Online Betting Site Mahadev

ED Seizes ₹417 Crore From Online Betting Site Mahadev

The Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev APP in cities like Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai and retrieved incriminating evidences, besides seizing proceeds of crime worth Rs 417 crore.

Mahadev online betting APP is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enrol new Users, create User IDs and laundering of money through a layered web of benami bank accounts, the ED said in a statement.

ED investigation into the matter has revealed that Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal who hail from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, are the main promoters of Mahadev and are running their operations from Dubai.

“Large scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts. Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising of betting websites and self-grandizement necessary to attract new Users and franchise (panel) seekers,” ED noted.

The ED had earlier conducted searches in Chhattisgarh and arrested four accused including the chief liaisoner of this betting syndicate which was organizing payment of the bribes to senior government functionaries as ‘protection money’.

Till date, ED has conducted searches at 39 locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai and Kolkata and has seized illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore.

The ED has now taken up an investigation abroad. PMLA Special Court at Raipur has also issued NBWs (non-bailable warrants) against absconding suspects. (ANI)

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modi

Narendra Modi Praises Innovators On Engineers Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings on the occasion of Engineers Day, saying the tireless dedication of professionals in the field has been the backbone of the nation’s progress over the years.

PM Modi took to his official handle on the social media platform ‘X’ to pay homage to one of the country’s foremost civil engineers, M Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Engineers Day’.

“Greetings to all hardworking engineers on #EngineersDay! Their innovative minds and tireless dedication have been the backbone of our nation’s progress. From infrastructural marvels to tech breakthroughs, their contributions touch every aspect of our lives,” PM Modi posted on X.

Calling him a visionary engineer and statesman, PM Modi said he continues to inspire generations to innovate and serve the nation.

“On #EngineersDay we pay homage to Sir M Visvesvaraya, a visionary engineer and statesman. He continues to inspire generations to innovate and serve the nation. Here are glimpses from Chikkaballapura, where I paid homage to him during my visit earlier this year,” Modi said in another post.

Born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli near Chikkaballapur, Visvesvaraya is considered one of the foremost nation-builders.

He designed several leading landmarks, which have, over the years, come to define and characterise modern India.

He also served as the 19th Dewan of Mysuru, formerly known as Mysore, from 1912 to 1918. (ANI)

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Nipah Virus: Places of Worship Remain Closed In Kozhikode

Kerala announced new restrictions on Friday as it stepped up measures to contain the spread of the outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus.

Two infected people have died since August 30 in Kozhikode district of the State, where officials have declared containment zones in 9 panchayats.

New restrictions have been implemented in Kozhikode district with directions issued against gatherings or public events of any kind, including those at places of worship, in all the containment zones.

According to the restrictions, shops selling essential items and medical shops in these zones can operate from 7 am to 5 pm. All places of worship will also be closed in the areas.

On Friday, one more person a 39-year-old man was confirmed with Nipah virus after his samples sent for testing returned positive, State health department said. With this total number of active Nipah cases in the State has gone up to four.

Secretary of the Kuttiady Juma Masjid Mahallu Committee Zubair P said that the mosque has been closed even for Friday prayers complying with the orders.

“In the wake of the outbreak of Nipah virus in our area…The district collector and police authorities have directed us to not gather people in the masjid. Complying with the orders we have decided to close the masjid until further orders. Friday prayers will not be held at the masjid today…We will co-operate with the government authorities to control this disease…” Zubair P said.

Two deaths from the Nipah virus in Kozhikode took place on August 30 and September 11.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus spread to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human.

Samples of 15 people in the high-risk category in the contact list have been sent for testing. The contact list contains 950 people of which 213 are in the high-risk category. A total of 287 health workers are also there in the contact list.

Four people in high-risk categories are in a private hospital and 17 people are under surveillance at the Kozhikode medical college, state health department said. (ANI)

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Ranbir-Alia Return From Vacation in USA

Celebrity couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt on Friday returned to Mumbai from their short vacation to the USA.

The duo was spotted at the Mumbai airport in casual attires and were seen posing in front of the shutterbugs.

Ranbir donned a blue sweatshirt with matching trousers. He accessorized his look with a cap and black shades.

Alia, on the other hand, wore a white T-shirt paired with black cargo pants.

The couple also clicked pictures with their fans at the airport.

Ranbir and Alia returned back to Mumbai on the occasion of Riddhima Kapoor’s birthday.

