Mumbai: The Economic Intelligence Unit of the police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is investigating a cheating case where more than 8,500 investors were assured monthly returns of 7%-8%. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Surat, seized cash, foreign currency, and digital evidence while inquiring about the investment scheme. The city police, on its X handle, posted a message about the alleged fraud. The post read, “A widespread fraudulent network involving Ojasvi Foundation, Ojasvi AI, WinsorFX, and Nature Elements has been exposed for operating unauthorised forex trading and fake ‘AI return’ schemes, misleading more than 8,500 investors.”The Nov 29 post on X further stated, “Avoid unregulated platforms offering unrealistic returns and always verify investments with RBI/SEBI.”An EOW officer said that Pradeep Parihar, a Khar resident, lodged an FIR with the police in Oct. “Around 150 investors in and around Mumbai who invested a total of Rs 14 crore in the fake forex cheating case have approached us. The trustees of the Ojasvi Foundation charitable trust ran schemes under the names Ojasvi AI, Nature Elements, FX Gurukul, Ojasvi Paradise, Bliss New, and Al Chemist,” said the officer. “Seven trustees of the Ojasvi Foundation are accused in the case,” said the police.The investors were contacted through word of mouth and were asked to download the company’s app. “They could see their investment, profit, and other records in the app. The accused claimed that they were investing the investors’ money into the share market and foreign exchange. The investors were given different bank accounts to deposit money. They were mule and personal accounts of individuals,” said the officer.Police said that the accused conducted seminars for the investors about their schemes in Mira Road.The EOW is probing the case under various sections of the BNSS and Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act against Ojasvi Foundation and its affiliated entities, including Ojasvi AI, WinsorFX (a Dubai-based trading platform), and Nature Elements.The police’s X post further added, “Search operations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Surat have uncovered cash seizure worth Rs 1.33 crore, illegal foreign currency worth Rs 3 lakh, evidence of illegal forex (hawala) transactions exceeding 18 lakh USDT (a digital dollar-pegged currency) valued at approximately Rs 6-7 crore, and digital records related to illegal forex transactions.”The EOW has written to the ED seeking details about the raid and the records of investors and the bank accounts which were used in the crime.

India’s initial public offering (IPO) segment remains active, with roughly two dozen firms, including ICICI Prudential AMC, Meesho, and Juniper Green Energy, preparing to launch their public issues over the next two months. Collectively, these offerings could raise close to Rs 40,000 crore, according to merchant bankers.The upcoming slate also features prominent companies such as AI-focused Fractal Analytics, home and sleep solutions brand Wakefit Innovations, technology-driven security firm Innovatiview India, and hospital chain Park Medi World. This strong pipeline reflects both the confidence of the issuers and investors’ eagerness to capture early gains or back businesses with long-term growth prospects, reported ET.Firms across all market capitalisations—large, mid, and small caps—are gearing up to enter the IPO route in the coming weeks. Analysts attribute the surge to growing retail participation and steady domestic inflows, which have helped maintain fundraising momentum.This year alone, 96 companies have debuted on stock exchanges, raising a total of Rs 1.6 lakh crore. Over 40 of these listings were completed in the last three months, underscoring the heightened activity in the primary market. In comparison, 91 IPOs collectively mobilised Rs 1.6 lakh crore in 2024, aided by healthy retail participation, strong private capital expenditure, and a buoyant economic environment.Thomas Stephen, Head – Preferred at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, said, “With several IPOs scheduled for December, the total fundraising in 2025 could touch Rs 2 lakh crore, setting a new record for India’s primary markets. This is remarkable given the global volatility and a muted secondary market. Strong domestic liquidity has supported high valuations, and mutual funds, earlier cautious on pre-IPO deals, are now meaningfully increasing allocations.”Stephen also noted that India’s strong consumption story, bolstered by GST and income-tax rationalisation, has encouraged many consumer-oriented businesses to consider public listings. Supporting this view, Shantanu Awasthi, Co-founder & CEO of Mavenark, said, “Companies previously hesitant about tapping the public markets now recognise that sustained growth will require substantial capital infusion.”The funds raised through these IPOs are expected to help companies expand operations, invest in capital projects, repay debt, and meet other corporate objectives. ICICI Prudential AMC plans to raise Rs 10,000 crore in the second half of December through an offer for sale (OFS) of 1.76 crore shares by its UK-based promoter Prudential Corporation Holdings.SoftBank-backed Meesho is targeting Rs 5,421 crore through an IPO opening for public from December 3, comprising a fresh issue of Rs 4,250 crore and an OFS of 10.55 crore shares valued at Rs 1,171 crore. Other significant upcoming offerings include Aequs (Rs 922 crore), Vidya Wires (Rs 300 crore), Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (Rs 5,200 crore), Fractal Analytics (Rs 4,900 crore), and Juniper Green Energy (Rs 3,000 crore).Additional firms preparing to enter the market between December and January include Manipal Payment, Kanodia Cement, Corona Remedies, Milky Mist, Amagi Media Labs, Nephrocare Health Services, Veeda Clinical, LCC Projects, Waterways Leisure, KSH International, Skyways Air Services, Ardee Engineering, PNGS Reva Diamond, and CIEL HR Services. Combined, these companies are expected to raise Rs 40,000 crore, merchant bankers said, as reported by ET.Among major main-board listings this year, Tata Capital led with Rs 15,512 crore, followed by LG Electronics (Rs 11,607 crore), Lenskart Solutions (Rs 7,278 crore), and Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent of Groww, which raised Rs 6,632 crore.Mavenark’s Awasthi advised investors to exercise caution, saying, “Investors should remain mindful of valuations and the underlying business narratives before investing.”

