August 2, 2026

2026

‘Injustice’: Bengal coach slams BCCI for Mohammad Shami’s omission from NZ ODI squad; calls decision ‘shameful’

‘Injustice’: Bengal coach slams BCCI for Mohammad Shami’s omission from NZ ODI squad; calls decision ‘shameful’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, with Shubman Gill named captain.Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, though his participation will depend on fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE).Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has…

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Representative image HYDERABAD: After noticing TOI articles on digital arrest cases in Hyderabad, an 81-year-old retired businessman reported being scammed of over Rs 7 crore using the same modus operandi. Posing as Mumbai Police officers, the cyber fraudsters threatened to arrest him in a bogus drug-trafficking and fake passports case and extorted the money.According to a complaint filed by the octagenarian with Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) on January 2, his ordeal began on October 27 last year when he received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be Sunil Sharma from Blue Dart customer care. Sharma told the victim that a parcel sent in his name from Mumbai to Bangkok contained a laptop, five passports and 200 gram MDMA, a narcotic drug. Minutes later, another caller, posing as a Mumbai crime branch officer, said that based on the evidence, the victim faced charges of extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.Placing the victim under ‘digital arrest’, the impostors warned him against revealing case details to his family or contacting bankers or lawyers, and ordered him to provide full disclosure of his investments. Under sustained intimidation, the businessman transferred Rs 19.8 lakh on October 29 to a City Union Bank account. Further, he installed the Signal app to communicate with them. Between November 6 and December 5, he executed five more RTGS transfers to different bank accounts, bringing the total loss to over Rs 7.12 crore.On December 29, the fraudsters sought an additional Rs 1.2 cr to close the case file against him. Growing suspicious, the victim lodged a complaint on December 31.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Representative image HYDERABAD: After noticing TOI articles on digital arrest cases in Hyderabad, an 81-year-old retired businessman reported being scammed of over Rs 7 crore using the same modus operandi. Posing as Mumbai Police officers, the cyber fraudsters threatened to arrest him in a bogus drug-trafficking and fake passports case and extorted the money.According to a complaint filed by the octagenarian with Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) on January 2, his ordeal began on October 27 last year when he received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be Sunil Sharma from Blue Dart customer care. Sharma told the victim that a parcel sent in his name from Mumbai to Bangkok contained a laptop, five passports and 200 gram MDMA, a narcotic drug. Minutes later, another caller, posing as a Mumbai crime branch officer, said that based on the evidence, the victim faced charges of extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.Placing the victim under ‘digital arrest’, the impostors warned him against revealing case details to his family or contacting bankers or lawyers, and ordered him to provide full disclosure of his investments. Under sustained intimidation, the businessman transferred Rs 19.8 lakh on October 29 to a City Union Bank account. Further, he installed the Signal app to communicate with them. Between November 6 and December 5, he executed five more RTGS transfers to different bank accounts, bringing the total loss to over Rs 7.12 crore.On December 29, the fraudsters sought an additional Rs 1.2 cr to close the case file against him. Growing suspicious, the victim lodged a complaint on December 31.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

HYDERABAD: After noticing TOI articles on digital arrest cases in Hyderabad, an 81-year-old retired businessman reported being scammed of over Rs 7 crore using the same modus operandi. Posing as Mumbai Police officers, the cyber fraudsters threatened to arrest him in a bogus drug-trafficking and fake passports case and extorted the money.According to a complaint…

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‘Sarvam Maya’ box office collections day 10: Nivin Pauly’s comeback film crosses Rs 44 crores

‘Sarvam Maya’ box office collections day 10: Nivin Pauly’s comeback film crosses Rs 44 crores

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Nivin Pauly’s comeback film, ‘Sarvam Maya,’ is a roaring success, crossing Rs 44 crores at the box office in just ten days. This horror-comedy is drawing audiences back to theaters with its blend of laughter, light horror, and heartwarming moments, filling a perceived gap in Malayalam cinema. Strong occupancy, especially from families, highlights its widespread…

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Nicolás Maduro could be held at New York’s ‘hell on earth’ jail that once housed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Nicolás Maduro could be held at New York’s ‘hell on earth’ jail that once housed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

After President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured, attention has shifted to where the Latin American leader could be detained while he awaits trial in United States.Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently in US custody and are being taken to New York, where they are expected to face…

