April 7, 2026

December 2025

Silver price today: Silver hits new record high, crosses Rs 1.78 lakh; will it hit Rs 2 lakh mark soon?

Silver price today: Silver hits new record high, crosses Rs 1.78 lakh; will it hit Rs 2 lakh mark soon?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The recent decline in currency value has bolstered domestic market momentum. (AI image) The upward trend continues amidst worldwide increases in silver prices, driven by anticipated US Federal Reserve rate cut, declining US dollar index values, and investors seeking secure assets.Commenting on the development, Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvifinmart Commodity Research noted a significant technical…

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From boardrooms to backstories, author Kiran Manral’s latest book, ‘The Gamechangers’, celebrates women rewriting the playbook on power, purpose, and perseverance. It reminds us that you don’t need to burn out to stand out. When women rewrite the rules, even the game has to change.In The Gamechangers: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Success, Kiran Manral turns the spotlight on a generation of women who’ve quietly upended the way we think about ambition. Gone are the hashtags of “girlboss” grit and 4 a.m. hustle; in their place stand stories of purpose, empathy, and authentic leadership. Through candid conversations and sharp observations, Manral’s portraits reveal that success today isn’t about shouting the loudest, it’s about lasting the longest, and doing it on your own terms. With her trademark wit and warmth, Manral nudges readers to look beyond the buzzwords. The women in The Gamechangers aren’t chasing validation, they’re building value. And in a world addicted to speed, their calm confidence might just be the most radical move of all.Here are excerpts from an interview with the author:Surya HK (SHK): The title The Game Changers sounds bold and almost like a challenge. Was that deliberate?Kiran Manral (KM): Absolutely, the title was a very deliberate choice. The Game Changers isn’t just about women who broke through barriers, it is about women who are steadily redefining the rules of the entrepreneurial game entirely. The title had to carry energy, intent, and definitely a certain defiance, to reflect the women I was writing about. I’ve constantly tried new things, thanks to a low boredom threshold, and by virtue of that I seem to have constantly reinvented myself every decade of my life. In that sense, yes, this book does seem to mirror my own refusal to stay confined to a single definition of who I am.SHK: You’ve written of, for, and about women for years, but this time you’ve stepped into the entrepreneurial arena. What made you want to explore this space now?KM: My earlier books profiled women who shaped India across fields — politics, science, cinema, sports, entrepreneurship and more. With The Game Changers, I wanted to focus specifically on women entrepreneurs. This is an exciting moment for women in business in India. From unicorn founders to small-town innovators building sustainable ventures, women are claiming space with courage, creativity and resilience. Yet I noticed a gap — their stories were often reduced to metrics and milestones, instead of mindset and meaning. What drives many of these entrepreneurs isn’t just opportunity or profit. It’s lived experience: responding to a need they felt personally or witnessed around them, or entering spaces where women are rarely seen. I wanted to explore what anchors them, what empowers them, and what fuels them beyond performance. In many ways, this book is a natural continuation of my commitment to telling women’s stories — this time through the lens of leadership and enterprise.SHK: You’ve said the book is about authenticity, not hustle. In a world obsessed with productivity, what does authentic success look like to you?KM: For me, authentic success is when who you are aligns with what you do — when you don’t have to perform an idea of success for the world. Hustle culture tells us that busyness equals worth and exhaustion is an achievement. But every woman I interviewed had, in her own way, rejected that myth. They valued meaning over motion. Authentic success is quiet. It focuses on building something sustainable, choosing integrity over optics, and knowing when to pause as much as when to push. It’s the confidence to say no when something doesn’t align with your values, and the joy of creating despite critics or doubt. That, to me, is what true success looks like.SHK: Were there any stories that stayed with you, ones that changed the way you think about ambition or failure?KM: Vineeta Singh stands out for her resilience — after two failed ventures, she built Sugar Cosmetics into a major brand. Rachana Gupta of Gynoveda brought together women’s health, Ayurveda, and technology in a way no one had attempted before. Apurva Purohit chose to step away from a powerful corporate role to empower women at the grassroots. Neelu Khatri’s shift from the Indian Air Force to entrepreneurship shows that ambition has no expiry date. And Rashi Narang built a thriving pet-care business when the very idea of “pet parents” was still new. Across these conversations, what struck me most were the stories of setbacks — rejections, pivots, reinventions and fresh starts. They were a powerful reminder that failure is not the end, but often the most important lesson in resilience and self-belief. It made me see ambition not as a straight ladder, but a journey of detours that ultimately lead you back to yourself.SHK: From venture capital to homegrown brands, these women come from wildly different worlds. Did you spot a common thread running through them?KM: Absolutely. Despite differences in industry, scale, and background, what united them was a strong sense of purpose — a desire to create something that adds real value to people’s lives. Whether it was making sarees cool again for young women or pushing for 50% women’s representation across an airline, they were all, in some way, lifting other women as they built. They shared a solutions-first mindset — practical, determined, and driven to “get it done.” Each one was building something larger than herself, whether through livelihoods, innovation, or shifting gender norms. And perhaps most importantly, they all led with empathy. Their emotional intelligence sets them apart — shaping leadership that sustains rather than leadership that burns out.SHK: The book highlights both the sparkle and the slog of entrepreneurship. How do you balance honesty with inspiration when telling these stories?KM: That balance was integral to the book. I was clear that I did not want the book to become either a hagiography or a hard-luck chronicle. The sparkle and the glamour is what we see, but it is the behind the scenes, the failures, the relentless slog, the long hours, the self-doubt, the trade-offs, that was where the real story lay. My approach was to let the women’s voices lead, which is why I chose the Q&A format rather than the narrative format. Their candour and honesty shaped the tone of the book. Hopefully, the readers will see the joys and the struggles, and be inspired to set off on their own entrepreneurial journeys.SHK: There’s a lot of warmth in your writing, even when you’re making tough points. How do you stay tactful, especially when calling out uncomfortable truths?KM: For me, it’s empathy. I don’t write to judge — I write to understand and to share stories that deserve to be heard. When I explore difficult subjects like failure or flawed decisions, it’s through the lens of humanity: What can a reader learn from this? Can it help them make better choices? Warmth encourages engagement, not defensiveness. My aim is always to present the truth with sincerity, allowing readers to reflect while staying rooted in facts.About the AuthorSurya HKSurya HK is visiting faculty and design lead, Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change, AustriaEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUP BLO Deaths Trigger Outrage As Families Blame Extreme SIR Stress While Officials Deny Any PressureThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1B123PhotostoriesSalman Khan, Raveena Tandon to Hrithik Roshan: When Bollywood celebrities faced backlash for their past tweetsAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday blues123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

