Students and staff at colleges across the United States include relatives of Iran’s political elite, even as Iran’s leaders continue to oppose the United States in public rhetoric. Children of senior Iranian officials have studied or taught at prestigious universities, including the University of Massachusetts, Union College in New York and George Washington University in Washington DC, The New York Post reports.The presence of these individuals in American educational institutions raises questions, given their family ties to the Iranian regime. Critics point to this as a stark contrast between Iran’s public hostility toward the United States and its elite’s personal choice to send their children abroad for education and careers.

medical doctor in georgia

One case involves Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani. Ardeshir‑Larijani worked as a medical doctor and taught at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. His profile was later removed from the university’s website amid protests and demands for his departure.Supporters of action against him argued that his family’s ties to a regime hostile to the United States raised a potential concern. A member of the US Congress wrote to Emory University saying his employment should be reconsidered due to his “familial ties” to a sanctioned Iranian official.

Professor of Mathematics in New York

In New York, Leila Khatami, daughter of former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, has taught mathematics at Union College in Schenectady. His biography and photograph were reportedly removed from the college’s staff pages following extensive reporting on his background.

Faculty in Massachusetts, Washington DC

Other examples include Zainab Hajjarian, daughter of Saeed Hajjarian, a well-known adviser to Iran’s political system, who holds a faculty position at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The other is Ehsan Nobakht, an associate professor at George Washington University’s medical school and the son of former Iranian deputy health minister Ali Nobakht.

Professor of Nuclear Engineering at Illinois

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Zahra Mohaghe Damad, niece of Ali Larijani and daughter of a senior Iranian cleric, works as an assistant professor in nuclear, plasma and radiological engineering.

relatives of thousands of Iranian elite

This phenomenon is not limited to one or two individuals. According to the New York Post, 4,000 to 5,000 relatives of prominent Iranian officials live in the United States, with additional numbers in Canada and Australia. These family members have benefited from opportunities abroad that ordinary Iranians are deprived of.

‘Noble birth’

Critics use the term “Aghazadeh”, meaning “noble birth”, to describe the children of Iran’s powerful political families. He says that these children get special opportunities to study and work abroad which ordinary Iranians do not get. Opponents argue that this reflects a double standard in Iran, where regular people may face restrictions on travel and freedom, while elites and their children enjoy privileges.Supporters critical of the regime argue that allowing these individuals to live and work freely in the United States may inadvertently give them a platform and influence in academic discussions. He says this could shape opinions about the Iranian government among American students and the public.

The UK House of Lords has backed a historic move to remove criminal penalties for women who terminate pregnancies outside the existing legal framework. The vote, held on March 18, also paves the way for pardons and clearing the records of women previously convicted of illegal abortions under outdated abortion laws.This comes after the House of Commons decided to decriminalize abortion in 2025, while retaining medical safeguards and the 24-week limit for clinic-based terminations.Two major proposals from Conservative peers and Church of England leaders were rejected:

By blocking these amendments, women would not face prosecution even if they manage their abortions outside of clinics. Doctors and medical professionals who work illegally may still face charges.

Supporters say it protects women

Pro-choice campaigners and MPs said the reform protects vulnerable women, particularly those facing domestic abuse or living in marginalized communities.Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choice UK said, “Criminalizing women for their healthcare decisions is harmful. This vote ends unnecessary prosecution and gives relief to women already affected.”

what the critics said

Church leaders and pro-life groups criticized the move. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally said the law could weaken safeguards and stressed the importance of recognizing the value of every unborn life. Conservative colleagues argued that the change could lead to late-term abortions without proper oversight.

Netizens react

Reactions on social media were mixed. Some expressed outrage: “Women can now end the life of their unborn child at any stage, for any reason, without any legal consequences. A dark day for Britain.”Another user said, ‘If we don’t protect children, who will we protect…’.Others defended the move, saying it prevents criminalization of women and ensures safety: “No one should be punished for a health care decision, especially in difficult circumstances.”The law will take effect after the final legislative steps are completed. Once enacted, it would officially pardon women convicted under outdated abortion laws and ensure no future prosecutions for women who obtain abortions outside of clinics.

British Conservative MP Bob Blackman has said that people who disrupted Holi celebrations in north-west London earlier this month are “still at large”, even as he marked the latest incidents of violence targeting Hindu and Sikh communities in nearby areas.In a post on X, Blackman said that despite raising the March 3 Harrow incident in the UK Parliament, tensions on the ground have not subsided.Pointing to recent attacks on businesses and individuals in Wembley, he said, “Since I raised this in Parliament, the violence has not stopped… The perpetrators of the original Holi attack remain at large.”The MP had earlier told Parliament that a group of around 20 individuals disrupted Holi celebrations, adding that only one arrest has been made so far, and demanded accountability from the Metropolitan Police.

