71-year-old loses Rs 1.92 crore to digital arrest scam; three arrested

Hyderabad, Nov 30, 2025
In another digital arrest case, Cybercrime Police of Hyderabad have nabbed three fraudsters who extorted Rs 1.92 crore from a senior citizen.

A 71-year-old male victim from Hyderabad had approached the police with a complaint stating that he was cheated by cyber fraudsters in the guise of a digital arrest.

The accused, who posed as officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), lured the victim into depositing Rs 1,92,50,070 into various bank accounts between November 7 and 14, a police official said on Sunday.

The fraudsters told the victim that a case had been registered against him for misuse of the Aadhaar card. He was told that using the Aadhaar card, an account was opened in Canara Bank, Mumbai. They made a video call and showed the photo of the Canara bank ATM card, and also sent him a fake FIR of the Crime Branch, Delhi. Later, they demanded money to close the case. Believing them, the victim deposited the amount in the bank accounts provided by them.

After realising that he had been cheated, the victim approached the police. A case was registered at Cybercrime Police Station under sections 66 C, 66 D of the Information Technology Act and the relevant section of the BNS.

Police arrested Pandu Vinith Raj, G. Thirupathaiah and Gouni Vishwanatham, all residents of Hyderabad. They were found involved in five cases across the country, out of which two pertain to Telangana.

The main accused, Saneep alias Alex, was absconding. Vinith Raj was the account supplier, while Thirupathaiah and Vishwanatham were joint account holders.

Police have cautioned citizens against falling victim to digital arrest.

The police clarified that there is no legal concept called a “Digital Arrest” under Indian law. Police do not conduct arrests over video calls; a genuine arrest involves officers physically coming to your location with an official, verifiable warrant, said an advisory.

People have also been advised not to transfer money. Legitimate law enforcement or government agencies (like the Police, CBI, ED, or Customs) will never ask you to pay a fine, security deposit, or transfer money via phone, UPI, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to “avoid arrest” or “clear your name.”

Police have also advised citizens not to share OTP, passwords, bank account details, Aadhaar, or PAN information over the phone or video call, especially to an unknown person claiming to be an official.(Agency)

Tahira Kashyap to cook a cherished recipe from her Nani’s notes for her father’s birthday

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife Tahira Kashyap took to social media to pen a heartfelt note for her father Yajan Kashyap on his birthday.

The star wife shared how she plans to prepare a special dish passed down by her Nani mama—a recipe she has treasured in her notes for years. Taking to her Instagram handle, Tahira, on Sunday, posted a few photos from her morning video call with her father and expressed deep admiration for him.

Through the post, she conveyed how she sees divinity in him and how his habit of blessing not just his own children but everyone—regardless of their background—has always inspired her.

Tahira also mentioned that he is someone whom no one forgets to wish on his birthday, reflecting the love and respect he naturally attracts. Along with the pictures, she wrote, “I see God in him. When my father blesses me in the same breath he wishes for God to bless all children. The love and respect he gives everyone irrespective of whether they are successful or not, rich or not, educated or not, is an example. I love you papa, love you so so so much.”

“Pictures from today’s morning video call. He is one person nobody misses to wish and celebrate also sharing kada prashad recipe which my Nani mama shared with me, kept in my notes for ever and today I’ll be making it in mumbai celebrating your birthday papa while you soak the winter sun! There is so much to learn from you, so much may you keep radiating the warmth everywhere you go. There is ruhaniyat in you.”

Tahira Kashyap is the wife of actor Ayushmann Khurrana. The two got married in 2011 after years of dating, and are parents to two children son Virajveer and daughter Varushka. Tahira, writer and filmmaker, is recognized for her books, short films. Her published works include “I Promise,” “Cracking the Code,” and “The 12 Commandments of Being a Woman.”(Agency)

Anupam Kher opens up on receiving prestigious honours for his work beyond acting

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been honoured by two of India’s distinguished educational institutions for his remarkable contributions both on and off the screen.

