You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/youtubers-ai-robot-safety-test-turns-shocking-robot-shoots-him-after-prompt-twist-9793930” on this server.
Reference #18.2df63717.1765469008.4a60172
https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2df63717.1765469008.4a60172
NEW DELHI: At first sight, it seemed like a regular traffic enforcement operation in the capital — a commercial vehicle driver being pulled up for a violation and a cop issuing a challan before letting him pass. However, there was a twist — many of these drivers, equipped with hidden spy cameras, were acting on the instruction of a highly organised crime syndicate to record the action in a high-tech sting operation. Once collected, the raw footage became the foundation of a sophisticated blackmail operation. Many of the recordings were doctored to trap the police personnel, forming the basis for threats and extortion demands. To increase the pressure, repeated false complaints of alleged corruption were lodged against the targeted officers, triggering departmental inquiries and severe professional stress. Once the syndicate, mainly operating in northeast Delhi, successfully extorted the targets, the false complaints were withdrawn, leaving the officers vulnerable and financially drained.Some time ago, the accused even demanded sexual favours from a few woman traffic personnel in lieu of not making their videos viral, a senior officer said. Many traffic officers even opted for transfer out of the circles where this gang was active, he added.After the gang, run by Raju Meena and Jeeshan Ali, was busted, there were mixed feelings in the traffic unit. While some breathed a sigh of relief, others were rattled as the probe also focused on colluding officers. The initial probe has indicated that some traffic cops were hand in glove with the gang.
Clips Doctored, Gang Targets Traffic Police To Run Syndicate
A traffic cop told TOI that the group might have more than 100 members. “Meena would ask traffic cops to allow trucks to pass during no-entry timings. One of his men would be stationed at pickets or specific locations to facilitate the passage and collect money, which was then shared. If a policeman refused to cooperate, Meena would target him,” he added.Another officer said the gang would initially try to lure traffic policemen by offering money. If the cop refused, the gang would still secretly record them — whether while issuing on-the-spot challans or during routine activities like making purchases and payments at shops — and manipulate the footage to intimidate or pressure them.“In one case, the gang tried to trap a sub-inspector while the officer was making a payment at a shop and transferred excess money, which the shopkeeper was returning in cash. The entire incident was recorded and a complaint was filed 15 days later. During the inquiry, the shopkeeper, however, said he did not know the SI and recounted the full sequence,” he added.“If, despite the intimidation, an officer continued to oppose Meena’s illegal activities, he would send an associate posing as a complainant, along with the video, to a govt agency, falsely alleging bribery and prompting the agency to conduct a raid or take action against the staffer,” the officer said.DCP Sanjeev Yadav said the syndicate used to change the illegal stickers every month — their design, colour and codes — to avoid detection. “The mobile numbers displayed on the stickers were also changed on a monthly basis,” he added.
GUWAHATI: At least 22 labourers from Assam are feared dead after a mini truck fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district near the Indo‑China border. The accident occurred on Monday night along the high‑altitude Hayuliang–Chaglagam road.The incident came to light only on Thursday night when a lone survivor, severely injured, managed to climb out of the gorge and walk about 4 km to reach a Border Roads Organisation camp. He alerted officials to the mishap.Anjaw district deputy commissioner Millo Kojin “The NDRF team from Assam is reaching the site with specialised equipment tonight, and search and rescue operations are expected to begin tomorrow. The injured survivor has been shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh,” he said.He added that details of 18 individuals are known so far and efforts are on to collect the information of the other four.Defence PRO Lt Col M Rawat said that Indian Army launches search and rescue operation in higher reaches of Arunachal Pradesh.He said that after four hours of intensive search and rope descent on Thursday, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage and 18 bodies have been spotted so far.“The accident site, approximately 12 km short of Chaglagam, lies in difficult terrain with limited connectivity and had not been reported by any local agency, contractor or civil representative until the survivor’s arrival,” the PRO said.
