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Veena Reddy, former USAID India director, under fire over $21 million voter turnout funding row

Prior to her government service, she practised corporate law in New York, London, and Los Angeles. Reddy holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Columbia University School of Law and both an M.A. and a B.A. from the University of Chicago.

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Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about a “$21 million USAID funding for voter turnout in India,” allegations of “foreign interference” in Indian elections emerged. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress party of orchestrating this alleged interference. On February 20, the BJP set its sights on a specific individual, Veena Reddy.

In response to Elon Musk’s claims regarding USAID funding for voter turnout data, BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey asserted that USAID has been financing organizations in India that contribute to domestic unrest. He called on the Indian government to investigate these activities.

BJP Rajya Sabha member Mahesh Jethmalani posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Veena Reddy was appointed as USAID’s Mission Director in India in 2021, departing shortly after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that her departure was intended to evade Indian investigative agencies probing the USAID funding related to voter turnout. He also claimed she collaborated closely with the U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.

Veena Reddy currently serves as the Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in India and Bhutan. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, she is the first Indian American to lead USAID in India.

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, revealed that USAID had contributed $21 million to the Election Commission of India to enhance voter turnout. President Trump expressed scepticism regarding the Biden administration’s allocation of these funds, suggesting they might be aimed at helping a specific candidate get elected.

According to the U.S. embassy and consulate in India, Reddy has been affiliated with USAID for many years and has played a significant role in various projects. She previously worked as a U.S. foreign service officer, serving as USAID’s Mission Director in Cambodia and Deputy Mission Director in Haiti, in addition to handling legal matters for USAID’s programs in Asia and the Middle East as an Assistant General Counsel in Washington, D.C.

Prior to her government service, she practised corporate law in New York, London, and Los Angeles. Reddy holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Columbia University School of Law and both an M.A. and a B.A. from the University of Chicago.

While serving as USAID’s Mission Director in Cambodia in 2017, she supervised a team of 75 and managed programs in various sectors, including food security, environment, health, education, child protection, and governance. In Haiti, she oversaw post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, election support, economic development, and hurricane response.

Recently, the United States announced a suspension of all foreign aid and initiated a review of its financial assistance to ensure alignment with its America First foreign policy agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has paused all U.S. foreign assistance provided through the State Department and USAID to facilitate this review.

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Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

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BP Singh

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

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Cricket news

Abhishek Sharma smashes 113 off 38 balls as India beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Abhishek Sharma hammered 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 199-run target in 13.2 overs, winning the third T20I by six wickets.

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Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

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India News

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India after CJP protest

Actor Imran Khan has been asked to leave India by October 28, days after participating in a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai.

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Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, has been asked to leave India by the Mumbai Police, days after participating in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai.

According to the notice, the actor has been given until October 28 to leave the country. The development follows his participation in the demonstration, which brought the actor into the spotlight over his involvement in a political protest.

Imran Khan is believed to hold US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card rather than full Indian citizenship, according to the report.

What led to the notice against Imran Khan?

The notice came days after Imran Khan joined a protest called by the CJP in Mumbai. The group, described as a satirical political organisation, had called for the demonstration.

The actor’s participation was followed by action from the authorities, with the Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by the specified deadline.

The notice does not, by itself, mean that the actor has already left the country or has been deported. October 28 is the deadline mentioned for his departure.

Imran Khan and his citizenship status

Imran Khan is known for his work in Hindi films, including Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly. He is also the nephew of actor Aamir Khan.

The report states that Imran Khan is believed to be a US citizen and hold an OCI card. OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship, although it provides eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin with specified privileges under Indian law.

The notice directing the actor to leave India follows his participation in the Mumbai protest. The reported development has brought attention to the intersection of immigration rules and the participation of foreign nationals in political demonstrations.

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