Author: Vividh Bharathi

Illegal infiltration: NIA court sentences 3 Bangladeshis with fake documents

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Mumbai has sentenced three Bangladeshi nationals to five years of imprisonment for illegal infiltration into India and the possession of forged documents, a statement of the probe agency said on Wednesday.

The convicted individuals — Mohammed Habibur Rehman Habib alias Raj Jesub Mandal, Hannan Anwar Hussain Khan alias Hannan Baburali Gazi, and Mohd Azarali Subhanallah alias Raja Jesub Mandal — were also fined Rs 2,000 each.

The NIA in a press release said the case originated in March 2018, based on an FIR registered by Pune Police. It was alleged that several Bangladeshi nationals were residing in Pune without valid documentation and were aiding members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a front organisation of the banned terror group Al-Qaida.

The NIA took over the investigation and, on September 7, 2018, filed a charge sheet against the three accused, along with two others — Md Ripen Hossain alias Rubel and Md Hassnali Amirali — under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Foreigners Act.

Md Ripen Hossain and Mohammad Hassan Ali Amirali were convicted earlier in October 2023, after pleading guilty, and were sentenced to five years of imprisonment under similar charges.

The NIA said the five were working as labourers at various construction sites in Pune without any valid documents.

The latest convictions of Mohammed Habibur Rehman Habib, Hannan Anwar Hussain Khan, and Md Azarali Subhanallah were made under section 14 of the Foreigners Act (overstaying in India without valid documentation), section 471 of the IPC (using forged documents as genuine) and section 120-B of the IPC (conspiracy related to document forgery).

The case was initially investigated by the ATS and the NIA took over the case in September 2018. The accused fraudulently obtained PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, voter IDs ration cards among others by providing fake documents, the agency added.

–IANS

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Makers confirm season three of ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The season 2 of the streaming series ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’ almost took three years to bow on the OTT. However, the third season of the show will hopefully return with its set of interesting and dark characters soon as the makers have officially confirmed the show’s third season.

The show stars Aanchal Singh, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Shweta Tripathi, who have won hearts with their complex relationships, obsessive love and unforgettable moments, are returning to weave magic and mayhem once again.

Season 2 was a complete package with thrill, lies, action, love and a whole lot of plotting. From Gurmeet Choudhary’s entry to save his friend to Tahir Raj Bhasin absolutely nailing it as Vikrant, the good guy who went rogue, the season has been showered with nothing but immense appreciation from the viewers.

Talking about the upcoming season and the reactions, director, writer and showrunner Sidharth Sengupta shared, “Season 3 will mark the next chapter in this deep yet twisted love story of Vikrant, Purva, and Shikha. Just as we delved deeper into Purva’s character in Season 2, we will further explore each character’s journey, providing deeper insights into their lives and personalities”.

He further mentioned, “Considering how Season 2 ended, things are bound to get even more intriguing as we witness how their characters evolve with the circumstances. Expect significant transformations in the lives of Vikrant, Shikha, Guru, Jalan, Akheraj and Akhil’s lives explore Purva’s life and her tumultuous past along with more twists and hard-hitting surprises”.

On the success and renewal of the series, Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India said, “It’s official ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein 3’ is coming. We are delighted to announce the renewal and success of S02 of this franchise. This masala entertainer has received both critical acclaim and fan love. It’s been trending at the Number 1 spot in India Top 10. And season one has also been trending since season two launched. We design each season to raise the bar on the previous season and with season 3 we are excited to have more twists, turns, action, drama and music – everything that fans love about this amazing romantic thriller”.

Produced by Edgestorm Ventures and created by Sidharth Sengupta, ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’ season 3 will be available to stream on Netflix.

–IANS

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Bhagyashree shares glimpse of her ‘favourite breakfast’

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Veteran actress Bhagyashree indulged in a plateful of her “favourite” yumminess for breakfast.

Bhagyashree took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture from her hotel room. The image had a plate of masala dosa, sambhar and chutney.

“Good morning! My favourite breakfast,” she wrote as the caption.

Earlier this month, she gave out tips on how to make nutrient-packed laddoos for the winter season.

She shared a video, which started with “Who doesn’t like sweets? But nowadays, everyone is trying to control their diet. But today, I will show you a recipe of sweets which is tasty as well as healthy.”

