Author: Vividh Bharathi

Bengal Police submits report to Calcutta HC on arrangements at cyber police stations

Kolkata, Dec 12 (IANS) West Bengal Police, on Thursday, submitted a detailed report to a division bench of Calcutta High Court on the existing arrangements at the different cyber police stations in the state.

In the report submitted at the division bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Gaurang Kanth on Thursday, the office of the state’s Director General of Police detailed the type of training provided to the officers deputed at these cyber police stations as well as the existing infrastructure of such police stations.

The state police submitted the report on the direction of the division bench during a hearing on November 28, in a case of uploading some obscene pictures of a woman on social media filed at Murutia Police Station in Nadia district.

On Thursday, the division bench sought from the state police another report on the details of the progress of similar cases filed with different cyber police stations in the state. The state police have been asked to file this report by next week.

On November 28, the state police faced the ire of the division bench over the lack of proper training in the related field for cops attached to different cyber police stations in the state.

The division bench observed that although charges under different sections were imposed by the investigating officials on the case registered at Murutia police station, not a single charge under any section of the cybercrime laws was imposed.

The victim who approached the Calcutta High Court alleged that because of this particular lapse, the accused in this case managed to get bail easily. The division bench then observed no point in maintaining specialised cyber police stations, if they operate like other regular police stations.

It also observed that it was quite unfortunate if an accused in such a case gets bail because of non-inclusion of cybercrime law-related sections and also questioned about who would take responsibility for it.

–IANS

src/kvd

Keerthy Suresh marries longtime partner Antony Thattil in intimate ceremony on Goa

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) Actress Keerthy Suresh, who predominantly works across south Indian film industries, is now married to the Dubai-based businessman, Antony Thattil.

The actress, who took the vows in a beautiful and intimate ceremony held in Goa, has also shared pictures from her big day on social media.

The photos show the couple putting garlands on each other as their relatives and loved ones cheered for them. A priest performed the rituals and they later posed for pictures with a special appearance from their dog.

The actress wrote in the caption, “#ForTheLoveOfNyke”.

Antony and Keerthy datedfor 15 years before they made it official on Thursday. Antony reportedly owns a chain of resorts in Kochi, and also owns a couple of companies registered in Chennai, Keerthy’s hometown. Reports state that Antony is a media-shy person who likes to keep a low profile, so he hardly ever appears with Keerthy in public.

Antony and Keerthy reportedly began dating around 2008-09 when the actor was in school and Antony was about to start undergraduate college.

Keerthy, who is the daughter of film producer G. Suresh Kumar and actress Menaka, began her career as a child actress in the early 2000s and returned to films after studying fashion design. She had her first lead role in the 2013 Malayalam film ‘Geethaanjali’, for which she won SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut in Malayalam.

She had a dual role in ‘Geethaanjali’ which was directed by Priyadarshan. She was still studying during that time and shot for Geethanjali during her semester break.

She rose to prominence with the 2018 film ‘Mahanati’, helmed by Nag Ashwin film. The film earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. She was recently seen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, and is set to make her Hindi film debut with ‘Baby John’.

–IANS

aa/

India votes in favour of UNGA resolution for ‘immediate, unconditional, permanent’ Gaza ceasefire

United Nations, Dec 12 (IANS) India has joined 157 other nations in supporting a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The UNGA overwhelmingly approved two resolutions on Wednesday, one calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the other backing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which Israel has sought to ban.

The first resolution, demanding an immediate ceasefire, was passed with 158 votes in favour, nine, including the United States, Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga, against, and 13 abstentions.

The second resolution, supporting the mandate of UNRWA, received 159 votes in favour, nine against, and 11 abstentions.

The resolutions follow two days of debate at the 193-member General Assembly, where speeches overwhelmingly highlighted the need to end the 14-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. Delegates also called for unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza to address the growing crisis.

Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant weight as a reflection of global opinion. This vote came after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on November 20 that had also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The US veto stemmed from the absence of a clause linking the ceasefire to the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which triggered the conflict.

The second resolution expressed support for UNRWA, established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees. It criticised a new Israeli law, adopted on October 28, banning the agency’s activities in Palestinian territories — a measure set to take effect in 90 days.

