Iran export ban: US charges tech CEO over alleged export of banned equipment to Iran

US charges tech CEO over alleged export of banned equipment to Iran

A dual US-Iranian citizen and the chief executive of a Tehran-based technology company were arrested on federal charges related to an alleged ten-year scheme to illegally export US-origin networking and encryption hardware to Iran’s nuclear and military sectors, in violation of sanctions regulations in the United States.According to ANI, defendant Jamshed Ghomi, a 63-year-old resident of Newport Coast, California, was detained following a federal criminal complaint charging him with conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The complaint alleges that they purchased and exported restricted US technology to Iran without obtaining the required authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.Federal prosecutors identified Ghomi as the founder and chief executive of Faraz Pardaz Rayneh Company Limited (FPR), through which he allegedly obtained sensitive US networking hardware. The equipment was reportedly rerouted through third-party intermediaries in the United Arab Emirates before being transferred to Iranian recipients, including state and military-affiliated entities.The US Justice Department said investigators consider the operation a deliberate attempt to circumvent export controls and direct advanced US technology to sanctioned Iranian entities.Authorities alleged that between 2011 and 2015, Ghomei used eBay and PayPal accounts to make more than 400 acquisitions of regulated technology before transitioning to direct purchases from commercial suppliers in Minnesota and Nebraska through a network of shell companies. Investigators further alleged that, from 2014 to 2018, he coordinated the transit of more than 250 metric tons of hardware into Iran through freight forwarding services operating from Dubai, during which he falsified shipping records and systematically concealed end-user identities.Court filings indicate that FPR supplied technology to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the body responsible for overseeing the country’s nuclear program, as well as the Ministry of Defense and armed forces logistics. The company is also accused of providing encryption and security systems for defense-affiliated operations in violation of additional sanctions restrictions.Prosecutors said Ghomei obscured the financial path of more than USD 15 million to the United States between 2011 and 2024 through complex monetary transactions, fraudulent invoices and sham corporations. Authorities further alleged that he deliberately underreported his income to tax authorities while financing a multi-million dollar luxury estate on the Newport Coast with proceeds from illegal trading.The Justice Department indicated that the prosecution is part of broader federal enforcement efforts to prevent unauthorized technology transfers to adversarial states. If convicted, Ghomey faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Judicial officials said the criminal complaint is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Krunal Pandya: ‘I always try to stay one step ahead’: Krunal Pandya | Cricket News

'I always try to stay one step ahead': Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya (TOI Photo)

Fresh off back-to-back IPL titles with RCB and a fifth crown overall, Krunal Pandya, dressed in black trousers and an oversized graphic camp collar shirt, arrived as Guest Sports Editor for The Times Of India . After greeting reporters and photographers, he sat down for an hour-long chat. However, before starting the interview, he paused mid-step, spotted a Ganesha idol, slipped off his footwear and offered a quiet prayer before settling in. The composed, spiritual gesture contrasts with the bling he wears—hard-earned symbols of a journey shaped by struggle. From early days as a passport agent and car broker to mastering a high-scoring T20 era, Pandya sees cricket as a mirror of life—demanding resilience and reinvention. He spoke movingly about his late father Himanshu’s influence, the ragging he faces from his elder son, Kavir, aged four, the mental battles he has embraced, the hunger that still drives him and the hope for an India recall after five years.

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EXCERPTS…Five-time IPL winners, two of those back-to-back (2019-2020 with MI, 2025-2026 with RCB). Has it sunk in yet?Feels amazing. And to do it five times is something very special. For me, I have always manifested trophies in my life. It’s nice when you do well individually and win games, but if you win a trophy and contribute to it, there is no better feeling. God has been really kind that I have been able to do it five times. But I feel like this is just the beginning.

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Finger spin seemed to be a dying art, especially in this IPL where scores went through the roof. Yet you came through with an economy of 8.41…Cricket, especially batting, has evolved in the IPL. To have longevity and impact as a bowler, you have to evolve too. The focus has always been on how I can get better and add more value to my skill set. I have also realised that between the skill battle, there is also a mental battle. Cricket is a sport full of uncertainty. I have always focused on staying one step ahead mentally.Last year, I joined RCB for the first time. There was a huge motivation to win because the franchise had never won before, and personally, I hadn’t won a trophy in four or five years. This season, I knew opponents would be better prepared against me. So before the tournament, I focused on how I could stay one step ahead. That’s where the bouncers and slingers came into the picture. It wasn’t about being unique or funny. It was about breaking the norm that a leftarm spinner can’t bowl to a left-hander.

