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Tension prevailed at Nandigram in West Bengal&rsquo;s East Midnapore district since Thursday morning after the body of a local Trinamool Congress leader was recovered under mysterious circumstances. 
The deceased has been identified as Mahadeb Bishoyi (52). He was an active local organizational member of the ruling party at Gokulnagar village panchayat under Nandigram-I block.
As the police reached the spot to recover the body, the local Trinamool Congress workers started a protest.
According to Trinamool Congress workers, the assailants picked up Dishoyi while he was returning home after closing his food stall in the locality.
After Dishoyi did not return home for the whole night, his family members and the local Trinamool Congress workers started looking for him.
Finally, his body, with several injury marks was recovered from the front of his food stall on Thursday morning.
The cops recovered Dishoyi&rsquo;s body and sent it for post-mortem.
Local Trinamool Congress leaders have alleged that those behind the murder of Dishoyi were actively associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
&ldquo;Dishoyi was an active member of our party. The BJP activists have killed him out of vengeance. We are demanding strict punishment for those responsible for Dishoyi&rsquo;s murder.
However, BJP&rsquo;s West Bengal President and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar has vehemently denied the allegations and claimed that the infighting in Trinamool Congress in Nandigram might have led to Dishoyi&rsquo;s killing.
&ldquo;BJP does not believe in politics of vengeance. Let there be a proper investigation into the matter and let police nab the real culprits. This murder can be a result of infighting in the ruling party,&rdquo; Majumdar said.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress has alleged involvement of BJP workers in the crime

Tension in Nandigram as cops recover body under mysterious circumstances

TMC Leader found Dead in West Bengal

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced on Thursday that its luggage check-in system is being targeted by a cyberattack, causing delays for at least 24 domestic flights, some of which by up to an hour. International flights were also impacted, it said.
The airline reported that the issues came to light around 7:25 a.m., prompting JAL to suspend ticket sales for both domestic and international flights for the rest of the day.
&nbsp;Passengers with pre-purchased tickets can still use them. Investigators revealed that the airline had informed authorities about a possible distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, in which multiple sources flood a network with data to overwhelm it in a short time, Kyodo News agency reported.
JAL stated that it is working to address the cyberattack and identify its source, noting that the disruption could have a broader impact on flights.
The airline successfully disabled a compromised router temporarily. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's top government spokesman, stated at a press conference that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has asked JAL to quickly resolve the system issue to properly assist affected passengers.
Other airlines, including All Nippon Airways, Skymark Airlines, Solaseed Air, and Star Flyer, reported no cyberattacks and were operating normally.
At Tokyo's Haneda airport, passengers were seen checking their phones and speaking with staff, while there was no significant confusion at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture. A man in his 30s, traveling from Haneda to Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, expressed concern, saying, "I was able to check in fine, but it's worrying that there's trouble."
Meanwhile, a man in his 60s, headed to Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture, commented, "It's a nuisance during the busy year-end period."
A cyberattack occurs when there is an unauthorised action against computer infrastructure that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of its content.
The rising dependence on increasingly complex and interconnected computer systems in most domains of life is the main factor that causes vulnerability to cyberattacks, since virtually all computer systems have bugs that can be exploited by attackers.
Although it is impossible or impractical to create a perfectly secure system, there are many defence mechanisms that can make a system more difficult to attack, making information security a field of rapidly increasing importance in the world today.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

Japan Airlines works to restore operations

System outage at JAL causes widespread flight delays amid DDoS attack probe

Cyberattack Delays Japan Airlines Flights Globally

MT Vasudevan Nair, the doyen of Malayalam literature and Jnanpith Award winner, passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 91. 
Fondly known as MT, he is considered one of the greatest writers in Malayalam and served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Weekly, a well-circulated periodical from Kerala.
A Padma Bhushan awardee, MT was an iconic figure in Malayalam literature and cinema.
His contributions left an indelible mark on both fields, earning him recognition as one of the most celebrated writers in the Malayalam language.
MT won four National Film Awards for screenplay writing and directed seven films while scripting approximately 54 others.
His screenplays, now available in book form, are considered essential reading for aspiring filmmakers.
Over the years, he received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and ONV Literary Award.
In 2013, he was honoured with the JC Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema.
In 2022, he received the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Kerala Government.
MT was awarded the Jnanpith, India&rsquo;s highest literary honour, in 1995 for his outstanding contributions to literature.
In October this year, MT made headlines when gold ornaments were stolen from his residence while he and his wife were away
The police later recovered the items, implicating a domestic helper in the theft.
MT had started writing from a very young age. He was inspired by his elder brothers, who wrote time and again in several literary journals, and poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri who was his senior in the high school.
MT initially wrote poems but not for a long time, as he switched to prose writing.
MT won four National Film Awards for screenplay writing and directed seven films while scripting approximately 54 others.
MT's works continue to resonate deeply, offering profound reflections on life's complexities and human emotions.
A literary giant and cinematic visionary, his passing marks the end of an era.
Yet, his legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of countless admirers and in the annals of Malayalam literature and cinema.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep condolences on MT&rsquo;s passing. The state government has announced two days of official mourning on December 26 and 27.
&mdash;IANS

Fondly known as MT, Nair is considered one of the greatest writers in Malayalam literature

Jnanpith Award winner passed away at a hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala on Christmas Day