From boardrooms to backstories, author Kiran Manral’s latest book, ‘The Gamechangers’, celebrates women rewriting the playbook on power, purpose, and perseverance. It reminds us that you don’t need to burn out to stand out. When women rewrite the rules, even the game has to change.In The Gamechangers: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Success, Kiran Manral turns the spotlight on a generation of women who’ve quietly upended the way we think about ambition. Gone are the hashtags of “girlboss” grit and 4 a.m. hustle; in their place stand stories of purpose, empathy, and authentic leadership. Through candid conversations and sharp observations, Manral’s portraits reveal that success today isn’t about shouting the loudest, it’s about lasting the longest, and doing it on your own terms. With her trademark wit and warmth, Manral nudges readers to look beyond the buzzwords. The women in The Gamechangers aren’t chasing validation, they’re building value. And in a world addicted to speed, their calm confidence might just be the most radical move of all.Here are excerpts from an interview with the author:Surya HK (SHK): The title The Game Changers sounds bold and almost like a challenge. Was that deliberate?Kiran Manral (KM): Absolutely, the title was a very deliberate choice. The Game Changers isn’t just about women who broke through barriers, it is about women who are steadily redefining the rules of the entrepreneurial game entirely. The title had to carry energy, intent, and definitely a certain defiance, to reflect the women I was writing about. I’ve constantly tried new things, thanks to a low boredom threshold, and by virtue of that I seem to have constantly reinvented myself every decade of my life. In that sense, yes, this book does seem to mirror my own refusal to stay confined to a single definition of who I am.SHK: You’ve written of, for, and about women for years, but this time you’ve stepped into the entrepreneurial arena. What made you want to explore this space now?KM: My earlier books profiled women who shaped India across fields — politics, science, cinema, sports, entrepreneurship and more. With The Game Changers, I wanted to focus specifically on women entrepreneurs. This is an exciting moment for women in business in India. From unicorn founders to small-town innovators building sustainable ventures, women are claiming space with courage, creativity and resilience. Yet I noticed a gap — their stories were often reduced to metrics and milestones, instead of mindset and meaning. What drives many of these entrepreneurs isn’t just opportunity or profit. It’s lived experience: responding to a need they felt personally or witnessed around them, or entering spaces where women are rarely seen. I wanted to explore what anchors them, what empowers them, and what fuels them beyond performance. In many ways, this book is a natural continuation of my commitment to telling women’s stories — this time through the lens of leadership and enterprise.SHK: You’ve said the book is about authenticity, not hustle. In a world obsessed with productivity, what does authentic success look like to you?KM: For me, authentic success is when who you are aligns with what you do — when you don’t have to perform an idea of success for the world. Hustle culture tells us that busyness equals worth and exhaustion is an achievement. But every woman I interviewed had, in her own way, rejected that myth. They valued meaning over motion. Authentic success is quiet. It focuses on building something sustainable, choosing integrity over optics, and knowing when to pause as much as when to push. It’s the confidence to say no when something doesn’t align with your values, and the joy of creating despite critics or doubt. That, to me, is what true success looks like.SHK: Were there any stories that stayed with you, ones that changed the way you think about ambition or failure?KM: Vineeta Singh stands out for her resilience — after two failed ventures, she built Sugar Cosmetics into a major brand. Rachana Gupta of Gynoveda brought together women’s health, Ayurveda, and technology in a way no one had attempted before. Apurva Purohit chose to step away from a powerful corporate role to empower women at the grassroots. Neelu Khatri’s shift from the Indian Air Force to entrepreneurship shows that ambition has no expiry date. And Rashi Narang built a thriving pet-care business when the very idea of “pet parents” was still new. Across these conversations, what struck me most were the stories of setbacks — rejections, pivots, reinventions and fresh starts. They were a powerful reminder that failure is not the end, but often the most important lesson in resilience and self-belief. It made me see ambition not as a straight ladder, but a journey of detours that ultimately lead you back to yourself.SHK: From venture capital to homegrown brands, these women come from wildly different worlds. Did you spot a common thread running through them?KM: Absolutely. Despite differences in industry, scale, and background, what united them was a strong sense of purpose — a desire to create something that adds real value to people’s lives. Whether it was making sarees cool again for young women or pushing for 50% women’s representation across an airline, they were all, in some way, lifting other women as they built. They shared a solutions-first mindset — practical, determined, and driven to “get it done.” Each one was building something larger than herself, whether through livelihoods, innovation, or shifting gender norms. And perhaps most importantly, they all led with empathy. Their emotional intelligence sets them apart — shaping leadership that sustains rather than leadership that burns out.SHK: The book highlights both the sparkle and the slog of entrepreneurship. How do you balance honesty with inspiration when telling these stories?KM: That balance was integral to the book. I was clear that I did not want the book to become either a hagiography or a hard-luck chronicle. The sparkle and the glamour is what we see, but it is the behind the scenes, the failures, the relentless slog, the long hours, the self-doubt, the trade-offs, that was where the real story lay. My approach was to let the women’s voices lead, which is why I chose the Q&A format rather than the narrative format. Their candour and honesty shaped the tone of the book. Hopefully, the readers will see the joys and the struggles, and be inspired to set off on their own entrepreneurial journeys.SHK: There’s a lot of warmth in your writing, even when you’re making tough points. How do you stay tactful, especially when calling out uncomfortable truths?KM: For me, it’s empathy. I don’t write to judge — I write to understand and to share stories that deserve to be heard. When I explore difficult subjects like failure or flawed decisions, it’s through the lens of humanity: What can a reader learn from this? Can it help them make better choices? Warmth encourages engagement, not defensiveness. My aim is always to present the truth with sincerity, allowing readers to reflect while staying rooted in facts.About the AuthorSurya HKSurya HK is visiting faculty and design lead, Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change, AustriaEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUP BLO Deaths Trigger Outrage As Families Blame Extreme SIR Stress While Officials Deny Any PressureThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1B123PhotostoriesSalman Khan, Raveena Tandon to Hrithik Roshan: When Bollywood celebrities faced backlash for their past tweetsAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday blues123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

