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India.com
10 hours ago
- India.com
Operation Kalnemi: Over 300 Fake Babas Nabbed In Uttarakhand
HALDWANI: In a sweeping crackdown on imposters exploiting religious sentiments, Uttarakhand Police on Tuesday has taken action against more than 300 fake babas under Operation Kalnemi across the Kumaon division. The initiative, launched under the directive of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to weed out fraudulent spiritual figures misguiding the public in the name of faith. Speaking to IANS, Inspector General (IG) Kumaon Riddhim Agarwal confirmed that the operation was conducted across all six districts of the Kumaon region, where over 300 individuals posing as saints, babas, or spiritual guides were identified. Action has been initiated through FIRs, challans, and preventive detentions. 'These individuals were exploiting people's faith through superstition, deceit, and false claims of divine powers,' Agarwal told IANS. 'They had no valid identity proof or documentation to support their credentials. During the campaign, suspects were taken into custody, their backgrounds verified, and necessary legal action was taken.' Agarwal further added that all police stations and outposts across Kumaon have been instructed to remain vigilant and continue the crackdown against suspicious figures masquerading as spiritual leaders. The operation is inspired by the mythological figure Kalnemi, a demon who appeared as a saint to mislead people. Drawing from this allegory, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched Operation Kalnemi on July 10, calling it a necessary move to protect the image of Sanatan Dharma. 'Just as the demon Kalnemi used disguise to deceive, many such 'Kalnemis' exist in today's society who are misusing religion to commit crimes,' CM Dhami had said while launching the initiative. 'This is an effort to protect people's faith and ensure that only true spiritual guides lead our communities.' The move comes at a time when Uttarakhand is witnessing increased religious activity due to the ongoing pilgrimage season. With sacred towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kedarnath drawing large crowds, the government aims to ensure the safety and sanctity of these gatherings. The campaign has received widespread support from across the political spectrum. BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi praised the move, emphasising the need to end religious exploitation. 'Conversion through money, deception, or coercion must be strictly monitored and curbed,' he said. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal echoed the sentiment, stating, 'With the rise in awareness about Sanatan Dharma, many fake babas are trying to take advantage. I commend CM Dhami for protecting the integrity of our saintly traditions.' BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also voiced his support. 'Many fake people are looting innocent believers with false promises and 'miracles.' This campaign will help unmask them,' he told. Interestingly, even Opposition parties backed the initiative, albeit with pointed remarks. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey welcomed the crackdown but urged the CM to look inward. 'Catching fake babas is commendable, but CM Dhami must also identify the 'Kalnemis' within his own party who are corrupt and creating social unrest,' he remarked.
India.com
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Bas Ek Dhadak Song From Dhadak 2 Out Now, Showcasing Siddhant Chaturvedi's Romantic Side
New Delhi: The first song from the much-anticipated Dhadak 2, titled 'Bas Ek Dhadak,' has officially been released, offering a glimpse into the tender romance at the heart of the film. Featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, the soulful track marks a tonal shift from the intensity of the trailer, revealing a softer, more emotional side of Siddhant's character, Neelesh. Known for his intense screen presence, Siddhant brings vulnerability and warmth in this romantic number, highlighting the delicate chemistry between him and Triptii. Through soft montages and unspoken glances, the song captures the emotional rhythm of a love story that feels both grounded and deeply affecting. With this track, Dhadak 2 sets the tone for a love story that is stirring, lyrical, and emotionally resonant. Siddhant's earnest performance, paired with Triptii's understated charm, hints at a romance that aims to linger in the hearts of viewers long after the credits roll. Speaking to IANS earlier, Triptii praised her co-star, calling the experience of working with Siddhant 'wonderful.' She added, 'He's such a dedicated and sincere actor... When I watched the film for the first time, I immediately told him, 'This is the best performance of your career so far.' He's poured his heart and soul into the role of Neelesh.' Directed by debutant Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 is a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak, itself a remake of Nagraj Manjule's acclaimed Marathi film Sairat. The sequel is based on Mari Selvaraj's 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal and promises an intense, emotionally driven love story. Produced by Karan Johar, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Meenu Aroraa, Somen Mishra, and Pragati Deshmukh, the film is backed by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures. Dhadak 2 is set to release in theatres on August 1, 2025.