The actress then started giving out tips.

“Chana Dal Khana Badam Kaju Pista Akhrod Goon Kali Miri Ajwain Good Grind the roasted chana dal. Now it’s time to grind the makhana. Grind all the dry fruits. Roast the goon in 1 tsp ghee. Roast the besan in 2.5 tsp ghee. Now add makhana. Now add kali miri and a little ajwain. Now add dry fruits. Now take it out. Add 1.5 tsp good.”

“If you like it sweeter, add more good.”

She shared that these ladoos have a lot of essential nutrients other than protein.

“Like calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin B. Which will make your body healthy. So this winter, enjoy sweets and stay healthy.”

Calling it “Tuesday Tips with B”, she wrote: “Meethe ka Mazza! A winter sweet that you can enjoy while benefitting your health. This ladoo has almost all essential nutrients auch as potassium, calcium, manganese, selenium, folate, VitB and many many more.”

“It will help strengthen your bones, reduce arthritis pain, regulate your blood sugar, check hormonal imbalances, increase immunity and give you energy. What are you waiting for then, enjoy this winter preparation.”

On the work front, Bhagyashree was last seen onscreen in “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” directed by Mikhil Musale. The film also stars Nimrat Kaur, Radhika Madan, and Subodh Bhave as leads.

–IANS

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Saanand Verma: Vikrant Massey is an effortless actor who knows what the director wants

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Character actor Saanand Verma has joined the cast of the upcoming movie “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan”, starring Vikrant Massey.

Praising Vikrant, Saanand said: “He has been in the industry for the last 21 years, and I think acting comes very naturally to him. Balika Vadhu brought him into the limelight, and there has been no looking back since. I really admired his work in projects like Mirzapur, 12th Fail, and Haseena Dilruba.”

“Whatever he does, he does it from the bottom of his heart. He is a very effortless actor who knows exactly what the director wants, what the story needs, and what the scene demands,” he added.

He also mentioned that Vikrant is one of the most sorted actors he has ever worked with.

“I got along with him very well. He is simply an unbelievable person—always smiling. We shared many jokes off-camera and talked about acting and his incredible variety of roles,” he said.

“I mentioned the ease with which he performs such diverse characters, highlighting the glorious success of ‘12th Fail’, which is considered some of the finest work by an exceptional filmmaker, Mr. Vidhu Vinod Chopra. I am extremely delighted to have had this opportunity to work with him,” he added.

The team of “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” is currently shooting for the movie in the mountains. The film, which also stars Shanaya Kapoor, recently wrapped up the first schedule of the film.

Touted as a musical love story, the film is being shot across Mumbai, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Europe.

It was on December 5, when Vikrant started shooting for ‘Ankhon ki Gustakhiyan’. The opening clap ceremony of the film was held, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with the cast and crew attended it.

Expressing his admiration, CM Dhami remarked, “I am glad to see young filmmakers like Mansi ; Varun Bagla showcasing the state’s beauty while presenting a timeless story that celebrates love and human resilience.”

Meanwhile, the ’12th fail’ actor has recently clarified that he is not retiring from films; he is just going for a long break to focus on his health and his family.

In a statement, Massey said, “Acting is all I can do. And it has given me everything I have. My physical and mental health have taken a hit. I just want to take some time off, I want to better my craft.”

“I feel a sense of monotony at the moment. “My post has been misinterpreted that I am quitting or retiring from acting. I want to take some time off to focus on my family and health. I would be back when the time feels right.”

–IANS

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Strong signs of government capex recovery in second half of FY25

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Central government has released Rs 122.50 crore to over 1,700 agri-startups in the last five years under the Innovation and AgriEntrepreneurship Development programme, Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary has informed the Lok Sabha.

The programme, implemented in 2018-19 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), aims to promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship, by providing financial and technical support for nurturing startups.

A financial assistance of Rs 122.50 crore has been released to 1,708 agri startups from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The funds were released through five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) that provide training and incubate startups for implementation of this programme, the Minister said in a written reply.

During 2023-24, about Rs 147.25 crore was released to 532 startups.

Under the programme, financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh is provided at the idea stage and up to Rs 25 lakh at the seed stage to startups in agriculture and allied sectors to launch their products, services, business platforms, etc., and to facilitate in scaling up, the Minister said.

