July 5, 2026

November 2025

‘To protect national interests’: Iran seizes oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz; claims ship was carrying ‘illegal consignment’

‘To protect national interests’: Iran seizes oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz; claims ship was carrying ‘illegal consignment’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Iran on Saturday confirmed seizing a Marshall Islands–flagged oil tanker as the ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alleging the vessel was carrying an “illegal consignment.” A statement carried by the official IRNA news agency noted that “the tanker was taken to Iranian waters.” The IRGC added…

Read More
Bihar’s 2025 election saw the NDA retain power, with Nitish Kumar expected to remain CM. The victory was bolstered by new, youthful leaders like Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur, complementing experienced governance and welfare delivery. This blend of seasoned leadership and fresh energy proved more effective than relying solely on youth or old popularity, highlighting a complex social landscape. Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary roles that helped NDA push past the 200-seat mark. The lesson from this election is clear – in Bihar’s complex social landscape, a mix of experienced leaders, steady welfare delivery and energetic young faces has proved more effective than relying only on old popularity or only on youth-driven politics.Despite the surge of young voters, the new Bihar Assembly has actually grown older — with the average MLA age rising to 53, according to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)..A young electorate, a mixed verdictBihar’s demographics set the stage for an assumed Gen Z breakthrough. The state is young: nearly 57–58% of the population is under 25 and Gen Z accounts for roughly 25% of registered voters. Yet the ballot did not produce a wholesale generational turnover. Voter turnout rose to 67.13%, the highest since 1951, but the assembly that emerges remains led by established figures.The paradox points to a deeper truth: youth ambitions are powerful as a narrative, but they need organisation, welfare credibility and cross-cutting alliances to translate into seats. Key Demographic & Election IndicatorsFiguresRegistered voters in Bihar7.44 crorePopulation under 2557–58%Gen Z share among voters25%Newly added voters since 202011.17 lakhTurnout in 2025 election67.13%Women turnout 71.6%Men turnout62.8%Source: ADRBalance beat bravado: Why NDA formula workedNitish Kumar’s appeal rested on delivery and familiarity. His long record including infrastructure, electrification, women-centred schemes and visible rural services have converted into voter trust, especially among families worried about daily survival and local governance. That credibility was amplified by BJP’s organisational muscle power and national messaging, producing a coalition that combined administrative reputation with ground-level reach.But this was not a victory of seniority alone. The NDA’s seat haul hinged on a deliberate fusion of styles: the steady administrative image of Nitish; BJP’s organisational discipline and PM Modi’s national appeal and the insurgent energy of newer coalition partners..Chirag Paswan: The ‘sabji mein namak’ who delivered bigChirag Paswan’s description of himself as “sabji mein namak” captured the strategic role he played. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 of the 29 seats it contested, a performance that materially pushed the NDA beyond the 200-seat threshold. More striking was the party’s ability to wrest seats from the Mahagathbandhan: LJP(RV) took 17 constituencies that had earlier been with the opposition, undercutting expectations about its limited reach.Chirag’s rise was not accidental. His bargaining power had roots in the 2024 Lok Sabha sweep, where his party performed strongly and in smart seat-sharing talks that gave LJP(RV) winnable contests. By winning 19 of the 29 seats it contested in assembly elections, LJP(RV)’s strike rate suggests that the party had converted local appeal into electoral returns and reasserted Chirag as a major NDA face in Bihar’s new political arithmetic.Maithili Thakur: Culture, youth and powerThe BJP’s capture of Alinagar through Maithili Thakur underlined a different dynamic: cultural influence and youth appeal can convert into real votes when rooted in local identity and persistent outreach. The 25-year-old folk singer — a social media star and cultural ambassador for Mithilanchal has defeated RJD’s Binod Mishra and looked set to become the state’s youngest MLA. Her campaign blended grassroots outreach with a strong online following, demonstrating that youthful charisma, when allied to party structure and local ties, can win seats that long resisted the BJP.Why Mahagathbandhan’s youth icons fell shortRahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav aggressively pitched themselves as the voice of young India, placing job creation, caste-based census and economic justice front and centre. Rahul’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” also saw him raise the issue of “vote chori”, warning young voters of manipulation and urging them to defend democracy.Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during Voter Adhikar Yatra Before the first phase of voting in Bihar, in a video message, Rahul addressed his “Gen-Z brothers and sisters” in Bihar, saying: “Tomorrow is not just a day for voting, but a day to decide the direction of Bihar’s future … Stay alert to every conspiracy and manipulation at the booths … The future of Bihar is in your hands.”Tejashwi, in particular, sought to expand his connection with first-time voters through social media-heavy messaging and large rallies projecting himself as the future of Bihar.Yet, critics argued that assurance of results mattered more than rhetoric. Prashant Kishor, once an architect of JD(U)’s electoral strategies, did not miss the opportunity to take a swipe at both sides, calling them outdated in approach and disconnected from ground realities.Kishor questioned Rahul’s deep engagement with the state. He asked, “How much knowledge does Rahul Gandhi have here? Rahul Gandhi comes here, roams around, does a couple of show-bites and then he is gone.” “When the people of Bihar are not listening to him (Rahul Gandhi), then why would Gen Z listen to him? Gen Z is not a homogeneous group in Bihar who acts on someone’s call or on the basis of their assessment,” Kishor said. New and “youth-first” political experiments, including Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj aimed to target a niche of voters through their extensive door-to-door campaigning. However, the party struggled to convert enthusiasm into booth-level performance.Changing politics in Bihar requires patient groundwork: building cadres, stitching alliances and nurturing constituency-specific strategies. A single poll cycle rarely grants instant success.Women and welfare shift the tideAnother twist in Bihar’s electoral story comes from its women voters. This year, women recorded a turnout of 71.6%, significantly higher than the 62.8% turnout among men. This creates a clear gender advantage in the NDA’s favour.Women-centric welfare measures, particularly direct cash transfers and mobility-support initiatives, played a critical role. Nitish Kumar’s long-running focus on women’s empowerment, including the Rs 10,000 direct assistance scheme, strengthened trust and reinforced a dependable female vote bank..The road ahead: Continuity with cautionBihar’s verdict shows that generational change in politics can be gradual rather than revolutionary. For the NDA, the 2025 win validates a coalition approach that pairs veteran governance with youthful faces. For the opposition, the message is stark: charisma must be matched by credible welfare offerings and grassroots architecture.Bihar’s politics will stay complicated. But the 2025 election offered a lesson that is both simple and hard to achieve: in a state as socially layered as Bihar, mixed leadership with combined experience, welfare credibility and new energy is not just desirable, it is essential.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op SindoorEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Bihar’s 2025 election saw the NDA retain power, with Nitish Kumar expected to remain CM. The victory was bolstered by new, youthful leaders like Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur, complementing experienced governance and welfare delivery. This blend of seasoned leadership and fresh energy proved more effective than relying solely on youth or old popularity, highlighting a complex social landscape. Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary roles that helped NDA push past the 200-seat mark. The lesson from this election is clear – in Bihar’s complex social landscape, a mix of experienced leaders, steady welfare delivery and energetic young faces has proved more effective than relying only on old popularity or only on youth-driven politics.Despite the surge of young voters, the new Bihar Assembly has actually grown older — with the average MLA age rising to 53, according to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)..A young electorate, a mixed verdictBihar’s demographics set the stage for an assumed Gen Z breakthrough. The state is young: nearly 57–58% of the population is under 25 and Gen Z accounts for roughly 25% of registered voters. Yet the ballot did not produce a wholesale generational turnover. Voter turnout rose to 67.13%, the highest since 1951, but the assembly that emerges remains led by established figures.The paradox points to a deeper truth: youth ambitions are powerful as a narrative, but they need organisation, welfare credibility and cross-cutting alliances to translate into seats. Key Demographic & Election IndicatorsFiguresRegistered voters in Bihar7.44 crorePopulation under 2557–58%Gen Z share among voters25%Newly added voters since 202011.17 lakhTurnout in 2025 election67.13%Women turnout 71.6%Men turnout62.8%Source: ADRBalance beat bravado: Why NDA formula workedNitish Kumar’s appeal rested on delivery and familiarity. His long record including infrastructure, electrification, women-centred schemes and visible rural services have converted into voter trust, especially among families worried about daily survival and local governance. That credibility was amplified by BJP’s organisational muscle power and national messaging, producing a coalition that combined administrative reputation with ground-level reach.But this was not a victory of seniority alone. The NDA’s seat haul hinged on a deliberate fusion of styles: the steady administrative image of Nitish; BJP’s organisational discipline and PM Modi’s national appeal and the insurgent energy of newer coalition partners..Chirag Paswan: The ‘sabji mein namak’ who delivered bigChirag Paswan’s description of himself as “sabji mein namak” captured the strategic role he played. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 of the 29 seats it contested, a performance that materially pushed the NDA beyond the 200-seat threshold. More striking was the party’s ability to wrest seats from the Mahagathbandhan: LJP(RV) took 17 constituencies that had earlier been with the opposition, undercutting expectations about its limited reach.Chirag’s rise was not accidental. His bargaining power had roots in the 2024 Lok Sabha sweep, where his party performed strongly and in smart seat-sharing talks that gave LJP(RV) winnable contests. By winning 19 of the 29 seats it contested in assembly elections, LJP(RV)’s strike rate suggests that the party had converted local appeal into electoral returns and reasserted Chirag as a major NDA face in Bihar’s new political arithmetic.Maithili Thakur: Culture, youth and powerThe BJP’s capture of Alinagar through Maithili Thakur underlined a different dynamic: cultural influence and youth appeal can convert into real votes when rooted in local identity and persistent outreach. The 25-year-old folk singer — a social media star and cultural ambassador for Mithilanchal has defeated RJD’s Binod Mishra and looked set to become the state’s youngest MLA. Her campaign blended grassroots outreach with a strong online following, demonstrating that youthful charisma, when allied to party structure and local ties, can win seats that long resisted the BJP.Why Mahagathbandhan’s youth icons fell shortRahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav aggressively pitched themselves as the voice of young India, placing job creation, caste-based census and economic justice front and centre. Rahul’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” also saw him raise the issue of “vote chori”, warning young voters of manipulation and urging them to defend democracy.Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during Voter Adhikar Yatra Before the first phase of voting in Bihar, in a video message, Rahul addressed his “Gen-Z brothers and sisters” in Bihar, saying: “Tomorrow is not just a day for voting, but a day to decide the direction of Bihar’s future … Stay alert to every conspiracy and manipulation at the booths … The future of Bihar is in your hands.”Tejashwi, in particular, sought to expand his connection with first-time voters through social media-heavy messaging and large rallies projecting himself as the future of Bihar.Yet, critics argued that assurance of results mattered more than rhetoric. Prashant Kishor, once an architect of JD(U)’s electoral strategies, did not miss the opportunity to take a swipe at both sides, calling them outdated in approach and disconnected from ground realities.Kishor questioned Rahul’s deep engagement with the state. He asked, “How much knowledge does Rahul Gandhi have here? Rahul Gandhi comes here, roams around, does a couple of show-bites and then he is gone.” “When the people of Bihar are not listening to him (Rahul Gandhi), then why would Gen Z listen to him? Gen Z is not a homogeneous group in Bihar who acts on someone’s call or on the basis of their assessment,” Kishor said. New and “youth-first” political experiments, including Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj aimed to target a niche of voters through their extensive door-to-door campaigning. However, the party struggled to convert enthusiasm into booth-level performance.Changing politics in Bihar requires patient groundwork: building cadres, stitching alliances and nurturing constituency-specific strategies. A single poll cycle rarely grants instant success.Women and welfare shift the tideAnother twist in Bihar’s electoral story comes from its women voters. This year, women recorded a turnout of 71.6%, significantly higher than the 62.8% turnout among men. This creates a clear gender advantage in the NDA’s favour.Women-centric welfare measures, particularly direct cash transfers and mobility-support initiatives, played a critical role. Nitish Kumar’s long-running focus on women’s empowerment, including the Rs 10,000 direct assistance scheme, strengthened trust and reinforced a dependable female vote bank..The road ahead: Continuity with cautionBihar’s verdict shows that generational change in politics can be gradual rather than revolutionary. For the NDA, the 2025 win validates a coalition approach that pairs veteran governance with youthful faces. For the opposition, the message is stark: charisma must be matched by credible welfare offerings and grassroots architecture.Bihar’s politics will stay complicated. But the 2025 election offered a lesson that is both simple and hard to achieve: in a state as socially layered as Bihar, mixed leadership with combined experience, welfare credibility and new energy is not just desirable, it is essential.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op SindoorEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary…

