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“From Rant to Relish: YouTuber Wins Over Chinese Food Critic with Authentic Indian Cuisine”

In a recent viral video, Indian YouTuber Passenger Paramvir addressed a Chinese woman’s critical comments about Indian food, resulting in a humorous yet enlightening exchange that has captured the internet’s attention. The clip features Paramvir engaging with the woman, who expresses her distaste for Indian cuisine, labeling it “very dirty.”

During their conversation, Paramvir takes the opportunity to critique Chinese food, prompting the woman to respond by showcasing a series of alarming street food videos from India on her phone. These videos included questionable food preparation methods, such as a man making dough balls with his armpits and another washing his hands over a cooking pan. As she scrolls through these clips, she challenges Paramvir’s assertion of Indian food’s superiority, stating, “The videos I have seen show that Indian food is very dirty.”

Take a look at the Video Here:

Despite the overwhelming evidence presented, Paramvir maintains a light-hearted demeanor. “Trust me, you won’t find any of this on the street,” he assures her, emphasizing that such instances are not reflective of the true culinary experience in India. He suggests that she visit a hygienic restaurant to better understand Indian cuisine.

To that end, Paramvir takes the woman to a local Indian restaurant, where they share a meal of dal makhni, shahi paneer, and naan. The video concludes with the woman tasting the food and exclaiming, “Yummy!” clearly enjoying the authentic flavors of India.

The video has garnered nearly a million views on X (formerly Twitter), with many praising Paramvir for his positive approach to countering negative stereotypes. One viewer remarked, “If they took bad, give them good. He changed her whole perspective towards India.” Another user added, “India definitely needs better PR! It’s unfortunate that some judge the entire cuisine based on a few videos.”

This exchange not only highlights cultural misunderstandings but also serves as a reminder of the power of open dialogue and culinary exploration in bridging gaps between cultures.

Sarojini: A New Biopic Brings the ‘Nightingale of India’ to the Silver Screen

Dehradun: The vibrant hills of Uttarakhand are buzzing with cinematic activity as the shooting of the much-anticipated film Sarojini begins. Centered around the life of Sarojini Naidu, a distinguished poet, freedom fighter, and political leader, the film aims to shed light on lesser-known aspects of her inspiring journey. Bollywood actress Indira Tiwari, recognized for her impactful roles in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bastar, and Serious Men, takes on the challenging role of Sarojini Naidu in this biopic.

Filming is currently underway at the scenic Arcadia Tea Estate in Premnagar, Dehradun. Over the next 45 days, the production will cover various locations across Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh and Almora, showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes. The muhurat shot, was graced by Madhu Bhatt, Minister of State for Culture, who expressed excitement over the film’s potential to highlight the historical significance of Sarojini Naidu’s life and her role in India’s freedom struggle.

The film’s unique angle lies in its promise to explore the lesser-known aspects of Naidu’s multifaceted life. Known as the “Nightingale of India” for her lyrical poetry, Sarojini Naidu was also a fierce freedom fighter, the first woman to serve as President of the Indian National Congress, and a prominent advocate for women’s rights. This biopic, directed by Vinay Chandra S—a renowned music composer from the southern film industry—aims to capture the complexities of her journey from poet to politician.

Indira Tiwari’s casting as the legendary Naidu has generated much buzz, as her previous roles have demonstrated a remarkable ability to embody strong, nuanced characters. Tiwari is joined by a talented ensemble, including veteran actress Zarina Wahab, television star Hiten Tejwani, and Sonal Monteiro, who will play a young Sarojini Naidu. Sabrina Khan is cast as Padmaja Naidu, Sarojini’s daughter and a key figure in India’s social and political spheres.

The production is also providing a platform for local Uttarakhand talent, with regional artists portraying Sarojini’s associates and supporting characters, bringing authenticity to the film. According to the producers, Charan Suvarna and Hemant Kumar, this collaboration with local artists is crucial for creating a film that not only narrates history but also uplifts regional cinema.

Presented by Hemant Enterprises and Visika Films, Sarojini holds the promise of a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement. With a rich cast, stunning locations, and a story that delves deep into the life of one of India’s most respected figures, the film seeks to be both educational and inspirational.