What happened in Harrow Holi event?

The incident to which Blackman referred took place on 3 March during a bonfire celebration in the Harrow Civic Center car park, which was attended by around 1,000 people.According to the organisers, the event turned tense when a small group of youths allegedly interfered in the proceedings by pulling the sound system’s wires and damaging the equipment. They reportedly returned shortly afterwards with a larger group of 15–20 individuals, some of whom had faces covered, and caused further disruption by throwing objects and clashing with security before fleeing.Police were called to the scene and arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of affray.

The matter was raised in the British Parliament

First raising the matter in the House of Commons, Blackman described the attackers as “thugs” who had come from a nearby mosque and attempted to disrupt a peaceful religious celebration.He urged the UK government to intervene and reassure communities, warning that rising global tensions were beginning to be reflected locally.“As politicians, it is our responsibility to calm things down,” he said, calling for measures to ensure that people can celebrate festivals “in peace and harmony”.Responding to the concern, UK government minister Alan Campbell condemned religious hatred, but refrained from commenting directly on the matter, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Latest violence in Wembley

In his latest comments, Blackman also referred to a series of alleged attacks in Wembley, where Hindu and Sikh-owned businesses have reportedly been targeted in recent days.Local accounts described a number of incidents, including vandalism to restaurants on Ealing Road, attacks on individuals and stabbings. In one such incident, a group allegedly stormed a restaurant, damaged property and attacked people present there. In another, shopkeepers said masked youths vandalized shops and fled before police arrived.Community members have expressed concerns that the same group behind the Harrow disruption may be linked to these incidents, however, this is unconfirmed.

Dubai Eid 2026 mega gift, workers will get free cars, gold bars and flight tickets / Image: File

Eid Al Fitr in Dubai is no longer just about prayers and celebrations, it has become a moment of real opportunity for thousands of workers. This year, cars, gold bars, smartphones and flight tickets are being offered at large-scale events organized by the Directorate General of Residency and Foreign Affairs, turning ordinary celebrations into potentially life-changing experiences.For many workers, merely attending Eid celebrations could mean walking away with a reward that will transform their financial future.

Inside Dubai’s GDRFA Eid celebrations

The Eid celebration is part of a broader initiative led by GDRFA Dubai under the directives of Dubai leadership to recognize the contributions of the workforce. Events are being held in major activist centers such as Jebel Ali, Al Quoz and Muhaisnah, where thousands of people gather for multi-day celebrations.What makes these ceremonies different is the scale of the awards. Workers participating in events stand a chance to win:

In previous and similar large-scale events, hundreds of winners have walked away with prizes including several cars and dozens of gold bars, highlighting the importance of these gifts.

How do festivals work?

These are not just award distributions, these are full-scale cultural celebrations designed around the Eid holidays.During the day, workers attend sporting events, visit market-style establishments with food and shopping stalls, and enjoy live performances, including music and dance shows. As the evening progresses, attention turns to the most anticipated part of the event: the raffle draw.The selection of names is done live in front of a large crowd, creating moments of excitement and surprise. At some locations, thousands of attendees gather, and an announcement can instantly make a participant the winner of a car or gold.Celebrations during Eid usually last for several days, ensuring that workers from different sectors and shifts get a chance to participate.

Who is eligible for Eid Award?

This initiative is specifically designed for Dubai’s workforce, especially blue-collar and working class workers living in designated housing areas.To participate, workers are typically required to attend official event locations where entry is organized and monitored. Participation is simple and inclusive: workers register at the venue or through organisers, often using their Emirates ID for verification.Once registered, they automatically become eligible for the raffle draw held during the event. No separate purchases or fees are required, making this opportunity accessible to all attendees.According to official program details, Eid celebrations are scheduled over several days during the Eid al Fitr 2026 holiday period. Events are being organized in key worker centers across Dubai, including:

These locations have been strategically chosen to ensure maximum participation from the labor community, with thousands of people expected to attend each day.Winners are announced on the site, and official organizers distribute prizes, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Why is Dubai doing this?

