A massive collection of 2 billion email addresses and 1.3 billion passwords has been compiled. These credentials come from hundreds of past data breaches and malware infections. Users can now check if their information is exposed through Have I Been Pwned. This data helps identify compromised accounts. It is crucial to change passwords if found in the database.
What is a VPN and what can you do with one?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool you can use to protect your identity online, change your virtual location, evade censorship, check out foreign streaming services and more. They mostly take the form of commercially available subscription apps, often so simple to operate that all you need to do is press a button to turn them on and off. While using a VPN is easy in practice, there's a lot going on under the hood. Knowing what's really happening can help you decide which VPN is right for you, then use it more effectively once you've got it. In this guide, I'm going to delve into what a VPN really is, how it works and what you might need one for. If this article convinces you that you need a VPN and I hope it does! I curate a collection of the best VPN deals that I update at least once a week. Head over there to get your VPN shopping started. What is a VPN? The name virtual private network comes from the initial use of the technology to access restricted networks from off-site if you work remotely, you probably still use a VPN this way. Those are corporate VPNs, though, from providers like Cisco. Here, we're talking about commercial VPNs sold for individual use. These services came about when people realized that if you connected to the public internet through a VPN, every server you contacted would see the VPN server instead of your personal computer. The VPN effectively becomes a mask that interacts with the web on your behalf. That's the simple principle underlying every commercial VPN you've seen advertised. Sam Chapman for Engadget VPNs like Proton VPN and ExpressVPN operate servers in various locations around the world. When you use their apps, you've got access to all the servers in their network. After you connect, communications between your device and your chosen server are encrypted so nobody can trace your activities back to you. This is called tunneling, and is the main difference between a full VPN and a simple proxy server. How does a VPN work? Questions like the above can get into the weeds fast, so I'll be oversimplifying here. VPNs handle encryption in two steps. First, they establish a secure tunnel to your computer or phone, then they send information through it. The first step establishing the connection is called a handshake. It uses asymmetric encryption, where each party has a public and a private key. In a handshake, two parties use public keys to confirm that they are who they say they are, then exchange the keys they'll use for simpler symmetric encryption. Sam Chapman for Engadget Once the handshake has confirmed the path between your device and the VPN server, the tunnel is complete. From then on until you disconnect, every packet of data you send will be encrypted before it leaves your device and not decrypted until it reaches the VPN. The same is true in the other direction. Website requests and other data sent between the VPN and your internet service provider (ISP) will not be encrypted, but that's OK without the information on the first step, it's impossible to identify you behind the VPN. This is a complicated process, but VPNs use sets of instructions called VPN protocols to run through it near-instantly. A VPN protocol covers encryption and transit using several sets of ciphers. The most common protocols these days are OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec, though many VPN services have their own proprietary protocols as selling points. What are the benefits of using a VPN? Although the above process happens mostly in the background, it does tax your internet connection a little. The best VPNs keep impacts to a minimum, but you may notice a drop in speed, plus higher latencies when connecting to servers far away. So, what benefits do you get in exchange for all that? Anonymity The first and biggest boon is near-total anonymity. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put out a comprehensive report on everything your ISP knows about you confirming that nearly every ISP gets a second profit stream from selling information on your online activities. In essence, they're making you pay them for the right to hose your own privacy. But a VPN lets you strike back. Since you connect to the VPN server before your ISP ever clocks you (let alone your destination websites), your computer and modem broadcast no information about who you really are. Anyone can see what you're doing, but they'll only see the VPN server doing it. And hiding your IP address is vital lots of people (not just ISPs) can deduce a shocking amount about you with no other information, including your real location. Prevent ISP speed throttling Speed isn't normally one of the benefits of a VPN, but in some specific cases, you might get faster internet. ISPs occasionally throttle the speeds of certain users they perceive as using too much bandwidth. This can happen to you, whether or not the charge is accurate. Using a VPN can get around the slowdown, since the ISP can't identify you to throttle you. Just note you still can't go faster than your unprotected internet speed. Public Wi-Fi safety A VPN can also keep you safe when using public Wi-Fi. On an unsecured Wi-Fi network the sort you often find in cafes, hotel lobbies and other public buildings hackers can spy on you through various vulnerabilities, or even set up fake networks (called rogue hotspots) to capture your information. If your connection with the network is encrypted, the criminal's window of opportunity slams shut. Get around content blocks and firewalls The other most important thing a VPN can do is to change your virtual location. IP addresses are keyed to specific locations some to countries or regions, and some to networks as small as one building. Authorities can use this to restrict internet access on the networks they control. This can vary in scale, from your school or workplace blocking certain content, all the way up to the nation-level firewalls in China, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Remember, though, that your internet goes to the VPN before it goes anywhere else. If your school's internet blocks some sites, you could get on a VPN server and the school's firewall won't know you're connecting from inside. This even works with countries (though not always). By connecting to a server outside the sphere of oppression, you can organize activism online even when the government doesn't want you to. Sam Chapman for Engadget Of course, you can also use this trick for fun by checking out other countries' streaming libraries, viewing local exclusive events or protecting you while you download a torrent file. The key takeaway is that VPNs are versatile, and can be used for casual entertainment, life-and-death anonymity or both at once. Will a VPN keep me completely safe online? VPNs are a huge positive for individual privacy rights, but just having one doesn't mean you can ignore your online safety. It's better to think of VPNs as one part of a comprehensive strategy . A VPN keeps you anonymous, prevents you from being tracked and changes your location to bypass censorship. However, it can't directly protect you from downloading malware, falling for a phishing scam, oversharing information on social media, using an easily guessed password or getting your phone stolen in real life. There's one key difference between threats a VPN can prevent and those it can't: A VPN only protects you from being spied on without your consent. If all you're doing is browsing on a network, a VPN keeps you concealed. But today's malefactors have all sorts of tricks to get you to give your consent. Websites spam message windows until you click allow cookies. Hackers send phishing emails and make you click links that download malware. And so on. Can VPNs be trusted? There's also one other critical point. Even if a VPN keeps you completely anonymous, the VPN itself can still tie your identity to what you do online. That's why VPNs all claim to have strict no-logging policies or something similar they're promising not to abuse their access. Naturally, some do anyway. A VPN can be sued if it breaks its own privacy policy, but many escape liability by leaving just enough leeway that they technically aren't in violation. The best way to determine if you can trust a VPN is to look at its history. How long has it been operating? Has it ever mishandled or profited off customer data in that time? On the other hand, has it ever been raided by police who then found nothing, bolstering its claim to not keep logs? An excerpt from the privacy policy of Private Internet Access. Sam Chapman for Engadget Some of the most trustworthy VPNs take technical steps to guarantee that they aren't logging user activity. Many use RAM-only or diskless servers that automatically delete any logs. Proton VPN goes even farther, using full-disk encryption to render any logs unreadable (even if they did exist). These services back their claims up with independent audits from reliable firms. Bottom line: A VPN is no substitute for common sense, threat awareness and a suite of strong security tools. It'll work best alongside a password manager, virus scanner and two-factor authentication. Are VPNs legal? VPNs are legal in every free country on Earth. While the UK recently suggested that a VPN ban was on the table to enforce its age verification laws, and the US states of Wisconsin and Michigan are considering bans in various forms, no democracy has yet outlawed VPN usage. The countries that do ban VPNs are the ones you'd probably expect those with deep-rooted internet censorship regimes that VPN use might threaten. Belarus, Iraq, Myanmar, North Korea and Turkmenistan have made all VPNs illegal. In China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Uganda and Iran, only state-approved VPNs are permitted, and services that get approved tend to have government backdoors. Other countries heavily restrict VPNs without banning them altogether, including Turkey and Pakistan. In India, VPNs are legal, but the law requires them to keep logs of user activities. The law's passage in 2022 led many VPNs to pull their servers from India and replace them with virtual locations. Finally, there are countries like Egypt where using a VPN is legal, but you'll face extra penalties if you're caught using one to commit a crime. Also, it should go without saying, but VPNs don't make crime legal. If something is illegal without a VPN, it's illegal with a VPN, even if VPNs themselves are allowed in your state and country. Are VPNs free? Some of them are, but many of them are dangerous. If you've just been faced with a new threat to your online freedom like, say, the UK's new age restriction laws it can be tempting to jump to a free VPN to solve the problem quickly. But free VPNs are easy to hack together, and app stores rarely probe them for violations before listing them. I frequently see free VPNs that either don't work, track you for ad sales or even sneak malware onto your computer . Another big problem is that many of these shovelware VPNs are all secretly run by the same monolithic entities . Sam Chapman for Engadget The best free VPNs are free plans offered by paid services. With subscription fees supporting the free tier, you don't need to worry that the real money comes from selling your information to advertisers. Proton VPN, hide.me, Windscribe, TunnelBear and PrivadoVPN all fall into this category. None of them show you ads, but they're all restricted in other ways, whether by the amount you can use the VPN per month, the speeds you'll get or the servers you can access. Do I need a VPN? If you use the internet which you must, if you're reading this you'll benefit from a VPN. To determine what you'll need it for, though, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, think about subscribing to a VPN to address the problem in question. Do you feel strongly about whether your ISP and other third parties can see what you do online and use that information for profit? Do you live in a place where the law prevents you from freely using the internet and/or forbids certain platforms? Have online freedoms been temporarily suspended in your country because of unrest? Are you planning to travel to a country with restrictive internet laws? Do you normally use the internet on a network that restricts access to certain sites? Do you use the internet for any tasks that would risk your own safety or someone else's if exposed? Do you often get online through public Wi-Fi networks or networks without passwords? Are you concerned that your ISP is throttling your internet speeds? Do you want to watch TV shows and movies that aren't available in your country on the streaming services you're subscribed to? Do you want to watch events that are limited to specific regions, such as local sports? Do you enjoy looking in various regions for better deals on products you want? Are you an online gamer concerned about doxxing and/or DDoS attacks from sore losers? Different VPNs have features that make them better at various tasks from the lists above. However, the providers on my best VPN list are good at just about everything. Proton VPN is my favorite for its balance of speed, design and anonymity, but ExpressVPN is another excellent choice if you're willing to pay more for fantastic ease of use. Surfshark is the fastest VPN I've tested this year, while NordVPN has a great set of features. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/what-is-a-vpn-and-what-can-you-do-with-one-161549146.html?src=rss
India Sotheby's International Realty strengthens its leadership team. Vinamra Shastri joins the Board of Directors, bringing strategic direction to advisory and AIF businesses. Tina Talwar will spearhead the expansion of the Gurugram office, focusing on luxury real estate. These appointments underscore the company's commitment to growth and enhancing its presence in key Indian markets.