In July this year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) also launched a Rs 750 crore ‘Agri Sure’ fund for startups to promote investment in innovative, technology-driven and high-impact activities in agriculture and rural enterprises.

The fund announced by NABVentures, a subsidiary of NABARD has an initial corpus of Rs 750 crore with Rs 250 crore each from NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rs 250 crore from other institutions.

The fund is structured to support approximately 85 agri startups with investment sizes of up to Rs 25 crore each by the end of its term. The fund will provide support through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic and debt Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) as well as direct equity support to startups.

The fund is structured to support approximately 85 agri startups with investment sizes of up to Rs 25 crore each by the end of its term. The fund will provide support through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic and debt Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) as well as direct equity support to startups.

Agri-Sure’s focus areas include promoting innovative, technology-driven initiatives in agriculture, enhancing the farm produce value chain, creating new rural ecosystem linkages and infrastructure, generating employment and supporting Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, the fund aims to encourage entrepreneurship through IT-based solutions and machinery rental services for farmers, driving sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.

–IANS

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Five more maternal deaths in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Dec 11 (IANS) Amid furore over a series of maternal deaths in Karnataka, five more casualties have been reported from Raichur and Chitradurga districts.

The incident of four maternal deaths from Sindhanur Taluk Government Hospital in October has come to light.

The deceased were identified as Chandrakala (26), Renukamma (32), Mousami Mandal (22) and Channamma (25).

In October, among the 300 pregnant women who gave birth, seven turned critical and four died. All victims had undergone cesarean surgery.

On October 21, Channamma gave birth after a C-Section and died after nine days. Mousami Mandal had given birth to a child on October 22 and died the next day. Renukamma had delivered on October 31 and died on the next day. After new mothers became critical, they were shifted to the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) where they succumbed.

The families of the deceased alleged that the deaths occurred due to medical negligence and sought justice.

The families of the deceased also demanded compensation and threatened that if denied, they would protest with newborn babies in front of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

However, Raichur Deputy Commissioner K. Nitish said: “The maternal deaths occurred for different reasons. Whether the deaths occurred due to administration of intravenous fluids will be ascertained within a week. Once the report is submitted in this regard, the government will initiate appropriate measures.”

“In Sindhanur Taluk Hospital, 300 deliveries are conducted every month. In October, four cases of maternal deaths were reported. Maternal deaths due to the administration of IV fluids have come to light in November. However, the IV fluids of that particular batch have been sent for testing. All four deceased were given 0113 batch of the Ringer Lactate intravenous fluid from the West Bengal company and the use of medicines from the company has been stopped,” Nitish stated.

Meanwhile, Roja (24), a resident of Jaganuruhatti near Challakere died on Tuesday at the Chitradurga District Hospital. She had given birth to a male baby on October 30 and returned home after five days of delivery.

Roja had undergone a cesarean and she developed abdomen pain and irritation 40 days later. She had vomited multiple times and was admitted back to the Chitradurga District Hospital where she died.

The family of Roja alleged that she died due to the negligence of doctors and demanded action against doctors.

Meanwhile, the state government is preparing to initiate criminal proceedings against the West Bengal pharmaceutical company which supplied the Ringer Lactate intravenous fluids, which allegedly caused a series of maternal deaths in the state, sources said.

A seven-member team that visited and inspected the West Bengal pharma company was all set to submit a report to the government. The report recommended filing four criminal cases against the company, the sources said.

The report found traces of harmful content in the Ringer Lactate intravenous (I.V) fluids. The pharma company had reported to the court that their IV fluid product was not harmful. After the submission of the pharma company’s report, six cases of maternal deaths were reported in the state.

The Karnataka government recently released official statistics regarding maternal deaths in the state from 2019-20 till now, claiming that the death rates are lower compared to previous years.

According to the data released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office on Monday, in 2019-20, a total of 662 maternal deaths were reported out of 8,94,946 live births, resulting in a Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of 74. The MMR is defined as the number of deaths of pregnant mothers per 1 lakh live births.

In subsequent years in 2020-21, 714 maternal deaths (MMR of 84), in 2021-22, 595 maternal deaths (MMR of 68); 2022-23, 527 maternal deaths (MMR of 65); 2023-24, 518 maternal deaths (MMR of 64); 2024-25 (up to November) 348 maternal deaths (MMR of 64) are reported.