According to senior officials including Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, these events are rooted in a deeper purpose, recognition and appreciation of the workers who contribute to the development of Dubai.Officials stress that evaluating workers is not merely symbolic; It has a direct impact on productivity, prosperity and overall development of the society. The initiative is in line with the UAE’s long-term focus on worker welfare, human dignity and inclusive growth.These celebrations also reinforce Dubai’s global image as a city that not only attracts talent but also rewards and respects its workforce.

a big picture

The GDRFA-led events are part of a larger Eid celebration across Dubai, where celebrations now combine community initiatives, retail offers and public events.From shopping extravaganzas and food deals to worker-focused awards, Eid has evolved into a multilayered experience. But amid all the celebrations, these worker programs stand out for one reason — they turn gratitude into tangible, life-changing rewards.

A US court has sentenced Indian-origin Sital Singh to four years in prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the country. On Thursday, Singh, 43, was also ordered to pay $6.6 million in compensation. Prosecutors said the scheme, operated in coordination with foreign scammers, defrauded victims of approximately $9.3 million. US Attorney’s Office.Singh, Dariona Lambert, 24, Jhamonic Stevens, 24, Chintankumar Parekh, 52, and Mehulkumar Darzi, 42, all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.He worked as a “handler”, coordinating the collection of gold bars and coins that the victims were duped into purchasing. Scam callers posing as officials falsely claim that victims’ financial accounts have been compromised and pressure them to convert savings into gold for “protection.”Two co-accused, identified as couriers, physically collected the gold from the victims, while Singh and other operators managed the logistics and payments. The network operated in at least ten states, targeting vulnerable, elderly individuals, officials said.In one example, an 82-year-old woman in St. Louis was persuaded to purchase $250,000 worth of gold before law enforcement intervened during a pickup attempt.Federal investigators said the scandal would have devastating consequences. “These crimes robbed elderly victims of their life savings,” FBI officials said, citing those cases.All five accused have now been sentenced, with Singh and two others receiving four years in prison. Authorities said some co-conspirators face deportation after completing their sentences.

AI image created for representational purposes.

Heavy use of social media is causing a sharp decline in the health of young people, with teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe particularly affected, according to the World Happiness Report 2026, released on Thursday.The annual study published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Center also found that Finland remains the world’s happiest country for the ninth year in a row. The other Nordic nations – Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway – continue to dominate the top rankings.At the other end of the spectrum, conflict-affected countries remain at the bottom, with Afghanistan again listed as the unhappiest, followed by Sierra Leone and Malawi.

Happiest country:

Least happy country:

147. Afghanistan146. Sierra Leone145. Malawi144. Zimbabwe143.Botswana142. Yemen141. Lebanon140. DR Congo139. Egypt138. TanzaniaThe report highlights a significant decline in life satisfaction among people under 25 over the past decade in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with prolonged social media use identified as a major contributing factor.Notably, for the second year in a row, no English-speaking country features in the top 10. The United States is ranked 23rd, Canada 25th and Britain 29th.Among the biggest movers, Costa Rica moved up to fourth place this year, from 23rd in 2023. Researchers attributed its rise to strong family ties and social ties.“We think this is due to the quality of their social life and the stability they currently enjoy,” said Jan-Emmanuel de Neve, director of the Wellbeing Research Center and co-editor of the report. He noted that Latin American societies tend to have stronger social ties and higher levels of social capital.The continued dominance of the Nordic countries is linked to a combination of wealth, relatively equal distribution, strong welfare systems and high life expectancy, the report said.

Where is India’s place?

India ranked 116th out of 147 countries included in the report, a slight improvement from its 118th position in 2025.India improved its ranking by two places:111. Ukraine 112. Morocco 113. Guinea 114. Gardener 115. Ghana 116. India 117. Somalia 118. Uganda 119. Jordan 120.MauritaniaThe ranking is based on responses from nearly 100,000 people in 140 countries and territories, collected in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Participants were asked to rate their lives on a scale from 0 to 10.Among people under 25 in English-speaking and Western European countries, the average life satisfaction score has declined by about one point over the past decade. The report found that the negative impact of heavy use of social media is especially visible on teenage girls. For example, 15-year-old girls who spend five or more hours per day on social media have significantly lower life satisfaction than those who use it less.Young people who spend less than an hour per day on social media report the highest levels of well-being – even higher than those who don’t use it. However, teens now spend an average of about 2.5 hours per day on these platforms.“It’s clear that we need to do as much as possible to bring the ‘social’ back into social media,” De Neve said.Regional differences have also been noted in the report. In the Middle East and parts of South America, social media use appears to be more positively associated with well-being, and youth satisfaction levels remain stable despite heavy use.Researchers suggest that platform design plays an important role. Algorithm-driven, image-heavy platforms that emphasize influencers worsen well-being by encouraging social comparison, while platforms focused on communication show more positive outcomes.The findings come amid a growing global debate over regulating social media use among minors, with many countries considering or implementing restrictions.