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You last played for India five years ago. Since then, you’ve played for Lucknow and RCB. Talk us through that journey and how you’ve stayed motivated…There is no better feeling than playing for the country. When I was six or seven years old, there was no IPL. The biggest dream for any cricketer was to play for India. I dreamt about it my entire life and got that opportunity in 2018. In the 18 games I played, I did decently well. I won a Man of the Match in Australia and New Zealand and a Man of the Series in the West Indies. I had a good run with the Indian team. Later, when I got another opportunity in One-day cricket, I did pretty well again.I don’t think too much about selection now. Of course, I am human and there is disappointment at times. But, you have to remind yourself why you started playing cricket. I have immense love for the sport, and that’s what keeps me going.

I don’t think too much about selection now. Of course, I am human and there is disappointment at times. But, you have to remind yourself why you started playing cricket. I have immense love for the sport, and that’s what keeps me going.

Krunal Pandya

What is it about finals that gets the best out of you?I have always believed that preparation should be for the toughest situations. I know I can do well when things are easy, but what motivates me is performing when the stakes are high and things are going against me. I am a very reflective person, both in life and sport. A lot of that comes from my father. He was my role model. I watched how courageous he was and how he never gave up. That attitude has stayed with me.Describe that dismissal of Jos Buttler…When I bowled my third over in the final, Buttler went for a big shot but got an inside edge for a single. I then had six balls to think because I knew I would bowl the fourth over. I felt he would line me up in the next over because he hadn’t got hold of me yet. I was thinking whether to bowl a bouncer or a wide yorker. I wanted to keep him guessing. Eventually, I decided on the wide yorker. It worked. He stepped out, got beaten, and was stumped.Was the team also playing for the fans, especially considering what happened last year?One hundred per cent. It’s only been two years for me at RCB, but the amount of love I have received from fans everywhere has been incredible. Whether it was Guwahati, Raipur or Ahmedabad, people were supporting RCB. The fans are the heartbeat of this team.What happened last year was very unfortunate. This title was for those who lost their lives.Why is the RCB fan base so different?That’s a question I am also trying to figure out. The amount of love is overwhelming. I remember when I got picked by RCB two years ago, I was playing Ranji Trophy in Nashik and elderly people would come up and say, ‘ Beta , this time RCB should win.’ Then little kids would say the same thing. My son is four years old and understands everything. He is probably the No.1 RCB fan. He is obsessed with the team and the players.

Image credit: BCCI/IPL

How much does your son understand cricket?I’ll tell you a funny incident. In the final, I got Buttler’s wicket but scored only one run. After the game, when I picked him up, the first thing he asked was, ‘ Baba , why did you get out? Why did you play that shot?’ I told him we had won, but he still wanted an answer. He knows every player, watches highlights and loves all the RCB players. He has amazing memories already, spending time with Virat, Tim David and the others. He’s only four and already wants to play cricket. Let’s see.So he’s your biggest critic?There is no doubt about it. Sometimes I am genuinely scared of his questions. Against GT, I gave away 50 runs in four overs and he told me, ‘ Baba , I was watching the highlights. You were getting hit for fours and sixes. Why were you bowling like this?’T20 is often described as a young man’s game. Yet RCB’s core includes players like Virat, Hazlewood and yourself, all in their mid-30s. At the end of the day, it all comes down to fitness. I see myself playing for another five to seven years. If I am bowling bouncers now, my goal next year is to get them up to 125-130 kmph. Virat, Hazlewood and I are all in great shape mentally and physically. Experience is something that only comes with time. When you combine experience with fitness, that’s probably the best place to be.Speaking of fitness, how much does Virat motivate the group? Does he talk about it a lot?He leads by example. The hunger he still has to perform and win is inspiring. Sometimes people get satisfied after one or two successes, but then you see someone who has made excellence a habit. You can still see his love for the game. If that love and hunger remain constant, the sky is the limit.After 11 games this season, he had two ducks and people asked me whether we were worried. I told them I was excited. He had two back-to-back zeros and then went out and scored a match-winning hundred.Has he personally inspired you?One hundred per cent. I am also someone who plays aggressive cricket and loves winning. That doesn’t mean I am a graceful loser, but I love winning.Did you enjoy your duels with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was the headline act of this IPL?Oh, yeah. We played one game against RR in Guwahati. In fact, I got his wicket as well. But boy, what a talent! At 15! Generational talent. To bat like that at 15. Even if you are 30, 40, or 25, to bat like this is commendable. But 15? And he’s not just slogging. That boy has brains. Look at how he batted in Qualifier-2 vs GT. He played the situation.