Scott Boland: The Best 'Spare' Fast Bowler Around
Australia may be without star quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood when the Ashes begin against England on Friday, but they have the luxury of calling on perhaps the best spare fast bowler in the world -- Scott Boland. The ever-reliable Boland has played just 14 Tests, but only because the big three of Cummins, Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been at the top of their game for so long. Whenever the right-armer has had the opportunity, he has grabbed it with both hands -- something England know all too well. In the space of four overs during the 2021-22 Ashes, he shifted from a stalwart of domestic cricket to international star with an incredible 6-7 on his Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when filling in for the injured Hazlewood. That remarkable performance, in front of his home crowd, earned him the moniker cult hero and the humble 36-year-old has only solidified his status as a beloved figure in Australian cricket. We've got a pretty good replacement in Scott Boland, who I think is arguably one of the best bowlers in the world, said Steve Smith, who will captain Australia in the absence of Cummins. His record in Australia is outrageous. We're lucky to have Scotty there ready to go. Cummins, who has not played since injuring his back on the West Indies tour mid-year, is targeting a return for the second Test in Brisbane. Hazlewood is battling a hamstring strain and it is unclear when he will be fit again. With uncertainty surrounding the pair and Australia likely to rotate their quicks, Boland could play an outsized part in the five-Test series that starts in Perth on Friday. Former England captain Mike Atherton stirred the pot by suggesting Boland was a poor replacement and holds no fear for the English batsmen. He based his assumption on Boland struggling during the last Ashes campaign in England in 2023 where he bagged just two wickets in as many games, costing 115.50 apiece. - Unrelenting accuracy - But Australia is very different, with its fast, bouncy pitches. In his nine matches on home turf Boland he has taken 49 wickets at an average of just 12.63. I know there's been some press around 'England have worked Scott Boland out', said Australian coach Andrew McDonald. But when he comes back into Australian conditions, he gets bounce, hits the rope (seam), he's a handful. Last year against India, Rohit Sharma rated him the best bowler of that series. That's a huge compliment from an opposing captain. In that home series against India, Boland claimed 21 wickets in three matches. While now a regular in the Australia squad, it was a long road to the top for Boland. He made his first-class debut in late 2011 for state side Victoria, before a breakout Sheffield Shield summer in 2013-14 which carried over to the next season. It earned him a call-up as a standby for Australia's Hobart Test against the West Indies in 2015, but it was another six years before his now legendary debut. Boland's strength is his ability to target the stumps with unrelenting accuracy, a facet of his game he plans to employ against the likes of Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Joe Root. That's really important for me, he said. I haven't got the bounce a Hazlewood does or Pat does, and I haven't got the pace of Starcy, so it's really important for me to be accurate. I know when we go into a bowling meeting we all come out laughing that it's top of off and the occasional bouncer, I don't think anything will really change from that. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We've pretty much played against all these guys before, so we roughly know our plans, and we'll just be honing in on them.
Body of MBBS student found dead in Russia brought back to Rajasthan; family suspects foul play
JAIPUR: Ending an agonizing 11-day wait for the family, the body of Ajit Chaudhary, an MBBS student from Laxmangarh in Rajasthan's Alwar district, arrived in India from Russia on Monday morning. A medical board conducted a re-postmortem soon after the body reached Alwar, and the funeral was finally conducted. Ajits body arrived at Delhi airport at around 4:05 AM and was taken to Alwar District Hospital by 9 AM. Although a post-mortem had already been conducted in Russia, the family requested another examination. For this, a group of doctors was formed. Ajits father, Dharm Singh, a farmer, said his son was studying MBBS at Bashkir State Medical University in Russia and was in his third year. The family last spoke to him on 19 October, after which he suddenly went untraceable. A friend had called him, after which he disappeared. Later, we were told that Ajits clothes and shoes were found on the riverbank. His body was found 18 days later on November 6, Dharm Singh said. The grieving father further added, His mother was dying waiting for her son. Alleging negligence by both the administration and the government, Ajit's family bid him a tearful farewell and reiterated their demand for an impartial investigation into the circumstances of his death. Ajits uncle, Bhom Singh, expressed strong suspicion regarding the circumstances. He questioned why another student, Jeet Kasana, informed the family of the disappearance when the college had the familys contact details. He also raised doubts about why the body was found without clothes, saying, Why would someone committing suicide remove his clothes? He added that Ajit had asked for money shortly before 19 October and had reportedly argued with another student. We dont believe our son committed suicide; we suspect it is murder, he said. The family has already spent around Rs 29 lakh on Ajits education. Ajit had travelled to Russia in October last year to pursue MBBS at Bashkir State University in the Ufa region. His family had arranged the funds for his education by selling three acres of agricultural land. Since recieving the news about his death, Ajit's family had been struggling to bring the body home. Frustrated by the delay, relatives and locals last week staged a shutdown in Laxmangarh, demanding swift action from the government to expedite the repatriation.
Black Friday VPN deals: Get up to 75 percent off Proton VPN two-year plans
Now is arguably the best time of year to sign up for a VPN, or gift a subscription to someone. Black Friday VPN deals are already available, with one of the best being on our favorite VPN overall. Proton VPN is offering two years of access to its VPN Plus tier for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-vpn-deals-get-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-153737542.html?src=rss
Uttarakhand Police bust cybergang swindling victims of Rs 3.37 crore
NAINITAL: Uttarakhand Police have arrested four members of a major interstate cybercrime network for allegedly hacking into people's phones and transferring money from their bank accounts. The gang allegedly used to send links on social media to gain access to victims' phones. All transactions were made to mule accounts to keep their identities hidden, police said on Sunday. According to a preliminary probe, transactions of Rs 3.37 crore have been found to be suspicious. Tallital police intercepted a car at Bhediyapakhad mod in Do Gaon on Saturday during a checking drive conducted by Superintendent of Police Jagdish Chandra and Deputy Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar. Police said the four occupants of the car were found suspicious, and a thorough search revealed 11 phones, nine SIM cards, several Aadhaar and PAN cards, cheque books, QR codes, and several debit and credit cards. During interrogation, they revealed that they sent APK files via social media to access victims' phones. After hacking the devices, they transferred money to various mule accounts. Police said that a QR code was linked to a bank account related to a case in Delhi. Shubham Gupta from Alwar, Rajasthan; Piyush Goyal from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh; Rishabh Kumar from Ghaziabad, UP and Mohit Rathi from Gurugram, Haryana have been arrested. Several high-end smartphones and a car used by the accused have also been confiscated.
Not giving first over to your best bowler Jasprit Bumrah was questionable: Kumble
The opening Test saw India falling short against South Africa by 30 runs, sparking a discussion on the effectiveness of the Indian bowling strategy. Anil Kumble, a stalwart of cricket, expressed concern over the missed opportunity to utilize Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball on a pitch that demanded precision.
Black Friday VPN deals: Proton VPN two-year plans are up to 75 percent off
A VPN subscription can make for a good holiday gift. Everyone could do with having a VPN to help protect their online activity from prying eyes (and, perhaps, access more things to watch from their favorite streaming services). It's something useful that a gift recipient may have never realized they needed. Of course, you may be looking for a great deal on a VPN yourself, and the Black Friday discount for Proton VPN is nothing to sniff at. You can get two years of access to the VPN Plus tier of the service for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-vpn-deals-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-are-up-to-75-percent-off-153737122.html?src=rss
Bengaluru tech park scam: How fraudsters used ads, malware and fear to loot U.S. victims
Chhote Sarkar of Mokama wins from jail, Shahabuddins son retains Siwan
NEW DELHI: The Bihar elections witnessed numerous family members and even bahubalis (strongmen) themselves contesting, but the results, dashed the hopes of many of them who were aspiring to enter the House as peoples representatives and lawmakers. The RJD had fielded the son of former Siwan MP Md Shahabuddin, Osama Shahab, from the Raghunathpur Assembly seat against JDUs Vikash Kumar Singh. He won the seat by 9,248 votes, defeating the JDU candidate. Similarly, another bahubali, Anant Singh widely referred to by his supporters as hhote Sarkar also contested from the Mokama seat on a JDU ticket and won, defeating the RJD candidate Veena Devi, who is the wife of another stalwart, Suraj Bhan Singh. The RJD also fielded Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed Munna Shukla and a UK-educated law graduate, from the Lalganj Assembly seat. After a neck-and-neck contest against BJP MLA Sanjay K Singh, Shukla lost the election. Rital Lal Yadav, another bahubali contesting on an RJD ticket from the Danapur seat, lost to BJP candidate Ram Kripal Yadav by a margin of 29,000 votes. Hulas Pandey -the LJP candidate and bahubali, also lost from Brahampur. According to rough data, 15 candidates who were either bahubalis or members of their families contested. Of these, eight were fielded by the NDA and seven by the Mahagathbandhan. Amrendra Singh, another bahubali candidate, won the Kuchaikote seat on a JDU ticket, while Anita Devithe wife of strongman Ashok Mahtoalso won the Warisaliganj seat. Manoranjan Singh won the Ekma Assembly seat on a JD(U) ticket. Chetna Anand, son of Anand Mohan, won Nabinagar on a JD(U) ticket.
