New Delhi: The Left Front on Monday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, which includes leaders such as outgoing Lok Sabha member Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya and CPI(M) central committee member Minakshi Mukherjee.Out of 192 seats, CPI(M) will contest 142 seats, Forward Bloc (21), RSP (13), CPI (14), RCPI (1) and MCP (1).Bhattacharya will contest from Jadavpur constituency in south Kolkata, while Mukherjee, the youth representative of the Left Front, will contest from Uttapara in Hooghly district.Mukherjee emerged from Nandigram in the 2021 elections, finishing third behind the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.The Left Front has also fielded Sabina Yasmin from Kaliganj.Yasmeen’s 6-year-old daughter Tamanna was killed in an improvised bomb blast at a victory rally during the counting of votes in June last year’s by-election, which was won by the TMC.Left Front president Biman Bose said candidates for the remaining seats will be finalized and announced in three to four days.“This fight is against the neo-fascist forces in the country, the authoritarian activities in our country and the suffering that the people face as a result,” Bose said at a press conference announcing the 192 candidates.“We will also work to revive left politics and strengthen the left in the state,” he added.Bose said 28 constituencies have fielded women candidates and more women candidates will be appointed in the remaining seats.Bose said the CPI(ML) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) will field candidates as prospective candidates, adding that apart from this, some independents and important figures will also be on the Left Front’s list.The ISF contested the 2021 assembly elections under a seat-sharing arrangement with the Left Front and won one seat – Bhangar in South 24 Parganas. PTIThe upcoming elections are seen as a battle for survival for the CPI(M)-led West Bengal Front, which ruled the state uninterrupted for 34 years until 2011 but failed to win a single seat in the 2021 assembly elections.The state assembly polls will be held from April 23 to 29 and counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Green Card News: The country will grant visa-free entry to U.S. green card holders, H-1B Indians
The Argentine Immigration Service said in the updated regulations that U.S. green card holders and some U.S. select visa holders cannot enter Argentina without a visa. The move is aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and making it easier for travelers to enter the country, as the country expresses confidence in the U.S. documentation process.
What are the new visa-free entry regulations?
Green card holders from the United States can enter Argentina without a visa if all other requirements are metAnyone holding a valid B1/B2, B2, J, B1, O, P (P1, P2 and P3), E and H-1B does not need a visa as long as they meet other conditions.
Which countries will be subject to the new immigration rules?
First, U.S. green card holders can now enter Argentina without a visa. The new immigration rules also apply to nationals of China, India and the Dominican Republic, depending on the purpose of travel.ChinaVisa-free entry applies to:
- A valid U.S. visa in the B1/B2, B2, J, B1, O, P (P1, P2, or P3), E, or H-1B categories, or
- Effectively America. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
IndiaVisa-free entry applies to:
- A valid U.S. visa in the B1/B2, B2, J, B1, O, P (P1, P2, or P3), E, or H-1B categories, or
- Valid U.S. permanent resident card (green card)
Dominican RepublicVisa-free entry applies to:
- Effectively America. B1/B2, B2, J, B1, O, P (P1, P2 or P3), E or H-1B category visa, or
- Effectively America. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Other visa holders must obtain an Argentina visa in advance. Matias Celatti, principal counsel at immigration services firm Newland Chase, said: “This regulatory update provides additional flexibility for travelers who already hold qualifying U.S. immigration documents. By recognizing U.S. visas and permanent resident cards as alternative documents of entry, Argentina reduces administrative requirements and helps facilitate international mobility.”
“For employers managing global mobility programs, this change may simplify short-term travel planning for eligible employees while maintaining compliance with Argentine immigration rules. Organizations should still confirm eligibility and ensure travelers can cross the border with confidence with valid documentation before departure,” Serrati said.