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RCB seemed so much calmer this year, compared to last year. What would you put that down to?I’ll give a lot of credit to the support staff. Last year, everyone was playing for the first time as they were coming from a different franchise. This year, there was a sense of calmness within the group because we had already spent one year, played 16 games, and there was a sense of assuredness. Everything seemed to be in control because we knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and a lot of credit goes to Andy Flower, Mo Bobat, Dinesh Karthik Malolan, Omkar Salvi, Freddie. They gave the players a lot of role clarity. It’s important to imagine the IPL as a 10-year journey because it is such a long tournament. The memories of lifting trophies will fade with time. What will be remembered is the journey.Sachin Tendulkar recently proposed that the impact sub rule should be scrapped. You are an allrounder yourself. Do you think it hurts the development of allrounders?I have always played cricket as an 11 vs 11 game. If you scrap the impact player rule, the battle becomes even. The essence of the game goes away when you have the impact player on. The beauty of this game is that you play the situation. The tactical changes you need to make. Should I bring my main bowler on, or should I squeeze one over out of the part-timer? Sometimes, the low-scoring 130-140 games are the most exciting. Even this year, LSG vs KKR and MI vs RCB in Raipur were the most exciting matches. More all-rounders will come into the game with the impact rule scrapped.

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How do you look at the data vs instinct debate? You are in a team that is data driven and match-up driven?For me, data is information, but at the end of the day, it’s a combination of following your instinct with data. My early days were in Mumbai. And over there, I learnt a lot in terms of how to prepare. I’ve continued doing that. For me, knowing strengths and weaknesses about batters before playing the game gives me greater chances of success. But still, you can’t just go by data. Data is information, and at a particular moment, you just follow your instinct about what is right then.We have known you as someone who’s a very emotional cricketer, who plays with a lot of pride, yet you also tend to perform very well under pressure. Is this something you’ve learned? Can this be taught?I actually wait and crave for situations where it is tough. I don’t know, I guess my way of playing cricket is actually what I’ve learned through my life. So, it’s a lot to do how, at a very young age, my… I’ll just go back to my growing up days. When I was 11-12 years old, I used to work with my dad. My dad was a passport advisor agent, so, at 12, I used to go with him. So, I experienced life through business with my dad, mom, at a very young age. And then I realized how tough life is. Sometimes our parents don’t tell us while we are growing up, and my parents were also like that. But I did that at 14-15, I used to be with my dad. I myself was a passport agent. I used to make ration cards for people.Then I used to be a car broker once upon a time. So, I’ve seen life at a very young age from very close quarters. So I guess when I play the sport, I play the same way. I don’t give up. And when the situation is tough, I’m like, ‘I have to win it’. I’ve always realized one thing. You play the sport the way you live your life. Because at the end of the day, you only have one brain, It’s not that in cricket you will use another brain and another brain for life.What was the most expensive or fanciest car you sold?We used to sell second-hand cars. It used to be 3-4 lakh rupees. You used to get a commission of Rs 3000, agent fee. I was a passport agent myself. I used to fill forms. I used to do affidavits. I used to do paperwork, everyone’s ration card, light bill, then two ID proofs, school leaving certificate, filling forms online, taking it, getting the Xerox copy, then getting the affidavit done, visiting Times of India office for name corrections via paper cuttings. Yeah, I have done a lot of things.

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You and Hardik share a great bond, how often do you chat about cricket?Obviously, we have played together. We have always discussed cricket in terms of tactical, technical stuff which always helps. It has always been a good conversation, a very healthy conversation about cricket and how we can get better. And yeah, I mean, 10 trophies in the Pandya household is not a bad number to have. God’s been kind.You spoke of your dad a lot and the influence he had when you were growing up. Five years back, when you lost him, you were playing a game of cricket when the news came to you. How much did that change you as a person and the way you approach your cricket?No doubt about it. I mean, you can’t replace your parents, right, at the end of the day. And when I lost my dad, that hole will be there forever in my life. Generally, I don’t like to speak about it because I’m very emotional. Though in matches, I look very aggressive and very arrogant, but off field when something happens to me, I am like a baby, I cry a lot.I always tell people that I started playing cricket when I was six. Only after 2-3 years, I realized that I want to play for India. But my dad dreamt of it first. He wanted me to play cricket and then he moved from Surat to Baroda. He saw a lot of ups and downs in his life. But I never saw my dad crying or cribbing about anything. My dad was like, ‘We’ll figure it out’.