Israel has accused some UNRWA employees of having ties to Hamas militants, citing over 100 individuals allegedly involved in the October 7 attack, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and saw around 250 others abducted as hostages.

India has consistently condemned the October 7 attacks, calling them acts of terror, and has emphasised the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

At the same time, India has repeatedly stressed the need for a ceasefire, continued humanitarian aid, adherence to international humanitarian law, and a commitment to restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy.

New Delhi has also voiced concerns about the escalating violence in West Asia, repeatedly urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful resolution through dialogue.

–IANS

sd/svn

Maphaka earns call-up as Rabada, Miller return for SA’s ODIs against Pakistan

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) Seamer Kwena Maphaka has earned his maiden South Africa call-up to the 50-over team, even as Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj mark their return for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.

Maphaka, 18, has played four T20Is for South Africa, after being named Player of the Tournament at this year’s ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he took 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.

He joins a fast-bowling department featuring Rabada and Ottneil Baartman, alongside all-rounders Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo. Rabada makes his return to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia in Kolkata.

The squad will be led by Temba Bavuma, who is back after being injured in an ODI against Ireland in October. In the batting department, South Africa are boosted by the return of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who last featured in an ODI in December 2023 against India.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is also back in the ODI set-up, especially after opting out of a central contract and has since been a part of the Proteas squad for the ongoing T20Is against Pakistan.

The ODIs against Pakistan, starting from December 17 at Boland Park in Paarl, followed by matches in Newlands, Cape Town, on December 19 and Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22, will serve as preparation for South Africa ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

“We have named our strongest squad available, with each player capable of being a match-winner on their day, and we are extremely excited to see how this group performs together. The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best.

“In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game. Overall, we are very pleased with this squad. This series will be crucial in fine-tuning our combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” said head coach Rob Walter.

South Africa squad for ODIs against Pakistan: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen

–IANS

nr/bc

OP Rajbhar slams LoP Rahul Gandhi’s Hathras visit as ‘political drama’

Lucknow, Dec 12 (IANS) Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar, on Thursday criticised Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the family of the Hathras 2020 gang-rape victim, labeling it a ‘political drama.’

Rajbhar’s remarks came as the Congress MP arrived in Boolgarhi village, Uttar Pradesh (UP), to meet the family of the young woman who was raped by four upper caste men and who died on September 29, 2020, after succumbing to her injuries in a Delhi hospital.

Speaking to IANS, Rajbhar accused the Congress party of opportunism.

“It’s nothing but political drama. When the Congress was in power, entire slums were set ablaze, and violence and curfews were normal. Now that they’re out of power, they are desperate to return. The people have rejected them, just as they did in the past,” he claimed.

Rajbhar, however, emphasised that the LoP had the right to visit the family, but the UP government had insisted that such visits be approved for security reasons.

“The government is ensuring that proper arrangements are made for his safety,” he added.

The SBSP leader also reacted on the ongoing tensions between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, noting that the rift between the two parties was ideological.

“Rahul Gandhi wants to follow his own political path, but the SP wants him to work on their terms. This is causing a clash between their ideologies,” Rajbhar remarked.

Rajbhar also responded to recent comments by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who warned of a potential Syria-like coup in India to safeguard democracy and force a regime change.

“India is a democracy. The people have chosen the NDA government for a third term. The BJP’s victory in states like Haryana and Maharashtra speaks volumes. If things were truly as bad as some claim, how does the BJP keep winning? Leaders often make provocative statements and later claim they were misinterpreted,” he added.

Rajbhar further reacted to the Assam government’s new rule requiring individuals to apply for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in order to be eligible for an Aadhaar card.

He stated, “It’s the Assam government’s decision. They are free to do what they think is best for their state.”

This new regulation, which was approved by the Assam Cabinet on Wednesday, stipulates that those who have not applied for the NRC will have their Aadhaar card applications rejected, as the state seeks to ensure that only legally-recognised citizens are granted the identity document.

–IANS

jk/rad

Union Cabinet clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill to streamline electoral process

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, aimed at improving electoral processes. The Bill is likely to be tabled in this Winter Session of Parliament.

