-  gations, with Uttar Pradesh minister   pilgrimage season and said only a
        were recovered from Anukalp. The   tioning of the Ram Mandir Trust and   Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary accus-  CBI investigation would uncover the
        vehicle has been seized as part of the   demanding greater accountability.   ing the Samajwadi Party and the Con-  full truth. Responding to the contro-
        investigation.                    Congress MP Imran Masood accused   gress of trying to politicise the issue.   versy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister
            Police further alleged that   the trust of failing to maintain trans-  He said the BJP respected Sanatan   Pushkar Singh Dhami said crimes in-
        Lavkush Mishra had purchased a    parency over donations and called for   traditions and appealed to religious   volving temple offerings were a grave
        gold locket for his wife using money   restructuring its management along   leaders not to become part of what   offence and assured that no guilty
        siphoned from temple donations. The   the lines of the Vaishno Devi Shrine   he termed the opposition’s anti-San-  person would be spared. He said
        gold locket, along with Rs 38,000 in   Board. He alleged that devotees were   atan agenda. Chief Minister Yogi Ad-  a committee had been constituted
        cash, has been recovered. Another   being “looted in the name of faith”   ityanath has repeatedly assured strict   while police had launched a prelim-
        Rs 15,000 in cash was recovered from   and demanded full disclosure of funds   action against anyone found guilty of   inary inquiry.
        Karunesh Pandey.                  received by the temple.           misappropriating temple funds.        A criminal case has also been
            The three accused were taken      Samajwadi Party president Akh-    Meanwhile, the controversy has   registered against Pramod Nautiyal,
        from Ayodhya Jail on Thursday for   ilesh Yadav described the alleged   also drawn attention to allegations of   a  personal  assistant  in  the  office  of
        custodial interrogation after police   theft of temple donations as a “Ma-  financial  irregularities  at  the  Badri-  the chairman of the Badrinath-Ke-
        secured their remand as part of the   hapaap” (great sin) in Sanatan Dhar-  nath temple in Uttarakhand.  darnath Temple Committee (BKTC),
        ongoing investigation.            ma and sought a complete overhaul     The Uttarakhand government    following allegations that temple of-
            A preliminary report submitted   of the temple trust. He questioned   has initiated action following alle-  ferings had been illegally diverted for
        by  the  Special  Investigation  Team   the credibility of the government-ap-  gations of misappropriation of do-  personal gain.
        (SIT) to the Uttar Pradesh govern-  pointed SIT, alleging it was an attempt   nations at Badrinath Dham, while   The FIR, lodged at Badrinath
        ment has found prima facie evidence   at a “whitewash” and claiming one of   some priests have demanded that the   Police Station under provisions of
        of theft and pilferage during the   its members faced fraud charges.  probe be handed over to the Central   the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, accuses
        counting of  donations  at  the Ram   Yadav also alleged that fake do-  Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to en-  Nautiyal of misappropriating temple
        Temple. The SIT continues to investi-  nation receipts had been printed by a   sure transparency.     funds. Investigations in both cases
        gate the alleged irregularities.  senior BJP leader, though he did not   Bhaskar Purohit, a priest from   are continuing.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[EYE ON INDIA                                                              JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye                    8


                           From Trinamool to BJP:




             High-profile defections signal a




                   new phase in Bengal politics







              The BJP’s induction of three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs has intensified the
          political confrontation in West Bengal, with both parties trading charges ahead of the July 24 bypolls



        OUR BUREAU
        Kolkata
                 est Bengal’s political battle
                 intensified  this  week  after
        Wthe Bharatiya Janata Party
        (BJP) inducted three former Trina-
        mool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha
        MPs into its ranks and immediately
        fielded them as candidates for the up-
        coming Rajya Sabha bypolls, prompt-
        ing sharp reactions from the ruling
        party, which dismissed the defections
        as inconsequential.
            Former   Rajya  Sabha   MPs
        Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita
        Dev  and  Prakash  Chik  Baraik  for-
        mally joined the BJP at the party’s
        state headquarters in Kolkata in the
        presence of West Bengal BJP presi-   West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya holds the party’s flag as a celebration as former Trinamool Congress MPs Sushmita Dev,
        dent  Samik  Bhattacharya  and other
        senior leaders. Within hours of their               Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, and Prakash Chik Baraik join BJP, in Kolkata on Thursday (ANI Photo)
        induction,  the  BJP  announced  them
        as its candidates for the July 24 Rajya   Trinamool Congress’s undisputed   The BJP has sought to project the   BJP state president Samik Bhat-
        Sabha bypolls.                    leader, but the party’s crushing defeat  defections as evidence that influential   tacharya welcomed the three leaders,
            The  bypolls  became  necessary   in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly  TMC figures are increasingly placing   saying  their  decision  reflected  grow-
        after the three leaders resigned from   elections  has  significantly  weakened  their  faith  in  Prime  Minister  Naren-  ing confidence in Prime Minister Mo-
        the Rajya Sabha last month. Polling   her  political  authority.  For  the  first  dra Modi’s leadership and the party’s   di’s leadership. He argued that West
        and  counting are scheduled for July   time since ending the Left Front’s 34-  governance model. While Banerjee   Bengal had suffered due to years of
        24. Downplaying the political impact   year rule in 2011, the TMC finds itself  continues to command a loyal support   political confrontation with the Cen-
        of the defections, TMC MP Dola Sen   in the opposition, triggering an exodus  base and remains the TMC’s principal   tre and said the BJP was committed to
        said the party’s fortunes depended   of senior leaders and exposing inter-  vote-puller, the challenge before her   accelerating the state’s development.
        on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee   nal fault lines that had long remained  is  no  longer  simply  confronting the   The TMC, however, accused the
        and the people rather than individual   hidden.  The  defections  of  former  BJP but rebuilding organisational dis-  BJP of engineering defections instead
        leaders.                          Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar  cipline, preventing further defections   of seeking a fresh public mandate.
            “It makes no difference,” Sen   Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik  and convincing both party workers   Senior party leader Kunal Ghosh al-
        said, adding that elected representa-  Baraik to the BJP are being seen not  and voters that the TMC can remain a   leged that the BJP was relying on po-
        tives derive their mandate from Ma-  merely as isolated departures but as  credible alternative despite its loss of   litical manoeuvring to secure Rajya
        mata Banerjee and the people, and   signs of growing uncertainty within  power.                       Sabha victories and claimed that lead-
        suggesting that those leaving the party   the party.                    After joining the BJP, Sushmita   ers switching parties were unwilling to
        could be motivated by “fear or greed.”   The setbacks have also dented  Dev thanked the party leadership for   face the electorate again. He main-
        She said the electorate would deliver   Banerjee’s image as Bengal’s un-  nominating her to the Rajya Sabha and   tained that voters would ultimately
        the final verdict.                challenged political centre of gravity.  praised Prime Minister Narendra Mo-  judge those who had changed political
            The defections come amid signs   During the TMC’s years in power, her  di’s leadership. She said Modi’s vision   allegiance.
        of unrest within the TMC following   personal popularity and organisation-  had inspired millions of Indians and   The latest defections mark anoth-
        its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal As-  al control ensured remarkable party  highlighted his government’s focus on   er chapter in the intensifying political
        sembly elections, with the party facing   cohesion despite periodic rebellions.  the development of the Northeast. Dev   contest between the BJP and the TMC,
        rebellion in both the Assembly  and   That grip now appears less secure as  also  expressed  confidence  that  West   with the Rajya Sabha bypolls emerg-
        Parliament.                       leaders reassess their political futures  Bengal would witness a new phase of   ing as the next battleground in West
            Mamata Banerjee remains the   under a BJP-led state government.   development under BJP leadership.   Bengal’s evolving political landscape.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[OPINION                                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 10


                     The Indo-Pacific without




                                   the Indo: Strategic




                        Consequences for India





         The retirement of ‘Indo’ from a military command is a symbol, not a rupture. But symbols carry information,

           and this one says something real: American strategy is narrowing towards a Pacific deterrence problem in
                    which India’s geography matters less than it did when the Indo-Pacific was first conceived


        PRIYANSHU AGRAWAL

               n 16 June 2026, the Pentagon
               retired a name it had carried
        Ofor eight years. U.S. Indo-Pa-
        cific Command reverted to its older
        title, U.S. Pacific Command, and De-
        fense Secretary Pete Hegseth marked
        the occasion tersely on social media:
        “U.S. Pacific Command is back.” The
        ‘Indo’ in Indo-Pacific had been, more
        than anything, an American acknowl-
        edgement of India’s centrality to its
        Asia strategy. Dropping it raises a
        question New Delhi cannot afford to
        dismiss: can the Indo-Pacific remain
        strategically coherent if India is no
        longer central to it, and does the shift
        point to something deeper than a bu-
        reaucratic housekeeping exercise?
         The Making of the Indo-Pacific

              he  Indo-Pacific  was  an  Indi-
              an idea before it became an
        TAmerican strategy. The con-
        cept’s modern geopolitical usage
        is widely attributed to Indian naval
        strategist Gurpreet Khurana, whose   The Biden administration’s 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy made the investment explicit: it pledged to “support India’s continued rise and regional leadership” (File photo)
        2007 paper described the arc linking
        Indian Ocean energy routes to East   creasing connectivity between the In-  “support  India’s continued  rise  and   ed India to be part of a deterrence
        Asian manufacturing centres as a dis-  dian and Pacific oceans”. The name   regional leadership”. It named it first   architecture  aimed  at  China;  New
        tinct strategic theatre. Japan’s Prime   was not neutral cartography. It was a   among the leading regional partners   Delhi wanted technological and geo-
        Minister Shinzo Abe gave it political   signal that the United States consid-  Washington  would  cultivate  beyond   political gains without any obligation
        momentum in his address to the Indi-  ered the Indian Ocean as relevant to   its five treaty alliances (Japan, South   to fight alongside the United States.
        an Parliament the same year, describ-  the China competition as the West-  Korea, Australia, the Philippines and   The  Indo-Pacific  worked  partly  be-
        ing the Indian and Pacific Oceans as a   ern Pacific.               Thailand).  The  strategy  defined  the   cause it left this ambiguity intact.
        “Confluence of the Two Seas”         Why India Became Central       region as stretching “from our Pacific   Is the Indo Disappearing?
            The  first  Trump  administra-                                  coastline to the Indian Ocean”, push-
        tion elevated this from geography    ndia mattered to this construct   ing the western boundary further     he signals from Washington
        to doctrine. The 2017 National Se-   because of its landmass and posi-  than the 2017 document.             since January 2025 suggest a
        curity  Strategy  defined  the  region  Ition. It anchored the western end   The  Quad  became  the  flagship   Tgenuine, if still uneven, recali-
        as stretching “from the west coast   of the map, commanded sea lanes   expression of this alignment. At the   bration. The second Trump adminis-
        of India to the western shores of   through which a large share of global   Wilmington Summit of September   tration’s approach to Asia is organ-
        the United States” and placed it at   energy and trade passes, and offered   2024, the four leaders declared them-  ised around the Western Hemisphere
        the top of US regional priorities. In   the only large democratic power in   selves “more strategically aligned   first  and  Pacific  deterrence  second.
        May  2018,  Defense  Secretary  Jim   Asia capable of independently com-  than ever before”, representing   The National Security Strategy of
        Mattis  renamed  Pacific  Command   plicating Chinese ambitions over the   “nearly two billion people and over   November 2025 primarily referenc-
        to Indo-Pacific Command. The De-  long term. The Biden administration’s   one-third of global GDP”. Yet the   es India in the South Asian context,
        partment of Defense announcement   2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy made the   partnership always rested on a con-  urging New Delhi to “contribute
        stated the change reflected “the in-  investment explicit: it pledged to   cealed tension. Washington want-  Continued on next page... >>


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="11"><![CDATA[OPINION                                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 11



        to  Indo-Pacific  security,  including                                                                strategy document.
        through continued quadrilateral co-                                                                       IMEC remains largely unbuilt.
        operation”. Still, the weight given to                                                                The  conflicts  reshaping  West  Asia
        the relationship is measurably light-                                                                 have stalled its premise of stable
        er than in the 2017 document, which                                                                   transit routes and normalised Arab–
        placed India at the heart of its Asia                                                                 Israeli relations. The westward pivot
        framework.                                                                                            is a bet on a future geography rather
            The 2026 National Defense                                                                         than a present reality. But as a hedge
        Strategy, authored under Under Sec-                                                                   against marginalisation in the east, it
        retary Elbridge Colby, organises Asia                                                                 is the right bet to be making.
        policy around  “a  strong  denial  de-                                                                           Conclusion
        fence along the First Island Chain”, a
        geographic spine running from Japan                                                                         he retirement of ‘Indo’ from
        through Taiwan to the Philippines.                                                                          a military command is a sym-
        The Indian Ocean sits outside it. The                                                                 Tbol, not a rupture. But symbols
        strategy does not mention the Quad.                                                                   carry information, and this one says
        Hegseth’s remarks at the 2026 Shan-                                                                   something real: American strategy
        gri-La Dialogue referred consistently                                                                 is narrowing towards a Pacific deter-
        to “the Pacific”. They described India    The US strategy defined the region as stretching “from our Pacific coastline to the Indian   rence problem in which India’s geog-
        as “a critical anchor in South Asia”,          Ocean”, pushing the western boundary further (File photo)   raphy matters less than it did when
        a useful but unmistakably regional                                                                    the  Indo-Pacific  was  first  conceived.
        rather than oceanic in scope.                                                                         On  the  Indo-Pacific  itself,  India
            The harder question is wheth-  deepen ties with Japan, France, Aus-  tories include the principal democ-  should keep building what already
        er this  constitutes a clean  break or   tralia and Southeast Asian partners   racies of three continents, and its   works within the Quad: maritime
        merely  a  clarification  of  what  the   on India’s own terms.     premise is direct: India, positioned   domain awareness sharing, critical
        Indo-Pacific  always  was.  Was  the   This position is coherent. But   at the junction of the Indian Ocean,   minerals cooperation, and technol-
        construct ever a genuinely inclu-  it should not be mistaken for indif-  the Gulf, and the Red Sea approach-  ogy partnerships under frameworks
        sive regional order, or primarily an   ference to what India gained during   es, is the indispensable node through   like iCET, none of which depend on
        anti-China coalition? The ‘Indo’   the  Indo-Pacific  decade.  Sustained   which this connectivity must pass.  how Washington names its command
        carried operational weight so long   American  engagement  brought      Surrounding IMEC is a careful-  structure. But New Delhi must also
        as Washington judged that balanc-  technology-transfer  commitments,  ly  assembled  lattice of  minilateral   fix what lies within its own control. A
        ing China required a maritime arc   maritime-domain awareness part-  arrangements. The I2U2 grouping   navy that receives the smallest share
        extending towards Africa’s eastern   nerships, and a seat at consequential   with Israel, the UAE and the United   of India’s defence budget cannot car-
        shores. Once American strategy    minilateral tables. The bilateral rela-  States, launched in July 2022, opened   ry  the  maritime  responsibility  India
        narrowed  to  denying  China  a  swift   tionship has also grown more trans-  with a UAE commitment to invest   claims for itself in the Indian Ocean.
        military fait accompli near Taiwan,   actional, with disputes over tariffs   two billion dollars in an Indian food   Closing that gap matters more than
        India’s  geographic position became   and India’s continued purchase of   park and clean-energy infrastructure.   any further joint statement.
        peripheral to  the core  operational   Russian energy signalling that Wash-  The India–EU Connectivity Partner-  The real test of India’s strategic
        problem. The construct’s coherence   ington’s tolerance for Indian hedging   ship of May 2021 ties together digi-  seriousness is not whether it keeps its
        depended on a particular theory of   is not unconditional. A contracting   tal, energy and transport links from   place on America’s map. It is wheth-
        competition. Change the theory, and   Indo-Pacific  architecture  could  re-  Brussels to Mumbai, positioning In-  er India draws a map of its own, one
        the map contracts.                duce the leverage India once held to   dia as the eastern anchor of Europe-  in which the Indo-Mediterranean is
        Strategic Consequences for India  extract concessions in defence tech-  an connectivity outreach.     not a fallback but a genuine theatre
                                          nology and trade. The gains were      In May 2026, Prime Minister   built outward from Indian ports, sup-
           ndia’s salience to American strat-  real; treating their erosion as incon-  Narendra Modi and Italian Prime   ply chains and alliances. That map is
           egy may prove more contingent   sequential would be a strategic error.  Minister Meloni jointly described the   already being sketched  out through
        Ithan intrinsic. If Washington now   The Indo-Mediterranean Moment  Indian Ocean and Mediterranean as   IMEC, I2U2, and a deepening part-
        prioritises  allies  capable  of  fighting                          “regions that cannot be viewed as   nership with Europe. Whether New
        a Taiwan contingency, India, which      he most consequential feature   separate  spheres  but instead  as  in-  Delhi commits the money, the ships,
        is neither a treaty ally nor intends to   of India’s current statecraft is   creasingly interconnected spaces”,   and the diplomatic attention needed
        become one, sits outside the priority  Tnot how it responds to eastern   giving the emerging concept of an “In-  to  finish  it  is  the  question  that  will
        circle. That problem is compounded   marginalisation but how it is con-  do-Mediterranean” theatre its most   matter more than anything Washing-
        by capacity: India’s naval budget re-  structing a western theatre in which   authoritative political expression to date.  ton decides to call its commands.
        ceives the smallest allocation among   its centrality is structural rather than   The contrast with the Indo-Pacif-
        its three services, even as land-border   negotiated.               ic is instructive. In the Pacific-centric   Priyanshu Agarwal is a Doctoral re-
        pressures with China and Pakistan     The  India–Middle East–Eu-    vision now ascendant in Washington,   searcher at the School of International
        absorb resources and limit the mar-  rope Economic Corridor (IMEC),   India is a valued but peripheral part-  Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
        itime power projection that would   launched through an MoU signed at   ner whose contributions are welcome    New Delhi, India.
        give India’s Indian Ocean claims real   the G20 New Delhi Summit in Sep-  but not load-bearing. Across the In-  Views expressed are of the author and
        operational weight.               tember 2023 by India, the United   do-Mediterranean arc, India is the   do not necessarily reflect the views of
            A competing reading deserves   States, the European Union, Sau-  point of origin. The corridor cannot
        fair treatment. India has consistently   di Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel,   be built without it. The minilaterals   the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the
                                                                                                                     Government of India.
        maintained that its strategic auton-  France, Germany and Italy, envisions   cannot function without it. The EU
        omy is a considered doctrine rather   rail and shipping links from Indian   connectivity  framework  is  premised   The full version of this article first ap-
        than its absence. From this vantage,   ports to European markets via West   on India as a productive anchor rath-  peared in the Comments section of the
        an America less focused on enrolling   Asia. The corridor is explicitly posi-  er than  an  end-market.  That  struc-  website (www.idsa.in) of Manohar Par-
        India in alliance frameworks may ac-  tioned as an alternative to China’s   tural centrality is worth more than   rikar Institute for Defense Studies and
        tually give New Delhi more room to   Belt  and  Road  Initiative.  Its  signa-  nominal inclusion in someone else’s   Analyses, New Delhi, on July 3, 2026


