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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli sent to 13-day judicial custody; BJP accuses TMC of ‘appeasement politics'
Sharmishtha Panoli (File photo) NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old Instagram influencer, Sharmishtha Panoli, on Saturday was remanded to 13-day judicial custody after she was arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly making communal remarks in a social media video. The law student, originally from Kolkata's Anandapur area and currently enrolled at a Pune-based university, was apprehended in Gurugram on Friday night after reportedly evading multiple police summons. The video in question featured Panoli criticising Bollywood actors for their silence on Operation Sindoor , as per police sources cited by news agency PTI . The post went viral and triggered a wave of backlash, prompting her to delete the video and issue an apology. However, by then, a formal complaint had been filed in Kolkata and legal proceedings had commenced. Panoli was produced in a Kolkata court on Saturday, where her bail plea was rejected and she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13, PTI reported. She has been charged under several sections related to promoting enmity between groups and causing religious disharmony. Kolkata Police: 'Legal procedures followed' In response to online speculation about the legality of the arrest, Kolkata Police issued a statement clarifying that all due process was followed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo 'In reference to Garden Reach Police Station Case No. 136 dated 15.05.2025, certain social media narratives suggesting an unlawful arrest of a law student are factually incorrect and misleading,' the statement read. 'All legal procedures were duly adhered to. Multiple attempts were made to serve notice, but she was absconding each time. A competent court then issued an arrest warrant, and she was apprehended lawfully from Gurugram. ' The statement added that she was produced before a magistrate and granted transit remand as per legal norms. Suvendu Adhikari slams arrest as 'appeasement politics' Reacting to the arrest, BJP leader and West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of selective action. 'FIRs were filed against Mahua Moitra for derogatory remarks about Goddess Kali. Was any action taken? Saayoni Ghosh made comments about Mahadev. Nothing happened,' Adhikari said. 'This is appeasement politics. Action is only taken against Sanatanis while others have a licence to abuse Sanatana Dharma.' Adhikari claimed that several FIRs against TMC leaders had been ignored and accused the ruling party of using religion as a political tool to secure its vote bank.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Seniors duped of 2.2cr, Pune accountant, 2 others arrested
Mumbai: An accountant from Pune is among three people arrested by cyber police in two separate cases of digital arrest scams where two elderly women were cheated of Rs 1.7 crore and Rs 49 lakh, respectively. Police made the arrests after following the money trail from the victims' bank accounts. In the first case, a 61-year-old retired teacher from Mahim was accused of carrying drugs by fake crime branch officers and would have continued to pay them had she not chanced upon a cybercrime awareness video on YouTube. The woman received a call from a "courier service" on Jan 22 about her parcel containing drugs and passports. When she denied having anything to do with it, the caller asked her to contact an investigation officer from the "crime branch". She did so and the fake officer asked her to send an application demanding a priority investigation. Multiple "officers" got in touch with her thereafter and said her case was a "national secret" in a purported covert operation. She was required to stay off social media and send an hourly WhatsApp report about her location. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções de energia de confiança para Data Centers de IA Siemens Energy Read More Undo The next day, a fake ED officer called her up and gathered details on all her bank accounts and properties. She was asked to transfer money for verification. Over the next month, she paid Rs 1.7 crore and was assured that her money would be refunded eventually. When her money dried up, the fraudsters asked her to mortgage her ancestral property. She then chanced upon a YouTube video and realised she had been conned. After a complaint was lodged with central region cyber police, a team under the supervision of senior inspector Irfan Shaikh found that around Rs 30 lakh had been transferred from the victim's bank account to that of a Pune-based accountant, Ajay Divekar. Police arrested Divekar (40) and an aide, Nitin More, from Pune on May 27. More had worked for a commission of Rs 15,000, police said. In the second case, a 72-year-old retired company executive from Borivli paid Rs 49 lakh to fraudsters despite sensing that something was amiss. The woman received a call on March 9 by a man claiming to be an Andheri police