Shehbaz Sharif (left), Asim Munir (ANI)

Author and National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) member Tilak Devasher claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is “intentionally” staying out of the country to avoid being present when the notification would be issued for the appointment of the first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Created through the 27th amendment to Pakistan’s constitution, the post is set to be assumed by Field Marshal Asim Munir, potentially making him the most powerful army chief in the country’s history.Also Read | ‘Reflects political bias, misinformation’: Pak brazens it out; criticises UN top official for remarks on 27th constitutional amendmentSpeaking to ANI, Devasher highlighted that Sharif left for Bahrain and then London, leading to speculation that he’s “deliberately” staying away to avoid issuing the notification.“Very smartly, the Pakistan PM went to Bahrain and then to London. He clearly does not want to issue the notification giving Asim Munir five years as army chief and as Chief of Defence Forces. He seems to believe that by staying away and avoiding signing the notification, he can escape the consequences,” said Devasher, author of four books on Pakistan.The comment comes after Sharif’s government failed to issue the required notification appointing Munir as the first-ever CDF by the November 29 deadline—the day his original three-year term as army chief ended. With the creation of the CDF post, the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee has formally been abolished.Devasher added that Pakistan is currently navigating a “very messy” situation.“If it turns out that he (Asim Munir) is no longer the army chief, then Pakistan finds itself without an army chief, and even the nuclear command authority—meant to fall under the new Strategic Forces Command—is effectively leaderless. It’s an extremely strange situation,” he remarked.Legal experts remain divided over whether the notification is necessary. Under the amended Constitution, the Chief of Army Staff’s term is meant to run concurrently with the CDF, lasting five years.Some analysts, however, argue that the issue may already be addressed by the Pakistan Army Act’s 2024 amendment, which extended the tenure of service chiefs to five years, according to Dawn. The amendment includes a “deeming” clause stating it “shall always be deemed to have been part of the Pakistan Army Act,” implying that Munir’s current term could automatically extend from three to five years without any additional notification.Devasher, however, called this interpretation “controversial,” questioning the view that a notification may not be required.“Some people argue that the Army Act was amended in 2004, setting the army chief’s tenure at five years. Since he has already served three, he supposedly has another two years remaining. From this perspective, no new notification would be required. This is controversial, and it’s unclear how the judiciary or the government will view it. But the fact remains that it makes his position very tenuous,” Devasher said.He also pointed to what he described as political manoeuvring within the military. “There are reports that other generals are now jostling for the position of army chief or for the two newly created four-star posts,” he stated.Devasher added that Prime Minister Sharif’s absence is only deepening the uncertainty. “But this situation cannot continue,” he warned. “A nuclear-armed country cannot function without a Chief of the Army Staff or someone in charge of the nuclear command authority.”

