
NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari
NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari

Over 500 Indians Rescued from Fake Job Scam in Myanmar and Thailand
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed the successful repatriation of over 500 Indian nationals who had fallen victim to fake job offers in Myanmar and Thailand. According to the MEA, 266 Indians were repatriated on Tuesday by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, following the return of 283 Indians on Monday. These individuals were reportedly rescued from cybercrime scam centres operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The MEA, through its spokesperson Randhir Jai
Over 500 Indians Rescued from Fake Job Scam in Myanmar and Thailand
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed the successful repatriation of over 500 Indian nationals who had fallen victim to fake job offers in Myanmar and Thailand. According to the MEA, 266 Indians were repatriated on Tuesday by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, following the return of 283 Indians on Monday. These individuals were reportedly rescued from cybercrime scam centres operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The MEA, through its spokesperson Randhir Jai

Andhra Speaker Rejects Jagan Mohan Reddy as Opposition Leader Over Seat Shortage
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu has ruled against granting YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jagan Mohan Reddy the status of Leader of the Opposition. The decision follows YSRCP’s significant electoral defeat, which reduced its representation in the 175-member Assembly to just 11 MLAs. According to legislative norms, a party must hold at least 10 percent of the total seats, equivalent to 18 MLAs, to be eligible for the Opposition Leader position. As YSRCP fail
Andhra Speaker Rejects Jagan Mohan Reddy as Opposition Leader Over Seat Shortage
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu has ruled against granting YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jagan Mohan Reddy the status of Leader of the Opposition. The decision follows YSRCP’s significant electoral defeat, which reduced its representation in the 175-member Assembly to just 11 MLAs. According to legislative norms, a party must hold at least 10 percent of the total seats, equivalent to 18 MLAs, to be eligible for the Opposition Leader position. As YSRCP fail

Supreme Court Rules Gratuity Can Be Forfeited for Moral Turpitude Without Criminal Conviction
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st
Supreme Court Rules Gratuity Can Be Forfeited for Moral Turpitude Without Criminal Conviction
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st

Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Sentenced to Two Years in Jail for Fake Documents Case
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Nashik district and sessions court in a 1995 case involving the use of fraudulent documents to obtain government flats under a special housing scheme. In addition to the jail term, he has been fined Rs 50,000. His brother, Sunil Kokate, was also convicted in the same case.The verdict was delivered by Additional Chief Justice
Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Sentenced to Two Years in Jail for Fake Documents Case
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Nashik district and sessions court in a 1995 case involving the use of fraudulent documents to obtain government flats under a special housing scheme. In addition to the jail term, he has been fined Rs 50,000. His brother, Sunil Kokate, was also convicted in the same case.The verdict was delivered by Additional Chief Justice

Home Ministry Seeks Sanction to Prosecute Satyendar Jain in Money Laundering Case
The Union Home Ministry has requested the President of India to grant sanction for the prosecution of AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money-laundering case under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The sanction has been sought under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, with the Ministry citing an ongoing ED probe and sufficient evidence.Satyendar Jain, 60, was arrested by the ED in May 2022 in connection with alleged hawala dealings. H
Home Ministry Seeks Sanction to Prosecute Satyendar Jain in Money Laundering Case
The Union Home Ministry has requested the President of India to grant sanction for the prosecution of AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money-laundering case under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The sanction has been sought under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, with the Ministry citing an ongoing ED probe and sufficient evidence.Satyendar Jain, 60, was arrested by the ED in May 2022 in connection with alleged hawala dealings. H

Two Retired Officials Lose Rs. 2.87 Crore to Online Scams
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc
Two Retired Officials Lose Rs. 2.87 Crore to Online Scams
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc

Vallabhaneni Vamsi and Others Sent to 14-Day Remand in Kidnap Case
Vijayawada Court has ordered a 14-day remand for Vallabhaneni Vamsi, a leader of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP), in connection with the kidnap of Satyavardhan, an employee at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) office. Vamsi was arrested in Hyderabad and was brought to Vijayawada on Thursday night. After his arrest, Vamsi was questioned for over 8 hours at the Krishna Lanka police station before being presented before the court. The legal proceedings continued from 11 pm to 2:15 am,
Vallabhaneni Vamsi and Others Sent to 14-Day Remand in Kidnap Case
Vijayawada Court has ordered a 14-day remand for Vallabhaneni Vamsi, a leader of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP), in connection with the kidnap of Satyavardhan, an employee at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) office. Vamsi was arrested in Hyderabad and was brought to Vijayawada on Thursday night. After his arrest, Vamsi was questioned for over 8 hours at the Krishna Lanka police station before being presented before the court. The legal proceedings continued from 11 pm to 2:15 am,