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[Op-Ed                                                                     JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 12


              How America’s Sports Systems




          Build Champions and Industries





          Global Sports Mentoring Program alumna Vaidehi Vaidya shares how American schools, sports science,

         and professional support systems help build athletes, industries, and community engagement around sports.


        SYED SULAIMAN AKHTAR,                                                                                 ing and performance management.
                                                                                                              Analysts, psychologists, trainers, and
        SPAN Magazine
                                                                                                              other experts work alongside coaches
              aidehi  Vaidya wants Indian                                                                     to improve athlete performance and
              sports professionals to think                                                                   strengthen the broader sports industry.
        Vbeyond medals and matches.                                                                              “In  the  United  States,  the  signif-
        Speaking to more than 80 athletes,                                                                    icance of specialized professionals
        coaches, trainers, and sports admin-                                                                  in sports, such as sports analysts and
        istrators  during  a  hybrid  session  in                                                             psychologists, is well recognized for
        Bhopal organized by U.S. Consulate                                                                    their positive impact on athlete per-
        Mumbai, the  Global Sports Mento-                                                                     formance,” she says. “Coaches ac-
        ring Program   alumna highlighted                                                                     knowledge the value these experts add
        how American sports systems com-                                                                      to training and competition, viewing
        bine athlete development, science,                                                                    them as essential members of the ath-
        education, and business to build both                                                                 letic system.”
        champions and industries.                                                                                 She added that this collaborative
            Her session, titled “America’s                                                                    approach encourages innovation not
        Sports Systems and Pathways Shap-                             Vaidehi Vaidya                          only in athlete performance but also
        ing Champions and Industries,” in-                                                                    in the management and organization
        troduced participants to how the   sports leaders with American men-  How America’s sports systems    of sports.
        United States builds long-term sports   tors and institutions to share best   integrate schools and colleges  “Integrating these professionals
        systems through schools, colleges,  practices in sports leadership and   One  of  the  defining  strengths   fosters innovation across organization-
        professional leagues, and specialized   management.                 of the American model is the strong   al, managerial, and technical domains
        support networks. Drawing from        During the exchange, Vaidya   role educational institutions play in   within the sports industry,” says Vaidya.
        her experience in the United States,  observed how research, technical   athlete development. Schools and
        Vaidya says the success of American   expertise, and professional manage-  colleges create structured pathways   How sports venues support
        sports is rooted in systems designed   ment work together across the U.S.  for athletes while also contributing   community engagement
        to support athletes at every level.   sports  sector.  The  experience  of-  to the commercial growth of sports.   During the Bhopal session,
           “The  United States  adopts  a   fered insights into how American or-  “Integrating sports at both school   Vaidya encouraged participants to
        three-pronged approach: structured,  ganizations build long-term systems   and college levels contributes signifi-  think about sports as a community ex-
        scientific,  and  professional,”  says   that support both athletes and sports   cantly to athlete development,” she   perience and an economic driver, not
        Vaidya. “The American sports in-  professionals.                    says. “The sports system in schools   only as competition. She discussed
        dustry is highly organized. Athletes   “Whether in coaching, sports sci-  and colleges is well-established and   how sports venues in the United States
        entering  the  field  typically  have  a   ence, or data analysis, these domains   introduces a commercial element.  often function as gathering spaces
        clear idea of their career path. From   are addressed scientifically and sup-  Many athletes are selected from col-  that bring communities together and
        school teams to national leagues,  ported by research,” she says. “This   lege competitions to participate in na-  expand engagement around sports.
        there is widespread recognition of   methodology contributes to the de-  tional leagues, making this system an   “My goal was for them to grasp
        the importance of performance sci-  velopment of robust technical pro-  effective feeder for national teams.”  how the U.S. school and college sports
        ence.”                            grams and cultivates professionals    She also emphasized the impor-  system operates,” she says. “I also
            The U.S. approach extends be-  who demonstrate a high level of ex-  tance of access to high-quality infra-  wanted them to appreciate the com-
        yond athlete training and includes   pertise in their respective fields.”  structure. Exposure to professional   munity  dimension  of  sports,  where
        long-term investments in infrastruc-  The  program  also  gave  her  op-  facilities at an early stage, she says,  arenas serve as gathering spaces rather
        ture, management, and professional   portunities to connect with sports   helps athletes prepare for higher lev-  than merely stadiums.”
        support systems that strengthen the   leaders and better understand how   els of competition.             She says the session also focused
        sports industry as a whole.       American institutions create net-    “The professional-grade sports   on the importance of building long-
                                          works  that  support  innovation  and   facilities available in educational   term systems that support sustainable
            Global Sports Mentoring       professional growth.              institutions support this growth and   sports development.
            Program shares winning           “I had the opportunity to con-  advancement,” she explains.         “I aimed for them to recognize that
                   strategies             nect with prominent leaders, which                                  success in sports relies on established
            Vaidya participated in the U.S.  significantly  influenced  my  perspec- Sports science and professional   systems, understand the shift from
        Department of State’s Global Sports   tive on personal and professional         support               focusing solely on Olympic sports to
        Mentoring Program, administered   growth,” says Vaidya. “The program    Beyond facilities and competition   fostering sustainable sport ecosystems,
        by the  University  of  Tennessee’s   enabled me to implement effective   pathways, Vaidya says the U.S. system   and view sports venues and events
        Center for Sport, Peace, and Society.  systems that will contribute to estab-  stands out for the way it integrates spe-  through the lens of community en-
        The program connects international   lishing a robust business in India.”  cialized professionals into athlete train-  gagement,” she explains.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="14"><![CDATA[North                       The Indian Eye

                          AMERICANNewsline






         14                                                                                                                   JULY 17, 2026

             Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul



          Unveil Historic Plan to Build the Fastest,



                                                 Best Bus System





          “Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service” identifies 50 priority corridors for speed improvements,

          including five next-generation rapid bus routes, saving riders as much as six minutes each ride


        OUR BUREAU                                                                                            today — this Governor, this Mayor
                                                                                                              and this NYC DOT — all want to
        NEW YORK, NY
                                                                                                              make sure that riding the bus is always
                ayor Zohran Kwame Mam-                                                                        faster than walking. They want to fol-
                dani and Governor Kathy                                                                       low through on long overdue commit-
        MHochul have unveiled Next                                                                            ments to build bus lanes and busways.
        Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, a                                                                   They will ramp up traffic enforcement
        sweeping bus action plan to build the                                                                 to keep streets moving. Buses can only
        next generation of bus service in New                                                                 move as fast as traffic allows, so if you
        York City.                                                                                            are a bus or a bus rider this is terrific
            The  plan  marks  a  historic  part-                                                              news.”
        nership between the New York City                                                                        “Next Stop represents a historic
        Department of Transportation (NYC                                                                     partnership to build the fastest, best
        DOT) and the Metropolitan Trans-                                                                      bus system in our city’s history,” said
        portation Authority (MTA) to trans-                                                                   Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia
        form how New Yorkers experience the                                                                   Kerson. “The plan is designed to de-
        city’s buses — with investments that   that respects their time. This plan will   city. Now, working with Mayor Mam-  liver for riders, to give time back to our
        will make service faster, more accessi-  make it easier to get to work, school   dani, we are advancing a bold and am-  neighbors and to make our bus system
        ble and more comfortable from curb to   and home — and build a city that   bitious plan to move buses faster, dra-  easier, more reliable and more com-
        destination. The City has committed   works better for the people who keep   matically expand bus priority, reduce   fortable for everyone. It represents a
        $254 million in expense funding and   it running.”                  delays and make our bus system the   unique spirit of collaboration in which
        $628 million in capital funding over   “Every day, millions of New York-  envy of the world.”         Albany and City Hall do not hesitate to
        five fiscal years to carry out Next Stop.  ers rely on buses to get around this city,   “For years, we at MTA have want-  work together to improve working peo-
            Next  Stop  identifies  50  priori-  but for far too long, making their jour-  ed more bus lanes, more enforcement   ple’s lives. The City has the streets, the
        ty bus corridors for improvements   neys faster and their lives easier has   of cars and trucks blocking bus lanes.  State has the buses, and together, we
        across the five boroughs and launches   seemed out of reach. That all changes   Faster buses. Congestion pricing. But   are committed to delivering fast buses
        the City’s next generation of rapid bus   today,” said Governor Hochul. “New   it’s no secret we didn’t have support   and better service for New Yorkers.”
        service along five key routes. Together,   York is in the midst of a transit renais-  at the local level,” said Janno Lieber,   “Too often, New York City’s bus
        these investments will speed up buses   sance, with historic investments being   Chair and CEO of the MTA. “That is   riders have felt like an afterthought.
        by 20%, shorten commutes by up to   made to improve the lifeblood of our   not the case anymore. Our partners   The Mamdani administration is put-
        six minutes each way, improve reli-                                                                   ting the city’s one million daily bus
        ability, expand accessibility and create                                                              riders front and center through this
        a bus system worthy of the city that                                                                  historic  partnership  and  investment,”
        depends on it.                                                                                        said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike
           “For working New Yorkers, ev-                                                                      Flynn. “Bus service shouldn’t be treat-
        ery minute matters. But for too long,                                                                 ed as a second-rate option at the mer-
        our  buses  have  been  stuck  in  traffic                                                            cy of traffic congestion. It should be a
        instead of keeping pace with the city                                                                 world-class system for a world-class
        that never sleeps,” said Mayor Mam-                                                                   city: fast, comfortable, reliable and
        dani. “When a commute stretches                                                                       convenient enough that every New
        longer than it should, that’s less time                                                               Yorkers sees the bus as a great way
        with your kids, less time with your                                                                   to get around. Next Stop: Fast Buses,
        loved ones and less time enjoying the                                                                 Better Service provides the blueprint
        greatest city on earth. Together with                                                                 for transforming our bus system, and
        Governor Hochul, we’re investing in                                                                   we are deeply appreciative of Gov-
        faster, more reliable buses because                                                                   ernor Hochul and the MTA for their
        New Yorkers deserve a transit system                                                                  strong partnership.”


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="16"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 16


          Mayor Mamdani Breaks Ground On $255 Million River



           Commons Development, Bringing 328 Affordable And


                             Supportive Homes To The South Bronx



        229 homes will be reserved for low-income New Yorkers, including 98 supportive apartments

                                         for homeless NYC Health + Hospitals patients



        OUR BUREAU
        NEW YORK, NY
               YC Mayor Zohran Kwame
               Mamdani, NYC Health +
        NHospitals, the New York City
        Department  of  Housing  Preserva-
        tion and Development and develop-
        ment partners broke ground on River
        Commons, a $255 million mixed-use
        development that will bring 328 af-
        fordable and supportive homes, an
        expanded public health care center
        and  new  public green  space  to the
        South Bronx.

        Built on the campus of NYC
        Health + Hospitals/Gotham

        Health, Morrisania River Com-
                                          expanded health care services. This  supportive housing as well as addi-  the promise of the Jerome Avenue
        mons marks the first time NYC  is what government can accomplish  tional primary care space. We are  Neighborhood Plan, creating afford-
        Health + Hospitals has integrat-  when we bring people together to  deeply grateful to our partners in and  able housing, expanding access to
                                          meet New Yorkers’ needs.”
                                                                            out of government for making this  healthcare, and ensuring that long-
        ed a health care facility into a      “For many New Yorkers, hous-  shared purpose a reality.”        time  residents  can  benefit  from  the
        residential building on hospi-    ing and health are inseparable. Our   “Residents of the South Bronx  growth and development taking place
                                          Housing for Health initiative ad-  have long faced high barriers to qual-  in our borough. Bringing together
        tal property, bringing housing,  dresses a holistic set of New York-  ity healthcare and affordable hous-  affordable and supportive housing,
        health care and community ser-    ers’ needs, using our public land to  ing. River Commons is a remedy, and  healthcare services, and communi-
                                                                            this first-of-its-kind development is a  ty-based resources will help residents
                                          build housing, provide medical ser-
        vices together in one place.      vices, and ensure residents are able  model for what’s possible when we  build brighter futures and strengthen
                                          to thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for  think boldly about the intersection of  the health and well-being of our com-
            “New Yorkers deserve safe, af-  Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg.  housing and health,” said Dina Levy,  munities.
        fordable homes and the stability  “My thanks to the H+H, HPD, and  Commissioner of the Department of      Thank you to NYC Health +
        that  comes  with  them,”  said  Mayor  development teams for their work to  Housing Preservation & Develop-  Hospitals, Type A Projects, Bronx-
        Mamdani. “River Commons will de-  make River Commons a reality, and I  ment. “For more than 300 families,  Works, L+M Development Partners,
        liver 328 homes to the South Bronx,  look forward to delivering even more  this marks the beginning of a new  and all of our partners for helping
        with nearly 70% reserved for low-in-  Housing for Health projects across  life. Children who grow up here will  create healthier, more equitable
        come New Yorkers and 98 support-  the city as a part of our Block by  be able to focus on their homework  housing solutions where Bronx resi-
        ive apartments for homeless H+H  Block housing plan.”               without worrying about whether the  dents have the opportunity to thrive.”
        patients. By bringing affordable      “Housing is a powerful pre-   heat’s going to come on, or whether   “To improve the health of New
        housing, health care and community  scription for so many of our pa-  their parents will be able to make  Yorkers, NYC Health + Hospitals
        services together in one place, we’re  tients to support their health,” said  rent. I want to thank H+H, our de-  is always looking for innovative part-
        investing New Yorkers who deserve a  NYC  Health  +  Hospitals  President  velopment partners, and the dedicat-  nerships  that can leverage  City and
        chance to build a secure future.”  and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Our  ed staff at HPD who have spent years  private resources and creativity,”
            “Our  city  is  confronting  both  a  Housing  for  Health  initiative  has  bringing River Commons to life.”  said Leora Jontef, Senior Assistant
        housing and health care crisis, made  placed nearly 2,000 patients experi-  “Housing is the foundation for  Vice President for Housing and Real
        even worse by federal attacks on the  encing homelessness into safe, stable  health, stability, and opportunity,  Estate at NYC Health + Hospitals.
        health care that New Yorkers rely  homes. NYC Health + Hospitals is  and a critical part of building stron-  “River Commons will do just that: it
        on,” said Deputy Mayor for Health  particularly proud to use our land to  ger, healthier  communities,”  said  will transform a parking lot into over
        and Human Services Dr. Helen Ar-  create more housing for our patients  Bronx Borough President Vanessa L.  300  new  affordable  and  supportive
        teaga. “Despite these threats, the  and our community. River Commons  Gibson. “River Commons is a trans-  homes while also expanding and im-
        Mamdani Administration is creating  will be one of our largest housing  formative investment in the South  proving spaces for care delivery for
        deeply affordable homes alongside  projects in years, with affordable and  Bronx and a powerful example of  the larger community.”


