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The U.S. government has implemented a strict policy prohibiting American government personnel, family members, and contractors with security clearances from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, per the Associated Press. This policy, put in place by the former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, is a significant departure from previous guidelines, which only restricted relationships with Chinese citizens working in specific roles, such as embassy guards.

Such a blanket “non-fraternisation” policy has been unheard of since the Cold-War, since it’s not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date locals or marry them. Until the new ban in January, US personnel in China were expected to inform their seniors about any intimate contact with Chinese citizens, but were not explicitly forbidden from sexual or romantic relationships.

The new policy is a response to concerns over potential security risks, particularly in light of China’s alleged use of “honeypots” to extract sensitive information from American diplomats. According to Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst, Chinese state security agents have been known to seduce American diplomats, and even ordinary Chinese citizens who date American diplomats could be vulnerable to coercion.

The policy applies to U.S. personnel stationed in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan, as well as the American consulate in Hong Kong. However, it does not apply to U.S. personnel stationed outside China. Those with pre-existing relationships with Chinese citizens can apply for exemptions, but if denied, they must end the relationship or leave their position. If the policy is violated, the concerned personnel would be ordered to leave China immediately.

This policy marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to security in China, reflecting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and geopolitical competition. The Chinese foreign ministry has declined to comment on the policy, stating that it is “more appropriate to ask the U.S. about this question.”

In contrast, China has its own set of strict regulations governing the personal lives of its personnel overseas. Chinese civil servants with spouses who have acquired foreign citizenship are barred from promotions, and diplomats are restricted from spending extended periods in one country. Additionally, Chinese officials and staff are prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with foreign citizens.
 

Mohit Malik, a well-known television actor has recently stepped into Bollywood with his debut film, ‘Azaad’, directed by Abhishek Kapoor. The movie also introduces Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan, who come from established film families—Rasha being the daughter of Raveena Tandon and Aaman related to Ajay Devgn. Malik who plays Tej Bahadur, the main villain in ‘Azaad’, a role that is very different from his television characters.

Mohit discusses nepotism
In an interview with Screen, the actor shared views on nepotism, Malik acknowledged that they do get more opportunities but stressed that their long-term success depends on hard work. Talking about star kids getting opportunities without any prior experience, Malik said, “After a point, even they will stop getting opportunities.”

He added, “They are born in such a family, they are grateful. There are some benefits that come from that. If I too was born in a film family, I too would have had a godfather and received several opportunities. However, all this depends on how much work you are putting into your craft.”

Working with Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan
Talking about his experience working with the debutants, Malik had nothing but praise for them. “When I did film with Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, I saw them working hard. That’s all that matters. I recently met them again; they are both down to earth.”

Moving from television to films was a big change for Malik. He explained that “I never had the confidence to go for films till 2016. I didn’t trust my craft. After gaining confidence, I finally tried in 2017-18 for films. I used to make time in between my television shoots to audition for films. Abhishek Kapoor liked my audition, they called me. I had to give another test, and eventually things worked out. You also deal with ego after having worked for so long in a different industry and having to start from scratch in a new industry. But passion takes over ego. Till date, I go to people to ask for work. People have liked my performance in Azaad.”