–IANS

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Three drug peddlers arrested in J&K’s Baramulla

Srinagar, Dec 11 (IANS) Three drug peddlers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district have been arrested, police said on Wednesday.

A police statement said, “Continuing efforts to combat the menace of drugs in society, Baramulla Police have arrested three drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession.”

The officials said that a team from Police Station Pattan, led by SHO intercepted a vehicle (Ertiga, registration number JK05M-8404) at a checkpoint near the Railway Crossing Pattan.

“The vehicle was occupied by three individuals who were identified as, Jhon Mohd Mir, son of Gh Mohd Mir, resident of Nillah Palpora; Mohd Yaqoob Mir, son of Late Ab Aziz, resident of Nillah Palpora; and Faisal Ahmad Hajam, son of Gh Qadir, resident of Pushwari Anantnag. During the search, 78 grams of contraband Charas (in powder form) were recovered from their possession. The accused have been arrested and shifted to Police Station Pattan for further legal proceedings,” said the officials.

“Additionally, the vehicle used in the commission of the crime has been seized. A case under relevant sections of the law has been registered at Police Station Pattan and an investigation is underway. We urge the public to report any instances of drug peddling or other criminal activities to the nearest police establishment or dial 112,” the officials said further.

The police have been stressing that the cooperation of the community is vital in eradicating the drug menace.

“Baramulla Police reiterate their commitment to taking strict legal action against those involved in criminal activities,” a police statement read.

J&K Police have intensified their crackdown on drug smugglers and peddlers since the menace has been plaguing the local youths. Further, it is believed that drug addiction is used as a subjugating tactic to lure youth towards terrorism.

Funds generated from the rug trade, according to intelligence agencies, are used partly to fund various terrorist outfits in the union territory.

–IANS

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Selena Gomez talks about loneliness in Hollywood, offers helping hand to those who are struggling

Los Angeles, Dec 11 (IANS) Actress-singer Selena Gomez, who has earned the best supporting actress Golden Globe nomination, is embracing the moment.

She has also spoken up on the issue of the feeling of loneliness and getting isolated in Hollywood, reports ‘People’ magazine.

Talking about her Golden Globes nomination, she told ‘People’, “I’m overwhelmed, very, very honored and grateful. I can’t wait to see what happens”.

Nominated in the same category as actress-singer Ariana Grande, 31, the actresses sat next to each other at the luncheon, held in Los Angeles at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

As per ‘People’, the two awards season favorites separately grew to fame as child stars on television, Gomez in Disney Channel’s ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and Grande on Nickelodeon’s ‘Victorious’.

In her keynote speech, Selena emphasised how she’s found community in more recent years.

“I know firsthand how isolating this industry will feel at times, but moments like this and rooms like this, and talking to all these amazing women just reminds me that I’m not alone, and we aren’t alone,” she said, gesturing to her table where Grande sat along with stars including Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Awkwafina, Gal Gadot, Rita Wilson, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde.

On the red carpet, Selena added that she stays positive amid moments of negative discourse by looking at the lighter side of things.

“It’s humor for me,” she told ‘People’. “I know people say it’s a defense mechanism, however, I think it’s a great distraction from all of the noise sometimes. And just to have a laugh with your friends or do something that can bring you a little bit of light”.

For others feeling lonely in Hollywood, Selena is ready to offer a helping hand.

“To the young women watching us, I just want you to know that you are heard and you are seen, and your perspective matters deeply. And if you ever feel lonely at any event, I’m usually on my phone, playing some sort of weird game. Just come up to me, and I’ll be happy to chat”, she grinned on stage.

“When we share and we stand together, we create a ripple effect that stretches far beyond our own lives. That’s why events like [this] are so important, they’re a celebration of our collective achievements, but they’re also a reminder of the work we still have to do”, she added.

–IANS

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Tejashwi Yadav questions Nitish Kumar over expensive Mahila Samvad Yatra

Patna Dec 11 (IANS) Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, ahead of his Mahila Samvad Yatra, questioning the substantial allocation of Rs 225.78 crore for the initiative.