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Coming back to the balance of the game, currently of course fans are really taking to these six-hitting frenzies, but speaking to the bowler in you, are you concerned that at some point, the appetite for these mega-run fests will diminish and that’s something the authorities need to be mindful of?I mean, some of the rules will change, so you will see a drastic change in terms of scoring as well. Everyone is very vocal about having that balance between bat and ball. So I guess if that is done, then again bowlers will come into play.Obviously now, for example, last year, this year, we had an impact player rule. Everyone knew that there are eight batters, gun batters. I guess sometimes, rather than dwelling too much on it, you know as a bowler that it’s not in your hand, this is what the reality is. So rather than talking about that, I looked at it like ‘this is the reality, how can I figure out? How can I now have an impact as a bowler?’ So it boils down to that also rather than dwelling too much into it.But, yeah, I guess once we change, if the impact player rule goes, there will be a massive shift in the scoring. Because right now, you have eight batters, proper. Now when the impact player rule goes, suddenly your seventh is an allrounder who has to bowl four overs.Suddenly in top 6, you need someone who can give you two overs. So the whole dynamics change. Now imagine right now if you are batting at number 4 or 5, you know there is a batter at 8. So your approach towards the game is very different. But if you are batting at 4, 5, and you know that number 7 is an allrounder and 6 is an allrounder, your approach changes. So I guess that rule will change the entire way of looking at the game.Are you hopeful of an India comeback or do you feel the selectors have moved beyond you?Yeah, hope is always there, right? I am hopeful that I’ll get the opportunity again to play for the country. Fingers crossed, but I am hopeful.In the top 10 wicket takers, there was only one spinner, Rashid Khan and even if you look at the economy rates, the only person in the top 10 was Sunil Narine. You were, in fact, one of the most successful spinners in the competition. Does this worry you that the Indian spinners didn’t really have much of an impact this time?I mean, there have been impactful performances by the spinners as well if you see. It’s just that you have to evolve, that is very important and it’s not a worry. I think we are going really well in terms of bowlers and in terms of allrounders. I don’t see any worry in that. But yeah, it is very important to evolve and get better.

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‘Explosion’ before fire? In Delhi’s Malviya Nagar Hotel, kitchen fire may have occurred due to LPG cylinder or faulty AC; Toughened glass panels trapped the smoke inside. delhi news

'Explosion' before fire? In Delhi's Malviya Nagar Hotel, kitchen fire may have occurred due to LPG cylinder or faulty AC; Toughened glass panels trap smoke inside

New Delhi: A massive fire broke out at a ‘bed and breakfast’ facility in south Delhi’s densely populated Hauz Rani on Wednesday morning, killing 21 people and seriously injuring 20 others. The fire broke out at the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast, which had about 50 guests at the time, and spread to the adjacent inn.At least nine of the 18 victims identified so far are foreigners, most of whom had come for medical treatment.It is suspected that the fire started from a commercial LPG cylinder in the basement kitchen or in the AC of a restaurant on the ground floor. Eyewitnesses said they heard an explosion at around 8.40 am, just before the fire spread. The fire spread quickly due to the flammable material and spread to the single, narrow central staircase.