With a career spanning over four decades, Hariharan has carved a unique space in Indian music. From mesmerizing ghazals to iconic playback numbers and groundbreaking fusion music, his journey has been nothing short of legendary. As he reflects on his musical milestones, he remains as passionate and relevant as ever. In this exclusive conversation with ETimes, the maestro delves into his illustrious past, his groundbreaking collaborations, and his vision for the future.
How do you look back at your journey as a singer so far?
Playback singing has been a significant part of my career, spanning Hindi and South Indian languages, making me a household name across India. Complementing this is my ghazal singing—I’ve released around 30 to 38 albums, which have further cemented my place in the music industry.
That many?!
Yes! My ghazals are just as popular as my film songs. And then came my band, Colonial Cousins, in 1996, which took the music world by storm. These three facets—ghazals, film songs, and fusion—have been my foundation. I must say, God has been kind. At 70, I’m still very much relevant to music lovers and the younger generation.
Yes, you certainly are.
I see young audiences at my concerts, which is heartening. I started my career in 1977, and by the 1980s, I had hits in films like Lamhe, Sahiban, and Boxer. I was fortunate to work with legends like Salil Chowdhury (Leher Leher Dole Re), Jaidev (Gaman), and many others.
What would you say were your turning points?
The mid-80s was a crucial phase. My playback hits in Lamhe and Sahiban gave me credibility, but my ghazal album Gulfam in the late ’80s catapulted me to a new height. Then came Haazir in the early ’90s, a huge success with Zakir Hussain.
1992 was a defining year—Roja and Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai made a massive impact. Then Tu Hi Re from Bombay solidified my standing. The late ’90s saw another milestone with Colonial Cousins in 1996. From 1985 to 2010, I was at my peak, delivering countless hit songs and albums. After that, live shows took over, and even today, I perform across genres.
When you look back, which of your songs give you the most satisfaction?
Ajeeb Sanhiha from Gaman still moves me—there’s an innocence in my voice that I cherish. Kabhi Main Kahoon from Lamhe was a milestone since it was my first duet with Lataji. Yeh Lamhe Yeh Pal was another cherished moment because I had the honor of singing the male version after Lataji.
Then there was Hai Mubarak Aaj Ka Din from Boxer, composed by R.D. Burman—an evergreen wedding favorite. Mere Man Mandir Mein from Dard Ka Rishta was Panchamda’s bhajan, which remains special. And of course, Roja Janeman and Tu Hi Re changed everything.
These two songs became the centerpieces of your playback singing career?
Absolutely. The combination of my voice and A.R. Rahman’s revolutionary sound created magic. It started with Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai in Roja, and from there, our collaboration flourished through the ’90s and 2000s.
What are your thoughts on present-day film music?
There is still great music, but the ratio of mediocre music is higher. Playback singing has declined because fewer songs are being made, with films relying more on background scores. There’s a dynamic shift—traditional hero-heroine duets are rare now.
I have been running a festival called Soul India for 25 years, where I sing film songs, ghazals, and fusion music across multiple languages. My goal is to take it across India and give young talent a platform.
What’s next for you?
I’m focusing on my favorite genre—ghazals. This month, I’m releasing an album titled Jan Meri, featuring poetry by Farhat Shahzad. I’m also working on a thumri album. My son, Akshay Hariharan, and I have been experimenting with Indian classical fusion blended with trance and electronic music, which excites me immensely. There’s still so much more to explore in music!

Legendary late actress Smita Patil has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Known for playing strong characters, she starred in over 80 films in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Kannada. Some of her most celebrated films include ‘Manthan,’ ‘Bhumika,’ ‘Aakrosh,’ ‘Chakra,’ ‘Shakti,’ ‘Arth,’ and ‘Waaris.’
Calling out Bollywood’s obsession with female nudity
Recently a clip of the late actress’ old interview with Doordarshan surfaced on Reddit; in the clip, Smita openly criticized Bollywood’s habit of showing women in revealing clothes to sell films. She pointed out that women were often shown as either foolish, constantly suffering, or half-naked.
The ‘Mandi’ actress went on to say, “Hero ko toh nanga dikha nahi sakte; usse kuch hone nahi waala hai. Lekin aurat ko nanga dikhaye toh unko lagta hai 100 log aur aajayenge. Hindustan ki audience par yeh baat force ki gayi hai ki dekhiye ji, ismein sex hai; aadhe nange shareer hai toh aap film dekhne ke liye aaiye. Yeh ek aisi attitude bann gayi hai jo bhut galat hai. Film agar kuch sache dil se baat keh rahi hai toh voh chalegi. Sirf aisi posters se film chalti nahi hai.” (You can’t show a hero naked—nothing is going to happen then. But if a woman is shown naked, they think it will attract 100 more viewers. The Indian audience has been conditioned to believe that if a film has sex and half-naked bodies, they must watch it. This has become an attitude that is completely wrong. If a film genuinely conveys something from the heart, it will work. Just having such posters doesn’t make a film successful.)
‘The audience is not stupid.’
The ‘Bazaar’ actress also pointed out the hypocrisy in the industry when it came to nudity. She observed that showing a male actor nude was unthinkable, whereas female nudity was seen as a marketing tool. She strongly opposed this approach and believed it was harming the image of women in films.

When asked if filmmakers thought audiences wanted to see women objectified on screen, she replied, “It can be true for some films. But I would also say that if some pornographic films are made, then those films will run only because of that. But if there is no storyline in the film, then the audience is not stupid; they like emotional films a lot. Our family structure is so strong. So if the audience is shown the wrong thing and made to depend on that, they will start liking those things. But filmmakers and actors have it in their hands to change things.”

Netizens agree with Smita’s words
Redditors were quick to praise Smita for her forward-thinking views. One person commented, “She is echoing my thoughts here. The audience isn’t stupid. Filmmakers can’t make garbage and then blame the audience for asking for it.” Another user wrote, “Audiences enjoy movies based on family and relationships. A huge takeaway for filmmakers today from this interview.” while one said, “She was so well-spoken and articulate.”
Check out the post here
Despite her short career, Smita won two National Film Awards and a Maharashtra State Film Award and was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Sadly, she passed away in 1986 at the young age of 31 due to childbirth complications.

Actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling gold into the country, was also part of a massive hawala racket amounting to over Rs 38 crore, investigators have said. NDTV has accessed a remand copy of Sahil Jain, the accused number 3 in the case. This document has shocking details of how he and Ranya Rao did not just smuggle gold from Dubai, but allegedly moved money through hawala routes.

Besides Ranya Rao, her close aide Tarun Raju has been arrested in this connection and is the second accused. Sahil Jain, the third accused, is a gold merchant who allegedly helped her dispose of the smuggled gold.

According to the investigators, Sahil has said he assisted and abetted “A1” — accused No 1 Ranya Rao — in disposing of 14 kg gold worth Rs 11.5 crore in January. He has also said he helped her move hawala money worth Rs 55 lakh in Bengaluru. According to the remand copy, Sahil has also told the investigators that he helped Ranya Rao dispose 13 kg gold worth Rs 11.8 crore and hawala money worth Rs 11.25 crore to Dubai in February. He also assisted her in moving hawala money worth Rs 55 lakh to Bengaluru.

The investigators have said that Sahil helped Ranya Rao dispose of a total of nearly 50 kg gold worth around Rs 40 crore and hawala cash to the tune of Rs 38 crore between Dubai and Bengaluru. He has said he was receiving a commission of Rs 55,000 for each of these transactions, according to the remand note.

Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru airport on March 3 after she flew in from Dubai. A team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered gold bars from her. “Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on person. The contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962,” a DRI statement said.

The search then moved to her home on Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road and the investigators found gold jewelry worth Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. According to remand note, this cash is likely hawala money she received by purchasing gold in Dubai and selling it in Bengaluru.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramchandra Rao. The officer has claimed he was not in touch with her and was unaware of her illegal activities. The officer has been sent on compulsory leave and also questioned about the case to establish if he was involved.

Ranya Rao came under the radar due to her frequent trips abroad. She made as many as 27 trips to Dubai last year.

In a massive loss of face to the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, the Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court order, cancelling the appointment of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff under the West Bengal School Service Commission. The Supreme Court said the entire selection process is “vitiated by manipulation and fraud” and its credibility and legitimacy “denuded”.

The bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said that it saw no reason to interfere with the High Court order. The court said the appointments resulted from cheating and are thus fraudulent.

“In our opinion, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution. Manipulations and frauds on a large scale, coupled with the attempted cover-up, have dented the selection process beyond repair and partial redemption. The credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded,” the court said in its order.

The court said that the candidates not specifically found to be tainted won’t have to refund the salaries they have received over the years. “However, their services will be terminated. Furthermore, no candidate can be appointed once the entire examination process and results have been declared void,” it said.

The Mamata Banerjee government had challenged the high court order in the Supreme Court, and pressed for a segregation of tainted and untainted candidates.

The court, however, said any verification and ascertainment became difficult “given the scale of camouflage and dressing up done at each stage”. “We are convinced that the entire selection process was intentionally compromised due to the illegalities involved,” it said.

The court noted that the West Bengal School Service Commission has admitted to rank jumping — candidates having lower rank were preferred over those having higher rank –, out of panel appointments, appointment of candidates not recommended by the commission and manipulation of OMR scores. 

At the centre of the row are supernumerary posts created by the state government. More than 23 lakh candidates had appeared for the state-level selection test in 2016. The number of vacant posts was 24,640, but 25,753 appointment letters were issued. It is alleged that these supernumeric posts provided room for illegal recruitment.

Irregularities in the teachers’ recruitment had opened a can of worms for the Trinamool Congress government. Several of its top leaders, including former education minister and a trusted lieutenant of Mamata Banerjee, are in jail in connection with the case.

Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya described the Supreme Court verdict as a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee. “Mamata Banerjee’s close aide, Partha Chatterjee – who served as the Education Minister and was caught with wads of cash – is already in jail for his role in the scam. The Chief Minister, under whose watch this massive fraud ruined the careers of thousands of youths, must also be held accountable and face trial,” he said.

Hours after the verdict, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she does not accept the Supreme Court judgment personally, but her government will implement it and repeat the selection process. She also questioned if the Opposition BJP and CPM wanted Bengal’s education system to collapse and alleged a conspiracy. 

Foodborne illnesses, commonly known as food poisoning, occur when individuals consume food or beverages contaminated with harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances. These contaminants can lead to a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. With foodborne illnesses on a rise in India, it is essential to keep an eye out and take precautionary measures to stay safe. In this article, we outline tips to help you stay safe from foodborne diseases.