Bihar election result: Big day of mandates dawns, political futures of many a stalwart at stake
Bihar Assembly election results: Most exit polls suggest the NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), is on course for a comfortable victory with 130170 seats, well past the majority mark of 122. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper story -- about leadership fatigue, shifting loyalties and the search for new political narratives.
Congress leader Bhanwar Jitendra Singh faces court case over alleged custody of MF Husain painting
JAIPUR: Assam Congress in-charge and former Minister of State for Home Affairs Bhanwar Jitendra Singh is set to face trial in Delhis Rouse Avenue Court for allegedly failing to return a painting by renowned artist Maqbool Fida Husain (M.F. Husain). According to the complaint, Singh, a member of Alwars erstwhile royal family, had borrowed the artwork from then Congress MP Prabha Thakur in 2014. Despite repeated requests from Thakur and her family, the painting was allegedly never returned. Prabha Thakurs son, Rohit Singh, has filed a petition in court over the matter. The court accepted the petition on November 11, 2025 and scheduled the hearing for November 25. Rohit Singh alleged that the former Union Minister had offered to give the family miniature Bundi paintings in exchange for the Husain artwork. However, despite several written and verbal reminders from his mother, the painting was never returned. The petitioner informed the court that he and his mother had purchased the M.F. Husain painting from Saatchi Gallery, Mumbai, in 2013 for Rs 2.25 lakh. He further claimed that the artworks current market value exceeds Rs 1 crore. Earlier, Rohit Singh had approached the Magistrate Court in March, but the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate dismissed the complaint, ruling that no case of fraud or criminal breach of trust had been established. However, the Special Judge later set aside that order, observing that the painting had been handed over to Bhanwar Jitendra Singh in April 2014 merely for viewing and possible purchase, not as a gift. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, a senior Congress leader considered close to the Gandhi family, has previously served as a two-time MLA from the Alwar City Assembly constituency and was elected MP from Alwar in 2009. He later lost two consecutive Lok Sabha elections, and the party did not field him from Alwar in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Soch's Strategic Pivot Fuels E-commerce with 65% Growth and Disciplined Retail Expansion
Soch , India's leading evening and occasion wear brand, announced a significant leap in its e-commerce performance alongside a disciplined, profitability-driven retail strategy. The brands online business is on track to grow 65% year-on-year, looking to close at 90 crore this fiscal, underscoring the success of a purposeful pivot toward sustainable omni-channel growth. Soch's E-commerce site The Indian retail industry is entering a new era where profitability and sustainable growth are the north stars, not just raw expansion. Apparel and fashion brands are embracing a fewer, better philosophy, curating memorable destinations, integrating digital experiences, and leveraging analytics for sharper store selection. Reflecting this macro shift, Soch has redefined its growth playbook with an equal focus on disciplined offline expansion and accelerated e-commerce growth and profitability. While Soch continues to remain predominantly an offline-first brand, its e-commerce business has grown tenfold over the past five years, from INR 5.3 crore in FY20 to INR 54 crore in FY25, and is now targeting over six-fold growth to INR 350 crore by FY30 . The online channel contributed 12% of total revenue last year, projected to rise to 18% this year and to 30% of overall business within five years. This impressive jump in e-commerce revenue has not come at the sacrifice of profitability. On the contrary, its online division has transitioned from breakeven to delivering a 10% profit margin this fiscal, powered by exclusive online collections, sharper product curation, and data-led innovations. The brands omni-channel approach has also been a key enabler, integrating store-level inventory with digital fulfilment to ensure speed and availability across channels. While many brands began digital-first and are now exploring offline channels, Soch represents the next evolution, an offline-first brand mastering online with speed and precision. Our e-commerce transformation reflects the strength of our brand trust combined with the agility of technology. Its proof that growth and profitability can and should coexist , said Vinay Chatlani, CEO & Co-Founder, Soch . Soch exemplifies the Offline First, Digital Fast approach, leveraging its established offline trust to swiftly scale online. This blend of strong offline credibility with rapid digital growth creates a powerful growth flywheel, amplifying both brand loyalty and ecommerce profitability. Despite the recent success with its Online platforms, retail operations remain Sochs core strength. On this front the Brand is taking a measured approachfortifying its retail base while advancing in product and customer innovation. Over the last two years, the brand has consolidated its offline portfolio with a clear focus on performance. While continuing to expand new outlets in high-potential markets, it has closed its underperforming stores. This strategic optimisation is projected to deliver over 2.5% improvement in store-level EBITDA. With over 175 stores across India, Canada and Malaysia, Soch now prioritises same-store growth by driving customer conversion, ticket size, and average transaction value. This has been one of the outcomes of its premiumisation journey, which has seen the brand expand its evening and occasion wear portfolio to meet evolving customer expectations. In a 5-year period the brand has seen a 40% jump in ASP (average selling price), 50% increase in average transaction value along with a 10% increase in average basket size. The brand also records one of the highest trading densities in its category, exceeding INR 16,000 per sq. ft. Store openings today are sharper and more strategic , added Chatlani . We close locations that dont meet benchmarks and double down on those that drive value and engagement. Its not about being everywhere; its about being of substance wherever we are . Through a blend of offline trust and digital speed, Soch has built a resilient growth engine designed for the future of Indian retail. Our investments in technology, digital capability, and disciplined retail operations are already yielding strong results , said Chatlani . Weve built a business thats both resilient and ready for scale, anchored in profitability and confident in our ability to sustain and accelerate this momentum . The Brand has successfully navigated a challenging consumer environment where many have faced revenue and margin pressures. Soch is building a future-ready omnichannel business for steady, sustainable growth, positioning itself as a confident leader in Indian ethnic and occasion wearharnessing e-commerces momentum while strengthening its retail foundation for long-term success. About Soch Soch Apparels, the largest evening-occasion wear ethnic brand for women in India, seamlessly combines tradition and modern artistry. Our meticulously crafted outfits, featuring elaborate embroideries and handpicked fabrics, celebrate the rich heritage of Indian aesthetics. It offers a wide range of stylish designer ethnic wear, including sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, tunics, kurta sets, lehengas, and kaftans. With over 175 stores nationwide, Soch is the go-to destination for stylish and elegant designer ethnic wear. The brand has been consecutively recognized as the Best Ethnic Fashion Retailer of the Year 2023 and 2024 by IREC (Industry of Retail & eCommerce) and continues to redefine traditional Indian fashion. soch.com to explore our collection.
Sikar Chills at 7C as Cold Wave Grips Rajasthan
Fatehpur, Ajmer, and Alwar also record single-digit temperatures; dry weather likely to continue through next week, says Jaipur MeT Centre
Kids Can Grow Up But Should Be Obedient: BJP On Ajit Pawar's Land Scam Reply
The controversial land deal linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth, has given a new handle to the NCP stalwart's traditional political rivals to target him over his response to allegations.
Pak-linked hacker group targets Indian government, military networks with advanced spyware: Report
NEW DELHI: An Intelligence Agencys report has alerted the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to a major cyber-espionage campaign by Pakistan-linked hacker group Transparent Tribe, which is targeting Indian government and military networks with an advanced spyware called DeskRAT, sources said on Friday. The report warns that the group has upgraded its tactics this year, moving from public cloud platforms like Google Drive to private servers, making detection and blocking more difficult. According to sources, the hackers are believed to be exploiting ongoing border tensions in Ladakh, attempting to intercept intelligence related to Chinas military movements through compromised Indian systems. Agencies said the attackers are using sophisticated phishing emails disguised as government notices, ZIP files and intelligence briefings, often timed with security alerts or border incidents, to trick officials into downloading infected attachments. Once installed, DeskRAT, a remote access tool tailored for BOSS Linux systems widely used in government offices, can secretly monitor, extract and transmit sensitive files without detection. The latest attacks are faster, stealthier and harder to detect, a source said. The report also highlights the hackers use of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to rapidly develop new malware variants, outpacing traditional cybersecurity defences. Experts have warned that only automated, real-time threat detection can counter such adaptive attacks aimed at long-term espionage of Indias defence and administrative networks. The Transparent Tribe has been previously linked to attacks distributing Crimson RAT malware, often through phishing documents disguised as security briefings. During the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, the group allegedly circulated fake government messages to lure officials into opening infected attachments. Following the alert, the MHA has directed all ministries and defence units to step up cyber vigilance and strengthen security protocols, calling the threat a matter of national security.
