In a distressing case of cybercrime, a retired Air Force sergeant from Faridabad was duped of Rs 5 lakh by fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The victim, Aditya Kumar Jha (55), was placed under what is termed a "digital arrest" for 55 hours, during which he was coerced into transferring the money, police reported on Wednesday. Currently employed as a clerk at Punjab National Bank, Jha became the target of this elaborate scam on October 6, a day after he had returned from election duty in Haryana. Around 9:50 am, while his wife and son were at the Jhandewalan temple in Delhi, Jha received a video call from an unknown number. The caller, introducing himself as a TRAI official, claimed that Jha’s mobile number would be deactivated within two hours as it had been linked to another SIM card in Delhi, which was allegedly being used for sending gambling-related messages. To further alarm him, a second caller posed as Vijay Kumar, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) from the CBI, and falsely accused Jha of being implicated in a money laundering case worth Rs 6.68 crore. In his complaint, Jha stated, “The CBI official told me that an arrest warrant had been issued against me, and I was instructed to appear at the CBI office in Delhi within two hours. When I expressed my inability to travel immediately, they accused me of being involved with Nawab Malik in the case.” The scammers then demanded his bank account details and warned him not to disconnect the video call, threatening to take action against his family. Under this "digital arrest," where victims are coerced through constant calls impersonating law enforcement, Jha was forced to transfer money to a specified bank account under the pretense of an investigation. When an initial transfer attempt failed, the fraudsters instructed Jha to travel to his bank's home branch in Madhubani, Bihar. Complying with their instructions, Jha boarded a train to Bihar while remaining on the call. Upon arrival, he transferred Rs 5.03 lakh to the fraudsters' account. The scam came to light on October 8 when a relative, suspecting foul play, called the number from which Jha had received the initial video call. The line was abruptly disconnected, raising alarms. The relative informed Jha’s son, who immediately travelled to Bihar and brought his father back to Faridabad. Following their return, an FIR was registered at the Cyber Crime Central Police Station in Faridabad. A senior police officer revealed that initial investigations indicated the money had been routed through multiple bank accounts. “Efforts are underway to trace the accused and recover the stolen amount,” he said. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber frauds, such as "digital arrest," where scammers impersonate government officials to intimidate victims into compliance. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, verify identities, and avoid sharing sensitive financial information over calls. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 12:35 PM IST | FaridabadThe Army was conducting a large search for the man who went missing two days ago in the Imphal Valley's outskirts, according to a defence spokesperson, PTI reported. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a native of Cachar district in Assam who lived in Khukrul, Imphal West, left home on Monday afternoon to report for duty at the Leimakhong Military Station in Kangpokpi. He has been missing since then, as per officials. According to the defence spokesperson, he was a works supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at Leimakhong Military Station, PTI cited. After Singh's family reported that he had not returned home on the evening of November 25, the Army reacted quickly, activating all of its resources, he claimed. "CCTV feeds are being carefully scanned, his co-workers are being spoken to and intense search operation, including the tracker dogs, has been launched. Despite a thorough search of the areas, neither the individual nor his two-wheeler has been located," the Kohima-based spokesperson said. "The combing operation has been further intensified, spreading across the military station and adjoining villages. Drones and other aerial platforms have also been integrated," he said. Army officials have also contacted the region's CSOs (civil society organizations) to locate the missing man, he said, adding that the family has been told that all attempts are being made to ensure Singh's safe and timely return, PTI reported. The state police have also launched an investigation, the spokesperson said. The incident led to tensions in the borders of the Imphal Valley on Tuesday with hundreds of people from the Meitei community launching a march to the military station to know Singh's whereabouts. However, they were halted midway near Kanto Sabal to prevent an escalation of the situation, PTI reported. After being stopped, the mob obstructed the roadway with rocks. "Army has requested the Meitei CSOs to remove blockades for a free and swift movement of the armed forces and police," the defence official said. The protestors claimed that it was possible that Singh was kidnapped by militants, and requested the state government to send additional forces for his rescue, PTI cited. The military base of the Army's 57 Mountain Division is located about 16 kilometres from Imphal, the state capital, and is surrounded by hills where the Kuki people live. Meiteis who resided near Leimakhong left after ethnic violence began in May of last year, which has claimed over 250 lives. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 12:31 PM IST | Imphal | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Wednesday highlighted serious economic issues that have impacted consumption patterns, pointing to a "shrinking" urban middle class and questioning when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will acknowledge this reality, PTI reported. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said that in the past few weeks, many leading lights from India Inc have highlighted the tremendous slowdown in household private consumption, even in the previously red-hot FMCG sector, PTI reported. "Now, a new report by the well-regarded Marcellus Investment Managers reveals three major economic challenges that have affected consumption patterns," he said. Ramesh highlighted the issue of worsening household balance sheets, stating that according to the RBI's figures, net household savings as a percentage of GDP are at their lowest level in almost 50 years. Mounting unsecured loans has reduced net savings, leaving families with less disposable income, he said, PTI cited. He also mentioned a cyclical economic slowdown and that India's post-Covid rebound had burned out. Corporate earnings in Q2 FY25 fell the most in two decades, with the exception of disasters like the 2008 financial meltdown, according to Ramesh. As per PTI, referring to technological disruptions, Ramesh stated that routine and repetitive jobs that were previously the foundation of middle-class employment are increasingly being displaced by cost-cutting strategies such as automation and outsourcing. "The urban middle class has been disproportionately affected and is 'shrinking.' When will the PM recognise this reality?" the Congress leader said. The Congress has criticized the government's handling of the economy, voicing concerns about "increasing" unemployment and price increases. INDIA bloc calls for a Joint Parliament Committee investigation on 'Modani' scam, says Congress MP Jairam Ramesh Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said on Monday that the "Modani" issue rocked both houses of Parliament, reported the ANI. "The Modani issue rocked both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today. INDIA parties called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into the Modani scam - the case for which has been reinforced by the recent indictments of Adani's bribery and suppression of information from Indian and American regulators," said Jairam Ramesh in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Modani issue rocked both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today. INDIA parties called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into the Modani scam - the case for which has been reinforced by the recent indictments of Adani's bribery and supression of information from… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 25, 2024 Earlier on Monday, INDIA bloc leaders held a meeting before the commencement of the parliament session. The leaders demanded to hold discussions on the Adani indictment, stated ANI. As the Parliament session begins, the first step the government should take is to have a detailed discussion on the Adani saga which has the potential to tarnish India’s image on the global stage. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
27 November,2024 11:35 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBillionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani have not been charged with any violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment filed by US authorities in a court in a bribery case, the Adani Group said on Wednesday. Gautam Adani, founder chairman of the ports-to-energy conglomerate, Sagar Adani and another key executive, Vneet Jaain, have been charged by the US Department of Justice with being part of an alleged scheme to pay USD 265 million in bribes to Indian officials to win contracts for supply of solar electricity that would yield USD 2 billion profit over a 20-year period. In a stock exchange filing, Adani Green Energy Ltd, which is at the centre of the bribery allegations, said reports claiming that the three have been charged with FCPA violations "are incorrect". They have been charged with offences that are punishable with a monetary fine or penalty. "Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain have not been charged with any violation of the FCPA in the counts set forth in the indictment of the US DOJ or civil complaint of the US SEC. "These directors have been charged on three counts in the criminal indictment, namely (i) alleged securities fraud conspiracy, (ii) alleged wire fraud conspiracy, and (iii) alleged securities fraud," the filing said. The Adani Group has denied all allegations and said it will take all possible legal recourse to defend itself. A criminal indictment has been filed before the United States District Court Eastern District of New York by the Department of Justice in the case of USA against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain. "The indictment does not specify any quantum of any fine/penalty," the company said. The civil complaint alleges that the executives violated certain sections of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Act of 1934, and aided and abetted Adani Green Energy Limited's violation of the Acts, it said. "Although the complaint prays for an order directing the defendants to pay civil monetary penalties, it does not quantify the amount of penalty," it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2024 11:27 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Markets climb in early trade amid fresh foreign fund inflows Equity benchmark indices began the trade on a firm note on Wednesday amid fresh foreign fund inflows and a rally in the US markets. Concerns over tariff threats by US President-elect Donald Trump, however, instilled volatility in the market during the morning trade. The BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 166.1 points to 80,170.16 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up 74.35 points to 24,268.85. Read more. Three-way power formula delaying Maharashtra CM decision Three days after the Assembly election results were declared, the stalemate continued over nominating Maharashtra’s chief minister-elect. However, statements made by a minister and information from various quarters indicated that incumbent Eknath Shinde’s wish to continue in the top job would be far from fulfilled and, as expected, his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, would make a grand comeback in the coveted office, provided the party high command doesn’t throw a surprise as seen in some BJP-ruled states where popular choices were replaced by the low-profile candidates who fitted the party’s social engineering. Read more. Mumbai: Rape accused let off due to 4-min delay by cops The Andheri Metropolitan Court has released film director, producer and financer Gunwant Tarachand Jain, also known as Nikesh Madhani, after ruling his arrest by the Versova police was illegal. Madhani was accused of drugging and raping a 38-year-old model and actress during a photoshoot. The court’s order was issued before the victim could undergo a medical examination. Read more. 'Jas beautiful, but not greater than Kapil': Geoff Boycott Former England captain Geoff Boycott has lashed out at claims of India’s lead pacer and stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah being a better bowler than former India skipper and 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, saying both bowlers cannot be compared. Read more. Pushpa 2: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna film new song 8 days before release The countdown has begun as Pushpa 2: The Rule is only eight days away from release. Usually in the last fortnight, the actors are busy city-hopping and promoting their upcoming film. But things are a little different with Allu Arjun’s mega release. Until yesterday, the superstar was busy shooting the action drama. mid-day has learnt that Arjun and leading lady Rashmika Mandanna filmed a romantic song in Hyderabad between November 23 and 26, following which director Sukumar called it a wrap on the movie. Read more.