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="18"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 18


                Prominent US Congressmen endorse





          Acharya Lokesh Muni’s ‘War-Free World’




                                   movement at Capitol Hill






































        OUR BUREAU

        WASHINGTON, D.C.
              rominent U.S. lawmakers, community lead-
              ers and advocates gathered at the Rayburn
        PHouse Office Building on Capitol Hill to en-
        dorse the “War-Free World” movement championed
        by Peace Ambassador HH Acharya Lokesh Muni,
        founder of the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Foundation.
            The event, held as part of the celebrations
        marking the 250th anniversary of the United States,
        was attended by multiple influential U.S. Congress-
        men despite there being no active voting session.
            Those extending bipartisan congressional
        support  for  the  global  peace  initiative  included
        Congressman Brad Sherman of California, Con-
        gressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Con-
        gressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan, Congress-
        man Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia and former
        Congressman Joe Crowley.
            The gathering brought together lawmak-       The programme was arranged and managed    ness leaders Nidhi Pandya, Poonam Gupta, Devi
        ers, community leaders and advocates under the   by Ashok Bhatt, a hotelier and former Water   Balla, Geeta Patel and Dr. Anjum Nadaf, who for-
        shared vision of peace, harmony and humanity.  Commissioner of California, while certified yoga   mally endorsed the “War-Free World” vision.
            A highlight of the event was the presentation   instructor Nidhi Pandya served as the master of   Among the dignitaries in attendance were Anil
        of special awards by HH Acharya Lokesh Muni,  ceremonies.                                  Mongia, Chairman of the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti
        alongside Congressman Shri Thanedar and former   In keeping with the principles of Ahimsa   Foundation USA; Karamjeet Dhariwal, President
        Congressman Joe Crowley.                     (non-violence) and compassionate living, the event   of the  Ahimsa  Vishwa  Bharti  Foundation USA;
            Nitin Vyas, event coordinator, Public Rela-  featured a 100 per cent vegan menu prepared un-  Harish Arora of Mogul Caterer; Piyush Patel; and
        tions Director of the World Vegan Vision organi-  der the direct supervision of Nitin Vyas.  other VIP guests.
        zation and a key member of the Yoga Federation,   The movement also received support from     The  Ahimsa Vishwa  Bharti  Foundation
        was honoured with an award from the Ahimsa    the United States Yogasana Sports Federation   thanked the congressional representatives, coordi-
        Vishwa Bharti Foundation for his leadership and   Inc. and its New Jersey Chapter, led by Balwinder   nators and attendees for making the peace event
        dedication to organising the event.           Singh and Nitin Vyas. They were joined by well-  a success.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="20"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 20


                      Indian Diaspora Center Hosts 2026




                           Annual Symposium on the topic,




          Indian TV – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow





        OUR BUREAU
        Elmont, NY
              he Indian Diaspora Center
              at the Dr. Thomas Abraham
        TLibrary, in collaboration with
        the Global Organization of People of
        Indian Origin–Manhattan  Chapter
        (GOPIO-Manhattan) and the Indian
        American Kerala Cultural and Civic
        Center, hosted its 2026 Annual Sym-
        posium on Sunday, June 28, at the
        Kerala Center in Elmont, New York.
            The symposium, “Indian Televi-
        sion – Yesterday, Today and Tomor-
        row,” brought together distinguished
        veterans of Indian television and
        journalism for an engaging panel dis-
        cussion and interactive session. The
        panel featured former Doordarshan
        news presenters Sheila  Chaman and
        Ramu Damodaran, former Indian
        Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan, who
        currently hosts the television program
        Around and Inside on Asianet TV,
        and Sree Sreenivasan, noted digital
        media expert, journalism professor,
        host of the Sunday NYT Readalong,
        and co-founder of the South Asian
        Journalists Association (SAJA).
            The program began with a net-
        working tea and coffee reception,
        followed by opening remarks from
        Kerala Center President Alex Esthap-
        pan, who welcomed the audience and
        expressed pride in the Kerala Center
        serving as the home of the Dr. Thomas
        Abraham Library and the Indian Di-  India and its diaspora more accessible  portunities, giving viewers a genuine  remarked that the evolution from a
        aspora Center.                    to the public.                    choice in what they could watch.”  single government broadcaster to  a
            Dr. Thomas Abraham, Found-        As June 28 also marked the birth    Damodaran noted that Prime  vibrant and diverse media ecosystem
        er of the Indian Diaspora Center,  anniversary of former Indian Prime  Minister Rao recognized India’s  mirrored India’s broader economic
        spoke about the Center’s mission to  Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, the  greatest strength as its vast reservoir of  and social transformation unleashed
        preserve the history, achievements,  symposium began with a special trib-  human talent and professional skills.  by the reforms of the early 1990s.
        and contributions of the global Indi-  ute delivered by Ramu Damodaran,  Economic liberalization, he said, was   Damodaran further observed,
        an diaspora. He noted that the Cen-  who had served in Prime Minister  driven by the belief that Indians, both  “Mr. Rao was perhaps the first Indian
        ter houses an extensive collection of  Rao’s office before joining the United  at home and abroad, should have  Prime Minister to fully appreciate how
        books and publications on the Indian  Nations.                      greater opportunities to innovate,  effortlessly the United States attracted
        diaspora, alongside works on India    Paying tribute to the late Prime  compete, and realize their full po-  and benefited from the world’s finest
        and Indian civilization. Dr. Abraham  Minister, Damodaran observed, “P. V.  tential. By opening the economy and  minds. He believed that, irrespective
        also highlighted GOPIO’s initiative to  Narasimha Rao is rightly remembered  expanding the media landscape, Rao  of politics, India should learn from
        establish India Collections in public  for launching India’s economic liber-  helped lay the foundation for India’s  that example by creating an environ-
        libraries across the New York metro-  alization. Equally significant, however,  emergence as a global center for tech-  ment where talent could flourish and
        politan area through book donations  was his commitment to liberalizing the  nology, entrepreneurship, and com-  innovation could thrive.”
        from the Consulate General of India  human mind. One visible expression  munications.                     Moderator  Sree  Sreenivasan
        and members of the Indian American  of that vision was opening Indian tele-  Reflecting  on  the  transforma-  then introduced veteran Doordarshan
        community, making information on  vision to new channels and new op-  tion of Indian television, Damodaran   Continued on next page... >>


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="21"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 21



        news presenter Sheila Chaman, who                                                                     man and Damodaran were newsread-
        spoke about her recently published                                                                    ers it was a very different atmosphere.
        book, Doordarshan Diaries: The                                                                            Amb. Sreenivasn pointed that
        Golden Era of Television. The book,                                                                   while Kerala networks aren’t immune
        co-authored by ten former Doordar-                                                                    from the trends of the north, they are,
        shan colleagues from different de-                                                                    on the whole, not filled with shouting
        partments, chronicles the evolution                                                                   matches. He also spoke of the rise of
        of Indian television through the ex-                                                                  individual news creators whose You-
        periences of those who helped shape                                                                   Tube channels are huge hits.
        its formative years. Chaman described                                                                     “To have a chance to talk about
        it as both a nostalgic memoir and an                                                                  the past, present and future of the rich-
        important historical record of India’s                                                                est, most diverse TV landscape in the
        pioneering television era.                                                                            world was exciting. Only GOPIO and
            Recalling the early years of broad-                                                               Dr Thomas Abraham could conceive
        casting, Chaman explained that news   ushered in an era of multi-channel   shop stations”—several have grown   of and convene such an unusual dis-
        presenters wrote or edited much of   broadcasting  and  unprecedented  into  influential  media  organizations,   cussion,” concluded Sree Sreenivasan,
        their own scripts and delivered them   viewer choice. Today, India has more   demonstrating that innovation and   co-founder of Digimentors, who earli-
        entirely from memory, as teleprompt-  than 900 satellite television channels,   quality  journalism  can  flourish  even   er in the day, hosted the 400th episode
        ers and autocue systems did not yet ex-  while Doordarshan itself operates   outside the large broadcast networks.  of his NYT Readalong show.
        ist. The demanding process required   around 50 channels serving diverse re-  Concluding his remarks, Ambas-  As a token of appreciation, the
        exceptional preparation, discipline,   gional and national audiences. Citing   sador Sreenivasan drew an interest-  speakers were presented with a rare
        and  memory—qualities  that  defined   a study by the Indian Institute of Man-  ing parallel between diplomacy and   First Day Covers, canceled and re-
        the professionalism of Doordarshan’s   agement Ahmedabad, Chaman noted   journalism. “Both professions,” he   leased by the US Postal Service during
        early broadcasters.               that India’s television audience is pro-  said, “share a common purpose—to   the First Global Convention of People
            She also presented a PowerPoint   jected to grow to nearly 1.03 billion   educate and inform the public. Diplo-  of Indian Origin in New York City in
        featuring photographs and archival   viewers by 2029, underscoring tele-  mats do it discreetly; journalists do it   1989, where GOPIO was founded.
        material from the book, tracing the   vision’s continuing relevance despite   publicly.”              These collector’s item of US Postal
        journey of Indian television from its   the rapid growth of digital media.  On the symposium topic, Da-  Service’s First Day  Cover  featuring
        experimental launch in 1959 to the in-  Former Ambassador T. P. Sreeni-  modaran said, “If there is one element   Mahatma Gandhi stamps, honored
        troduction of color broadcasts during   vasan reflected on his own unexpect-  which has transformed television in   the Indian diaspora and the historic
        the 1982 Asian Games. Interwoven   ed journey into television after retir-  the last 35 years, it is the emergence   global meet.
        with this history was her own career   ing from the Indian Foreign Service.   of accountability and that anyone who   The symposium attracted a large
        at Doordarshan, where  she had  the   “It is ironic,” he remarked, “that the   appears on television needs to be pre-  audience of community leaders,
        opportunity to interview national   oldest member of this panel is speak-  pared to justify actions taken, or not   media professionals, scholars, and
        leaders,  interact  with  renowned  film   ing about the newest trends in televi-  taken, and place that justification be-  members of the Indian American
        personalities, and serve as a master of   sion.” He explained that he became   fore the people of India.”  community, generating an engaging
        ceremonies at numerous national and   an “accidental television journalist” at    “It is clear that audiences should   discussion on the  remarkable evolu-
        international events.             a time when regional news channels   demand better coverage as democra-  tion of Indian television and its fu-
            Inviting the panelists to reflect on   were expanding rapidly and creating   cy in India and abroad depends on it,”   ture in the digital age. Among those
        the symposium’s theme, “Indian Tele-  new opportunities for informed pub-  Damodaran added.           in attendance were GOPIO Interna-
        vision – Yesterday, Today and Tomor-  lic discourse.                    During the open discussion, the   tional Chairman Dr. Thomas Abra-
        row,” moderator Sree Sreenivasan led   He observed that one of the most   speakers lamented the way Indian TV   ham, GOPIO International Council
        a lively discussion on the remarkable   significant  developments  in  recent   news has become all about sensation-  Chair for Seniors Mukund Mehta,
        transformation of the Indian televi-  years has been the emergence of small,   alism with competing, exaggerated   Kerala Center Founder and GOPIO
        sion industry.                    regional news  channels.  Although   headlines and news items. The shout-  Life Member E. M. Stephen, GOPIO
            Chaman noted that Doordar-    many began with modest resources—  ing matches are a disservice to the   Chamber of Commerce and Industry
        shan, India’s pioneering public broad-  what he humorously described as “tea   audience. In the early days when Cha-  Secretary Ganesh Pager, Kerala Cen-
        caster, began modestly on September                                                                   ter Secretary Raju Thomas, along with
        15, 1959, with a small transmitter                                                                    numerous Life Members of GOPIO,
        and a makeshift studio, broadcasting                                                                  the GOPIO-Manhattan Chapter, and
        only a few hours a day. Programming                                                                   the Indian American Kerala Cultural
        initially focused on education, agri-                                                                 and Civic Center.
        culture, literacy, and national devel-                                                                    The event was jointly coordinat-
        opment. A major milestone came on                                                                     ed by Kerala Center President Alex
        August 15, 1982, when color television                                                                Esthappan and GOPIO Internation-
        was introduced in time for the Asian                                                                  al Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham.
        Games, ushering in a new era of tech-                                                                 Kerala Center Vice President Daisy
        nological advancement and dramat-                                                                     Stephen delivered the vote of thanks,
        ically expanding television’s reach                                                                   expressing appreciation to the dis-
        across the country.                                                                                   tinguished speakers for sharing their
            She explained that India’s tele-                                                                  experiences and insights, and to the
        vision landscape underwent a fun-                                                                     audience for their enthusiastic partic-
        damental transformation after the                                                                     ipation despite a warm summer Sun-
        economic reforms of the early 1990s.                                                                  day afternoon. She noted that the live-
        The arrival of CNN during the Gulf                                                                    ly interaction between the panelists
        War, followed by private broadcasters                                                                 and  attendees  reflected  the  continu-
        such as Star TV, Zee TV, and Sony,                                                                    ing interest in the history, growth, and
        ended Doordarshan’s monopoly and                                                                      future of Indian television and media.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="22"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 22


