Home Blog Page 76

Sonam Wangchuk And His Institute Face CBI Inquiry For Alleged FCRA Irregularities

0
sonam wangchuk

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun a preliminary enquiry into allegations that Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk and an institute he founded may have violated rules on foreign funding, officials confirmed on Thursday.

According to an officer familiar with the matter, Wangchuk was summoned by the agency but has not yet appeared before them.

The CBI initiated the enquiry nearly two months ago after receiving a reference from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The process, which precedes the filing of a formal case, is focused on Wangchuk and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL). Investigators are currently going through financial records of both the activist and the institute, the officer added.

Responding to the development, Wangchuk told PTI that a team from the agency had visited HIAL and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) last week, asking for details of foreign funding received between 2022 and 2024. “The order said we have not taken clearance under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to receive foreign funds. We don’t want to be dependent on foreign funds, but we export our knowledge and raise revenue. In three such instances, they thought it was foreign contribution,” Wangchuk said.

The Centre has also accused the activist of fueling unrest in Ladakh earlier this week. Officials claimed that his references to Arab Spring-style protests and comparisons to recent demonstrations in Nepal misled people and contributed to violence.

“A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on the same issues. A series of meetings were held with them through a formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the MHA said in a statement.

“The demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal,” the ministry said.

Detailing the events of Wednesday, the ministry alleged that around 11:30 am a group of protestors, reportedly influenced by Wangchuk’s remarks, left the hunger strike site and attacked the office of a political party as well as the Leh district administration. “They also set these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched a police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured. The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties were reported,” it said.

Punjab CM Introduces Mission Chardi Kala Aimed At Raising Aid For Flood Victims

0

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday unveiled Mission Chardi Kala, a worldwide fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of families and communities devastated by the recent floods in Punjab.

In a heartfelt video message, Mann reflected on the magnitude of the disaster, saying that the state had experienced scenes future generations would remember as countless dreams were washed away.

“As many as 2,300 villages are submerged, more than 2 million people affected, five lakh acres of crops destroyed, 56 precious lives were lost, and seven lakh people have become homeless,” Mann said. He went on to highlight the large-scale destruction of infrastructure: “3,200 government schools have been damaged, 19 colleges have been turned into rubble, 1,400 clinics and hospitals have been ruined, 8,500 km of roads have been destroyed, and 2,500 bridges have collapsed.”

Sharing the state’s preliminary estimates, Mann added, “According to initial estimates, the loss is around ₹13,800 crore, and the actual damage may be even greater.” He stressed that while immediate relief was critical, the focus now must shift toward rehabilitation, so that “farmers can sow their fields again, children can return to schools, and families can begin rebuilding their homes.”

Explaining the spirit behind the initiative, the CM said, “This is the reason why the state government has launched Mission Chardi Kala, which means strength even in sorrow, hope even in darkness.” He appealed to the public to contribute generously by visiting www.rangla.punjab.gov.in.

Mann extended his call for support not only to Punjabis but also to every citizen of India, to industrialists, philanthropists, artists, charitable trusts, and members of the Punjabi diaspora across the globe. He pledged that “every single rupee of their contribution will be used with full honesty and transparency, solely for rehabilitation and rebuilding.”

Reviews flood response efforts

The CM also held a virtual meeting with all district deputy commissioners to review the flood situation and directed them to make daily visits to relief camps and affected regions to ensure that no citizen faced unnecessary hardship. He reiterated that all funds raised under Mission Chardi Kala would go directly toward the rehabilitation of the affected people.

Support from Vikramjit Singh Sahney

Backing the initiative, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney announced a contribution of ₹1 crore towards Mission Chardi Kala. According to an official press note, he has also pledged 50 tractors and 10 JCB machines to assist in desilting operations in the worst-hit flood areas of Punjab over the next three months.

Bihar: Nitish Kumar Highlights Development Achievements at Bhabua Rally

0
Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed NDA workers at Jagjevan Stadium in Bhabua, Kaimur district, on September 24, outlining his government’s achievements since taking power in November 2005 and promising continued development initiatives.

CM Nitish Kumar addresses rally in Bhabua

Speaking to a large gathering of party workers, Nitish Kumar emphasized the transformation of Bihar’s law and order situation over nearly two decades. “You all know that on November 24, 2005, when our government was formed in Bihar, rule of law has been established in the state since then. From the beginning, we have been engaged in the development of Bihar,” he stated.

The Chief Minister contrasted current conditions with the pre-2005 era, describing a state plagued by fear and inadequate infrastructure. “Earlier, Bihar was in a very bad state. After evening, people were afraid to come out of their homes. There was a lot of quarreling in society. There was no facility for education and treatment. The roads were dilapidated. The power supply was also in bad shape,” he said.

