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<ul><li>Delhi police officer shot dead in Rohini before reportedly shooting himself. </li><li>Three empty cartridges obtained from the crime scene in Rohini. </li><li>Delhi polling began at 8 am today for 70 assembly seats in Delhi.</li></ul>A woman police officer of Delhi police was shot dead in north-west Delhi, while walking back home from a metro station, on Friday 7.Delhi Police sub-inspector <keyword id="8743059" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="preeti-ahlawat">Preeti Ahlawat</keyword> was returning home from work and got off the metro near Rohini when a fellow cop shot her three times in a row before shooting himself, according to a TV channel, Mirror NOW citing sources. Ahlawat was shot in the head and died on the spot, the police said. Police also mentioned that the body had been sent for autopsy and the local CCTV footage was obtained. Delhi Police suspected a personal enmity and claimed that the attacker had been identified, but no arrests have been made as of now. Three empty cartridges of bullets were found with multiple gunshots from the crime scene, adding a case has been registered, the police <a href="https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/woman-cop-shot-dead-near-rohini-east-metro-station/1729095">said</a>. Ahlawat was posted in Delhi at the Patparganj Industrial Area police station. The sub-inspector belonged to Sonipat, Haryana and was presently staying at a rented apartment in Rohini. The news came less than 12 hours before Delhi election polling were left. The Delhi Police have tight security arrangements in place across the national capital as the polling began at 8 am today for 70 assembly seats in Delhi. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at various polling booths, and the chief electoral office in Delhi is closely monitoring ‘critical’ polling booths at Shaheen Bagh with the help of CCTV cameras. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-elections-2020-voting-day-news-and-highlights/articleshow/74019928.cms?src=hp_ts">Delhi Elections 2020: Voting day news and highlights</a>

Delhi Election 2020: Delhi police personnel shot dead in Rohini, day ahead of Delhi Elections

<ul><li>Voter turnout 57.68% at 8:00 pm, according to Election Commission data.</li><li>Track the updated <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/final-voter-turnout-in-delhi-election-2020/articleshow/74023521.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">voter turnout data</a> here. </li><li>The police have deployed around 40,000 security personnel, 19,000 home guards and 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.</li><li>India's national capital is in election mode; it's the voting day in the all-important assembly election.</li><li>Over 1.46 crore registered voters have to pick between the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the challenger Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party to which the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs.</li><li>Check out some <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/interesting-facts-about-delhi-election-2020/articleshow/74020815.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">interesting trivia around Delhi assembly election 2020</a> here.</li></ul>India's national capital is in election mode; it's the voting day in the all-important assembly election. Over 1.46 crore registered voters have to pick between the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the challenger Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party to which the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs. AAP, led by Kejriwal, is hoping to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls when it won 67 of the 70 seats in Delhi assembly. The BJP bagged all seven seats in Delhi in the 2019 Parliamentary election, is looking to dislodge the Kejriwal government. 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="image (5)" msid="74021665" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The final results of the last Delhi assembly election.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

















 Meanwhile the Congress is seeking to better its performance than last time when it drew a blank in both the assembly as well as general election. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="NEW DELHI:DELHI ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2020 : PTI GRAPHICS(..." msid="74020680" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;DELHI ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2020 :GRAPHICS(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



















 The results of the election will reflect the importance of the ongoing debate and outrage over the Central government's recent citizenship law that has led to a bitter war of words, and an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indias-divisive-protests-could-help-modis-party-in-election-test-2020-2?IR=T" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">unrelenting sit-down protest</a> at Shaheen Bagh, in south-eastern Delhi. There are five polling stations around the Shaheen Bagh area. 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="New Delhi: Poll officials arrive at a polling station on the eve of Delhi Assemb..." msid="74020586" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Poll officials arrive at a polling station on the eve of Delhi Assembly elections, at Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi. The area has been in the news for nearly two months due to continuous agitation against CAA and NRC.Photo/Kamal Singh) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





















 The incumbent AAP government has sought votes for its work in the last five years while the BJP, on the face of it, is banking on its charm as national party, with a charismatic Prime Minister. But Modi's party did not leave anything to chance. In the run up to these elections there was a constant attempt by the BJP kept the debate over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register for Citizens to get the Hindu voters of Delhi to swing its way. 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="India New Delhi Elections" msid="74020596" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In this Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, photo, a supporter of India&amp;#39;s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds a mace, used as a weapon by Hindu god Hanuman, as he shouts slogans during an election campaign rally for the upcoming Delhi elections in New Delhi, India. Campaigning for a crucial state election in India&amp;#39;s capital has reached a fever pitch as members of the Hindu nationalist-led government call for violence against minority Muslims and invoke the specter of arch-nemesis Pakistan to reverse course after a pair of losses in recent state polls.Photo/Manish Swarup)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





















 These are some of the highlights from the voting day: The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm. The voter turnout has been recorded at 4.33% till 10 am, according to ANI. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal who cast his vote, along with his family, in the New Delhi constituency made several appeals to the electorate. "You must go to vote. Special appeal to all women - Just like you bear the responsibility of home, the responsibility of the country and Delhi is also on you. All of you ladies must go to vote and also take the men of your house. Make sure to discuss with men about who are the right ones to vote for," Kejriwal said in a tweet this morning in Hindi. Soon after, he expressed anguish over reported attempts to bribe voters. The Election Commission's data shows that they seized ₹57 crore -- ₹12.33 crore cash, ₹2.83 core liquor and ₹42.32 in other assets like narcotics, bullion and jewelry. "Because of our enforcement and the preventive action, the election has passed peacefully," said the Election Commissioner of Delhi. Multiple EVM snags were also reported, including <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/politics/delhi-elections-2020-live-updates-assembly-polls-voting-aap-bjp-congress-shaheen-bagh-arvind-kejriwal-modi-2492067.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">one in Kejriwal's constituency</a>. However, according to Election Commission, EVM replacement was as low as 0.97%. "Less than 1% VVPAT replacement is very heartening news," claimed the Election Commissioner of Delhi. 
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="ArvindKejriwal" handlename="Arvind Kejriwal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/945853608389574656/REH_LpUJ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="33696" retweetcount="5599" status="मुझे कई लोगों के फ़ोन आ रहे हैं कि वो लोग पैसा बाँटेंगे, षड्यंत्र करेंगे। मेरी सबसे अपील है-“सत्य आपके साथ है। आपने… https://t.co/bzgDRVJZ8N" createdat="1581060691000" id="1225683492358373378"></div>