From boardrooms to backstories, author Kiran Manral’s latest book, ‘The Gamechangers’, celebrates women rewriting the playbook on power, purpose, and perseverance. It reminds us that you don’t need to burn out to stand out. When women rewrite the rules, even the game has to change.In The Gamechangers: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Success, Kiran Manral turns the…

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KTET Admit Card 2025 releasing today from DSE Karnataka for December 7 KARTET exam; check steps to download hall ticket

KTET Admit Card 2025 releasing today from DSE Karnataka for December 7 KARTET exam; check steps to download hall ticket

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

KTET admit card 2025 releasing today at DSE Karnataka for December 7 KARTET exam KTET Admit Card 2025: The Department of School Education (DSE), Karnataka, is set to release the KTET Admit Card 2025 today. Candidates who have applied for the Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test (KARTET) 2025 can download their hall tickets from the official…

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Sushmita Sen’s mother Subhra Sen buys two luxury flats in Mumbai’s Goregaon for Rs 16.89 crore – Report

Sushmita Sen’s mother Subhra Sen buys two luxury flats in Mumbai’s Goregaon for Rs 16.89 crore – Report

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Actress Sushmita Sen’s mother, Subhra Sen, has made a major move in Mumbai’s real estate market. The jewellery designer has purchased two luxurious apartments in Goregaon East.She paid around Rs 16.89 crore for them, according to property registration documents reviewed by real estate marketplace Square Yards on the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) website. Subhra…

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Honest Review: This hotel in Jaipur has almost 150 peacocks and a 300 year old Shiva temple but what made me choose it was……

Honest Review: This hotel in Jaipur has almost 150 peacocks and a 300 year old Shiva temple but what made me choose it was……

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

It is unbelievably green and does not look like Rajasthan at all. The beautifully pruned trees, the manicured lawns, the lovely small ponds around Rajasthani-style minarets, half submerged with creepers growing around them and lotus leaves floating with occasional flowers adding a sprout of colour, give an ethereal feel to the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur.PS:…

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The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide CBI investigation into digital arrests, a growing cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate officials to extort money. The court also questioned the RBI on AI’s use in freezing cyber fraud-linked accounts and directed CBI to seek Interpol’s help against offshore criminals. Representational image NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday took a tough stance against the growing menace of “digital arrests,” ordering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to launch a comprehensive, nationwide investigation into these cases.Digital arrest is an emerging cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate police, court officials, or government agency representatives to intimidate victims through audio or video calls. They falsely accuse individuals of involvement in illegal activities, keep them virtually “hostage,” and coerce them into paying money by threatening severe consequences if they refuse.A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed states—including opposition-led West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana—to grant the CBI consent to investigate digital arrest cases within their borders. Several opposition-ruled states have withdrawn general consent for CBI probes, alleging that the BJP-led central government “misuses” central agencies to target non-BJP parties. The ruling party has consistently denied these allegations.The bench also questioned the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on why Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools were not being used to swiftly freeze bank accounts linked to cyber fraud. It issued a notice to the central bank seeking an explanation.Hearing the matter suo motu—based on a complaint from an elderly couple in Haryana—the Supreme Court observed that senior citizens are among the primary targets of cyber extortion schemes.The court further instructed the CBI to seek assistance from Interpol to trace cybercriminals operating from offshore tax havens.To strengthen coordination with the central agency, the bench directed all states and Union territories to establish regional and state-level cybercrime coordination centres.