In addition to Ranbir Kapoor, several other prominent Indian and Pakistani celebrities, such as Tiger Shroff, Sunny Leone, Neha Kakkar, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, have come under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev online betting app case. Kapoor is required to appear before the agency on October 6th as part of the ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations against the app’s founders, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal.
The ED previously seized assets worth ₹417 crore as part of its money laundering probe related to the Mahadev betting app.
Ranbir Kapoor, known for his roles in various films, was allegedly involved in promoting the online betting app as a social media influencer. He is suspected of receiving compensation for endorsing and engaging in promotional activities on behalf of the Mahadev betting app.
In addition to Kapoor, the ED is reportedly scrutinizing the involvement of other Indian and Pakistani celebrities, including Tiger Shroff, Sunny Leone, Neha Kakkar, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who attended Sourabh Chandrakar’s wedding in Dubai, according to a report by India Today.
Hyderabad: In a groundbreaking development, preterm babies in need of critical care are receiving life-saving treatment closer to home, thanks to the Niloufer Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad. Previously, these infants were often referred to Niloufer Hospital, but now, they are benefiting from specialized care at Special New Born Care Units (SNCUs) strategically located in various districts. The CoE’s team of super-specialty doctors remotely guides their counterparts in these districts, making a profound impact on the survival rates of preterm babies.
Revolutionary Hub-and-Spoke Model
Telangana boasts 42 SNCUs, with nearly 30 of them directly connected to Niloufer Hospital. The remaining SNCUs are in the process of being linked to the CoE. Live feeds from the intensive care units (ICUs) of these SNCUs, where critically ill preterm infants receive treatment, are transmitted to the centralized monitoring facility at Niloufer Hospital. Here, specialist doctors are available round the clock to provide guidance and support.
Challenges and Progress
While challenges related to the availability of specialists both at the centralized facility and SNCUs persist, senior health officials at Niloufer Hospital report that they have already made a significant impact by reducing referrals and saving precious lives through this newly established system.
Enhancing Infant Survival Rates
Prior to the implementation of the hub-and-spoke model connecting SNCUs, critically ill infants had to be transported from districts to Niloufer Hospital for specialized care. This often resulted in added complications for these fragile babies due to the rigors of travel. Moreover, delays in transport sometimes led to infants being admitted in extremely critical conditions, posing greater challenges for revival.
The Path Forward
Dr. T Usha Rani, Superintendent at Niloufer Hospital, commented, “Although the initiative is still in its early stages, there has been a 30 percent reduction in referrals of sick babies from districts to Niloufer Hospital. Our senior pediatricians can offer valuable guidance to local doctors at SNCUs, enabling them to save babies on-site without subjecting them to the hardships of travel. The Centre of Excellence is still evolving and requires time to reach its full potential.”
Expanding Neonatal Care Access
The expanded network of SNCUs, which grew from 19 units in 2014 to 42 in 2023, offers a wide range of neonatal care services to newborns in need. These facilities, developed as separate units, are strategically located near labor wards in district hospitals. Dr. Usha Rani emphasized the central role of the CoE, stating, “Thanks to the centralized facility, caregivers at SNCUs are connected with us around the clock. They also feel like part of a broader initiative to reduce the infant mortality rate in Telangana.”
Ottawa: In an effort to resolve a diplomatic dispute surrounding the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed Canada’s desire for “private talks with India.” The dispute has led to strained relations between the two nations, with India reportedly requesting Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats by October 10.
“We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats’ safety very seriously and we will continue to engage privately because we think diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private,” Joly stated, as reported by Reuters.
The dispute stems from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations concerning the Indian government’s potential involvement in Nijjar’s fatal shooting. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18, outside a Gurdwara.
Trudeau claimed that his country’s national security officials had reason to believe that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for Nijjar’s killing, a statement that India has strongly rejected as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Canada has not provided public evidence to support the allegations and has expressed its willingness to work constructively with India on the matter. Trudeau emphasized that Canada is not seeking to escalate the situation with India and wishes to remain engaged in New Delhi to assist Canadian families.
Despite the dispute, Trudeau affirmed Canada’s commitment to building closer ties with India, citing India’s growing economic power and geopolitical importance. He underscored the need for both countries to collaborate to uncover the full facts of the matter while emphasizing the significance of engaging with India on a global scale.
In a devastating incident during the Sardinia Supercar Tour in Italy, Bollywood actress Gayatri Joshi, known for her role in Shah Rukh Khan’s film ‘Swades’, and her husband, businessman Vikas Oberoi, narrowly escaped a fatal car accident. The couple was driving their Lamborghini in Sardinia when a catastrophic collision occurred involving their luxury car, a Ferrari, and a camper van. Tragically, the occupants of the Ferrari, a Swiss couple identified as Markus Krautli (67) and Melissa Krautli (63), lost their lives in the accident.