Tips to keep you safe from foodborne illnesses

1. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently

Hand hygiene is one of the most critical steps in preventing foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching raw meat or unwashed produce.

2. Keep kitchen surfaces and utensils clean

Germs can spread from contaminated surfaces to food items, making proper cleaning essential. Disinfect kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and utensils regularly using hot water and antibacterial soap.

3. Cook food to the right temperature

Cooking food at the proper temperature ensures that harmful microorganisms are destroyed. Using a food thermometer ensures accuracy and eliminates guesswork. Undercooked food, especially meats, is one of the leading causes of foodborne diseases.

4. Store food at safe temperatures

To prevent bacterial growth, perishable foods should be stored at appropriate temperatures. Never leave perishable foods out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather). Proper storage also includes covering food properly to avoid contamination from other sources.

5. Avoid cross-contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria from raw food come into contact with cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from fruits, vegetables, and other ready-to-eat items. Taking these precautions reduces the risk of bacteria spreading between different foods.

6. Wash fruits and vegetables properly

Fruits and vegetables can carry bacteria, dirt, and pesticides, making it essential to wash them thoroughly before consumption. Rinse them under running water instead of soaking them in a bowl, as stagnant water can spread contaminants.

7. Be cautious with street and processed foods

In India, where street food is popular, hygiene standards can vary. Opt for vendors that maintain cleanliness and serve hot, freshly prepared food. Avoid raw or undercooked street food, as it may be contaminated.

8. Drink safe and purified water

Contaminated water is a common source of foodborne illnesses, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation. Always drink filtered or boiled water to eliminate bacteria and parasites. If traveling to places with uncertain water quality, use bottled water from reputable brands or carry a portable water purifier.

9. Pay attention to food recalls and expiry dates

Food recalls are issued when a product is found to be contaminated or unsafe for consumption. Similarly, always check expiry dates before consuming packaged food.

By diligently following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting foodborne illnesses and contribute to a safer food environment for all.​

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Elon Musk accuses ‘fake NGOs’ of corruption, calls for immediate arrests

Elon Musk, the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and an influential business leader, recently called for the arrest of individuals running what he described as “fake” non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive federal funding. During an interview on Fox News’ The Five, Musk alleged that these organizations operate as part of a politically connected system engaged in misusing taxpayer resources. His statements have drawn significant attention, particularly as he leads efforts to reduce federal spending by $1 trillion.
While Musk does not have the legal authority to initiate criminal investigations, his remarks could influence the priorities of government agencies under the Trump administration. The claims come amid Republican scrutiny of a $2 billion environmental grant awarded to organizations linked to former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

Elon Musk’s allegations against ‘fake’ NGOs

During the Fox News interview, Musk asserted that many NGOs receiving federal funds function as mechanisms for financial mismanagement and political favoritism. He described them as “fake charities” that primarily benefit Democratic operatives, though he acknowledged occasional bipartisan involvement.
“These are fake charities [run by] mostly Democrats … There’s sometimes a little bit of Republican in there, because they sometimes throw the Republicans a bone to say, ‘Hey, be quiet about this,’” Musk claimed.
He further alleged that these organizations participate in a “giant money laundering scheme,” where federal funds are distributed through multiple layers of NGOs, making it difficult to track the ultimate recipients and their use of taxpayer money.
Musk’s use of the term “uniparty” aligns with rhetoric commonly used by Trump supporters to criticize politicians from both major parties who maintain traditional views on government spending, foreign policy, and bureaucracy.

Musk questions $2B grant tied to Stacey Abrams as DOJ, FBI probe allocation

One of the key points in Musk’s argument is the allocation of a $2 billion environmental grant by the Biden administration. Republicans have raised concerns about the funding, citing its connection to organizations affiliated with Stacey Abrams. The grant has not yet been fully disbursed, and Abrams has denied personally benefiting from it.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin recently stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the grant’s allocation. However, there is no confirmed evidence of wrongdoing at this time.

Musk’s influence and legal considerations

Although Musk does not have prosecutorial authority, his statements could impact investigations and policy decisions. As the head of DOGE, Musk has been leading a major effort to cut government spending, and his influence over the current administration extends to various policy areas.
Musk’s comments come amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape the federal government, particularly by reducing funding for programs perceived as wasteful. His call for legal action against NGO leaders aligns with this agenda and could place additional pressure on government agencies to scrutinize federal grant recipients.

Public and political reactions

Musk’s remarks have generated both support and criticism. Supporters argue that federal funds should be allocated with greater oversight to prevent waste and corruption. Critics, however, caution that his accusations lack specific evidence and could be politically motivated.
The controversy also highlights the growing intersection of business and politics, as high-profile figures like Musk use their platforms to influence public discourse on government policy.