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to present the views of key Union ministries—including Home Affairs, Telecom, Finance, and Electronics & IT—on tackling cybercrime.At the outset, the court also ordered the CBI to investigate bank officials who may be “hand-in-glove” with fraudsters by enabling “mule” accounts, which cybercriminals use to receive and transfer illicit funds while concealing their identities.A mule account is a bank account opened in someone else’s name and used to move illegal money, making it difficult for investigators to trace its true source.Earlier, on November 3, the Supreme Court had expressed shock at the scale of digital arrest scams across the country, noting that over Rs 3,000 crore has allegedly been extorted from victims, especially senior citizens. It stressed that such crimes must be dealt with “an iron hand.”(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1BAjeya Warrior-25 Wraps Up As India-UK Forces Boost Counter-Terror Synergy123PhotostoriesAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday bluesKangana Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi to Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Celebrities who faced instant backlash after controversial tweets123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide CBI investigation into digital arrests, a growing cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate officials to extort money. The court also questioned the RBI on AI’s use in freezing cyber fraud-linked accounts and directed CBI to seek Interpol’s help against offshore criminals. Representational image NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday took a tough stance against the growing menace of “digital arrests,” ordering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to launch a comprehensive, nationwide investigation into these cases.Digital arrest is an emerging cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate police, court officials, or government agency representatives to intimidate victims through audio or video calls. They falsely accuse individuals of involvement in illegal activities, keep them virtually “hostage,” and coerce them into paying money by threatening severe consequences if they refuse.A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed states—including opposition-led West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana—to grant the CBI consent to investigate digital arrest cases within their borders. Several opposition-ruled states have withdrawn general consent for CBI probes, alleging that the BJP-led central government “misuses” central agencies to target non-BJP parties. The ruling party has consistently denied these allegations.The bench also questioned the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on why Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools were not being used to swiftly freeze bank accounts linked to cyber fraud. It issued a notice to the central bank seeking an explanation.Hearing the matter suo motu—based on a complaint from an elderly couple in Haryana—the Supreme Court observed that senior citizens are among the primary targets of cyber extortion schemes.The court further instructed the CBI to seek assistance from Interpol to trace cybercriminals operating from offshore tax havens.To strengthen coordination with the central agency, the bench directed all states and Union territories to establish regional and state-level cybercrime coordination centres.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to present the views of key Union ministries—including Home Affairs, Telecom, Finance, and Electronics & IT—on tackling cybercrime.At the outset, the court also ordered the CBI to investigate bank officials who may be “hand-in-glove” with fraudsters by enabling “mule” accounts, which cybercriminals use to receive and transfer illicit funds while concealing their identities.A mule account is a bank account opened in someone else’s name and used to move illegal money, making it difficult for investigators to trace its true source.Earlier, on November 3, the Supreme Court had expressed shock at the scale of digital arrest scams across the country, noting that over Rs 3,000 crore has allegedly been extorted from victims, especially senior citizens. It stressed that such crimes must be dealt with “an iron hand.”(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1BAjeya Warrior-25 Wraps Up As India-UK Forces Boost Counter-Terror Synergy123PhotostoriesAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday bluesKangana Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi to Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Celebrities who faced instant backlash after controversial tweets123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday took a tough stance against the growing menace of “digital arrests,” ordering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to launch a comprehensive, nationwide investigation into these cases.Digital arrest is an emerging cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate police, court officials, or government agency representatives to intimidate victims through audio…