Malayalam Cinema Doyen Vasudevan Nair No More

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating a major human trafficking and money laundering case involving Canadian colleges and Indian entities. The case traces back to the tragic death of a four-member Indian family from Dingucha village, Gujarat, who perished in freezing conditions while attempting to illegally cross the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.
The ED initiated its probe based on an FIR filed by Ahmedabad Police against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others, who are accused of orchestrating an elaborate human trafficking network. Patel and his associates allegedly charged victims between Rs 55 and Rs 60 lakh per person, promising illegal entry into the US via Canada.
Search operations were conducted on December 10 and December 19, 2024, across eight locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operations led to the freezing of bank accounts worth Rs 19 lakh, the seizure of two vehicles, and the confiscation of incriminating documents and digital devices.
Modus Operandi: The accused facilitated fake admissions of Indian nationals into Canadian colleges and arranged student visas. Upon reaching Canada, instead of attending classes, the individuals illegally crossed the Canada-US border. The fees paid to these colleges were often refunded to the individuals' accounts.
Two Indian entities, one based in Mumbai and the other in Nagpur, reportedly acted as intermediaries, arranging student admissions to Canadian colleges on a commission basis. Investigations revealed that approximately 25,000 students were referred annually by one entity and over 10,000 by the other.
Additionally, around 1,700 agents from Gujarat and 3,500 agents from across India, with 800 actively operational, were identified as part of the network. Over 112 Canadian colleges have agreements with one entity and more than 150 with the other.
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Mangal',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI;">The ED continues its investigation into the involvement of these colleges and agents, highlighting a disturbing nexus exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of educational opportunities.

illustration of family illegally crossing Canada -America border

Indian students lured with fake college admissions for illegal US entry ED uncovers scam

Human Trafficking Scam: ED Probes Canada-India Nexus

Classified Information Breach Raises Concerns Over Military Security and Online Protocols
In yet another concerning breach of military security, classified details about the Eurofighter Typhoon's advanced radar systems were leaked online through the popular military simulation game forums, War Thunder. This incident marks at least the fourth time sensitive data about this critical European multi-role fighter jet has found its way into the public domain via the platform.
The leak reportedly emerged during an intense debate among players regarding the scanning capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR radar system. In an attempt to settle the argument, one participant shared classified documents outlining radar performance specifics. The move, though swiftly addressed by forum moderators, underscores a recurring issue of sensitive military information being exposed in non-secure, public spaces.
The Eurofighter Typhoon: A Strategic NATO Asset
The Eurofighter Typhoon, valued at approximately $124 million per unit, serves as a cornerstone of air defense for multiple NATO countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Since its induction into service in 2003, the aircraft has been recognized for its versatility, capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with precision. Its CAPTOR radar system is one of its standout features, providing advanced tracking and targeting capabilities essential for modern aerial combat.
The aircraft's strategic importance cannot be overstated, with many defense analysts drawing comparisons between the Typhoon's role in NATO forces and the F/A-22 Raptor's role in the United States Air Force.
Recurring Issue with War Thunder Forums
This latest incident is not isolated. The War Thunder forums have become an unexpected hotspot for military document leaks, with classified details on various systems, including Chinese military assets, having been shared in the past. In this particular case, the individual responsible for the leak has been banned from the forums.
Gaijin Entertainment, the game's developer, has repeatedly urged users to refrain from sharing restricted information. A community manager emphasized,&nbsp;"Please do not, under any circumstances, try to post, use or share any sources unless you are 100% certain they are legally declassified and publicly safe for use. All it does is actively harm future updates and improvements."
Despite these repeated warnings, the leaks continue to surface, raising questions about whether forum moderators and developers have sufficient measures in place to prevent such breaches.
Potential Risks and Consequences
The severity of these leaks depends on how the information is used and by whom. Some defense analysts argue that the real-world operational impact of these leaks is minimal, given the highly technical nature of the data. However, others, including the UK Defence Journal, highlight the potential risks: such disclosures could undermine the operational effectiveness and safety of NATO pilots relying on the Typhoon in active combat zones.
Military and cybersecurity experts point to the need for better digital hygiene practices among individuals with access to classified materials. The temptation to prove a point in online debates should never override national security protocols.
The Cybersecurity Angle
This recurring problem highlights broader cybersecurity vulnerabilities within defense ecosystems. While the leaks stem from individuals rather than systemic cyber breaches, they reveal a cultural gap in understanding digital operational security (OPSEC) among military personnel and defense enthusiasts.
Experts suggest stricter oversight, reinforced digital security training, and better technological measures to track and prevent the unauthorized dissemination of classified material online.
The Eurofighter Typhoon CAPTOR radar leak on the War Thunder forums serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between open-source intelligence gathering and national security breaches. As the frequency of these incidents grows, both military institutions and online platforms must collaborate more effectively to prevent further leaks.
In an era where information travels faster than ever, balancing transparency, accountability, and security remains a pressing challenge for defense stakeholders worldwide.
&nbsp;

Fighter planes equipped with Eurofighter Typhoon Radar

Classified Eurofighter radar details leaked on War Thunder forum, raising security concerns