A political row has erupted in Britain after Labor MP Uma Kumaran accused Conservative MP Nick Timothy of “blatant Islamophobia” over his comments on a mass Muslim prayer held during a public Iftar gathering in Trafalgar Square.The controversy began when Nick Timothy, a Conservative MP, posted on Twitter criticizing the public prayer held on 16 March. In his post, he described the gathering as an “act of domination” and argued that such religious expressions should not take place in public places.

He wrote that “collective ritual prayer in public places is an act of dominance” and claimed that the azaan, when called in public, represents a “declaration of dominance”. He said such practices should be restricted to mosques and added that “they are not welcome in our public spaces and shared institutions”.Timothy also said that Trafalgar Square “belongs to all of us” and described the incident as “an act of domination and therefore division”, adding that “it should never happen again”.Her comments were strongly criticized, including from Labor MP Uma Kumaran, who reacted sharply.He wrote, “Blame Islamophobia from the Tory Party. Again. Most Londoners are proud to live in a diverse city – rich with culture and celebration. The only group of people we don’t accept are loud-mouthed racists.”This exchange has sparked wider debate in the UK about public expression of faith, multiculturalism and the use of shared civic spaces for religious events.

About Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most recognizable public spaces and has both historical and civic significance. Located in Westminster, the square was named after Britain’s 1805 victory at the Battle of Trafalgar under the leadership of Admiral Nelson. It was once the site of the King’s Mews Stables before being redesigned by John Nash in the 1820s and completed by Charles Barry in 1844. Today, it is defined by Nelson’s 169-foot Column, the bronze lions added in 1867, its fountains and platforms, including the fourth plinth, which displays regularly rotating artworks. Surrounded by the National Gallery, the square has long served as a gathering place for protests, celebrations and major public events, which is why its use is closely monitored and often politically charged.

Trafalgar Square/Image: Britannica website

Who is Uma Kumaran?

Uma Kumaran is the Labor Party MP representing Stratford and Bow. She was elected in July 2024 and made history as the first person of Tamil heritage to enter the UK Parliament.

Early life and background

Born and raised in East London, Kumaran comes from a Tamil family whose parents fled Sri Lanka during the civil war in the 1980s. Later his family moved to Harrow.He attended Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School, followed by Bentley Wood High School and St Dominic’s Sixth Form College.Kumaran went on to study at Queen Mary University of London, where she completed a BA in Politics and later an MSc in Public Policy.

Political career and work experience

Kumaran has had a long career in politics and public service before entering Parliament.She began her professional journey at NHS Professionals between 2007 and 2009, before working as a parliamentary researcher and caseworker for MP Dawn Butler from 2009 to 2010.She later joined the Labor Group Political Office at Islington Council, where she worked from 2010 to 2014. In 2015, he served as senior campaign advisor for Sadiq Khan’s London mayoral campaign.From 2015 to 2017, she worked as a political advisor at the Local Government Association, before becoming a senior advisor to the Mayor of London from 2017 to 2020.She then moved into national politics and worked as Deputy Director of Parliamentary Affairs to the Leader of the Opposition between 2020 and 2022. Subsequently, he served as Director of Diplomatic and International Relations at C40 Cities from April 2022 to May 2024.Since entering Parliament, Kumaran has held several roles, including serving as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. She is also co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Waterways, vice-chair of the APPG on International Conservation, Renewable and Sustainable Energy and Tamils, and co-chair of the BAME Parliamentary Labor Party.

personal life

Uma Kumaran is married to political consultant Jacob Tilley. Although she keeps a relatively private personal life, her background as the daughter of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees has shaped her public identity and attitudes.

Uma Kumaran and Jacob Tilley/Image: Humphrey Nemar

Raised in East London and later Harrow, her upbringing reflected the experience of many immigrant families in Britain. His visit to Parliament is often seen as part of a wider shift towards greater diversity and representation in British politics.

wide debate

The episode has once again drawn attention to how public spaces are used and perceived in a diverse society. It underlines the ongoing debate in the UK over freedom of religious expression, cultural inclusion and how to navigate shared civic spaces in an increasingly multicultural environment.