Read More
India trade boost: US exempts select farm goods from reciprocal tariffs; GTRI sees marginal gains

India trade boost: US exempts select farm goods from reciprocal tariffs; GTRI sees marginal gains

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India could secure a marginal competitive advantage in a select group of agricultural products after the United States removed several items from its reciprocal tariff list, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has said in a new analysis.A White House Executive Order issued on November 12 exempted coffee, tea, tropical fruits, fruit juices, cocoa, spices,…

Read More
Mark Zuckerberg says researchers at his charity have said ‘No’ to more space and employees, they want …

Mark Zuckerberg says researchers at his charity have said ‘No’ to more space and employees, they want …

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Mark Zuckerberg has shared an update on his charity organisation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Researchers at the organisation that is run by Facebook founder and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are now prioritising computing power, specifically GPUs, over additional lab space and employees to advance their science and AI-focused mission. Speaking at “The a16Z Podcast”,…

Read More
‘Black people can’t swim because of societal expectations’: Michelle Obama’s viral claim sparks controversy | World News

‘Black people can’t swim because of societal expectations’: Michelle Obama’s viral claim sparks controversy | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A clip from Michelle Obama’s recent book-tour appearance has gone viral after she suggested that societal expectations around hair contribute to why some Black women avoid activities like swimming. The remark quickly spread across X, where some users heavily mocked the statement, turning it into a viral moment on social media. The clip continued circulating…