Several pictures and videos of the ‘Brahmastra’ couple went viral on social media.

Recently, Ranbir and Alia’s starrer ‘Brahmastra Part One: Shiva’ completed one year since it was released, the ‘Heart of Stone’ actor took to Instagram and shared some adorable moments from the shooting of the film. She captioned the post, “A piece of our hearts. Can’t believe it’s already been a whole year. Love & Light always.”

Ranbir and Alia had fallen in love with each other on the sets of ‘Brahmastra’.

 After dating for years, the couple tied the knot on April 14, 2022, at Ranbir’s Mumbai residence in an intimate ceremony and she announced her pregnancy in June 2022.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia will be next seen in the film ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ alongside Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif. 

Ranbir, on the other hand, will be next seen in director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s action thriller film ‘Animal’ alongside Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol. The film is all set to hit the theatres on December 1. (ANI)

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Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi Turns Author With Her Book ‘Zeba’

Actor Huma Qureshi is now an author. On Friday, she announced her debut novel titled ‘Zeba – An Accidental Superhero’.

Taking to Instagram, Huma wrote, “Finally the cat is out of the bag !! Super excited to share the announcement of my debut novel: ‘Zeba – An Accidental Superhero’ with @harpercollinsin .. and a massive shoutout to my agency @asuitableagency … Been working on this for the past 2 years and everyone around me knows how much this means to me 🤍 Book out in Dec 2023. Comments below will be seen as a vote of interest to buy the book.”

Huma said that her novel is “deeply personal.”

“I’ve learned that accepting who you are, with all your quirks and uniqueness, is the most empowering journey one can embark on. We live in a world that needs diversity, and every individual’s story is a piece of that beautiful mosaic. Stories of fierce women are not just the need of the hour; they are the timeless tales that inspire generations, reminding us that strength and resilience know no boundaries. We need these stories to remind ourselves that we, too, can be the heroes of our own lives. This novel is deeply personal and it puts out there the rawest, most unfiltered version of me,” she added.

Congratulations poured in for Huma on social media after she shared the update with her fans.

“Yayyyy!!!! It’s out,” actor Lara Bhupathi commented.

“Omg so proud ❤️,” actor Rhea Chakraborty commented.

Huma’s book will be out in December 2023. (ANI)

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Beijing Sharpens BRI To Woo Global South

Whatever success is claimed by the Delhi Summit of G20 countries under the presidency of India, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin from the conclave of leaders even while they were represented by their prime minister and foreign minister, respectively, robbed the meeting of some glitz.

Putin has been extremely circumspect with foreign travel since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest on alleged war crimes in March. Though India like the US is not part of ICC, Putin must have believed that his presence in Delhi would invite smirks from many attendees. Then he has preoccupation with the challenges that the Ukrainian war has thrown up and internal dissensions. Xi had quite a few considerations to avoid being in the summit, for he knew that with the support of the West, the summit would herald an ambitious infrastructure project touching many countries amounting to a challenge of China’s own Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

While many saw Xi’s absence as a snub to the G20 summit, Prime Minister Li Qiang who joined the party instead played, to every other participating country’s relief, a role that didn’t leave a room for dissonance. In the meantime, Xi is continuing with subtle that finally would amount to something profound changes in diplomacy aimed at seeking leadership of the global South. At the recent BRICS meet in South Africa’s Johannesburg, Xi had reasons to celebrate that Saudi Arabia and Iran in whose reconciliation Beijing had an important role were inducted as two of the six new members.

At the same time, it is to be said to the credit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he is making an outreach to the Islamic world and this has come for praise from none other than Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor. It was largely at the instance of Modi that the African Union representing 55 countries was inducted as a new member of G20.

India has good relations with all the new BRICS inductees. But for Beijing BRI is an important handle to have the global South on its side in the influence war with the West, the US in particular. Launched ten years ago, BRI that revived vision of Chinese attempts to revive the Silk Road is seen as Xi’s signature foreign policy initiative. Since its launch, China’s cumulative BRI engagement amounts to over $1 trillion, with nearly $596 billion in construction and $420 billion in non-financial investments.

Even while many flaws have been identified in project selection and execution and governance resulting in many project and aid receiving developing countries now tittering on the brink of default, BRI finance and investments are once again picking up. A report by think tank Green Finance and Development Center says in the first half of the current year, over 103 BRI deals worth $43.3 billion were done compared with approvals claiming investment of $35 billion in six months to June 2022.