NEW DELHI: After enduring a series of low scores on his comeback to the domestic T20 tournament – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – as Punjab’s captain, young India opener Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking counterattack on Sunday morning, hammering a record-breaking century against a seasoned Bengal bowling attack at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad.A 12-ball fifty with 50 runs in boundaries Came out to open the innings after Punjab opted to bat first, Abhishek found his rhythm immediately. He blasted his way to a half-century in just 12 deliveries, launching into his former Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate and senior India pacer Mohammed Shami for 23 runs in a single over.

The scale of the assault by the Punjab batter was astonishing. By the time he reached his fifty, the left-handed sensation had scored 50 of his first 51 runs in boundaries only, smashing five sixes and five fours to leave Bengal stunned.Alongside him, Prabhsimran Singh also fired up early, helping Punjab surge past 120 inside eight overs. Abhishek continued to muscle sixes straight down the ground, repeatedly targeting the V region with brutal precision.Equals Rohit Sharma; only Virat Kohli ahead The carnage didn’t stop. Abhishek stormed to a century in 32 balls, finishing with 11 sixes and seven fours before reaching triple figures. This knock marked his eighth T20 hundred in 157 innings, bringing him level with Rohit Sharma. Among Indian batters, only Virat Kohli (nine) has more T20 centuries. Just last season, Abhishek smashed a 28-ball hundred against Meghalaya, the joint-fastest by any Indian in T20 cricket. He also struck 87 sixes in T20s in 2024, the most by an Indian man in a single year.Breaks his own six-hitting record With 16 sixes in this innings alone, Abhishek went past his 2024 tally, becoming the first Indian to cross 90 T20 sixes in a calendar year.Most T20 sixes by an Indian in a calendar year

Punjab cross the 300-run mark Abhishek eventually departed for a spectacular 148 off 52 balls, with 16 sixes and eight fours, but not before powering Punjab to a score beyond 300. They have now become only the second Indian T20 side, after Baroda against Sikkim in 2024, to breach the 300-run barrier.

Virat Kohli delivered a masterful performance in Ranchi, smashing his record-extending 52nd ODI century with 135 runs off 120 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes, to propel India to 349/8 against South Africa in the series opener. The 37-year-old’s knock, his finest since the 2025 Champions Trophy, silenced doubters amid retirement talks and propelled India to a thrilling 17-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead. Coming in after Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s early exit, Kohli forged a crucial 136-run second-wicket stand with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), blending solid defense with explosive strokeplay on a batting-friendly pitch.​

Gautam Gambhir stands up in awe of Virat Kohli’s record braking ton

South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to bowl first, but India’s batting firepower overwhelmed their attack, with KL Rahul adding 60 off 56 to set a daunting target. Kohli eyed a double ton before falling to Nandre Burger, raising his bat to a roaring JSCA Stadium crowd. Cameras captured head coach Gautam Gambhir leading a standing ovation from the dressing room, joined by support staff like Sitanshu Kotak and Morne Morkel, before sharing a warm side hug with Kohli upon his return. This gesture underscored team unity, especially as Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar‘s marks for most ODI tons overall and against South Africa.​

GAUTAM Gambhir appreciate Virat Kohli inning ..

