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Jalandhar-based Pastor Bajinder Singh of the Glory and Wisdom Church has been booked on charges of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation after a woman accused him of inappropriate conduct, mental torture, and threats against her and her family. Allegations by the Complainant The woman, who joined the church in 2017 and left in 2023, alleged that Singh, who refers to himself as “Prophet Bajinder,” made her sit alone with him in a cabin on Sundays and touched her inappropriately in 2022. She further claimed that after rejecting his advances, she faced severe intimidation: Her husband confirmed that all evidence, including video messages and CCTV footage, has been submitted to the police. Pastor’s Response and Police Action Pastor Bajinder Singh denied the allegations, stating he is a family man and claiming he will take legal action against his accusers. However, a video surfaced where Singh is seen urging his followers to “identify” the accusers and go to their houses with flags, raising concerns over intimidation tactics. Police have registered a case under IPC sections: NCW Demands Action The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for Singh’s immediate arrest and protection for the complainant. Authorities are now investigating the case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Ashish Bhalla, the promoter of WTC Group, on money-laundering charges linked to a ₹3,000-crore real estate fraud case. Bhalla and his associates allegedly duped thousands of investors by promising assured returns in exchange for investments in plots and commercial spaces. Allegations and Findings According to the ED, the funds collected from investors were misused, diverted, and siphoned off to multiple shell companies. The agency also uncovered that hundreds of crores were allegedly transferred to suspicious entities in Singapore, where Bhalla’s family members are believed to have beneficial ownership. The scam affected investors across multiple states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and Punjab. Attempts to Evade Investigation ED officials revealed that Bhalla had been evading authorities and allegedly influenced key individuals to obstruct the probe. Last year, on February 27, the agency conducted searches related to the case, during which Bhalla remained absconding. Calling him the “mastermind” behind the fraudulent activities, the ED emphasized that Bhalla had made massive unlawful gains through the scheme. Following his arrest on March 6, a special Gurugram court granted the agency six-day custodial interrogation. Further investigations are underway to trace and recover the laundered money.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take back parts of Jammu and Kashmir currently under Pakistan and China’s control, questioning the party’s silence on the issue. Speaking in the J&K Assembly, Abdullah pointed out that while the BJP frequently criticizes Congress for losing Haji Pir to Pakistan, it has failed to answer what it reclaimed during the 1999 Kargil war. “One part of Kashmir is with Pakistan. Today, the Foreign Minister has said they will take it back. Who has stopped you? We never opposed that. But why are you silent on the part that is with China?” Abdullah asked. He further challenged the BJP, saying that since it had the opportunity to reclaim lost territory during the Kargil war, it should now act and recover all disputed regions. “None of us will oppose you if you take them back today,” he asserted. Criticism Over Ladakh and J&K Reorganization Abdullah also criticized the BJP over the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. He accused the party of altering the historical identity of the state handed down by the Dogra rulers. “What we inherited from Maharaja Bahadur was the state of J&K, including Ladakh. What did you do with this state?” Abdullah asked, adding that previous National Conference, PDP, or Congress governments never renamed institutions named after Dogra rulers, unlike the BJP, which changed J&K’s political map. He also pointed out the ongoing protests in Ladakh, where people—including the Buddhist population—are now demanding their rights. “Those who celebrated then now say they were better off with J&K,” Abdullah said, referring to the discontent among Ladakh residents after the region’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir. Criticism of BJP’s Stand on 1931 Martyrs Abdullah condemned BJP leader Sunil Sharma’s remarks referring to the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, as “traitors.” He emphasized that the region had inherited state subject laws from the Maharaja for the protection of land and jobs, which are now gone. Comparing J&K with Himachal Pradesh, Abdullah said: “If a factory or hotel is set up in Himachal, 70% of jobs are reserved for locals. Do we have any such law here?” His statements come amid rising political tensions in J&K, with regional parties demanding the restoration of statehood and special rights for the region’s people.