Eurofighter Typhoon Radar Data Leaked on Forum Again

The relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been defined by an uneasy balance between ideology and political ambition. The RSS, the ideological parent, provided the foundation and moral compass, while the BJP, its political offspring, translated those ideals into electoral success. But today, that balance seems to be fracturing.
The signs of strain are becoming increasingly visible. One prominent example is the BJP's growing reliance on temple politics. Across several states, especially Uttar Pradesh, leaders are aggressively pursuing narratives around uncovering Hindu religious sites beneath non-Hindu structures. This approach has fuelled communal polarisation, serving short-term electoral goals but risking long-term societal harmony.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently intervened, urging restraint. In a pointed statement, he reminded leaders that the Ram Mandir movement was about faith and not about daily Hindu-Muslim confrontations. His words were not just advisory&mdash;they were a warning.
However, Bhagwat&rsquo;s caution was met with resistance. Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand accused political leaders of exploiting religious sentiment to consolidate power and then abandoning the cause when convenient. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya went a step further, asserting that the fight for temple reclamation would continue, regardless of political narratives.
Social media amplified this dissent, with sharp commentary mocking the inconsistency: &ldquo;RSS once said, &lsquo;Wake up, Hindus,&rsquo; but now that Hindus are awake, they&rsquo;re being told to sleep again.&rdquo;
Even Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a powerful figure within the BJP, seemed caught in this tension. His cryptic remark about Lord Vishnu's next avatar being born in Sambhal appeared designed to maintain religious fervour among his base while sidestepping Bhagwat&rsquo;s caution.
But the inconsistencies don&rsquo;t end there. The silence of many RSS leaders on the alleged sidelining of traditional Sanatan deities by the Swaminarayan sect has also raised eyebrows. Observers note that financial and electoral clout often dictates which issues receive attention and which are quietly brushed aside.
This isn&rsquo;t the first public divergence between the two power centres. During the Lok Sabha elections 2024 run-up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared himself a &ldquo;non-biological&rdquo; entity, a remark that drew a veiled rebuke from Bhagwat. The RSS chief cautioned against leaders developing a superhuman self-image, a clear reminder of the organisation&rsquo;s belief in humility and collective effort.
Similarly, disagreements surfaced after the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections, particularly over chief ministerial appointments. While the RSS emphasised grassroots consensus, the BJP prioritised political expediency.
More recently, RSS leaders have reportedly begun reconnecting with old political allies sidelined by the BJP's top two faces. This outreach indicates a subtle yet significant shift&mdash;perhaps an attempt to reclaim lost influence in political decision-making.
At its core, this growing chasm reflects a fundamental question: Has the BJP outgrown the RSS? While the RSS prioritises long-term ideological goals, the BJP&rsquo;s focus has increasingly shifted towards short-term electoral wins. This divergence isn&rsquo;t merely a leadership issue&mdash;it&rsquo;s a philosophical one.
The RSS has traditionally been the ideological anchor of the BJP, but today, it seems to be wrestling for relevance in the face of the party's towering electoral machinery. The cold war brewing between the two isn&rsquo;t just a fleeting disagreement&mdash;it&rsquo;s a reflection of changing priorities and power dynamics.
For now, the ideological genie is out of the bottle, and it&rsquo;s unlikely to return anytime soon. Whether the RSS and BJP can realign their goals or drift further apart remains a question that will shape India&rsquo;s political landscape in the years to come.

The ideological parent and political offspring face a widening chasm over power and priorities

The Growing Rift: BJP and RSS at Crossroads

Masali village in Gujarat&rsquo;s Banaskantha district has been bestowed the distinction of becoming India&rsquo;s first fully solar-powered village in a border region. Located 40 km from the Pakistan border, Masali has equipped all its 119 households with solar rooftops, generating 225.5 kilowatts of electricity&mdash;more than the village&rsquo;s total energy requirements.
The ₹1.16 crore project, implemented under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, was funded through a subsidy of ₹59.81 lakh, ₹35.67 lakh in CSR contributions, and ₹20.52 lakh from public support. This initiative is part of the central and state governments&rsquo; push toward renewable energy to achieve energy self-reliance and environmental sustainability.
District Collector Mihir Patel, who spearheaded the initiative, noted, &ldquo;Masali of Suigam taluka is now a model for the 17 other villages along the district&rsquo;s international border, where solar projects are already in progress. With efforts of the district administration, the village has become fully solar-powered. It is a matter of pride for us that Masali has bagged the title of second fully solar-powered village in Gujarat, after Modhera.&rdquo; 
A committee has been formed under Patel&rsquo;s chairmanship to ensure that villages on the state government&rsquo;s border have 24-hour electricity. Under the Border Development Project, the local administration has taken the initiative to make 11 villages in Sarhad Vav taluka and 06 more villages in Suigam taluka, completely solar-powered. 
Masali residents, led by Sarpanch Magniram Rawal, celebrated the transition, expressing relief at the elimination of electricity bills and thanking the government for resolving long-standing power issues.
&nbsp;

Solar panels atop homes in Masali village

Project completed under PM Surya Ghar Yojana with investment of ₹1.16 crore

Masali Becomes India’s First Border Solar Village

The Indian Coast Guard in Pipavav on Thursday rescued a fisherman after receiving a distress signal from Dariya Dolat One, a fishing vessel about 110 km into sea from Pipavav. 
Indian Coast Guard ship C-409 which was on surveillance at the time was tasked for the evacuation. Swiftly responding to the medical emergency, ICG officials established communication with the boat and evacuated Deva Uka Dabhi, 31. He had sustained critical injury in his right lower abdomen while removing entangled ropes from the boat propeller.
Post evacuation and initial treatment by the ICG medical team at sea, Dabhi was safely brought back to Pipavav Harbour. He was then transferred to Fisheries Association, Jafrabad in stable condition for further medical assistance.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Dabhi receiving medical assistance from ICG officials