Education and Healthcare Reforms

The chief minister highlighted significant improvements in education, announcing that 2.58 lakh government teachers have been recruited through the Bihar Public Service Commission, with an additional 2.62 lakh contractual teachers converted to permanent positions.

In healthcare, he noted dramatic changes in patient attendance at primary health centers, which increased from 39 patients monthly in 2005 to an average of 11,600 patients currently. The state has expanded from six medical colleges to twelve, with plans for establishing medical colleges in 20 districts.

Employment and Infrastructure Development

Further, he claimed his government has provided employment to over 4.9 million youth since 2005, including 1 million government jobs and 3.9 million employment opportunities. “We have now decided that in the next 5 years, 1 crore youth will be given jobs and employment,” he announced.

Kumar outlined ambitious infrastructure goals, including achieving connectivity from any corner of Bihar to Patna within five hours, down from the previous six-hour target set in 2016.

Emphasizing women’s empowerment, Kumar referenced the 50% reservation for women in panchayati raj institutions since 2006 and 35% reservation in police recruitment since 2013. He highlighted the growth of self-help groups under the Jeevika program, which now includes 1.4 crore women across approximately 11 lakh groups.

Recent Policy Announcements

Nitish Kumar announced several new initiatives, including construction of marriage halls in every panchayat at a cost of Rs 4,026 crore, reduction of meal prices in community kitchens from Rs 40 to Rs 20, and provision of 125 units of free electricity to all domestic consumers.

For Kaimur district specifically, Kumar mentioned ongoing projects including establishment of a medical college, construction of engineering and polytechnic institutions, and development of various infrastructure projects valued at significant investment amounts.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, and various local legislators and party officials from NDA constituent parties.

A Shopper’s Guide to Avoiding Scams During Festive Sales

0
Festive Sales
Festive Sales

E-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon have officially launched their festive sales, with events like the Big Billion Days Sale and the Great Indian Festival offering deep discounts on everything from premium smartphones like the latest iPhone 17 series and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to home appliances and accessories. As millions of shoppers flood these online platforms to snag deals, a dark side of the digital shopping spree is also emerging: a rise in fraudulent activities. Scammers are leveraging the urgency and high volume of transactions during this period to trick unsuspecting consumers.

How to protect from being scammed during festive sales:

The OTP Ploy: A prevalent scam involves fraudsters impersonating delivery agents or customer service representatives. They spin a tale about a delivery issue or a payment verification problem and then insist on an OTP. “Once the caller shares the code, the criminals manage to get control over your account which they use to initiate unauthorised transactions,” warns a cybersecurity expert. This can grant them access to stored payment details, leading to siphoned funds.

Fake Delivery Calls: Another common tactic is the fake delivery call during festive sales. Scammers contact buyers, claiming their order couldn’t be delivered, and ask for personal information or a small “rescheduling fee.” During a season when multiple orders are placed, “they end up believing it to be a call for their order,” explains a consumer protection advocate. These scams aim to steal sensitive data and misuse banking credentials.

Phishing Traps: Phishing remains a major threat. Scammers send malicious SMS, WhatsApp messages, or emails that mimic official e-commerce communications, complete with links to fraudulent websites. These sites are designed to look identical to legitimate portals. When users enter their login credentials or credit card details, their information is immediately compromised.

Social Media Scams: Social media is a new hunting ground for scammers. They use attractive ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, promising massive discounts on high-demand products like iPhones. “Once you initiate the purchase and transfer the money, the scammers remove the pages and vanish with your money,” a police cyber-crime unit spokesperson confirms. These fraudulent ads lead to fake sellers who never deliver the product.

To stay safe, consumers are advised to be vigilant for red flags such as unsolicited requests for OTPs, PINs, or passwords. Legitimate platforms will never ask for such details. Shoppers should also double-check website URLs for spelling errors and ensure they are on official sites starting with “https://”. Using strong, unique passwords and avoiding public Wi-Fi for online transactions are also crucial steps to protect against these growing threats.

Top NEET Scorer Dies by Suicide, Said Not Want to be a Doctor

0
Suicide
Suicide

A 19-year-old student from Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, who had secured a top score on the NEET UG 2025 examination, died by suicide on the day he was set to begin his medical career. The victim, identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, reportedly left a suicide note expressing that he did not want to become a doctor.

Here’s what happened:

Anurag, a resident of Nawargaon in Sindewahi taluka, had achieved a remarkable 99.99 percentile on the national medical entrance exam, earning an All India Rank of 1475 in the OBC category. Following his impressive success, his family was preparing him to travel to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for admission into an MBBS program.

According to police, Anurag was found hanging at his residence just before he was scheduled to depart. A suicide note was discovered at the scene. While the police have not officially released the contents of the note, sources speaking off the record confirmed that Anurag had written that “he did not wish to become a doctor.”

Suicide getting common?