Bangladesh A team cricketer Tofael Ahmed Raihan is facing charges of sexual assault against a young woman who claims he promised to marry her. The police have filed formal charges at Gulshan Police Station against the pace-bowling all-rounder, according to a report from Cricbuzz.“The charge sheet has been filed under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act,” confirmed the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Samiul Islam of Gulshan Police Station, on Thursday (December 11).
The charge sheet indicates the allegations were supported by the victim’s statement, hotel records, medical examination results, and additional evidence.The case will proceed with its next hearing on December 30, when the charge sheet will be presented in court.The case documents reveal that Tofael initiated contact with the woman through Facebook in January 2025. Their social media conversations evolved into a romantic relationship after he promised marriage.According to the complaint, Tofael took the woman to a Gulshan hotel on January 31, presenting her as his wife, where he allegedly committed non-consensual acts. He continued to promise marriage afterward.The woman reported that Tofael subsequently assaulted her multiple times but refused her requests to fulfill his marriage promise. She filed her case at Gulshan Police Station on August 1.The High Court granted Tofael six weeks of anticipatory bail on September 24. The court ordered him to surrender to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal before the bail expired.Tofael did not comply with the court’s surrender order. Instead, he participated in a six-a-side tournament in Hong Kong as part of the Bangladesh A team after receiving his anticipatory bail.The police have collected substantial evidence to support the charges, including hotel documentation, medical reports, and witness statements. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward.
Indian corporates with inadequate foreign-exchange hedging could face rating pressure if the rupee weakens sharply, global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings cautioned in a new commentary released on Thursday. The agency said that companies in sectors with limited natural hedges remain the most vulnerable to currency swings, ANI reported.Fitch noted that “in sectors with significant vulnerability to rupee depreciation, we anticipate that a hypothetical failure by issuers to substantially mitigate foreign-exchange (FX) risks through hedging could put downward pressure on ratings.” While most rated firms either hedge actively or have natural protection through local-currency revenues, a few sectors continue to face heightened sensitivity.
According to Fitch, renewables, power utilities and toll-road operators carry the greatest risk because they lack strong natural hedges and rely more heavily on foreign-currency debt. Many companies have hedged a sizable portion of their exposure, keeping risks manageable. However, where hedging is partial — especially on principal repayments — a sharp rupee fall could lift hedging costs and strain debt-coverage ratios.The agency said a rupee depreciation of over 10% against the US dollar in the next 6–12 months could significantly increase hedging costs. Even in such a scenario, issuers are expected to continue hedging, but failure to do so “could negatively affect credit profiles.”“We believe companies with FX vulnerabilities would continue to substantially hedge US dollar exposures under such a scenario, but any failure to do so could put downward pressure on ratings,” Fitch added.Fitch also highlighted that several other large sectors — including building materials, technology, pharmaceuticals and automobiles — remain better insulated due to export earnings or overseas business operations that act as natural FX hedges.
MUMBAI: Mukkti Foundation in collaboration with Anupam Kher’s An Actor Prepares is providing free workshops in dance, drama, and acting for children from Mumbai’s slum localities.The workshops will be conducted by professional trainers, and aim to help the students develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, discipline and leadership qualities.Film producer and social worker Smita Thackeray, founder and chairperson of Mukkti Foundation, who has been serving mid-day meals to underprivileged kids, extended the initiative by launching the art and drama workshop at Taraben Master School, Santacruz.She said, “Every child deserves not only nutritious food but also a platform to showcase their creativity. We are here to nurture hidden talent and give underprivileged children the same opportunities that other children get..Once hunger is removed, talent blossoms. We aim to connect children from slum communities with opportunities in films, theatre and music videos.”
Music duo Sachet-Parampara have finally broken their silence over the ongoing controversy surrounding the hit song ‘Bekhayali’ from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s blockbuster ‘Kabir Singh’. Taking to Instagram, they called out composer Amaal Mallik for repeatedly claiming credit for their creation and demanded the truth be told.In their Instagram post, they wrote, “Warning. This video could have been a 10-second video, also proving all rumours false, but for our mental peace, exposing some people was very important. @amaal_mallik SHAME ON YOU AMAAL MALIK.”