31-yr-old suffered an abdomen injury while removing entangled ropes

Fisherman Rescued by ICG off Pipavav

A framework to ensure the traceability of all commercial SMS has been achieved, which is a major step towards creating a safer and spam-free messaging ecosystem, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said on Thursday. 
Under this framework, all principal entities (PEs) such as businesses, banks, and government agencies along with their telemarketers (TMs), were required to declare and register their message transmission paths through blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). 
This chain declaration and binding process ensures end-to-end traceability of every message, from its origin to its delivery, without compromising data security or delays in SMS delivery, said TRAI.
To operationalize this, TRAI issued a directive on August 20, 2024 mandating the traceability of all commercial messages starting November 1 2024. 
Recognizing the scale of the activities involved in implementation, TRAI extended the compliance deadlines first to November 30 and later to December 10 to enable the smooth onboarding of approximately 1.13 lakh active PEs across diverse sectors such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and real estate.
TRAI adopted a collaborative approach by engaging with key sectoral regulators like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and government agencies such as NIC, CDAC, and state governments to promote awareness and accelerate declaration and binding efforts. 
Access providers also played a crucial role in supporting PEs and TMs through targeted outreach campaigns and technical guidance for seamless integration into the DLT system.
To minimize disruptions, TRAI introduced an innovative implementation strategy during the initial enforcement period. While the chain binding regulations were technically enforced, messages sent through undeclared paths were temporarily allowed, but flagged with error codes.&nbsp;
These error codes were shared with the concerned PEs to enable corrective actions without disrupting critical messages like OTPs or other time-sensitive communications. This consumer-centric approach ensured uninterrupted messaging services while maintaining regulatory compliance.
As a result of these coordinated efforts led by TRAI, all major PEs have now registered their message transmission chains with access providers. 
Effective December 11, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected, marking the culmination of this massive exercise.
The traceability initiative complements other anti-spam measures introduced by TRAI, such as the disconnection of all telecom resources used by spammers, URL whitelisting in SMS, and the migration of 140-series telemarketers to DLT platforms.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India —File Photo

Banks, businesses to register message transmission paths for safer, spam-free messaging

TRAI Ensures Traceable Commercial Messaging

Officials of investigating agencies probing the rackets engaged in arranging fake Indian passports for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, are now trying to track the roots of this menace in a section of public distribution system (PDS) dealers in West Bengal. 
Sources said that preliminary investigation has revealed such errant PDS dealers constitute the base of the pyramid structure in the racket of the creation of fake passports.
Explaining the modus operandi of the crime, the sources said that once an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant steps into the Indian side and contacts the agents of such rackets, the process of creation of fake ration cards for the infiltrator begins.
The agents of such rackets contact the local PDS dealers for the list of ration cards that expired recently because of the demise of the cardholder concerned or for not collecting rations allotted for that card for a long time. Thereafter, one such particular card was selected and based on that, a general diary on its misplacement was filed.
Later, based on that general diary, the expired card was revived showing the illegal infiltrator as the beneficiary of the card. Thereafter, the chain system of the next lines of creation of fake Indian documents starts first with EPIC cards, followed by PAN and Aaadhaar cards and finally fake passports.
The sources said errant PDS dealers&rsquo; involvement was the base of the pyramid structure of this menace and involving a section of the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) was the peak of the same structure.
So far five persons have been arrested in West Bengal in connection with such fake passport rackets of which two, Dipankar Das and Deepak Mondal, are contractual POPSK staff.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Five people arrested for involvement in the racket so far

They allegedly create fake docs by reviving govt ID cards of deceased

Bengal Passport Racket: Cops Track PDS Dealers

After saying religion is &lsquo;not fashionable&rsquo; in Hollywood, two-time Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington has been baptized and became a minister.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The star was baptized, receiving a certificate of baptism, as well as a minister&rsquo;s license, meaning that he can later get ordained, reports deadline.com.
The event took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ located in New York City&rsquo;s Harlem, per Today. First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York live streamed the service on Facebook.
The actor said: &ldquo;In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I&rsquo;m here.&rdquo;
He went on to thank his wife, Pauletta Washington.
The award-winning star has been open about his faith before, telling Esquire last month that while talk of religion in Hollywood is rare, he is unflinching in his resolve to share his beliefs and experience.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m unafraid. I don&rsquo;t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it&mdash;you can&rsquo;t talk like that and win Oscars. You can&rsquo;t talk like that and party. You can&rsquo;t say that in this town,&rdquo; he wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.
He continued at the time, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not fashionable. It&rsquo;s not sexy. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean people in Hollywood don&rsquo;t believe. There&rsquo;s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It&rsquo;s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So I don&rsquo;t know how many other actors have faith. I didn&rsquo;t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there&rsquo;s no &lsquo;church actor meetings&rsquo; I have been to.&rdquo;
Upcoming on Washington&rsquo;s docket is Spike Lee&rsquo;s Apple Original project Highest 2 Lowest, alongside A$AP Rocky &amp; Ice Spice.
&mdash;IANS

The veteran actor gets baptized and receives a minister’s license in New York

Denzel Washington is Now a Minister!

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday revealed that New Delhi has taken &ldquo;seriously&rdquo; the latest threat issued by the US-based Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against India&rsquo;s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra and raised it accordingly with the authorities in Washington.
In a recent video, Pannun threatened that Kwatra is on the radar of pro-Khalistani Sikhs in America for allegedly coordinating with Russian authorities, who in turn were providing inputs to Indian intelligence agencies on the Khalistani network in the United States.
&ldquo;As and when such threats are issued, we take them very seriously and raise them with the US government. In this particular case also, we have raised it with the US government and it is our expectation that the United States government will take our security concerns seriously and act on it,&rdquo; MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
A former foreign secretary, Kwatra took charge as India&rsquo;s Ambassador to the United States in August this year, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
His appointment came at a time when Khalistani separatists continue to target Hindu community in the country and also the Indian missions.
Khalistanis have been found to be involved in incidents of defacement of temples, including in California and New York, and also in acts of arson and vandalism at the Indian embassy in San Francisco.
Several lawmakers, including Shri Thanedar&mdash;a Democrat elected to the House of Representatives from Michigan state&mdash;have raised alarm over the &ldquo;substantial increase&rdquo; in attacks on Hindus and their places of worship in the United States.
The lawmaker had recently expressed frustration with the investigating agency for their failure to find the culprits behind the incidents at the temples and the consulate.
&ldquo;It appears to be a very coordinated effort to attack these places of worship which has created a lot of fear in the community. And often what we have seen is that the law enforcement, the local law enforcement enters into these investigations and rarely any suspects have been identified, and that investigation goes nowhere.
&ldquo;What that does is that it leaves the community feeling like nobody cares about them. Nobody reports back to them on what&rsquo;s going on. And that means that the community continues to live in fear, the computing community continues to live in an adverse situation with essentially no help from law enforcement,&rdquo; he said.
The lawmaker went on to state that he and his colleagues are asking the US Department of Justice for &ldquo;coordinated efforts between the local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice, and higher priority needs to be assigned to such hate crimes against this peaceful community&rdquo;.
&mdash;IANS