Films from Palestine and movies of stalwart filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak to be in the limelight in the coming week
CM Pinarayi presents K R Gouri Amma Puraskaram to activist Aruna Roy
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Remembering K R Gouri Ammas legacy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that it was unfortunate that she, a stalwart of the communist movement, had at one point left the party. The chief minister was speaking while presenting the K R Gouri Amma Award 2025 to social activist Aruna Roy, instituted by the K R Gouri Amma Foundation. That political shift must have pained those who cared for her. In any case, Gouri Amma returned to a cooperative stance with the party later. This brought great joy to progressive forces who hold affection not only for the party but for the Left in general, the CM noted. He added that Gouri Ammas collaboration with first-generation communist leaders such as P Krishna Pillai, A K G and E M S, contributed hugely to consolidating the communist movement in Kerala. Her uncompromising stance against injustice often inspired many to see her as a strict disciplinarian. Yet, her mind was always focused on the welfare of the state and its people, and it was precisely her strictness that opposed any compromise on this front, added the CM. Presenting the award to Aruna Roy, the CM said, both Gouri Amma and Aruna Roy had similarities. Having the opportunity to be comfortable in their positions, both of them chose to work for the people, becoming one among them. Accepting the award, Aruna Roy said that it is great joy to receive an award in the name of a woman who fought for peoples rights. She added that Gouri Ammas phenomenal work in accessing and establishing land reform rights made her a legend and an ideal for many across India. She added that Gouri Amma combined in a unique way the understanding that struggle and legislation have equal space in accessing rights for the most marginalised. Very often we are either struggling on the streets or we are making policy. She bridged this gap as a political leader. She fought on the streets and with people and she also made policy in the extraordinary laws that she passed for peasants and workers, said Aruna Roy. Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam requested that no changes should be made to K R Gouri Ammas bedroom when her house in Alappuzha is converted into a memorial. The room currently displays photographs of both Gouri Amma and T V Thomas on all four walls. It is to ensure that people understand the relationship between Gouri Amma and T V Thomas that the room should remain unchanged, he noted. The event was chaired by Minister Saji Cheriyan. Those present included Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, former minister T M Thomas Isaac, MLA V Joy, K B Valsalakumari, G Vijayaraghavan, P R Banerji, P Geetha, P C Beenakumari, and K Sivanandan. INTERVIEW | Communalism is rising in Kerala... but resistance is also building: Aruna Roy
Former BJP Leader and Ex-union Minister Rajen Gohain Joins Assam Jatiya Parishad
Mr Gohain, once regarded as a BJP stalwart in the state, had resigned from the party on October 9, citing growing discontent with its leadership and direction.
Allahabad HC orders SP MP to pay Rs 30k monthly maintenance to his fourth wife amid marital dispute
LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has directed Samajwadi Party MP from Rampur and Imam of the Parliament Street Mosque, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, to pay 30,000 per month as maintenance to his fourth wife, Rumana Nadvi. The order, issued on October 14, 2025, came following a petition filed by Rumana seeking financial support. The bench referred the matter to the High Courts Mediation and Conciliation Centre and granted both parties three months to reach a mutual settlement. The court said that until a resolution was reached, Nadvi must continue paying the maintenance amount. It also stayed the recovery of arrears from the date of filing till the order but warned that failure to comply would lead to revocation of the interim relief. Nadvis counsel, Narendra Kumar Pandey, informed the court that the case was a marital dispute and his client was willing to settle the matter amicably. To demonstrate goodwill, Nadvi offered to pay 50,000 upfront at the first mediation meeting. Rumana Parveen, who married Nadvi on October 22, 2012, alleged that he concealed details of his previous marriages and children from her. He deceived me at every step, she said, claiming that Nadvi forced her to leave her home and pressured her to abort their child. Currently living with her son in Agra, Rumana said that Nadvi married her without disclosing that he already had two daughters. I lived with him for about three years before he abandoned me, she added. This was also Rumanas second marriage. Nadvis personal life has come under intense scrutiny following the court order. According to close associates, his first marriage was to Afia Khatoon of Sambhal, who died of cancer ten years after their marriage, leaving behind two daughters. His second marriage to Najifa of Rampur lasted barely 15 days, as she returned to her parental home and never came back. The third marriage of the SP MP with a woman from Bulandshahr ended on the very night of the wedding when both decided to part ways. Rumana, his fourth wife, lived with him for over three years before filing the maintenance case. Nadvi later married Samra Naz for the fifth time. Naz is a relative of Nadvis first wife and has two children with him. In his 2024 Lok Sabha election affidavit, Nadvi mentioned five dependents two daughters from his first wife, a son from Rumana, and a son and daughter from his fifth wife. Besides serving as the SP MP from Rampur, Maulana Nadvi is also the Imam of the Parliament Street Mosque in Delhi. In July 2025, top SP leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav, met him, sparking debate over his growing influence within the party. Originally from Rajanagar village in Swar tehsil of Rampur, Nadvi currently resides at the Jama Masjid premises in Parliament House, New Delhi. However, his strained relationship with SP stalwart Azam Khan has become another political talking point. Both leaders have exchanged barbed remarks since Azams release from jail. When asked about Nadvi, Azam said he did not know who he was. Nadvi responded sharply, saying, He has become old. After being in jail for long, he naturally has trouble recognising people.
Film Stars Hail History Makers: Team India's Maiden Cricket World Cup Glory celebrated
From Bollywood heavyweights to other film stalwarts like SS Rajamouli and Jr NTR, they expressed immense pride, hailing the team's grit, spirit, and world-champion performance.
Revanth Seeks 30K Majority In Jubilee Hills
Promising to honour Congress stalwart P. Janardhan Reddy, Revanth announced that Borabanda would be renamed PJR Borabanda, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Gummadi Narsaiah Biopic: Dr Shiva Raj Kumar steps into iconic role
NL Webdesk Beloved politician and peoples leader Gummadi Narsaiah needs no formal introduction. A stalwart of grassroots politics, Narsaiah served as the Member of Legislative Assembly for Yellandu across multiple terms, between1983 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2009, winning as an Independent. Known for his unwavering commitment to the common man, he [] The post Gummadi Narsaiah Biopic: Dr Shiva Raj Kumar steps into iconic role appeared first on Northlines .
Hometowns of Kannada stalwarts to receive 1 crore each for development
At first Prez's birthplace in Bihar, Yogi rakes up 'insult' of Rajendra Prasad by Congress PM Nehru
Yogi Adityanath alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru insulted Rajendra Prasad by preventing him from attending the Somnath temple inauguration. Adityanath also criticized Congress for disrespecting Indian stalwarts and heritage. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Theatre play, Yellara Ambedkar, to depict the stalwarts life tomorrow
A huge email breach has compromised 183 million accounts. This includes many Gmail users. The data was stolen by malware, not a direct hack of Google. Passwords were found in plain text. Users should check Have I Been Pwned. Google Security Checkup and strong passwords are recommended. Businesses must enhance security measures.
Virat Kohli second-highest run-getter in ODIs
Sydney, Oct 25: Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli on Saturday broke another record as he became the second-highest run-getter in the ODI format. Kohli, who endured a subdued form in the first two ODIs against Australia, broke the shackles and announced his return on the international stage. The No.3 batter, who is famously known as []
Rohit, Kohlis game plan to be decided post-SA ODIs: Gill:
Sydney, Oct 25: Indias young ODI captain Shubman Gill has said that a final decision on how to ensure regular game time for senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be taken only after the upcoming South Africa ODI series. Both stalwarts, who now feature exclusively in the 50-over format, are expected to require []
At least 30 people were arrested by Rajasthan's Jhalawar police in a major crackdown on cybercrime network operating across multiple states. Under Operation Shutterdown, Jhalwar Police have busted an interstate cybercrime module allegedly involved in siphoning funds from government welfare schemes.
Education, economic progress will reduce caste and religious divisions, says VIT Chancellor
MDMK leader Vaiko also spoke at the annual memorial lecture in honour of Dravidian stalwarts Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai
Illegal mining in Doodh Ganga in violation of SC ban
Irfan Tramboo SRINAGAR, Oct 22: In blatant violation of a Supreme Court-imposed ban, illegal riverbed mining continues in the Doodh Ganga stream in district Budgam, allegedly under the cover of Disposal and Short Term Permits issued by authorities. Instances of such illegal mining have surfaced from Kralwari Borwah village in the Chadoora area, where the agency granted permission is reportedly indulging in the illegal extraction of gravel, sand, and boulders (GSB) using heavy machinery. Reports indicate that heavy machinery is [] The post Illegal mining in Doodh Ganga in violation of SC ban appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No rustiness in Ro-Ko's game, they are looking in great touch: Sitanshu Kotak
With a calm demeanor, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reassured fans about the form of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, asserting their readiness for the ODIs against Australia. He pointed out that the rain interruptions during the opener affected their batting strategy.