The case is currently under investigation by the Navargaon Police. This tragic incident highlights the immense pressure many young students face in their academic lives. Mental health experts often emphasize that academic success is only one aspect of a person’s life and that open communication with family and friends can be crucial for managing stress and seeking support.

KBC 17: Contestant Misses Rs 7.5 Lakh Question, Shocking it was about ‘PM Modi’

0
KBC 17
KBC 17

KBC 17: The hot seat turned cold for rollover contestant Asha Dhiryan on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, as a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tree-planting diplomacy proved to be her Rs 7,50,000 stumbling block.

Dhiryan had sailed through to the half-million mark in the previous episode, returning with confidence to tackle the game’s trickier territories. However, even Amitabh Bachchan’s reassuring presence couldn’t save her from a botanical blunder that sent her packing.

The Million-Rupee Mix-Up on KBC 17

Big B posed the fateful question: “In July 2025, as a part of India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, PM Shri Narendra Modi planted saplings of which tree in the Maldives?” The options presented were coconut, jackfruit, mango, and banyan.

Dhiryan confidently selected banyan, perhaps thinking of India’s majestic national tree. Unfortunately, the correct answer was mango—a choice that would have reflected both cultural symbolism and India’s beloved national fruit.

Unused Ammunition

What made the moment particularly poignant was Dhiryan’s strategic oversight. She still possessed two unused lifelines—50-50 and Audience Poll—that could have potentially saved her quiz show dreams. Bachchan, ever the gracious host, gently pointed out this missed opportunity, suggesting she could have played it safer.

The Campaign’s Significance

The question highlighted the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, launched in 2024 to encourage Indians to plant trees honouring their mothers. This environmental movement gained momentum across schools, communities, and state governments before expanding internationally.

Modi’s July 2025 gesture of planting mango saplings in the Maldives represented more than environmental consciousness—it symbolized cultural diplomacy, with the mango tree serving as an ambassador of Indian heritage and ecological awareness on foreign soil.

All about KBC 17:

KBC 17 continues its tradition of blending knowledge with human stories, premiering August 11 and airing Monday through Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television. The show remains a testament to how quiz formats can transform ordinary people into temporary celebrities while testing both their knowledge and nerve.

Dhiryan’s journey, though cut short, exemplifies the show’s enduring appeal—where preparation meets pressure, and sometimes even the sweetest answers can turn sour.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal Announce 1st Pregnancy, here’s how Celebs React

0
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif

Bollywood power couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal sent fans into celebration mode on September 23 with their heartwarming pregnancy announcement, featuring an adorable Polaroid snapshot that captured Katrina’s baby bump alongside an outpouring of industry congratulations.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal announce 1st Pregnancy

The couple shared the intimate photograph on Instagram with the caption: “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.” Within hours, their comment section transformed into a virtual celebration as fellow celebrities and fans showered them with blessings.

Akshay Kumar Steals the Show

Among the congratulatory messages, Akshay Kumar’s response emerged as pure comedy gold, perfectly capturing the linguistic dynamics of the Kaif-Kaushal household. The veteran actor, who has worked with Katrina on multiple blockbusters including Welcome, De Dana Dan, Namastey London, and Singh Is Kinng, wrote:

“So totally happy for you Katrina and Vicky. Knowing you, I can say that you two will make the best parents. Bas baby ko English aur Punjabi equally sikhaana 😉 Lots of love and blessings. Jai Mahadev.”

His witty reference to ensuring their child learns both English and Punjabi equally resonated with fans familiar with Katrina’s British background and Vicky’s Punjabi heritage. Deepika Padukone also joined the celebration, sharing celebratory emojis in response to the announcement.

Career and Personal Plans of Soon-to-be-Mother and Father

Sources reveal that Katrina plans an extended maternity break once the baby arrives, expressing her desire to be a hands-on mother. This decision reflects her commitment to prioritizing family during this significant life transition.

The couple’s love story reached its fairytale conclusion in 2021 with an intimate wedding ceremony at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, attended by close family and friends. Since then, their social media presence has consistently showcased their relationship’s warmth and authenticity.

On the career front, Vicky recently appeared in the period drama Chhaava, while Katrina’s last screen appearance was in Merry Christmas alongside Vijay Sethupathi. With this joyous personal milestone, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how parenthood will influence both actors’ future project choices and creative journeys.

Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ‘Rapturous Applause’, Addresses Controversy – Says This…

0
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel

Following a week-long suspension, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, on ABC to a thunderous welcome. The host, who faced a week-long suspension, was met with several minutes of applause from the studio audience, an ovation an attendee described as “ear damaging to be honest.”

Jimmy Kimmel gets On-Air again!

Jimmy Kimmel’s return was marked by a lengthy and emotional monologue addressing the controversy that led to his temporary removal from the air.

The controversy stemmed from his on-air remarks about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent Trump aide and right-wing activist. Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, an event that became a focal point of partisan debate.

