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ED raids 11 places across the country in global cyber fraud case

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New Delhi, Aug 6: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids at 11 locations in the national capital and three states in connection with a global cyber fraud case involving Rs 260 crore.

The ED conducted the raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on FIRs registered by the Delhi Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The raids were taking place in Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Gurugram (Haryana), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), and Delhi The fraudsters cheated foreign and Indian nationals by posing as police or investigating officers, and extorted money after threatening them with the consequences of arrest.

The accused also impersonated Microsoft or Amazon tech support service agents and duped the victims. The monetary assets of the victims were converted into cryptocurrencies, which were further transferred to the accused persons.

The accused accrued Rs 260 crore in the form of Bitcoins in multiple crypto-wallets, which were further liquidated into cash through conversion into USDTs through multiple hawala operators/individuals in the UAE.

Earlier, on June 26, the CBI arrested a key member of a transnational cyber extortion syndicate during coordinated raids in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, a statement said. The accused, identified as Prince Jashvantlal Anand, is the mastermind of an international racket targeting foreign nationals, especially in the US and Canada.

The syndicate is accused of impersonating law enforcement and government officials, fabricating legal threats, and extorting money from unsuspecting victims. On June 25, the ED launched a coordinated crackdown across Gujarat and Maharashtra in connection with a massive cyber fraud case involving more than Rs 100 crore.

Raids were carried out in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Mumbai under the PMLA. The key accused named in the case include Maqbool Doctor, Kashif Doctor, Basam Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, and Maz Abdul Rahim Nada, among others. Authorities allege the group duped unsuspecting victims by employing tactics such as fake enforcement notices, USDT (Tether) crypto trading scams, and false digital arrest threats.

IANS

Rahul Gandhi appears before Chaibasa court in Amit Shah defamation case, granted bail

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Chaibasa (Jharkhand), Aug 6: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the MP-MLA Special Court in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, on Wednesday in connection with a criminal defamation case filed over his remarks against the then BJP national president, Amit Shah.

The court granted him bail on the condition that he would cooperate with the trial proceedings. Rahul Gandhi appeared in person before Judicial Magistrate Supriya Rani Tigga. The court granted him relief after hearing arguments from his legal team, which included senior advocates Pradeep Chandra and Dipankar Roy.

The case pertains to a speech delivered by Rahul Gandhi during a Congress session in 2018, in which he allegedly referred to Amit Shah as a “murderer”. In his address, Gandhi had reportedly said, “No murderer can become the national president in Congress. Congressmen cannot accept a murderer as the national president; this is possible only in the BJP.”

Offended by this statement, local BJP leader Pratap Katiyar, a resident of Chaibasa, filed a criminal defamation complaint against Rahul Gandhi on July 9, 2018. The matter had been pending for several years, during which multiple warrants were issued.

Initially, the court issued a bailable warrant in April 2022. When Gandhi failed to appear, a non-bailable warrant was issued in February 2024. Gandhi had sought exemption from personal appearance under Section 205 of the CrPC, but the Chaibasa court rejected the plea. He then moved Jharkhand High Court, which granted him temporary relief.

However, in March 2024, the High Court disposed of his petition, paving the way for further action. Following this, the Chaibasa court issued another non-bailable warrant on May 22, 2025. Gandhi finally complied with the court’s order and appeared in person today, after which he was granted conditional bail. The case will now move into the trial phase.

IANS

Over 19,000 forms submitted by new electors, no complaint by any party: ECI

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New Delhi, Aug 6: Almost a week has gone by after the publication of electoral draft rolls in Bihar, but none of the political parties have filed any objection or complaint till August 6 morning, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Wednesday.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar was marked by huge uproar and protests by the Opposition parties, with the latter claiming a series of irregularities and malfunctioning in the way the whole procedure was rushed, which was bound to deprive lakhs of voters of their right to vote.

The ECI, in a statement, said that ‘zero’ claims have been submitted by any political party, so far. On the other hand, more than 19,000 new electors, who have turned 18 after the SIR exercise, have filled out their forms for inclusion in the voter list. In the data shared by the poll panel, 3,659 electors have submitted their objections directly to the ECI in the draft voter list.