According to the Centre this legislation will not only streamline the electoral process, but will also foster greater efficiency, and reduce the financial and administrative burden associated with conducting multiple elections at different times.

The Centre has stressed that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ envisions to synchronise the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies, allowing voters to cast their ballots for both polls simultaneously.

By doing so, the government aims to address several challenges posed by the current system of staggered elections, which often lead to prolonged periods of electioneering, disruption in governance, and heightened expenditure.

Earlier in September, the Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar, while speaking to IANS, said, “This is a controversial issue. Ours is a federal structure in which it is not possible to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’. The Opposition has not been taken into confidence on the issue. All stakeholders must be taken into confidence before taking such a big decision.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the proposal, saying that the Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections.

The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind had recommended holding concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

However, critics have argued that implementing synchronised elections could pose logistical and constitutional challenges.

They highlight potential difficulties in dissolving Assemblies mid-way or addressing situations where a state government falls before completing its tenure.

Proponents of the Bill on the other hand argue that it will usher in a new era of stability and continuity in policymaking, as governments will no longer have to operate in a perpetual election mode.

–IANS

skp/rad

Rohit Bal’s Will: FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi says, ‘I’m sure the Will mentions all beneficiaries’

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) The late fashion connoisseur Rohit Bal’s Will has become the bone of contention between his close friend and former model Lalit Tehlan and Rohit’s family. Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), who has been appointed as the executor, said that he wants the process to be transparent and is sure that the will mentions all the beneficiaries.

Sunil Sethi told IANS exclusively that executing Rohit Bal’s (fondly called as Gudda) will, “came as a surprise” to him.

He said, “The task of executing late Rohit Bal’s Will, came as a bit of surprise to me. Even though we shared a strong bond this topic was never part of our conversation. However, having said that, the right thing needs to be done. I’m awaiting more information, and details from the lawyers of both the parties involved, Lalit Tehlan and Rohit’s family. After assessing, we will accordingly proceed. Lalit’s lawyer had been in touch and both have shown keenness to show the will – a medical family emergency has delayed this meeting”.

Sunil has claimed that he has not seen the details of the will but few parts have been read out to him. He will be witness to them in the next one or two days. This will be done in the presence of both the opposing parties, along with a few friends and well wishers who were close to Rohit.

Sunil told IANS, “I want the process to be absolutely transparent as Rohit left a legacy and we hope to take it forward. It is imperative, the brand achieves longevity”.

“I’m hoping this issue will be amicably resolved at the earliest, so that the Rohit Bal brand doesn’t suffer. We don’t want any controversies, I’m sure the Will mentions all the beneficiaries. Who am I to question that? The Indian Courts will decide, lawyers, and CAs are equipped to make the correct judgement”, he added.

The late fashion icon Rohit Bal started his career with his brother Rajiv Bal in New Delhi in 1986 at the Company Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd and started his own first independent collection in 1990.

Rohit died in New Delhi on November 1, 2024, at the age of 63 from a cardiac-related issue.

–IANS

aa/

Ghaggar river’s two stretches identified as polluted: Govt

New Delhi, Dec 9 (IANS) Two stretches of the Ghaggar, flowing through Punjab and parts of Haryana, have been identified as polluted, as per the last report published by CPCB in November 2022, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Out of the two polluted stretches of the Ghaggar, one stretch each is situated in Punjab and Haryana, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question from Kumari Selja of Congress, the MoS said that based on water quality monitoring results of the Ghaggar river for the year 2023, CPCB has informed that Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were observed in the range of 198-1068 milligramme per litre (mg/l) in Haryana and 248-2010 mg/l in Punjab.

Also, the Ghaggar was found to comply with the designated best use water quality Criteria for Class E (irrigation, industrial cooling) during the period, the MoS said.

MoS Choudhary said that the Punjab Pollution Control Board has informed that to treat waste water from the towns in the catchment area of river Ghaggar, 28 STPs of total capacity 291.7 MLD have been installed and 15 STPs of 97 MLD are under construction.

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board has informed that sewage treatment capacity of 588 MLD has been created in the river catchment in the state under the Ghaggar Action Plan, he said.

