Poonam Pandey and Sam Bombay face ₹100 crore defamation suit

Poonam Pandey and Sam Bombay face a hefty defamation lawsuit, reportedly amounting to ₹100 crore, as per a recent report by the Times of India. The legal action stems from a controversial incident earlier this month where Poonam Pandey orchestrated a fake death stunt. It's alleged that this stunt not only trivialized the seriousness of cancer but also manipulated emotions for publicity.

According to the Times of India, Faizan Ansari filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Kanpur police, accusing both Poonam and Sam of conspiring to fake her death and thereby making light of the gravity of cancer. Ansari demanded their arrest and appearance in court.

In the FIR, Ansari stated, "Poonam Pandey and her husband Sameer Bombay have fabricated a false conspiracy of death. Along with this, they have made a joke out of diseases like cancer. Poonam orchestrated the drama for publicity and played with the emotions of millions of Indians and the Bollywood film industry." Additionally, Ansari mentioned his intention to pursue legal action against them, seeking ₹100 crore in damages.

The incident in question occurred on February 2, when Poonam Pandey purportedly announced her death from cervical cancer via her official Instagram handle. This announcement, corroborated by her manager, garnered widespread attention. However, the following day, Poonam reappeared on Instagram, revealing that her death was staged to raise awareness about cervical cancer.

In an Instagram video clarifying the situation, Poonam stated, "I am alive. I didn't die of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, I can't say that about those hundreds and thousands of women who have lost their lives because of cervical cancer." She further elaborated on the disease's seriousness and the need for awareness.

The timing of this stunt coincided with the announcement that the Indian government planned to include the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 in the national immunization program. Subsequently, the All India Cine Workers filed an FIR against Poonam Pandey for her actions.

Food waste? Not here. Meet the Indian chef who’s turning food scraps into gourmet bites

New Delhi: While nearly a third of all food produced globally goes to waste, contributing to around 6 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Executive Chef Davinder Kumar of Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi is on a mission to transform food scraps into gourmet delicacies. 

Kumar, with over 50 years of culinary experience, noticed a significant waste of fruits and vegetables during his career, estimating nearly 10 per cent
going unused in hotels. Determined to make a change, he drew inspiration from his childhood when his grandmother and mother utilized every bit of ingredients, respecting food and avoiding waste.

"Food abundance, coupled with shifting lifestyles and readily available convenience options, has fueled a surge in food waste. We must pause and reflect on this issue, especially considering those struggling with food insecurity just beyond our doorstep," urges Kumar.

In his efforts to combat food waste, Kumar focuses on the processing and utilization of food scraps in his kitchen. Recognizing the various stages of waste in the production process, he concentrates on the last two: food processing and leftovers after serving.

Kumar and his team meticulously collect, wash, clean, and chop food scraps from various hotel pantries and kitchens. These scraps are then transformed alongside other ingredients into delectable dishes that defy expectations.

There's no trace of 'scraps' in the final product," Kumar explains, "they're seamlessly woven into the recipes.

To share his knowledge and experiences, Kumar authored the book "Second Meals: Art of Cooking through Food Scraps," featuring 150 creative recipes ranging from smoothies and salads to main courses and desserts.

Emphasizing the nutritional value of scraps, Kumar's tagline for the book is "maximize nutrition, minimize waste." He encourages people to adopt mindful thinking around food and embrace environmentally friendly practices.

Kumar, once an unconventional choice for a career in the culinary arts, now trains junior chefs and students to cook using food scraps. He believes that behavioural and mindset training is as crucial as practical demonstrations.

To address the broader issue of food waste, Kumar advocates for measures like portion control, smaller plates, interactive cooking, and customized, smaller portions in hotels. He also emphasizes the importance of giving away leftover food to local charities.

As a part of his initiative against food waste, Kumar donates leftover meat and bones to animal shelters. He envisions taking this campaign to a national level, becoming a guiding reference for future generations in the fight against food waste.

Love's Symphony: A Woman's Heart Sings for a Man of Respect and Trust

     In the tapestry of love, a tale unfolds,

Of a woman's heart, where true love moulds.

She seeks a man, not just a fleeting flame,

But one who weaves respect into love's sweet game.

A woman loves a man who cares,

Whose tender touch, her burdens bear.

Yet in that care, a balance finds its place,

Respecting her essence, with a gentle grace.

For in the dance of love, a rhythm rare,

Is found in spaces, where each has air.

She yearns for a love that's not confined,

Where trust and freedom beautifully bind.

A man who understands the silent plea,

To grant her space, like a wild, untamed sea.

Not a caged bird, but soaring high,

In the vast expanse of an endless sky.

Respect becomes the cornerstone,

In the love they build, where seeds are sown.

Her privacy cherished, a sacred domain,

In love's sanctuary, where hearts remain.

Should the paths of love diverge and part,

She yearns for understanding, not a wounded heart.

A man who trusts, even when ties may sever,

Not maligning her character, a love so clever.

In the tapestry of love, they find their way,

Navigating storms, come what may.

For a woman loves a man with a heart so true,

Built on respect, trust, and love anew.

String of Tragedies Continues as Another Indian Student Found Dead in Cincinnati

Third Indian student death in the US raises concerns, cause remains unknown

In a distressing turn of events, another Indian student has been discovered dead in Cincinnati, adding to a series of tragedies involving Indian students in the United States. The cause of death remains unknown, intensifying concerns within the Indian community and prompting the Indian Consulate in New York to step in to assist the grieving family.

The victim, identified as Mr. Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, was a student of Indian origin in Ohio. The circumstances surrounding his demise are currently under investigation by local authorities, with the cause of death yet to be determined. The Indian Consulate in New York expressed its regret over the incident and confirmed its ongoing support for the family.

"Deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Mr. Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, a student of Indian origin in Ohio. Police investigation is underway. At this stage, foul play is not suspected. The Consulate continues to remain in touch with the family and is extending all possible assistance to them," stated the Indian Consulate in New York.

This tragic event follows the recent death of Neel Acharya, a student pursuing a double major at Purdue University in Indiana. Acharya was reported missing on Sunday and was later confirmed dead on January 30. The university expressed deep sorrow over his passing, with the exact cause of death remaining unknown.

Chris Clifton, interim head of the university’s Computer Science Department, mourned Acharya's loss, stating, "It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students Neel Acharya has passed away. The leadership in the Department of Computer Science expresses our profound sorrow for his passing. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected."

The sequence of tragedies began with the brutal murder of 25-year-old Vivek Saini, who had recently earned an MBA degree in the U.S. Saini was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia state’s Lithonia city. The assailant, Julian Faulkner, was caught on camera striking Saini nearly 50 times on the head with a hammer.

Expressing deep anguish, the Consulate General of India in Atlanta condemned the attack on Vivek Saini, stating, "We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of Indian National/student Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case."

The Consulate extended support to Saini's family, providing consular assistance in sending his mortal remains back to India and maintaining communication with the grieving family. The spate of incidents involving Indian students in the U.S. raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the community, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and support systems for students studying abroad.