The Mahila Samvad Yatra is scheduled to begin on December 15 in Bagaha, West Champaran, and will span 15 days during which Nitish Kumar will interact with women and children across Bihar’s districts.

Yadav’s critique centred on the financial outlay, framing it as an extravagant use of taxpayer’s money.

He remarked, “Money makes business deals, not dialogue. For communication, it requires love, not money.”

He further questioned how such a massive expenditure for a 15-day event, accusing the government of using public funds for political endeavours.

The significant budget allocation has drawn sharp scrutiny from the Opposition, with claims that the initiative may prioritise optics over meaningful outcomes. However, the Bihar government has defended the yatra as a platform to strengthen dialogue with women and address their concerns at the grassroots level.

Tejashwi Yadav accused the Chief Minister of prioritising an “expensive election picnic” over addressing the state’s pressing issues when it is grappling with chronic challenges.

“In the last 20 years, unemployment, migration, inflation, crime, and massive corruption have increased drastically. Bihar remains a backward state, yet the Chief Minister of such a state is going on an expensive election picnic,” he said.

Highlighting failures of governance during Nitish Kumar’s tenure, Yadav pointed to incidents like the destruction of bridges and culverts due to poor planning, lives lost in recurring hooch tragedies, alleged corruption in smart metre projects, and the failure of the liquor prohibition law.

Yadav also criticised the lack of tangible outcomes for women and children on the ground, stating, “There is nothing concrete for women and children, yet he is ready to expend billions of rupees through bureaucrats.”

–IANS

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Scottie Scheffler named PGA Tour Player of the Year

Texas (US), Dec 11 (IANS) World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour Player of the Year for the 2024 season.

Scheffler, who won seven PGA TOUR events in 2024, the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the season-long FedExCup title, is the first player since Tiger Woods (2005-2007) to win Player of the Year honours in three consecutive seasons.

Scheffler joined Tiger Woods as the only players to win the Jack Nicklaus Award in three consecutive seasons (est. 1990). Woods won Player of the Year in consecutive seasons from 1999-2003 (five straight) and 2005-2007 (three straight).

Scheffler (2022, 2023, 2024), Woods (11 times, most recently 2013) and McIlroy (2012, 2014, 2019) are the only players to win the award three or more times. Since the inception of the FedExCup in 2007, nine players have won the FedExCup and PGA Tour Player of the Year in the same season.

“On behalf of the PGA Tour, congratulations to Scottie Scheffler on a truly historic season, capped off with his first FedExCup title and today a third consecutive Jack Nicklaus Award as PGA Tour Player of the Year,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. “Scottie took on challenges from the best players in the world on the biggest stages all season, and being honoured as PGA TOUR Player of the Year is the ultimate sign of respect from his peers.”

Player of the Year is determined by a member vote, with PGA Tour members who played in at least 15 events during the 2024 season eligible to vote. The voting period ran from November 25 through December 4. Scheffler received 91 percent of the vote for the Jack Nicklaus Award and was selected over two other nominees: Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy.

Scheffler won the FedExCup for the first time on the strength of seven PGA Tour victories in 2024, bringing his career total to 13 wins. He became the first player to successfully defend his title at THE PLAYERS Championship and won the Masters Tournament for the second time (2022, 2024), becoming the first player to win THE PLAYERS, a major championship, and the FedExCup in the same season.

In addition to wins at THE PLAYERS, Masters Tournament and TOUR Championship, he captured four titles at Signature Events: Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Memorial Tournament.

His seven-win season marked the first time a player won seven or more times in a single season since Woods in 2007. Throughout the entire season, Scheffler maintained his No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, a position he has occupied since May 21, 2023 (82 straight weeks). In total, Scheffler recorded a Tour-best 16 top-10s in 19 starts and did not miss a cut.

Scheffler’s season also included a gold medal, winning the men’s Olympic golf competition in his Olympic debut, and a victory for the United States at the Presidents Cup in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, his fourth international team competition appearance (Presidents Cup: 2022, 2024, Ryder Cup: 2020, 2023).

During the Challenge Season a series of unofficial events, Scheffler successfully defended his title at the Hero World Challenge, winning the Woods-hosted event by six strokes. For the second consecutive season, he also received the Byron Nelson Award for recording the lowest scoring average on tour in 2024 (68.65).

PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2024 season will be announced before the end of the year.

–IANS

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