 Meanwhile Prime Minister Modi too, made an appeal to the voters. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134082549041393672/QbihPzrL_normal.png" favoritecount="8163" retweetcount="2142" status="दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए आज मतदान का दिन है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरी अपील है कि वे अधिक से अधिक संख्या में लोकतंत्… https://t.co/rmvc7PXsc1" createdat="1581129250000" id="1225971049856004097"></div>



















 A police officer who reportedly shot a fellow woman cop before committing suicide casts a tense shadow on the mood in Delhi on voting day, according to a TV channel Mirror Now. Security has been beefed up along the borders of Delhi. Video recordings and vehicles are being checked at 36 points between Ghaziabad and Delhi, <a href="https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tight-vigil-at-ghaziabad-gurugram-border-ahead-of-polling-today20200208033646/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">according to an ANI report</a>. Security forces kept a tight watch across the 70 constituencies, with police and paramilitary personnel keeping an "extra vigil" in sensitive areas like Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Nagar and Seelampuri, the IANS reported. The police have deployed around 40,000 security personnel, 19,000 home guards and 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. 111 years old Kalitara Mandal, the oldest voter of Delhi, cast her vote today. "I've always cast my vote ever since I received my voter ID. I feel happy while casting vote. It gives me power. I wish each &amp; every citizen casts his vote," she reportedly said. At 8:00 pm, the voter turnout was at 57.68%. However, voting is still underway. "Till everyone who was at the polling stations at 6:00pm have voted, the polling will go on at the polling stations concerned," said the Election Commissioner of Delhi. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/how-can-i-check-my-name-in-the-voter-list/articleshow/73999763.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Here's how to check your name in the voting list</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-dont-have-voter-id-carry-these-documents-to-the-polling-booth/articleshow/73999876.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Don’t have voter ID? Carry these documents to the polling booth</a>

Delhi Elections 2020: Voting day news and highlights

<ul><li>Creators on <keyword id="6762469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="TikTok">TikTok</keyword>, the 15 second video sharing mobile app, are breaking the law in an attempt for their videos to go viral on the platform. </li><li>Nurses in Odisha have been put on notice for shooting videos in the newborn care unit of the hospital where they were employed. </li><li>Another youth in Delhi was reprimanded by viewers and authorities for shooting a video that features a <keyword id="6358992" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Police">Delhi Police</keyword> van. </li></ul>TikTok is the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-ban-in-india-lifted-as-google-and-apple-allow-it-back-in-stores/articleshow/69125104.cms">most downloaded app on iOS and ahead of Facebook on Android</a> but its popularity has video creators breaking the law to rake in more views. Four nurses in Odisha have been put on notice for shooting videos in the special neonatal care unit (SNCU) of the hospital where they worked. <div type="twitter" handle="anwar0262" handlename="AH Siddiqui" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3228512058/c21a16f6043712fd8839a29c5479f3f1_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="8" retweetcount="1" status="Some #TikTok videos of a group of nurses dancing in #Malkangiri district headquarters #Hospital inside Sick and New… https://t.co/zW9vZelysC" createdat="1561544089000" id="1143824931391561731"></div>
 In another video that went viral, a TikTok users is seen climbing out of, what looks like, a moving Delhi Police van to do push ups on the roof. The video was criticized by online users and the authorities alike for not only being unsafe but also abusing an official Indian government vehicle. <div type="twitter" handle="dtptraffic" handlename="Delhi Traffic Police" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1108331284818911232/Vb5KGTLp_normal.png" favoritecount="63" retweetcount="1" status="@saurabh3vedi @DelhiPolice Thanks, This complaint has already been forwarded to senior officers for taking necessary action in this regard." createdat="1561529322000" id="1143762994129620992"></div>

 
 Consequences While the nurses in Odisha claim it was only a ‘mistake’, the Chief District Medical Office (CDMO), Ajit Kumar Mohanty, stated the videos constitute ‘extreme medical negligence’. Since the incidence, the nurses were issued a show-cause notice to present their side of the story and have been asked to go on leave until the matter is resolved. <div type="twitter" handle="ANI" handlename="ANI" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1497864299/ani_mic_logo_normal.jpg" favoritecount="107" retweetcount="16" status="Chief Dist Medical Officer, Malkangiri, Ajit Kr Mohanty on nurses recording TikTok videos inside SNCU of dist hospi… https://t.co/YcR6NZ9KQV" createdat="1561625465000" id="1144166244809154560"></div>

 In the case of the Delhi Police van being used a make-shift gym, the authorities released a <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/delhi-police-vehicle-not-used-in-viral-tiktok-video-1556762-2019-06-26">statement</a> saying that the vehicle was, in fact, not an official police vehicle nor was the video shot recently. They claim that the car belongs to a private contractor who had been hired by the police for ‘certain duties’, pointing out that the individual in the video is not the car owner, but a friend of the contractor. Who’s to blame? TikTok has no official comment on the matter but they reiterate that users are urged to follow the community guidelines before uploading any video. The <a href="https://support.tiktok.com/en/privacy-safety/community-policy-en">terms and conditions</a> state that TikTok is ‘simply NOT the place post’ content that depicts dangerous acts or those that involve illegal activities. They also have a grievance officer for India, Anuj Bhatai, in place so that if users spot any video that violates the community guidelines, it can be reported using the official channels. The 15-second video sharing mobile app can’t seem to catch a break after a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-arrest-suicide-and-accidental-death-result-of-digital-addication/articleshow/69826567.cms">string of bad news last week</a> where a woman in Tamil Nadu committed suicide after her husband told her not to use TikTok anymore. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/tiktoks-parent-company-wants-to-make-a-smartphone/articleshow/69538980.cms">TikTok's parent company wants to make a smartphone</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-new-safety-feature-update-to-improve-privacy/articleshow/69842396.cms">TikTok's new safety feature will allow you to logout of a lost phone</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-ban-in-india-lifted-as-google-and-apple-allow-it-back-in-stores/articleshow/69125104.cms">TikTok makes a triumphant return to Indian app stores a week after the ban was lifted</a> <a href="http://.">TikTok, tick tock — time is ticking for Facebook in China and India</a>