                    Commission on Government Efficiency



                      Releases Preliminary Report to Make



                Government Work Better for New Yorkers




              Report identifies opportunities to reform the City Charter to speed up outdoor dining,

                   housing construction permitting, bus & street infrastructure, and contracting


        OUR BUREAU

        NEW YORK, NY
              he Commission on Govern-
              ment  Efficiency  (COGE),  the
        T2026 New York City Charter
        Revision Commission convened by
        Mayor  Mamdani, have  released its
        preliminary staff report outlining
        potential reforms to help City gov-
        ernment deliver faster and more ef-
        fectively for New Yorkers. Charged
        with reviewing the entire City Char-
        ter, COGE welcomed more than 780
        New Yorkers during its first 7 public
        hearings, heard 18 hours of testimony
        from 178 speakers, reviewed 345 writ-
        ten submissions from members of the
        public and received recommendations   and using reserve funds.      who call it home.”                   The Department of Buildings pro-
        from 92 City agencies.               “We listened to New Yorkers        Throughout its first round of pub-  cesses roughly 275,000 applications
            The preliminary report identifies   across the city and worked to treat ev- lic  hearings,  the  Commission identi- each year  through a borough-based
        four areas where reforms could help   ery idea—and the New Yorker behind  fied four broad areas where reforms   structure that has changed little in
        government better meet the needs   it, whether City worker or profession- to the City Charter could help gov- more than a century. Property own-
        of working New Yorkers: Accelerate  al association or individual who saw a  ernment  deliver  more effectively  for  ers must navigate multiple agencies
        Access to Public Space and Infra-  sign for a public hearing and walked   working families.           to secure approvals for a single proj-
        structure Improvements, Accelerate   in—with genuine curiosity and re-  Making it easier to use our streets,  ect. Procurement presents similar
        Permitting & Contracting, Modernize   spect,” said Ann Cheng, Executive   sidewalks, and public space is an oppor-  challenges. In Fiscal Year 2025, nearly
        Outdated Systems and Requirements  Director of the Commission on Gov- tunity to create safer neighborhoods,  40% of the City’s budget supported
        to Bolster Innovation, and Ensure the   ernment Efficiency. “This preliminary   stronger local businesses and more vi-  contracted goods and services, yet out-
        City’s Fiscal Stability.          report compiles that feedback and   brant public spaces. Today, restaurant  dated rules continue to make it hard
            Areas identified for further explora- suggests concrete paths as the Com- owners seeking sidewalk dining per- for  small  businesses  and  nonprofits
        tion include, but are not limited to:    mission continues to hear from New  mits, communities advocating for safer  to work with the city, a problem past
            Outdoor Dining: Save restaurants  Yorkers and considers commonsense   bus and bike lanes and City agencies   commissions have flagged since 1989.
        time and money by streamlining pro- reforms to the Charter.”        working to activate surplus proper- Modernizing how the City permits
        cess to open outdoor dining.         “This Commission is immensely  ties all run into the same maze of re- and contracts is essential to deliver-
            Permitting: Create a centralized,  grateful to the more than 780 New  dundant reviews, costly requirements,  ing the housing, infrastructure, and
        one-stop permitting system to speed  Yorkers who came out to testify or sub- and years-long approval timelines.  services New Yorkers are waiting on
        up housing construction, infrastruc- mit written comments, and we want   The  Commission   repeatedly  while reducing unnecessary adminis-
        ture projects, and renovations.     even  more  of  them  in  the  room  as   heard that these barriers leave public   trative burdens.
            Contracting: Modernize  procure- we head into our next round of hear- land underused, delay street safety   As governments serves millions of
        ment to cut time, save money and   ings,” said Patrick Gaspard, Chair of  improvements, and prevent the City  people every day, technology has be-
        reduce unnecessary paperwork that  the Commission on Government Effi- from  putting  valuable  public  assets   come increasingly essential to deliver-
        slows down small businesses seeking   ciency. “Our next steps will be deeply  to  work.  New  York  City  owns more   ing services efficiently and effectively.
        to do business with the city and delays   informed by their passionate testimo- than 6,000 miles of streets and 15,000   The Commission heard that out-
        construction of infrastructure -- from   nies, each of them experts either on   parcels of land. With smarter systems,  dated information technology systems,
        water tunnels to plazas to sewers.   their block or their industry, on how  those  public  assets  can  better  serve  antiquated legal requirements, and
            Bus and Street Infrastructure:  city government can worker faster and   New Yorkers.              duplicative administrative processes
        Shorten timelines for street redesigns   more efficiently. As this Commission   Whether opening  a  small  busi-  slow City government without improv-
        and bus and bike lane projects that im-  considers reforms to put forth on the   ness, building affordable housing, or  ing public outcomes. Nearly 1,500 new
        prove safety and mobility.        ballot in November, it will be guided   delivering critical infrastructure, New  reporting requirements have been en-
            Rainy Day Fund: Strengthen the   by the shared goal of unlocking this  Yorkers consistently describe procure- acted since 2011, while outdated surety
        City’s long-term fiscal health by estab- City’s  potential  to  deliver  a more af- ment and construction permitting sys- bond rules and fragmented waterfront
        lishing clearer rules for contributing to   fordable, safe, and dignified life for all   tems that move too slowly.  permitting create unnecessary delays.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="24"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 24


            Atlanta hosts combined International





                     Yoga Day, World Music Day and




                                  Father’s Day celebration








































                                                                       Isha Goyal, Renuka Molleti, Kamalesh Chug, Veena Pothula and Hetal Mehta.













           Isha Goyal leading the International Yoga Day session.


        NEERAJ DHAR
        ATLANTA, Georgia, June 21:

              tlanta hosted its first combined celebration
              of International Yoga Day, World Music
        ADay and Father’s Day at Mehak Indian            Organisers Mustafa Ajmeri, Isha Goyal, Hetal Mehta, Renuka Molleti, Kamalesh Chug, Krish Goyal and Anwar Ajmeri.
        Kitchen, bringing together wellness enthusiasts,
        musicians, community leaders, families and advo-  ness, wellness and inner peace.          programme, with a tribute recognising fathers for
        cates for a day focused on health, culture, inclusion   The programme continued with World Music   their dedication, sacrifices, guidance and love, add-
        and community unity.                         Day celebrations led by vocalist Veena Pothula,   ing a family-centred element to the celebration.
            The event was presented by Jashan Events and   whose performances highlighted music as a uni-  The event was sponsored by Mehak Restau-
        Global Entertainment and Media Services and or-  versal language that brings communities together.  rant, whose support contributed to the inaugu-
        ganised by Mustafa Ajmeri and Krish Goyal. Re-   The event also featured addresses by commu-  ral celebration. Organisers  also  thanked Anwar
        nuka Molleti served as the master of ceremonies,   nity leader Kamalesh Chug, who spoke about cul-  Ajmeri for overseeing audio and sound support,
        guiding attendees through the programme.     tural preservation, service and community unity,   along with the performers, volunteers, sponsors,
            The celebration began with an International   and guest speaker Hetal Mehta, who encouraged   speakers, community leaders, families and attend-
        Yoga Day session led by yoga instructor Isha Goy-  attendees to embrace leadership, positivity and   ees. Special appreciation was extended to yoga
        al, during which participants took part in guided   community engagement.                  instructor Isha Goyal for her contribution to the
        yoga and meditation practices focused on mindful-  Father’s Day was also observed during the   event’s success.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="26"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 26


                  The Heartbeat of Chicago’s Punjabi Soul;




                          Connecting Roots, Building Futures



                             Women of Punjab Times: Voices of Empowerment in the Diaspora



        OUR BUREAU
        Chicago, IL
           n the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s
           multicultural landscape, where
        Itowering skyscrapers meet the
        resilient  spirit  of  immigrant  com-
        munities, one voice has emerged as
        a trusted companion for thousands
        of Punjabi families: Punjab Timess.
        For over a decade, this dynamic me-
        dia platform has done far more than
        broadcast news and entertainment; it
        has become a cultural lifeline, a daily
        ritual, and a powerful bridge between
        the rich heritage of Punjab and  the
        fast-paced realities of American life in
        the Midwest.
            From  its  humble  beginnings  in                                                                 call-in segments to collaborations with
        local studios to becoming a household                                                                 emerging Punjabi artists and influenc-
        name across Chicagoland and beyond,                                                                   ers, the platform continually evolves.
        Punjab Times has consistently demon-                                                                  It has introduced youth-centric shows
        strated an unwavering commitment to                                                                   that blend modern topics like career
        community service. Its programming                                                                    guidance in the American job market
        weaves together Timely news from                                                                      with traditional values, helping bridge
        Punjab and India with local Chicago                                                                   generational  divides.  Culinary  seg-
        stories,  health  awareness  campaigns,                                                               ments featuring authentic Punjabi reci-
        educational segments for youth, and                                                                   pes adapted for Chicago kitchens have
        lively cultural showcases featuring                                                                   become particularly popular, turning
        bhangra beats, traditional folk songs,  erational audiences who rely on it as   its reach, allowing younger audiences   viewers into active participants rather
        and festive celebrations. Viewers tune   their primary source for culturally  to engage via social media clips, live   than passive consumers.
        in not just for information, but for a  relevant content, strengthening social   streams, and on-demand content.   As Chicago continues to grow as a
        sense of belonging. In a city where   bonds and empowering the communi- This multi-platform strategy ensures   hub for South Asian diaspora, Punjab
        many first-generation immigrants nav- ty to thrive while preserving its identity.  that Punjab Times remains accessible  Times evolves alongside it. The chan-
        igate the challenges of language bar-  What sets Punjab Times apart is   and contemporary without losing the   nel’s team works tirelessly to ensure
        riers, generational gaps, and cultural   its innovative approach to storytelling.  warmth and authenticity that defines   content  is inclusive, respectful,  and
        preservation, Punjab Times stands as   Producers and hosts go beyond the  Punjabi culture.            uplifting. In an era of fragmented me-
        a steadfast anchor.               headlines, diving into human-interest   Beyond entertainment, Punjab   dia and misinformation, it stands out
            One paragraph dedicated to its   stories that highlight success journeys  Times has taken on the role of com- as a beacon of responsible journalism
        importance: The importance of Punjab   of Punjabi professionals in Chicago’s   munity advocate. It has partnered with   rooted in community values. Its impact
        Times in Chicago cannot be overstated.  tech, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.  local organizations for blood donation   extends beyond television screens into
        It serves as a dedicated platform that  Regular segments on women’s empow- drives, scholarship programs for de- real-world change, strengthening fam-
        amplifies the voices of the Punjabi di- erment, youth leadership programs,  serving students, and awareness cam- ily ties, preserving language and tradi-
        aspora, fostering deep community con- and  senior  citizen  wellness  reflect  a   paigns on critical issues like diabetes   tions, and creating opportunities  for
        nections while reaching a remarkably  holistic understanding of community  prevention a health concern prevalent  cross-cultural understanding.
        wide viewership across neighborhoods,  needs. During challenging Times such   in South Asian communities. By shin-  The story of Punjab Times is ulti-
        suburbs, and even extending digitally to   as the pandemic or periods of social  ing a light on local heroes, small busi- mately the story of Chicago’s Punjabi
        families in surrounding states. Through   unrest the channel stepped up with   ness owners, and cultural ambassadors,  community itself: resilient, vibrant,
        its consistent, heartfelt programming,  practical  guidance,  virtual  town  halls,  the  channel  inspires  pride and moti- and deeply connected to both its ori-
        Punjab  Times  has  built  unparalleled   and emotional support features that  vates civic participation. Its dedication  gins and its new home. Through every
        trust by addressing local issues—such   helped viewers feel seen and supported.  is visible in the way it celebrates every  broadcast,  it  reaffirms  that  culture  is
        as immigration updates, business op-  The platform’s wide viewership is   milestone whether it’s a new gurdwara   not something left behind but some-
        portunities for South Asian entrepre- a testament to its relevance. Families   inauguration, a student achieving aca- thing actively nurtured and shared. As
        neurs, mental health resources tailored   gather around screens for morning  demic excellence, or a family marking  it continues to grow, Punjab Times
        to immigrant experiences, and vibrant  updates, evening talk shows, and week- a significant anniversary.  promises to remain a trusted friend, a
        coverage of gurdwara events and com- end special programs filled with music,   Creative innovation remains at   source of pride, and an essential plat-
        munity festivals. This dedication has   comedy,  and spiritual  discourses.  Its   the core of Punjab Times’s success.  form for the generations to come.
        been translated into loyal, multi-gen- digital presence has further expanded  From interactive viewer polls and live   --Asian Media USA


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="27"><![CDATA[JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 27




























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              Stand Up To violence (SUV) Program manager



         heriberto “Eddie” miranda honored by city council



                          during gun violence awareness month




            The New York City Council’s Gun Violence Awareness Month event brought together violence prevention
        leaders, advocates, artists, and community stakeholders committed to building safer communities across NYC


        NEERAJ DHAR                                                                                           by SUV has experienced a 58% de-
                                                                                                              cline in gunshot wound incidence over
        Bronx, NY
                                                                                                              the past ten years.
              YC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi                                                                        SUV is one of NYC Health +
              | North Central Bronx have                                                                      Hospitals  five  Hospital-based  Vio-
        Nannounced that the New York                                                                          lence Interruption Programs (HVIP)
        City Council honored Stand Up to                                                                      that use a unified, multidisciplinary ap-
        Violence (SUV)  Program  Manager                                                                      proach to treat victims of violent trau-
        Heriberto “Eddie” Miranda with a                                                                      ma. The public health system’s HVIP
        city  proclamation  issued  in  recogni-                                                              programming utilizes a three-pronged
        tion of his more than a decade of ser-                                                                approach — interruption, prevention,
        vice, advocacy, and unwavering com-                                                                   and  community  engagement  —  to
        mitment to violence prevention in the                                                                 break cycles of violent trauma and
        Bronx. Last month, the New York City                                                                  provide victims and their communities
        Council brought together violence   Deputy Council Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, City Council Members Sandy Nurse, Shirley   the support they need for a lasting
        prevention leaders, advocates, artists,   Aldebol, Kevin C. Riley, Dr. Yusef Salaam, Amanda Farías, and Rita Joseph present Heriberto   “Eddie Miranda is the kind of
        and community stakeholders work-        “Eddie” Miranda with a proclamation in recognition of his distinguished service  leader our communities know, trust,
        ing across New York City for a Gun                                                                    and count on,” said Council Member
        Violence Awareness month event                                                                        Amanda Farías. “Through Jacobi’s
        honoring their commitments to build-                                                                  Stand Up to Violence program, he has
        ing safer communities. As a member                                                                    shown up for young people, families,
        of SUV’s leadership since 2018, Ed-                                                                   and neighbors during some of their
        die has helped the Stand Up to Vio-                                                                   hardest moments, and has helped
        lence program expand its community                                                                    transform his public service care into
        presence and impact through youth                                                                     prevention, mentorship, and ultimate-
        engagement initiatives, workforce                                                                     ly healing. As co-chair of the Bronx
        development opportunities, violence                                                                   Delegation, I was proud to join my
        awareness campaigns, community                                                                        colleagues in honoring Eddie during
        events, and programs designed to pro-                                                                 Gun Violence Awareness Month be-
        mote peace and community healing.                                                                     cause the Bronx needs to know that
            “I believe that sustainable public                                                                good  work  is  happening  in  our  bor-
        safety is achieved through investment   Heriberto “Eddie” Miranda of Jacobi-NCB’s SUV program expressing his gratitude for the   ough. Safer communities are built by
        in people, healing-centered approach-         recognition of his work to prevent gun violence in the Bronx  people who are present, consistent,
        es, and strong community partner-                                                                     and committed, and Eddie’s service is
        ships,” says NYC Health + Hospitals/  whose work has made a lasting impact   elected  officials,  and  local  residents   a powerful example of what that looks
        Jacobi | North Central Bronx SUV   on public safety and neighborhood   to strengthen violence prevention   like in action.”
        Program  Manager  Heriberto  “Ed-  wellness. Violence prevention advo-  efforts and improve outcomes for in-  Eddie Miranda began his career
        die” Miranda. “I have a deep belief in   cates, cultural leaders, and community   dividuals most at risk of involvement   in violence prevention in the Bronx in
        the resilience of communities and the   organizations  working  in  neighbor-  in violence. Through his leadership,   2012 as an Outreach Worker with the
        power of collective action to create   hoods  across  the  city  offered  reflec-  mentorship, and community-centered   New York City AIM (Advancement
        lasting change.”                  tions reinforcing the importance of   approach, Eddie has helped shape and   through Intervention and Mentoring)
            “Congratulations to SUV Pro-  collaboration, healing, and continued   strengthen the violence intervention   Program. Drawing upon his commit-
        gram Manager, Eddie Miranda!” said   investment in programs that address   movement and supported countless   ment  to  community  service  and  his
        NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi |   the root causes of violence.      young people and families affected by   ability to build meaningful relation-
        North Central Bronx CEO Christo-      As SUV’s Program Manager, Ed-  violence.                        ships, he quickly emerged as a trusted
        pher Mastromano. “We are so proud   die oversees a multidisciplinary team   A 2023 peer-reviewed study found   mentor and advocate for young peo-
        to have Eddie’s years of dedicat-  dedicated to reducing gun violence   that patients with violent trauma who   ple and families facing significant chal-
        ed work with Stand Up to Violence   through  outreach,  hospital-based  in-  were seen by SUV team at Jacobi   lenges. In 2018, Eddie joined Jacobi
        (SUV) recognized and celebrated.”  tervention, mentorship, community   Hospital were more than two times   Hospital’s Stand Up to Violence Pro-
            The City Council Gun Violence   engagement, workforce development,   more likely to attend over half their   gram as a Supervisor. His leadership,
        Awareness  Month  event highlighted   and crisis response. He has been in-  scheduled clinical follow up visits and   vision, and dedication to both staff de-
        the roles culture, healing, and com-  strumental in building partnerships   59% less likely to come back reinjured   velopment and community impact led
        munity engagement play in prevent-  with hospitals, schools, community   within three months of discharge. In   to his promotion to Program Manager
        ing violence and honored individuals   organizations, faith-based institutions,   addition, the Bronx community served   in 2021.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="29"><![CDATA[JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 29











































































