24-year-old MBBS student from Rajasthan missing in Russia
JAIPUR: A student from Kafanwada village in the Laxmangarh area of Alwar district has gone missing under mysterious circumstances in Russia. The missing student, 24-year-old Ajit Singh, was pursuing an MBBS degree in Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa, Russia. He has reportedly been missing from his hostel since around 11 pm on October 19, and his mobile phone has been switched off since then. According to family members, Ajits jacket, shoes, and mobile phone were found on a riverbank, raising serious concerns about his safety. Following news of his disappearance, family members and villagers contacted Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, seeking his intervention to expedite the search. They have also appealed to the Alwar District Collector to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs to locate the student. Ajits uncle, Bhoom Singh, told the media that the family received a call from the Russian police on October 20, but the situation was unclear at the time. Later, his roommate informed the hostel warden about Ajits disappearance, but now even the warden is not responding properly. We tried to reach out to the college authorities, but havent received any reply yet. We are completely in the dark about what has happened to Ajit, he said. He added that after speaking with the warden, it appeared the authorities were trying to suggest that Ajit might have jumped into the river, but no one has confirmed this version. Just an hour before he went missing, Ajit had spoken to his mother, Santara Devi, and sister, Geeta, on a video call around 10 pm on October 19. During the call, he wished them a happy Diwali. The family said Ajit was scheduled to return to India next month. They had even sold their land to fund his medical education in Russia. This incident comes at a time when another student from Rajasthan, 22-year-old Rahul Ghosalya, who was pursuing MBBS in Kazakhstan, suffered a brain hemorrhage. He was brought to Jaipur by air ambulance on Monday after extensive efforts. Rahul is currently admitted to the ICU of SMS Hospital, where a team of four specialists is overseeing his treatment.
RJD leader Anil Sahani, convicted by CBI court, joins BJP
In a surprising political twist, former RJD stalwart Anil Sahani has made a shift to the BJP. This move comes three years post his disqualification from the Bihar assembly due to a fraud conviction involving forged air tickets for Leave Travel Concession.
Harmanpreet Kaur is Ultra-Competitive And Feisty: Suzie Bates
Ahead of this crucial match, New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine, all-rounder Suzie Bates, and star spinner Amelia Kerr spoke about the qualities of Indian stalwarts Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur
Band, Baaja, Bank Fraud: Wedding Invites Steal Data, Target Bank Accounts
When wedding invites on WhatsApp come with malware instead of mithai
Devyani, Harshdev foreign educated; JKNPP-I candidate has 3 criminal FIRs
BJP rebel Matriculate but richest with shops, plots *NC nominee PG but with no assets, meagre cash Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Oct 20: Devyani Rana, the BJP candidate from Nagrota and daughter of BJP stalwart late Devender Singh Rana and Harshdev Singh, former Education Minister and JKNPP-I nominee are foreign educated while Shamim Begum, a DDC member who joined fray as NC representative, is Post Graduate from Jammu University. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Devyani Rana, Harshdev Singh and [] The post Devyani, Harshdev foreign educated; JKNPP-I candidate has 3 criminal FIRs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Cricketer Parvez Rasool Announces Retirement from All Formats
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir cricket stalwart Parvez Rasool on Saturday announced his retirement from all formats of the game, ending a 17-year First-Class career that saw him claim 352 wickets and score 5,648 runs. The 36-year-old all-rounder, hailing from Bijbehara, Kashmir, informed the BCCI of his decision. Rasool holds the distinction of being [] The post J&K Cricketer Parvez Rasool Announces Retirement from All Formats appeared first on Northlines .
Lucknow Diary | Snubbed by allies, SBSP wooing Azam Khan
12 teams behind Viksit UP-2047 vision docu Efforts are on to prepare the Viksit UP-2047 vision document, which may take a week or two. A final document will be out by Decemberend following consultations. At least 12 teams are working almost round the clock to evaluate a large number of suggestions to be incorporated in the document. As many as 36 lakh suggestions have been received so far. The teams have been asked to shortlist 50-60 suggestions, taking three to five each from 12 sectors, such as animal husbandry, industrial development, IT and tourism. The state government proposes to reward three best suggestions from every district along with the five best ones at the state level. Stage set for display of countrys naval history With 20% of the physical work on Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya (Naval Museum)being constructed by the UP govt in collaboration with the Indian Navynow complete, the focus is now on the transportation of naval artefacts for display. The museum, being built on a sprawling 15,800 sqm of land near Ekana Stadium in Lucknow at an outlay of `23 crore, will show relics from the decommissioned INS Gomati. A TU-142 naval aircraft and an SK-42B helicopter are also being relocated to the museum. Once logistics are worked out, the two aircraft would be transported from INS Rajali, the Indian Naval Air station in Tamil Nadus Arakkonam. Snubbed by allies, SBSP wooing Azam Khan OP Rajbhars Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), which has charted its own course over 153 seats in pollbound Bihar after being denied a single seat by allies, is trying to woo Azam Khan, the Samajwadi Party stalwart. SBSP national general secretary and Rajbhars son Arvind is considering visiting Rampur to meet Azam and convince him to join his party. The Rajbhars believe that leaders who work on the ground should not be sidelined and that dialogue with them should continue. Rajbhar Sr, miffed with the attitude of the BJP and other allies over the Bihar polls, has warned that if the NDA did not want SBSP in Bihar, the party would fight alone.
We Played Catch-up After Losing Three Wickets in Powerplay: Gill
India lost openers Rohit Sharma and Gill, and batting stalwart Virat Kohli in the powerplay overs from which the tourists could never recover as they lost the rain-shortened match by seven wickets
From crackling fireworks and nostalgic family traditions to quiet moments of reflection and renewal, Diwali holds a unique place in everyones heart. Celebs share their brightest memories, writes Puja Talwar
NDA to form govt in Bihar, people trusting CM Nitish, says Haryana CM
With the Bihar elections on the horizon, the National Democratic Alliance is gearing up for what they believe will be a landmark victory. Confidence in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs high among party stalwarts. In contrast, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is criticized for its splintered approach and lack of a cohesive leader.
Nothing has changed in my relationship with Rohit and Virat: New skipper Gill
PERTH, Oct 18: Indias new ODI captain Shubman Gill says his bond with the Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is as strong as ever despite contrary narratives floating on social media in recent weeks, insisting that he will not hesitate to approach the two stalwarts, if he is in a fix during a match. Gill replaced highly successful Rohit as Indias new ODI skipper. The future of the two legends has become a matter of intense speculations since then. Gills [] The post Nothing has changed in my relationship with Rohit and Virat: New skipper Gill appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DC Edit | 3rd Growth Engine For Andhra?
Septuagenarian political stalwart N. Chandrababu Naidu rode back to power in Andhra Pradesh in 2024, banking heavily on the double-engine sarkar slogan. To everyones surprise, a third engine not Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena seems to have been added in the recent past to finally put the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, which suffered greatly due to the bifurcation and thereafter, on the track of development
Jaipur, October 16 (Udaipur Kiran): In a major breakthrough against online fraud and logistics theft, the Alwar police have busted an inter-state gang involved in stealing high-value electronic goods from a Flipkart transport truck. Acting under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary, the Laxmangarh police team arrested seven accused and recovered 108 stolen ... Read more Rajasthan Police Busts Gang That Stole 226 Phones from Flipkart Truck; 7 Arrested, 47 Lakh Goods Recovered
Jaipur, October 16 (Daily Kiran): In a major breakthrough against organized cyber and logistics crime, Alwar Police have busted an inter-state gang involved in stealing high-value electronic items from a Flipkart transport truck. Acting under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary, the Laxmangarh Police Station team arrested seven accused and recovered stolen goods ... Read more Rajasthan Police Busts Gang That Stole 226 Phones from Flipkart Truck; Seven Arrested, 47 Lakh Goods Recovered
KRN Heat Exchanger Rises as Subsidiary Begins Bus AC Operations in Rajasthan
Mumbai, October 16 (Daily Kiran): Shares of KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration gained nearly 1% in Wednesdays trade after its wholly owned subsidiary, KRN HVAC Products, commenced commercial production at its new Bus AC Division in Alwar, Rajasthan. The stock was trading at Rs. 840.25, up 0.82%, compared to its previous close of Rs. 833.45 ... Read more KRN Heat Exchanger Rises as Subsidiary Begins Bus AC Operations in Rajasthan
KRN Heat Exchanger Rises as Subsidiary Begins Operations at Bus AC Division in Rajasthan
Mumbai, October 16 (Daily Kiran): Shares of KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration Ltd gained nearly 1% in Thursdays trade after the company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, KRN HVAC Products, has commenced commercial production at its Bus AC Division in Kolila Joga, Alwar (Rajasthan). The stock was trading at 840.25, up 6.80 or 0.82%, ... Read more KRN Heat Exchanger Rises as Subsidiary Begins Operations at Bus AC Division in Rajasthan
How Pt. Narayanrao Vyas made classical music accessible with his three-minute recordings
A four-part book on the Gwalior gayaki stalwart, which was released recently, shows how he was much ahead of his time in approach and ideas.