27 November,2024 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDelhi experienced a minor improvement in its air quality on Wednesday morning, with pollution levels declining marginally and the Air Quality Index (AQI) moving closer to the 'poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an AQI of 301 at 9 am, compared to a more alarming 343 at the same time on Tuesday. Despite the slight improvement, a thick haze continued to envelop the national capital. The CPCB categorises AQI values between zero and 50 as 'good', 51 to 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 as 'moderate', 201 to 300 as 'poor', 301 to 400 as 'very poor', and 401 to 500 as 'severe'. According to the data, none of Delhi’s 38 active monitoring stations reported air quality in the 'severe' category on Wednesday. This marks a positive shift, as on Tuesday, 17 of the capital's 39 monitoring stations recorded air quality in the 'severe' range. An AQI of 400 or above, classified as 'severe', poses serious health risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues, as well as for healthy people exposed to prolonged outdoor activity. While the current figures offer slight relief, air pollution levels remain a significant concern in Delhi, especially during the winter months when weather conditions exacerbate the problem. In addition to the pollution data, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the city’s minimum temperature settled at 10.4 degrees Celsius, which is 0.2 degrees above normal for this time of year. The IMD predicts mainly clear skies throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 27 degrees Celsius. Delhi’s air quality frequently deteriorates during the winter season due to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and seasonal crop residue burning in neighbouring states. Efforts to tackle pollution have included restrictions on industrial activity, vehicle curbs, and initiatives to promote cleaner fuels, but the city continues to grapple with hazardous air. The slight improvement observed on Wednesday offers a glimmer of hope, but authorities and residents alike are urged to remain vigilant as air quality levels still hover at concerning thresholds. Measures to reduce exposure, such as using air purifiers and limiting outdoor activities, are advised. PTI reports that continuous monitoring will be crucial in assessing the efficacy of ongoing anti-pollution measures. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 09:51 AM IST | New DelhiA devastating road accident on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in the early hours of Wednesday claimed the lives of four doctors and a laboratory technician associated with the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in Saifai. Police confirmed the incident occurred around 3 am when the SUV they were travelling in lost control, leading to a double collision. According to Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand, the SUV was moving at high speed when it veered off course and collided with the median divider. The impact propelled the vehicle into the oncoming lane, where it was struck by a truck. All five occupants, including the four doctors and the lab technician, died instantly. The victims have been identified as Dr. Anirudh Verma, 29, from Agra; Dr. Santosh Kumar Maurya, 46, from Bhadohi; Dr. Arun Kumar, 34, from Kannauj; Dr. Nardev, 35, from Bareilly; and Rakesh Kumar, 38, a laboratory technician. According to PTI reports, the group was returning to Saifai after attending a wedding in Lucknow when the accident occurred. The crash also left one person, Jaiveer Singh, a 39-year-old postgraduate student from Moradabad, severely injured. Circle Officer of Tirwa, Dr. Priyanka Bajpai, stated that Singh was immediately rushed to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Medical College in Tirwa, where he is undergoing treatment. The accident highlights the dangers of high-speed travel, especially during late-night or early-morning hours. The collision occurred in an area known for heavy vehicular movement, increasing the likelihood of accidents during such hours. Local authorities have sent the deceased's bodies for post-mortem examinations, with investigations underway to determine the precise cause of the crash. PTI reports that preliminary findings suggest loss of control and excessive speed as significant contributing factors. The tragedy has cast a pall of grief over the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in Saifai, where the deceased were esteemed members of the medical community. Their untimely deaths serve as a grim reminder of the perils of road travel and the need for strict adherence to speed limits and road safety measures. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 09:45 AM IST | LucknowBillionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani have not been charged with violating the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with a bribery case, the Adani Group clarified on Wednesday. In a statement filed with the stock exchange, Adani Green Energy Ltd dismissed media reports alleging such charges as incorrect, according to PTI reports. The indictment filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) accuses Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and another executive, Vneet Jaain, of participating in an alleged scheme to pay $265 million in bribes to Indian officials. The bribes were reportedly aimed at securing contracts for the supply of solar electricity, which would allegedly generate $2 billion in profit over a 20-year period. The Adani Group, a conglomerate spanning sectors from ports to energy, categorically denied the allegations. "Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain have not been charged with any violations of the FCPA in the counts specified in the US DOJ indictment or the civil complaint by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)," the