Comedian Sunil Pal's alleged kidnapping in Meerut has taken a twist. A leaked audio clip suggests the incident, involving a Rs 7.5 lakh ransom, might be a staged publicity stunt. Pal claims he was coerced and the audio was manipulated. However, CCTV footage reportedly shows the suspects buying gold with the ransom money.
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A tea seller shouting about a fire in the Pushpak Express led to panic, causing passengers to jump off the moving train in North Maharashtra, resulting in 13 deaths and 10 injuries. The rumor was spread by passengers Udal Kumar and Vijay Kumar, who are now receiving treatment. The government will cover the medical expenses for the injured.
Several standout players from the ICC Champions Trophy caught the attention of IPL franchise scouts and owners with their exceptional performances. Cricketers like Ben Duckett, Tom Latham, and Matt Henry, who went unsold in the mega auction last November, now appear as attractive prospects for IPL 2025 replacement signings.
India's cultural diversity is evident in the unique greetings used across various states. While 'Namaste' is widely recognized, local variations like 'Namaskaram' in Andhra Pradesh and 'Nomoskar' in Assam highlight regional traditions. States like Gujarat and Punjab invoke divine blessings through phrases like 'Jai Shri Krishna' and 'Sat Sri Akal.' These greetings underline respect, spirituality, and cultural richness.
The Reserve Bank of India confirmed IndusInd Bank's strong financial parameters and robust health amid reported discrepancies. IndusInd Bank is implementing remedial measures and undergoing an external audit. Despite leadership changes and internal process issues, the bank remains financially stable.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the slow pace of verifying law degrees of advocates, fearing 20% of 1.5 million lawyers in India might have fake credentials. The Bar Council of India must expedite this process, which began in 2015. Recent findings have uncovered numerous fake lawyers in Delhi and Punjab, urging prompt action.
Dr Suvrankar Datta, a radiologist at AIIMS, has criticised IndiGo Airlines for neglect and unprofessionalism after they failed to deliver his pre-booked meal on time despite multiple reminders. He expressed concerns for passenger safety and announced plans to escalate the issue to the national consumer forum.
The government is considering raising the standard deduction and adjusting income tax slabs in the upcoming Budget to alleviate middle-class burden. Concessions for health insurance and pension, and benefits for home loans are being discussed. However, officials prefer maintaining the new tax regime without additional exemptions to avoid complexities resembling the old system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Manipur's Statehood Day, which Congress criticized as hollow. They highlighted his failure to visit the violence-affected state since May 2023, accusing him of neglect and hypocrisy, and demanded an immediate visit to show concern.
Former Australian motorcycle gang member Ryan Peake completed a stunning redemption story by winning the New Zealand Open and securing a spot in this year’s British Open. Despite his criminal past and initial immigration issues, Peake delivered a near-flawless performance, finishing 23-under and claiming the coveted place at the British Open, alongside a $201,600 prize.
The Indian Embassy in Germany is in close contact with the seven Indian nationals injured in a car attack at the Magdeburg Christmas Market. Three have been discharged, while four remain under treatment. The attack by a Saudi psychiatrist killed five and injured over 200, leading to enhanced security and market cancellations in Germany.