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly briefing in New Delhi

Ministry assures Khalistani attacks, vandalism issue raised with US authorities

Pannun’s Threat to Indian Ambassador ‘serious’: MEA

&nbsp;A routine traffic stop spiraled into a scene of chaos and devastation on Saturday evening when a suspected drunk driver led authorities on a high-speed chase, ultimately crashing through the glass doors of a JCPenney store inside Killeen Mall. The incident left at least five people injured and ended with the suspect being fatally shot by law enforcement.
The events began around 5 p.m. local time, according to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Bryan Washko, when an officer flagged a black pickup truck for suspected DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in the nearby city of Belton, roughly 20 miles east of Killeen.
The suspect refused to stop, igniting a high-speed pursuit that ended in the Killeen Mall parking lot. In a shocking turn, the driver rammed the front glass doors of JCPenney and proceeded to plow through the store's interior, indiscriminately striking shoppers.
Authorities, including a Texas DPS trooper and a Killeen Police officer, pursued the vehicle on foot as it drove several hundred yards through the store, hitting people in its path.
&ldquo;The trooper and the officer continued on foot after this vehicle, which was driving through the store actively running people over," said Sgt. Washko.
In a chaotic confrontation, officers from multiple agencies opened fire, fatally shooting the suspect inside the store.
At least five victims, aged between 6 and 75, sustained injuries. Four were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals, while one person self-transported. Their conditions remain unconfirmed.
&ldquo;Thankfully he was stopped when he was because it could have been so much worse," added Washko. "This mall is pretty busy this time of year."
Authorities have confirmed that initial reports of an active shooter were false and assured the public that the scene is secure. However, they urged residents to stay clear of the area while investigations continue.
The vehicle remained inside the mall as of Saturday night, and the Texas Rangers Division will assist Texas DPS in leading the investigation.

JC Penny store at the Killeen Mall after car crashed into the store

Suspected DWI driver crashes into Killeen Mall, injuring 5 before being fatally shot

Deadly Chaos: Truck Plows Through Killeen Mall in Texas

Every year in the highlands of Ethiopia, when the rain returns after a parched dry season, a dazzling sight unfolds. Vast fields of a plant known as the Ethiopian red hot poker revive from their crinkled, withered state, and bloom into fiery torch-like flowers. From June to November, these bright blossoms offer a precious resource: a profusion of sweet nectar.
Among the humming flash of sunbirds and insects drawn to the flowers, an unusual visitor appears: the Ethiopian wolf. Approaching a cone-shaped flower head, it licks the bottom, lapping up nectar and looking quite visibly pleased. As it moves from flower to flower, its muzzle becomes dusted with pollen. Can a wolf actually be a pollinator?
The Ethiopian wolf is a slender canid about the size of a large dog, with a reddish coat, white markings on its throat and chest, and a black bushy tail. It lives only in Ethiopia, in a few areas of high-altitude &ldquo;sky islands&rdquo; that emerge above the tropical forests below. With fewer than 500 alive today, it is Africa&rsquo;s most endangered carnivore.
I&rsquo;m part of a team of scientists, working under the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, who have detailed this surprising nectar-feeding and the wolf&rsquo;s potential role in pollination. We recently published our findings in the journal Ecology.
The conservation programme, a joint initiative between the University of Oxford and Ethiopian colleagues, has worked to protect Ethiopian wolves for more than 30 years. While these findings were only published recently, Claudio Sillero, founder and director of the programme, first observed wolves feeding on flowers years ago.
&ldquo;As I sat in a rocky shelter, I trained my binoculars on a wolf zigzagging through a stand of red hot pokers, pausing to lick a vivid red and yellow inflorescence, and moving on to the next,&rdquo; he recalls. &ldquo;Having tasted them myself, I knew they were heavy with sweet nectar. But I wasn&rsquo;t quite expecting the wolves also had a sweet tooth!&rdquo;
Other colleagues were also familiar with the plant. &ldquo;It is considered a medicinal plant in Ethiopia and its nectar is traditionally used to sweeten coffee, or on kita, our flatbread,&rdquo; explained Abdi Samune, one of our wolf monitors.
Capturing the evidence
The publication emerged from a series of serendipitous events. A few years back, Adrien Lesaffre, a wildlife photographer, became a close collaborator of ours. After hearing about the nectar-feeding behaviour, he made it his mission to get good pictures of the wolves foraging among flowers. At the time, except occasional sightings, nothing much was known.
&ldquo;It took me two years, several trips to the mountains, tons of patience and great efforts to get my first pictures of a wolf licking the flowers,&rdquo; said Adrien. The close-up pictures captured the amount of pollen deposited on the wolves&rsquo; muzzles. This was striking evidence of their potential role in transferring pollen between flowers.
As we investigated further, it became clear it was not an exceptional occurrence. On the contrary, the wolves really were seeking out the nectar and could spend a substantial amount of time foraging for it. For instance, we noted one female wolf spent 1.5 hours in a flower field and visited 30 different flower heads. Dissecting the flowers confirmed that pollen could be deposited by a mammal. Armed with all the new evidence, we shared our findings in a scientific journal.
Redefining the role of carnivores
Our work challenges conventional thinking about plant-pollinator interactions, especially regarding the role that predators can play.
There are a few nectar-eating pollinator mammals, mostly species of bats. Nectar feeding is uncommon in carnivores and typically only small species do it, such as civets or mongooses. Omnivorous bears, such as sun bears, may eat nectar too, although it is poorly documented.
That&rsquo;s why the Ethiopian wolf&rsquo;s behaviour is groundbreaking. Normally a specialized rodent hunter, it is the first large carnivorous predator documented consuming nectar.
While nectar is unlikely to provide enough nutrition to sustain the wolves&rsquo; daily needs, it can provide a small energy boost. A tasty treat to start the day or as dessert, to top up a rodent meal.
Ethiopian wolves usually hunt giant mole rats and other rodents. Adrien Lesaffre
Whether the wolves can be effective pollinators remains to be confirmed, but it&rsquo;s worth exploring what this means for the red hot poker flower. And perhaps the Ethiopian wolf is not the only nectar-loving large predator. Greater awareness of such atypical interactions might lead to new examples being discovered in other systems.
Conserving unique species interactions
Pollination is a crucial process sustaining biodiversity. A nectarivorous wolf potentially involved in pollination highlights the complex interactions that can appear in these unique &ldquo;Afroalpine&rdquo; ecosystems. In this fragile environment, where both the wolves and the flowers are vulnerable, understanding these relationships is vital for conservation efforts.
The Ethiopian highlands are a biodiversity hotspot, yet their apex predator faces increasing threats from habitat loss, disease transmission, and climate change.
Although our programme&rsquo;s mission is to save the wolves, there is crucial value in conserving not just a species, but also the ecological processes they help support. Preserving the Afroalpine ecosystem, in turn, ensures that the many species and local communities relying on them will continue to thrive.
(Sandra Lai is a Postdoctoral Researcher, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, University of Oxford. This article first appeared in theconversation.com)