News18
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sonam Kapoor Reacts To Viral Post About ‘Desification' Of Wimbledon: ‘Indians Everywhere'
Published By : IANS Diet Sabya posted about 'desification' of Wimbledon 2025, noting the presence of several Indian celebrities including Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela, and more. Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who was last seen in the streaming film 'Blind', is coming out in support of the 'desification" of Wimbledon. A recent post by an Instagram handle showed pictures of Indian celebs attending Wimbledon. The post in question spoke about how there has been an uptick in influential people flocking to Wimbledon from India. Sonam took to the comments section of the post, as she wrote, 'Love the captions! Indians everywhere! So good na?". View this post on Instagram A post shared by DietSabya® (@dietsabya) Celebs like Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Urvashi Rautela, Neena Gupta and her designer-actor daughter Masaba, Janhvi Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband Virat Kohli turned up at the Wimbledon. On Monday, Wimbledon paid tribute to Indian cinema for the very first time during finals. Wimbledon's official social media handle dropped a surprise post that sent fans into a frenzy. The visual mirrored the Republic Day poster of the upcoming movie 'Jana Nayagan'. Sinner struck a powerful selfie pose with his trophy, echoing Vijay's own image in the film's teaser art. The post was aptly captioned 'The First Roar", inspired by the thunderous BGM composed by Anirudh Ravichander. This marks the first time Wimbledon has saluted an Indian actor and film — making 'Jana Nayagan' the first Indian cinematic reference to be immortalized by the historic sports institution. Looking at the recent trends, Wimbledon has been chasing viewership similar to more popular sports in India like cricket given India's colossal human capital, and the advertisement revenues wired to it. The recent Wimbledon finals saw Jannik Sinner emerging victorious in an electrifying clash against Carlos Alcaraz. Jannik became the first Italian Wimbledon singles champion in the Open Era. The Women's singles defending champion was Barbora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic, but she lost in the third round to Emma Navarro. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
‘Nations who aid terror will pay a price': How India's SCO diplomacy sends a message beyond Beijing
Synopsis At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Tianjin, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar called for an unflinching fight against terrorism, highlighting the Pahalgam attack as proof of old threats taking new forms. He warned SCO nations against complacency, reminded them of their founding mission, and urged practical cooperation rooted in respect and sovereignty. Amid diplomatic back-and-forth with China and criticism at home, Jaishankar argued that real stability demands courage, clarity and collective resolve. IANS New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on a three-day visit to China starting Sunday to attend the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states being held in Tianjin. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mince words in Tianjin. Facing his counterparts from China, Pakistan and other SCO members, he reminded them why the organisation exists. 'The three evils that SCO was founded to combat were terrorism, separatism and extremism. Not surprisingly, they often occur together,' he said. The recent terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April was his example — a deliberate strike aimed at tearing apart Kashmir's tourism lifeline and stoking a religious fault line. The UN Security Council echoed India's anger, condemning the attack and urging that 'perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism' must be held accountable. Jaishankar's message to the SCO was clear: stick to your founding principles or risk irrelevance. Jaishankar stressed that India has already acted and will keep acting. The country's response — Operation Sindoor — crossed into Pakistani territory and hit terror bases in PoK, targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen camps. It was a stark signal to the region: India won't sit idle while terror factories flourish next warning wasn't limited to bombs and bullets. Jaishankar pointed to a world drifting into chaos — more conflicts, more coercion, more economic uncertainty. 'In the last few years, we have seen more conflicts, competition and coercion. Economic instability is also visibly on the rise,' he said. His prescription? Countries must stabilise the global order and 'de-risk various dimensions' course, not everything he said landed smoothly. Back home, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mocked him for meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. 'I guess the Chinese foreign minister will come and apprise Modi about recent developments in China-India ties. The EAM is now running a full blown circus aimed at destroying India's foreign policy,' Rahul fired on X. For Jaishankar, though, the optics mattered less than the substance. 'Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties,' he also held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Their discussion touched on the border standoff, people-to-people ties, trade blockades — all the friction points that can't be brushed under the carpet. 