Alwar Police ASI and Middleman Arrested Taking 1.3 Lakh Bribe
Jaipur, October 15 (Daily Kiran): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kanhaiyalal of Kotwali Police Station, Alwar, and a private middleman Majlish Khan red-handed while accepting a 1,30,000 bribe. According to Smita Srivastava, Director General of Police, ACB Rajasthan, the Alwar ACB unit had received a complaint alleging that ASI Kanhaiyalal, ... Read more Alwar Police ASI and Middleman Arrested Taking 1.3 Lakh Bribe
ASI and Middleman Caught Taking 1.3 Lakh Bribe in Alwar
Jaipur, October 15 (Udaipur Kiran): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Alwar First Unit, has arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kanhaialal, posted at Kotwali Police Station, Alwar, along with a private person Majlish Khan, while accepting a bribe of 1,30,000. The trap operation was conducted under the direction of the ACB Headquarters, Jaipur. According to Smita Srivastava, Director ... Read more ASI and Middleman Caught Taking 1.3 Lakh Bribe in Alwar
BJPs first Bihar candidate list signals calculated caste engineering
NEW DELHI: In a state where caste calculus defines electoral outcomes, the BJPs first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar assembly elections is a textbook exercise in political social engineering. Released amid intense jockeying over seat shares within the NDA, the list reflects a sharpened strategy to retain core voters, recapture lost ground, and counter emerging threats while sparing no effort not to alienate the traditional upper-caste supporters. The partys approach is notably caste-calibrated. Of the 71 candidates, a significant portion, around 50 per cent, hail from Dalit, OBC, EBC, and other socially deprived backgrounds. The inclusion of 9 women candidates, spanning multiple caste groups, reinforces the BJPs messaging around inclusive representation, a counter to the oppositions social justice plank. Yet, conspicuous by their absence is any Muslim representation, which is widely seen as the BJPs continued reliance on Hindu consolidation in a state where Muslim voters are a decisive force in nearly 50 seats. The list repeats sitting MLAs and top leaders, including the two current Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary (fielded from Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with former deputies Renu Devi and Tarkeshwar Prasad. However, it also drops senior stalwarts like Nand Kishor Yadav and Amrendra Pratap Singh, signaling a generational shift and caste recalibration. A surprise re-entry is Ram Kripal Yadav, a prominent OBC face and former Union Minister, now fielded from Danapur, an RJD stronghold dominated by Yadav voters. His selection appears aimed at eroding the RJDs OBC base, particularly after his defeats in Patliputra to Misa Bharti. The BJP is attempting to dent VIP leader Mukesh Sahnis influence over the Nishad community by fielding Rama Nishad, wife of former MP Ajay Nishad, who recently returned to the party fold after a ticket denial. New faces, too, reflect social and political rebalancing. The inclusion of former JD(U) MP Sunil Kumar Pintu, ex-bureaucrat Sujit Kumar Singh, and turncoat Congress MLA Siddharth Saurav demonstrates the BJPs willingness to absorb defectors with local clout and caste relevance. A detailed caste breakdown reveals, 20 OBCs, 11 EBCs, 7 SC/STs, 15 Rajputs, 11 Bhumihars, 7 Brahmins, 1 Kayastha, 4 Yadavs, 8 Vaishyas, 3 Kurmis, and several others. This may be the BJPs most caste-diverse list since 2010, designed to blunt Mandal-era narratives while preserving its Savarna base. With this list, the BJP hopes to counter claims of caste injustice and elite dominance. Its success will depend on whether this careful mix of castes and communities actually turns into real voter support in Bihars divided political landscape.
Alwar Police Constable Hazarilal Turns Saviour, Rescues 4-Year-Old Trapped in Locked House
Jaipur, October 14 (Daily Kiran): In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Rajasthan Police Constable Hazarilal risked his life to rescue a four-year-old girl trapped inside a locked house in Alwar city. The daring operation, carried out late Monday night, has been hailed as an extraordinary example of service, sensitivity, and bravery by the ... Read more Alwar Police Constable Hazarilal Turns Saviour, Rescues 4-Year-Old Trapped in Locked House
Idol Wing steps up efforts to recover three idols from U.K., Netherlands, and Singapore
The Idol Wing has been corresponding with foreign museums, the Union Ministry of Culture, and the respective foreign offices to recover the idols of Thirumangai Alwar, Kannappa Nayanar, and Hanuman
Rajgarh Municipality Employee Arrested Taking 12,000 Bribe in Alwar
Jaipur, October 13 (Daily Kiran): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday caught Ramhet Bairwa, In-charge of the Revenue/Land Branch (Assistant Employee) at Rajgarh Municipality, Alwar district, red-handed while accepting a 12,000 bribe from a complainant. According to Smita Srivastava, Additional Director General of Police, ACB Headquarters, the Alwar First Unit received a complaint alleging that ... Read more Rajgarh Municipality Employee Arrested Taking 12,000 Bribe in Alwar
Capturing the tough journey and phenomenal success of Parasakthi
A 1,120-page book titled Parasakthi Thadai: Achil Varatha Arasanga Ragaisya Avanangal compiles the documents that trace the journey of the 1952 Sivaji Ganesan-starrer, whose dialogues were penned by DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi
Capturing the tough journey and phenomenal success of Parasakthi
A 1,120-page book titled Parasakthi Thadai: Achil Varatha Arasanga Ragaisya Avanangal compiles the documents that trace the journey of the 1952 Sivaji Ganesan-starrer, whose dialogues were penned by DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi
Costantini, who has overseen multiple generations of Indian paddlers, admits that his next task will be to work on the teams mental fortitude as it begins life after the retirement of stalwart Sharath Kamal
Modi Congratulates Naidu on Completing 15 Years as CM
Hailing Naidus futuristic vision and unwavering commitment to good governance, the PM lauded the AP CM as a stalwart who continues to dedicate himself to the progress and welfare of Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasthan Man, In Contact With Pakistani 'Handler', Arrested For 'Spying'
Police have arrested a man from the Alwar district of Rajasthan on charges of spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.
Man arrested from Alwar for allegedly spying for Pakistan
The accused, Mangat Singh, was produced before a special court in Jaipur on Saturday and remanded in police custody for three days, officials said. He was arrested on Friday
Karwa Chauth is a traditional festival where married women in Rajasthan and across India observe a daylong fast for their husbands' long life and well-being. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur celebrate it with love and devotion. Check moon rise timings for these cities here:
Google cracks down! APKs, ROMs, and Emulators banned is Android freedom over?
Google is implementing a significant policy shift, banning unverified APKs, ROMs, and certain emulators on certified Android devices starting in 2026. This move, aimed at enhancing security and combating malware, will restrict app distribution to verified developers. Critics argue this move curtails Android's famed openness, potentially impacting custom ROMs and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Azam Khan is the pillar of our party: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
LUCKNOW: Azam Khan is a very senior leader and his strong influence had always been with the Samajwadi Party, said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav while visiting the SP stalwart at his residence in Rampur on Wednesday. The two leaders held a closed-door meeting for two hours, without Azams wife or son present at home. After stepping out from the meeting, Akhilesh said, The BJP is trying to set a world record by filing multiple cases against the Azam family. This is a big battle, and we will fight it together, said Akhilesh while interacting with media persons after meeting Azam Khan in Rampur. I couldnt meet Azam Khan when he was released from jail, so I have come to meet him now. We will continue to meet and move forward. Even in the Supreme Court, there was an attempt to throw a shoe at the judge. Just see, wherever PDA members are sitting, they are being harassed, said Akhilesh. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Khan was released from Sitapur jail on September 22, nearly 23 months after his conviction. Akhilesh added, I have come today to the residence of Azam Khan Ji to meet him and also to enquire about his health and well-being. He is the root of our party, and with such deep roots, their shade has always been with us. Akhilesh claimed that the cases against Azam Khan would be withdrawn after the formation of the SP government, signalling his continued support and respect for the senior leader. During his address and media interactions, Yadav emphasised Azam Khan's long-standing contributions to the party and expressed confidence in his significance within the organisation. However, when asked about Muhiubullah Nadvi, Akhilesh Yadav chose not to comment, maintaining silence on that particular issue. The SP chief said: In 2027, our government is going to be formed, and the voice of PDA will be strengthened. Later, sharing a photo of his meeting with Azam Khan, Akhilesh posted on X: How can one describe the tale of that meeting, where only emotions spoke in silence? pic.twitter.com/uHFxDoKDTw Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 8, 2025 The Samajwadi Party currently has 37 MPs and 107 MLAs, including 34 Muslim MLAs and four Muslim MPs. Earlier, Azam personally received Akhilesh, and both leaders went to Azam Khans residence in the same car. Akhilesh left Lucknow by private plane at 11:30 am on Wednesday for Rampur, first landing at Bareilly Airport and then taking a helicopter to land at Jauhar University in Rampur at 12:45 pm. Due to Azams insistence, Akhilesh left Rampur MP Mohibullah Nadvi in Bareilly. Azam had stated on Tuesday that he would meet only Akhilesh, not anyone else. I am not familiar with the Rampur MP, and we have never met, the SP leader had said. Azam Khan had been released from jail on September 23. At that time, Akhilesh did not go to receive him. Azam had remarked, We are not big leaders. If we were, a big leader would have come to receive us.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inspects ongoing storm water drain work in Chennai
Mr. Stalin inspected the changing of drinking water pipes being undertaken by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board in areas in Alwarpet and areas on T.T.K. Road
Two greats face the clock: Ajit Agarkar on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face a situation in ODI cricket. Shubman Gill now leads the Indian team in the format. Selectors placed the stalwarts on notice. Their continued selection depends on scoring runs. They will play series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Their roles in Indian cricket will no longer guide its direction.