A tasty treat to start the day or dessert to top up a rodent meal? (Pic: Carine Lavril)

How scientists discovered the first large carnivore that pollinates flowers in Ethiopia

Wolves with a Taste for Nectar?

A festive evening turned into a nightmare in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday when a car plowed into a crowded Christmas market, killing at least two people, including a toddler, and injuring over 60 others. Authorities have declared it a deliberate attack. Eyewitnesses to the incident claims that at least 11 are killed in the attack.
&nbsp;
The horrifying incident unfolded around 7 p.m. as families and holiday shoppers filled the market. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the speeding vehicle tore through wooden stalls, scattering decorations, and sending people diving for cover.
&nbsp;
Verified video footage captured the aftermath &mdash; shattered glass, overturned stalls, and the suspect surrendering. The driver, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who has been living in Germany since 2006, was seen stepping out of the wreckage, raising his hands, and lying face down on the cold pavement before being taken into custody by heavily armed police.
&nbsp;
Local authorities, including Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, identified the suspect as a practicing doctor from Bernburg, a town 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg. While officials believe he acted alone, the investigation remains ongoing, with counterterrorism units involved.
&nbsp;
"Every human life lost in this attack is a tragedy," said Reiner Haseloff, Governor of Saxony-Anhalt, visibly shaken during a press conference. "We must remain vigilant, especially during such significant cultural events."
&nbsp;
The death toll could rise as at least 15 victims are reported to have sustained critical injuries. Hospitals across the region are on high alert, with emergency services working tirelessly to stabilize patients.
&nbsp;
The attack echoes painful memories of the 2016 Berlin Christmas market tragedy, where 13 lives were lost in a similar assault. Despite increased security measures at holiday events across Germany, vulnerabilities remain.
&nbsp;
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand united with Magdeburg in this time of grief."
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CCTV image of the Christmas Market of  Magdeburg after terrorist attack

Car plows into bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, leaving two dead, dozens injured

Deadly Attack Shatters Magdeburg Christmas Market

The Independence Day vacation enhanced the performance of "Stree 2," which led to an amazing opening on Thursday, August 15. The movie, which starred Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, took in ₹46 crore nett its opening day.
According to Sacnilk, the opening day total revenue reached an astounding ₹54.35 crore when the ₹8.35 crore from Wednesday's paid previews were added. This outstanding beginning demonstrated the film's capacity to draw sizable crowds during a popular Christmas season and laid the groundwork for a successful box office run.
With ₹8 crore from special previews on Wednesday and an additional ₹46 crore on its formal opening day, "Stree 2" made a remarkable start. With this bringing its total to around ₹54.25 crore, it surpassed earlier record holders like Kalki 2898 AD (Hindi) and Fighter to become the highest-grossing opening day movie of 2024 thus far.
To put the first Stree's six-day run to ₹54.88 crore in perspective, one can see how remarkable Stree 2's opening is. Stree 2 broke records on its first day of business, taking in 75.09% occupancy. It also became the third-highest opening film in Hindi cinema history, behind only Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (₹65.5 crore) and Pathaan (₹55 crore) from the previous year.
"Stree 2" achieved a first for the horror-comedies category on its first day of release, setting a new record. The highest opening day in this category in the past was Golmaal Again, with ₹30.14 crore.
Not only did Stree 2 break records within its genre, but it also outperformed the first-day box office receipts of well-known franchises and sequels. It broke the record for the biggest opening for a Hindi film sequel, surpassing Tiger 3's ₹43 crore.
Other profitable sequels include the Hindi film Baahubali 2 (₹41 crore), the film Gadar 2 (₹40.1 crore), and the film Tiger Zinda Hai (₹34.1 crore). Stree 2's outstanding success places it alongside Dhoom 3 (₹33.42 crore), Singham Returns (₹32.1 crore), and Golmaal Again as one of Bollywood's biggest franchise launches.
Strong reviews and great word-of-mouth are helping Amar Kaushik's film Stree 2 make the most of its extended holiday weekend. By the end of its first weekend, the movie's net earnings are expected to exceed ₹150 crore, thanks to its strong start. The fact that John Abraham's Vedaa and Akshay Kumar's Khel Khel Mein, both of which debuted in the Hindi market, are strong competitors for this achievement is noteworthy.