The poll panel published its draft electoral rolls on August 1 and has kept a window of one month for people and parties to bring their complaints and grievances regarding inclusion or exclusion from the draft electoral list.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has 47,506 booth-level agents (BLAs), the Congress party has 17,549, and the Left has over 2,000, all adding up to over 67,000. The ECI has been routinely reaching out to political parties to join the revision exercise and bring to its notice instances of disenfranchisement, if any.

“Submit your claims and objections to rectify any errors in the draft Electoral Roll of Bihar published on August 1. So far, not even a single claim or objection has been submitted by any political party,” the EC said in a statement on Wednesday.

The ECI concluded the enumeration phase of the SIR from June 24 to July 25. More than 7.24 crore electors — out of a total of 7.89 crore — submitted their enumeration forms during the exercise. At the end, about 65 lakh voters were found to be missing from the draft electoral rolls published on August 1.

This included 22 lakh deceased electors (2.83 per cent), 36 lakh (4.59 per cent) who had permanently shifted or not found and seven lakh (0.89 per cent) who had enrolled at more than one place, ECI data showed.

IANS

Farhan Akhtar stars as Major Bhati in 120 Bahadur

After treating the movie buffs with a powerful poster, the makers of the upcoming war drama, 120 Bahadur have unveiled the gripping teaser from the film on Tuesday.
With actor and filmmaker, Farhan Akhan, stepping into the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the initial glimpse of the flick hints at an inspiring tale of courage and sacrifice rooted in patriotism.
Inspired by the Battle of Rezang La in 1962, where the Indian Army’s 13th Kumaon Regiment fought the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The teaser pays tribute to the bravery of 120 Indian soldiers who stood their ground against thousands with one thunderous declaration: “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge! (We will not step back)”.
Major Shaitan Singh, who led the defense, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
Dropping the captivating teaser on social media, makers, Excel Entertainment, wrote: “Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahin, balidaan bhi maangti hai! Based on the incredible true story is a war forged in snow and sealed with sacrifice. 120 Bahadur, teaser out now. Releasing in cinemas near you on 21st Nov, 2025.#120Bahadur #EkSauBeesBahadur #DadaKishanKiJai.”
120 Bahadur also marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to the big screen after a long gap.
Going by the teaser, the movie will show him in a transformative avatar — intense, restrained, and deeply stirring.
The movie that has been shot across Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, and mounted on a massive scale, has made an honest attempt to recreate the war front with utmost accuracy- from the frozen terrains to battlefield silence.
Made under the direction of Razneesh “Razy” Ghai, the project has been jointly backed by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, in collaboration with Amit Chandrra’s Trigger Happy Studios.
120 Bahadur is slated to release in the cinema halls on November 21st this year. (IANS)

Diddy denied bail

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been denied bail by a New York federal judge due to no “exceptional reasons” to release him before his October sentencing.
Combs was convicted of transporting to engage in prostitution and faces a sentencing date of October 3, 2025.
Judge Arun Subramanian asked for “clear and convincing” evidence to prove Diddy won’t flee or pose a danger to others or the community.
He also stated that Diddy posed a risk of “flight or danger.” The judge rejected Diddy’s bail application, stating that no increased bond amount or additional conditions would change the decision.
Combs has been denied bail three times before his May trial.
He was acquitted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering after his ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit accusing him of repeated sexual misconduct and exploitation. (ANI)

Khanna explains Shaktimaan delay

Actor-producer Mukesh Khanna has announced the reboot of his popular television show, Shaktimaan, which is being adapted for a feature-length title.
Khanna has expressed that the film is ready to engage the audience but has hit a roadblock. He also addressed the controversy surrounding actress Urvashi’s criticism of the National
Awards for conferring the Best Actor award to Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan. Khanna defended the award, stating that it is not political and that Khanna has been working hard for 40 years. Khanna expressed gratitude for receiving his primary National Award for Atlee’s directorial work. (IANS)

Lady Gaga to launch Dead Dance song in Wednesday Season 2

Lady Gaga is set to debut a new song, Dead Dance, in Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2, premiering August 6, 2025.
She will also appear as Rosaline Rotwood, a legendary Nevermore teacher. While official confirmation from Gaga is pending, sources say she’s recording with her Mayhem album team.
Rumors intensified after Gaga was seen with director Tim Burton at Mexico’s haunted Island of the Dolls.
Netflix confirmed her casting earlier at the Tudum event, where she performed Zombieboy.
The season stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Steve Buscemi, and Joanna Lumley, and follows Wednesday’s return to Nevermore amid new mysteries. (ANI)