Legal Notice Issued to KCR for Not Attending Telangana Assembly as LoP
An advocate representing the Federation of Farmers Association in Telangana, D Vijaypal Reddy, has issued a legal notice to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) for not attending the Telangana Assembly in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition (LoP). The notice, drafted by legal consultant Paduri Srinivasa Reddy, states that KCR has failed to fulfill his duties as LoP, a position critical for holding the ruling government accountable and safeguarding public interests. &nb
Legal Notice Issued to KCR for Not Attending Telangana Assembly as LoP
An advocate representing the Federation of Farmers Association in Telangana, D Vijaypal Reddy, has issued a legal notice to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) for not attending the Telangana Assembly in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition (LoP). The notice, drafted by legal consultant Paduri Srinivasa Reddy, states that KCR has failed to fulfill his duties as LoP, a position critical for holding the ruling government accountable and safeguarding public interests. &nb

Illegal Land Grab Attempt Targets Property Meant for Chandrababu Naidu in Bapatla
In a shocking revelation, an illegal land grab attempt targeting property originally meant for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu has come to light in Bapatla. This land, registered 25 years ago by a loyal TDP supporter, was designated for the construction of a party office in the Bapatla constituency. Over time, the value of the land surged, now estimated at ₹1.5 crore. However, when the landowner recently approached a bank for a loan using the property as collateral, he was
Illegal Land Grab Attempt Targets Property Meant for Chandrababu Naidu in Bapatla
In a shocking revelation, an illegal land grab attempt targeting property originally meant for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu has come to light in Bapatla. This land, registered 25 years ago by a loyal TDP supporter, was designated for the construction of a party office in the Bapatla constituency. Over time, the value of the land surged, now estimated at ₹1.5 crore. However, when the landowner recently approached a bank for a loan using the property as collateral, he was

One-Third of Indians Lose Money to Scams in Real-Time Payments, FICO Report Finds
A recent report by global analytics firm FICO has highlighted the increasing threat of scams in India's real-time payments (RTP) ecosystem. According to the survey, over one-third (34%) of respondents have lost money to scams, paying for goods, services, or investments that were never delivered. The report further reveals that 60% of respondents have received messages from scammers, and 54% reported that friends or family members have been scammed. Despite fewer people reporting
One-Third of Indians Lose Money to Scams in Real-Time Payments, FICO Report Finds
A recent report by global analytics firm FICO has highlighted the increasing threat of scams in India's real-time payments (RTP) ecosystem. According to the survey, over one-third (34%) of respondents have lost money to scams, paying for goods, services, or investments that were never delivered. The report further reveals that 60% of respondents have received messages from scammers, and 54% reported that friends or family members have been scammed. Despite fewer people reporting

Woman Defrauded of £92,300 by 20-Year Friend in Catfish Scam
A British woman in Birmingham was left contemplating suicide after being deceived by a close friend of twenty years, Sumaiya Khurram, who catfished her online and drained her life savings of £92,300 (Rs 98.5 lakh). Khurram, 33, posed as a "pretty boy" on WhatsApp, claiming to be in love with the victim and asked for money to pay for cancer treatment at a private clinic. The fraud occurred between 2015 and 2017 when Khurram introduced the victim to someone named Etesh
Woman Defrauded of £92,300 by 20-Year Friend in Catfish Scam
A British woman in Birmingham was left contemplating suicide after being deceived by a close friend of twenty years, Sumaiya Khurram, who catfished her online and drained her life savings of £92,300 (Rs 98.5 lakh). Khurram, 33, posed as a "pretty boy" on WhatsApp, claiming to be in love with the victim and asked for money to pay for cancer treatment at a private clinic. The fraud occurred between 2015 and 2017 when Khurram introduced the victim to someone named Etesh

Atishi Breaks Down Over BJP Leader's Abusive Remarks on Her Father
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was visibly emotional during a press conference today after BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri made controversial remarks about her father. Atishi, struggling to control her tears, expressed disbelief at the level of personal attack made against her elderly father. Bidhuri, a BJP candidate running against Atishi in the Kalkaji constituency, had targeted her over her surname and made unfounded accusations about her family’s past, including alleging their involvement wi
Atishi Breaks Down Over BJP Leader's Abusive Remarks on Her Father
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was visibly emotional during a press conference today after BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri made controversial remarks about her father. Atishi, struggling to control her tears, expressed disbelief at the level of personal attack made against her elderly father. Bidhuri, a BJP candidate running against Atishi in the Kalkaji constituency, had targeted her over her surname and made unfounded accusations about her family’s past, including alleging their involvement wi