TikTok users in India are even breaking the law in a bid to go viral

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Paul Hackett/ReutersBill Gates said "the consensus that kids should be protected has been lost."</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Through the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/bill-gates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gates Foundation</a>, Bill Gates has spent nearly two decades spreading vaccines around the globe in order to provide protection against deadly conditions "to all the children in the world."</li><li>But as more preventable <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lies-anti-vaxxers-spread-about-measles-vaccine-debunked-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">measles outbreaks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/measles-outbreak-portland-not-vaccinated-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sprout up</a> in wealthy countries like the US and Japan, Gates is warning that it's only a matter of time before the anti-vaccine trend turns deadly. </li><li>"Unfortunately this will mean some measles or pertussis deaths," <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/aunv58/im_bill_gates_cochair_of_the_bill_melinda_gates/eh9dgxe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gates said</a> during a Reddit AMA on Monday.</li></ul>In a few rich countries around the world, the measles are making a comeback.The United States, which had nearly eradicated the contagious virus by the early 2000s, has logged <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">159 cases</a> so far in 2019. In Japan, <a href="https://www.niid.go.jp/niid//images/idsc/disease/measles/2019pdf/meas19-06.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">167 people</a> have already been diagnosed with the measles in the first six weeks of this year - the highest measles infection rate for the Japanese in over a decade. Public health officials have been <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20190215-health-science-measles-who-warns-backsliding-cases-soar-worldwide-vaccination-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warning</a> for months that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/measles-outbreak-portland-not-vaccinated-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this is the consequence if people choose not to vaccinate</a> their children. The World Health Organization (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says</a> "vaccine hesitancy" is one of the biggest threats to the health of the world right now. Some pediatricians in the US have also voiced concerns that <a href="https://www.thisisinsider.com/vaccine-exemptions-by-state-map-2019-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relaxed regulation in many states</a> is creating a breeding ground for all kinds of preventable infections, including the measles. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Shayanne Gal/Business InsiderOnly three states have medical-only exemptions: California, West Virginia, and Mississippi.</div></div></div>Asked for his thoughts on the situation, Bill Gates added his own voice to the growing alarm about anti-vaxxer parents <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/aunv58/im_bill_gates_cochair_of_the_bill_melinda_gates/eh9dgxe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during a Reddit AMA</a> on Monday."It is surprising to see how in the richer countries the consensus that kids should be protected has been lost," Gates on Monday. "Unfortunately this will mean some measles or pertussis deaths."Before the invention of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/measles-outbreak-portland-not-vaccinated-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">measles vaccine in 1963</a>, the contagious virus was a ubiquitous childhood illness. Deadly <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/complications.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">measles complications</a> affected about one in every 1,000 patients who got the measles, and more than 400 people died from measles every year in the US. The country hasn't seen a deadly measles case since 2015, however, when one woman with a compromised immune system died from pneumonia resulting from measles complications.Still, a growing number of people rely on debunked junk <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> and other false information to back up their belief that vaccines are dangerous."Vaccines have saved more lives than any other tool," Gates said. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Jeff Christensen/Liaison via Getty ImagesFormer Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, Co-Founder of the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, administers an oral polio vaccine to Nikunj Kumar, 5, of New Delhi on September 14, 2000.</div></div></div>Public-health experts around the world say the same."We risk losing decades of progress in protecting children and communities against this devastating but entirely preventable disease," Soumya Swaminathan, a deputy director general at the WHO, <a href="https://www.thisisinsider.com/measles-cases-inrease-worldwide-gaps-vaccine-coverage-who-2018-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said in a recent statement</a>. Many of the measles cases in the US so far this year have popped up in the Pacific Northwest, where at least <a href="https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/measles-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">57 unvaccinated people</a> have contracted the illness."People become complacent because they don't realize how bad it can be," Clark County public health director Alan Melnick <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lies-anti-vaxxers-spread-about-measles-vaccine-debunked-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently told Business Insider</a>. "And that's what scares me the most."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/measles-outbreak-portland-not-vaccinated-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link"> The dangerous measles outbreak near Portland, Oregon, is what happens when people refuse to vaccinate their kids</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lies-anti-vaxxers-spread-about-measles-vaccine-debunked-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">From autism risks to mercury poisoning, here are 10 lies anti-vaxxers are spreading about the measles vaccine in the Pacific Northwest</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-melinda-gates-invest-simple-health-plans-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Bill Gates says investing in 4 simple plans has saved millions of lives and provided a better return on investment than the stock market</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-wants-world-to-move-past-flush-toilets-2018-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Bill Gates is so obsessed with redesigning the world's toilets, he brought a jar of poop onstage in Beijing to prove it</a></li></ul> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-sachs-anti-vaccine-fatal-flaw-vaxxers-california-2015-6">Watch Jeff Sachs destroy the anti-vaccine movement in under two minutes</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Bill Gates' warning to anti-vaxxers: People in rich countries will die because they aren't getting measles shots

On the eve of the roll out of ambitious odd-even scheme, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi appreciated the initiative of the AAP government, saying any step which helps the environment cannot be a bad thing and asserted he will ensure full implementation of the vehicular restrictions. 
 

	The police chief said he had proposed to the Delhi government to allow women not having a driving licence or who do not know how to drive to travel with a male driver, considering safety the aspect, but it was shot down. 
 

	"Whatever we do, we always do it with full commitment. We never do anything half-heartedly. We never have any hesitation in working with anybody as long as something is required to be done as part of law enforcement. 
 

	"But we obviously will not be part of anything which is unconstitutional or illegal," the police chief told PTI clarifying doubts about police's commitment to implementing the scheme. 
 

	When asked whether the scheme was a good initiative by the Arvind Kejriwal-led governmnent with which Delhi Police have had frequent run-ins on a range of issues, Bassi said "Anything which can help preserve the environment cannot be a bad thing." 
 

