Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Mayor of Newark signs agreement with non-existent Hindu nation, retracts later

The supposed sister city partnership with Kailasa, a nation floated by Indian fugitive Swami Nithyananda, lasted a mere six days before being declared ‘baseless and void’

Mayor of Newark signs agreement with non-existent Hindu nation, retracts later

The city of Newark, New Jersey, was hoodwinked for five days in January when Mayor Ras Baraka invited what he thought was a delegation from the Hindu nation of Kailasa to enter into a sister city partnership, according to official confirmation.

A signing ceremony took place during which Baraka expressed his hopes that the relationship would enhance cultural, social, and political development, and improve the lives of people in both places.


However, it was discovered that Kailasa does not exist, despite the signing ceremony and Baraka's hopes for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Recent reports inform that Newark city hall has admitted to being tricked by infamous Indian fugitive Swami Nithyananda. The supposed sister city partnership with Kailasa lasted a mere six days before being declared "baseless and void."

A spokesperson for the city stated that despite the regrettable incident, Newark still upholds its commitment to collaborating with people from diverse cultures to cultivate a relationship based on mutual respect and support.

They also confirmed that no financial transactions took place during the brief period of the fraudulent partnership.

After the revelation that Newark had been duped into a sister city partnership with a non-existent place, Shakee Merritt, a Newark resident, expressed surprise that nobody in City Hall had done a simple Google search to verify the legitimacy of the supposed Hindu nation of Kailasa.

According to reports from Indian news outlets, Nithyananda is a well-known fraudster who has been on the run since 2019 after being accused of rape and child abduction.

However, Nithyananda has denied the charges against him. He also claimed to have acquired an island near the coast of Ecuador and declared the establishment of Kailasa around the same time.

In December, the Guardian reported that Nithyananda representatives attended a Diwali party at the House of Lords.

Additionally, the United Nations announced it would disregard statements made by Kailasa delegates at two committee meetings in February on topics of women's representation and sustainable development.

The UN officials deemed the submissions irrelevant or tangential to the discussions.

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less