Spain vs Argentina ‘Finalissima’ match in Qatar canceled due to tensions in the Middle East
The 2026 Qatar Football Festival, which includes the planned Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain, has been canceled due to ongoing travel disruption and airspace closures, organizers said.In a statement, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and UEFA and CONMEBOL confirmed that the planned event in Qatar will no longer go ahead as planned. The 2026 Qatar final was originally scheduled to be held at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.“The local organizing committee, together with UEFA and CONMEBOL, have decided to cancel the 2026 Qatar Football Festival. As a result, the original program of events in Qatar, including the 2026 Qatar Final match between Argentina and Spain at the Lusail Stadium, will no longer be held in Doha as originally planned,” the Qatari team said in a statement.Organizers said the decision was made due to airspace disruptions and travel restrictions impacting the ability of fans, players and officials to travel.“With airspace disruptions and travel restrictions still affecting the ability of many fans, players and officials to travel, it was agreed that rescheduling the games is the most appropriate course of action at this time. The LOC welcomes the opportunity to host UEFA and CONMEBOL events in the future.”Organizers also said fans who purchased tickets for the Qatar Football Festival will automatically receive refunds.“All fans who purchased tickets for the Qatar Football Festival will automatically receive a full refund within 30 days to the original method of payment.”International fans who purchased travel packages through travel agencies will be contacted directly regarding refunds, the statement added.“We will be contacting international fans who purchased travel packages through travel agents directly to inquire about refunds.”
America’s war with Iran: Donald Trump backs Mark Levin in internal MAGA conflict with Megyn Kelly
A war of words between conservative commentators Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin over U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran escalated on Sunday, with Kelly accusing Levin of “micromanaging.”Levine, described as a longtime Tehran hawk, appeared to kick off the latest exchange by expressing displeasure with Kelly’s statements against the conflict, The Independent reported.“Poor Megyn Kelly,” he wrote on X (Twitter). “She was an emotionally disturbed, lustful, willful person. She completely exposed and destroyed herself.“She was everything people said she was but worse. Never had an intelligent, thoughtful or substantive comment. Totally toxic.”Kelly responded: “Mark Levin thinks he has a monopoly on obscenity. He uses the rudest, most obscene terms about me on Twitter.”“More than some stalkers I’ve arrested. He doesn’t like it when women like me fight back. His micro-p****.”Levine responded: “Sunday morning was busy for Megyn Kelly. She woke up and had ‘micro-pee’ on her mind.”“All I’m saying is, if it talks like a whore, posts like a whore, then it’s… well, you know the rest. Shalom!”President Donald Trump later intervened in support of Levine on his platform, The Truth Society.“Mark Levin, a truly great American patriot, is somewhat under siege by others who have far less intelligence, ability and love for our country than he does,” the president said. He praised Levin as “tough, strong and brilliant” and noted that fellow Fox host Sean Hannity gave him the nickname “The Great One.”Trump continued: “He is a true conservative and intellectual, much smarter than those who criticize him, but most importantly, he is a man of wisdom and common sense who truly loves our country.“When you hear others unfairly attack Mark, please remember that they are jealous and angry human beings whose ‘influence’ is much less than the public understands, and, now that they know where I stand, their influence quickly diminishes.”Levine and Kelly have a history of bitter feuds on the platform, with Levin calling Kelly an “evil, narcissistic lunatic” earlier this month.Late last year, Levin attacked her after she defended MAGA activist Jack Posobiec, who he accused of having ties to anti-Semites and called Posobiec, Kelly and right-wing influencer Candace Owens “very sinister liars.”Kelly retaliated by calling him an “old, angry anti-Christian lunatic,” before Levin dismissed the trio as “woke empire lunatics and bigoted bigots.”As the feud continued, Levine referenced an earlier culture war controversy involving Kelly: “Meg Kelly, whose ratings were so bad at NBC that she became the butt of jokes, was fired for promoting blackface on Halloween.“You see, she’s always been a depraved bigot. That’s why she’s friendly with Candace Owens and Jake Posobiek. That’s why she’s drooling over Cattelson [Tucker Carlson]”.Kelly responded: “You are just upset because I am not afraid of you or your baseless slander. You are an old, irrelevant, bitter, angry person who will never be on prime time on Fox News.”“We used to laugh at you for getting red-faced and throwing a tantrum over something.”
‘I have spoken to Mahi bhai’: Samson breaks silence with Dhoni for first time
New Delhi: Sanzhou Samson Expressed his excitement at finally sharing the dressing room with the legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the upcoming indian premier league season. Although Samson has spoken to Dhoni before and met him during the national team training camp, he said this will be the first time they will actually play together in the same team.“I have spoken to Mahi bhai on the phone many times and met him during the Indian team’s training camp, but this will be the first time that I will actually play alongside him in a team, so I am very excited,” Samson told PTI.