Recognized not only for his illustrious acting career but also for his efforts as an individual contributing to society, Kher expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the prestigious awards from DAV Schools and St. Xavier’s College Alumni Association.

Sharing his videos and photos, Kher wrote, “AWARDS AND HONOURS: I am deeply humbled, happy and delighted to receive two Awards/Honours from two very distinguished educational institutions of India for my work in my professional and personal capacity! Thank you Hon. Governor of #Maharashtra and #Gujarat Sh. #AcharyaDevvrat ji, a DAVian himself, President DAV Schools Sh. Poonam Suri ji, CEO Smt. Nisha Pashin ji and all the DAVians for this great Honour!.”

“Also THANKS to St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association for the wonderful recognition! I consider these honours are also for whatever little contribution I try to make to our society! Not just as an ACTOR. But also as an INDIVIDUAL! Jai Ho! Jai Hindi! #Awards #Gratitude #Humbled.”

Meanwhile, Anupam Kher’s recent directorial “Tanvi The Great” recently returned to theatres. The film starred Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Nasser, along with Anupam and Iain Glen.

“Tanvi The Great” narrated the story of a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum, who lives with her mother and grandfather. Inspired by her late father, Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer, she dreams of saluting the national flag at Siachen Glacier.

Up next, the veteran actor recently announced that he has joined forces with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya for his 549th project. On the first day of the shoot, Kher presented the Hum Saath-Saath Hain maker with an auspicious shawl from Ayodhya.

Calling the filmmaker and ‘icon, an amazing person and an amzing director’, Kher penned, “ANNOUNCING MY 549th FILM: Delighted to share that my 549th untitled film started today with one and only SOORAJ BARJATYA! Presented him the auspicious shawl which I got from #Ayodhya! (sic).”(Agency)

SMAT: Abhishek Sharma blasts 12-ball fifty en route to 32-ball century against Bengal

Hyderabad, Nov 30, 2025
Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma unleashed carnage with a record-breaking half century enroute to his 32-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against an experienced Bengal bowling attack here on Sunday at the Gymkhana Ground.

Abhishek was all guns blazing from ball one as he raced to a 12-ball half-century, the joint third-fastest fifty and joint second-fastest by an Indian in men’s T20 cricket. He hit five fours and five sixes to get to his fifty, conceding just one dot ball in the 12 balls he had faced to get to the landmark.

The 25-year-old left-handed batter became the fifth player to reach a fifty in just 12 balls in T20 cricket. His mentor, former India allrounder Yuvraj Singh, was the first to do so during the 2007 T20 World Cup match against England, where he famously hit six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad.

The fastest fifty in men’s T20 cricket was made by Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee against Mongolia at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023. India’s Ashutosh Sharma is the second in the list with an 11-ball fifty for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Chris Gayle achieved this feat in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades against the Adelaide Strikers in January 2016. Later, in October 2018, Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai matched the record while playing for Kabul Zwanan against Balkh Legends in an Afghanistan Premier League match in Sharjah.

Abhishek maintained his aggressive batting and reached a century in just 32 balls, striking 11 sixes and seven fours. However, he narrowly missed the record for the fastest men’s T20 century, which is held by Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who achieved it in 27 balls.

This is the third-fastest T20 hundred by an Indian. Abhishek already shares the record for the second-fastest T20 century by an Indian, having scored a 28-ball hundred, the same as Urvil Patel, who achieved it for Gujarat against Tripura in last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Opening the innings with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 70 off 35 balls, Abhishek finished with 148 off 52 deliveries. Punjab ended their innings at 310/5 in 20 overs, which is the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, behind Baroda’s 349/5 against Sikkim in Indore in December 2024.(Agency)

‘Belong to nation and countrymen’: PM Modi highlights India’s key Nov achievements in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the “major achievements” of the nation in the month of November and said that they brought many inspirations for the people and hence belong to the country.