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SHAMLI: Claiming an immediate threat to his life from Uttar Pradesh police, gangster Haji Firoz Khan chained himself inside his home, rigged a noose and installed CCTV cameras at multiple corners on Saturday, and posted live videos every half hour.Calling it “mere theatrics”, police said Khan has been posting such “updates” on his social media account since Wednesday to affirm his well-being amid intermittent warnings that any attempt to arrest him would lead to his “suicide”.The bizarre episode unfolded at Jhinjhana town in Shamli district after local police seized 14 properties worth Rs 30 crore belonging to Khan under section 14 (1) of the Gangsters Act on Dec 25, last year, as he was listed as absconding in police records. However, in one video clip, Khan – in his late 50s – claimed a court had stayed his arrest and no police action should be taken against him.SP (Shamli) NP Singh told TOI: “Firoz Khan is using online videos to obstruct police and administrative work. He has been issuing criminal threats against the official proceedings by public servants and levelling false, baseless allegations against police and administrative officials while threatening suicide.”The SP Singh added Khan had earlier maintained his own social media cell, through which he was now making unsubstantiated accusations, but legal action against the gangster will continue despite his “online stunts”. Khan has 22 cases, including rape and murder, against his name across the region, the SP said.About the AuthorSachin SharmaSachin Sharma, journalist with extensive experience covering politics, civic issues, crime, education, and tribal areas. As Metro Editor of TOI, Vadodara, he reported on multiple elections, delivering insightful and accurate coverage. He is a keen follower of geopolitics, defence, and related issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

SHAMLI: Claiming an immediate threat to his life from Uttar Pradesh police, gangster Haji Firoz Khan chained himself inside his home, rigged a noose and installed CCTV cameras at multiple corners on Saturday, and posted live videos every half hour.Calling it “mere theatrics”, police said Khan has been posting such “updates” on his social media account since Wednesday to affirm his well-being amid intermittent warnings that any attempt to arrest him would lead to his “suicide”.The bizarre episode unfolded at Jhinjhana town in Shamli district after local police seized 14 properties worth Rs 30 crore belonging to Khan under section 14 (1) of the Gangsters Act on Dec 25, last year, as he was listed as absconding in police records. However, in one video clip, Khan – in his late 50s – claimed a court had stayed his arrest and no police action should be taken against him.SP (Shamli) NP Singh told TOI: “Firoz Khan is using online videos to obstruct police and administrative work. He has been issuing criminal threats against the official proceedings by public servants and levelling false, baseless allegations against police and administrative officials while threatening suicide.”The SP Singh added Khan had earlier maintained his own social media cell, through which he was now making unsubstantiated accusations, but legal action against the gangster will continue despite his “online stunts”. Khan has 22 cases, including rape and murder, against his name across the region, the SP said.About the AuthorSachin SharmaSachin Sharma, journalist with extensive experience covering politics, civic issues, crime, education, and tribal areas. As Metro Editor of TOI, Vadodara, he reported on multiple elections, delivering insightful and accurate coverage. He is a keen follower of geopolitics, defence, and related issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

SHAMLI: Claiming an immediate threat to his life from Uttar Pradesh police, gangster Haji Firoz Khan chained himself inside his home, rigged a noose and installed CCTV cameras at multiple corners on Saturday, and posted live videos every half hour.Calling it “mere theatrics”, police said Khan has been posting such “updates” on his social media…

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‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 30: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna’s film refuses to slow down; marches toward Rs 1200 crore mark worldwide, while ‘Ikkis’ inches close to Rs 20 crore

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 30: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna’s film refuses to slow down; marches toward Rs 1200 crore mark worldwide, while ‘Ikkis’ inches close to Rs 20 crore

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ is one of the Bollywood movies that refuses to leave the crown of box office king despite competition. Released on December 5, this Aditya Dhar film is an espionage thriller that has kept audiences glued to their seats in theatres even 30 days after its release. As the movie entered its…

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Tulsi Gabbard’s old post saying US should ‘stay out of Venezuela’ goes viral after Maduro’s capture: ‘Didn’t age well’

Tulsi Gabbard’s old post saying US should ‘stay out of Venezuela’ goes viral after Maduro’s capture: ‘Didn’t age well’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

An old social media post by US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has resurfaced and gone viral after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces, with social media saying that the comment “didn’t age well”.On January 25, 2019, Gabbard wrote on X, then Twitter that US must not intervene in the…