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Delhi Police registered an FIR of culpable homicide and arrested facility owner Lavkesh Bajaj, a resident of Saket, hours after a look-out circular was issued against him and his wife.Hundreds of guests sleeping on the upper floors and basements were trapped in a suffocating nightmare. Many people jumped from upper floor windows to avoid being burnt alive.Locals pulled heavy bedding, large mattresses and thick blankets to prevent falls, but many suffered injuries and fractures.Masked firefighters, policemen and local residents rescued at least 48 people and evacuated them to three hospitals. Of the 21 people who died, police have managed to identify nine foreigners and nine Indian nationals, eight of whom were from the same family.Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while many suffered severe burns and severe respiratory damage. The autopsy report is awaited.At around 8.48 am, distress calls were received by the Delhi Fire Service and the local police. Authorities dispatched eight fire tenders to manage water distribution, two high-capacity water bowsers to maintain pressure and special quick response vehicles equipped with cutting tools and ventilation fans. First responders arrived around 8:55 a.m. but faced a nightmare. The roof was locked and there was fire on the ground floor. Narrow, winding streets and haphazard parking hinder the movement of heavy emergency vehicles.Faced with this impasse, the local people united. As traffic came to a halt, residents formed a human chain and pushed cars that were blocking the way to make space for fire engines. He then directed traffic and directed the CATS ambulance straight to the disaster site. Only one fire tender could reach the spot at a time. Between 9 and 11.30 am, a massive, coordinated rescue operation was fully underway.Those injured included 10 policemen and two firemen.By noon, several firefighting units extinguished the fire. Firefighters found several cylinders hidden in the basement. Forensic and technical teams are analyzing evidence from the site.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs. The family of each victim will be given Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. He also said that Rs. Those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000.Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered and city-wide action will be initiated against illegal properties, unauthorized guest houses and establishments operating in violation of fire safety norms and building bye-laws.The victims who visited India include Tulkinov Khmoim and Makhpiratkhon Kochkarova of Kyrgyzstan, David Atim and Esther Ngusoron of Nigeria, Nargiza Khakimova of Uzbekistan, Tshipamba Achille Ntambu of Mozambique and Janjay Ann Rowland of Liberia. The Indian victims include Shrutika Baranwal, 27, and eight members of the same family.The injured included Issac (62), Roman Habib (20), Umma Salma (51), Vishal Kumar (29), Hosien Mosharul (40), Rohit Mukhiya (25), Uba (32), Mohammad Warsam (31), Janko Jibrin (75), Ikhtiyor Tashtiyev (46), Mohammad Sahidul Islam (48), Armin Zaman (25), Riyana (43) and Shakhida is included. (44)

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Vitamin D toxicity: When too much of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ sends you to dialysis

Vitamin D toxicity: When too much of the 'sunshine vitamin' sends you to dialysis

Vitamin D has held a high place in the health world for years. Doctors recommend it; Influential people rave about it; Friends suggest it; And millions pop supplements every day. It’s called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body makes it when sunlight hits your skin. And yes, it’s important for bones, muscles, immune function — you name it. It plays an important role in helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, keeping bones strong, supporting muscle function, helping your immune system, and even regulating your mood. This special vitamin is absorbed into our body by exposure to sunlight.However, despite living in bright, sunny countries, millions of people remain unknowingly deficient in it. Vitamin D deficiency has become a silent global health problem due to modern indoor lifestyle, use of sunscreen, pollution, poor diet and working long hours away from natural sunlight. And sometimes shortcomings don’t just hide within; It shows up subtly on your skin, hair, nails or even the way you feel, long before any serious health crisis occurs. What makes it even more dangerous is that its symptoms often develop slowly and can be mistaken for everyday fatigue, stress or aging. Therefore, it makes sense when people, who are already experiencing symptoms, take vitamin D supplements to improve their health.But here’s the hard truth: more isn’t always better. Taking too much vitamin D, especially without a doctor’s supervision, can cause serious health problems. In extreme cases, your kidneys may fail, and you will need dialysis.It’s pretty scary when you think about it: A supplement designed to help you may instead be hurting you.

Why do we need Vitamin D?

According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are the building blocks for strong bones. It supports muscles and your immune system. People who don’t get much sun exposure, older adults, those with darker skin, or people with certain health problems are all more likely to be deficient.Many people really need supplements, and for most, they are safe and helpful.The problem starts when people think, “If something is good, there must be something much better.” But our body doesn’t work like that.

What happens if you take too much of it?

Vitamin D is fat soluble, meaning it sticks in your body, unlike water-soluble vitamins, which leach out. Take large doses over a long period of time, and your levels may rise too high, leading to hypervitaminosis D. The main risk is an increase in your calcium levels, called hypercalcemia, which can damage your organs, especially your kidneys.Your kidneys are filters. Having to deal with too much calcium, they become overwhelmed.