'I am just a worker,' says Jagdish Panchal in his first address as Gujarat BJP chief
AHMEDABAD: In a strategically timed move, Gujarat BJP has officially appointed senior leader Jagdish Panchal as its new state president, making him the 14th chief of the partys Gujarat unit. Panchal, who filed his nomination on Friday, was elected unopposed. He formally took charge at BJP Headquarter Kamalam in Gandhinagar on Saturday. The suspense surrounding Gujarat BJPs leadership ended dramatically on Saturday as Jagdish Panchal was declared the new state president. The announcement came from the partys state election committee, which also oversaw his formal assumption of charge at Kamalam. The process leading to his elevation bore the unmistakable mark of Delhis strategic planning. Panchal had filed his nomination for the post on Friday, and handed it over to election office. As no other candidate entered the fray, his unopposed selection was a foregone conclusion. While his name surprised many within the state unit, recent political movements hinted that the groundwork for Panchals rise was laid well in advance. BJPs decision to conduct a formal election something not done during the appointments of CR Patil and Jitu Vaghani underscored the partys intent to showcase internal democracy even as the outcome was pre-decided. According to insider accounts, Panchals ascent began two days before the announcement when he received an unexpected call from Delhi. Dropping all commitments, he boarded a flight to the capital and held a series of meetings with top BJP leadership, including strategists and central observers. Interestingly, his visit remained under wraps, with no social media posts or political buzz a sign of tightly controlled communication from the partys command center. Within hours of his return to Ahmedabad, BJP Headquarter began to hum with activity, confirming the leadership change was imminent. At his first public address after assuming charge on Saturday, Jagdish Panchal struck a tone of humility and dedication. The identity of the president is not me it is the worker who sits in front of me, he declared, bowing before the party cadre. He invoked the BJPs ideological lineage from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and pledged to strengthen the philosophy of Panch Nishtha and Ekatma Manav Darshan through service-oriented politics. Panchal also paid homage to past Gujarat stalwarts including Keshubhai Patel, Vijay Rupani, and praised Former Gujarat BJP president Vajubhai Vala, Jitu Vaghani, and C.R. Patil, crediting them for transforming BJP into a banyan tree of public trust. Reaffirming faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he hailed BJP as a symbol of trust, development, and new ideas. He credited Modis governance model from the abrogation of Article 370 to economic reforms like GST for propelling India to the worlds fourth-largest economy, and vowed to continue that momentum under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patels leadership. Closing his address on a personal note, Panchal recalled his fathers words Walk thinner than water as his guiding principle in leadership. If I remove the party sash, I am just a common worker. My only identity is saffron and the lotus, he said. With Jagdish Panchals elevation, Gujarat BJP appears to have balanced political equations and infused organizational continuity, preparing the ground for upcoming local elections while reinforcing its message that the partys strength lies in its disciplined cadre and unwavering leadership chain.
Dattatretyas Alai-Balai brings many stalwarts on a common stage
Jaipur Diary: Bhakt Bhajan Lal fasts through Navratras
Bhakt Bhajan Lal fasts through Navratras Its nearly two years since he became chief minister, but Bhajan Lal Sharma is known more for temple visits in Rajasthan than for any innovations in governance. During the recent Navratri festival, Bhajan not only fasted all nine days, but also grew a beard to display his deep devotion! Of course, beards hold a special import in the BJP in recent years, with PM Modi being the focal point of this tradition. BJP sources say that during Navratri, Bhajan survived solely on lemonade and coconut water. With critics frowning at this excessive religiosity, the CM made a special bid to project that he was serious about his administrative duties even during Navratri. Modi trip leaves Rajasthan BJP in a tizzy For most public events, PM Modi arrives alone in an open vehicle. But during a recent visit to Rajasthan, he was seen in the same vehicle with CM Bhajanlal Sharma, BJP state president Madan Rathore, and the two DCMs, Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa. Political experts see it as a move to convey a message of unity among party leaders who often seem isolated. Later, Modi turned to former CM Vasundhara Raje, who was standing in a corner of the stage, with folded hands. The two spoke for about a minute and now rumour mills are churning overtime in state BJP. Whats the meaning of Raje talking to Modi? Is her political exile coming to an end? Can she be made the CM or has her name been finalised for BJP national president? Or was this a sign of accommodating her loyalists in the reshuffle of Bhajan cabinet? Sariska reopens to tourists with 50 tigers After being closed for three months during the monsoon season, the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar has reopened to tourists. Several tourist vehicles began plying on the very first day on Thursday, with visitors waiting to spot the big cats in Sariska. Tourist visits are prohibited for three months during the monsoon as it is the breeding season for tigers. With nine cubs being born to different tigresses, the number of tigers and tigresses in Sariska has now reached 50. Rajesh Asnani Our correspondent in Jaipur rajesh.asnani@newindianexpress.com
Womens World Cup ENG vs SA Preview: England, South Africa eye winning start in Guwahati clash
Edwards could lean on her experience in India as a player and MI coach. So could some of the English players who have taken part in the WPL. South Africas two main players have also had the WPL experience. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt whose cover drives should be one of the highlights of this World Cup and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp are two stalwarts the Proteas could be banking on.
Chakra Snanam Arrangements Completed At Tirumala
Singhal said entry and exit points have been arranged systematically to ensure smooth movement of devotees. Snapana Tirumanjanam and Chakrasnanam will be performed for the processional deities along with Chakrathalwar during the scheduled hours.
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: Nayanthara's Look Is Here
Nayanthara enjoys immense popularity among Telugu audiences, having shared screen space with stalwarts like Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, and Ravi Teja.
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Two more held in Gujarat's Rs 194 crore turmeric farm scam, total arrests rise to 12
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats Rajkot witnessed one of the biggest-ever financial scams where traders were lured in with hopes of a high-return turmeric farming, only to be duped of Rs 64.80 crore. The traders were duped by Maharashtra-based A.S. Agri & Aqua LLP, which later defaulted on a total payment of Rs 194 crore as per the agreement. Two key engineers-turned-marketing-executives, who played a pivotal role in the racket, were arrested by the Crime Branch in Maharashtra, taking the total arrests to 12. The duo has been remanded till September 30. However, seven accused, including the mastermind and the companys 55 per cent owner, Prashant Jade, still remain absconding. The arrested have been identified as Kamlesh Mahadevrao Ozhe and Avinash Baban Sangle, from Maharashtras Kalwar and Narpoli areas. Both are engineers-turned-marketing executives and 2.5 per cent partners in the company. Investigations revealed that Rs 62 lakh was funneled into Kamleshs account and Rs 92 lakh into Avinashs account directly from the companys funds. Initially investors themselves, the duo later joined the company as partners in 2021, aggressively marketing the scheme to other investors. They collected sensitive data, built investor networks, and convinced traders with slick presentations and YouTube videos showcasing successful turmeric farms. The complaint, filed by Rajkot businessman Prashantbhai Pradeepbhai Kanabar, details how the scam took place. In 2021, Kanabar invested Rs 64.80 crore after being promised Rs 1.20 crore returns per acre every year for six years. He leased 108 acres of land across Gujarat for the project. The agreement stated that the company would build polyhouses, manage cultivation, and handle sales. However, after receiving the funds, the company did none of what was promised. When payment became due in January 2023, the company only gave written assurances, promising to return Rs 58.32 crore after administrative deductions. Suspicious of delays, Kanabar personally met company chairman Ivan Albert D'Cruz in Mumbai, who again verbally assured repayment, however, no money was returned. The scam deepened further as investigators uncovered frauds in Vadodara, Amreli, Thane, and Pune, suggesting a multi-state network. Rs 194 crore, due between 2023 and 2025, remains unpaid. The Crime Branch, led by PI Manoj Damor, has formed multiple teams to trace the remaining absconding accused. It is reported that Prashant Jade had hired over 100 marketing agents and made use of a massive promotional campaign to lure unsuspecting investors. Police are now tracking the flow of money through the accounts of several Maharashtra-based individuals to expose the full scale of the operation.
Bhopal Diary: CMs back-to-back Delhi visits spark buzz
CMs back-to-back Delhi visits spark buzz CM Mohan Yadavs back-to-back visits to Delhi this week have set tongues wagging in political circles. While senior state BJP leaders have maintained that the CMs tours are related to important development projects, political pundits in Bhopal are making their own guesses, spanning from something big about to happen to a rejig of the states council of ministers. Several others are linking it to possible announcements of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of independent corporations and boards which have been long overdue. What gave momentum to speculations was the BJP national joint general secy (organisation) Shiv Prakashs meeting with the CM in Bhopal. Alls not well between DCM & BJP MLA All doesnt seem to be well between Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla and first-time BJP MLA Siddharth Tiwari in Rewa district of Vindhya region. The issue has been making news, particularly since Shuklas pictures were found missing from posters of an event in Tiwaris constituency Teonthar, which was graced by CM Mohan Yadav. Importantly, Shukla gave the event a miss after welcoming the CM at the Rewa Airport, triggering speculation about all not being well between Shukla (most powerful BJP leader of Vindhya) and Tiwari, who is the grandson of Congress stalwart and ex-Vidhan Sabha Speaker Late Shrinivas Tiwari. Cell-phones looted from IG-Intel in VVIP area Three teenagers recently looted two cell-phones from the IG-Intelligence of state police Dr Ashish while he was on a night stroll with his wife near to his bungalow in Bhopals high-security and VVIP Char Imli area. The incident with the senior IPS officer by the three motorcycle-borne minors has exposed the state of security in the state capitals high-security areas, prompting the opposition Congress to question the government, If this is the situation in a VVIP area, what might be the state of affairs in other areas of the state capital. The Char Imli area houses the bungalows of senior politicians, bureaucrats and police officers. Anuraag Singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 27: For Viksit Bharat and rapid growth we must maintain ecological integrity and economic integrity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today. Securing the biodiversity should become the national mission and all sections of society must work together for protection, restoration and regeneration of natural resources. He was speaking at the award ceremony, Pride of J&K. The award honored stalwarts and champions of Jammu Kashmir who shaped the regions development and always stood as pillars of hope [] The post LG felicitates Army, NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police personnel for exceptional service during recent natural catastrophe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
H-1B: The Visa That Links Musk, Nadella And Pichai's Rise In US
The H-1B visa has helped highly skilled professionals from across the world to advance America's technology sector. Three stalwarts who have made an indelible mark in the US after obtaining an H-1B visa are, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella
A luxurious bungalow at Delhi's iconic Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ), once owned by Alwar's Maharaj has been sold at a staggering Rs 310 crore. Who is the buyer?