Addressing the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “The month of November has brought many inspirations. A few days ago, on November 26, a special programme was organised at the Parliament’s Central Hall. A grand series of nationwide events commenced on the 150th anniversary celebrations of ‘Vande Mataram’. On November 25, the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’ was hoisted at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. On the same day, the Panchajanya memorial was inaugurated in Kurukshetra’s Jyotisar.”

He praised the world’s largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, and said that India has taken a “major step” in the field of maintenance, repair and overhaul sector of aircraft.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the induction of INS Mahe in the Indian Navy, Skyroot’s Infinity Campus and said that these achievements have “become a reflection of Bharat’s new thinking, innovation and youth power”.

Stressing that India has achieved a “major milestone” in the agriculture sector, PM Modi said, “India has set a record of producing 357 million tonnes of food grain. Compared to a decade ago, India’s food grain production has increased by 100 million tonnes.”

In the world of sports, the Prime Minister said that India’s flag is flying high.

“A few days ago, it was announced that India will host the Commonwealth Games. These achievements belong to the nation, to the countrymen. Mann Ki Baat is a wonderful platform to celebrate such accomplishments of the countrymen to bring forward collective efforts of the people,” he said.

“If there is determination in the heart, faith in the collective strength to work as a team, if there is the courage to fall and then rise again, then success is guaranteed even in the difficult times,” he added.(Agency)

Shefali Shah reveals life-altering experience of bringing Ria to life in ‘Monsoon Wedding’

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Veteran actress Shefali Shah celebrated 24 years of her iconic film “Monsoon Wedding,” reflecting on her transformative journey as Ria.

In her latest post on Instagram, the ‘Darlings’ actress opened up about how the role became a voice for countless women. Shefali shed the light on courage, resilience, and the power of storytelling that continues to resonate even decades later.

Sharing a heartfelt video from the movie, she wrote, “Monsoon Wedding was actually like one big family coming together for a wedding. We all did group yoga in the morning, then a big breakfast that @pagliji got from her home.

This was followed by a workshop by Naseer bhai, and then post lunch Mira worked with us on individual scenes. The film went on to become a cult, and it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. What an incredible run I had thought then. I didn’t realise how this film and Ria would become the voice of so many girls who had gone through it, then and till date.”

“When I did the film it was a cathartic experience, but I think I was focusing more on the creative process. But later from the outside, I could see her churning up the latent strength that lies in every woman. Guilt and shame is ingrained in us. She disowned it and put it on the person who was responsible for causing the damage.

She shed her guilt, she repudiated shame, and stood up for herself, and along with herself, unknowingly she became a voice for all those women who had stayed silent for so long.”

Shefali Shah added, “How many others got strength from Ria I don’t know, but I do know that character came to life and became more true because of all the stories of women known and unknown to me.

Often I’m troubled by a question, “What have I done in my life that has been life-altering? I’m not a doctor or a scientist or a researcher or lawyer, activist or anyone who actually helps make others’ lives better. But what do I do? Nothing.”

“I remember years later when I was in Delhi, a very handsome elderly couple walked up to me. The gentleman very warmly appreciated my work while this beautiful, dignified, stately woman, his wife, stood silent throughout, just holding my hands. After thanking them, I was about to leave when the man told me, “She went through what Ria did. Thank you for giving her the voice and strength to talk about it after holding it in for years.”

The post further read, “If anyone saw us, they would have seen a group of three people huddled together, tightly holding hands with tears in their eyes. Two women of different ages sharing the same silent strength. And this is the answer to my haunting question. Sometimes what I do does make a difference.”

“Monsoon Wedding,” directed by Mira Nair, written by Sabrina Dhawan, starred Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey, Shefali Shah and Vasundhara Das. The film, set during a traditional Punjabi Hindu wedding in Delhi, was released in India on 30 November 2001.(Agency)

Man shot dead in Delhi’s Aya Nagar over ‘family enmity’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
A 55-year-old man was allegedly shot dead in Delhi’s Fatehpur Beri police station area following enmity over a property in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Ratan Lohiya.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. when the victim, who left home for his dairy work in Aya Nagar, was cornered by assailants and shot dead.