inspector. She asked him why he was speaking in Hindi and not Marathi; the fraudster said he hailed from Delhi. A few days later, she received a call from a fake CBI officer, who told her not to contact the inspector anymore. He claimed that a copy of her Aadhaar card had been found at the home of an airline's chairman who was being probed for money laundering. The elderly woman was terrified. The fraudsters asked her to liquidate all her fixed deposits and submit the money for a tally, assuring her that it would be refunded. She paid Rs 49 lakh in instalments. When she approached a neighbour for a loan, the latter alerted her that she was being conned. After a complaint was lodged with north region cyber police, a team under the supervision of acting senior inspector Sudhakar Humbe found that Rs 14 lakh was transferred from the victim's bank account into that of an Ahmedabad resident, Ram Balwani. Police questioned Balwani, who said that his bank account was being operated by one Gopal Ram (30). Police arrested Ram from Ahmedabad on May 28.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Beyond Chequebooks: SVP India Champions Strategic, Engaged Philanthropy for Social Impact
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30: As India's philanthropic landscape matures, a quiet revolution is underway-one that goes far beyond chequebooks and charity events. Social Venture Partners India (SVP India), a network of over 750 compassionate individuals across eight major cities, is reshaping how we give. SVP India's model of 'engaged philanthropy' reflects a deeper, more strategic way of giving: combining financial support with time, expertise and networks to transform grassroots NGOs into high-impact organisations. According to Bain & Company's India Philanthropy Report 2024, India's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) are becoming more strategic in their giving. But beyond the top tier, even working professionals and mid-level donors are seeking deeper engagement. SVP India reflects this shift. Its members-49% of whom are senior working professionals and 34% business owners-don't just contribute financially. They actively work alongside NGOs to build capacity, improve governance, and enhance operational efficiency. Over the past decade, SVP India's partners have volunteered more than 25,000 hours with over 100 NGOs. The organization's structured process begins with rigorous NGO shortlisting, followed by the careful pairing of a Lead Partner whose professional experience aligns with the NGO's needs. These partnerships typically last for at least three years, allowing for deep collaboration and measurable progress. The result is not just stronger NGOs, but a cadre of philanthropists with firsthand insight into the challenges of the social sector. More than 90% of SVP India partners have stayed on for over five years-a testament to the community's impact and relevance. For NGOs, SVP India offers far more than financial support. Consider a Pune-based organisation working with hearing-impaired children. Despite a strong educational model, they faced scaling challenges. After partnering with SVP India, they were connected with a senior CSR consultant and a social sector strategist. This collaboration helped the NGO expand to a larger facility, secure job placements for students through corporate partnerships, build a robust fundraising network, and amplify awareness of their unique school model. This is not an isolated success. The strength of SVP India lies in its ability to mobilize sector-specific knowledge and networks. Partners have helped NGOs redesign governance frameworks, pitch to institutional funders, establish strategic collaborations, and even join policy advisory boards. The SVP staff-backed by over 180 years of collective social sector experience-curate tailored engagement programs based on partners' interests. Whether in healthcare, women's empowerment, waste management, disability rights, or employment generation, SVP ensures that partner involvement is both strategic and sustainable. A growing trend in Indian philanthropy is "beyond money" giving-volunteerism, pro bono services, and network access. The Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023 notes a 30% rise in non-financial philanthropic contributions by professionals. SVP India is a practical embodiment of this trend. Its ecosystem enables learning, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term partnerships. Many partners continue to support NGOs beyond their initial commitment, often taking up advisory roles or mentorship. For those looking to begin or deepen their philanthropic journey, SVP India offers a tested, thoughtful model. It's a space where giving is not an act of charity, but a strategy for systemic change. It's where seasoned professionals find purpose beyond corporate boardrooms, and where small NGOs gain access to resources typically reserved for large institutions. At a time when India's development challenges are complex and interconnected, SVP India's model of strategic, hands-on philanthropy is not just relevant-it is essential.