'Held detailed talks… Spoke about the need for a far-seeing approach… Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory,' Jaishankar the drama, Jaishankar laid out India's approach to keep the SCO meaningful. First, respect each other's borders and sovereignty. 'It is essential that such cooperation is based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and in accordance with territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states,' he deepen ties in concrete ways. India's recent push ranges from startup innovation to traditional medicine and digital public infrastructure. These are practical bridges that can outlast knows talk of cooperation rings hollow without real connections. The lack of assured transit within the SCO region, he argued, stifles trade. He pressed members to get behind the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200 km freight corridor linking India with Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and Europe. If it gains steam, it can change how the region trades with itself and the final piece of Jaishankar's message focused on Afghanistan. For years, the country has been a permanent item on SCO agendas. 'The compulsions of regional stability are buttressed by our longstanding concern for the well-being of the Afghan people,' he said. He urged other members to step up development assistance. India, he promised, will do its the sidelines, Jaishankar met Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov — 'Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the #SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting,' Russia's Foreign Ministry posted. He caught up with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi too: 'Good to catch up with FM @araghchi of Iran, this time on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin,' Jaishankar its core, Jaishankar's message to the SCO was blunt: you can't cherry-pick what threats to ignore. Old problems — terrorism, separatism, extremism — won't fade if you keep turning a blind eye for convenience. The choice for the SCO is simple: stand firm, act together, or watch your relevance drain away one crisis at a time.
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Hans India
Operation Kalnemi: Over 300 fake ‘babas' nabbed in Uttarakhand
Haldwani: In a sweeping crackdown on imposters exploiting religious sentiments, Uttarakhand Police on Tuesday has taken action against more than 300 fake babas under Operation Kalnemi across the Kumaon division. The initiative, launched under the directive of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to weed out fraudulent spiritual figures misguiding the public in the name of faith. Speaking to IANS, Inspector General (IG) Kumaon Riddhim Agarwal confirmed that the operation was conducted across all six districts of the Kumaon region, where over 300 individuals posing as saints, babas, or spiritual guides were identified. Action has been initiated through FIRs, challans, and preventive detentions. 'These individuals were exploiting people's faith through superstition, deceit, and false claims of divine powers,' Agarwal told IANS. 'They had no valid identity proof or documentation to support their credentials. During the campaign, suspects were taken into custody, their backgrounds verified, and necessary legal action was taken.' Agarwal further added that all police stations and outposts across Kumaon have been instructed to remain vigilant and continue the crackdown against suspicious figures masquerading as spiritual leaders. The operation is inspired by the mythological figure Kalnemi, a demon who appeared as a saint to mislead people. Drawing from this allegory, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched Operation Kalnemi on July 10, calling it a necessary move to protect the image of Sanatan Dharma. 'Just as the demon Kalnemi used disguise to deceive, many such 'Kalnemis' exist in today's society who are misusing religion to commit crimes,' CM Dhami had said while launching the initiative. 'This is an effort to protect people's faith and ensure that only true spiritual guides lead our communities.' The move comes at a time when Uttarakhand is witnessing increased religious activity due to the ongoing pilgrimage season. With sacred towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kedarnath drawing large crowds, the government aims to ensure the safety and sanctity of these gatherings. The campaign has received widespread support from across the political spectrum. BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi praised the move, emphasising the need to end religious exploitation. 'Conversion through money, deception, or coercion must be strictly monitored and curbed,' he said. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal echoed the sentiment, stating, 'With the rise in awareness about Sanatan Dharma, many fake babas are trying to take advantage. I commend CM Dhami for protecting the integrity of our saintly traditions.' BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also voiced his support. 'Many fake people are looting innocent believers with false promises and 'miracles.' This campaign will help unmask them,' he told. Interestingly, even Opposition parties backed the initiative, albeit with pointed remarks. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey welcomed the crackdown but urged the CM to look inward. 'Catching fake babas is commendable, but CM Dhami must also identify the 'Kalnemis' within his own party who are corrupt and creating social unrest,' he remarked.