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‘Surreal’: Babbulicious on making NYC grooveA subway station is an unlikely venue for a mayoral oath — and Punjabi pop an even more unlikely soundtrack. But when New York mayor Zohran Mamdani danced to the track ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ by Toronto-based artist Babbu aka Babbulicious at his inauguration, American politics met bhangra beats in a moment that instantly went viral.With Mamdani, his wife Rama Duwaji and hundreds in attendance joining in, the ceremony turned into an unexpected celebration of diasporic culture. For Babbulicious — the turbaned Sikh singer, who is also a comedian and designer, it was a powerful moment of visibility. “Zohran sang along, and the sight of (US senator) Bernie Sanders clapping and vibing to a Punjabi song was surreal,” he told TOI over email.Born Babbu Singh and raised in Toronto’s Brampton Punjabi belt, Babbulicious’s creative journey has been anything but conventional. He dropped out of art college at 19 and went on to build a career that spans influencer skits, visual art, puppet series, children’s books and charting music.“All my art, in one way or another, is about connecting with my younger self — creating things that would have made me feel seen, valued,” he says.Mamdani’s team discovered ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ through social media. Singh later adapted lyrics to “New York vich munda renda”, reflecting the mayor’s multicultural identity.The celebratory moment also drew predictable backlash. Far-right voices criticised the use of non-Western music at a civic ceremony and misidentified the turbaned artist’s religion. Singh remains unfazed. “Sometimes it’s best not to engage. It’s hard to convince someone to change their bias, so the best thing is to smile and continue with your day,” he says.Much of Singh’s work deliberately challenges stereotypes around Sikh identity, often through humour, including his popular ‘Khalsa Uncle’ skits. Representation, he believes, is essential. He recalls the impact of seeing Indian American designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia in Wes Anderson films while growing up. “Seeing someone who looked like me meant everything. Funny enough, he was at the inauguration — we met for the first time, and I hugged him and told him how much that visibility mattered. It made me feel like we could be anything we wanted to be.”While rappers like Lil Wayne and Jay-Z have shaped his musical sensibility, Singh says artists who push creative boundaries while staying true to themselves resonate most deeply. “Outkast, the Beatles, Daft Punk, Ye have had a meaningful impact on me.”Today, Toronto’s diasporic energy is propelling Punjabi pop onto the global stage. Reflecting this shift, Toronto Metropolitan University is set to launch a course on Diljit Dosanjh this year, examining his influence on music, identity and the Punjabi diaspora. For Singh, his subway-station bhangra moment signals a wider cultural shift. “Punjabi music is ready for the mainstream,” he says.This story had continued from a page 1 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.About the AuthorSneha BhuraSneha Bhura is a special correspondent with The Times of India. She loves exploring stories at the intersection of culture and technology. She is also a published poet and podcaster. Her debut poetry collection ‘Velvet Grapes’ was released in 2021.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

‘Surreal’: Babbulicious on making NYC grooveA subway station is an unlikely venue for a mayoral oath — and Punjabi pop an even more unlikely soundtrack. But when New York mayor Zohran Mamdani danced to the track ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ by Toronto-based artist Babbu aka Babbulicious at his inauguration, American politics met bhangra beats in a moment that instantly went viral.With Mamdani, his wife Rama Duwaji and hundreds in attendance joining in, the ceremony turned into an unexpected celebration of diasporic culture. For Babbulicious — the turbaned Sikh singer, who is also a comedian and designer, it was a powerful moment of visibility. “Zohran sang along, and the sight of (US senator) Bernie Sanders clapping and vibing to a Punjabi song was surreal,” he told TOI over email.Born Babbu Singh and raised in Toronto’s Brampton Punjabi belt, Babbulicious’s creative journey has been anything but conventional. He dropped out of art college at 19 and went on to build a career that spans influencer skits, visual art, puppet series, children’s books and charting music.“All my art, in one way or another, is about connecting with my younger self — creating things that would have made me feel seen, valued,” he says.Mamdani’s team discovered ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ through social media. Singh later adapted lyrics to “New York vich munda renda”, reflecting the mayor’s multicultural identity.The celebratory moment also drew predictable backlash. Far-right voices criticised the use of non-Western music at a civic ceremony and misidentified the turbaned artist’s religion. Singh remains unfazed. “Sometimes it’s best not to engage. It’s hard to convince someone to change their bias, so the best thing is to smile and continue with your day,” he says.Much of Singh’s work deliberately challenges stereotypes around Sikh identity, often through humour, including his popular ‘Khalsa Uncle’ skits. Representation, he believes, is essential. He recalls the impact of seeing Indian American designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia in Wes Anderson films while growing up. “Seeing someone who looked like me meant everything. Funny enough, he was at the inauguration — we met for the first time, and I hugged him and told him how much that visibility mattered. It made me feel like we could be anything we wanted to be.”While rappers like Lil Wayne and Jay-Z have shaped his musical sensibility, Singh says artists who push creative boundaries while staying true to themselves resonate most deeply. “Outkast, the Beatles, Daft Punk, Ye have had a meaningful impact on me.”Today, Toronto’s diasporic energy is propelling Punjabi pop onto the global stage. Reflecting this shift, Toronto Metropolitan University is set to launch a course on Diljit Dosanjh this year, examining his influence on music, identity and the Punjabi diaspora. For Singh, his subway-station bhangra moment signals a wider cultural shift. “Punjabi music is ready for the mainstream,” he says.This story had continued from a page 1 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.About the AuthorSneha BhuraSneha Bhura is a special correspondent with The Times of India. She loves exploring stories at the intersection of culture and technology. She is also a published poet and podcaster. Her debut poetry collection ‘Velvet Grapes’ was released in 2021.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘Surreal’: Babbulicious on making NYC groove A subway station is an unlikely venue for a mayoral oath — and Punjabi pop an even more unlikely soundtrack. But when New York mayor Zohran Mamdani danced to the track ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ by Toronto-based artist Babbu aka Babbulicious at his inauguration, American politics met bhangra beats in…