સ્વતંત્રતા દિવસના વેકેશને "સ્ત્રી 2" ના પ્રદર્શનમાં વધારો કર્યો, જેના કારણે 15 ઓગસ્ટ, ગુરુવારના રોજ અદ્ભુત શરૂઆત થઈ. રાજકુમાર રાવ અને શ્રદ્ધા કપૂર અભિનીત ફિલ્મે તેના શરૂઆતના દિવસે ₹46 કરોડની કમાણી કરી.
Sacnilk અનુસાર, બુધવારના પેઇડ પ્રીવ્યૂમાંથી ₹8.35 કરોડ ઉમેરવામાં આવતાં શરૂઆતના દિવસે કુલ આવક આશ્ચર્યજનક ₹54.35 કરોડ સુધી પહોંચી હતી. આ ઉત્કૃષ્ટ શરૂઆતે લોકપ્રિય ક્રિસમસ સીઝન દરમિયાન મોટા પ્રમાણમાં ભીડ ખેંચવાની ફિલ્મની ક્ષમતા દર્શાવી અને બોક્સ ઓફિસ પર સફળ રન માટે પાયો નાખ્યો.
બુધવારે વિશેષ પૂર્વાવલોકનોમાંથી ₹8 કરોડ અને તેના ઔપચારિક શરૂઆતના દિવસે વધારાના ₹46 કરોડ સાથે, "સ્ત્રી 2" એ નોંધપાત્ર શરૂઆત કરી હતી. આનાથી તેની કુલ કિંમત લગભગ ₹54.25 કરોડ થઈ છે, તેણે કલ્કી 2898 એડી (હિન્દી) અને ફાઈટર જેવા અગાઉના રેકોર્ડ ધારકોને વટાવીને અત્યાર સુધીમાં 2024ની ઓપનિંગ ડેની સૌથી વધુ કમાણી કરનાર મૂવી બની ગઈ છે.
પ્રથમ સ્ટ્રીના છ-દિવસીય રનને ₹54.88 કરોડના પરિપ્રેક્ષ્યમાં મૂકવા માટે, વ્યક્તિ જોઈ શકે છે કે સ્ટ્રી 2 ની શરૂઆત કેટલી નોંધપાત્ર છે. સ્ટ્રી 2 એ તેના વ્યવસાયના પ્રથમ દિવસે 75.09% ઓક્યુપન્સી લઈને રેકોર્ડ તોડ્યો. તે હિન્દી સિનેમાના ઈતિહાસમાં ત્રીજી સૌથી વધુ ઓપનિંગ કરનારી ફિલ્મ પણ બની હતી, માત્ર શાહરૂખ ખાનની જવાન (₹65.5 કરોડ) અને પઠાણ (₹55 કરોડ) પાછળ.
"સ્ત્રી 2" એ તેની રજૂઆતના પ્રથમ દિવસે હોરર-કોમેડી કેટેગરીમાં પ્રથમ સિદ્ધિ હાંસલ કરી, એક નવો રેકોર્ડ બનાવ્યો. ભૂતકાળમાં આ કેટેગરીમાં સૌથી વધુ ઓપનિંગ ડે ગોલમાલ અગેઇન હતો, જેમાં ₹30.14 કરોડ હતો.
સ્ટ્રી 2 એ તેની શૈલીમાં માત્ર રેકોર્ડ તોડ્યા જ નહીં, પરંતુ તેણે જાણીતી ફ્રેન્ચાઈઝી અને સિક્વલની પ્રથમ દિવસની બોક્સ ઓફિસની રસીદોને પણ પાછળ રાખી દીધી. તેણે ટાઇગર 3 ના ₹43 કરોડને વટાવીને હિન્દી ફિલ્મની સિક્વલ માટે સૌથી મોટી ઓપનિંગનો રેકોર્ડ તોડ્યો.
અન્ય નફાકારક સિક્વલમાં હિન્દી ફિલ્મ બાહુબલી 2 (₹41 કરોડ), ફિલ્મ ગદર 2 (₹40.1 કરોડ), અને ફિલ્મ ટાઇગર ઝિંદા હૈ (₹34.1 કરોડ)નો સમાવેશ થાય છે. સ્ટ્રી 2 ની ઉત્કૃષ્ટ સફળતા તેને ધૂમ 3 (₹33.42 કરોડ), સિંઘમ રિટર્ન્સ (₹32.1 કરોડ), અને ગોલમાલ અગેઇનની સાથે બોલિવૂડની સૌથી મોટી ફ્રેન્ચાઇઝી લોન્ચમાંની એક તરીકે સ્થાન આપે છે.
સશક્ત સમીક્ષાઓ અને અદ્ભુત શબ્દો અમર કૌશિકની ફિલ્મ સ્ત્રી 2ને તેના વિસ્તૃત રજાના સપ્તાહાંતનો મહત્તમ ઉપયોગ કરવામાં મદદ કરી રહ્યાં છે. તેના પ્રથમ સપ્તાહના અંત સુધીમાં, તેની મજબૂત શરૂઆતને કારણે, મૂવીની ચોખ્ખી કમાણી ₹150 કરોડથી વધુ થવાની ધારણા છે. હકીકત એ છે કે જ્હોન અબ્રાહમની વેદા અને અક્ષય કુમારની ખેલ ખેલ મેં, જે બંનેએ હિન્દી બજારમાં પ્રવેશ કર્યો હતો, તે આ સિદ્ધિ માટે મજબૂત હરીફ છે.