Entertainment Buzz

Ajay Devgn has a hilarious message for Kajol on her birthday

Bollywood actress Kajol celebrated her one-year birthday with a series of wishes from her family and friends. Her husband, actor Ajay Devgn, shared a playful birthday wish for Kajol on Instagram, showcasing their playful banter. The couple’s eldest daughter, Nysa, also shared an adorable wish for her mother. Other Bollywood celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, and Genelia Deshmukh, also extended their wishes. Kajol has been busy with her back-to-back releases, including Vishal Furia’s fantasy drama Maa and the JioHotstar film Sarzameen. Recently, Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2 opened in theatres, receiving a lukewarm response from the audience. Kajol’s work has been busy with her back-to-back releases, including Vishal Furia’s Maa and the JioHotstar film Sarzameen. (ANI)

Chappell Roan still undecided on second album

Chappell Roan, a singer-songwriter known for her single’The Subway, has revealed that her second studio album does not exist yet. She released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in September 2023, and has since won the Grammy for best new artist. She has released three singles, including The Subway, The Giver, and Good Luck, Babe. Roan stated that there is no album or collection of songs to expect. She admitted that it took her five years to write the first one and that she doesn’t think she makes good music when she forces herself to do anything. She also mentioned that The Subway took an annoying amount of time to get just right, as she was too angry and scared about her life to put it out yet. However, she is now in a better place, partly due to staying off social media. She believes that socials harm her and her art, and that the album process is purely her own, with no one on TikTok getting to see it. (IANS)

I’ve yet to reach my best:
Suniel Shetty

Suniel Shetty, a veteran actor, is currently in the second season of Hunter, where he believes he is far from his best. He believes that “reinvention is survival” and that having kids at home constantly reminds him of the shifting world around him helps keep him on his toes. Anusha Dandekar, who stars in Hunter 2, found the experience challenging but also rewarding due to the emotion, unpredictability, and playing someone far from who she is. The series, directed by Ahmed Khan, stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, and Sayaji Shinde in pivotal roles (IANS)

Liam Neeson slams tardy co-stars

Hollywood star Liam Neeson has expressed his disapproval of actors who arrive late for filming, stating that he would never work with them. Neeson, who has worked in iconic action films like the Taken franchise and “Schindler’s List,” believes that it is insulting to have a crew waiting for them. He believes that it is essential to give respect by showing up on time. Neeson has recently transitioned to comedy with his new film “Naked Gun,” stating that his action hero days are now behind him. He said he would not insult audiences by doing fight scenes with a Zimmer frame or walking stick. Neeson also stated that he is a big believer in writers and scripts, but will not work in horror. (IANS)

Men in Blue Face a Challenging Action-Packed season ahead

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New Delhi, Aug 5: Fresh off a dramatic 2-2 series draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, capped by a nail-biting six-run victory at The Oval, the Indian men’s cricket team has little time to rest as it braces for a packed and challenging calendar for the remainder of 2025.
While the series in England was an emotional rollercoaster—one that saw heroic performances, tense finishes, and the revival of Test cricket’s true essence—it was only the beginning of an intense run for Rohit Sharma’s men. From continental battles in the desert to old rivalries down under, and the return of marquee names to the squad, here’s how India’s cricketing roadmap unfolds through the rest of the year.

Bangladesh Tour Called Off Amid Diplomatic Strain

India were initially scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August for three ODIs and as many T20Is. However, that series has now been shelved. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement in July, citing “scheduling convenience for both teams” as the official reason.
But reports from Cricbuzz suggest otherwise. The cancellation comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, hinting at political friction influencing cricketing ties. It’s a rare but significant instance of diplomacy intervening in the sport.