	He said all motorists should comply with the provisions of the odd-even scheme and should not fake medical emergency to get exemptions. 
 

	"As long as the law, which I am supposed to enforce, has not been declared unconstitutional or ultra vires, I have no option but to enforce it. So as far as I am concerned, the notification which has been issued by the government is a valid law (for the odd-even scheme). So as a law enforcement officer, I shall be implementing the same," the police chief said. 
 

	On police's proposal to extend exemption to women travelling with drivers, he said "We thought in the interest of women safety that another exception could be made in favour of women travelling alone with a driver. 
 

	"This suggestion has not been accepted by the government. So now, If any woman travels with a driver, in violation of the scheme, such a driver shall be liable for prosecution," the commissioner said.

Will ensure full implementation of odd-even scheme in Delhi: Police chief BS Bassi

I’m An Outsider To Delhi And To Politics As Well, Narendra Modi Says (Full Text Of Modi Interview)

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I left New York 14 years ago, before same-sex marriage was legalized in the US.</li><li>Now, I'm married to an American woman and have a green card.</li></ul>In 2009, I was 25 and living my best queer life. I had finished a Master of Fine Arts degree from NYU and was an adjunct instructor at various colleges in the city. I shared an apartment with my American girlfriend in Brooklyn — back when it was somewhat affordable — and was reading my poems at dive bars and community bookstores.I was underemployed and uninsured, sure, but it was a life I could have only dreamed of as an Indian kid growing up in New Delhi in the 1980s, where I had never even heard the word "gay."The dream ended abruptly one night when my visa application to remain in the US was denied. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flawed-h1b-visa-system-layoffs-undermining-americas-tech-industry-2022-12">H-1B work visa</a> was, and remains, notoriously difficult to get, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/inspiring-pictures-of-same-sex-weddings-around-the-world-2019-4">same-sex marriage</a> was illegal at the federal level — my girlfriend was unable to marry me.After 30 days of anxiety, grief, and lawyer's visits, I kissed my sweetheart and rode away in a taxi early one September morning. As rain splattered the windshield, Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" played on the radio and I watched Brooklynites crossing the street, holding takeaway coffees, about to start another day in what I then thought of as the best country on Earth.Fourteen years ago, I would have done anything for a green card. Today, the rightful owner of a green card — I am not so sure.<h2>I fell in love again, and we crossed continents</h2>In 2017, two years after the <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-families-have-changed-then-and-now-america-2019-3#same-sex-marriage-is-now-legal-nationwide-but-lgbtq-families-still-experience-discrimination-2">Obergefell v. Hodges decision</a> made marriage equality the law of the land in the US, I met the woman who went on to be my wife. Erin, an American, was living in the US, 10,000 miles away from what had become my new home in Southeast Asia. We did a year of long distance, and eventually, she took a leap of faith and moved across the world to be with me. We began living together in Singapore and got married during a vacation in the US in 2019. <div type="image" title="Mrigaa and Erin's wedding in New York, which Byron Brown, the mayor of Buffalo, attended." height="3920" width="5226" msid="104969987" hostid="261" sizebytes="1453638"></div><a href="https://www.insider.com/singapore-lifestyle-food-shopping-malls-weather-heat-misconceptions-2023-9">Singapore</a>, where we started our life together, is a small but influential city-state in Southeast Asia. It's renowned for its ambitious infrastructure, razor-sharp efficiency, and low crime rate. Last month, it was named the <a href="https://www.worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fifth-best city in the world</a>, according to Resonance Consultancy's World's Best Cities report. The report's methodology factors in sustainable infrastructure, social vibrancy, and growth opportunities. And yet, its lack of adequate legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ folks meant that Erin and I could not apply as a family for permanent residency, access fertility treatments such as IVF, or sponsor each other for dependent visas if one of us lost our jobs.As much as we loved Singapore, we knew we couldn't build the life we wanted there. So in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Erin applied to sponsor me for a US green card through marriage. After two years of applications, documents, medical tests, close to $4,000 in fees, and lots of bureaucratic processes, the country that had turned me down all those years ago finally let me back in. It has given me a path to citizenship and the chance to build the family that I want with the person that I want.I should be ecstatic. But instead, I am terrified.<h2>The freedom to live … or die</h2>Just as I am finally able to return to the land of the free, the US feels less free than ever. The Human Rights Campaign said that, as of June this year, <a href="https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/roundup-of-anti-lgbtq-legislation-advancing-in-states-across-the-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a record 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills</a> have been introduced in state legislatures in 2023 alone. These range from curtailing gender-affirming treatment and permitting discrimination to banning books and drag shows.It's gotten so bad that Canada issued a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/world/canada/travel-warning-us-lgbtq.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">travel advisory</a> in August about traveling within the United States to its LGBTQ+ citizens.Last year's chilling overturn of Roe v Wade — and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/justice-thomas-said-the-court-should-reconsider-rulings-on-same-sex-marriage-2022-6">Justice Clarence Thomas' troubling remarks </a>about needing to revisit the same-sex marriage decision — make me worry that the very rights that have legally brought me to this country can easily be reconsidered.Then there's the threat of physical and gun violence, at times seemingly random and other times exacerbated by unchecked hate speech in public discourse. <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/lgbtqi-community-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Department of Homeland Security</a> has reported a surge in violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and community spaces, with threats "increasingly tied to hate groups and domestic violent extremists." There have been <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-nonbinary-community-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dozens of instances</a> of fatal gun violence against transgender and nonbinary people this year alone. Just two months ago, a <a href="https://www.insider.com/laura-carleton-killed-suspect-made-disparaging-remarks-pride-flag-sheriff-said-2023-8">store owner in California was shot dead</a> for displaying a pride flag.It's ironic that as a gay interracial couple, Erin and I would have been far safer in Singapore — where private gun ownership is not permitted — than we are in the US.<h2>Making impossible compromises</h2><div type="image" title="Mrigaa and Erin's last vacation in Asia before moving back to the US." height="2575" width="3297" msid="104969988" hostid="261" sizebytes="888936"></div>I was born in India, where my mother tongue has no word for gay people, and the Supreme <a href="https://www.insider.com/indias-supreme-court-legalized-gay-relations-2018-9">Court of India only issued a decision overturning a ban on homosexuality</a> in 2018. I grew up in Thailand, where society tacitly accepts LGBTQ+ communities but there is no legal framework to support them. I lived for a beautiful decade in Singapore, where <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/singapore-decriminalizes-sex-between-men-humanity-wins-say-lgbt-activists-2022-8">homosexuality was only decriminalized this year</a>. None of these countries have marriage equality yet.As a brown queer person, I've stopped waiting around for any one country to hand me the life I want.So despite the many reasons for terror, I am here, not in the best place on Earth, but in America, hoping to build my gay family without dying in the process.