Read More
Police burst international cybercrime racket that targeted Americans in the guise of Microsoft Technical Support personnel handling Federal Trade Commission. – BENGALURU: In what looks like a major syndicate of an international cybercrime network, a gang operating from the city targeted citizens in the USA and siphoned off money under the pretext of Microsoft Technical Support personnel handling the ‘Federal Trade Commission’. The gang was busted. However, cops are yet to discover the number of victims and the amount lost by them. Acting on a tip-off, police teams from the special cell of the Cyber Command, along with sleuths from the Cyber Crime Police Station, Whitefield division, raided the office premises of Musk Communications located on the 6th Floor, Delta Building, Sigma Soft Tech Park, Whitefield Main Road, near Varthur Kodi. They seized computers, hard disks, laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets. Additionally, 21 staffers working in the office were arrested. They were produced before a court on Saturday evening and were taken into police custody for questioning. Equipped with a search warrant from a court, the raids were carried out on Friday and Saturday.The firm Musk Communications rented a spacious 4,500 square feet office premises from this August, police investigations revealed. “We have to question the building owner on some points. Also, the rent for this office premises runs into several lakhs for sure,” an investigating officer said.A senior police officer explained their modus operandi to STOI and said, “The miscreants deployed malicious Facebook advertisements to freeze victims’ computers, falsely claimed data compromise, and extorted money under the guise of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violations. They ran targeted Facebook advertisement campaigns aimed at United States-based users, embedding malicious code disguised as genuine service links or security alerts,” he said, adding that “When an unsuspecting user clicked on the advertisement, the code executed and locked the system. A pop-up message then appeared, falsely claiming to be from Microsoft Global Technical Support and displaying a fake helpline number. Once victims contacted the number, the fraudsters impersonated technical support executives. They misled victims by claiming their computers were hacked, their IP addresses were compromised, and that their banking credentials and personal data were at high risk. Under the pretext of resolving the alleged hacking and ‘FTC violations’, the fraudsters falsely claimed that the Federal Trade Commission was involved. They coerced victims into paying for security fixes, compliance procedures, or immediate risk mitigation, collecting large sums from them,” he said.Director General of Police-Cyber Command Unit, Bengaluru, Pronab Mohanty, said they suspect miscreants of duping the victims of hundreds of crores in the form of bitcoins. According to Mohanty, they acted on a concrete tip-off about the company and its illegal activities.“The raids were carried out for two days. During the operation, 21 employees, who were actively involved in cheating foreign nationals by posing as Microsoft support technicians, were secured and arrested. Several computer systems, digital devices, mobile phones, and other electronic evidence used for committing the offence were seized. A large and detailed picture will come out in the near future as we question the suspects,” Mohanty said.About the AuthorRajiv KalkodRajiv Kalkod is an Assistant Editor with over 20-years’ experience covering Crime and Courts.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe‘Very Bleak Message To World’: South Africa Envoy Condemns Delhi Blast And Seeks Joint Action123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Police burst international cybercrime racket that targeted Americans in the guise of Microsoft Technical Support personnel handling Federal Trade Commission. – BENGALURU: In what looks like a major syndicate of an international cybercrime network, a gang operating from the city targeted citizens in the USA and siphoned off money under the pretext of Microsoft Technical Support personnel handling the ‘Federal Trade Commission’. The gang was busted. However, cops are yet to discover the number of victims and the amount lost by them. Acting on a tip-off, police teams from the special cell of the Cyber Command, along with sleuths from the Cyber Crime Police Station, Whitefield division, raided the office premises of Musk Communications located on the 6th Floor, Delta Building, Sigma Soft Tech Park, Whitefield Main Road, near Varthur Kodi. They seized computers, hard disks, laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets. Additionally, 21 staffers working in the office were arrested. They were produced before a court on Saturday evening and were taken into police custody for questioning. Equipped with a search warrant from a court, the raids were carried out on Friday and Saturday.The firm Musk Communications rented a spacious 4,500 square feet office premises from this August, police investigations revealed. “We have to question the building owner on some points. Also, the rent for this office premises runs into several lakhs for sure,” an investigating officer said.A senior police officer explained their modus operandi to STOI and said, “The miscreants deployed malicious Facebook advertisements to freeze victims’ computers, falsely claimed data compromise, and extorted money under the guise of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violations. They ran targeted Facebook advertisement campaigns aimed at United States-based users, embedding malicious code disguised as genuine service links or security alerts,” he said, adding that “When an unsuspecting user clicked on the advertisement, the code executed and locked the system. A pop-up message then appeared, falsely claiming to be from Microsoft Global Technical Support and displaying a fake helpline number. Once victims contacted the number, the fraudsters impersonated technical support executives. They misled victims by claiming their computers were hacked, their IP addresses were compromised, and that their banking credentials and personal data were at high risk. Under the pretext of resolving the alleged hacking and ‘FTC violations’, the fraudsters falsely claimed that the Federal Trade Commission was involved. They coerced victims into paying for security fixes, compliance procedures, or immediate risk mitigation, collecting large sums from them,” he said.Director General of Police-Cyber Command Unit, Bengaluru, Pronab Mohanty, said they suspect miscreants of duping the victims of hundreds of crores in the form of bitcoins. According to Mohanty, they acted on a concrete tip-off about the company and its illegal activities.“The raids were carried out for two days. During the operation, 21 employees, who were actively involved in cheating foreign nationals by posing as Microsoft support technicians, were secured and arrested. Several computer systems, digital devices, mobile phones, and other electronic evidence used for committing the offence were seized. A large and detailed picture will come out in the near future as we question the suspects,” Mohanty said.About the AuthorRajiv KalkodRajiv Kalkod is an Assistant Editor with over 20-years’ experience covering Crime and Courts.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe‘Very Bleak Message To World’: South Africa Envoy Condemns Delhi Blast And Seeks Joint Action123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

