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Trumpism’s first innocent victim

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Srinivas Kuchibhotla (left) and Alok Madasani

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Indian techie shot dead, his friend badly injured in Kansas bar hate killing

By Sujit Bhar

How the social fabric in the US has changed with President Donald Trump’s vitriolic tirade against immigrants and even his fight against H1B visas for technically skilled immigrants was evident in the shooting down of an Indian techie in Olathe, Kansas on February 22 night.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, engineers from India, worked at a tech company called Garmin, dealing in GPS technology, and were considered “top-of-the-class types” by their boss. Their only fault was being present at the restaurant at the same time when Adam Purinton, a 51-year-old American army veteran-turned tech worker, was around, drinking and hurling racial abuses. Purinton was shouting: “Get out of my country.”

The result of the inescapable confrontation, in which the two Indians were supported by Ian Grillot, an American, was that Purinton left for his home, returned with a gun and fired on the Indians. Kuchibhotla (32) died, while Madasani and Grillot were injured. Purinton, the coward that he obviously is, fled the scene.

The situation has gotten so out of hand that there is little fear or remorse among these semi-literate cowards in American society today. Purinton fled the scene of his shooting and landed at an Applebee’s restaurant in Clinton, Missouri, about 90 miles away some hours later. There, he confessed to the bartender, who reiterated later that Purinton had told him “he had killed two Middle Eastern men” and was looking for a place to hide.

The bartender had the sense to call the police and Purinton was taken into custody. He has been charged with premeditated murder and two counts of attempted murder.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1487937838202{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1487937879550{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}”]The Indian victims

Srinivas Kuchibhotla: A graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad; masters degree in electrical and electronic engineering, University of Texas, El Paso, 2007. First job: Software engineer at Rockwell Collins, then to Garmin International.

Alok Madasani: Graduated from Vasavi College of Engineering, Hyderabad. Masters from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Aviation program coordinator at Garmin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The scenario has created reverberations of fear, protest and disgust. Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj has tweeted: “We will make all arrangements to transport the mortal remains of Srinivas Kuchibhotla to Hyderabad.”

Condemning the shooting, the US embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Mary Kay Carlson in New Delhi said in a statement: “The United States is a nation of immigrants and welcomes people from across the world to visit, work, study and live. US authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case, though we recognize that justice is small consolation to families in grief.”

Yes, it is small consolation. It is also a situation in the US today that is getting more and more recognition around the world: a situation where intolerance is being bred among the illiterate and semi-literate extreme right wing masses, who cannot even tell the difference between citizens of a “Middle Eastern” country and highly educated and skilled Asian people who have added hugely to American wealth.

These are possibly direct fallouts of Trump’s weird and whimsical decisions, starting from the H1B Act that has raised the minimum salary package to US $ 130,000 and done away with Masters Degree exemption, to the travel ban (which was halted by federal courts but is expected to come back as a different avatar). It also reflects Trump’s hatred for stricter gun laws and its outcomes.

The bile today starts at the President’s Oval Office, trickling down to the common man, who doesn’t know any better. This regressive attitude of the administration can result in a huge section of the super high-tech industry of the country shifting focus to more favourable climates. Already Canada has shown interest in setting up its own version of Silicon Valley and Mexico has indicated that Indian techies were welcome there.

Indian tech companies have to readjust. If they can adjust with a haircut that will bring down their foreign income from over 60 percent from the US to a lot less (possibly upping their domestic commitments, as Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani has suggested), the overall dependence on US will decrease.

If the US is bent on its isolation from the global village, the globe will have to readjust and this will not benefit the Trump administration. World commerce will not exist in a vacuum.

Apart from IT, there are hundreds of thousands of highly educated Indians in other H1B field: Pharmaceuticals, teaching, robotics, etc. These, too, will be affected.

Howsoever much the lure of lucre, it cannot override personal safety, safety of family and a level of self worth and respect that is developed through education and proper upbringing. The final say, unfortunately, does not lie with the US.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Centre reassures farmers as India-US trade deal nears completion

The Centre has assured farmers that the upcoming India-US trade deal will not harm agriculture or dairy, while creating new export opportunities for India.

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farmer

As India and the United States move closer to finalising a major bilateral trade agreement, the Centre has sought to reassure farmers that their interests remain fully protected. Senior ministers on Wednesday said the proposed pact does not compromise sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy, while opening new avenues for Indian exports.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan dismissed opposition allegations that the deal could adversely affect domestic farmers. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, he said the agreement poses no risk to staple food grains, millets, fruits or dairy products.