                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="30"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 30


        Mayor Mamdani Kicks Off Summer Youth Employment



              Program, Providing More Than 100,000 Young New



                    Yorkers With Jobs and Paid Work Experiences



               Participation in SYEP tied to improved school attendance, reduced

                                incarceration rates, and lower chances of arrest



        OUR BUREAU

        NEW YORK, NY
                 ayor Zohran Kwame Mam-
                 dani has kicked off the Sum-
        Mmer Youth Employment
        Program (SYEP), as 100,000 young
        New Yorkers prepare to step into
        workplaces across the five boroughs.
        From community organizations and
        small businesses to hospitals, cultural
        institutions, and government agen-
        cies, SYEP offers work experience at
        thousands of workplaces across  the
        city, allowing young New Yorkers to
        hone professional skills while earning
        a paycheck.
           “For so many young New Yorkers,
        a summer job is more than just a way
        to pass the time, it’s a step towards
        their future. For years, SYEP has
        helped thousands  of New Yorkers
        start  their  careers,  hone  their  pro-  program, SYEP continues to create  allows participants to jumpstart their   arrests. SYEP  youth  are  also  signifi-
        fessional skills, and give back to the   career pathways and expand oppor-  careers at thousands of worksites   cantly less likely to be incarcerated
        neighborhoods they call home – all   tunities for young people to explore  across the city. SYEP advances the   in  New  York  State  more  than  five
        while allowing them to earn money,”  their interests, gain meaningful work  City’s vision of making New York   years after their participation in the
        said Mayor Mamdani.               experience, build professional skills  City more affordable by helping   program.
                                          and earn a paycheck. By connecting  young people earn income, gain valu-  Every  year,  Lyft  provides  1,200
        “Congratulations to the newest    participants to employers, mentors   able and transferable skills, and build   free two-month Citi Bike member-
                                          and real-world experiences, SYEP  pathways to long-term economic op-  ships for SYEP participants, enabling
        members of the SYEP cohort.  helps prepare the next generation      portunities.                      young people to get to their jobs, ex-
        We hope you not only learn new    of New York City’s workforce while    The program offers tailored ex-  plore their city and have fun.
                                          investing in communities across the   periences to thousands of young New   The company also hosts SYEP
        skills at work, but new things  five  boroughs,”  said  NYC  Depart- Yorkers who often face barriers to   interns on their Social Impact team;
        about yourself this summer.”      ment of Youth and Community De-   summer jobs, including young peo-  participants gain exposure to careers
                                          velopment (DYCD) Commissioner  ple at the highest risk of gun violence,   in the private sector while building
                                          Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “Alongside  NYCHA residents, homeless youth,   their leadership and communications
           “The road to professional and   Summer Rising, Saturday Night  youth with disabilities, and those who   skills as Citi Bike community ambas-
        personal success is paved by pro- Lights, Summer Night Lights, and   are justice-involved, or in foster care.  sadors.
        grams like SYEP that provide young   other free DYCD programs, SYEP     SYEP participation outcomes      “We’re proud to continue part-
        New Yorkers the experience they will   provides young people with safe, en-  cited in studies include improved   nering with  the  NYC  Department
        need in the future,” said Deputy May- gaging opportunities to build lasting   school attendance, connections to   of Youth and Community Develop-
        or for Health and Human Services   relationships, develop skills, discover  new skills, reduced incarceration   ment because we believe access to
        Dr. Helen Arteaga. “SYEP does not  new possibilities and create experi- rates, and keeping teens and young   transportation is access to possibility.
        just develop skills in the workplace, it  ences that will shape their futures   adults safe—including youth who   Since 2022, Lyft has provided free
        also provides education in key areas,  long after the summer ends.”  would not otherwise  have  access  to   Citi Bike memberships and hands-on
        like financial literacy, and to high-risk   Earlier this year, Mayor Mam-  paying jobs. Additional research in-  experience to help young New York-
        communities, so those young New  dani released a video encouraging  dicates summer jobs save lives, re-  ers build real skills — and real con-
        Yorkers are afforded the opportunity  young New Yorkers to apply for  duce crime  and  strengthen commu-  fidence. Because when young people
        to achieve long-term economic suc- SYEP, leading to a record number of  nities. A 2021 study found that SYEP   move,  cities move with  them,”  said
        cess and stability.”              applications.                     participation  lowered participants’   Inbar Kishoni, senior manager, Com-
           “Celebrating its 63rd year as the   SYEP is a six-week program,  chances of being arrested by 17 per-  munity & Equity Programs, Lyft Ur-
        nation’s largest youth employment  running from July to August, that  cent, and by 23 percent for felony   ban Solutions.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="31"><![CDATA[NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                                   JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 31


                                  National Retail Solutions




           and Renascent Media Draw More Than





                  100 Retailers to Networking Event





        Independent business owners gathered in Ford, NJ, for an evening of connection, ideas, and community

        OUR BUREAU

        NEWARK, NJ
               ational  Retail  Solutions
               (NRS), in partnership with
        NRenascent Media, welcomed
        more  than  100 retailers, entrepre-
        neurs, and business owners to the
        Retailer Networking Event in Ford,
        NJ. The evening brought the inde-
        pendent retail community together to
        connect, share ideas, and learn from
        one another.
            The event gave independent
        business owners a space to discuss
        common challenges, exchange strat-
        egies, and build relationships across
        the retail community. Attendees
        enjoyed  an  evening  of  networking,
        conversation, and shared insight into
        running and growing successful busi-
        nesses.
            “Small businesses are the back-
        bone of our communities, and events
        like this remind us why,” said Elie
        Y. Katz, President & CEO of NRS.
        “When business owners connect,
        share ideas, and learn from one an-
        other, everyone grows stronger. Suc-
        cess isn’t only about competition—
        it’s about collaboration, innovation,   contributed to the evening and high-  an-owned, full-service advertising,   vides strategic marketing solutions,
        and building  the relationships that   lighted more opportunities ahead to   marketing, media, and event man-  including media planning and buying,
        help us all move forward.”        bring the retail community together.  agement company specializing in   public  relations,  influencer  market-
            “Renascent Media was built on     National Retail Solutions (NRS),   connecting brands with South Asian   ing, content creation, television and
        the belief that marketing isn’t just   a subsidiary of IDT Corporation   and  multicultural  audiences  across   radio production, experiential activa-
        about promoting businesses—it’s   (NYSE: IDT), operates the leading   North America. With over 20 years of   tions, sponsorship management, and
        about creating opportunities for busi-  point-of-sale (POS) system and NRS   industry experience, the agency pro-  community engagement initiatives.
        nesses to thrive. The Retailers Net-  Pay payment processing services for
        working Meetup reflects that vision.   thousands of independent retailers in
        Seeing hundreds of industry profes-  the United States and Canada. NRS
        sionals exchange ideas, build partner-  provides small and mid-sized business
        ships, and support one another re-  owners with robust, revenue-generat-
        minds us why this initiative matters,”   ing store management and checkout
        said Tanvi Prenita Chandra, Founder   systems, including EBT/eWIC accep-
        & President of Renascent Media.   tance, e-commerce solutions, payroll
        “We’re committed to continuing this   services, business cash advances, and
        journey and creating platforms that   other merchant services. NRS serves
        strengthen the retail community, en-  diverse retail segments through spe-
        courage innovation, and contribute to   cialized solutions, such as NRS Pet-
        economic growth. After all, one con-  ro for gas stations and convenience
        versation truly can change a business.”   stores, and offers reseller partnership
            NRS and Renascent Media       opportunities.
        thanked everyone who attended and     Renascent Media is a wom-


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="32"><![CDATA[BUSINESS & TRADE                                                          JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 32


                             India’s Next Growth Engine:




         States Race to Attract Global Capability




                           Centres Beyond Metro Cities






              As multinational companies expand their India operations, states are competing to

            position tier-II and tier-III cities as the country’s next Global Capability Centre hubs



        OUR BUREAU                                                                                            GCC destinations.
                                                                                                                 “Under the leadership of our CM
        New Delhi / Mumbai
                                                                                                              Devendra Fadnavis, we are now fo-
           ndia’s Global Capability Centre                                                                    cusing on the tier-3 and tier-4 cities...
           (GCC) industry is entering a new                                                                   We are looking forward for the good
        Iphase of expansion, with state gov-                                                                  investment and next gateway for the
        ernments aggressively pitching tier-II                                                                GCC in Maharashtra,” she said.
        and tier-III cities as the next destina-                                                                  She  added  that  Maharashtra is
        tions  for  multinational  investments,                                                               offering incentives under its industri-
        even as industry leaders say the sector                                                               al policy, including stamp duty subsi-
        is well positioned to thrive regard-                                                                  dies, while improving ease of doing
        less of global economic uncertainty.                                                                  business through digital initiatives.
            At the CII GCC Summit in New                                                                      Bihar, meanwhile, has introduced
        Delhi,  senior  officials  from  Uttar                                                                its GCC Policy 2026 to attract inves-
        Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and                                                                       tors. “GCCs are now likely to move
        Kerala outlined strategies to attract                                                                 to tier-two, tier-three cities to actual-
        the  next wave of GCC investments       Noida in Uttar Pradesh has already emerged as a major GCC hub (File photo)  ly capitalize on the competitive edge
        through policy incentives, improved                                                                   the tier-two, tier-three cities provide,”
        infrastructure, skilled talent and ar-  spending on technology, research and   chains and induced economic activity   said  Kundan  Kumar,  Secretary,  De-
        tificial intelligence-led industrial eco-  development,  artificial  intelligence   in sectors such as real estate, health-  partment of Industries, Government
        systems. The push reflects the rapid   and digital transformation. “In either   care and education, the overall eco-  of Bihar.
        evolution of India’s GCC landscape   of the cases, the industry will boom,”  nomic impact could reach USD 450-  He said the state offers incentives
        beyond traditional hubs such as Ben-  Lobo said, describing the GCC sector   600 billion.             linked  to  fixed  capital  investment,
        galuru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune.  as being in a “win-win situation.”  Uttar Pradesh representative   rentals and employment, along with
            Industry experts believe the sec-  Lobo said GCCs have moved    said Noida has already emerged as a   additional benefits for companies hir-
        tor has become one of India’s stron-  well beyond their traditional role as   major GCC hub. “As you know, UP is   ing Bihar domiciles. Kumar also high-
        gest growth drivers, supported by cost   back-office  support  centres  and  are   emerging as a leading GCC destina-  lighted the state’s round-the-clock
        competitiveness, a large technology   now handling strategic functions in-  tion. Noida is already an established   power availability supported by ex-
        workforce and expanding capabilities   cluding AI, data engineering, enter-  destination. We have almost 500 units   panding transmission and generation
        in  artificial  intelligence,  engineering   prise technology and innovation while   of GCCs, 200-plus GCC companies   infrastructure.
        research and development (ER&D),  integrating front-office, middle-office   operating there,” said Alok Kumar,   Kerala is positioning itself as a
        digital transformation and enterprise   and back-office operations for global   Principal Secretary, IT & Electronics,  destination for advanced technolo-
        technology.                       enterprises.                      Government of Uttar Pradesh.      gy-led GCCs through an AI-focused
            According to Rohan Lobo, Part-    Artificial intelligence is expected   He said Lucknow and other ti-  industrial strategy. “Our request and
        ner, Deloitte and Industry and Chan-  to automate around 15-20 per cent   er-II cities are increasingly attracting   the pitch to the investors has been
        nel Leader - GCCs, the industry is   of current operational work carried   global companies because of strong   that please see Kerala as a rural urban
        uniquely positioned to benefit in both   out by GCCs. At the same time, AI   policy support, modern infrastructure   continuum where the quality of life is
        favourable  and  difficult  global  eco-  is likely to generate fresh opportuni-  and a large pool of STEM graduates   assured across the tier-2, tier-3 cit-
        nomic conditions. “If there is a signifi-  ties by helping organisations identify   and technical talent.  ies,” said Arun K. Vijayan, Director,
        cant amount of volatility... it is a driver   technology issues, technical debt and   Kumar  also  noted  that  artificial   Industries and Commerce and Man-
        of taking work from high expensive   broken customer journeys, creating   intelligence is reshaping the work-  aging Director of Kerala State Indus-
        areas and bringing it into India where   additional  engineering  and  transfor-  force and emphasised the need to   trial Development Corporation Ltd.
        the cost savings are coming,” Lobo   mation work that could increasingly   prepare talent for evolving industry   Together, the industry outlook
        said on the sidelines of the summit,  be executed from India.       requirements.                     and the coordinated efforts by state
        noting that India offers a cost arbi-  He estimated that GCCs could     Maharashtra is also  expanding   governments point to a broadening of
        trage of around two times compared   contribute between USD 155 billion   its focus beyond Mumbai and Pune.  India’s GCC ecosystem, with emerg-
        to higher-cost markets.           and USD 199 billion in direct gross   Varsha Thakur-Ghuge, Joint CEO of   ing cities expected to play an increas-
            He added that strong global eco-  value  added  over  the  next  three  to   MIDC, said the state is promoting cit-  ingly important role in the country’s
        nomic growth also benefits the sector   four years. Including  indirect contri-  ies including Nagpur, Nashik and Ch-  next phase of technology-led econom-
        as multinational companies increase   butions from service providers, supply   hatrapati Sambhaji Nagar as future   ic growth.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="33"><![CDATA[TECH EYE                                                                  JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 33



















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                                                                                Call: 1-917-662-1122   eMail: indialifetv@gmail.com]]></page><page Index="34"><![CDATA[IMMIGRATION                                                               JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 34