How vitamin d toxicity your kidneys may be damaged

Too much calcium flows into the blood, and your kidneys work overtime to clear it. Excess calcium builds up, leading to kidney stones, calcification, decline in function and, in severe cases, complete kidney failure. Some people have ended up needing dialysis in the hospital due to vitamin D toxicity.Severe cases can also affect your heart, blood vessels and nervous system. In rare cases, it can even become life threatening.Take this example from a PCOS specialist’s Instagram story: A 34-year-old woman started taking vitamin D in bulk because “everyone is vitamin D deficient.” She went from 60,000 IU once a week to twice a week, then continued for months with zero follow-up, zero tests. Eventually, she experienced vomiting, weakness, confusion… and blood tests showed toxic vitamin D, high calcium, and struggling kidneys. His “Simple Strength Supplement” almost landed him on dialysis.id@undefined Captions not available.Here’s what “drhormoine.pcos” on Instagram highlights: Vitamin D is not candy. This is made. Excess calcium damages the kidneys. The problem isn’t the vitamins; This is the trend of pursuing larger doses without monitoring.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity people miss

The early symptoms of vitamin D toxicity are quite vague. Think nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, excessive thirst and frequent urination – these can all be attributed to exhaustion, hot weather or stomach upset, so they are often ignored when they occur primarily. However, when it is vitamin D toxicity, later on, you may face fatigue, weakness, dehydration, headaches and unusual muscle pain. As calcium increases, symptoms get worse: confusion, mental fog, poor mood, abnormal heart rhythms, and kidney problems continue to occur. People often ignore these, attributing them to stress or an accidental bug, even as the toxicity continues to increase.

Who is most at risk?

You won’t get much vitamin D from sunlight or normal diet. You can’t get toxic levels from sitting outside or eating fish. Almost all toxicity cases come from supplements. This typically happens when people self-prescribe high doses based on social media suggestions, misunderstand instructions, mix multiple supplements, or continue taking large doses for months without monitoring. People with kidney disease, certain endocrine disorders, or taking excess calcium are at additional risk.

how much is too much?

The truth is that the dosage of any medicine or supplement depends on age, health and your starting level. Adults usually need 600-800 IU daily, with more if a doctor prescribes it if there is a deficiency. The US National Institutes of Health says 4,000 IU per day is the upper limit for most adults without medical monitoring.What’s noteworthy is that vitamin D toxicity is rare and requires taking heavy doses over several months, not missing a pill here or there. But where that line is can be tricky, which is another reason to follow medical advice, not Internet trends.

Smart Way to Use Vitamin D

The best advice for avoiding sudden health hazards? keep it simple. Take vitamin D only when you need it, stick to the recommended dosage, and be monitored with blood tests if you’re taking supplements over a long period of time. If your doctor prescribes high doses of vitamin D, make sure you get tested frequently — and not just as per the prescription.Certainly, vitamin D is important and can boost your health. But it’s even more important to keep in mind that moderation matters – too much of a good thing is not always good.

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US proposes to impose 12.5% ​​tariff on India and 53 others over ‘forced labour’

US proposes to impose 12.5% ​​tariff on India and 53 others over 'forced labour'

New Delhi: In a widely anticipated move, the US Trade Representative on Tuesday proposed 12.5% ​​tariffs on exports from 54 countries, including India and China, accusing them of failure to ban imports of goods using forced labour.The announcement came as US officials are in India to discuss details of the framework agreement, which Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said was close to finalization.The USTR is also expected to release its report on a second investigation launched – dealing with excess capacity in 16 countries including India – which is being seen as a move to replace the temporary 10% till July 24.In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said: “India has engaged with the US on this matter as a part of Section 301 proceedings. As announced on 2 February 2026 and as per the joint statement issued on 7 February 2026, India is parallelly engaged with the US to finalize a framework agreement. In their submissions to the USTR, government agencies and businesses had rejected the allegations and called the investigation unfair, arguing that it was an issue on which there were global regulations.Government officials, who have held several rounds of discussions with their US counterparts over the past few months, were expecting the US to rely on Section 301 to impose additional tariffs, a key policy lever for the Trump administration’s efforts to discourage exports and force countries to negotiate duties bilaterally.The government has said it will agree to bilaterally negotiated rates if India has a comparative advantage over rival countries.Forced labor at risk in many key export sectors: USTRWhile India, Britain, China, Japan, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam face 12.5% ​​tariffs, six countries – the EU, Pakistan, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia and Ecuador – face the possibility of an additional 10% tariff.In its report, USTR alleged that there was evidence of the use of forced labor in cotton and polysilicone in the supply chain in China, which was used by other countries under investigation. It also notes that steel, aluminum, automobiles and auto parts, electronics, and agriculture, which are often part of trans-shipment practices, are often at risk of forced labor. It said that these practices have affected American goods.USTR said in its report, with similar findings for each country, “…the results of this investigation indicate that India’s actions, policies, and practices related to the imposition and failure to effectively enforce forced labor importation restrictions are unfair and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.”Now, the agency has sought comments till July 6 and will hold a hearing on July 7 before deciding the final action.