He believes spending a full season with Dhoni will be a great learning experience. “Every time he called or we met, there was always something positive to take away. But being in a team with him for two months saw firsthand how he dealt with issues. cricket Preparing for competition is a huge benefit for me. I was really happy and thought it was a great opportunity to learn from him. “
Still processing India’s T20 World Cup win
Samson also spoke about India’s victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, admitting that the moment still feels surreal. The match was played in India and Samson played a key role in the team’s victory.“Not yet, I still think, when I get up in the morning, I think, ‘Did this really happen’. So to be honest, that’s what it feels like. But I feel in the coming years, with the quality of players in our country, it’s going to happen again. The number of players that are playing in India are definitely going to do it more and more frequently,” he told broadcasters. BCCI Awarded in New Delhi.Samson scored 321 runs at a strike rate of nearly 200 in just 5 innings and was named the Player of the Tournament. His performances included a match-winning score of 97 against West Indies at the Super Eight stage, followed by 89 against England in the semi-finals and another 89 in the final against New Zealand.Looking back on his journey, Samson describes it as unpredictable and exciting. He continued, “You can only dream of where you want to go, but you can’t definitely be on the path to it. So my life or my career is one of the best examples. I wanted to do this a few years ago. I wanted to win the World Cup for my country, but it had its own plan, its own script. So, it was more like a movie. I loved it.”He explained that his mindset changed once he focused more on helping the team rather than personal goals. “As I said before, I wanted to do something like this and then I was dropped from my journey and then all of a sudden, the team wanted me to come and contribute and that’s when something mentally shifted in me… I think, before that, in the New Zealand series, the focus was all about me,” he added.
Mohammed Siraj Unexpected World Cup Stories
Samson’s story is not the only surprising story in India’s title run. Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has also had an unlikely trophy journey. He was not part of the original team until Harshit Rana was ruled out due to injury.Looking back on that moment, Siraj said: “I didn’t make the initial squad, then I got it, played one game and now I’m part of two World Cup-winning teams. I would say it’s a miracle for me.”
Meningitis outbreak at Kent University: 2 dead, students queuing for antibiotics – what we know so far
An outbreak of meningitis in the Canterbury area of Kent has killed two young people and left several others seriously ill, prompting a massive public health response and emergency distribution of antibiotics to students and close contacts.Health officials said at least 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning, have been detected between Friday and Sunday, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).Authorities urged students and residents to be alert for symptoms, warning the illness could develop rapidly and become life-threatening within hours.
Two people confirmed dead
One of the victims was a student at the University of Kent and the second victim was a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Faversham.Both are believed to be between the ages of 18 and 21.The deaths have shocked the local education community, with schools and colleges offering support to affected students and families. Several other young people were reportedly hospitalized with severe symptoms.
There is a long queue to get antibiotics
Hundreds of people have lined up in Canterbury after health authorities began offering preventive antibiotics to students and others who may have been exposed to the infection.England’s Health and Safety Executive is identifying close contacts of infected people and advising them to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of further transmission.Reports show more than 30,000 students, staff and family members in the district have received guidance on symptoms and safety measures.The outbreak has also been linked to a night at a popular student nightclub in Canterbury in early March, but investigations are ongoing.
What does the University of Kent say?
The University of Kent said it was “deeply saddened” by the death of one of its students.A spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”The university added that it is working closely with public health teams to ensure students and staff receive the advice and support they need.Officials said the safety of students and staff remains the institution’s top priority.
Exam canceled
The University of Kent has canceled all in-person exams as a precaution while authorities continue to monitor the outbreak.Campuses remain open, but this move was taken to reduce gatherings and allow health teams to focus on controlling the spread of infection.
what is meningitis
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, but bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form.In severe cases, the infection may spread into the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called sepsis.Symptoms to watch out forHealth authorities say people should seek emergency medical help if they notice the following symptoms:
- sudden high fever
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- Vomiting or nausea
- Sensitive to bright light
- cold hands and feet
- muscle and joint pain
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- epileptic seizure
- Rash that does not fade when pressed
Experts warn that the disease can worsen quickly, so early treatment is crucial.
Why students may be at higher risk
Public health experts say college students and young adults are among those most at risk.Bacteria are spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing drinks, which are common situations where people live, study and socialize in close proximity.