I'm terrified of moving to the US to start a family

New Delhi, "Mona, let's make Bulbul extraordinary". These were director-creator Zoya Akhtar's words to <keyword id="2226" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mona-singh" source="Orion">Mona Singh</keyword> before they began shooting for "<keyword id="5690475" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Made-in-Heaven" source="Orion">Made in Heaven</keyword> 2" and the role of the "gutsy feminist and a strong mother" became just that, says the actor. Bulbul Johari, a no-nonsense accountant tasked with managing a flailing wedding planning agency, is married to an inscrutable businessman played by <keyword id="31515" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vijay-raaz" source="Orion">Vijay Raaz</keyword>. Through the seven episodes of the second season of "Made in Heaven", Bulbul goes from being viewed as loud and brash to a woman who is deeply empathetic and fearless. "All I had to do was to internalise the script and make Bulbul extraordinary. And that's what Zoya also told me, 'Mona, let's us make Bulbul extraordinary'. I can never forget it. I am so glad that Bulbul stood out... It was truly made in heaven for me," Mona told PTI in an interview. The series, co-created by Akhtar and Reema Kagti, debuted earlier this month on Prime Video. The actor, still remembered for her portrayal of Jassi in the popular television series "<keyword id="3860" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jassi-jaisi-koi-nahi" source="Orion">Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi</keyword>", said she had an inkling Bulbul would stand out because she was written beautifully. Mona said she was offered the role during the 2021 lockdown when she was in Goa and was instantly "blown away" by what she read in the script. "I am a big fan of season one. When you see such shows, as an actor, you always wish, 'why am I not there?' I knew this character was going to stand out. She is a shrewd businesswoman, gutsy... a feminist and a strong mother. It is a dream role for any actor," Mona said. Bulbul is an onion peel of a character, whose layers keep coming off as the series progresses. What stands out the most in the series is her equation with her husband, Mr Johari. A scene showing the husband and wife, who faced abuse in her previous marriage, complimenting each other randomly seems to have also won the internet's heart with fans sharing the clip and commenting on the respect the couple have in their marriage. Mona recalled in detail how that came about. "The scene about the video call with Vijay Raaz, where he says, 'Suno, sunder to bahut Lag rahi ho', was shot in France. Zoya was shooting and she asked me, 'What is it that you want to do?' I said, 'Shall I just give him a flying kiss?' She is like, 'Haan haan kar de, kar de'. I was just being Bulbul," she said. The actor, also known for her role in "3 Idiots'' and "Laal Singh Chaddha", said the love pouring in for the Joharis is also a learning about how equality in marriage matters. "Women are often suppressed. They are often told what to do, what not to do and they are not even included in decision making and here is a man who is giving full power to Bulbul, giving her wings to fly. He is such a great character and I think every man should learn something from Mr johari," she said. As someone who has been a part of the industry for two decades, Mona said her desire to try out "new things" is undiminished and streaming platforms have opened the world for actors like her in a big way. The actor said she had a dream launch with her debut "Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi", a Sony Entertainment show that ran from 2003 to 2006 and was an instant hit. The show, the Indian version of Colombian drama "Yo soy Betty, la fea", also featured Apurva Agnihotri, Rakshanda Khan, Parmeet Sethi and Gaurav Gera. Bulbul's popularity is somewhat similar to what Mona experienced with Jassi. The actor, the daughter of an Army officer, said she can only see a "spectacular journey" when she looks back. "It has been 20 years, I started working in 2003. My parents told me, 'You will move to Mumbai when you get something concrete'. I used to travel from Pune to Mumbai to audition everyday in a local bus and wait for calls. Then Jassi happened, overnight stardom... I got that right dream launch at that time'," she said. Has the popularity of Bulbul translated into more offers? The actor said it is too soon to gauge the impact but the response from fellow colleagues and filmmakers has been encouraging. "There are so many stories to explore, so many stories to tell. It is the best time for actors and women like me because now you are not asked to just fill in the gaps, you are cast for a solid role. A woman can be grey, she can be positive, she can be anything. I'm so glad that all the shades are coming out on OTT," she said.