Read More
Smriti Mandhana wedding postponed: Palash Muchhal seen in public for the first time – Watch

Smriti Mandhana wedding postponed: Palash Muchhal seen in public for the first time – Watch

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Palash Muchhal seen in public for the first time Music composer Palash Muchhal made his first public appearance at Mumbai airport on Monday following the unexpected postponement of his wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana.Muchhal was seen at the airport accompanied by his mother and family members. While maintaining a low profile, he did not avoid…

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Bitcoin plunges sharply! Cryptocurrency drops below ,000; weak demand, global risks hit sentiment

Bitcoin plunges sharply! Cryptocurrency drops below $86,000; weak demand, global risks hit sentiment

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Bitcoin fell sharply on Monday, slipping below $86,000 in early Asian trade as renewed selling hit the cryptocurrency market at the start of December.The world’s largest digital asset dropped by 6%. Ether also declined more than 7% to around $2,800, while other major tokens, including Solana also registered steep losses. Traders said that the broader…

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When professions lose their gender: Women push into male bastions as men step into jobs long labelled feminine

When professions lose their gender: Women push into male bastions as men step into jobs long labelled feminine

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Females enter male-dominated streams and men taking up jobs long labelled as “feminine”Image credit: iStock Women cannot do this; men won’t look good doing this. These are not fragments of a casual colloquy, but the very words that have blotted the corporate walls with deep, enduring shades of gender bias. It is no surprise that…

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‘If we don’t break that cycle…’: It’s raining ‘mosquitoes’ over Hawaii — Here’s the reason why

‘If we don’t break that cycle…’: It’s raining ‘mosquitoes’ over Hawaii — Here’s the reason why

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Screen grab (Source: X/@birdd111) In a counter-intuitive but urgent conservation push, drones and helicopters are releasing thousands of mosquitoes over Hawaii’s forests in an effort to rescue some of the islands’ most threatened birds. The operation is part of a large-scale bid to suppress invasive mosquito populations that are driving native Hawaiian honeycreepers towards extinction.In…