YouTube Launches Affiliate Shopping Program in India

YouTube has expanded its affiliate shopping program to India, offering creators a new revenue stream. Through collaborations with Flipkart and Myntra, creators can now tag products in videos, earning commissions on sales generated by their content. This move follows a similar initiative by Instagram, aiming to solidify YouTube’s presence in India’s e-commerce space.

Travis Katz, YouTube’s General Manager of Shopping, highlighted the platform’s commitment to a “marketplace vision” that builds trust between creators and audiences. “India’s robust growth in video content and e-commerce makes this a natural step,” he noted, emphasizing YouTube’s focus on boosting product discovery.

Also Read: Centre Expands Mudra Loan Limit to Rs. 20 Lakh, Adding ‘Tarun Plus’ to Empower Small Entrepreneurs

Creators in the YouTube Partner Program with at least 10,000 subscribers can enroll in the shopping initiative. Eligible creators will tag products from Flipkart or Myntra, with viewers redirected to these platforms for purchases. Ajay Vidyasagar, Regional Director, APAC for YouTube, said, “Creators have brought enormous innovation. The new revenue-sharing model strengthens engagement, particularly in video commerce.” Ravi Iyer of Flipkart added that the program enhances customer experience through trusted creator endorsements.

Centre Expands Mudra Loan Limit to Rs.20 Lakh, Adding ‘Tarun Plus’ to Empower Small Entrepreneurs

The Indian government has revised the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), doubling the maximum loan cap to Rs.20 lakh specifically for the newly created “Tarun Plus” category, aimed at fostering growth among established entrepreneurs. This category is for those who have previously availed loans under the “Tarun” segment and successfully repaid them, a move designed to promote sustainable small businesses, according to the Finance Ministry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed this increase, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Expanding the Mudra loan limit will aid MSMEs and other small-scale enterprises by ensuring they have the financial backing necessary for expansion. It underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for business growth,” Sitharaman said during her budget address in July.

The expansion of the Mudra scheme redefines the loan categories under PMMY, initially launched in 2015. With the addition of “Tarun Plus,” there are now four categories catering to varying levels of business maturity: ‘Shishu’ (up to Rs.50,000), ‘Kishore’ (up to Rs.5 lakh), ‘Tarun’ (up to Rs.10 lakh), and the latest ‘Tarun Plus’ (up to Rs.20 lakh). These structured categories are intended to provide micro-enterprises with incremental support as they progress through stages of growth and funding requirements.

The data underscores PMMY’s impact—over 48 crore loans worth Rs.29.79 lakh crore have been issued since its inception. These loans, provided by banks and non-banking financial institutions, are available to eligible MSMEs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and individual entrepreneurs. The new Rs.20 lakh ceiling is expected to further encourage entrepreneurship, empowering those in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors across India.

Union Finance Ministry spokespersons highlighted that “this loan increase aligns with our objective to fund the unfunded, propelling small entrepreneurs towards a self-reliant India”.

The updated loan categories offer a clear, scalable path for business owners, reflecting a shift in policy towards supporting established micro-entrepreneurs with a robust foundation, paving the way for economic and social impact across sectors.

450 Travelers Defrauded of Rs.9 Lakh in Lounge Access Scam

In a recent scam involving the fake “Lounge Pass” app, over 450 Indian travelers have reportedly lost a total of Rs.9 lakh, with one victim losing over Rs.87,000 at Bengaluru Airport. CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm, reported that the app lured users by promising airport lounge access, only to intercept SMS messages and siphon funds through unauthorized transactions. Travelers downloaded the app from links shared on WhatsApp, unknowingly granting it SMS permissions that enabled access to their OTPs and account details.

The case surfaced on social media, with victims recounting how scammers used call forwarding and OTP interception. In one instance, a woman reported her credit card was charged without her knowledge, suspecting the app accessed her phone settings. “The fact that 450 travelers have already fallen victim and over Rs.9 lakh has been stolen is deeply concerning,” said CloudSEK researcher Anshuman Das. “This is only one fraudulent app; similar scams may still be active.”