Truly made in heaven for me: Mona Singh on standout role as Bulbul

<ul><li><keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> may be a milder variant than Delta but it’s too soon to be sure of that.</li><li>If you haven’t taken the first two shots of the vaccine, the risk of infection and hospitalisation is higher.</li><li>Taking a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine may provide better protection against the virus.</li><li>The third wave of COVID-19 infections may peak in India by February first week.</li><li>Countries like the US and UK have refrained from imposing stringent restrictions on people’s movement despite rising cases.</li></ul>There are at least 5 learnings emerging from different countries facing the third wave of COVID-19 infections where the most number of cases are that of the latest variant, Omicron. First, Omicron is likely to be a milder variant although the World Health Organisation has said that it needs more data to make that point conclusively. Moreover the emergence of a new variant called <keyword id="12876991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ihu" source="Orion">IHU</keyword>, discovered by researchers in France, which is likely to be <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/new-covid-19-variant-named-ihu-discovered-in-france-said-to-be-stronger-than-omicron/amp_articleshow/88685048.cms">stronger than Omicron</a>, has increased the need for caution. Second, the WHO has said that the risk of infection and the potential need for hospitalisation is higher for those who have not taken the vaccines. Third, India’s covid cases would peak by February 2 <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Country </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Total Cases </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">New Cases </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Death toll </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">USA </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5,71,31,187 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4,26,051 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+767 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">UK </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,34,22,815 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,57,758 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+42 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Spain </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">66,67,511 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+93,190 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+42 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Italy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">63,96,110 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+68,052 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+140 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">France </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,03,17,819 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+67,461 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+270 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Turkey </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">95,97,670 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+44,869 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+160 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Argentine </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">57,39,326 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+44,396 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+41 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3,49,60,261 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+37,379 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+124 </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table>Source: Worldometers Note: Data, as of January 3, 2022 The forecast, from researchers at IIT Kanpur, is based on the assumption that India will follow the trends of rise in cases seen in other countries. The research also used the rate of increase in cases from the first and second waves in India. Fourth, a booster dose may be needed New studies conducted in the United Kingdom have<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/omicron-chart-protection-2-3-vaccine-booster-effectiveness-hospitalization-symptomatic-2022-1"> revealed</a> that the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine may be necessary to boost a person’s resistance to the Omicron variant by as much as 88%. This is a significantly higher degree of protection against the latest variant when compared to the second dose, whose effectiveness begins to reduce after a period of six months. Oxford<a href="https://theprint.in/health/booster-dose-of-covishield-can-increase-antibody-levels-against-omicron-oxford-study-says/786422/"> has said </a>that a third booster shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Vaxzevria is necessary to boost the antibody levels. Covershield is the Indian version of Vaxzevria, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) Fifth, night curfews are useless and other countries have refrained from stringent restrictions on movement of people. Even though the US and UK are recording high covid-19 cases on a daily basis, the countries have decided not to introduce any new restrictions. However, work from home has once again become a norm in these countries. Many states in India, on the other hand, have proactively imposed night curfews, weekend lockdowns and other such restrictions in order to beat the third wave. Whereas, the need may be to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in places, and at times, when crowds do gather for business or otherwise. Even now, large crowds sans social distancing, and people without masks on the street, is not a rare sight in India. However, the policy response has been limited to night curfews. WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, in a TV interview, <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/no-science-behind-night-curfews-in-india-whos-swaminathan-1066559.html">noted</a> that there is no science behind night curfews when it comes to tackling Covid-9. "Entertainment venues are places where these viruses spread the most. It's natural to bring in some restrictions there," he added. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-tests-positive-for-covid-19/articleshow/88679427.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tests positive for COVID-19</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/infoedge-and-zomatos-deepinder-goyal-invested-money-in-geniemode-10-month-old-tech-startup/articleshow/88683920.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">After Deepinder Goyal and Kunal Shah, Info Edge backs this 10-month-old tech startup</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ongc-appoints-alka-mittal-as-chairperson-and-managing-director/slidelist/88681434.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Meet Alka Mittal, the first woman to head oil giant ONGC</a>

From new variant IHU to utility of booster doses ⁠— these are five lessons India can learn from the third wave of COVID-19 in other countries