This is proof that though Xi is aware of the factors telling on many BRI projects such as bending of rules by Chinese banks while financing projects in unstable countries marked by human rights violations, rigged elections and fratricidal warfare, he will not allow atrophying of the programme. At the same time, he wants the projects to pay for themselves. Times have changed since the unveiling of BRI. The country’s economic performance continues to disappoint, the economy having grown at an annualised rate of 3.2 per cent in the second quarter. China grew by only 3 per cent in 2022.

ALSO READ: China And West – A Poisoned Relationship

According to a survey of 37 economists by Nikkei, the Chinese GDP growth counting average opinion will be 4.7 percent this year, but with many putting it still lower at 4.0 per cent. Beijing is greatly concerned that the country’s exports took a year on year dive of 8.8 per cent in August, the fourth month in a row of decline. Property developers continue to be haunted by payment defaults to banks and the economy is facing deflationary risk unlike the Western countries and India where inflation continues to remain a major concern.

As China remains in search of economic recovery, citizens keep on wondering why Beijing should remain the world’s largest creditor to developing countries supporting their infrastructure development instead of announcing a big bang fiscal stimulus package to fix its own faltering economy. But for China there is no backtracking on BRI, for it will now be engaged in a contest with India inspired India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) project accepted at New Delhi G20 summit. Earlier, sensing that they are missing out on the goodwill of low and middle income countries where China’s presence is increasingly felt, advanced economies represented in G-7 have too proposed an investment of $600 billion in infrastructure development of poorer regions. But nothing concrete has happened as yet.

Facing such challenges, Xi wants cleaning up BRI related accounts without, however, going for a haircut. Earlier dodgy lending practices are shunned and funds siphoning by politician-bureaucrat nexus at aid receiving countries are largely plugged. Beijing has given a clear message that henceforward projects will be chosen based on their viability and a fair return. The Economist says Chinese President wants investors to focus on “small but beautiful” projects with promise of good returns, effective governance and oversight not to allow fund misuse. While funding of infrastructure that poor and developing nations need more than anything else, Beijing now is also talking of a digital silk road through the global south enabling it to participate in world digitalisation.

Arguably, IMEE-EC is the single most important breakthrough at the G20 summit, which if funded properly will prove to be a significant booster of trade encompassing India, the Middle East and Europe. Multi-modal connectivity of the three continents is a much discussed idea. The challenge is in getting all the countries on board and arranging funds. What, however, is to be accepted that in scope and the number of countries to be covered, IMEE-EC will not stand in comparison with BRI.

Xi must be patting himself on the back that over 150 countries touching all geographies and home to nearly 75 per cent of the world population and accounting for half the global GDP are part of BRI initiative. Come October, China will be hosting the third BRI forum in its capital city where it is expecting attendance of more than 90 countries. Interestingly, President Putin will make his first trip abroad since the issue of arrest warrant by ICC to attend the Beijing meeting.

Ahead of the BRI meeting, Xi is hosting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. BRI is no charity. China is carefully choosing the countries rich in minerals and crude oil and gas but short of resources to build infrastructure. Thereby it is earning goodwill. Some years preceding the launch of BRI, China became a key lender to Venezuela in 2007 providing funds for infrastructure and oil projects. In the next phase of development of its oil industry, Maduro will need more foreign funding. He has described his visit to China as historic since this is happening after years of frosty relations with the BRI promoter. In the meantime, the US is seeking engagement with Venezuelan officials after lifting of sanctions. But this will be conditional on Maduro making a promise of fair elections to be held next year.

While this being so, Beijing is not in the habit of raising issues of human rights violation and absence of democracy in its engagement with aid receiving countries. Incidentally, President Biden while in Delhi for the G20 summit made it a point to raise the “importance of respecting human rights” with the Indian prime minister. Biden told reporters in Hanoi: “As I always do, I raised the importance of respecting human rights and the vital role the civil society and a free Press have in building a strong and prosperous country with Biden.” If this is the kind of US engagement with the world’s largest democracy, then it does not leave to one’s imagination what Washington will be demanding of Venezuela for lifting sanctions. No wonder Beijing has an edge in dealing with regimes, which are not bound by democratic norms.