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Shatrughan Sinha calls it ‘heartbreaking’ to meet Hema Malini after Dharmendra’s demise: ‘Tremendous loss of our elder brother’

Shatrughan Sinha calls it ‘heartbreaking’ to meet Hema Malini after Dharmendra’s demise: ‘Tremendous loss of our elder brother’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra’s demise on 24 November left the entire film industry shaken. Fans and colleagues mourned the loss of the beloved actor, known for his warmth, charm and iconic presence on screen. Among those deeply affected was actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha, a long-time friend of Dharmendra and Hema Malini.Sinha shared emotional posts…

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‘Is there any law?’ Congress MP Renuka Chaudhary sparks row by bringing stray dog to Parliament; BJP slams ‘tamasha’

‘Is there any law?’ Congress MP Renuka Chaudhary sparks row by bringing stray dog to Parliament; BJP slams ‘tamasha’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Stray dog brought to Parliament grounds NEW DELHI: Congress MP Renuka Chaudhary stirred a row after she brought a stray dog to Parliament grounds on the first day of the Winter Session, disregarding protests from fellow MPs, while asserting that the “real dogs are sitting in Parliament” who regularly bite people.However Chaudhary claimed that she…

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Elon Musk’s Indian-origin ‘beta’ Sekhar: A cheatsheet to the desi ‘heir’ to Tesla CEO’s fortune | World News

Elon Musk’s Indian-origin ‘beta’ Sekhar: A cheatsheet to the desi ‘heir’ to Tesla CEO’s fortune | World News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

When Nikhil Kamath dropped a new podcast with Elon Musk, it was almost guaranteed that India would make an appearance somewhere in the conversation. Musk spoke about H-1B visas, praised Indian engineers and floated once again the idea of bringing Starlink to the country. Those parts should have been the highlights, but the internet had…

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Shashi Tharoor missed a key Congress strategy meeting ahead of Parliament’s Winter Session, citing travel from Kerala with his elderly mother. This follows previous absences and public praise for Prime Minister Modi, intensifying friction within the party since his presidential election bid. NEW DELHI: The feud between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress saw a new high after he skipped the party’s key huddle a day before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament.Chaired by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress on Sunday held a strategic group meeting to discuss the party’s strategy for the Winter Session.Tharoor, however, clarified that he did not intentionally skip the Congress huddle, claiming that he was on a flight returning from Kerala when the meeting took place.”I did not skip it; I was on a plane, coming from Kerala,” Tharoor said.Additionally, Tharoor’s office said that “he was travelling with his 90-year-old mother from Kerala, making it impossible for him to reach Delhi in time.””Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal was also unable to attend due to his engagements in local body election campaigning in Kerala,” his office added.This comes just days after the Thiruvananthapuram MP missed a Congress meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue earlier, citing ill health. However, he attended a government event addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day later, triggering questions from several Congress leaders.Meanwhile, Tharoor added more to the controversy after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post, drawing flak from Congress leaders.”Shashi Tharoor’s problem is that I don’t think he knows a lot about the country… If, according to you, someone is doing good for the country by going against the Congress’s policies, then you should follow those policies… Why are you in Congress?” Congress leader Sandeep Dixit said while talking to news agency ANI.”Is it only because you are an MP? … If you really feel that the BJP or PM Modi’s strategies are working better than the party you are in, then you should give an explanation. If you are not giving one, you are a hypocrite,” he added.Tharoor’s relationship with the Congress leadership has been under strain since he contested the party president election against Mallikarjun Kharge.The friction reportedly intensified when his name did not appear on the list of Congress leaders suggested for the Union government’s Operation Sindoor outreach.Despite this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later invited Tharoor to lead a delegation to the United States and other countries in the Americas. Tharoor’s public statements, including those interpreted as favourable towards the Prime Minister, have also caused discomfort within the Congress.The rift came into sharper focus following his recent remarks and social media posts that appeared to challenge the party’s leadership.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 MediaVideosThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1BAjeya Warrior-25 Wraps Up As India-UK Forces Boost Counter-Terror Synergy123PhotostoriesAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday bluesKangana Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi to Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Celebrities who faced instant backlash after controversial tweets123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