BENGALURU: In what looks like a major syndicate of an international cybercrime network, a gang operating from the city targeted citizens in the USA and siphoned off money under the pretext of Microsoft Technical Support personnel handling the ‘Federal Trade Commission’. The gang was busted. However, cops are yet to discover the number of victims…

Read More
Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, November 16 to November 22, 2025: Expect a week of highs and lows

Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, November 16 to November 22, 2025: Expect a week of highs and lows

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Sagittarius, your week is a blend of optimism, self-discovery, and moments of caution. Early on, recognition or success in social and professional realms lifts your spirits. You may receive praise for your contributions, land new opportunities, or find yourself surrounded by well-wishers. However, don’t let the euphoria blind you to practical realities—double-check all agreements and…

Read More
Delhi Police file new FIR; uncovers ‘deeper conspiracy’ in Red Fort car blast; doctor module used ‘spycraft’ tactics

Delhi Police file new FIR; uncovers ‘deeper conspiracy’ in Red Fort car blast; doctor module used ‘spycraft’ tactics

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The special cell of Delhi Police has filed an FIR to probe what it claimed was a deeper conspiracy in connection with the car blast near Red Fort.The first FIR registered under UAPA was transferred to NIA. The special cell has invoked sections of criminal conspiracy in this FIR and will reportedly make…

Read More
Make America Grate Again: Trump vs MTG in epic MAGA maelstrom after she tries to maim H1b visas

Make America Grate Again: Trump vs MTG in epic MAGA maelstrom after she tries to maim H1b visas

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

WASHINGTON: MAGA supremo Donald Trump on Friday unloaded on a one-time loyalist lawmaker after she broke ranks and mutinied on a range of issues, including moving a bill to nix the H1b visa program. In growing signs of major fissures and brewing rebellion in the MAGA movement, Republican Congresswoman and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene,…

Read More
‘What’s the signing bonus?’ Rob Gronkowski’s one-day Patriots deal sparks one question: Could he really get a Super Bowl ring?

‘What’s the signing bonus?’ Rob Gronkowski’s one-day Patriots deal sparks one question: Could he really get a Super Bowl ring?

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Rob Gronkowski’s one-day Patriots contract sparked a bigger debate: Could he get a Super Bowl ring if New England wins? (Image via Getty) Rob Gronkowski walked into Foxborough this week to sign a one-day contract and retire as a New England Patriot. It was supposed to be simple. A ceremony. A final bow. A goodbye…

Read More
Make America Great Again: Trump vs MTG in epic MAGA maelstrom after she tries to maim H1b visas

Make America Great Again: Trump vs MTG in epic MAGA maelstrom after she tries to maim H1b visas

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

WASHINGTON: MAGA supremo Donald Trump on Friday unloaded on a one-time loyalist lawmaker after she broke ranks and mutinied on a range of issues, including moving a bill to nix the H1b visa program. In growing signs of major fissures and brewing rebellion in the MAGA movement, Republican Congresswoman and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene,…