company stated. According to PTI, the executives face three charges in the criminal indictment: securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and securities fraud. These charges, the company clarified, carry the possibility of monetary fines or penalties but are unrelated to the FCPA. The case has been filed before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Adani Group said the indictment does not specify the quantum of any potential fines or penalties. The accompanying civil complaint alleges that the executives violated sections of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as aided Adani Green Energy Ltd in violating these regulations. The complaint seeks an order for civil monetary penalties but does not quantify the amount, according to the company. The Adani Group reiterated its commitment to defending itself through all available legal channels. "We strongly deny these allegations and will pursue every possible legal recourse to contest them," the company emphasised. As per PTI reports, the clarification comes amid significant scrutiny of the allegations, with the Adani Group maintaining its stance against any wrongdoing. The matter continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance in the United States. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 08:46 AM IST | New DelhiA fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon came into effect early Wednesday, offering a glimmer of hope to a region that has endured 14 months of sustained conflict. The truce was agreed upon on Tuesday as violence stemming from the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas escalated into a broader regional conflict. The ceasefire, which began at 4 am local time, marks a significant development. According to AP, it outlines a two-month halt to hostilities, with Hezbollah agreeing to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon. In return, Israeli troops are to retreat to their side of the border. To ensure stability, thousands of Lebanese troops, alongside United Nations peacekeepers, will deploy in the south, while an international panel led by the United States will monitor adherence to the agreement. In the initial hours of the truce, there were no reports of violations, AP reports. Celebrations erupted in parts of Beirut, where residents cautiously expressed relief at the prospect of peace. However, tensions remain high. Israeli military officials warned, in an Arabic-language post on X (formerly Twitter), that civilians evacuated from southern Lebanon should not return just yet, as Israeli troops are still stationed along the border. The warning underscores Israel’s position that it will respond militarily to any breaches of the ceasefire. The agreement comes just a day after Israel launched its most intense aerial bombardment of Beirut since the onset of hostilities. According to local authorities cited by AP, these strikes killed at least 42 people and caused widespread destruction. The escalation in recent weeks had pushed the conflict to the brink of a full-scale regional war. Despite this temporary halt, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The ceasefire does not address the ongoing war in Gaza, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of abating. Dozens of hostages are still being held by Hamas, and negotiations to end the fighting there remain stalled. As per AP, the ceasefire represents a critical but tentative step towards stability in a volatile region. However, its success will depend on the willingness of both sides to adhere to the terms and the effectiveness of international monitoring efforts. For now, the world watches anxiously to see if the truce will hold or if the region will descend back into violence. (With inputs from AP)
27 November,2024 08:34 AM IST | JerusalemOpposition leaders on Tuesday demanded a debate on the Constitution in both Houses of Parliament, stressing it was needed in the light of the recent developments in the country. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said he and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have written to the Chair in the two Houses requesting that a discussion should be held on the Constitution for two days in both Houses. “Time should be allotted for that so that the good things about the Constitution can be discussed, and the wrong things that are happening today can also be discussed. Rahul Gandhi ji and I have written letters, we are waiting for the government’s response,” Kharge said as the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh questioned if the Preamble of the Constitution is being implemented in letter and spirit. “Are people getting justice, liberty? Only bowing to the Constitution will not lead to it being followed,” he said. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said there is precedence of debates being held in Parliament on occasions like the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, and the 75th anniversary of Bharat Chhodo Andolan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2024 08:09 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesFour women died and five others were injured after an explosion caused three houses to collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Morena city, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place in the city's Rathore Colony area around midnight, said Superintendent of Police Sameer Saurabh. Vasudev Rathore, whose house was destroyed in the explosion and whose 28-year-old daughter-in-law was among the deceased, expressed suspicion that the blast was caused by gunpowder. SDM Bhupendra Singh Kushwaha said the reason behind the blast was yet not clear. A forensic team will be able to ascertain whether it was gunpowder or a gas cylinder that exploded, he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2024 07:47 AM IST | Morena | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