The content creators of the controversial YouTube show India’s Got Latent appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday, expressing regret over their remarks and pledging to be more mindful of their words in the future. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar confirmed this during a press briefing on Friday. The individuals involved include YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, Apoorva Mukhija (The Rebel Kid), comedians Samay Raina (host of India’s Got Latent), Jaspreet Singh, and YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani. The show’s producers, Saurabh Bothra and Tushar Poojari, along with legal representatives for Jaspreet Singh and Ashish Chanchlani, also appeared before the Commission. Apologies and Commitment to Responsible Speech NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar strongly condemned the language used in the show, calling it “absolutely indecent” and stating that it was unacceptable to both society and the Commission. “Keeping in mind its social impact, NCW immediately took cognizance of the issue and issued them notices,” Rahatkar said. During the hearing, the content creators expressed regret over their words and admitted that they should not have used such language. They apologized before the Commission and assured that they would be more cautious in the future. “They said this was the first and last time they made such a mistake. Ranveer Allahbadia and others acknowledged that their words cannot be taken back, but they would try to be more mindful in their content and promote respect for women,” Rahatkar added. Legal Fallout and Supreme Court Intervention The controversy erupted after an episode of India’s Got Latent featured remarks by Ranveer Allahbadia about parents and sex, as well as certain comments by Apoorva Mukhija, which led to public outrage. Multiple FIRs were filed against Allahbadia for his statements. However, the Supreme Court granted him interim protection from arrest while condemning his remarks. The court described his statements as “vulgar” and criticized him for having a “dirty mind” that “put society to shame.” With growing scrutiny over digital content and its social impact, the NCW’s intervention signals a stronger push for accountability among content creators in India’s online entertainment space.

The United States Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the plea of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to halt his extradition to India. Rana had sought an emergency stay, arguing that his extradition could put his life at risk due to his Pakistani origins. However, the US judiciary ruled against his appeal, clearing the path for his transfer to Indian authorities. Rana’s Argument and US Approval In his petition, Rana claimed that his survival chances would be minimal if extradited to India. He stated, “If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead.” Despite these claims, the US government approved his extradition last month under the administration of former President Donald Trump. During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, Trump confirmed the decision, stating, “We are giving a very violent man (Tahawwur Rana) back to India immediately. There are more to follow because we have quite a few requests. We work with India on crime, and we want to make things better for India.” Who is Tahawwur Rana? Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, faces serious charges in India for his alleged involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed over 174 lives. Previously, he was convicted in the United States for aiding the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Indian authorities have been pursuing Rana’s extradition for years, linking him to David Coleman Headley (Daood Gilani), another accused in the 2008 attack. Headley, who had dual US-Pakistani citizenship, was arrested by US authorities in 2009. Rana is alleged to have assisted Headley by providing him with fake credentials, which enabled him to travel to India and conduct reconnaissance for the deadly LeT operation. Next Steps in the Extradition Process With the US Supreme Court rejecting his plea, Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India is expected to proceed soon. The Indian government has been actively working with US authorities to ensure his transfer so that he can face trial for his alleged role in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history.

Arrest and Confession Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai, has admitted in her statement to the police that she was carrying 17 gold bars on her body. She also disclosed details about her extensive international travels. “I have traveled to Europe, America, and the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest,” her statement read. Family Background and Legal Proceedings Ranya Rao revealed that she is the daughter of real estate businessman KS Hegdesh and is married to Jatin Hukkeri, an architect. She also clarified that she was receiving a fair trial and was not making her statement under duress. While in custody, she was offered food but declined, stating she was not hungry. The actress was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after officials received a tip-off regarding her smuggling activities. Following her arrest, a special court for financial offences sent her to judicial custody until March 18. Her bail plea is set to be heard today. Ongoing Investigation and DRI’s Request The DRI has requested the court to grant them access to Rao for three days, starting March 9, to continue their investigation. Officials aim to determine whether she was part of a larger smuggling network. The agency has stated that this is one of the largest gold seizures at Bengaluru airport in recent years. Smuggling Modus Operandi and Family Links Ranya Rao allegedly strapped gold bars to her body and concealed them with clothing to evade detection. Further investigations revealed that she is the stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramachandra Rao. Authorities have also found that she made more than 30 short trips to Dubai in the past year. Allegedly, she used her VIP connections through her stepfather to bypass regular passenger checks at airports. However, K Ramachandra Rao has denied any connection to her activities, stating that they have not been in contact since Ranya got married to Jatin Hukkeri. Searches at Residence and Seizures Following her arrest, the DRI conducted searches at Ranya Rao’s residence, where they seized gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore. The investigation into her alleged smuggling activities is ongoing.