               Trump v. Barbara: How the Supreme Court


                Dodged a Bullet on Birthright Citizenship




        BY CYRUS D. MEHTA AND      Amendment and with 8 U.S.C. §   anxiety about unauthorized immi-  Immigration Services days after   Justice Kavanaugh’s con-
        KAITLYN BOX                1401(a), which together embody   gration or “birth tourism.”  the child’s birth, and innocent er-  currence, while more cautious in
                                   the longstanding rule that almost   “Citizenship, then and now,”   rors or delays could lead to their   its constitutional analysis, helped
             he Supreme Court’s deci-  all persons born on U.S. soil, re-  Roberts states, “was the right to   infants being treated as out of sta-  solidify the result. He expressed
             sion  in  Trump  v.  Barbara   gardless of their parents’ immigra-  have rights—to freely partici-  tus and removable.  some sympathy for the view that
        Tdid far more than invalidate   tion status, are citizens at birth.  pate in our political community.   Beyond these immediate   Congress might, in theory, have
        an overreaching executive order   The majority, in an opinion   The Framers of the Fourteenth   disruptions, the order threatened   authority to define by statute cer-
        – it prevented a wholesale desta-  by Chief Justice Roberts, reject-  Amendment extended that prom-  to draw U.S. citizen parents into   tain narrow categories of noncit-
        bilization of American citizenship   ed the government’s theory and   ise to ‘every free-born person in   the same web of suspicion. Once   izens born here, but concluded
        that could have echoed backward   reaffirmed  the  rule  announced   this land.’ We keep that promise   citizenship  no  longer  flows  auto-  that the existing statute, 8 U.S.C. §
        through generations. By a narrow   in Wong Kim Ark at the end of   today.”        matically from birth on U.S. soil,   1401(a), plainly grants citizenship
        but decisive majority, the Court re-  the nineteenth century. The Citi-  At oral argument, Justice   vital  records  offices,  hospitals,   at birth to almost all persons born
        jected President Trump’s attempt   zenship Clause, the Court said, is   Amy Coney Barrett had highlight-  and federal agencies could start to   in the United States. Whatever
        to narrow birthright citizenship,   “declaratory” of the common-law   ed how “messy” and unworkable   demand proof that a child meets   Congress’s latent power might be,
        reaffirmed  the  core  holding  of   principle of jus soli: if you are born   a parent-focused test would be.   whatever conditions the executive   the President lacks any authority
        United States v. Wong Kim Ark,   in the United States and are sub-  If citizenship turned on paren-  or Congress has grafted onto the   to override this statutory com-
        and drew clear lines that future   ject to its laws, you are a citizen at   tal domicile, lawful presence, or   Constitution. Parents might have   mand by executive order. Kavana-
        administrations  will  find  difficult   birth, with only narrow, historical-  subjective intent to remain, the   been asked to demonstrate not   ugh’s opinion stressed separation
        to cross.                  ly recognized exceptions such as   government would be forced into   only their own citizenship or law-  of powers: even if one accepts a
            Trump’s executive order tried   the children of foreign diplomats,   endless, intrusive factual inquiries.   ful status, but also that they were   more limited view of the Citizen-
        to rewrite the Fourteenth Amend-  enemy occupiers, and, historical-  Foundlings—abandoned infants   domiciled in the United States and   ship Clause, it is for Congress,
        ment’s Citizenship Clause by nar-  ly, members of Native American   whose  parents  are unknown—  intended to remain here at the   not the president acting alone, to
        rowing the meaning of “subject   tribes before Congress extended   would languish in legal limbo if cit-  time of birth. A U.S. citizen who   make changes of this magnitude.
        to the jurisdiction thereof.” Un-  citizenship by statute. The major-  izenship depended on the status of   had long resided abroad and re-  That concurrence, grounded in
        der the executive order, a person   ity emphasized that neither the   parents who cannot be identified.   turned home to give birth and be-  statutory interpretation and insti-
        born in the United States would   word “legal” nor “permanent” nor   Even  where  parents  are known,   fore resuming life overseas, could   tutional humility, provided an ad-
        not be a citizen at birth if, at the   any reference to parental status   the government would have to re-  have found her child’s citizenship   ditional barrier against presiden-
        time of birth, both of the child’s   appears in the Citizenship Clause,   construct, years later, their precise   questioned on the ground that   tial attempts to unsettle citizenship
        parents were either undocument-  and it declined to read them in.   legal status and even their state of   she lacked the necessary “ties” at   by decree.
        ed, or held only a nonimmigrant   The Court rejected the idea that   mind at the time of birth. Justice   the crucial moment. What is now   In contrast, the dissents
        status (for example, F-1, H-1B,   the meaning of “subject to the ju-  Barrett’s hypotheticals, such as   a simple administrative act—re-  sketched the alternate future the
        etc.). This clashed directly with the   risdiction” could be transformed   that of a U.S. citizen living abroad   cording the birth of an American   country narrowly avoided. In the
        text and history of the Fourteenth   in response to modern political   who returns briefly to the United   child—could easily have become   principal dissent, Justices Thom-
                                                                  States to give birth and then   an adversarial process.  as and Gorsuch adopted a nar-
                                                                  leaves again, underscored   The most dangerous implica-  row reading of the Fourteenth
                                                                  the absurdity of tying a new-  tions, however, laid in the poten-  Amendment’s Citizenship Clause
                                                                  born’s citizenship to parental   tial retroactive use of a narrowed   and would have upheld Trump’s
                                                                  “intent to stay.” The majority   constitutional rule. During oral   executive order. They argued
                                                                  opinion took those concerns   argument, Justice Sotomayor re-  that “subject to the jurisdiction
                                                                  seriously, noting that a con-  called the historical episode in   thereof” does not simply mean
                                                                  stitutional rule that invites   which Native Americans, who had   being subject to U.S. laws in the
                                                                  such guesswork is not a rule   previously been treated as citizens   ordinary sense, but requires a full-
                                                                  at all, but an invitation to ar-  in some contexts, were denied that   er, genuine allegiance and a law-
                                                                  bitrary decision-making.  status and even stripped of it based   ful, consensual relationship with
                                                                      Had the executive order   on shifting interpretations of   the United States. In their view,
                                                                  been upheld, the immedi-  law and policy. If the Court were   the  Framers  of  the  Fourteenth
                                                                  ate consequences for future   to declare that the Fourteenth   Amendment did not intend to
                                                                  children would have been   Amendment never guaranteed   confer automatic citizenship on
                                                                  profound. Children born in   citizenship at birth to those whose   the U.S.-born children of parents
                                                                  the United States to undocu-  parents were unlawfully present or   who had no legal right to remain
                                                                  mented parents would no lon-  only temporarily in the country,   in the country or who were pres-
                                                                  ger have citizenship at birth.   that logic would not be confined to   ent only fleetingly and condition-
                                                                  Depending on the nationality   future births. It would invite litiga-  ally. The dissenters relied heavily
                                                                  laws of their parents’ home   tion and executive action to revisit   on historical sources and Recon-
                                                                  countries, some might qualify   and undo the citizenship of people   struction-era debates to claim that
                                                                  for citizenship elsewhere, but   now living as American citizens.  the Clause was aimed at freeing
                                                                  others would not, rendering   The majority addressed this   formerly enslaved people and se-
                                                                  them effectively stateless.   concern obliquely by emphasiz-  curing their status, not at constitu-
                                                                      The order would also   ing continuity and reliance. It cit-  tionalizing a broad jus soli rule for
                                                                  have swept in children born   ed over 150 years of practice and   all comers, regardless of parental
                      m of                                        to parents in lawful but tem-  precedent  in  which  the  United   status. They treated Wong Kim
                                                                                          States has consistently treated
                                                                                                                     Ark as either wrongly decided or
                                                                  porary status, including H-1B
           CYRUS D. MEHTA & PARTNERS PLLC                         professionals, H-4 depen-  birth on U.S. soil, with very limited   at least tightly limited to its facts:
                                                                  dents, students, exchange vis-  exceptions, as sufficient for citizen-  a child born in the United States
                                                                                              itors, and tourists. Newborns,   ship. By framing Wong Kim Ark   to parents who were long-term, le-
           
                          
  	                            
             however, are not “admitted”   as both historically grounded and   gally resident subjects of a foreign
                                                                  at a port of entry and are not   repeatedly  reaffirmed,  the  Court   sovereign. From that perspective,
              	                                 
                            assigned a nonimmigrant   signaled that citizenship acquired   the dissenters maintained that the
                                                    
             ­
                   
                                                                   status at birth. It is far from   under that understanding is not a   Trump administration’s interpre-
                                                                  clear what lawful status such   mere policy choice but a constitu-  tation was a permissible, even nec-
                                                                  children could hold, if any,   tional baseline. To overturn that   essary, restoration of the original
                                                                  from the moment of birth.   baseline would not simply correct   understanding of the Citizenship
                                                                  Parents would have been
                                                                                          an error; it would reorder the
                                                                                                                     Clause, and that the executive or-
                                                                  thrust into a frantic race to   political community in ways the   der did not contradict the Consti-
          2              6th Floor                                file  complex  applications   Fourteenth Amendment was ad-  tution but implemented it.
           
     
        	
     
         
                with U.S. Citizenship and   opted to prevent.          Justice Alito wrote separately
                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="35"><![CDATA[IMMIGRATION                                                               JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 35























































        to stress practical and policy concerns, though   “these questions may not be properly before   prevailed, the multigenerational implica-  to use executive power to narrow that guar-
        he agreed with the core constitutional reason-  us. But their answers are undeniably import-  tions would have been staggering. If X, born   antee and to reopen settled questions about
        ing of Thomas and Gorsuch. He accepted the   ant to a Nation committed to a view of citi-  in the United States decades ago to parents   who is American. It also restores a clear line
        premise that “subject to the jurisdiction” in-  zenship open to all children born here to par-  now  classified  as  outside  the  Fourteenth   between the political branches: whatever de-
        corporates a concept of allegiance and lawful,   ents who can call this country their home.”  Amendment’s protection, was never a citi-  bates may arise in Congress about the outer
        non-transient presence. He argued that, in a   Layered over these doctrinal disagree-  zen at birth, then X could not have lawfully   edges of citizenship, the President cannot, by
        modern context of large-scale unauthorized   ments was a deeper dispute about the nature   passed citizenship to Y. If Y is not a citizen,   unilateral order, rewrite the constitutional
        migration and what he termed “birth tour-  of citizenship itself. The majority and con-  Y cannot transmit citizenship to Z. Family   and statutory rules that have defined the na-
        ism,” it is reasonable to interpret the Clause   currences treated citizenship as a founda-  trees that stretch back for generations in the   tional community for more than a century.
        so that birthright citizenship does not extend   tional status that must be stable, knowable,   United States would be legally reimagined   Trump and many of his supporters en-
        to  the  children  of  those who  deliberately   and insulated from day-to-day politics. They   as never having produced a single American   vision mass deportations as a way to reshape
        evade the immigration laws or enter solely to   viewed the Citizenship Clause as a hard-won   citizen. Many who championed the execu-  the country’s demographic and political fu-
        secure citizenship for a child. Alito’s dissent   guarantee, adopted in direct response to   tive order in the name of restricting immi-  ture. What Trump v. Barbara underscores is
        emphasized that the Constitution should   Dred Scott and the exclusion of Black Amer-  gration might have awoken to find that their   the peril in trying to achieve that goal by tam-
        not be read to “lock in” what he viewed as   icans from the political community, meant to   own citizenship, and that of their children   pering with the foundations of citizenship
        unintended consequences of a broad jus soli   fix in the Constitution a clear, objective rule   and grandchildren, rested on the very un-  itself. Had the Court blessed the executive
        rule. He suggested that the political branches   for who belongs. The dissents, by contrast,   derstanding of the Fourteenth Amendment   order, it would have created the legal and
        must retain flexibility to respond to contem-  cast citizenship as more contingent and mal-  they sought to undo.  conceptual space to question the citizenship
        porary problems, and saw Trump’s order as a   leable, something that can be recalibrated   By rejecting that path, the Court has   of millions, including many who never imag-
        permissible exercise of that flexibility. While   to reflect current policy concerns about mi-  allowed the United States to dodge a con-  ined their status could be in doubt. By instead
        he disclaimed any desire to strip citizenship   gration and enforcement. Under that vision,   stitutional bullet. Trump v. Barbara confirms   reaffirming  the  Fourteenth  Amendment’s
        from those long recognized as Americans,   the meaning of “subject to the jurisdiction”   that citizenship acquired by birth on U.S.   broad and inclusive promise, the Court has
        his framework did not supply a clear con-  becomes a tool for shaping the membership   soil, subject to U.S. law, is not a revocable   preserved not only the rights of today’s new-
        stitutional barrier against future retroactive   of the polity rather than a safeguard against   privilege but a constitutional guarantee. It   borns, but also the stability and integrity of
        efforts; instead, he gestured to reliance inter-  its manipulation. Had the dissenters’ view   closes the door, at least for now, on efforts   American citizenship across generations.
        ests and administrative practicality as reasons   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
        to proceed cautiously
            Gorsuch also wrote a separate brief   Cyrus D. Mehta, a graduate of Cambridge University and Columbia Law School, is the Managing Partner of Cyrus D. Mehta
        dissent, in which he suggested that Trump’s   & Partners PLLC in New York City. Mr. Mehta is a member of AILA’s Administrative Litigation Task Force; AILA’s EB-5 Com-
        executive order might violate the Constitu-  mittee; former chair of AILA’s Ethics Committee; special counsel on immigration matters to the Departmental Disciplinary
        tion as it applies to the children of undocu-  Committee, Appellate Division, First Department, New York; member of the ABA Commission on Immigration; board member
        mented immigrants who intend to live in the   of Volunteers for Legal Services and board member of New York Immigration Coalition.  Mr. Mehta is the former chair of the
        United States permanently. “If those parents   Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council and former chair of the Committee on Immigration and Nationality
        are not domiciled here,” Gorsuch queried,
        “then where are they domiciled? And if the   Law of the New York City Bar Association. He is a frequent speaker and writer on various immigration-related issues, including
        answer is nowhere,”  he continued, “how   on ethics, and is also an adjunct professor of law at Brooklyn Law School, where he teaches a course entitled Immigration and
        can we reconcile that conclusion with this   Work.  Mr. Mehta received the AILA 2018 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award for advancing the practice of immigration law
        Court’s longstanding recognition that every   and the AILA 2011 Michael Maggio Memorial Award for his outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the
        person is domiciled somewhere?” Because   immigration field. He has also received two AILA Presidential Commendations in 2010 and 2016.  Mr. Mehta is ranked among
        the challengers in this case have argued that   the most highly regarded lawyers in North America by Who’s Who Legal – Corporate Immigration Law 2019 and is also ranked
        Trump’s order is invalid in all circumstances,
        rather than just some, Gorsuch explained,   in Chambers USA and Chambers Global 2019 in immigration law, among other rankings.

                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="36"><![CDATA[Business Strategy with Hirav Shah                                         JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 36


                  AIDA: The 4-Step Formula That





                      Turns Attention into Revenue





           AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. It is one of the most enduring persuasion
                      models in marketing because it aligns perfectly with human decision psychology



                                                                                                              4. Was your call to action specific and
                                                                                                                strong?
                                                                                                              5. Can you identify where customers
                                                                                                                drop off — Attention, Interest,
                                                                                                                Desire, or Action?
                                                                                                                  If  you  cannot clearly answer
                                                                                                              these, your AIDA flow needs refine-
                                                                                                              ment.
                                                                                                                  “Audit communication like you
                                                                                                              audit  finance.  Revenue  leaks  often
                   HIRAV SHAH                                                                                 begin with weak messaging.”
           n today’s crowded marketplace,                                                                       5 Practical Tips to Apply AIDA
           attention  is  everywhere  —  but
        Irevenue is selective.                                                                                1. Write headlines for Attention, not
                                                                                                                information.
            Brands run ads, publish content,
        launch campaigns, and invest heavily   Before changing your product or increasing your advertising budget, review whether your message is   2. Use real examples to build Inter-
                                                                                                                est.
        in digital marketing. Yet many entre-  actually moving customers from Attention to Interest, Interest to Desire, and Desire to Action (File photo)   3. Quantify benefits to create Desire
        preneurs face the same frustration:                                                                     (time saved, profit increased, risk
        engagement is high, but conversions   out a clear, confident call to action,   first we notice, then we understand,   reduced).
        remain low.                       the customer hesitates. “Buy Now,”   then we want, and finally we decide.  4. Keep one clear Action — avoid
            The gap often lies in structure —   “Register Today,” or “Book a Strat-  If your marketing is generating
                                                                                                                multiple confusing options.
        and that structure is called AIDA.  egy Call” must remove ambiguity.   visibility but not sales, the solution   5. Test and refine — AIDA improves
            AIDA stands for Attention, In-  Clarity drives commitment.      may not be more budget or more
        terest, Desire, and Action. It is one   According to Business Strate-  content.                         with measurement.
        of the most enduring persuasion   gist  Hirav  Shah,  one  of  the  biggest   It may simply be better sequenc-   Frequently
        models in marketing because it aligns   misconceptions in marketing is that   ing.
                                                                                                                      Asked Questions
        perfectly with human decision psy-  a great product automatically gener-  Because when attention is struc-  1.  Is AIDA outdated in the AI era?
        chology.                          ates strong sales. In reality, custom-  tured strategically, revenue becomes   No. AI accelerates content cre-
            The  first  step  is  Attention.  In   ers move through a decision-making   predictable — not accidental.
        a scrolling economy, capturing at-  journey before they buy. “I’ve seen   Hirav Shah believes that many   ation, but human psychology still fol-
                                                                                                              lows AIDA.
        tention is the hardest task. Strong   businesses invest significant amounts   businesses immediately blame pric-  2.  Can AIDA work for B2B businesses?
        headlines, compelling visuals, sur-  in advertising, branding, and promo-  ing, competition, or market condi-  Yes. Even corporate decisions
        prising statistics, or bold statements   tions, yet struggle to convert interest   tions  when  sales  decline.  However,   move through awareness, evaluation,
        stop people from moving past your   into revenue because one stage of   the real issue often lies in communi-  motivation, and commitment.
        message. Without attention, even the   the AIDA framework was missing or   cation. Before changing your product   3.  Where do most businesses fail in
        best offer remains invisible.     weak. Even an excellent product can   or increasing your advertising bud-  AIDA?
            The second step is Interest. Once   underperform if the communication   get, review whether your message
                                                                                                                  At the Desire and Action stages
        you have attention, you must build   sequence is broken. Marketing is not   is actually moving customers from   — they inform but don’t persuade.
        relevance. This is where businesses   just about reaching more people; it’s   Attention to Interest, Interest to De-  4.  Is AIDA only for advertisements?
        explain the problem clearly, present   about guiding the right people to-  sire, and Desire to Action. Improv-  No. It applies to websites, sales
        context, and show understanding of   ward making a confident decision.”  ing this sequence can often produce   pitches, presentations, emails, and
        customer pain points. Interest trans-  “Most marketing fails not be-  better results than simply spending   even investor decks.
        forms curiosity into engagement.  cause the product lacks value, but   more on marketing.             5.  How  often  should  businesses  re-
            The third step is Desire. Infor-  because the persuasion journey is
        mation  alone  does  not  convert  —   incomplete. AIDA ensures that      Quick AIDA Self-Test        view AIDA structure?
                                                                                                                  Every campaign. Structure de-
        emotion and value do. Desire is built   communication  flows  logically  from   (5-Minute Exercise)   termines conversion.
        when customers clearly see how your   awareness to revenue.”            Review your last marketing cam-
        product or service improves their sit-  In the AI era, content creation   paign and answer:
        uation. Whether it saves time, reduc-  has become faster than ever. But   1. Did the headline truly grab atten-  Hirav Shah is the Global Business
        es cost, increases revenue, or simpli-  speed without structure does not   tion — or was it generic?   Strategist, Game Changer, and Author
        fies life, the benefit must be tangible   convert. Algorithms may amplify   2. Did you clearly explain the cus-  of 19+ books—trusted worldwide for
                                                                                                                validating big decisions of entrepre-
        and compelling.                   reach, but psychology drives action.  tomer’s problem?                neurs, sportsmen, and entertainers.
            Finally  comes  Action.  This  is   AIDA continues to work be-  3. Did you show measurable benefits
        where many campaigns fail. With-  cause  it  reflects  how  people  think:   to create desire?          Email : Business@hiravshah.com


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="37"><![CDATA[JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 37











































































































                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="38"><![CDATA[EYE ON BOLLYWOOD                                                          JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 38


          ‘Satluj’ Sparks a National Row:




                     The Film, the Ban and the





                                  Battle Over History





            From certification disputes to human rights, free speech and Punjab’s troubled past, Diljit

         Dosanjh’s Satluj has ignited one of India’s most contentious film controversies in recent years.