Brampton man Udayveer Dhillon arrested over fraud scheme targeting South Asians with temporary immigration status
A 21-year-old Brampton man has been arrested after police uncovered an alleged fraud scheme targeting members of the South Asian community with temporary immigration status.Investigators with the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau said defendant Udayveer Dhillon was taken into custody on March 9 following an investigation that began in the summer of 2025.According to police, the central allegation in the case is that Dillon recruited individuals with temporary immigration status in Canada and encouraged them to participate in fraudulent activities involving banks and car dealers in the Peel Region.The recruits were led to apply for a variety of credit products, including high-value car loans, with no intention of repaying the money they borrowed, police said.“Investigators believe the defendant intended to use others to obtain credit products, including high-value auto loans, with no intention of repaying them,” police said in a news release.Authorities further allege that funds and vehicles obtained through the program were used for unauthorized use, resale, or export.“The funds and vehicles allegedly obtained were intended for unauthorized use, resale or export,” they said.Following the investigation, Dhillon was charged with attempting to commit a criminal offence. Police have not released further details about possible additional suspects or charges.Peel Regional Police said the arrest was made during March, Fraud Prevention Month. Officials urge residents to be alert to potential scams and to report suspicious activity.Police remind the public to stay aware of common fraud tactics, trust their instincts and stay away from situations that feel suspicious. We encourage anyone who believes they may have been the target of fraud to contact their local police department or report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Mr. Beast Oscar cameo explained as Conan O’Brien’s closing sketch leaves viewers confused
Closing moment Academy Awards Something happened this year that viewers didn’t expect. Just as the awards ceremony was coming to an end, a strange post-credits joke appeared in the broadcast, which left the audience thinking about it endlessly. It involves comedian and host Conan O’Brien, fictional office promotions, and the bizarre nameplate that suddenly transforms into Mr. Beast. Within minutes, social media was abuzz with questions. Is the internet’s biggest creator about to take over Hollywood’s most prestigious stage?
A joke in the end credits points out Oscar ‘ Youtube future
The moment feels like a parody of a Hollywood drama. Throughout the evening, O’Brien mocked the film industry while jokingly discussing the future of awards shows. At one point, he even referred to himself as “the last human host of the Academy Awards,” hinting at the changing media landscape. The final sketch took the idea further. In a dark comedic twist, inspired by a Sean PennO’Brien’s fictional “promotion” character “Lockjaw” quickly turns into a deadly office trap filled with green gas. When the smoke clears, cameras show a creepy replacement on the door panel. The new name is “Mr. Beast.”The joke works because it taps into the real transformation happening behind the scenes. The Oscars are gearing up for major broadcast changes. Starting in 2029, the awards show will reportedly be hosted exclusively on YouTube, ending a long-standing relationship with traditional television networks. The joke about Mr. Beast getting the job suddenly feels less casual. If the awards move to YouTube, who better to embody the power of the platform than its biggest creators?At the beginning of the show’s broadcast, the show had already ridiculed Internet culture. actor Jane Lynch Appears in a parody ad that looks like a confusing YouTube pre-roll. She marketed a tactical torch that was said to be “the same as the ‘Kill Bin Laden’ torch,” only to return soon after as an attorney involved in a bogus class action lawsuit against the product.Put together, these sketches form a clear message. Hollywood knows it must compete for attention in an online world shaped by creators and viral videos. References to MrBeast are an easy punchline, and his big stunts on YouTube often rival TV productions.Now, fans can rest easy. The plaque exchange is just a joke. Mr. Beast won’t actually host the Oscars next year. Still, the moment revealed a larger truth. The film industry is looking toward a digital future, and creators like him represent a new force in entertainment.