Welcome back to <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/10-things-in-politics">10 Things in Politics</a>. <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/10-things-in-politics">Sign up here to receive this newsletter</a>. Send tips to <a href="mailto:bgriffiths@insider.com">bgriffiths@insider.com</a> or tweet me at <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentGriffiths">@BrentGriffiths</a>.Here's what we're talking about:<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taliban-warn-consequences-if-us-extends-august-31-withdrawal-deadline-2021-8">Taliban warn of 'consequences' if the US extends its military presence in Afghanistan</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/6-ad-executives-on-how-to-win-over-the-vaccine-hesitant-2021-8">6 advertising executives on how to win over the vaccine hesitant</a></li><li><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/23/pelosi-budget-package-showdown-506589">House Democrats are locked in a standoff over their $3.5 trillion spending plan</a></li></ul>With Phil Rosen.1. BIDEN'S LOOMING DECISION: President Joe Biden will have to run the gauntlet on his Afghanistan exit. He is mulling extending his self-imposed deadline for US forces to leave Kabul by August 31. An extension would be welcomed by many American allies, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-johnson-push-biden-afghan-deadline-extension-2021-08-23/">including the UK</a>, that have been pressing for such a decision. But the Taliban have threatened "consequences" if the US extends its longest war.Biden could make his decision as soon as today: <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/23/politics/afghanistan-kabul-airport-military-deadline/index.html">The Pentagon has told the White House it needs a quick decision</a>, given the amount of time it will take to withdraw the nearly 6,000 troops on the ground - and their equipment - after the civilian evacuations conclude, CNN reports.<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taliban-warn-consequences-if-us-extends-august-31-withdrawal-deadline-2021-8">The Taliban have drawn a red line</a>: "If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations - the answer is no. Or there would be consequences," a spokesman for the militant group told Sky News.</li></ul>An extension would also come amid security concerns: US troops are using alternative routes to the airport because of the threat posed by an Islamic State cell, CNN reports. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/21/politics/kabul-airport-terror-warning/index.html">The Pentagon is aware that large crowds create a target for terrorist groups</a>. Violence is already occurring, as an Afghan officer <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kabul-airport-firefight-afghan-guards-gunmen-death-injuries-2021-8">was killed Monday in a firefight with "unknown attackers."</a><ul><li>But it could also leave Afghans who helped Americans out in the cold: Officials told The Washington Post that an extension would most likely focus on evacuating remaining Americans, not Afghans trying to flee. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/biden-kabul-evacuations-extension-pressure/2021/08/23/c649f182-0425-11ec-ba15-9c4f59a60478_story.html">Access to the airport is already said to be largely if not entirely cut off to Afghans who worked for the US</a>.</li><li>Not extending the deadline poses its own problems: The House Intelligence Committee's chairman, Rep. Adam Schiff, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/schiff-says-its-unlikely-get-everyone-out-afghanistan-by-deadline-2021-8">told reporters on Monday that the US was unlikely to get everyone out in just a week</a>.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/crowds-at-kabul-airport-so-large-seen-from-space-satellite-2021-8">The crowds at the airport are so large they can be seen in satellite photos</a>.2. FDA approves COVID-19 vaccine for first time: The Food and Drug Administration issued full approval for Pfizer and BioNTech's shot, which will now be marketed under the brand name Comirnaty. Public-health officials, virologists, and legal experts think <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-gains-full-fda-approval-2021-8">full approval could help persuade more hesitant people to get vaccinated</a>.<ul><li>Key stat: A recent poll found 30% of adults said they would be more likely to be vaccinated if one of the three shots already used in the US received full FDA approval. <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/kff-covid-19-vaccine-monitor-june-2021/">That scenario has now happened</a>.</li></ul>The new "Mad Men" think they know how to sell the shot: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/6-ad-executives-on-how-to-win-over-the-vaccine-hesitant-2021-8">6 advertising executives on how to win over the vaccine hesitant</a>.WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-delta-variant-changed-course-of-pandemic-2021-8">How the Delta variant has changed the course of the pandemic</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-delta-variant-changed-course-of-pandemic-2021-8"><div type="image" title="Insider video" height="618" width="1174" msid="85591327" hostid="261"></div></a><ul><li>Fauci says COVID-19 can be brought under control by spring 2022: Dr. Anthony Fauci said on CNN that he misspoke during an earlier interview in which he said the US might not be able to get a grip on the pandemic until fall 2022. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fauci-covid-19-can-be-brought-under-control-spring-2022-2021-8">Medical experts say the longer people remain unvaccinated, the greater the chance another variant will arise</a>.</li></ul>3. House Democrats are locked in a standoff over a major proposal: Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent lawmakers home after midnight after hours of negotiations with centrist Democrats failed to yield a deal to move forward on the party's massive $3.5 trillion spending plan, Politico reports. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the de facto leader of the holdouts, had been moving toward cutting a deal with Pelosi, but five other lawmakers are still dug in. <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/23/pelosi-budget-package-showdown-506589">The latest on the internal drama over a massive part of Biden's agenda</a>.<div type="image" title="New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference the day after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation at the New York State Capitol, in Albany, New York, U.S., August 11, 2021." height="1664" width="2500" msid="85591329" hostid="261"></div>4. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/onlyfans-platform-alternatives-sex-work-entrepreneurs-2020-11"></a>Kathy Hochul is now governor of New York: Hochul was sworn in early Tuesday as the first woman to lead the Empire State, following Andrew Cuomo's decision to resign amid sexual-harassment allegations, The New York Times reports. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/nyregion/kathy-hochul-governor-ny.html">Hochul will have to juggle numerous pressing issues right away</a>.<ul><li>Cuomo reportedly tried to get rid of his dog: Staffers were asked whether they wanted Captain - a shepherd, Siberian, and malamute mix - the Times Union reports. A Cuomo representative denied the now-former governor tried to paw off his friend. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cuomo-dog-captain-left-behind-governor-mansion-moving-out-ny-2021-8">More on the dog days</a>.</li></ul>5. Far-right host Alex Jones breaks with Trump over vaccines: Jones shamed former President Donald Trump for advising attendees of his rally in Alabama over the weekend to get vaccinated. "Maybe Trump's actually a dumbass," Jones said. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/far-right-talk-show-host-alex-jones-calls-trump-dumb-2021-8">Some people at the rally even booed Trump after his suggestion</a>.6. Vice President Kamala Harris issues major rebuke of China: Harris called out Beijing for its incursion into the South China Sea, saying during an address in Singapore that its actions there amounted to "coercion" and "intimidation," the Associated Press reports. The vice president is trying to use her trip through Southeast Asia to cement the US's commitment to its allies in the region. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-business-969fe25162023468754e57746d6da80d">Harris' comments come at a critical time for the White House</a>.7. Capitol Police finds shooting of rioter Ashley Babbitt was "lawful": The department's decision to formally close its investigation follows the Justice Department's determination that charges were not warranted, The Times reports. Babbitt was among a group of people who tried to push their way through the entrance to the Speaker's Lobby not far from where officers were evacuating lawmakers from the House chamber on January 6. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/us/politics/capitol-police-ashli-babbitt.html">More on the news</a>.<div type="image" title="Smog Tower in New Delhi" height="3666" width="4888" msid="85591331" hostid="261"></div>8. India installs its first "smog tower" consisting of 40 giant fans: The Indian capital of New Delhi opened the country's first "smog tower" in a bid to purify the air in the world's most polluted capital city, but experts aren't convinced it's effective. <a href="https://www.insider.com/new-delhi-first-smog-tower-40-giant-fans-filter-pollution-2021-8">Critics say the government should focus on reducing emissions instead of building smog towers</a>.<ul><li>Deadly heat waves have spurred the hiring of "chief heat officers" all over the world: From Miami to Athens, these new leadership positions are meant to guide tourists and citizens through extreme weather and explore new ways to cool cities down. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heatwave-miami-athens-chief-heat-officers-climate-crisis-extreme-temperatures-2021-8">See the view from these "urban heat islands."</a></li></ul>9. Sex workers are furious over OnlyFans' policy change: Insider checked in with three sex workers to discuss OnlyFans' new restrictions on sexually explicit content. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/onlyfans-sex-workers-on-adult-explicit-content-ban-2021-8">They shared how they'd adapt: "We'll find a way to survive this exodus," one said</a>.<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/onlyfans-platform-alternatives-sex-work-entrepreneurs-2020-11">These are some of the alternatives they may turn to</a>.</li></ul>10. Stop counting your steps. Instead, count your minutes: Doctors say you could more readily meet your health goals by focusing on daily movement rather than step count. Daily activity counters and avoiding a sedentary schedule can help keep you healthy and mobile. <a href="https://www.insider.com/minutes-moved-better-activity-target-than-steps-count-doctors-say-2021-8">The 10,000-steps-a-day rule is arbitrary</a>.Today's trivia question: Over the weekend, Harris <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-orchid-welcome-istana-official-visit-2130576">received an orchid named in her honor</a>. In her native California, the world's second-largest tree is named after which president? Email your guess and a suggested question to me at <a href="mailto:bgriffiths@insider.com">bgriffiths@insider.com</a>.<ul><li>Today's answer: Chuck Hagel, the former defense secretary and senator, was the only federal politician to receive a donation from Alex Trebek. The Nebraska Republican and the legendary "Jeopardy!" host <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgetownuniversity/7091100151">met when Hagel was CEO of the USO</a>. As for replacing Trebek, the former "Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/23/media/mayim-bialik-jeopardy/index.html">will be the show's first guest host after Mike Richards withdrew</a>.</li></ul>