In reply to a separate question on groundwater contamination in Punjab, the Ministry told Lok Sabha that as per the record of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) none of the industries are discharging their effluents into the ground through boring.

All the industries including water-polluting industries are being regularly monitored and physically checked by PPCB as per the mandate schedule, the Ministry said in response to a question.

The Ministry said that National Aquifer Mapping Studies have been carried out in Punjab for an area of 50,369 Sq km. Based on NAQUIM studies, groundwater management plans have been prepared and reports have been shared with state and district Authorities for implementation, the Ministry said.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is successfully constructing arsenic-free wells in arsenic-affected areas using the cement sealing technology for tapping contamination-free aquifers and also providing technical assistance to state departments in fluoride mitigation, the Ministry said.

–IANS

rch/kvd

ICC chief Jay Shah meets Brisbane 2032 Olympics organising committee CEO

Brisbane, Dec 12 (IANS) International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah held a meeting with Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG) CEO Cindy Hook on Thursday.

Shah shared a glimpse of his meeting with Hook on his X account and wrote, “Very exciting time ahead for Cricket’s involvement in the Olympics movement – a meeting with the @Brisbane_2032 organizing committee in Brisbane, Australia today.”

The meeting highlights ICC’s goal of keeping the sport in the Olympic calendar after its inclusion in the Olympic programme for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, marking the sport’s historic return after its only earlier appearance in the 1900 Olympics.

Shah, who assumed the charge of the ICC chairman on December 1, stressed making cricket ‘accessible to more people while ensuring its evolution meets the aspirations of fans worldwide’ in his first public statement.

“As we enter a transformative phase for cricket, I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to grow the game’s global footprint and create new avenues for its development,” Shah had said.

“From grassroots initiatives to marquee events, my vision is to make cricket accessible to more people while ensuring its evolution meets the aspirations of fans worldwide,” he added.

The 2032 Olympics will be held across 37 proposed venues across the host city Brisbane, several co-host cities around Queensland, and joined by select venues in Melbourne and Sydney – two iconic Australian cities already etched into the Olympic record books.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032 currently includes 37 proposed venues, set to host the 28 Olympic and 22 Paralympic sports.

–IANS

ab/

Jyothirmayi says OTT is the catalyst behind wider reach of content

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) Actress Jyothirmayi, whose psychological thriller film ‘Bougainvillea’, is set to release on OTT, has shared her opinion on the wider reach of the medium of OTT.

‘Bougainvillea’ is inspired by Lajo Jose’s 2019 novel ‘Ruthinte Lokam’, and follows the story of a family caught in a police investigation into the mysterious disappearance of tourists in Kerala.

Talking about the film, Jyothirmayi said, “After a long break, it feels truly special to return with ‘Bougainvillea’, a film that has been very close to my heart. Reethu’s character challenged me in ways I hadn’t imagined, and I’m so grateful for the chance to work alongside such incredible talents as Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil”.

She further mentioned, “The film’s success in theaters was deeply rewarding, and now, with its release on Sony LIV, I’m excited to see it reach a broader audience. The beauty of OTT is that it allows people from all over to experience the film, and I hope Bougainvillea resonates with viewers and creates lasting connections”.

The film is directed by Amal Neerad and co-written with Lajo Jose. It combines masterful storytelling with cinematic brilliance.

On exploring a new genre with the film, acclaimed director Amal Neerad shared, “‘Bougainvillea’ has been a deeply special project for me, offering the opportunity to explore an uncharted genre. Crafting this story required the perfect cast, and I’m incredibly grateful to the talented ensemble who brought their characters to life with such depth and authenticity. The overwhelming response in theaters was heartening, and I’m thrilled to now share the film with an even larger audience on Sony LIV”.

“This isn’t just a psychological thriller or a survival story—it’s an exploration of how a woman navigates both her mind and her circumstances to overcome the odds. I hope viewers connect with its emotional core and find something personal in the journey while watching it on the platform”, he added.

Jointly produced by Amal Neerad Productions and Udaya Pictures, the film will drop on December 13 on Sony LIV.

–IANS

aa/