China is the world’s largest importer of oil and despite US sanctions, Beijing is importing crude – mostly heavy sour Merey and Boscan – from Venezuela. The South American country with proved reserves of 304 billion barrels are ahead of Saudi Arabia’s 298 billion barrels. Naturally China will be keen to have normal relations with Venezuela likely resulting it investing in development of oilfields and related infrastructure. Repairing relationship with China will help Maduro in his bid for third presidential terms as he is to derive political and economic benefits from rivalries between the world’s two largest economies. It will be recalled that Beijing was a major lender to Venezuela in 2007 when the country under the leadership of Hugo Chavez was engaged in developing its oil industry and infrastructure.

Ayushmann

Anushka To Sid, Celebs Wish Ayushmann On His Birthday

On the occasion of actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s birthday several B-town celebs took to their social media handles and extended heartfelt wishes.

Actor Anushka Sharma shared a picture on her stories and wrote, “Happy birthday Ayushmann. Wishing you love and light always.”

Actor Ananya Panday shared a video from ‘Dream Girl 2’ promotions on her Instagram stories which she captioned, “Happy birthday to my biggest competition Pooja and also my Dad joke-filled friend @ayushmannk have a 100 day a year AK.”

Vicky Kaushal shared a picture on his Instagram stories and wrote, “Happy Birthday veerey and many congratulations on the massive success of Dreamgirl 2!!! Lots of Love.”

‘Bunty aur Babli 2’ actor Sharvari wrote, “Happy Birthday!! @ayushmannk Sending you lots of love and laughter.”

Siddhant Chaturvedi wrote, “Happy Birthday may you rise and shine more n more! & keep inspiring us through your films, words and music.”

Rakul Preet Singh wished her ‘Doctor G’ co-star and wrote on her Instagram stories, “Happpppy bdayyy Doctor G!! Wishing you lots of love, happiness, amazing food and all that you desire.”

Sidharth Malhotra shared a picture and wrote, “Happy birthday @ayushmannk Big love and hug.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, the ‘Vicky Donor’ actor is currently enjoying the success of his recently released comedy film ‘Dream Girl 2’.

‘Dream Girl 2’ hit the theatres last month. The film not only garnered a good response but also managed to enter the Rs 100 crore club.

Dream Girl 2 is a sequel to the 2019 hit film Dream Girl. It traces the journey of a small-town boy Karam (played by Ayushmann) who is trying to live a serious life in Mathura. He falls in love with Pari (played by Ananya Panday) but life is hell-bent on not taking him seriously. In a turn of events, Karam becomes Pooja which creates further chaos in his already chaotic life.

Apart from him, the film also starred Ananya Panday, Manjot Singh, Paresh Rawal, Asrani, Vijay Raaz, Annu Kapoor and Seema Pahwa among others.

Ayushmann has still not announced his next project. (ANI)

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Bharat IOML Certificates

Bharat Becomes 13th Country To Issue IOML Certificates

Bharat has become the 13th country in the world that can issue Internationally Accepted OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) Certificates, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said on Thursday.

The domestic manufacturers can now get their weighing and measuring instruments tested in Bharat and sell in the international market.

It will also create a facility for international manufacturers to get their equipment tested in Bharat, leading to generation of revenue and employment.

“OIML is an Intergovernmental organization which was established in 1955. Bharat became its member in 1956. It has 63 Member States and 64 Corresponding Members. Bharat has now become authority for issuing internationally accepted OIML certificate for selling weights and measures anywhere in the world,” the Ministry stated.

The Department of Consumer Affairs can now issue now OIML Pattern Approval certificate, which is mandatory to sell a weight or measure in the International market

Bharat follows OIML recommendations and procedures of testing and calibration of weights and measures. The reports prepared by the Legal Metrology’s Regional Reference Standards Laboratories are now acceptable to the OIML issuing authorities.

Now, Bharat is an authority for issue of OIML pattern approval certificates and can act as support system for indigenous manufacturers.  The domestic manufacturers can now export their weighing and measuring instrument worldwide without incurring additional testing fees, resulting in significant cost savings, the Ministry added.

Bharat can also support the foreign manufacturers by issuing OIML pattern approval certificates from our certified RRSLs.  By issuing the OIML approval certificates of weighing and measuring instrument to the foreign manufacturers Bharat will also generate forex in terms of fees, etc.