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Public sector bank accounts not required for revaluation fee: CBSE | india news

Public sector bank accounts not required for revaluation fees: CBSE

New Delhi: Amid confusion among candidates after the launch of the system earlier this week, CBSE on Wednesday clarified that students applying for verification and revaluation of Class XII answer sheets are not required to have an account with State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda or Indian Bank for making the payment on the board’s online portal. The board also said the portal was functioning smoothly despite a major cyberattack attempt on Tuesday, when the system was hit by denial-of-service attacks within minutes of its launch.The clarification came after several students alleged on social media that the revaluation portal appeared to be restricting payments to customers of these four banks.In a statement issued on Thursday, CBSE said that the portal uses payment gateways operated only by four public sector banks. “Candidates can use the available online payment options – UPI, Net Banking, Credit Card and Debit Card – through the specified gateway,” the board said.On the attempted cyber attack on Tuesday, which generated nearly 1.5 million hits on the portal within two minutes, along with over a lakh attempts at unauthorized file access, the board said its technical teams were constantly at work to maintain the stability and security of the platform.“The portal has accepted 4,924 applications for verification and 39,056 applications for revaluation (total 43,980) till 12 noon today,” CBSE said. It said that students should rely only on official CBSE communications for information about the process.The verification and revaluation facility was launched on June 2 for students who had earlier received scanned copies of their answer sheets evaluated under the new digital on-screen marking (OMS) system of Board-D.

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“He’ll end up like Neymar”: Kylian Mbappe and girlfriend Ester Expósito’s romantic holiday sparks outrage ahead of World Cup 2026 | international sports news

Kylian Mbappe and girlfriend Ester Expósito’s romantic holiday ahead of the 2026 World Cup has sparked outrage. (Image via Getty Images)

Real Madrid star player Kylian Mbappe was seen training with teammates in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, days ahead of the World Cup 2026.While Kylian Mbappe is completely focused on representing his country and giving his best performance at the World Cup, recent pictures of him with girlfriend Ester Exposito while on holiday have caused outrage.

Kylian Mbappe spends quality time with girlfriend Ester Exposito ahead of World Cup, sparking outrage

In the last few hours, several pictures of Real Madrid star player Kylian Mbappe going jet skiing with his girlfriend Ester Expósito and spending quality time with her on a luxurious yacht have created a stir.Although the exact date of the photos is unknown, it is rumored that the photos were taken last week, just days before the World Cup 2026 began.One fan posted the ex and wrote, “Mbappé will end up like Neymar. When he could have been the best in the world, he ruined himself.”Another fan wrote, “World Cup in 10 days, turtle doing rounds on jet ski ??? 🏝️ Come on then, will France take Aster to the stands for the final?”“This guy went on a secret vacation to Real for this woman. Now they’re having fun alone together. The World Cup is on but she doesn’t care too much,” posted a third fan.Another fan said, “10 days left in the World Cup and what is this idiot doing.”However, Kylian Mbappe seems to be keeping himself away from all the drama in his personal life as he has his sights set on the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe is committed to giving his best to his nation

A few days ago, in an interview, Kylian Mbappe talked about his preparation, saying, “I’m the captain of the team. It’s different now. It’s a different responsibility. But I’m ready for it, ready to lead my team on the biggest stage of the game, and I hope we go back to Paris and the Champs-Élysées with trophies.”“I think when you play, you don’t think about legacy. You think about performing and bringing home the trophy,” the star player said.

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California techie who lives in $35 million mansion arrested for supplying sensitive US equipment to Iran’s military, faces up to 20 years in prison

California techie who lives in $35 million mansion arrested for supplying sensitive US equipment to Iran's military, faces up to 20 years in prison