Great gesture by Coach .#INDvsSA #ViratKohli #GautamGambhir #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/ypDnsC0iZV

— Manvendra Sharma (@Manvendra__17) November 30, 2025

Also READ: “I’d be lying if…”: KL Rahul on India’s nervy win over South Africa in Ranchi ODI

Kohli and Gambhir harmony amid speculation

Gambhir’s public acclaim put to rest whispers of tension with Kohli, absent visible interactions during recent nets post-Australia ODIs. Reports suggest BCCI officials, Gambhir, and selector Ajit Agarkar may convene in Ahmedabad to chart futures for Kohli and Rohit, possibly mandating Vijay Hazare participation for match readiness toward the 2027 World Cup. Gambhir had previously affirmed a strong personal bond with Kohli, emphasizing maturity beyond on-field rivalries like their IPL clashes.​

Kuldeep Yadav‘s four wickets, including Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70), sealed the win despite a late Proteas surge to 332 all out. Kohli’s post-match resolve—”If I’m arriving somewhere, I’ll arrive at 120%“—highlights his focus on ODIs alone after Test and T20I retirements. This Ranchi masterclass reaffirms his legacy, boosting India’s campaign with Gambhir’s backing evident in every applaud.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli shuts down Test retirement U-turn talk with clear statement

Travis Head in Brisbane, Australia. (Getty Images)

Travis Head has never been one to obsess over cricket’s conventions, and on Sunday in Brisbane, Australia’s free-flowing left-hander summed up his approach with a line that instantly captured the mood of a team ready to challenge long-held Test traditions.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Pink ball, white ball, red ball – I won’t use the next word… who really cares?” Head said with a grin. It was classic Head — carefree, blunt, and perfectly timed as Australia weigh up how far they are willing to push the boundaries in day-night Ashes cricket.The 31-year-old’s remark arrives as Australia seriously consider loosening, if not abandoning, the rigidity of traditional batting orders ahead of the second Test at the Gabba. Head, whose fearless 83-ball 123 in Perth reignited debate about his optimal position, is at the centre of this rethink.

Captain Pat Cummins earlier called batting orders “overrated”, and coach Andrew McDonald revealed that the decision to send Head out as a makeshift opener in the Perth run chase was the result of years of internal tactical debate about flexibility. Head fully agrees.“I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways… whatever way that is needed to win games of cricket,” he said. “We’ve seen it with the pink ball — double nightwatchmen, different ways to use players. The traditionalists will say that’s how it’s got to be, but this is where the game’s going.”Head believes the team has spent years preparing for this mindset shift. “We’ve thrown out scenarios over the last few years — how do you get there, what personnel you need, the personalities in the line-up. I feel like I can play any role, so I’m open to opening. All options are on the table.”

Head spent Sunday night reacquainting himself with the pink ball under lights as uncertainty lingers over Usman Khawaja‘s back spasms. The Gabba, where Head has produced both brilliance and baffling collapses, could again define his role.Whether he opens or slots back into the middle order, one thing is clear: Travis Head is fully committed to a future where Australian batting strategy is as fluid, adaptable and irreverent as the attitude he summed up with one unforgettable line.

One of the key changes is the wage redefinition, as this forms the base for all calculations under the codes. (AI image)