In the video, Sachet-Parampara said, “Hi everyone, we are Sachet and Parampara, and this is regarding something which has become very serious now. This is regarding Mr Amaal Mallik. Actually, we never thought that we would have to clarify all these things, but this is something that we purely created. We are talking about ‘Bekhayali’, which Amaal Mallik claims he made some time ago.”They stressed that the entire ‘Kabir Singh’ team was present for every stage of the song’s creation, “We have all the chats with Amaal Mallik; we have all the chats with the ‘Kabir Singh’ team because the entire ‘Kabir Singh’ team was there when we created this song. Every melody, every composition, every arrangement, every lyric was done when the entire team was there, and it is purely a Sachet and Parampara original composition.”
The duo said Amaal Mallik believes issues happen because “favourites join the label.” They clarified, “We were never with T-Series, we were never part of T-Series before ‘Kabir Singh’ happened. And I think he has been part of T-Series since 2015, if we are not wrong.”They also denied claims about hearing the song on WhatsApp, “We are outsiders; why would anyone favour us? Or if we have come from a small town, would someone play their song for us and expect us to make a song like that? Are you serious, Amaal Mallik? Also, let’s assume that if you want to say we stole your song, then why were you congratulating us after the release? You were the first one texting me, saying you were waiting for our song and...”Sachet explained, “I started the conversation? I didn’t even have your number, Amaal Mallik. You called me, you texted me telling me you were waiting for our song and then congratulating me and asking about your day after ‘Bekhayali’ was released.”
Sachet-Parampara urged Amaal Mallik to speak only when he has proof and criticised him for lying to the media, “So you are just saying that the industry is wrong, everything is wrong. We don’t believe that the industry is wrong because they have given opportunities to outsiders like us. Here, we believe your work speaks for itself. In fact, if you don’t do your work well, you won’t get a job, no matter if you are an outsider.”
The duo recalled that Amaal had praised ‘Bekhayali’ when they first met. “Kabir Singh is nothing,” he said, followed by, “your ‘Bekhayali’ was so fab.” The duo questioned why he was speaking up eight years later. “So why are you only doing well after 8 years? We’ll tell you. We made this song in Shahid Kapoor‘s office, in front of Shahid Kapoor sir and Sandeep Reddy Vanga sir. We made both songs in their office. We have many recordings.”
Sachet-Parampara demanded a public apology, saying his remarks had hurt their reputation, “We want an apology from you, and in public, because you went outside. You went on your social media, asking and telling all these things. Also, this can happen to anyone.”They stressed the importance of truth before making accusations, “Just because these days accusations are like this, if you accuse someone, that person is deemed wrong. Please follow the truth and then tell someone if they are wrong or right. This could happen to us or anyone. We are not the kind of people who keep cribbing all the time or keep saying something wrong. I think it’s better.”
The controversy began in July when Amaal Mallik in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, claimed that Sachet-Parampara had used his references for ‘Bekhayali’, saying he had created musical references on WhatsApp which were then used to make the final song. On seeing the song in ‘Kabir Singh’, he said, “No. I just said Well done.” He also noted that he had originally made a deal for the full ‘Kabir Singh’ album featuring six songs but was eventually reduced to only one.
NEW DELHI: As Abhishek Sharma gears up to play his first international match at home when India face South Africa in the second T20I in Mullanpur on Thursday, those who shaped his journey insist that his rapid rise is anything but a surprise. Behind the six-hitting power and effortless elegance sits a work ethic sculpted from childhood — and a strict mentor he is still “scared” of.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Abhishek’s father and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, recalls a teenager who already lived like a seasoned pro. “His days started at 4am,” Rajkumar told The Indian Express. “From gym and exercise to running and swimming — he did everything he could to constantly improve as a player.”
Once the fitness grind was done, Abhishek wanted only one thing — to bat. Punjab junior coach Arun Bedi still marvels at the sight of an 11- or 12-year-old effortlessly lifting bowlers over the ropes.“Abhishek would hit sixes with lofted shots at an age when boys are still learning to middle the ball. It spoke volumes about his skill,” Bedi said.