Shashi Tharoor missed a key Congress strategy meeting ahead of Parliament’s Winter Session, citing travel from Kerala with his elderly mother. This follows previous absences and public praise for Prime Minister Modi, intensifying friction within the party since his presidential election bid. NEW DELHI: The feud between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress saw a new high after he skipped the party’s key huddle a day before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament.Chaired by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress on Sunday held a strategic group meeting to discuss the party’s strategy for the Winter Session.Tharoor, however, clarified that he did not intentionally skip the Congress huddle, claiming that he was on a flight returning from Kerala when the meeting took place.”I did not skip it; I was on a plane, coming from Kerala,” Tharoor said.Additionally, Tharoor’s office said that “he was travelling with his 90-year-old mother from Kerala, making it impossible for him to reach Delhi in time.””Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal was also unable to attend due to his engagements in local body election campaigning in Kerala,” his office added.This comes just days after the Thiruvananthapuram MP missed a Congress meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue earlier, citing ill health. However, he attended a government event addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day later, triggering questions from several Congress leaders.Meanwhile, Tharoor added more to the controversy after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post, drawing flak from Congress leaders.”Shashi Tharoor’s problem is that I don’t think he knows a lot about the country… If, according to you, someone is doing good for the country by going against the Congress’s policies, then you should follow those policies… Why are you in Congress?” Congress leader Sandeep Dixit said while talking to news agency ANI.”Is it only because you are an MP? … If you really feel that the BJP or PM Modi’s strategies are working better than the party you are in, then you should give an explanation. If you are not giving one, you are a hypocrite,” he added.Tharoor’s relationship with the Congress leadership has been under strain since he contested the party president election against Mallikarjun Kharge.The friction reportedly intensified when his name did not appear on the list of Congress leaders suggested for the Union government’s Operation Sindoor outreach.Despite this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later invited Tharoor to lead a delegation to the United States and other countries in the Americas. Tharoor’s public statements, including those interpreted as favourable towards the Prime Minister, have also caused discomfort within the Congress.The rift came into sharper focus following his recent remarks and social media posts that appeared to challenge the party’s leadership.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 MediaVideosThailand Pushes For India’s RCEP Entry, Urges Deeper Trade Ties, Joint Action Against CybercrimeKiren Rijiju, JP Nadda Slam Kharge Over Rajya Sabha Remarks On Jagdeep Dhankhar’s ExitIndian Youth Killed In UK Stabbing; Family Demands Justice After All Six Suspects Are Granted Bail’Survived Drowning, Escaped A Bomb Blast, Gave Up Non-Veg’: PM Modi On VP Radhakrishnan’s Early LifePriyanka Gandhi Counters PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Jab, Says Raising Key Issues Is Essential For DemocracyJaishankar Sounds Alarm on Fast-Moving Bio Threats, Urges Global South Leadership in BWC ReformsWinter Session Of Parliament: Bills On Atomic Energy, Excise On Agenda; Oppn Gears Up For SIRPM Modi’s ‘Drama Nahi, Delivery’ Message Sets Fiery Tone As Winter Session Begins Amid Tensions’US Benefited Immensely From Indians’, Says Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Warns US Against Scrapping H-1BAjeya Warrior-25 Wraps Up As India-UK Forces Boost Counter-Terror Synergy123PhotostoriesAs Samantha Ruth Prabhu begins a new chapter, her iconic saree looks deserve a revisitFrom morning smoothie to homemade Budda bowl, 7 food lessons to learn from newly wed Samantha Ruth PrabhuThese qualities make December born kids truly exceptional‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ to ‘Vash 2’: Gujarati films shine at the box officeDelhi’s Metro Marvel: How DMRC Built a Tunnel Beneath the Red Line While Services Ran Uninterrupted5 jaw-dropping attractions in the world made of pure GOLD! (one is in India)6 types of chocolate varieties to know about‘My Brother… Nikhil’ to ‘Phir Milenge’: Bollywood films that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS5 quotes by Shah Rukh Khan to deal with Monday bluesKangana Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi to Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Celebrities who faced instant backlash after controversial tweets123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAdin RossSunil GavaskarED SheeranDevajit SaikiaVirat Kohli RecordGisele BndchenKL RahulParliament SessionSmriti MandhanaAnthony Davis

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The feud between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress saw a new high after he skipped the party’s key huddle a day before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament.Chaired by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress on Sunday held a strategic group meeting to discuss the party’s strategy for the Winter Session.Tharoor, however, clarified…

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