By Parizad SirwallaIndia’s labour landscape is witnessing one of the most significant transformations in decades. As of 21 November 2025, most of the provisions under the four Labour Codes have been made effective. The Labour Codes consolidate 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive codes—Wages, Social Security, Industrial Relations and Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions (OSH). This reform is positioned as a cornerstone for enhancing workplace safety, improving ease of doing business, promoting formalization, fostering inclusive growth, while also aligning with global standards. For businesses, this means fewer overlapping regulations and a clearer roadmap for workforce management.One of the key changes is the wage redefinition, as this forms the base for all calculations under the codes – resulting in an increase or decrease in the statutory liabilities depending upon the wage structure deployed by the company. The impact of this on the net take home of the employee also needs to be monitored. A full financial sensitivity analysis by employee grade, tenure, and function becomes imperative.Amongst others, the Codes encourage gender and wage parity, introduce provisions for night shifts for women with certain safeguards, national floor wage for all, enhanced health and safety norms. They mandate appointment letters, extend social security benefits to unorganized sector, gig, platform workers and fixed term employees.Also Read | Explained: How new labour laws could hit your take-home salary, increase your provident fund & gratuity contributionsThe Codes do seem to seek alignment with few of the international Labour Organisation (ILO) principles towards wages, gender equality, and occupational safety. According to ILO, over 2.78 million workers die annually from occupational accidents and diseases, highlighting the relevance of OSH provisions. The ILO’s Global Wage Report shows persistent gender pay gaps worldwide, making India’s gender-neutral wage provisions significant In June 2025, ILO committed to binding global standards for platform work which reinforces India’s progressive vision of including platform workers in the Codes.From a business perspective, in the long run, simplified and digitized compliance will reduce administrative burden and litigation risk, improving investor confidence. Formalization of employment will enhance tax compliance and social security coverage. Parallelly, digital transformation initiatives of the Government, such as EPFO 3.0 etc. complement these reforms, promoting transparency and trust.There may however be a need to navigate some short-term challenges. A key one being aligning to the new and critical definition of wages, as the ambiguities surrounding its interpretation continue especially with respect to variable / one-time payments, stock benefits etc. Some illustrations or clarifications from the Ministry in this regard in due course will certainly help clarify.Employers would also need some immediate catch-up on cost provisioning / recalculation of benefits such as gratuity, leave encashment etc. which in the absence of any clarification otherwise, may have a retro-active effect. For instance, gratuity is calculated based on the last drawn wage for every completed year of service. With the change in definition of wage under the Codes, it could lead to an enhancement of the gratuity liability for employee’s termination post commencement of the Code.Also Read | What do new labour codes mean for employees & employers? From minimum wages, gratuity benefits to appointment letters & layoff rules – top things to knowAlso, gratuity obligations towards fixed term employees (including the existing) would need to be provided for. Also, the ambiguity around calculation for multiple short-term contracts would need to be addressed. These adjustments could impact payroll structures, financial planning and compliance strategies in the short term.Organizations should undertake a comprehensive classification of employees, workers, and gig workers, based on role profiles and salary levels, to ensure compliance and workforce clarity. They also need to ensure that the documentation is watertight. Organizations that depend extensively on contract labour should analyze market trends and regulatory shifts under the Codes, which restrict outsourcing in core functions while introducing a unified registration framework. These developments are likely to reshape workforce strategies, enabling more dynamic planning across sectors such as IT, logistics, global capability centers (GCCs), manufacturing, and engineering—industries where contract staffing remains a critical component.While the Codes have come into effect, the Central and State rules are still being finalized, creating a dual compliance environment and uncertainty around eventual alignment. In the interim, organizations must carefully assess which provisions to follow during the transition, particularly where multiple state rules apply.To sum up, the Labour Codes indeed mark a paradigm shift in India’s employment regulation, blending worker welfare with business facilitation. While they aim to lay the foundation for a future-ready workforce, their success hinges on stakeholder collaboration, robust enforcement and continuous adaptation to global best practices. For businesses, navigating the financial impact, payroll reconfiguration, state wise compliance mapping, strategic workforce planning, review of vendor agreements, audit disclosures, digitizing processes, robust compliance dashboards, will be key to leveraging the reforms for sustainable growth.(Parizad Sirwalla is Partner and Head, Global Mobility Services, Tax, KPMG in India)

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has tied the knot with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru. The couple exchanged vows on Monday morning in an intimate ceremony attended only by close friends and family. Samantha later delighted fans by sharing the first pictures from their wedding on Instagram, giving everyone a glimpse of her radiant red bridal saree and the couple’s joyful celebration.Rumours about their wedding started late on Sunday night, creating a frenzy on social media. Fans eagerly awaited confirmation, which came when Samantha posted pictures as a newlywed, giving everyone a first glimpse of the couple’s big day.

Samantha stuns in a traditional red bridal saree

In the photos, Samantha looked radiant in a red saree with detailed zari work. She paired it with gold jewellery for an elegant, classic bridal look. Raj complemented her perfectly in a white kurta with a beige Nehru jacket. The couple also exchanged rings before the ceremony, with Samantha proudly showing off her stunning giant wedding ring in one of the pictures.