President Murmu commemorates Akshaya Patra’s 5 billion meals to commemorate 25th anniversary of foundation
As Akshaya Patra Foundation prepares to host its 5 billionth meal on March 17, Chairman Draupadi Murmu To mark this milestone, the occasion marks an important chapter in one of the world’s largest school feeding programmes. What started as just 1,500 meals at the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru in 2000 has grown into a nationwide initiative that currently feeds more than 2.35 million children every day. In this conversation, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, founder and chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation, discusses the organization’s 25-year journey and its work supporting school nutrition programs across India. He reviewed partnerships with the government under the PM POSHAN scheme, the role of technology in scaling up large-scale meal operations, and initiatives such as the Morning Nutrition Programme, which aims to strengthen the link between nutrition, education and long-term child development.1. With Draupadi murmu With the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s $5 billion meal set to be delivered on March 17, how important is this milestone to the organization and the scale of impact it has achieved so far?The 5 billion meal milestone is a profound moment not just for Akshaya Patra, but for India as well. When we started cooking 1,500 meals at the ISKCON Bangalore Temple in 2000, we could not have imagined where we would be 25 years later. We’ve been serving children for 25 years, and each of the 5 billion meals we serve represents our commitment to the world so that no child has to choose between food and education; instead, they get the best of both.We are honored to have Draupadi Murmuji, President of India, as our chief guest to mark this monumental milestone. Her presence is a strong testament to the fact that ensuring the nutrition and well-being of India’s children is a national priority. The 5 billion meal milestone proves that when compassion is combined with commitment, anything is possible.We also thank the Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhanagreed to be our guest of honor for this event.2. The foundation recently launched the Morning Nutrition Plan. What gaps does this initiative aim to address? How widespread has the initiative been implemented so far?The morning nutrition program is in line with our commitment to ensure that no child is deprived of an education because of hunger. We observed many children coming to school hungry. By implementing this program, we strive to address nutritional gaps in the morning.A child who starts school well nourished can truly make the most of educational opportunities. The Morning Nutrition Plan is our commitment to achieving this goal. We are currently implementing Morning Nutrition Programs in six states, reaching 800,000 children, and are working to expand the program to more locations.3. With millions of meals prepared every day, what processes are in place to ensure food safety, nutritional balance and quality control at every stage?At Akshaya Patra, we combine scale with systems to ensure high standards of hygiene, consistency and efficiency. A key element is automation, including equipment such as rice washing machines, dal cooking systems, vegetable cutters and dosa making machines, which minimize manual handling and enable the preparation of large quantities of food of consistent quality.We operate under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that manage procurement, storage, preparation and packaging. Raw materials are quality checked upon arrival and food safety protocols are followed throughout the cooking process. Regular internal audits and monitoring help maintain compliance with hygiene and nutritional standards.Technology-enabled monitoring systems help track production, ingredient utilization and daily meal needs, ensuring operational efficiency and reducing waste. Additionally, scientifically designed menus ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines while reflecting local tastes.Finally, a streamlined logistics system, supported by specially designed food delivery vehicles, ensures that freshly prepared meals arrive at schools on time, while maintaining quality and safety.4. The organization works closely with various state governments under the mid-day meal programme. How do these partnerships impact your field operations?Our partnerships with the Government of India and state governments are fundamental to our work. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, Narendra ModiPM POSHAN plans to continue strengthening the link between nutrition and education.As the executive partner of PM POSHAN, this partnership provides us with the majority of the funding needed to reach, empower and operate. The government provides the policy framework, maps our schools and supports meal cost donations. We bring an operating model, technology, a trained workforce and additional funding raised from corporate partners and individual donors. Thus, the government provides support in policy, grants and other important areas, while Akshaya Patra focuses on large-scale meal preparation, logistics and quality assurance. Our shared commitment enables us to plan, invest and operate with confidence.
5. As conversations around nutrition and education become more interconnected, how does Akshaya Patra see its role in supporting the holistic development of children beyond addressing hunger?Hungry children cannot concentrate, absorb, or will. Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly and focus better on their studies. When we provide meals, we don’t just address hunger. We are creating the conditions for learning and growth… allowing children to imagine the future.For girls, the impact is intergenerational. A well-bred, well-bred girl raised a well-bred, well-bred family. In this sense, our work is about more than just food. It’s about human potential.We also design and implement initiatives beyond meals to support the holistic development of children. These include the Give Every Dream a Chance program, which guides children to pursue their fields of interest, and the Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.6. The Organization has grown significantly over the past 25 years. What are some of the key milestones or shifts that will help accelerate this growth?In our 25-year journey, several milestones stand out.The first time was in 2003, when the Government of India took a landmark decision to invite NGOs as implementing partners of the Mid-day Meal (MDM) programme. It sets the stage for us to operate at a scale we wouldn’t be able to achieve on our own.Our partnership with state governments enables the program to expand across districts and reach children in different parts of the country. These partnerships are critical in adapting our operations to local needs while maintaining consistency in meal quality and delivery.Another important