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Accelerates Subscriber Growth with 5G Plans and Network Expansion

To safeguard finances, experts advise travelers to download apps solely from official app stores, review app permissions carefully, and avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes. They also suggest booking lounge access through trusted credit cards or airport websites to minimize the risk of fraud.

No Easy Wins: Munde Gears Up for Tough Assembly Elections

Mumbai: In the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024, Dhananjay Munde, Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasized the gravity of the electoral challenge. “I don’t take any election lightly,” Munde asserted during a press briefing in Parli, where he filed his nomination for re-election from the Parli constituency, highlighting the demanding nature of earning voter trust every five years.

Munde, who previously defeated his cousin, Pankaja Munde, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, in the 2019 assembly elections, expressed confidence but acknowledged the competitive landscape. “It’s a fight, and no election is easy. I don’t even take the gram panchayat or municipal elections lightly,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to a vigorous campaign. His remarks reflect a keen awareness of the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra, especially following the split in the NCP led by Sharad Pawar.

As the election approaches, Munde’s party alliance is a focal point. He noted that the NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, is currently in a coalition with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Munde criticized the opposition, specifically the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), for not fielding a candidate against him thus far, quipping that their inability to present a challenger might indicate who is truly ensnared in a “chakravyuh” or a strategic predicament.

Also Read: The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?

Reflecting on the historical context, Munde’s victory in 2019 was significant as it showcased his political prowess in a constituency traditionally held by the Munde family. Now, with Pankaja Munde contesting in the Beed Lok Sabha seat, family ties and past rivalries add a personal layer to the electoral battle. Pankaja has expressed confidence in her chances, bolstered by family support, stating, “I will appeal for his help in the elections,” referring to Dhananjay’s influence.

As the political landscape evolves with the impending elections, Munde’s strategy seems rooted in recognizing the complexities of voter sentiment and the need for robust campaigning. The elections are not only a contest for seats but a test of political alliances and personal legacies, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown in Maharashtra.

The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?

Mumbai: In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Worli constituency has become a key battleground, with prominent candidates Aaditya Thackeray from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Milind Deora from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction vying for victory. Thackeray, a well-known figure and son of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, recently filed his nomination and expressed confidence in securing the people’s blessings for another term. He emphasized the positive atmosphere in the constituency, stating, “I am very confident that the people will bless me because we are about to form a government in Maharashtra for sure”.

Milind Deora, currently a Rajya Sabha MP and a former three-time MP from South Mumbai, was announced as the candidate for Worli just a day after Thackeray submitted his nomination. Deora’s candidacy is significant, given that the constituency was previously a stronghold for Thackeray, who won in 2019 by a considerable margin of over 67,000 votes. The 2024 elections, set for November 20, will see both candidates navigate the complexities of local issues and party dynamics as they seek to secure votes.

In a recent assessment, Thackeray’s performance as an MLA received mixed reviews, ranking him 29th in a legislative audit, indicating a gap between his popularity and his legislative engagement. However, he has been proactive in local initiatives, including infrastructure improvements and community projects. In contrast, Deora’s campaign strategy focuses on addressing the long-standing issues in Worli, particularly the redevelopment of old buildings and the completion of slum rehabilitation projects, which have faced delays for decades.

Sandeep Deshpande from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also enters the race, advocating for change and emphasizing local concerns, including inadequate infrastructure and the need for better education facilities. As the election date approaches, both Thackeray and Deora must effectively address the pressing needs of Worli’s diverse community while appealing to the electorate’s sentiments regarding past performances and future promises.

Also Read: Election Buzz: How Did Thackeray Jr’s Wealth Surge by Rs. 6 Crore in 5 Years?

“3,000 North Korean Soldiers in Russia: A New Threat in the Ukraine Conflict?”

In a striking development in the Ukraine conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on October 23, 2024, that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 troops to Russia. These soldiers are reportedly undergoing training in Russia’s Far East, focusing on drone operations and other military equipment, potentially positioning them for deployment in Ukraine.

Austin, speaking during his visit to Kyiv, characterized this military cooperation as a worrying escalation in the alliance between Russia and North Korea, with Pyongyang now supplying not just arms but also personnel. He stated, “What exactly they’re doing remains to be seen,” indicating that U.S. intelligence is actively monitoring the situation. Austin highlighted that North Korea’s involvement could significantly reshape strategic dynamics, with repercussions that may extend to the Indo-Pacific region.