According to the Ministry, Bharat may now influence the OIML’s policies and provide input to the OIML Strategy. This system allows OIML Certificates issued by OIML Issuing Authorities in OIML member states to be accepted by other participants as the basis for issuing national or regional type approvals for measuring instruments. 

The other OIML Members can thus issue national-type approval certificates without the need for expensive test facilities by relying on these certificates.

“Bharat now joins an exclusive group of nations, including Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovakia, as the 13th country worldwide, authorized for issuing OIML approval certificates,” the Ministry added.

Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary (Consumer Affairs), shared this achievement at a press conference, where a presentation and video were presented to illustrate the importance of this accomplishment.

“Today, we proudly announce Bharat’s ascent to the ranks of globally recognized OIML Certificates Issuing Authorities, a testament to our nation’s commitment to quality standards and international trade facilitation,” he said.

Paul Dixon, Executive Secretary, OIML-CS, also joined from OIML’s Paris Headquarters for the briefing, re-affirming Bharat’s role as an OIML Certificates Issuing Authority and assuring continued cooperation. (ANI)

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balochistan's Hamdullah

JUI-F Leader Hamdullah Among 11 Injured In Blast In Balochistan’s Mastung

As many as 11 people including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah were injured in a blast in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Thursday, Dawn reported.

Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper.

Mobile phone footage broadcast on television showed a bloodied Hamdullah being supported by two gunmen as he spoke.

Mastung Assistant Commissioner Attaul Muneem told Dawn that 11 people had been injured in the incident so far, adding that they were shifted to Quetta for medical treatment.

Speaking to Geo News moments after the blast was reported, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said that Hamdullah was injured but not critically.

“He is okay. He is injured but the situation is not critical […] The gunmen and the others accompanying him also sustained minor injuries but they are okay. There is no serious issue at the moment,” he said, as per Dawn.

He said that Hamdullah and the others were travelling from Quetta to Kalat, adding that the incident occurred after they crossed Mastung.

“We still do not know if it was a suicide blast or a planted bomb. According to the information I have received, Hamdullah Sahib and two persons are injured. All are okay and the matter is not serious,” he added.

Ghauri said that the injured have been shifted to a hospital in Quetta.

Separately, Balochistan Interim Home Minister Zubair Jamali strongly condemned the incident and directed the relevant authorities to submit a report in this regard, as per Dawn.

He directed the district administration to help the injured, while also praying for their swift recovery. He said that all possible resources would be utilised to eliminate terrorists.

Ex-president Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the incident and prayed for the injured. “Terrorists and facilitators involved in terrorism should be brought under the law,” he said. (ANI)

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Tactical Combat Robots

Tactical Combat Robots Set To Revolutionize Army Ops

The future of warfare is increasingly becoming automated as the military adopts cutting-edge technology to enhance its capabilities.

Unmanned combat systems are at the forefront of this technological revolution and Xena 5.0, a Tactical Combat Robot, is paving the way for a new era in military operations.

Xena 5.0 represents a remarkable leap in unmanned combat technology. This robotic marvel is designed as a tactical combat vehicle equipped with an array of cameras and is remotely operated.

What sets it apart is its versatility; it can be fitted with various armaments, including a 5.56 Light Machine Gun (LMG) and a Grenade Launcher, all controlled remotely. This robotic powerhouse is not just a weapon but also a tool for surveillance, capable of achieving speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour.

One of the key advantages of Xena 5.0 is its applicability across a wide range of military scenarios. It’s not limited to combat but can also be deployed for rescue missions. Moreover, it can transport arms, ammunition, and critical supplies to forward areas, reducing the risk to soldiers in volatile regions during wartime or counter-insurgency operations.

Mohan Chaudhary, a spokesperson from Club First Robotics, the organization behind Xena 5.0, shared insights into this groundbreaking development. “This is a mini robot, which has a capacity of 500 kg. We have designed this robot to support our soldiers in various ways, including surveillance in challenging terrains like deserts and coastal areas, where supply lines may be disrupted. Instead of risking human lives, we can send this robot from a distance of up to 2 kilometers.”

Robotic vehicles like Xena 5.0 are poised to play a pivotal role in modern warfare. They offer the military the ability to operate in hostile environments without endangering soldiers’ lives.

The adoption of such advanced technologies underscores the ongoing transformation of armed forces worldwide. As they increasingly integrate robotic systems into their operations, the future of warfare is set to be shaped by automation, minimizing risk to human personnel while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness on the battlefield. (ANI)

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