Poll
How important do you think a mentor is in shaping a young athlete’s career?
Cricketing legends have shaped him along the way — VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid with India, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara in the IPL. But no influence has been stronger, or sterner, than Yuvraj Singh, who began training with Abhishek during the lockdown.Rajkumar laughs as he describes the tough love that drives the youngster even today. “Even now, when he thinks Abhishek has made a mistake, he will pick up the phone and call and scold him,” he said. “And Abhishek is scared of him too.”The 25-year-old has also embraced golf thanks to Lara and Yuvraj — not as a pastime but as a tool to refine his batting rhythm. “It has improved his bat swing, made it cleaner,” Rajkumar explained.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is fast approaching, scheduled for December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and the logistical planning for the event is already underway, as confirmed by a recent Cricbuzz report. One of the major talking points revolves around the attendance of key team personnel, with a notable absence expected from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) coaching staff.
According to the Cricbuzz report, Punjab Kings Head Coach Ricky Ponting will not be attending the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant personnel change for the franchise’s delegation. Ponting’s inability to be present stems from his prior contractual commitments to a major Australian broadcaster for the Ashes Test series.
The report indicates that the third Test is scheduled to begin just a day after the auction, making it logistically impossible for the coach to travel to the Middle East for the bidding event. This situation means that the PBKS management team will have to execute their detailed auction strategy without the immediate input of their head coach, emphasizing the importance of strong pre-auction planning and defined player targets. This absence is particularly important given PBKS’s strategic goals of filling four remaining slots, including two overseas positions, with their modest remaining purse of Rs 11.50 crore after retaining 21 players, the highest number of retentions across all ten franchises.
Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why Harry Brook won’t feature in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
In the wake of Ponting’s confirmed absence, the Cricbuzz report highlights that PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to take on the leadership role for the franchise’s auction delegation in Abu Dhabi. Iyer, who is currently recuperating from a spleen injury sustained while playing for India in October, has had his name submitted to the BCCI as part of the team’s maximum allocation of eight representatives allowed inside the auction hall.
This move is consistent with an evolving trend in the IPL, where franchises are increasingly empowering their captains to influence squad composition, a practice previously seen with figures like Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders and Rishabh Pant at Delhi Capitals.
Iyer’s participation is crucial for PBKS as they need to efficiently use their limited funds to secure a few high-impact players, and his on-field experience and understanding of the team’s balance and dressing room dynamic will be invaluable in making instantaneous, high-pressure decisions at the auction table to acquire their priority targets.
Also READ: 5 uncapped stars who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction
NEW DELHI: India pacer Arshdeep Singh has emerged as much a digital entertainer as a match-winning bowler — and now he has revealed the surprising moment that pushed him into creating his wildly popular YouTube content. Speaking on JioHotstar, the left-arm quick said the idea struck him during one of the most frustrating phases of his career: when he was dropped from India’s Playing XI for the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India had opted for a spin-heavy combination throughout the tournament, leaving Arshdeep on the bench. But instead of sulking, he turned the setback into an opportunity. “When I got to know that I wouldn’t be playing in the first game of the Champions Trophy, I was very bored in my room — and that’s when I started my YouTube channel. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” he said.
Arshdeep explained that he tries to find positivity even in disappointment. “Sometimes you just have to be grateful that you are playing at this level. You also have to wait for your chances, and when you get an opportunity, make sure you make the most of it,” he added.His fun, self-deprecating humour quickly resonated with fans, none more so than his recent viral reel with Virat Kohli, which has already crossed 1.3 million views. The banter came after Kohli missed a third straight ODI century in the series decider against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, where he finished unbeaten on 65 as India chased 271 with ease.Arshdeep, sensing content gold, joked to Kohli: “Paaji, run kam reh gaye… century aaj pakki thi waise.”Kohli’s response was instant and hilarious: “Toss jeet gaye, nahi toh teri bhi pakki thi dew mein.”
With India’s bowlers having struggled under heavy dew in the earlier games in Ranchi and Raipur, Kohli’s quip left the all in splits — and gave Arshdeep yet another viral moment.