Wedding held at Isha Yoga Centre temple

A Hindustan Times report revealed, “The wedding happened at the Ling Bhairavi Temple inside Isha Yoga Centre early morning.” The ceremony was deliberately low-key, with only 30 guests present.

Film industry friends congratulate the couple warmly

Many from the film industry sent their wishes. Hansika Motwani commented, “Congratulations”, Dia Mirza wrote, “Congratulations (with red hearts)”, and Ram Charan’s wife Upasana said, “Congratulations soooooo happpy best best news ever.”

Fans shared excitement and love on social media

Fans shared heartfelt messages on Samantha’s post. One wrote, “Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding and as you begin your new life together.” Another commented, “Finallyyy! I was waiting for this post for so long Stay blessed saaaammmmm.” Many also admired Samantha’s bridal look, with one fan writing, “Awww the sareee the every detailing omg CUTESTTTT SAMM.”

About Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru

Samantha and Raj were first linked publicly in early 2024, when whispers of their closeness started appearing in the industry. Over the following months, Samantha shared photos with Raj on social media, showing their growing bond and leading fans to speculate about their relationship.Their work together also brought them closer. Samantha made her digital debut in ‘The Family Man 2’ (2021), directed by Raj & DK. They also worked together on ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ (2024) and will reunite for the upcoming project ‘Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom’Samantha was earlier married to actor Naga Chaitanya. The couple separated four years after their wedding, and he later married actor Sobhita Dhulipala. Raj Nidimoru was previously married to Shhyamali De, with reports of their divorce emerging in 2022.Who is Raj Nidimoru? From Engineer to directing ‘The Family Man’; All you need to know about Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s husband

NEW DELHI: Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain and batting star Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal‘s wedding, scheduled for November 23, has been abruptly postponed due to unexpected health emergencies in the family.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The postponement came after Mandhana’s father, Shriniwas, fell ill on the wedding day and required hospitalisation. The following day, groom-to-be Palash Muchhal was also admitted to a hospital in Sangli, Mandhana’s hometown, before being transferred to Mumbai for forthur treatment and rest.

The wedding delay was officially announced by Mandhana’s manager, citing the health emergencies as the reason for the postponement.Following the postponement, Mandhana removed all the wedding-related posts from her official Instagram account, though some casual photographs with Palash remain visible on his social media platform. Both Shriniwas and Palash have since been discharged from the hospital and recovering well, but the families have not yet announced a new date for the wedding.Recently, social media users have noticed that both Mandhana and Muchhal have updated their Instagram bios with the ‘nazar’ (evil eye) emoticon, sparking further discussion about the situation.Family members from both sides have emphasised that the wedding’s postponement is solely due to the health emergencies that occurred.In a show of support, Team India player and close friend of Mandhana, batter Jemimah Rodrigues has withdrawn from the remaining Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season to be with Mandhana during this challenging time.The postponement comes just weeks after India’s victory in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, where Mandhana played a crucial role in the team’s success.Palash’s mother, Amita, remains optimistic about the wedding taking place in the near future.“Smriti and Palash dono takleef mein hain… Palash dreamt of coming home with his bride. I had even planned a special welcome… Everything will be fine, shaadi bohot jaldi hogi,” she had told Hindustan Times.The situation has garnered significant attention, particularly given Mandhana’s status as one of India’s premier cricketers and Muchhal’s reputation in the music industry.Both families are currently focused on the recovery of their loved ones, while supporters and fans await news of the rescheduled wedding date.The unexpected health issues have affected what was anticipated to be a high-profile celebration, bringing together two prominent personalities from the worlds of sports and entertainment.The timing of the postponement, following India’s World Cup triumph, has added to the public interest in the situation, with both Mandhana and Muchhal receiving support from their respective professional communities.Despite the current circumstances, both families maintain a positive outlook regarding the future celebration of the union between the cricketer and the music composer.