        OUR BUREAU                                                                                            right to tell difficult stories, while actor
                                                                                                              Ranvir Shorey described the removal
        Mumbai
                                                                                                              as “utterly disappointing.” Former
                 hat  was  expected  to  be                                                                   cricketer Harbhajan Singh praised
                 a powerful biographical                                                                      Khalra’s courage in exposing alleged
        Wfilm  on  the  life  of  human                                                                       human rights violations, writing that
        rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra                                                                  “Truth cannot remain buried forever.”
        has instead become the centre of a                                                                        Diljit Dosanjh himself said he
        nationwide debate over censorship,                                                                    had  anticipated  that  the  film  might
        historical memory and freedom of                                                                      face restrictions. “What I had already
        expression.Just two days  after pre-                                                                  expected is exactly what happened,”
        miering on ZEE5, Satluj, starring                                                                     he said during an Instagram live ses-
        Diljit Dosanjh, was taken down from                                                                   sion after the film was removed. He
        the streaming platform in India, trig-                                                                revealed that uncertainty surrounding
        gering sharp reactions from political                                                                 the project had influenced the team’s
        leaders, filmmakers, actors and mem-                                                                  promotional strategy, saying they be-
        bers of the Sikh community.                                                                           lieved extensive publicity might have
            At the heart of the controversy                                                                   prevented the release altogether. De-
        lies a disagreement over whether the                                                                  spite the setback, the actor expressed
        film was released without completing   Originally titled Ghallughara, it was later renamed Punjab 95 during the certification process   satisfaction that audiences had al-
        the required certification process and                                                                ready watched and downloaded the
        whether its removal amounts to the                  before finally being released as Satluj (File)    film,  adding  that  community  screen-
        suppression of an important chapter                                                                   ings  at  gurdwaras had  brought  him
        in India’s recent history.        tention largely because of the sub-  screened, not banned.”         immense joy.
            According to the Ministry of In-  ject  matter. Satluj tells  the  story of   The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Man-  The actor also described the proj-
        formation and Broadcasting, the film   Jaswant Singh Khalra, the Punjab   agement Committee also criticised   ect as the culmination of nearly seven
        did  not  possess  the  required  certifi-  human rights activist who exposed   the removal, saying Khalra’s work   years of work marked by repeated
        cation for theatrical release. Ministry   alleged illegal killings and secret cre-  exposed evidence of thousands of al-  delays, halted shoots and production
        officials alleged that instead of com-  mations during the militancy and   leged illegal cremations and helped   challenges. Director Honey Trehan,
        plying  with  the  certification  process,  counter-insurgency period in Punjab   bring international attention to events   he said, had dedicated years of re-
        the  filmmakers  changed  the  title   during the late 1980s and early 1990s.  in Punjab. The committee announced   search and personal commitment to
        and released the film directly on an   Khalra disappeared in 1995 and was   plans for public screenings and ed-  bringing Khalra’s story to the screen.
        OTT platform. The Ministry further   allegedly kidnapped, tortured and   ucational seminars to ensure the   The controversy has also revived
        claimed  that  the  certification  body   killed by Punjab Police officials. Fol-  story continued to reach audiences.  discussion about the film’s long jour-
        had recommended nearly 100 cuts   lowing a Supreme Court-ordered CBI    Political reactions quickly followed   ney to release. Originally titled Ghal-
        and said no representation seeking   investigation, several policemen were   across party  lines.  Shiromani  Akali   lughara, it was later renamed Punjab
        approval or reconsideration had been   convicted, with the Supreme Court   Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal   95  during  the  certification  process
        received before the release.      ultimately upholding life sentences   described the removal as “an assault   before finally being released as Satluj.
            Following the developments,  for four of the accused in 2011.   on our collective memory, truth, and   According to reports, the film eventu-
        ZEE5 announced that Satluj would      Supporters of the film argue that   freedom of expression,” while Pun-  ally secured clearance after multiple
        remain unavailable in India until fur-  the story represents an important ac-  jab  Assembly  Speaker  Kultar  Singh   changes, including 21 cuts and a title
        ther  notice while it  explored  “every   count of alleged human rights viola-  Sandhwan and AAP MP Malwinder   change, before its release on ZEE5.
        appropriate avenue through due pro-  tions and should remain accessible to   Singh Kang also criticised the decision.   As the debate continues, Satluj
        cess” to restore the film for audiences.  the public.               Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh   has become more than just a film. It
        The platform later reiterated that it   Congress leader Pargat Singh   Dhillon said the matter was being tak-  now sits at the intersection of certi-
        stood firmly behind the film and its   said films dealing with alleged misuse   en up with the Central government.  fication  rules,  artistic  freedom,  his-
        creative vision  while  acknowledging   of state power should not be banned   Several  prominent  figures  from   torical accountability and competing
        the overwhelming audience response   because they offer society an oppor-  the film industry also voiced concern.  narratives  over  how  India’s  difficult
        it had received after release.    tunity for reflection and reform. He   Filmmaker Onir questioned whether   past should be remembered and pre-
            The controversy has drawn  at-  argued  that  such  a  film  “should  be   storytellers were surrendering their   sented to the public.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="39"><![CDATA[BOLLYWOOD GUP-SHUP                                                        JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 39




                   Bollywood Gup-Shup















          PRIYANKA CHOPRA                                                   RASHMIKA MANDANNA


          Star unveils ‘The Cycle Of Love’ trailer                          Shoots India’s first female-led underwater fight sequence
          A       ctor-producer   Priyan-                                                                          ctor Rashmika  Man-


                  ka
                                                                                                                   danna has wrapped up
                       Chopra
                  has shared
                                                                                                             water action sequence  for her
          the  trailer  of  The                                                                            Ashooting a major under-
          Cycle of Love, a                                                                                    upcoming  film  ‘Mysaa.’  Ac-
          documentary     that                                                                                cording  to the  makers,  it  is
          she has executive                                                                                    India’s first female-led under-
          produced.  The  film                                                                                 water fight sequence, with the
          revolves around the                                                                                 actor performing the stunts
          real-life love story of                                                                             herself without using an action
          Indian artist P Mah-                                                                               double. The makers of the up-
          anandia, who cycled                                                                              coming film, shared a glimpse of
          nearly 6,000 miles from                                                                        the sequence on social media along
          India to Sweden in the                     1970s  to reunite                                 with behind-the-scenes (BTS) pictures
          with the woman he loved. Along with the trailer, Priyanka an-                           from the shoot. As per a release, Rashmika
          nounced that the documentary will release in theatres on August   spent nearly 20 hours underwater over two days to complete the
          28 in the US and September 18 in the UK. She also said that       sequence.
          release dates for more countries will be announced soon. Shar-        Sharing the update, the makers wrote, “India’s First Female
          ing the trailer on X, Priyanka spoke about what drew her to the   Underwater Fight Sequence, led by @rashmika_mandanna. The
          story. “When I first heard the story of the extraordinary journey   Surface Was Never the Limit. Beneath the depths lies a battle unlike
          of @PKMahanandia1 riding a cycle across continents for love,      anything Indian cinema has seen. Get ready to witness the fury.”
          I was immediately stunned. It’s one of those rare, almost unbe-
          lievable true stories that stays with you long after you hear it.     Rashmika also shared her experience of filming the sequence
          Directed by #orlandovoneinsiedel, @cycleoflovefilm is both a      on her Instagram Stories. Calling it the toughest challenge of her
          sweeping adventure and a deeply human story about resilience,     career so far, she wrote, “I know I’ve been MIA but this is what
          hope, and the courage to follow your heart.”                      we’ve been doing.. This is by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever
                                                                            had to do in life! We are crazy for this but that’s what’s gotten me
              She also shared her excitement about the film’s release and   so so excited! Let’s goooo! #Mysaa.”
          why she believes the story will connect with audiences.

          HUMA QURESHI

          Actor expresses gratitude for positive response to ‘Baby Do Die Do’

                  ctor Huma Qureshi expressed her happiness at the positive reception for her movie ‘Baby Do
                  Die Do’ in Kashmir. While talking to the media, Huma Qureshi expressed her gratitude, saying,
          A“First of all, my entire cast is here. We just came to say thank you to Kashmir because our film
          is playing over here and we are getting so much love. So we wanted to come and thank you ourselves.”
              An action-thriller, ‘Baby Do Die Do’, opened in theatres on Friday, July 3, featuring Huma Qureshi
          in the lead as a professional female assassin. The movie showcases Huma as a hitwoman who kills people
          with her umbrella stealthily in public places.

              Riding the momentum of her latest release ‘Baby Do Die Do’, where she essays the role of a deaf-mute
          assassin, earlier, Qureshi reflected on the evolving landscape of women in action.





                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="40"><![CDATA[HEALTH & WELLNESS                                                         JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 40


         Wellness Tourism Surges as Travellers                                                                      UK Woman


                                                                                                                Found with 38
                     Prefer Health Over Holidays                                                               Brain Parasites




                 ellness tourism is witness-                                                                    After India Trip
                 ing unprecedented growth
        Was an increasing number                                                                                    42-year-old British woman
        of travellers are replacing tradition-                                                                A
                                                                                                                    has shared her extraordinary
        al sightseeing and shopping-focused                                                                         battle with neurocysticerco-
        vacations with  experiences  centred                                                                  sis, a rare parasitic brain infection,
        on health, mindfulness and holistic                                                                   after doctors discovered 38 parasites
        well-being. Industry experts say the                                                                  in her brain following a trip to India.
        trend reflects a broader shift towards                                                                The woman, Lowri Denman, believes
        purposeful travel, driven by rising                                                                   she contracted the infection during
        health consciousness and changing                                                                     a three-month visit to India in 2007.
        consumer priorities.                                                                                  Her story has drawn international
            Travel operators report  growing                                                                  attention to the disease, which is one
        demand for wellness retreats offering                                                                 of the leading preventable causes of
        yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, digital                                                                   epilepsy worldwide.
        detox programmes, nature immersion                                                                        Denman first noticed something
        and preventive healthcare. Rather                                                                     unusual in 2010 when she passed a
        than packed itineraries, tourists are                                                                 metre-long tapeworm. Although ini-
        increasingly opting for slower, immer-                                                                tial medical tests appeared normal,
        sive experiences that promote physi-  is no longer confined to luxury resorts.   sustainable tourism practices. Industry   her condition worsened over the fol-
        cal and mental rejuvenation.      Hotels, homestays and tour opera-  stakeholders believe this behavioural   lowing  year  with  severe headaches,
            Industry estimates indicate that   tors are expanding their offerings to   shift is encouraging destinations to de-  seizures and speech difficulties. Brain
        wellness tourism is emerging as one   include  fitness  activities,  nutritious   velop infrastructure that balances tour-  scans eventually revealed 38 parasit-
        of  the  fastest-growing  segments  of   cuisine, spa therapies, forest walks,   ism growth with environmental conser-  ic cysts, leading doctors to diagnose
        the global travel industry. The sector   mindfulness sessions and cultural   vation and community well-being.  neurocysticercosis. She underwent
        is being fuelled by travellers seeking   experiences that encourage deeper   With consumers placing greater   years of treatment with anti-parasitic
        stress relief,  improved work-life  bal-  engagement with local communities.   emphasis on preventive healthcare   drugs, steroids and anti-seizure med-
        ance and meaningful experiences af-  Multi-generational families, solo trav-  and mental wellness, experts expect   ication. The illness also caused brain
        ter years of fast-paced lifestyles and   ellers and young professionals are   wellness tourism to remain a key driv-  inflammation, anxiety, psychosis and
        pandemic-induced  health  awareness.   among those driving the demand.  er of the travel industry in the coming   prolonged hospitalisation before she
        Destinations offering integrated well-  The growing popularity of “slow   years.  As  destinations  continue  to   gradually recovered and returned to
        ness programmes, sustainable hospi-  living” has also reshaped traveller   diversify their offerings, wellness-fo-  work in 2022.
        tality and personalised health services   preferences. Visitors are increasingly   cused travel is poised to evolve from a
        are attracting both domestic and in-  choosing longer stays in tranquil desti-  niche segment into a mainstream com-  According to the World Health
        ternational visitors.             nations over rushed itineraries, prior-  ponent  of  global  tourism,  redefining
            Experts note that wellness travel   itising rest, digital disconnection and   the way people experience holidays.  Organization, neurocysticerco-
                                                                                                              sis is caused by the larvae of the
        Gut Health: Scientists Link Microbiome Changes to Healthy Ageing                                      pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.


              he gut microbiome undergoes   has been associated with slower di-  develop age-related diseases. Sci-  Infection occurs when micro-
              significant  changes  after  the   gestion, bloating, weakened immu-  entists believe preserving microbial   scopic tapeworm eggs are ingested
        Tage of 45, potentially influenc-  nity, chronic low-grade inflammation   diversity could improve resilience   through contaminated food, wa-
        ing digestion, immunity, metabolism   and metabolic disorders.      against chronic illnesses and support   ter or poor hygiene. The larvae can
        and overall healthy ageing, according   According to nutrition experts,   healthier ageing trajectories.  travel through the bloodstream and
        to  emerging  scientific  evidence.  Ex-  ageing alone accounts for only a part   Health experts recommend con-  lodge in the brain, where they form
        perts say these changes, while partly   of these changes. Nearly 70 per cent   suming  30–35  grams  of  fibre  daily   cysts that may remain symptom-free
        driven by biology, are largely shaped   of microbiome alterations are linked   through vegetables, fruits, whole   for years before triggering seizures,
        by lifestyle, making midlife a critical   to modifiable factors including diet,   grains and legumes, alongside fer-  headaches or other neurological
        window for preventive action.     physical activity, sleep, stress, medi-  mented foods such as yoghurt, idli   complications.
            The gut microbiome comprising   cation use and chronic illnesses. Di-  and dosa. Regular physical activity,   Medical experts emphasise that
        trillions of bacteria, fungi and other   ets high in ultra-processed foods and   adequate sleep, stress management   the disease is preventable through
        microorganisms plays a vital role in   sugar can accelerate microbial imbal-  and cautious use of antibiotics can   proper sanitation, safe food han-
        nutrient absorption, immune regu-  ance,  whereas  fibre-rich  foods  and   further support gut health.  dling, clean drinking water and good
        lation and maintaining the intestinal   regular exercise help restore healthy   Researchers emphasise that con-  personal hygiene. Denman, who has
        barrier. Research suggests that with   bacterial diversity.         sistent lifestyle changes made during   remained seizure-free since 2017 but
        age, microbial diversity declines,    A recent review in Nature Re-  midlife can help maintain a healthier   continues  lifelong  epilepsy  medica-
        beneficial  bacteria  such  as  Faecali-  views  Endocrinology  highlights  that   microbiome and reduce the risk of   tion, is now sharing her experience
        bacterium and Akkermansia reduce,   the gut microbiome influences mul-  age-related health complications lat-  to spread awareness and encourage
        while potentially harmful microbes   tiple gut-organ pathways and may   er in life.                   early diagnosis of this rare yet poten-
        become more prevalent. This shift   determine  how  individuals  age  and                             tially life-threatening condition.