A Dark, Unsettling, and Deeply Human Sci-Fi Experience Director Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 is far from your typical sci-fi blockbuster. It’s unsettling, darkly humorous, and profoundly human—everything you’d expect from the Oscar-winning director of Parasite. At its heart is Robert Pattinson, who sheds his Twilight persona completely to deliver a career-defining performance, one that might just land him an Oscar. The Premise: Cloning, Identity, and Existential Crisis Set in a future where interstellar colonization is humanity’s last hope, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), an “expendable” crew member assigned to the deadly jobs no one else will take. Running away from loan sharks, he hastily accepts the job without reading the fine print—only to discover he’s become an “experimental” module. Every time he dies, he is regenerated (re-printed) as a new clone, carrying the memories of his past versions. Mickey 17 knows he’s disposable. But when Mickey 18 emerges, everything changes. Suddenly, the nature of individuality, identity, and existence itself is called into question. Mark Ruffalo and a Political Undertone Mark Ruffalo plays the weary mission leader, a failed politician who is both hardened by power and disturbingly comfortable with the ethics of cloning. His layered performance carries an eerie reflection of today’s political climate. Whether intentional or not, his portrayal of leadership feels unsettlingly familiar. Robert Pattinson’s Multi-Layered Performance Pattinson has been making unconventional acting choices for over a decade, but Mickey 17 might be his most demanding role yet. He doesn’t just play one Mickey—he plays multiple versions of himself, each subtly different, each carrying emotional and psychological baggage from past iterations. Vulnerability, wit, and raw physicality define his performance, making you feel every ounce of Mickey’s confusion and desperation. Bong Joon-ho’s Signature Social Commentary If Snowpiercer was about class warfare and Parasite about economic disparity, Mickey 17 explores identity and human disposability in a world governed by power. The film boldly tackles themes of clones, migrants, labor exploitation, and the terrifying ease with which individuals can be replaced. Yet, Bong never lets the message overshadow the storytelling. Striking Visuals, Haunting Score, and Bong’s Unique Humor Much like Snowpiercer, Mickey 17 thrives on visual extremes. The production design is breathtaking, the cinematography striking, and the score intensifies each moment—whether it’s one of existential horror or absurd comedy. Expect stomach-churning gore alongside Bong’s signature surrealism, where moments of high-pitched screaming and Mickey’s encounters with himself provoke both laughter and unease. A Thought-Provoking Ending That Lingers The film’s climax leaves audiences contemplating the very essence of being human. When Mickey 17 finally becomes Mickey Barnes, the moment lingers long after the credits roll. Are we merely a collection of memories, or is there something more? Bong Joon-ho doesn’t provide a definitive answer—but he ensures you’ll be pondering it for days. Final Verdict: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece with a Phenomenal Lead Mickey 17 is ambitious, thought-provoking, and powered by a phenomenal Robert Pattinson. While it may not be as narratively complex as Bong’s previous films, its razor-sharp social commentary ensures its place among the most thought-provoking sci-fi films of our time.