Navratri Day 4 sunshine style: Aaman Devgan, Shanaya Kapoor, Navya Nanda radiate bright yellow vibes
Bollywood's Gen-Z style icons lit up Navratri Day 4 in vibrant yellow ensembles, blending traditional elegance with modern flair. From Aaman Devgan's effortless kurta to Shanaya Kapoor's glam corset saree and Navya Nanda's chic salwar suit, these looks set major festive fashion goals.
Around 40 minor girls found locked inside toilet of unregistered madrassa in UP's Bahraich
LUCKNOW: Around 40 minor girls, aged between nine and 14, were found locked inside a toilet of an unregistered madrassa in Pahalwara village under Payagpur tehsil in Bahraich district, officials said on Thursday. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ashwini Kumar Pandey said the girls were discovered during an inspection of the madrassa, which had repeatedly drawn complaints for operating illegally. The three-storey building was initially resistant to the inspection, but police accompanied the officials upstairs. When the door of the toilet on the terrace was opened by female police personnel, the girls came out one by one. They were frightened and unable to speak clearly, Pandey said. District Minority Welfare Officer Mohammad Khalid confirmed that locals reported the madrassa had been running for around three years without registration. The management and staff were unable to produce any documents proving legality. During a 2023 survey, 495 unregistered madrassas were identified in Bahraich, but this one appears to have escaped notice. When questioned about why the girls were hiding in the toilet despite the madrassa having eight rooms, a teacher, Takseem Fatima, claimed the children panicked during the commotion and locked themselves inside. Authorities have ordered the madrassa to be shut down. The management has been instructed to safely send the girls home, and it appears all have now returned to their families, Khalid said. Additional Superintendent of Police Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha said no FIR has been registered yet. The parents, SDM, or minority welfare officer have not approached us for lodging a case. If a complaint is received, appropriate legal action will be taken, he added.
40 minor girls found locked inside toilet of unregistered madrassa in UP's Bahraich
LUCKNOW: Around 40 minor girls, aged between nine and 14 years, were found locked inside a toilet of an unregistered madrassa in Bahraich district of central UP, officials said on Thursday. According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Payagpur Ashwini Kumar Pandey, the girls were located during an inspection. He claimed that the district administration had received repeated complaints regarding the functioning of an illegal madrassa inside a three-storey building in Pahalwara village under Payagpur tehsil. Pandey said that the team of officials went to the madrassa building for an inspection on Wednesday. The madrassa operators initially tried to stop them from going upstairs. With accompanying police authorities, as we entered the premises, we found the toilet on the terrace locked, he said. When the door was opened by female police personnel, the 40 girls hiding inside came out one by one. The girls looked frightened and were unable to say anything clearly, said the SDM. The SDM said District Minority Welfare Officer Mohammad Khalid was asked to verify the registration and legality of the institution. According to Khalid, locals said that the madrassa had been running for around three years without registration. The management and staff could not produce any document related to registration or legality. During the 2023 survey, 495 unregistered madrassas were identified in Bahraich and it appears this one escaped the survey team's notice then, said the SDM. During questioning, when the management staff was asked about the girls hiding inside the toilet despite there being eight rooms in the madrassa, a teacher Takseem Fatima said the girls panicked in the commotion and locked themselves inside, added Khalid. He said the madrassa records were being examined, and orders were issued to shut it down. The management has been told to send the girls safely to their homes and it seems all have now reached back home, Khalid said. Additional Superintendent of Police Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha said no FIR was registered so far. The parents, SDM, or the minority welfare officer has not approached us for lodging a case so far. If any complaint is received, appropriate legal action will be taken, he said.
40 Minor Girls Found Locked Inside Madrassa Toilet In UP's Bahraich
The girls, aged between 9 and 14, were found inside the toilet of the illegal madrassa in Pahalwara village during a police inspection here.
Sahai represents J&K in ICCs Global B-Summit
Excelsior Correspondent MUMBAI, Sept 24: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted its Global Business Summit- 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, with the theme One Nation, Multiple Opportunities. The two-day summit brought together global leaders, senior Government officials, Industry stalwarts, and delegates from more than 20 partnering countries like Greece, Cyprus, France, Italy, Israel etc . The summit among others were also addressed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Milind Deora Member Parliament, Ranjan Gogoi former CJI & [] The post Sahai represents J&K in ICCs Global B-Summit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa, a Padma Bhushan recipient and influential voice in Indian literature, passed away at 94 in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest. His six-decade career produced over 25 novels, including acclaimed works like 'Parva' and 'Vamshavriksha,' exploring themes of morality and social change.
UPITS 2025 set to showcase confluence of investment, innovation, and culture of Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) is set to take off at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida on Thursday. Scheduled from September 25 to 29, the mega event will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and will present Uttar Pradeshs industrial, agricultural, cultural, and innovation strengths on a global stage. More than just a platform for trade and investment, UPITS 2025 aims at creating a future-ready ecosystem for youth, entrepreneurs, and international delegates, while celebrating the states diverse identity through the confluence of craft, culture, and cuisine. The inaugural edition of the trade show in 2023 featured 1,914 exhibitors and 400 foreign buyers. The second edition expanded to 2,122 exhibitors, 350 foreign buyers, and five lakh visitors, generating export orders worth over Rs 2,200 crore and direct sales of Rs 40 crore. With more than double the growth in just two editions, the upcoming third edition is expected to attract over 2,500 exhibitors, 500 foreign buyers, and more than half a million visitors, reinforcing its status as a global platform for business and investment. A major highlight will be the One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion in Hall No. 9, featuring 343 stalls dedicated to the signature products of each district. From Bhadohi carpets and Firozabad glasswork to Moradabad metalware and Saharanpur woodcraft, these displays will showcase the journey of Uttar Pradeshs craftsmanship from local to global. The pavilion will also create opportunities for networking, business collaborations, and partnerships involving startups, designers, and international buyers. Russia will participate in the tradeshow as the partner country. On September 26, the RussiaIndia Business Dialogue will bring together policymakers, industrialists, financial institutions, insurance firms, and academia from both nations. This dialogue will not only strengthen economic cooperation but also pave the way for technological partnerships, joint ventures, and new business opportunities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The IT and Electronics Department will present a live demonstration of an AI model in a sprawling 200-square-meter pavilion. Designed with modern amenities, including a curved LED wall, smart video displays, a VIP lounge, and a dedicated startup zone, the pavilion will highlight cutting-edge technological innovations and reflect how the Yogi government has positioned Uttar Pradesh as a rising hub of enterprise, innovation, and digital excellence. Under the master exhibition layout, Halls 1 to 8 and 15 will serve as centres for B2B activities, while Halls 9, 10, and 12 will focus on B2C interactions, and Halls 11 and 14 will host both B2B and B2C activities. The ground floor will feature exhibits from UPSIDA, Invest UP, GNIDA, YEIDA, Civil Aviation, the Russia Pavilion, IT/ITES, Electrical-Electronics, Tourism, Clean Mission, ODOP, Agriculture, Dairy, Textiles, and Logistics. The second floor will serve as the venue for inaugurations, B2B meetings, knowledge sessions, showcases of renewable energy, defence manufacturing, health, education, and culture. There will be 25 food stalls dedicated to the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh on the Swad Uttar Pradesh theme. Visitors will be able to savour traditional delicacies such as Moradabadi dal, Banarasi paan and lassi, Panchhi petha, Jain shikanji, Mathura peda, and Khurjas khurchan. Under CM Yuva scheme, Hall No. 18A will host 150 innovative stalls featuring franchise-based ventures, technology-driven business models, agritech, healthtech, and startup ideas. On September 27, MoUs will be signed with 27 premier educational institutions. Bankers and industry leaders will extend financial and strategic support. CM Yuva Fellows from all 75 districts will also showcase local brands, amplified by a digital campaign and the platform conclave.cmyuva.org.in to connect youth with opportunities. Beyond business, UPITS 2025 will celebrate the cultural ethos of Uttar Pradesh. Visitors will be treated with performances of Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Bundeli, and Tharu folk traditions, along with soulful Sufi music, graceful Kathak performances and light music sessions. Star artistes, including Dinesh Lal Nirahua, Padmashree Malini Awasthi, and Pratibha Singh Baghel will add grandeur to the evenings.
Entrepreneur-Investor Luke Talwar Bets Big on Indian Startup School Initiative by Shivang Slathia
Shah Rukh Khan, along with other stalwarts, attended the 71st National Awards. Fans noticed that SRK attended the ceremony while sitting beside Rani Mukerji, and they are drooling over their reunion.
Shah Rukh Khan, along with other stalwarts, attended the 71st National Awards. Fans noticed that SRK attended the ceremony while sitting beside Rani Mukerji, and they are drooling over their reunion.