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                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="42"><![CDATA[TRAVEL & TOURISM                                                          JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 42


         Google and Govt. Partner to Digitally                                                                     Saudi Arabia


                                                                                                                      Launches
             Transform India’s Tourism Sector                                                                     ‘Package Visa’


                                                                                                                for International
           n a major step towards modernis-
           ing India’s tourism industry, the                                                                           Tourists
        IMinistry of Tourism and Google                                                                            audi Arabia has introduced a
        India have signed a Memorandum of                                                                          new Package Visa service that
        Understanding (MoU) to enhance                                                                        Sallows eligible international
        the digital promotion of the country’s                                                                travellers  to  book  flights,  accommo-
        tourism destinations. The collabo-                                                                    dation, tourist visas and travel expe-
        ration  aims  to  leverage  artificial  in-                                                           riences through a single digital plat-
        telligence (AI), data-driven insights,                                                                form, marking another step in the
        digital marketing, and emerging tech-                                                                 Kingdom’s efforts to position itself as
        nologies to boost India’s tourism econ-                                                               a leading global tourism destination
        omy and improve visitor engagement.                                                                   under its Vision 2030 strategy. The
            The agreement, signed in the
        presence of Union Tourism and Cul-                                                                    pilot programme is being rolled out
                                                                                                              through authorised travel and tour-
        ture Minister Gajendra Singh Shek-                                                                    ism providers in selected international
        hawat, establishes a framework for                                                                    markets, including India.
        cooperation in digital tourism pro-                                                                       The integrated service enables vis-
        motion, knowledge sharing, capacity                                                                   itors to complete their travel planning
        building, and the use of innovative                                                                   in one transaction instead of booking
        technologies. The initiative will help   with the government’s vision of pro-  and promotional strategies.  flights,  hotels  and  visas  separately.
        showcase India’s cultural heritage,   moting tourism under the Incredible   Officials  emphasised  that  the   Packages can include return airfare,
        natural attractions, and travel experi-  India  campaign  through  technolo-  partnership  is  non-commercial,  accommodation at licensed hotels,
        ences to domestic and international   gy-driven solutions.          non-binding, and carries no financial   electronic visa processing, and option-
        audiences through Google’s digital    As part of the collaboration,   implications for either side. By com-  al cultural experiences, entertainment
        platforms.                        Google India will provide insights   bining government initiatives with   events and guided tours, creating a
            Speaking  at  the  event,  Shek-  into global travel trends, traveller be-  Google’s technological expertise,
        hawat said that digital technologies   haviour, and digital engagement pat-  the collaboration seeks to strength-  more seamless visitor experience.
                                                                                                                  Saudi officials said the initiative is
        have the potential to create immer-  terns. The company will also support   en India’s global tourism presence,   designed to reduce paperwork, simpli-
        sive experiences that allow travellers   training programmes for Ministry of-  attract more visitors, and contribute   fy travel arrangements and encourage
        to discover and engage with India’s   ficials in digital marketing, campaign   to the long-term growth of the tour-  tourists to spend more time exploring
        rich cultural and historical legacy.   optimisation, content creation, and   ism economy through innovation and   destinations across the Kingdom. The
        He added that the partnership aligns   AI-based tools to improve outreach   digital transformation.
                                                                                                              programme also strengthens collabo-
                      AP AIMS TO BECOME INDIA’S FIRST                                                         ration between government agencies
                                                                                                              and travel operators while enhancing
                            AI-POWERED TOURISM STATE                                                          convenience for international visitors.
                                                                                                                  The Package Visa builds on a
                                                                                                              series of tourism reforms introduced
              ndhra Pradesh has unveiled an   The government said the move   nomic growth and generate employ-  in recent years, including the tourist
              ambitious plan to become In-  is part of its broader strategy to posi-  ment through tourism. Authorities   e-Visa, visa-on-arrival facilities and
        Adia’s first AI-powered tourism   tion Andhra Pradesh as a technolo-  believe AI-enabled services will help   the Stopover Transit Visa.
        state with the launch of NiVU AI, a   gy-driven tourism destination capable   create a more inclusive and accessible
        digital platform designed to transform   of attracting both domestic and inter-  travel experience while improving ser-  These measures have contrib-
        visitor  experiences  through  artificial   national travellers. The AI-powered   vice delivery across the sector.
        intelligence, data-driven services and   platform is expected to enhance oper-  Tourism experts have welcomed   uted to strong growth in Saudi
        personalised travel assistance.   ational efficiency, improve destination   the initiative, noting that the adop-  Arabia’s tourism sector, with
            The initiative, launched by the   management and strengthen the state’s   tion of artificial intelligence could set
        Andhra Pradesh Tourism Depart-    digital infrastructure for tourism.  a benchmark for other states seeking   the country welcoming more
        ment, seeks to integrate AI across the   According to officials, NiVU AI   to modernise tourism services. If im-  than 29 million inbound visi-
        state’s  tourism  ecosystem  to  provide   will offer end-to-end travel assistance   plemented successfully, the project
        travellers with customised itineraries,   by providing personalised recommen-  is expected to strengthen Andhra   tors in 2025.
        multilingual support, real-time rec-  dations based on user preferences,   Pradesh’s competitiveness in India’s
        ommendations and seamless access to   helping tourists discover lesser-known   tourism  landscape  and  establish  a   Initially, the pilot is available
        destinations, accommodation, trans-  attractions alongside popular destina-  model for digital  transformation  in   in selected markets such as India,
        port and local experiences.       tions. The platform is also expected to   the sector.               Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan,
            Officials  said  the  platform  will   support local businesses by increasing   The government said additional   Bangladesh and Mexico, with a wider
        leverage advanced analytics to im-  their digital visibility and connecting   AI-enabled features and partnerships   global rollout expected in the coming
        prove tourist engagement while en-  them with a wider visitor base.  will be introduced in phases as part   months. Travel packages currently
        abling authorities to make informed   The initiative aligns with Andhra   of its long-term roadmap to build a   begin at around SAR 4,000, covering
        policy decisions based on visitor   Pradesh’s vision of leveraging emerg-  smart, sustainable and globally com-  flights, accommodation, visa process-
        trends.                           ing technologies to accelerate eco-  petitive tourism ecosystem.    ing and curated tourism experiences.


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="43"><![CDATA[STUMP VISION                                                              JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 43


                         The Boy Who Knew No Fear:




          One Swing That Announced Cricket’s



                                              Next Generation




          By making his international debut at 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi became the second-youngest player

                   from a Full Member nation to play men’s international cricket, behind Pakistan’s Hasan Raza

                                                                                                              a strong impression during practice
                                                                                                              sessions. Morkel described his per-
                                                                                                              formances in the nets as smooth and
                                                                                                              highly impressive. When the oppor-
                                                                                                              tunity finally arrived in Manchester,
                                                                                                              Sooryavanshi looked completely at
                                                                                                              home on the biggest stage.
                                                                                                                  The  significance  of  his  debut
                                                                                                              stretches beyond Indian cricket. By
                                                                                                              making  his  international  debut  at
                                                                                                              15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi
                  ARCHAN MEHTA                                                                                became the second-youngest player
                                                                                                              from a Full Member nation to play
             ome debuts begin quietly. Vai-                                                                   men’s international cricket, behind
             bhav Sooryavanshi’s began with                                                                   Pakistan’s Hasan Raza. He joins an
        Sa six that shook Old Trafford.                                                                       exclusive list that includes names such
            Under grey Manchester skies,                                                                      as Mushtaq Mohammad, Aaqib Javed
        with thousands watching and millions                                                                  and Tendulkar. Every young prodigy
        waiting, a 15-year-old walked out to                                                                  follows a different path. Some fade
        open the batting for India against En-                                                                away under expectation while others
        gland. On the other end was one of the                                                                build legendary careers. History of-
        fastest bowlers in world cricket, Jofra                                                               fers both examples. What separates
        Archer. It was a moment designed to                                                                   Sooryavanshi is that he already looks
        test nerves. Archer charged in and                                                                    like a cricketer shaped by the modern
        fired a short ball aimed at the body.                                                                 T20 era; fearless, inventive and natu-
        Most debutants, especially teenagers,                                                                 rally aggressive, yet technically sound
        would have looked to survive. Vaibhav                                                                 enough to succeed across formats.
        had other ideas. He went down on                                                                          Comparisons with Tendulkar are
        one knee and pulled the ball over fine                                                                inevitable because of the age record,
        leg for a stunning first-ball six. In that                                                            but their first international moments
        single shot, the youngster announced                                                                  could not have been more different.
        himself to international cricket in un-  Every young prodigy follows a different path. Some fade away under expectation while others   When  Tendulkar  debuted  in  1989,
        forgettable fashion. At just 15 years                                                                 he battled through 24 balls to score
        and 99 days, he also became India’s                    build legendary careers (File photo)           15 runs  before being  dismissed  by
        youngest men’s international cricket-                                                                 Waqar Younis. His greatness was
        er, breaking a 37-year-old record held   game, but never fear the bowler. That   While his attacking style grabs head-  built on patience, discipline and re-
        by Sachin Tendulkar.              fearless mindset has quickly become   lines, it is his game awareness and will-  markable consistency over two de-
                                                                                                              cades. Sooryavanshi represents a
            For those who have followed   his biggest trademark.            ingness to learn that have impressed
        Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise, the fear-  His rise has been anything but   those working closely with him.  different generation. His first scoring
                                                                                                              shot in international cricket cleared
        less stroke came as no surprise. His   accidental. Representing the Rajas-  India’s  team  management  also   the boundary. It reflected the confi-
        journey through the Indian Premier   than Royals, Sooryavanshi impressed   deserves credit for handling the teen-  dence of young cricketers who have
        League over the last two seasons has   everyone with his clean ball-striking,   ager carefully. Despite growing calls   grown up playing T20 cricket with-
        been  built  on  attacking the biggest   quick footwork and remarkable abil-  for his inclusion during the series, the   out carrying the fear of reputations.
        names  in  world  cricket  without  hes-  ity to read pace at such a young age.   selectors and coaching staff resisted   While no teenager  should  be  bur-
        itation. Whether it was Jasprit Bum-  Coaches  and  teammates  repeatedly   rushing him into the international   dened with comparisons to one of the
        rah, Pat Cummins, Trent Boult, Lungi   praised not only his talent but also his   side. Even when India’s batting strug-  greatest players ever, Sooryavanshi
        Ngidi or Shardul Thakur, Sooryavan-  calmness under pressure. He showed   gled, they remained patient. Bowling   has already shown that he possesses
        shi repeatedly made headlines by hit-  that age was simply a number when he   coach Morne Morkel publicly ex-  something every champion  needs:
        ting the very first ball he faced from   consistently dominated experienced   plained that the team wanted to con-  complete belief in his own ability.
        elite bowlers for six. It is a remarkable   international bowlers in the IPL. More   tinue backing its established players
        pattern  that  speaks not just  about   importantly, he displayed maturity   while allowing Sooryavanshi time to   Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to
        confidence  but  about  preparation.   in handling the enormous attention   develop. Behind the scenes, howev-  telling compelling stories about athletes,
        His approach is simple: respect the   that naturally followed every innings.   er, the youngster was already making   teams, and the world of cricket


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com]]></page><page Index="44"><![CDATA[STUMP VISION                                                              JULY 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 44


                        From 199 Strike Rate to




            the Bench: The Shocking Drop





                                        of Sanju Samson






        When the squad for the Zimbabwe tour was announced without Samson, it started a major debate. The BCCI

               claimed Samson was just being “rested” to manage his workload, but cricket experts did not buy it


        ARCHAN MEHTA

           n the tough world of international
           cricket, yesterday’s hero can easi-
        Ily become today’s forgotten man.
            In July 2026, India’s selectors
        shocked fans by leaving wicketkeep-
        er-batter Sanju Samson out of the
        T20I squad for the tour of Zimba-
        bwe. This came as a huge surprise be-
        cause Samson had just been named
        the Player of the Tournament at the
        T20 World Cup in March, where In-
        dia won the title. During that tourna-
        ment, he was in incredible form, scor-
        ing 321 runs with an amazing average
        of 80.25 and a massive strike rate of
        199.38. His big knocks in the knock-
        out matches, like his 97 not out against
        the West Indies and 89s against En-
        gland and New Zealand, made him
        look like a permanent star in India’s
        new team under captain Shreyas
        Iyer and coach Gautam Gambhir.
            This  amazing  run  came  after  a
        very  difficult  time.  After  struggling
        in a series against New Zealand ear-  From a team management perspective, dropping a proven match-winner after just three bad games can make the rest of the players feel very
        lier in January, Samson talked with
        Sachin  Tendulkar  to  fix  his  mental                                    insecure (ANI file photo)
        preparation and approach. The ad-
        vice  worked.  He  carried  that  confi-  Chester-le-Street.  Worried  by  this   Critics pointed out that since Samson   ping Samson also left the top order
        dence into IPL 2026, where he moved   sudden slump, the team manage-  only plays T20Is for India, he did not   with too many left-handed batsmen,
        to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)   ment took action. Before the next   need rest. Instead, it was clear that   making it easier for opponents to
        and became their best batsman. He   match in Manchester, coach Gautam   coach Gautam Gambhir preferred   bowl against them. To fix this, selec-
        scored 477 runs in 14 matches. Along   Gambhir had a long, supportive talk   to pick players based on immediate   tors should give tournament heroes a
        the way, he broke MS Dhoni’s old   with  Samson  on  the  field.  Samson   form rather than past success, giving   guaranteed run of 8 to 10 matches so
        franchise record for the most runs by   was then left out of the team, al-  chances to other players like Prabh-  they can play without fear.
        a CSK wicketkeeper in a single sea-  lowing  15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav   simran Singh and Ishan Kishan.  Ultimately, elite  sport is  a  bru-
        son, reached 5,000 career IPL runs,   Sooryavanshi to make his debut as   From a team management      tal business where past reputations
        and smashed a brilliant 115 not out   India’s youngest-ever international   perspective, dropping a proven   mean nothing once you step onto
        against the Mumbai Indians at the   cricketer.                      match-winner after just three bad   the field. While testing young talent
        Wankhede Stadium.                     When the squad for the Zim-   games can make the rest of the play-  is important for the future, keeping
            However, cricket can change   babwe tour was announced without   ers feel very insecure. Veteran bowl-  your best players feeling secure is
        very  fast,  and  Samson’s  form   Samson, it started a major debate.   er Ravichandran Ashwin warned   just as vital for winning. Samson has
        dropped quickly during India’s tours   The BCCI claimed Samson was just   that when players fear losing their   bounced back from career-threaten-
        of Ireland and England. In Ireland,   being “rested” to manage his work-  spot, they stop playing with a fearless,   ing  slumps before, and his  talent is
        he scored just 5 and 0 as India suf-  load, but cricket experts did not buy   team-first attitude. Instead of trying   still world-class. For Sanju Samson,
        fered a historic 0-2 series loss. Things   it. They said using the word “rested”   to hit a quick 50 off 25 balls, a bats-  the road back to the top requires
        did not get better in England, where   was just an easy way to hide that a   man might play safely and take 32   turning this latest setback into the ul-
        he made only 1 run from 7 balls in   player had actually been dropped.   balls just to protect his place. Drop-  timate comeback setup.


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