10 Things in Politics: The Taliban push back on Biden

New Delhi, Jul 4 () WhatsApp on Saturday said it is launching its 'It's Between You' brand campaign in the country showcasing stories about how Indians are using the Facebook-owned platform to communicate in a secure manner. WhatsApp collaborated with Bollywood director Gauri Shinde along with BBDO India to create two 60-second ads that highlight how its features like texts, video calls or even a voice message (which is end-to-end encrypted) help replicate in-person conversations, it said in a statement. With over 400 million users, India is among the biggest markets for WhatsApp. "The campaign narrates real stories about how Indians communicate daily on WhatsApp with their closest relationships ...When privacy is deeply felt, relationships feel more intimate and real... "WhatsApp continues to serve as a crucial lifeline for people relying on the platform to intimately communicate with their friends and family while separated across long distances," Facebook India's Director - Marketing Avinash Pant told . One of the ads features an elderly woman and her caregiver, while the second one is about two sisters. WhatsApp had run a similar campaign in Brazil earlier this year. Pant said the campaign in India will run for 10 weeks across India on a number of national and regional television channels and digital platforms. "Throughout this year, the campaign will see multiple creative executions land in high profile cultural moments across the year from festivals to the cricket IPL. Over the course of the campaign, these films will be available in English and seven regional languages that include Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, Gujarati, Marathi and Kannada," he added. Pant said shooting these films remotely was a "new and a challenging experience" for everyone involved. The campaign was shot in the early days of lockdown, and the production happened remotely following utmost standards of safety and precaution, he added. "This meant casting had to be done keeping in mind the actors and the cinematographers who lived together, so no one from outside would enter the premises. The rest of the family members became hair, make-up and costume assistants...For the first time we heard, 'Action, Mumma' instead of just 'Action'," Pant said. He added that the client's agency and the director supervised the shoot through a WhatsApp video call, just as they conducted the pre-production meetings (PPM) and presentations. In the past, WhatsApp has run radio and print campaigns across various Indian states, asking people to check the veracity of information received as a forward before they share it with others as part of its efforts to curb the spread of fake news on its platform. SR ABM ABM

WhatsApp rolls out brand campaign in India

<ul><li>In the last one week, three separate incidents have been reported when users have harmed themselves while creating TikTok videos.</li><li>A 20-year old man was arrested for snatching a phone, a woman killed herself when her husband told her not to use the video sharing app and a young boy ‘accidentally’ shot himself while posing for a video. </li><li>Doctors are reporting that <keyword id="2339540" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-addiction">digital addiction</keyword> can be as bad as drug addiction if users forget to maintain a healthy work-life balance.</li></ul>TikTok only recently made its claim to fame as the most downloaded app on Android for the first quarter of 2019. As all things too good to be true, the Bytedance-owned app is experiencing many bad and unfortunate incidents. In the last one week, three separate incidents have been attributed to individuals acting illegally or carelessly in order to create that ‘perfect’ video on TikTok. How far would you go for a video? A 20-year old man from Delhi was arrested for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/man-snatches-phone-to-post-videos-on-app/articleshow/69817332.cms">snatching an iPhone</a> to make ‘better quality’ videos for his TikTok account yesterday. The thief told the police that his videos weren’t getting enough views and viewers repeatedly commented asking him to get a new phone to shoot better videos. So, he lured a person looking to sell his iPhone XS out into the open and had his phone snatched by bikers, as he showed up to make the deal. In a different part of the country — Tamil Nadu — a woman <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tamil-nadu-mother-suicide-poison-tiktok-husband-scolds-death-1548299-2019-06-13">killed herself</a> by drinking poison after her husband scolded her, and prevented her from using TikTok. She made a video of herself drinking poison and sent it to her husband over WhatsApp, who was in Singapore. 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of one of our community members and extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones in this difficult time. At TikTok, we are committed to maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment for our users. We encourage our users to showcase their creativity, however, TikTok in no way endorses or promotes videos that violate our community guidelines that includes harm to oneself or others." auname="Statement by TikTok"></div>

 And, in the state of Maharashtra, a boy ‘<a href="https://www.ibtimes.co.in/teenager-shot-dead-country-made-pistol-while-shooting-tiktok-video-799602">accidentally</a>’ shot himself while posing for a TikTok video with a gun. This isn’t even the first time that such incidents have occurred. The rate at which users are putting themselves at risk for validation from social media has doctors worried. They are concerned about the perils of digital addiction and the extent to which they can get in the way of day-to-day activities. An addiction is addictive, afterall Digital addiction is real and it could be as dangerous as drug addiction, warned psychiatrists while outlining practical ways to fight the urge to use gadgets non-stop, both among children and adults. "The two most important things that people have to do is maintain a balance between work, life indoor, outdoor recreation and social engagements. One must also ensure they are getting proper sleep. It is essential," according to Samir Parikh, Director at the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare. Digital Detox Parikh recommended that adults should undergo a four hours of "digital detox" every week - a period when they do not use their phone or any gadget. "If one finds it difficult to go through those four hours, then there is a problem which needs to be addressed," he said. Such people can neglect personal hygiene and their own self. They also tend to stop interacting with the society, their family members and stop thinking about their responsibilities or stop doing their day-to-day chores. The key to fighting digital addiction is to realise the problem when someone develops it, the experts said. (with inputs from IANS) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-downloads-top-facebook-in-china-and-india/articleshow/69334254.cms">TikTok, tick tock — time is ticking for Facebook in China and India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-ban-in-india-lifted-as-google-and-apple-allow-it-back-in-stores/articleshow/69125104.cms">TikTok makes a triumphant return to Indian app stores a week after the ban was lifted</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/facebook-partnership-tseries-zee-yash-raj-films/articleshow/68409690.cms">Facebook follows in TikTok’s footsteps by bringing music to posts and stories</a>

You Searched For "woman shot Delhi" and got 13 results

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10 Things in Politics: The Taliban push back on Biden

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