Here’s what Jimmy said about his Charlie Kirk’s row:

During his monologue, Kimmel directly addressed the criticism he received from conservatives, which led to his show’s suspension.

He stated, “I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”

The host also made a tearful reference to President Donald Trump, saying he “tried his best” to cancel him. Kimmel had previously angered a segment of the conservative base by asserting that Trump loyalists were “doing everything they can” to score political points from the tragedy and by suggesting Kirk’s killer might have been a “MAGA Republican.”

The network’s decision to suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “indefinitely” was met with a swift and widespread backlash from figures in Hollywood, media, and even some Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz. This pressure ultimately led to the show’s resumption, allowing Jimmy Kimmel to make his emotional return and directly confront the controversy.

Delhi Ashram Director Accused of Sexual Harassment by 17 women, Now on Run

0
Delhi
Delhi

Delhi Police have filed charges against the director of a prominent ashram in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area following allegations of sexual harassment from multiple female students enrolled in management courses.

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, who headed Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, faces accusations from 17 out of 32 students who provided statements to investigators. The allegations include abusive language, inappropriate text messages, and forced physical contact targeting students pursuing post-graduate management diplomas under the economically weaker sections scholarship category.

Arsham Director in Delhi accused of sexual harassment

The victims alleged that women faculty and administrative staff pressured students to comply with the accused’s demands. Students reported that ashram wardens had facilitated introductions to the accused, suggesting institutional involvement in the alleged misconduct.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Goyal of the South-West District confirmed that police filed charges for sexual harassment and related offenses based on the students’ statements. Investigators have analyzed CCTV footage and conducted raids at both the crime scene and the accused’s residence.

Ongoing Investigation by Delhi Police

The accused remains at large, with sources indicating his last known location near Agra. Multiple police teams are actively searching for him.

During the investigation, police discovered a Volvo car in the institute’s basement used by Swami Chaitanyananda. Verification revealed the vehicle displayed a forged diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1), leading to its seizure.

Institutional Response

Following the allegations, the ashram administration removed Swami Chaitanyananda from his position and expelled him from the organization. The Delhi facility operates as a branch of a prominent South Indian ashram.

The parent organization, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, issued a statement distancing itself from the accused. The organization declared that Swami Chaitanyananda’s conduct and activities were “illegal, inappropriate, and against the Peetha’s interests,” announcing the severation of all ties with him.

Facility Operations

The Delhi unit operated with two batches, each accommodating over 35 students. The case highlights concerns about safety and oversight in educational institutions, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged students through scholarship programs.

The investigation continues as authorities work to locate the accused and gather additional evidence.

Navratri 2025: A Guide to 9 Colors of Festival and Their Meaning

0
Navratri
Navratri

Navratri 2025: India’s most vibrant nine-day festival is about to paint the nation in sacred hues, as Navratri 2025 unfolds from September 22 to October 1, culminating in the grand finale of Dussehra on October 2. This spectacular celebration honouring Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil transforms into a kaleidoscope of devotion, where each day’s designated color becomes a spiritual fashion statement.

The festival’s unique charm lies in its chromatic devotion—each day dedicated to a different form of the goddess comes with its own auspicious colour, creating a nationwide coordinated wardrobe that would make even the most ambitious fashion week blush with envy.

Your Nine-Day Style Scripture Navratri 2025

  • September 22 kicks off with pristine white for Maa Shailputri, symbolizing innocence and purity while fostering inner calm and divine protection. Think ethereal elegance meets spiritual serenity.
  • September 23 turns up the heat with passionate red for Maa Brahmacharini, channeling sindoor’s power to ignite courage, confidence, and vital energy. Red alert for spiritual warriors.
  • September 24 embraces royal blue for Maa Chandraghanta, embodying spirituality and trust while promoting emotional balance and banishing negativity like a cosmic security system.
  • September 25 radiates yellow sunshine for Maa Kushmanda, inviting pure joy and positivity into devotees’ lives with the warmth of divine light.
  • September 26 goes green for Maa Skandamata, representing growth, harmony, and new beginnings while bringing healing and abundance—nature’s own blessing in fabric form.
  • September 27 opts for sophisticated grey honoring Maa Katyayani, symbolizing balance and emotional stability for those seeking inner equilibrium.
  • September 28 blazes with orange for Maa Kalaratri, the darkness destroyer, evoking warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity to overcome fears and energize spirits.
  • September 29 showcases peacock green for Maa Mahagauri, linked to nobility, compassion, and renewal, bringing divine grace with regal poise.
  • September 30 concludes with tender pink for Maa Siddhidatri, the power-bestower, symbolizing universal love, harmony, and divine kindness.

This colour-coordinated spiritual journey transforms devotion into a visual spectacle, where faith meets fashion in the most beautifully synchronized celebration of divine feminine energy across India.