Bollywood Actress Gayatri Joshi & Her Husband Vikas Oberoi Meet With Tragic Car Accident In #Italy.
The collision unfolded when the Lamborghini and the Ferrari attempted to overtake a large campervan on the road. In the process, the vehicles collided, leading to a severe accident. The camper van overturned, and the Ferrari caught fire, resulting in the tragic demise of the Swiss couple.
Gayatri Joshi and Vikas Oberoi were participating in the Sardinia Supercar Tour, a high-profile luxury car parade from Teulada to Olbia, when the incident occurred. Recounting the horrifying incident, Gayatri Joshi shared with Free Press Journal, “Vikas and I are in Italy. We met with an accident here (multiple-car collision). With God’s grace, we both are absolutely fine.” According to Vikas Oberoi’s manager, the couple is reportedly in stable condition.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the unforeseen dangers on the roads, even amidst luxurious events. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased, and we wish Gayatri Joshi, Vikas Oberoi, and all those affected by this tragedy strength and support during this difficult time. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation into the accident continues.
A tragic turn of events struck Sikkim on October 4, as a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in northern Sikkim unleashed a devastating flash flood in the Teesta River basin. The consequences have been dire, with at least fourteen lives lost, and a staggering 102 individuals missing, including 22 army personnel.
The aftermath of the Lhonak Lake outburst has also resulted in the breach of the Chungthang dam, a critical component of the State’s largest hydropower project.
The extent of the disaster has been far-reaching, affecting over 5,000 people residing in various villages. The situation has prompted calls for immediate action and a reevaluation of the government’s approach to handling ecologically fragile Himalayan States.
VIDEO | "More than 5,000 people across villages have been affected. Necessary relief is being provided to them," says @AnitThapa14, Chief Executive, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on flash floods in Teesta river affecting north Bengal and Sikkim. pic.twitter.com/YJ2ZJxq8jp
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep concern over the dire situation in Sikkim. He called upon the Central government to declare both the Sikkim flash floods and the recent Himachal Pradesh floods as national disasters, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Mr. Kharge extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the Sikkim flash floods. He emphasized the gravity of the situation in Sikkim, where numerous lives have been lost, and brave army personnel remain missing due to the devastating effects of cloudburst and flash floods.
The situation remains precarious, demanding immediate attention and support to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
October 4
In the ongoing updates regarding the flash floods in Sikkim, there is a glimmer of hope as one soldier, among the 23 reported missing, has been successfully rescued. The search and rescue operations remain underway to locate the remaining missing Army personnel.
In a recent and alarming development, North Sikkim is grappling with a crisis as 23 Army personnel have been reported missing in the aftermath of a flash flood triggered by an unexpected cloud burst over Lhonak lake. This incident has spurred urgent and extensive search and rescue operations, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang taking a hands-on approach in overseeing the situation.
The Defence PRO based in Guwahati has issued a crucial statement, revealing, “Certain army facilities situated in the valley have been impacted, and exhaustive efforts are underway to ascertain further details. The distressing news is that 23 personnel are currently unaccounted for, and several military vehicles are believed to be submerged beneath the slush. Search operations are in full swing.” According to official sources, the flash flood event commenced around 1:30 am on Wednesday, as reported by the renowned news agency PTI.
The sudden release of water from the Chungthang dam has resulted in an abrupt surge in downstream water levels, reaching towering heights of 15-20 feet. This surge has dealt a significant blow to military vehicles stationed in the vicinity of Bardang, near Singtam. The situation remains highly fluid, with relentless efforts underway to locate and rescue the missing personnel, alongside comprehensive damage assessments. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing emergency.
Hyderabad : In anticipation of the festive season, educational institutions across Telangana are gearing up for a prolonged 13-day Dasara holiday, marking the first short-term break of the ongoing academic year.
As per the official academic calendar for the year 2023-24, released by the School Education Department in June, schools throughout Telangana will remain closed from October 13 to 25.
In preparation for the forthcoming Dasara holidays, Telangana schools have scheduled summative assessment-1 from October 5 to 11, ensuring a smooth transition into the vacation period.
But that’s not the only good news for students in Telangana. They can also look forward to two more breaks in the current academic year. Firstly, from December 22 to 26, there will be a Christmas vacation, exclusive to missionary schools in the state. Following that, there will be a Sankranti vacation, applicable to all schools except missionary ones, lasting for six days.
It’s not just the students who will enjoy some respite; the Telangana government has declared that others will also observe the Dasara holiday on October 24. Furthermore, the Telangana Calendar designates October 14 as a Bathukamma starting day holiday. Both of these holidays are categorized as ‘General holidays’.
For those seeking extra time off, two ‘optional holidays’ on October 22 and 23 have been designated for Durgashtami and Maharnavami, respectively.
New Delhi, October 3, : Voicing deep concern over the recent raids conducted by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on the residences of journalists associated with the online portal NewsClick, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) issued a strong statement on Tuesday, characterizing the operation as “yet another attempt to muzzle the media.”