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MEERUT: A five-year-old girl was allegedly abducted from outside her house and raped by two men, in late 20s, and then thrown from the third floor of their building to “make it look like an accident”, in Bulandshahr on Friday evening.The accused, both labourers at a factory, were partying together at the time of the crime, police said. They were arrested later that night after a brief encounter with cops.SSP (Bulandshahr) Dinesh Kumar Singh said that autopsy findings stated “sexual assault and death due to strangulation along with multiple injuries all over the child’s body”.A senior officer told TOI the two were drinking when they planned the assault. “They confessed that one of them suggested that several young girls live in their area and they could ‘pick any one of them for fun’. They stepped outside, saw the child and abducted her.” After the crime, the accused tried to mislead people and police by dropping her from the height. But moments earlier, a friend of the girl’s father had seen her with the accused. Her mother later found her daughter’s slippers in the duo’s rented room. Both fled after she confronted them.About the AuthorRahul SinghRahul Singh, Senior Manager, TaxmannEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

MEERUT: A five-year-old girl was allegedly abducted from outside her house and raped by two men, in late 20s, and then thrown from the third floor of their building to “make it look like an accident”, in Bulandshahr on Friday evening.The accused, both labourers at a factory, were partying together at the time of the crime, police said. They were arrested later that night after a brief encounter with cops.SSP (Bulandshahr) Dinesh Kumar Singh said that autopsy findings stated “sexual assault and death due to strangulation along with multiple injuries all over the child’s body”.A senior officer told TOI the two were drinking when they planned the assault. “They confessed that one of them suggested that several young girls live in their area and they could ‘pick any one of them for fun’. They stepped outside, saw the child and abducted her.” After the crime, the accused tried to mislead people and police by dropping her from the height. But moments earlier, a friend of the girl’s father had seen her with the accused. Her mother later found her daughter’s slippers in the duo’s rented room. Both fled after she confronted them.About the AuthorRahul SinghRahul Singh, Senior Manager, TaxmannEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

MEERUT: A five-year-old girl was allegedly abducted from outside her house and raped by two men, in late 20s, and then thrown from the third floor of their building to “make it look like an accident”, in Bulandshahr on Friday evening.The accused, both labourers at a factory, were partying together at the time of the…

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What lung experts want you to do before stepping outdoors on high-AQI days

What lung experts want you to do before stepping outdoors on high-AQI days

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Air pollution has quietly become one of the most serious health threats of our time. In my years as a medical oncologist, I’ve seen first-hand how long-term exposure to polluted air does far more than cause temporary breathlessness or irritation. It weakens immunity, worsens chronic illnesses, strains the heart and lungs, and complicates cancer treatment.High…

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Scorpio Daily Horoscope Today, January 4, 2026: Your path is quietly rerouting, act now before it settles without you