A California tech executive accused of illegally supplying advanced US networking and encryption equipment to Iran’s nuclear and military institutions for more than a decade has been arrested at his luxury ocean-view mansion, according to the US Justice Department.Jamshid Ghomi, 63, is a dual Iranian-American citizen. He was taken into custody at his $35 million Newport Beach estate and charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Authorities allege he helped deliver sensitive technology to Iran and its Defense Ministry through a long-running smuggling operation.They are accused of using middlemen to route purchases and shipments to the UAE, including more than 400 transactions made through eBay and PayPal between 2011 and 2015. Prosecutors say more than 250 metric tons of networking equipment was smuggled into Iran through Dubai-based freight forwarders between 2014 and 2018.Ghomei ran the operation through his own company, Faraz Pardaz Rayneh (FPR), which generated over $10 million in annual sales. Investigators also claim the company supplied Iran’s Defense Ministry between 2014 and 2022 and its nuclear agency from 2017 to 2023.Authorities further alleged that Ghomei transferred more than $15 million from Iran to US accounts, misrepresenting it as foreign inheritance. The money was laundered through shell companies in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.Ghoomi’s personal tax filings showed almost no income, his highest annual income was $20,684, and he claimed earned income tax credits in seven different years, regardless of his reported wealth.The case also reflects the scale of his wealth. Ghomei bought a vacant lot in March 2010 for $4.49 million and later spent about $10.49 million building a 14,000-square-foot mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the California Post reported. More than $7 million in foreign wires linked to his company flowed into the account that was used to finance the construction.Iran’s nuclear agency was sanctioned by the US in 2020 and later registered FPR as an approved vendor in 2021 and 2022.First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said: ‘We will hold him accountable by seeking an appropriate prison sentence and seizing his assets, including his $35 million Newport Beach mansion.’Essaly also said Ghomei was ‘assisting our declared enemies’ and ‘doing business with one of the world’s largest state sponsors of terrorism.’Ghomei was scheduled to appear in court in Santa Ana, Orange County, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

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Cardi B: WATCH: Stefon Diggs weirdly responds to Offset asking for a DNA test on Cardi B’s baby | nfl news

WATCH: Stefon Diggs weirdly responds to Offset wanting a DNA test for Cardi B's baby

When? stefon diggs This week TMZ cameras stopped her and asked her about her on-again, off-again relationship cardi bHe played it cool, dismissing their viral coffee shop argument, praising Cardi as “a beautiful, talented mother” and dodging every direct question about the status of their relationship. What he very deliberately avoided was the most messy thread in this entire saga: the court-ordered DNA drama quietly unfolding in the background.

Offset wanted DNA test of Cardi B’s baby with Stefan Diggs

Court documents from Cardi and Offset’s ongoing divorce case, dated February 25, 2026, reveal that Offset requested a DNA test on the child Cardi welcomed with Diggs in November 2025, apparently questioning whether the child was hers or Diggs’s. A judge denied that specific request but granted Offset permission to seek paternity testing for Cardi’s other children. The birth dates of the children are redacted in the filing, but one is described as “newborn,” which points directly to Diggs’ son.The timing specifically loads the request: Cardi filed for divorce in July 2024 and announced a new pregnancy the very next day. Their last child, Blossom, was born in September 2024. So the overlap in timelines is exactly what is putting pressure on the offset.

Stefon Diggs says everything is fine

When TMZ pressed Diggs on the DNA situation during his interview, he shrugged it off completely, saying he’s not online much and spends most of his time training. This is a smart non-answer; The court has already shut down requests for offsets, at least for now, and getting involved publicly will only add fuel to the fire. The court order also prevents both Cardi and Offset from making derogatory comments about each other on social media or in interviews, meaning neither party can say much anyway.Cardi and Diggs broke up around the Super Bowl in February, reports of a reconciliation surfaced in May, and then a video of Cardi yelling at Diggs outside a Maryland coffee shop, filmed by a bystander, went viral, prompting Cardi to joke on X that she was simply “the executioner.” Diggs, for his part, called it a non-event. As for whether they’re officially back together, she left it up to Cardi to answer.The DNA request may end up in court for now, but the questions it raises remain unresolved.

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TVK government appointed 34 ministers in-charge for 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. chennai news

TVK government appointed 34 ministers in-charge for 38 districts of Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The TVK government on Wednesday appointed all 34 ministers in-charge of 38 districts. According to a GO, Rural Development Minister N Anand has been appointed in-charge for Cuddalore and Villupuram districts; Aadhav Arjun, PWD minister for Chennai and Tiruvannamalai districts; Housing Minister P Rajkumar for Dharmapuri and Ariyalur districts; and R Nirmalkumar, power minister for Madurai and Theni districts. Other ministers appointed as in-charge of single districts include Congress ministers, S Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan, and VCK minister Vanni Arasu.The order said that the minister will ensure that developmental projects in the districts are expedited and the benefits of the projects reach the beneficiaries on time. It said the minister will ensure that precautionary measures are taken during natural disasters and that communicable diseases do not spread during floods. The government had earlier appointed senior IAS officers as monitoring officers for all 38 districts to ensure that all welfare schemes reach people on time. The minister will coordinate with those officials.

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