driver of growth is leveraging technology and operational innovation. The development of large-scale, technology-enabled kitchens and robust supply chain systems allows us to deliver nutritious meals efficiently, safely and at scale, helping us reach more children every year.The support of corporate partners and individual donors has also played a vital role in our journey. Their contributions have facilitated the creation of kitchen infrastructure, business expansion and program innovation, strengthening the public-private partnership model that underpins our work.Akshaya Patra’s work has been recognized with awards such as the Gandhi Peace Prize, National Child Welfare Award, Nikkei Asia PrizeBBC Global Food Champion Award, etc.1. Our systems and processes have become case studies at leading universities such as Harvard, Stanford and London Business School. In 20242, we celebrated the four billion meal milestone at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. We are lucky to have the President join us as we celebrate the 5 billion meal milestone on March 17 and complete our 25th anniversary. The encouragement of these outstanding leaders, as well as national and international awards and recognition, greatly enhances the credibility of the organization.These examples raise the profile of school feeding, increase stakeholder confidence and enable us to strengthen partnerships and reach more children over time.7. Technology and innovation have become central to large-scale initiatives to improve society. How does Akshaya Patra integrate these elements into its kitchen and supply chain systems?Technology and innovation play a key role in enabling us to deliver meals at scale efficiently and consistently. Every day, our kitchens prepare meals for 2.35 million children with precision and consistency, ensuring every meal meets nutritional standards. Our semi-automated kitchen uses large rice and dal pots and high-capacity roti making machines, allowing us to prepare large quantities of meals efficiently while maintaining hygiene and consistency. On the logistics side, we use route optimization and fleet management tools to ensure timely delivery across thousands of schools.Our goal is to provide the same quality and care to every child every day. Technology and innovation help us achieve this.8. Looking ahead, what will be the next phase of the foundation’s development focus in India and on the global stage?We strive to reach more children and enhance nutrition access. To this end, we intend to design and implement initiatives to supplement the midday meal programme. For example, the Morning Nutrition Plan ensures children start their day in a nutritious way and are ready to learn. Likewise, school revitalization programs create safe and hygienic dining spaces for children. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with government, institutional and philanthropic supporters to sustain and expand the program’s reach.Our goal is to support broader efforts to address classroom hunger and improve access to education globally through knowledge sharing and partnerships. In 2024, we partnered with Kenyan nonprofit Food4Education as a knowledge partner to share insights on kitchen operations and expansion strategies3. We will continue to build such partnerships and share our operational experience and scalable models with other countries to explore large-scale school feeding programs.Inspired by the success of Akshaya Patra, the World Food Movement was launched last year to take the idea of large-scale nutrition programs beyond India. The initiative aims to support students and communities around the world so that children can learn with energy and communities can thrive with dignity.refer to: Disclaimer – The above content is non-editorial and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, in connection therewith and does not warrant, guarantee or necessarily endorse any content.
How journalists became addicted to calling Donald Trump
In Washington, access to power often comes through carefully orchestrated press conferences and official requests for interviews. But for Donald Trump, the path seems to be the easy one, which is to dial a number on his phone — as simple as that Trump’s personal number has become one of the best-kept secrets in political journalism, according to multiple reporters. The president has fielded dozens of impromptu phone calls from reporters in recent weeks, often answering without screening callers and engaging in brief off-the-cuff conversations about everything from politics to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The result, Semafo reported, was a strange new media ritual in which reporters phoned the president directly in the hope that he would pick up. The calls reportedly come at any time — late at night when Trump can’t sleep, in a good mood after golfing, or in the evening while watching TV. Some reporters even tried it shortly after he posted on the social media platform Truth Social, arguing that this was when he was most eager to share his thoughts.Trump has given more than 30 cellphone interviews to media outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Report. Earlier this month, ABC News’ Jonathan Carr and Rachel Scott conducted separate interviews with him on the same day, during which Trump briefed them on the progress of Iran’s actions.The calls occurred at various times, including late at night when the president couldn’t sleep, at night when he was watching TV, in a good mood after playing golf, and early in the morning when he started posting on Truth Social, although he was sometimes “a little grumpy at that time.”A White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Trump did not take the calls seriously and sometimes used them for entertainment. When the president takes calls, the official said, “he often has his full attention, putting them on speaker in front of a large group of people, and he’s chatting leisurely and engaging with them and having a lot of fun.”“Reporters who call him thinking they are serious reporters are frankly doing themselves a disservice.”The Atlantic recently noted that “these interviews rarely have a lasting impact on the nation’s understanding of the war.”“I feel like Frodo with the ring on,” said one Washington reporter who has spoken with Trump over the years. “I knew it was dangerous, but it kept beckoning to me.”The report’s authors said that early last week, after reading the 50th exclusive phone interview with Trump, they began obtaining the president’s phone number and calling him without asking colleague Shelby Talcott to test the idea that having the number was the “holy grail” of journalism. The Atlantic reports that Trump’s phone number may be sold to the highest bidder.Trump’s personal cell phone use increased between terms, the report said, as he changed his Manhattan area code to a Florida number that began circulating and he began texting more frequently with friends, businessmen and influential Republicans.