Read More
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, referencing the RJD leader’s vow to discard the Waqf Amendment Act if his alliance won in Bihar. Modi stated that the people of Bihar rejected this “communal poison” and chose development, following the NDA’s victory in the state assembly elections. PM Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, recalling the RJD leader’s earlier remark on what would happen to the Waqf Amendment Act if the opposition Mahagathbandhan came to power in Bihar. PM Modi’s comments came a day after the Mahagathbandhan suffered a heavy defeat in the Bihar assembly elections, with the ruling NDA sweeping the state. Tejashwi Yadav was the opposition alliance’s chief ministerial candidate.“In Bihar, public land was frequently encroached upon and converted into Waqf property. We have seen a similar situation in Tamil Nadu, where even centuries-old villages were declared as Waqf,” the prime minister said in Surat, in his home state of Gujarat, while addressing members of the Bihar community.He added that encroachments of public land by the Waqf Board were the reason the government introduced reforms to the Waqf law.“A leader who is now out on bail, along with his allies, would tear up copies of the law and claim they would never allow it in Bihar. But the people of Bihar rejected this communal poison completely and chose the path of development,” PM Modi said, referring to Tejashwi Yadav, who — along with members of his family — is out on bail in the alleged land-for-jobs money laundering case. At a public rally in the Muslim-dominated Katihar district on October 26, Yadav had vowed that if the Mahagathbandhan came to power, the Waqf Amendment Act would be “thrown into the dustbin.”The RJD leader’s comments came a day after a controversy triggered by party MLA Qari Sohaib, who had declared that the legislation would be “torn apart” if Tejashwi became chief minister.The Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in April. While the ruling BJP-led NDA has described the law as a step toward transparency and an instrument to empower backward Muslims and women in the community, the opposition had argued that it infringes upon the rights of Muslims.On September 15, the Supreme Court, stayed a few key provisions of the law while upholding its constitutionality.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe‘Very Bleak Message To World’: South Africa Envoy Condemns Delhi Blast And Seeks Joint Action123PhotostoriesMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kidsMassive infrastructure push: Ahmedabad to get three lifeline flyovers by 2026123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, referencing the RJD leader’s vow to discard the Waqf Amendment Act if his alliance won in Bihar. Modi stated that the people of Bihar rejected this “communal poison” and chose development, following the NDA’s victory in the state assembly elections. PM Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, recalling the RJD leader’s earlier remark on what would happen to the Waqf Amendment Act if the opposition Mahagathbandhan came to power in Bihar. PM Modi’s comments came a day after the Mahagathbandhan suffered a heavy defeat in the Bihar assembly elections, with the ruling NDA sweeping the state. Tejashwi Yadav was the opposition alliance’s chief ministerial candidate.“In Bihar, public land was frequently encroached upon and converted into Waqf property. We have seen a similar situation in Tamil Nadu, where even centuries-old villages were declared as Waqf,” the prime minister said in Surat, in his home state of Gujarat, while addressing members of the Bihar community.He added that encroachments of public land by the Waqf Board were the reason the government introduced reforms to the Waqf law.“A leader who is now out on bail, along with his allies, would tear up copies of the law and claim they would never allow it in Bihar. But the people of Bihar rejected this communal poison completely and chose the path of development,” PM Modi said, referring to Tejashwi Yadav, who — along with members of his family — is out on bail in the alleged land-for-jobs money laundering case. At a public rally in the Muslim-dominated Katihar district on October 26, Yadav had vowed that if the Mahagathbandhan came to power, the Waqf Amendment Act would be “thrown into the dustbin.”The RJD leader’s comments came a day after a controversy triggered by party MLA Qari Sohaib, who had declared that the legislation would be “torn apart” if Tejashwi became chief minister.The Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in April. While the ruling BJP-led NDA has described the law as a step toward transparency and an instrument to empower backward Muslims and women in the community, the opposition had argued that it infringes upon the rights of Muslims.On September 15, the Supreme Court, stayed a few key provisions of the law while upholding its constitutionality.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe‘Very Bleak Message To World’: South Africa Envoy Condemns Delhi Blast And Seeks Joint Action123PhotostoriesMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kidsMassive infrastructure push: Ahmedabad to get three lifeline flyovers by 2026123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, recalling the RJD leader’s earlier remark on what would happen to the Waqf Amendment Act if the opposition Mahagathbandhan came to power in Bihar. PM Modi’s comments came a day after the Mahagathbandhan suffered a heavy defeat in…

Read More