It came to the fore that the enmity of Lohiya’s son with one Ramveer over property led to the murder.

Around two years ago, Lohiya’s elder son Deepak was thrashed by Ramveer’s goons, and the hearing is on in that case.

Six months ago, Deepak, angered over getting continuous threats over the issue, allegedly shot dead Ramveer’s elder son Arun, in Chhatapur CDR chowk. The police had arrested Deepak, and he was now in Tihar jail.

Lohiya’s relatives claimed that he had no enmity with anyone, and Ramveer killed him to avenge his son’s death.

The deceased’s sister, Maimla, told IANS that Lohiya had been getting continuous death threats for the past three years.

She said that her brother was shot in the head.

Stating that such incidents will make their living in the village difficult, she demanded justice.

Maimla alleged that even after being informed, the police did not take action against Ramveer and his family.

The deceased’s wife, Kamlesh, said her husband was attacked by a group of 12 people.

Advocating for her son, Deepak, she said, “He was a simple youth. He was attacked by 20 people. Two days after he regained consciousness, a case was filed. However, whenever he used to go for hearings, Ramveer’s group gheraoed him and threatened him. Enraged over that, Deepak shot dead Ramveer’s son Arun.”

She said that they have been living under constant threat.

Kamlesh said the accused included Ramveer, his son, his relatives, and Kamal.(Agency)

PM Modi says India’s cultural legacy ‘rooted in peace’, highlights global interest in Bhagavad Gita

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the spirit of peace and compassion has always remained central to India’s civilisational ethos, while also noting the growing interest worldwide in the country’s cultural heritage.

Addressing the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that although everyone knows the Mahabharata battle took place in Kurukshetra, one can now “literally experience” it at the Mahabharata Experience Centre, where the epic is presented in 3D using sound, light, and digital technology.

“When I visited Kurukshetra on November 25, the experience at this Anubhav Kendra filled me with joy,” he said.

Calling his presence at the International Gita Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra “very special”, the Prime Minister said he was moved by how people across continents were drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita.

“I was deeply impressed to see how people from all over the world are being inspired by the divine scripture, the Gita. People from many countries around the world, including Europe and Central Asia, have participated in this festival,” he said.

He added that this month, for the first time, the Gita was performed on a public platform in Saudi Arabia, while Latvia hosted a memorable Gita Mahotsav with enthusiastic participation from artists from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Algeria.

Reiterating that peace and compassion lie at the heart of India’s culture, PM Modi cited the humanitarian efforts of Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Nawanagar during World War II.

“Imagine the Second World War, when a horrific atmosphere of destruction prevailed everywhere. During such difficult times, the great work done by Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Nawanagar, Gujarat, continues to inspire us even today. At that time, Jam Sahib wasn’t thinking about any strategic alliance or war strategy. Rather, his concern was how Polish Jewish children were protected during World War II. He sheltered thousands of children in Gujarat and gave them a new life, which remains an example even today,” he said.

He noted that a statue of Jam Saheb was recently unveiled in Moshav Nevatim in southern Israel.

“This was a very special honour. Last year, I had the privilege of paying my respects at Jam Sahib’s memorial in Warsaw, Poland. That moment will remain unforgettable for me,” he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the upcoming ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’, which will begin on December 2 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, urging people to participate in large numbers.

“The confluence of the world’s oldest language and one of the world’s oldest cities is always a wonderful experience. I’m talking about the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’. The fourth Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is commencing on the 2nd of December at Namo Ghat in Kashi. This year’s Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has a very interesting theme: Learn Tamil — Tamil Karkalam,” he said.

He added that the event has become an important platform for those connected to the Tamil language.