On Tuesday, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell carried out coordinated raids at more than 30 locations connected to the online news portal NewsClick and its journalists. These actions were taken in connection with a case registered on August 17, which invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
In a statement, the Editors Guild expressed its deep concern about the raids at the residences of senior journalists early in the morning. The Guild reported that laptops, mobile phones, and other devices belonging to these journalists were seized, and senior journalists were taken into custody by the Delhi Police for questioning. The raids reportedly stemmed from an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws related to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony against journalists, including those associated with the website Newsclick.in.
The EGI emphasized that while recognizing the importance of upholding the law, due process must be followed. It cautioned that the investigation of specific offenses should not create a general atmosphere of intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws or infringe upon the freedom of expression and the right to dissent.
In its statement, the EGI reminded the government of the pivotal role of an independent media in a functioning democracy and called upon authorities to ensure the respect, nurture, and protection of the fourth pillar of democracy.
Meanwhile, sources reported that the Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, and writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh were brought to the Special Cell offices in the national capital on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation.
It is worth noting that earlier on August 10, a report in The New York Times alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network receiving funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Singham, known as a benefactor of far-left causes, has been accused of lavishly funding an influence campaign that supports China and promotes its propaganda. Additionally, Singham is said to have close ties with the Chinese government’s media apparatus.
“KTR Accuses PM Modi of Spreading Lies in Verbal Spat”
Hyderabad, October 3: Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president and IT Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent disparaging remarks aimed at TRS and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). KTR accused the Prime Minister of diminishing the status and dignity of his office with what he called “false propaganda.”
In response to PM Modi’s comments against TRS leadership, KTR asserted that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was a fighter and would never align with a deceitful individual.
KTR said, “We are not bitten by a rabid dog to go insane and join a ship that is sinking. We are not the ‘gulams’ (slaves) of either Delhi or Gujarat. We will not be cowed down by any threats.”
He criticized the Prime Minister for fabricating details about a meeting between two constitutional authorities, the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister. KTR highlighted the need for caution when dealing with such individuals.
Addressing Modi’s allegation that KCR sought his approval to make KTR the Chief Minister of the State, KTR dismissed it, emphasizing that the Prime Minister’s approval was unnecessary for such decisions. He stated that the approval of the TRS Legislature party and the party itself sufficed.
KTR also asserted that the people of Telangana were determined to elect K Chandrashekhar Rao as Chief Minister for a third consecutive term, and he predicted that the BJP would suffer a severe defeat, losing deposits in 110 seats.
He criticized Modi’s track record in Telangana, highlighting various instances where he alleged discrimination against the state. KTR also countered Modi’s claims, including those related to the economy, farmers’ incomes, and drinking water provision.
Additionally, KTR accused Modi of practicing dynasty politics by forming alliances with leaders from political dynasties. He labeled the BJP as the biggest “Jhoot” (lie) factory in India, with Modi as its chancellor.
KTR demanded an explanation from BJP on why Modi had not agreed to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani Row and questioned Modi’s role in securing a Rs. 6,000 crore contract for Adani from the Sri Lankan President.
New Delhi, Oct 3 : In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Canada, reports indicate that India has requested Canada to withdraw approximately 40 diplomats from the country by October 10.
New Delhi has purportedly conveyed to Canada that if the diplomats are not withdrawn by the specified deadline, they will lose their diplomatic immunity. Presently, over 60 Canadian diplomats are stationed in India.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations reached a historic low last month when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament that Indian intelligence agents may have been involved in the murder of Sikh pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to Trudeau’s accusations, both countries expelled one diplomat each. India also dismissed Canada’s allegations as politically motivated.
On September 21, in response to questions regarding a potential reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats stationed in India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “Yes, we’ve informed the government of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is significantly higher than ours in Canada… I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side.”
Nijjar was fatally shot by masked gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.
Nizambad , Oct 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) had expressed a desire to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the BJP’s significant performance in the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation election, where they secured 48 seats. Addressing a rally in Nizamabad, Prime Minister Modi recounted KCR’s previous welcoming gestures but claimed that he stopped doing so after the election.
PM Modi shared that KCR visited him in Delhi after the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections and expressed his interest in joining the NDA. However, Modi stated, “I told him (KCR) that due to his deeds, Modi cannot be associated with him.”
In the 2020 Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 48 seats, while the BRS (earlier TRS) secured 56 seats, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen won 43 seats.
Modi continued to criticize KCR, accusing his government of misusing funds provided by the BJP-led central government for Telangana’s development.
During the rally, Modi also addressed the ‘INDIA’ bloc, alleging that it had hindered the passage of the women’s quota bill, which was recently enacted as law, for several years. He emphasized the importance of women’s collective power and called on the alliance to support the bill.
Telangana, along with Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, is scheduled to hold elections at the end of this year. The state has been governed by the K Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS government since its formation in 2014.