Fear of Northern Domination in Parliament Sparks Protest Leaders of opposition parties from India’s southern states convened on Wednesday to protest the central government’s plan to redraw parliamentary constituencies based on the 2011 census. The move, they argue, would disproportionately benefit northern states and reduce the representation of southern regions in the Lok Sabha. The protest, spearheaded by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has gained the backing of the Congress party and over a dozen regional parties across five southern states. These states, known for their stronger economic growth and lower population growth rates, fear that the delimitation exercise will unfairly penalize them for their success in curbing population expansion. Call for 1971 Census-Based Boundaries Until 2056 Stalin tabled a resolution urging the central government to retain the current parliamentary seat distribution, which was determined based on the 1971 census. He proposed that any future boundary redrawing should be postponed until 2056, allowing time for northern states to stabilize their population growth rates. “We are not against delimitation, but it shouldn’t be a punishment for those who have successfully controlled population growth,” said Sarvanan Annadurai, spokesperson for Stalin’s DMK party. The resolution also called for a constitutional amendment to ensure proportional representation for all states, even if the total number of Lok Sabha seats increases. Concerns Over Unequal Representation Currently, Lok Sabha members represent an unequal number of people across different states. Southern states, despite their economic contributions and lower fertility rates, risk losing seats in parliament if delimitation is carried out using the 2011 census data. According to India’s Constitution, a delimitation exercise is supposed to take place after every national census, which is conducted every ten years. However, the 2021 census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Modi government has not yet initiated the process of counting India’s estimated 1.4 billion population. The last completed census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion. Despite having 543 seats in the Lok Sabha since the 1970s, the newly constructed parliament building— inaugurated last year— was designed to accommodate 888 members, indicating that an expansion is being considered. BJP’s Stand: No Disadvantage to Southern States Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently assured that southern states would not be adversely affected by the delimitation process. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed Stalin’s demands, accusing him of attempting to create a political divide between northern and southern India. However, opposition leaders argue that the central government has historically overlooked the interests of southern states in matters such as fund allocation, grants, irrigation projects, and drought relief. With over 15 regional parties now rallying against the proposed delimitation, the issue is set to remain a major political flashpoint in the coming months.

Massive Boost to Pilgrimage Infrastructure in Uttarakhand The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand on Wednesday (March 5, 2025). These projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, will be developed under the National Ropeways Development Programme, Parvatmala Pariyojana, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. The ropeways will significantly reduce travel time to these high-altitude pilgrimage sites, situated over 3,500 metres above sea level. Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway The 12.4-km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model at a capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore. Currently, pilgrims undertake a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat, either on foot or using ponies and palanquins. The proposed ropeway will provide much-needed convenience to the 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees who visit the gurudwara annually during the five-month pilgrimage season from May to September. Additionally, the ropeway will facilitate access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing tourism in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas. The project will be developed in a public-private partnership and will incorporate advanced technology, including a Monocable Detachable Gondola system from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) and a Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) system from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (1.85 km). It will have a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), accommodating up to 11,000 passengers per day. Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway The 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will be constructed at a cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. With a capacity of 1,800 PPHPD, it will be able to carry 18,000 passengers per day. This ropeway will drastically cut the current travel time of eight to nine hours to just 36 minutes. At present, pilgrims reach Kedarnath either by helicopters, ponies, or on foot via a strenuous 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund. Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra, is among the most visited temples in India. Economic and Tourism Impact Beyond improving pilgrimage accessibility, these ropeway projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities during both construction and operation phases. They will also boost allied industries, including hospitality, travel, food and beverage (F&B), and tourism, providing year-round economic benefits to the region.

The controversy surrounding Marco continues as the film, dubbed the most violent Malayalam movie ever made, faces hurdles in securing satellite streaming rights. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has rejected the producers’ request to convert its ‘A’ certificate to ‘UA’, effectively barring its broadcast on television. Despite being a massive box office hit and streaming on SonyLIV since February 14, the film’s extreme violence has sparked debates. CBFC’s regional officer, T. Nadeem Thufali, emphasized that satellite rights are only granted to films with ‘U’ or ‘UA’ certifications, and the committee even recommended prohibiting its streaming on OTT platforms. However, CBFC currently has no authority over digital streaming content. The movie’s brutal action sequences and themes have drawn criticism from political and social figures, accusing it of glorifying violence and influencing youth. In response, producer Shareef Mohammed defended the film, arguing that its intensity was essential to the story but acknowledged concerns about rising violence. He assured that he would avoid making films that seemingly promote violence in the future. With mounting public scrutiny and regulatory challenges, Marco remains at the center of a heated debate about violence in cinema and its societal impact.