“Whenever one speaks to the people of Kashi… they always say that they enjoy being a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Here, they get the opportunity to learn something new and meet new people. This time too, the people of Kashi are very eager to welcome their brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu with full enthusiasm.

I urge all of you to be a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Along with this, do consider other platforms as well, that strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’,” PM Modi added.(Agency)

‘Justice will ultimately triumph’: Cong on FIR in National Herald case

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday strongly criticised the fresh FIR registered by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald money laundering case.

In a post on X, Ramesh wrote: “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case.

“Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate,” he added.

Ramesh’s comments come amid escalating political tensions following the registration of the FIR, which has reignited a decade-long dispute involving the National Herald newspaper and its parent company, Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

The FIR names Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and financial irregularities.

The Congress leader accused the BJP leadership of using investigative agencies to target opposition figures, calling the move an attempt to intimidate and harass party leadership.

His remarks highlight the ongoing clash between the ruling party and Congress over the handling of high-profile legal cases, which opposition leaders claim are politically motivated.

The registration of the FIR comes after repeated scrutiny of financial transactions and property acquisitions linked to AJL and associated entities.

Congress leaders have consistently maintained that the case is politically engineered to malign the party and its senior leadership, while BJP leaders have defended it as a legitimate legal action backed by evidence.

The EOW registered the FIR on October 3, based on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The FIR accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others of criminal conspiracy to “fraudulently take over Associated Journals Limited (AJL)”, the parent company of the out-of-print National Herald newspaper.

Alongside Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR names Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and Sunil Bhandari, as well as three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.

According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL — which owned properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore — for a nominal sum of Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company reportedly beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.(Agency)

Unregistered coracle operators putting tourists at ‘risk’ in TN’s Hogenakkal

Chennai, Nov 30, 2025
Concerns are mounting in Hogenakkal as registered coracle operators warn of a growing influx of unlicensed operators who, they say, are flouting safety regulations and putting tourists at serious risk.

They have urged the Dharmapuri district administration to intervene immediately to prevent unregistered individuals from conducting tourism activities on the Cauvery. Hogenakkal has long been a popular tourist destination, but its waters have also seen tragedy.

In 2015, six people lost their lives after a coracle capsized. The incident pushed the administration to enforce strict safety measures, including mandatory registration for coracle operators, designated operation zones and compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers. For several years, these rules ensured safe and organised tourism.

However, in recent months, registered operators said several unlicensed individuals have begun ferrying tourists illegally, often venturing into hazardous stretches of the river.

Registered operators pointed out that there are around 428 licensed coracle operators in Hogenakkal, all of whom are required to follow the safety standards set by the administration. Operating without life jackets or entering restricted areas can lead to immediate cancellation of their registration and penal action.

The operators said they are routinely monitored by the local coracle committees and Block Development Office, ensuring compliance.

However, the unregistered operators are reportedly bypassing all these rules.

According to the registered operators, these unauthorised coracle handlers are inexperienced and often take tourists towards dangerous stretches, including deep and fast-flowing zones near Periyapaani and the Five River convergence area – places known for strong currents and serious accident risk.

They also allegedly overcharge tourists, offering trips beyond the permitted routes such as the Chinnar–Kothikal–Manalmedu circuit, where a standard round-trip for five people is officially capped at Rs 1,500.

Locals have echoed these concerns, saying that any mishap affects not just the victims but the reputation and livelihood of the entire community. They want the administration to strictly enforce designated operation zones, place warning boards for tourists, and intensify monitoring to prevent exploitation and accidents.

Officials from the Pennagaram Block Development Office said they had not yet received formal complaints but assured that they would consult local operators and take steps to ensure tourist safety.

With tourist arrivals expected to increase in the coming months, registered operators emphasise that swift administrative action is essential to prevent avoidable tragedies and restore order in Hogenakkal’s coracle operations.(Agency)

1...154155156...6,989 Page 155 of 6,989