Further insights were provided by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which reported to lawmakers that North Korea may aim to send a total of 10,000 soldiers by December. NIS Director Cho Tae-yong elaborated that these troops are currently receiving specialized training to support Russian forces directly on the Ukrainian front.

NATO also reacted, with spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah labeling the situation as a “significant escalation.” She noted that NATO allies are in discussions regarding the implications of North Korea’s involvement and will convene a briefing to address this development. The situation has prompted high-level discussions among U.S. and South Korean officials to strategize a response to this growing military cooperation, marking one of the most explicit alliances between Pyongyang and Moscow in recent years.

As international leaders evaluate the ramifications of this collaboration, the involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing Ukraine conflict underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new alliances.

Maha Parivartan Needed: Kharge Says BJP Left Maharashtra Farmers in Distress

With food inflation soaring in Maharashtra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has intensified his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of being the “biggest enemy of farmers.” He attributes the rise in prices to BJP’s policies, such as export bans on essential crops like onions and high export duties on soybeans, which he says have created distress for farmers and consumers alike. “The BJP’s ‘double engine’ government has left Maharashtra’s food plates empty,” Kharge claimed, stressing that inflation in staple foods has eroded household budgets.

Also Read: Farmers ‘Abandoned’ by BJP Government, Claims Kharge

Kharge highlighted Maharashtra’s increasing farmer suicide rate and drought-related struggles, condemning the BJP’s unmet promises of a drought-free Maharashtra through a promised Rs 20,000-crore water grid project. He asserted that this project turned out to be merely a “jumla,” leaving farmers and rural regions severely affected. Reports indicate that Maharashtra has witnessed a stark decline in sugarcane and cotton production, partly due to environmental and policy challenges that, according to Kharge, the BJP has failed to address effectively.

The Congress leader also took a swipe at BJP’s handling of the dairy sector, accusing the government of ignoring the crisis facing local milk cooperatives, a lifeline for rural communities. He alleged that, instead of supporting farmers, the government favors insurance companies with substantial subsidies while farmers continue to suffer without adequate compensation. Kharge’s remarks are resonating with Maharashtra’s agrarian communities, as he calls for a “Maha Parivartan” (great change) through the upcoming elections on November 20, where the state’s 288-member assembly will be elected.

The current political battle is heating up, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, facing off against the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. As Maharashtra heads to the polls, Kharge’s rallying cries for policy changes in support of farmers and affordable food prices are anticipated to shape the political discourse and voter sentiment across the state.

(Input from Agencies)

High Alert in Sri Lanka: Are Travelers at Risk from Rising Terror Threats?

In response to warnings from the United States and Israel of potential terrorist attacks on tourists, Sri Lanka has tightened security measures in popular tourist destinations like Arugam Bay and coastal resorts in the south and west. Both nations issued advisories urging citizens to avoid or leave these regions due to “credible threats.” The US Embassy’s advisory highlighted Arugam Bay, a well-known surfing area on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, while Israel’s National Security Council raised its travel alert level, urging Israelis to avoid the south and west coastal areas, citing specific concerns for tourist safety.

The heightened alerts come at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, which has been working to rebuild its tourism sector after setbacks from the 2019 Easter bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises. Although the exact nature of the threat has not been publicly disclosed, the US State Department’s updated advisory notes that American citizens should avoid locations where foreign tourists congregate, underscoring the risk to travelers.

In a recent statement, a Sri Lankan government official acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that security personnel had been deployed to reinforce safety in these areas. “We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both our citizens and foreign tourists,” the official assured, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment.

In addition, Sri Lanka’s police and military are actively monitoring suspicious activities, and local authorities have reportedly set up checkpoints around key tourist areas. However, specific details of the security measures remain undisclosed, likely for operational reasons.

With concerns over tourist safety rising, these advisories signal potential shifts in travel patterns in the region, affecting Sri Lanka’s tourism economy, which had only recently started to recover. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continue to advise caution to their citizens traveling to Sri Lanka until further notice.

(Input from Agencies)