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Disney’s $8.5 Billion India Reliance Merger Goes Through

BENGALURU, (REUTERS) – Walt Disney Co and Reliance Industries won approval on August 28 for an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets after assuaging regulatory worries about their grip on broadcasting rights for cricket, India’s favorite sport.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the deal had been approved subject to modifications submitted voluntarily by the companies, without sharing further details. A detailed order will be issued in the coming days, clearing what was seen as the biggest hurdle for the deal.

To get the merger over the line, the two companies have offered concessions, including a commitment to not raise advertising rates unreasonably for streamed cricket matches, and to sell 7-8 non-sports TV channels, a source familiar with the matter said.

[indiawestheadlines]

When Influencer Ranveer Apologized To Aamir

MUMBAI (ANI) – YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as Beer Biceps, has garnered significant attention through his podcast, The Ranveer Show. His content covers a wide range of topics, including money, health, business, celebrity, spirituality, and finance. He often discusses the interests of young people and the challenges of pursuing a career as an influencer.

Despite his success, Ranveer has faced backlash, particularly for a 2016 video about Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s physical transformation for the film Dangal. In the video, Ranveer discussed the lengthy process of bodybuilding and suggested that some celebrities might use steroids. The video went viral, attracting both attention and a wave of hate. Reflecting on the experience, Ranveer admitted that while the video boosted his career, he regretted targeting Aamir Khan. He realized he was engaging in what he called a “forced collab,” using a celebrity’s name to gain growth for his channel. This was his first experience with online hate.

[indiawestheadlines]

Heat Wave Scorches US With Record-Breaking Temperatures

https://indiawest.com/heat-wave-scorches-us-with-record-breaking-temperatures/

LOS ANGELES, CA (IANS) – An intensive heat wave continued to grip much of the United States on the weekend, triggering record-breaking temperatures and placing millions of people under heat alerts.

More than 115 million people across the United States are currently under active National Weather Service (NWS) extreme heat alerts, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

A heat dome, caused by a high-pressure system trapping hot air near the ground, has settled over the Midwest and Northeast early this week, causing record-breaking temperatures in several cities. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, has already experienced its hottest days of 2024 so far, with temperatures soaring to 115 degrees.

“This extreme heat has claimed the lives of at least six people, with another 87 deaths under investigation for potential heat-related causes,” said the Maricopa County Public Health Department in the latest heat surveillance report on June 15.

[indiawestheadlines]

After Dalai Lama, US Reps Meet Modi, Indian Officials

NEW DELHI (ANI) – A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation, led by Congressman Michael McCaul and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is currently visiting India to discuss issues related to Tibet. On June 19, they met with Prime Minister Modi. Prior to this, the delegation had met with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at his residence in Dharamshala.

The delegation includes Representatives Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera, and Jim McGovern. They also met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for their “strong and continued” support for the strategic partnership between India and the U.S.

[indiawestheadlines]

Suicide Suspected In Death Of Former Cricketer; India Team Wears Black Bands

https://indiawest.com/suicide-suspected-in-death-of-former-cricketer-india-team-wears-black-bands/

BRIDGETOWN, (IANS) – The Indian team wore black armbands in memory of former fast-bowler David Johnson, who passed away on June 20 at the age of 52, during the Super Eight match against Afghanistan in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup at the Kensington Oval.

“Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former India fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday,” said a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), shortly after the toss.

Johnson was a fast bowler who played two Tests for India in 1996, taking three wickets. In domestic cricket, he picked up 125 wickets for Karnataka in 39 first-class appearances. The highlight of Johnson’s career was clocking a speed of 157.8 km/h during a Test match against Australia.

[indiawestheadlines]

TX Woman Unrepentant; Gets Jail For Racist Attack On 4 Indian Americans

https://indiawest.com/tx-woman-unrepentant-gets-jail-for-racist-attack-on-4-indian-americans/

PLANO, TX – Esmeralda Upton on June 14 pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and one count of making terrorist threats after her unprovoked, racist attack on four Indian American women.

The hate crime, recorded on a smartphone video, occurred in a parking lot near the Sixty Vines restaurant here, on August 24, 2022.

While the four Indian American friends were walking through the parking lot and chatting after their meal, Upton — a total stranger to them — confronted them, and screamed, “I hate you f***g Indians.”

Upton admitted that during the encounter, she assaulted at least three of the women, including Anamika Chatterjee, and threatened to shoot them. After the hateful encounter, Chatterjee retained the Chandra Law Firm.