Scorpio Daily Horoscope Today, January 4, 2026: Your path is quietly rerouting, act now before it settles without you

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Like a whirlwind inside your head, Scorpio, with the depth of your thoughts blending and contrasting with profound emotions. You have the impression that answers must be chased down, and yet they wait in the quietness. When you actually stop the pursuit of the “why” and instead just quietly engage in this moment, the fog…

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Sneako challenges Elon Musk’s “war” response as teenage Somali TikTok girl video explodes online

Sneako challenges Elon Musk’s “war” response as teenage Somali TikTok girl video explodes online

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Sneako challenges Elon Musk’s “war” response as teenage Somali TikTok girl video explodes online (Image via Getty) Sneako has called out Elon Musk after the billionaire reacted strongly to a viral TikTok video. In the clip, a teenage Somali influencer said about Musk, “I wouldn’t worry too much about him. He’s about to die.” The…

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AHMEDABAD: Gujarat HC has paved the way for a couple’s divorce after their marriage broke down over conflicting desires about where to live — the husband preferred living in the UK, but the wife did not want to leave India.The HC quashed Ahmedabad’s family court order that had rejected a mutual-consent divorce petition as “premature”.The family court had also cited the absence of a waiver application to bypass the mandatory six-month “cooling-off” period under Section 13B (2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The HC restored the divorce petition and directed the family court to decide the matter within six months.The couple married on Dec 9, 2023, but separated barely a month later, on Jan 17, 2024, when the man left for the UK for further studies. He informed her that he planned to settle permanently in the UK and asked her to join him. However, the woman was reluctant to leave India. She informed him she was settled in Ahmedabad and preferred to pursue her career in India only.After deciding to part ways, they filed a divorce petition under Section 13B of the Act on April 1, 2025, and stated that the discord between them arose from their desire to live in different countries. After the hearing, the bench of Justice Sangeeta Vishen and Justice Nisha Thakore said, “Perceptibly, there is no scope of reunion between the parties, for the parties are staying separately for more than one year as on the date of presenting the petition under Section 13B of the Act of 1955. Both the parties have mutually agreed to divorce; therefore, the six-month period as well as one year as provided in Section 13B (1) is almost over. Considering the stand taken by the respective parties, reunion is not possible. Not accepting the request of the parties, in the opinion of this court, will only prolong their agony. Both the parties are young and are desirous of pursuing their careers, as per their own wish.”About the AuthorSaeed KhanSaeed Khan is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India at Ahmedabad. He reports on all the courts in the city and legal issues. He occasionally reports on cultural and social issues as well.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat HC has paved the way for a couple’s divorce after their marriage broke down over conflicting desires about where to live — the husband preferred living in the UK, but the wife did not want to leave India.The HC quashed Ahmedabad’s family court order that had rejected a mutual-consent divorce petition as “premature”.The family court had also cited the absence of a waiver application to bypass the mandatory six-month “cooling-off” period under Section 13B (2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The HC restored the divorce petition and directed the family court to decide the matter within six months.The couple married on Dec 9, 2023, but separated barely a month later, on Jan 17, 2024, when the man left for the UK for further studies. He informed her that he planned to settle permanently in the UK and asked her to join him. However, the woman was reluctant to leave India. She informed him she was settled in Ahmedabad and preferred to pursue her career in India only.After deciding to part ways, they filed a divorce petition under Section 13B of the Act on April 1, 2025, and stated that the discord between them arose from their desire to live in different countries. After the hearing, the bench of Justice Sangeeta Vishen and Justice Nisha Thakore said, “Perceptibly, there is no scope of reunion between the parties, for the parties are staying separately for more than one year as on the date of presenting the petition under Section 13B of the Act of 1955. Both the parties have mutually agreed to divorce; therefore, the six-month period as well as one year as provided in Section 13B (1) is almost over. Considering the stand taken by the respective parties, reunion is not possible. Not accepting the request of the parties, in the opinion of this court, will only prolong their agony. Both the parties are young and are desirous of pursuing their careers, as per their own wish.”About the AuthorSaeed KhanSaeed Khan is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India at Ahmedabad. He reports on all the courts in the city and legal issues. He occasionally reports on cultural and social issues as well.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat HC has paved the way for a couple’s divorce after their marriage broke down over conflicting desires about where to live — the husband preferred living in the UK, but the wife did not want to leave India.The HC quashed Ahmedabad’s family court order that had rejected a mutual-consent divorce petition as “premature”.The…

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