“Farmers’ interests are paramount and non-negotiable,” Chouhan said, asserting that the government has ensured no provision allows sudden or disruptive entry of foreign agricultural products into Indian markets. He added that safeguards for both small and large farmers remain firmly in place.

Chouhan underlined that key agricultural commodities continue to be protected and that existing measures shielding Indian farmers from unfair competition will remain unchanged. According to him, the agreement has been shaped under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a clear focus on development and national interest.

Addressing concerns sparked by a recent social media post from a US official regarding greater access for American farm products, the Agriculture Minister said the matter had already been clarified in Parliament by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He reiterated that India has not opened its markets in a way that would put pressure on domestic producers.

At the same time, the government highlighted potential gains for Indian exports. Reduced tariffs under the agreement are expected to benefit sectors such as rice, spices and textiles. Chouhan pointed out that India already exports rice to multiple countries, including the US, with shipments valued at around Rs 63,000 crore. Increased textile exports, he added, would directly support cotton-growing farmers and allied industries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also indicated that the trade agreement is now in its final stages. In a post on X following his visit to the United States, he described the negotiations as productive and said the deal would mark a new phase in bilateral relations. He noted progress in areas such as critical minerals, while signalling deeper engagement in defence, energy and strategic cooperation.

Officials view the agreement as part of a broader effort to strengthen India-US economic and strategic ties amid global uncertainty. While detailed provisions are yet to be made public, the Centre has reiterated that farmer welfare remains at the heart of the negotiations.

In an emotional appeal, Chouhan referred to farmers as the nation’s “Annadata” and said serving them was equivalent to worship. He assured that the government would continue to stand firmly with farmers as India charts a new course in its trade relationship with the United States.

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India News

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot dead in daylight attack in Jalandhar

AAP leader Lucky Oberoi was killed in a daylight shooting in Punjab’s Jalandhar after attackers fired multiple bullets at him while he was inside his car.

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AAP LEADER Lucky oberoi

AAP leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Punjab’s Jalandhar on Friday after unidentified assailants opened fire at him near a gurdwara in the city.

According to initial information, Oberoi was inside his car near the Gurdwara Sahib in the Model Town area when attackers arrived on a two-wheeler and fired multiple rounds at him. Five bullets reportedly hit him during the attack.

He was rushed to a private hospital immediately after the shooting, but doctors declared him dead due to the severity of his injuries.

Attack near gurdwara, police launch investigation

As per preliminary details, Oberoi was parking his vehicle outside the gurdwara when the attackers struck. The shooting triggered panic in the area, prompting an immediate response from the local police.

A police team reached the spot soon after receiving information and has launched an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killing.

Political reactions after killing

Following the incident, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, strongly criticised the state government, alleging a collapse of law and order in Punjab.

In a post on X, Bajwa said the daylight killing of an AAP leader outside a gurdwara reflected the deteriorating security situation in the state. He questioned the government’s ability to protect citizens, claiming that fear and gang violence were gripping Punjab under the current administration.

Background

Lucky Oberoi was associated with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. His wife had earlier contested municipal elections as an AAP candidate but did not win.

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Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi to interact with students at 10 am today

PM Modi will address students across India at 10 am today as part of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, focusing on stress-free examinations and learning.

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Pariksha pe charcha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students from across the country on Friday at 10 am as part of the annual Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) programme. The 2026 edition continues the initiative’s focus on reducing exam-related stress and encouraging students to prioritise learning over pressure.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister invited students, parents and teachers to watch Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, noting that this year’s discussions will cover topics related to examinations, the importance of staying stress-free and maintaining focus on learning. He described the programme as a platform he enjoys, as it allows him to engage directly with young minds from different parts of the country.

Aligned with NEP 2020 vision

The Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises holistic development, mental well-being and a supportive learning environment. The programme seeks to transform how examinations are perceived by fostering confidence, positivity and celebrating the exam season as a learning festival rather than a source of anxiety.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Education, the Prime Minister has also shared his views on examinations and student well-being in his book Exam Warriors. Available in multiple languages as well as Braille, the book highlights the importance of self-belief and open conversations around stress so that children can enjoy a balanced and fulfilling childhood.

Student participation in pre-event activities

Conceptualised by the Prime Minister, Pariksha Pe Charcha introduces new and engaging elements every year. In the lead-up to the 2026 edition, several student-focused activities were organised across schools nationwide. These included the Swadeshi Sankalp Daud, a student-led run or walk promoting the spirit of self-reliance, along with quiz and writing competitions conducted at selected Kendriya Vidyalayas on Parakram Diwas.

The Ministry of Education stated that approximately 4.81 crore students participated in these pre-event activities, reflecting the scale and reach of the initiative.

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