The Print
a day ago
- General
- The Print
1st batch of women cadets graduates from NDA, ex-Army chief hails big step for ‘women-led development'
The court directive came on a petition filed by women aspirants, who argued that since the armed forces had opened up permanent commissions for women officers, the same opportunity should be extended to female cadets at the entry-level training institutions. This follows a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in August 2021, which ruled that women should be allowed to appear for the NDA and Naval Academy entrance examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). New Delhi: Seventeen women cadets graduated in a historic first, alongside 322 male counterparts, from the Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA) Friday, marking the successful passing out of the maiden co-ed batch from the tri-services institution. The NDA began admitting women in 2022. According to a statement by the defence ministry, a total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the graduating cohort, participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla. The ceremony was reviewed by General V.K. Singh (Retd), former Army chief and current Governor of Mizoram. Calling it a 'historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment,' Gen Singh said, 'These young women are a symbol of 'Nari Shakti', embodying not just women's development but women-led development.' Sharing their journeys, cadet Ishita Sanghwan, told ANI news agency she is the first in her family to join the armed forces. 'For the last three years, I dreamt of passing the 'anant pag' (final step). Every day here felt like a new box full of surprises and learnings. Training instilled a sense of oneness in all of us,' she said. Another cadet, Harsimran Kaur, told the agency the NDA wasn't originally part of her plans. 'I was preparing for JEE Mains and planning to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam when a friend informed me about the NDA opening for women. It came as a surprise.' The NDA is widely referred to as the 'cradle of leadership' as it produces officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. After completing their course at NDA, the 17 female cadets will proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies for the final phase of training before commissioning. During the convocation, 339 cadets, including the 17 women cadets, were conferred degrees by Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). These included 84 Bachelor of Science (BSc), 85 Computer Science, 59 Bachelor of Arts (BA), and 111 Bachelor of Technology ( degrees. Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year in March, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said in a written statement that a total of 126 girls from 17 states and Union Territories joined NDA since women were allowed in. Haryana topped the list with 28 women cadets, followed by Uttar Pradesh (28), Rajasthan (13) and Maharashtra (11). Punjab and Himachal Pradesh had sent five and four cadets, respectively. The first batch initially comprised 19 women, 10 selected for the Army, six for the Air Force, and three for the Navy. Seventeen of them successfully completed the rigorous three-year training. Seth also informed that adequate infrastructure and facilities had been provided for women cadets, on par with their male counterparts, to support training and ensure seamless integration. The apex court's ruling allowing women into the NDA came nearly three decades after the armed forces began inducting women as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers. It also followed the court's 2020 decision granting women SSC officers eligibility for permanent commission and command roles in the Indian Army. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: From non-delivery of fighters to constant delays & 'black sheep', IAF chief speaks out
Fashion Value Chain
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Beyond Chequebooks: SVP India Champions Strategic, Engaged Philanthropy for Social Impact
As India's philanthropic landscape matures, a quiet revolution is underway-one that goes far beyond chequebooks and charity events. Social Venture Partners India (SVP India), a network of over 750 compassionate individuals across eight major cities, is reshaping how we give. SVP India's model of 'engaged philanthropy' reflects a deeper, more strategic way of giving: combining financial support with time, expertise and networks to transform grassroots NGOs into high-impact organisations. Social Venture Partners India is a pan-India collaborative philanthropy organisation According to Bain & Company's India Philanthropy Report 2024, India's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) are becoming more strategic in their giving. But beyond the top tier, even working professionals and mid-level donors are seeking deeper engagement. SVP India reflects this shift. Its members-49% of whom are senior working professionals and 34% business owners-don't just contribute financially. They actively work alongside NGOs to build capacity, improve governance, and enhance operational efficiency. Over the past decade, SVP India's partners have volunteered more than 25,000 hours with over 100 NGOs. The organization's structured process begins with rigorous NGO shortlisting, followed by the careful pairing of a Lead Partner whose professional experience aligns with the NGO's needs. These partnerships typically last for at least three years, allowing for deep collaboration and measurable progress. The result is not just stronger NGOs, but a cadre of philanthropists with firsthand insight into the challenges of the social sector. More than 90% of SVP India partners have stayed on for over five years-a testament to the community's impact and relevance. For NGOs, SVP India offers far more than financial support. Consider a Pune-based organisation working with hearing-impaired children. Despite a strong educational model, they faced scaling challenges. After partnering with SVP India, they were connected with a senior CSR consultant and a social sector strategist. This collaboration helped the NGO expand to a larger facility, secure job placements for students through corporate partnerships, build a robust fundraising network, and amplify awareness of their unique school model. This is not an isolated success. The strength of SVP India lies in its ability to mobilize sector-specific knowledge and networks. Partners have helped NGOs redesign governance frameworks, pitch to institutional funders, establish strategic collaborations, and even join policy advisory boards. The SVP staff-backed by over 180 years of collective social sector experience-curate tailored engagement programs based on partners' interests. Whether in healthcare, women's empowerment, waste management, disability rights, or employment generation, SVP ensures that partner involvement is both strategic and sustainable. A growing trend in Indian philanthropy is 'beyond money' giving-volunteerism, pro bono services, and network access. The Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023 notes a 30% rise in non-financial philanthropic contributions by professionals. SVP India is a practical embodiment of this trend. Its ecosystem enables learning, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term partnerships. Many partners continue to support NGOs beyond their initial commitment, often taking up advisory roles or mentorship. For those looking to begin or deepen their philanthropic journey, SVP India offers a tested, thoughtful model. It's a space where giving is not an act of charity, but a strategy for systemic change. It's where seasoned professionals find purpose beyond corporate boardrooms, and where small NGOs gain access to resources typically reserved for large institutions. At a time when India's development challenges are complex and interconnected, SVP India's model of strategic, hands-on philanthropy is not just relevant-it is essential.