Court Halts Arrest of Robin Uthappa in Provident Fund Case
In a recent legal development, the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, intervened in the case involving cricketer Robin Uthappa. Uthappa, who is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., approached the court to challenge the recovery notices and arrest warrant issued against him. The case revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement, where U
Court Halts Arrest of Robin Uthappa in Provident Fund Case
In a recent legal development, the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, intervened in the case involving cricketer Robin Uthappa. Uthappa, who is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., approached the court to challenge the recovery notices and arrest warrant issued against him. The case revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement, where U

Bengaluru Engineer Loses Rs 11.8 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam
A Bengaluru software engineer was defrauded of Rs 11.8 crore over the span of just 18 days in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. The victim, a 39-year-old tech professional, filed a complaint with the North-East CEN police station on December 12 after realizing he had been tricked. The scam began when an individual posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer contacted the victim, falsely claiming his Aadhaar-linked SIM card was involved in illegal acti
Bengaluru Engineer Loses Rs 11.8 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam
A Bengaluru software engineer was defrauded of Rs 11.8 crore over the span of just 18 days in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. The victim, a 39-year-old tech professional, filed a complaint with the North-East CEN police station on December 12 after realizing he had been tricked. The scam began when an individual posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer contacted the victim, falsely claiming his Aadhaar-linked SIM card was involved in illegal acti

Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.
Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.

Veteran INLD Leader Om Prakash Chautala Dies at 89
Om Prakash Chautala, a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana and a prominent figure in Indian politics, has passed away at 89 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Gurgaon. Born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana, Chautala’s political career spanned several decades. He first became Chief Minister in 1989, but his tenure was marked by short stints due to political instability. His third term in 1991 was also brief, as President's rule was imposed within two weeks. However,
Veteran INLD Leader Om Prakash Chautala Dies at 89
Om Prakash Chautala, a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana and a prominent figure in Indian politics, has passed away at 89 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Gurgaon. Born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana, Chautala’s political career spanned several decades. He first became Chief Minister in 1989, but his tenure was marked by short stints due to political instability. His third term in 1991 was also brief, as President's rule was imposed within two weeks. However,

Ajit Pawar Jokes His Rally Could Have Changed Rohit Pawar's Election Result
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar playfully suggested to his nephew, Rohit Pawar, that had he campaigned in the Karjat Jamkhed constituency, where Rohit won by a narrow margin of 1,243 votes, it might have been difficult for him to retain the seat. Rohit, the grandnephew of NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, won against BJP's Ram Shinde in the just-concluded assembly polls. Ajit Pawar made the comment during a visit to the memorial of Y B Chavan, Maharashtra's first Ch
Ajit Pawar Jokes His Rally Could Have Changed Rohit Pawar's Election Result
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar playfully suggested to his nephew, Rohit Pawar, that had he campaigned in the Karjat Jamkhed constituency, where Rohit won by a narrow margin of 1,243 votes, it might have been difficult for him to retain the seat. Rohit, the grandnephew of NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, won against BJP's Ram Shinde in the just-concluded assembly polls. Ajit Pawar made the comment during a visit to the memorial of Y B Chavan, Maharashtra's first Ch

Chinese National Arrested in Delhi for ₹100 Crore Cyber Fraud
In a significant breakthrough in a ₹100 crore cyber fraud case, Delhi police have arrested a Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating fraudulent online stock trading scams. The fraud was carried out through WhatsApp groups, where the accused lured victims into fake stock market training sessions and convinced them to invest large sums of money, only for the funds to be diverted to multiple bank accounts under his control. The case came to light a
Chinese National Arrested in Delhi for ₹100 Crore Cyber Fraud
In a significant breakthrough in a ₹100 crore cyber fraud case, Delhi police have arrested a Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating fraudulent online stock trading scams. The fraud was carried out through WhatsApp groups, where the accused lured victims into fake stock market training sessions and convinced them to invest large sums of money, only for the funds to be diverted to multiple bank accounts under his control. The case came to light a

Reliance Power Barred from SECI Tenders for Three Years Over Fake Bank Guarantees
Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has debarred Reliance Power Ltd. and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS Ltd. (formerly Maharashtra Energy Generation Ltd.) from bidding in any future SECI tenders for the next three years. This decision comes after SECI discovered that the company had submitted fake bank guarantees during the bidding process for a 1 gigawatt solar power and 2 gigawatt battery energy storage system project. The Incident: Fake Bank Guarantees in SECI Tender
Reliance Power Barred from SECI Tenders for Three Years Over Fake Bank Guarantees
Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has debarred Reliance Power Ltd. and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS Ltd. (formerly Maharashtra Energy Generation Ltd.) from bidding in any future SECI tenders for the next three years. This decision comes after SECI discovered that the company had submitted fake bank guarantees during the bidding process for a 1 gigawatt solar power and 2 gigawatt battery energy storage system project. The Incident: Fake Bank Guarantees in SECI Tender