‘Stree 2’ Sets Box Office Ablaze with ₹46 Crore Opening Day

'સ્ત્રી 2' પ્રથમ દિવસે ₹40 કરોડને પાર કરનાર પ્રથમ હોરર-કોમેડી બની

‘સ્ત્રી 2’ એ બોક્સ ઓફિસને ₹46 કરોડના ઓપનિંગ ડે સાથે સળગાવી દીધી

स्वतंत्रता दिवस की छुट्टियों ने "स्त्री 2" के प्रदर्शन को बढ़ावा दिया, जिससे गुरुवार, 15 अगस्त को शानदार शुरुआत हुई। राजकुमार राव और श्रद्धा कपूर स्टारर इस फिल्म ने पहले दिन 46 करोड़ की कमाई की। सैकनिल्क के अनुसार, बुधवार के भुगतान पूर्वावलोकन से ₹8.35 करोड़ जोड़े गए, जिससे पहले दिन की कुल कमाई ₹54.35 करोड़ हो गई। इस उत्कृष्ट शुरुआत ने लोकप्रिय क्रिसमस सीज़न के दौरान बड़ी भीड़ खींचने की फिल्म की क्षमता का प्रदर्शन किया और बॉक्स ऑफिस पर सफल प्रदर्शन की नींव रखी। बुधवार को विशेष पूर्वावलोकन से ₹8 करोड़ और आधिकारिक उद्घाटन दिवस पर अतिरिक्त ₹46 करोड़ के साथ, "स्त्री 2" को उल्लेखनीय शुरुआत मिली। इसने अपनी कुल कमाई लगभग ₹54.25 करोड़ तक पहुंचा दी और कल्कि 2898 एडी (हिंदी) और फाइटर जैसे पिछले रिकॉर्ड धारकों को पीछे छोड़ते हुए 2024 की अब तक की सबसे पहले दिन में कमाई करने वाली फिल्म बन गई। पहले स्ट्रीक की ₹54.88 करोड़ की छह दिन की कमाई को परिप्रेक्ष्य में रखने पर, कोई देख सकता है कि स्ट्रीक 2 की शुरुआत कितनी उल्लेखनीय है। स्त्री 2 ने अपने बिजनेस के पहले दिन 75.09% ऑक्यूपेंसी लेकर रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया। यह हिंदी सिनेमा के इतिहास में शाहरुख खान की जवान (₹65.5 करोड़) और पठान (₹55 करोड़) के बाद तीसरी सबसे बड़ी ओपनिंग वाली फिल्म बन गई। "स्त्री 2" ने रिलीज के पहले ही दिन हॉरर-कॉमेडी श्रेणी में पहली उपलब्धि हासिल करते हुए एक नया रिकॉर्ड बनाया। इस श्रेणी में पिछला सबसे बड़ा ओपनिंग डे गोलमाल अगेन था, जिसने ₹30.14 करोड़ कमाए थे। स्त्री 2 ने न केवल अपनी शैली में रिकॉर्ड तोड़े, बल्कि प्रसिद्ध फ्रेंचाइजी और सीक्वल की शुरुआती दिन की बॉक्स ऑफिस कमाई को भी पीछे छोड़ दिया। इसने टाइगर 3 के ₹43 करोड़ को पार कर लिया, और किसी हिंदी फिल्म सीक्वल की सबसे बड़ी ओपनिंग का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया। अन्य लाभदायक सीक्वल में हिंदी फिल्म बाहुबली 2 (₹41 करोड़), फिल्म ग़दर 2 (₹40.1 करोड़), और फिल्म टाइगर जिंदा है (₹34.1 करोड़) शामिल हैं। स्त्री 2 की अभूतपूर्व सफलता ने इसे धूम 3 (₹33.42 करोड़), सिंघम रिटर्न्स (₹32.1 करोड़) और गोलमाल अगेन के साथ बॉलीवुड की सबसे बड़ी फ्रेंचाइजी लॉन्च में से एक बना दिया। मजबूत समीक्षा और शानदार वर्ड ऑफ माउथ अमर कौशिक की स्त्री 2 को अपने विस्तारित अवकाश सप्ताहांत का अधिकतम लाभ उठाने में मदद कर रही है। अपनी दमदार ओपनिंग के चलते पहले वीकेंड के अंत तक फिल्म का नेट कलेक्शन 150 करोड़ रुपये से ज्यादा होने की उम्मीद है. तथ्य यह है कि जॉन अब्राहम की वेदा और अक्षय कुमार की खेल-खेल मैं, दोनों ही हिंदी बाजार में प्रवेश कर चुकी हैं, इस उपलब्धि के लिए मजबूत दावेदार हैं।

'स्त्री 2' ओपनिंग डे पर ₹40 करोड़ का आंकड़ा पार करने वाली पहली हॉरर-कॉमेडी बन गई है

'स्त्री 2' ने पहले दिन 46 करोड़ की कमाई के साथ बॉक्स ऑफिस पर आग लगा दी

‘Stree 2’ becomes First Horror-Comedy to Cross ₹40 Crore on Day 1

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