Asia Cup 2025: Green Light Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

There was a cloud of uncertainty looming over the 2025 Asia Cup due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. At one point, the tournament looked to be in serious jeopardy. However, cricket has prevailed—at least for now.
Set to be played in the United Arab Emirates in September, the Asia Cup has been confirmed, with India retaining its hosting rights despite the overseas venue. Notably, the tournament will return to the T20I format this year, serving as a crucial preparation ground for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.With a balanced group stage, the eyes of the world will be particularly fixed on the Indo-Pak clash on September 14—a match that continues to define subcontinental cricketing drama.

West Indies Tour of India: Test Cricket Returns to Indian Soil

October will see the return of the West Indies to Indian shores for a two-Test series—the first such tour in seven years. India last hosted the Caribbean side for Tests in 2018, comfortably winning that series 2-0.
More importantly, this series will mark the beginning of India’s home Test campaign in the new 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. After the high-octane finish in England, the West Indies series is expected to provide India with an opportunity to recalibrate and strategise for the long WTC road ahead.

Australia Tour: ODIs and T20Is in the Spotlight

No rest for the weary, as India will head straight to Australia in late October for a limited-overs assignment. The tour comprises three ODIs and five T20Is, rekindling a fierce rivalry that has defined modern cricket.
This trip comes hot on the heels of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India played earlier in the year. The white-ball leg, however, promises to offer a different kind of thrill.
Speculation is rife that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—both of whom were selectively rested during parts of the English summer—will return for the ODI leg in Australia, much to the delight of fans and broadcasters alike.
India and Australia last met in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, a match India edged by four wickets before going on to lift the title. Revenge, redemption, and rivalry—this series has it all.

South Africa’s Full-Tour to End the Year

India’s final assignment for 2025 will be a comprehensive home series against South Africa, spanning two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, scheduled across November and December.
This tour will offer fans a complete cricketing experience across formats. The last time the two nations squared off was in November 2024, when India claimed a 3-1 victory in a four-match T20I series. The Proteas will be keen to return the favour this time around.
For India, it will also be the perfect platform to assess bench strength, experiment with young talents, and settle combinations heading into the 2026 ICC tournaments. With home advantage and momentum on their side, India will aim to finish the year on a high.

A Testing Road Ahead

The remainder of 2025 will test India’s depth, durability, and strategic acumen across formats and continents. As the team juggles the balance between resting key players and blooding new talent, selectors and management will have their task cut out.
From political challenges affecting tours to high-voltage cricketing encounters in the Gulf, the subcontinent, and Down Under—India’s cricketing calendar mirrors the complexities and excitement that come with being a powerhouse in world cricket.With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy now in the rearview mirror, the road ahead is packed, pressure-laden, and promising in equal measure.
Brace yourself. The Men in Blue are just getting started. (Agencies)

Asia Cup: Shubman Gill, Jaiswal, Sudharsan will be in contention

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New Delhi, Aug 5 : Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are in the fray for selection in India’s Asia Cup squad, which is expected to be picked in the third week of August.
Jaiswal and Test captain Gill have not featured in the last few T20 assignments owing to a packed calendar but their one-month rest period post the five-Test series against England is expected to make them available for the continental tournament.
As per sources in the BCCI, the national selectors are keeping options open even as the Test series against the West Indies at home starts in less than a week’s time if India qualify for the final of the continental T20 event which is slated on September 28.
The first Test against the West Indies at Ahmedabad starts on October 2.
It must be mentioned that Jaiswal scored 559 runs at a strike-rate of 160 in the last edition of the IPL while Gill had 650 runs in 15 games at a healthy strike- rate of 155-plus.
Gill’s opening partner at Gujarat Titans, Sudharsan was the ‘Orange Cap’ winner with 759 runs at a SR of 156.“There is a five week break and with no cricket around, these three should walk into any T20 squad despite stupendous show by Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. In 21 days in Asia Cup, if one plays till final, there are 6 T20 games and that’s not much of a workload. But obviously with 17 member squads allowed for the Asia Cup, selectors will weigh options carefully,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Keeping the tracks of UAE in mind and also the T20 World Cup in six months time, Jaiswal, Gill and Sudharsan should logically form the core of the top order.
Sudharsan, who made his ODI debut in late 2023 has been in tremendous T20 form.
Another important talking point is the availability of pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Both bowlers have been managed carefully after an extended workload across formats and are expected to undergo fitness assessment before the selection meeting. (PTI)