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‘Only H-1B workers’: US company fined $313,420 after DOJ reveals illegal hiring bias | world News

'Only H-1B workers': US company fined $313,420 after DOJ reveals illegal hiring bias

Amid the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration in the US, several independent journalists have taken up the task of exposing fraud by H-1B workers. One such New Jersey-based firm, exposed by Blaze TV reporter Sarah Gonzales, was recently fined by the Justice Department for illegal recruiting practices. The DOJ announced that it had reached a settlement with Companel Software Group Inc., according to which, the company indicated its intention to hire employees based on citizenship status, specifically favoring H-1B visa holders or related temporary employment-based visa holders. according to Press release The department found that the professional services provider violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when its recruiters posted job advertisements for positions in the US that included citizenship status restrictions that were not authorized by law. An email sent to the “charging party” indicated that the company wanted “only” temporary visa holders for a particular position. Gonzalez, a reporter for the far-right media company Blaze Media, initially ‘exposed’ the company on LinkedIn for posting job roles with the criteria of ‘H-1B workers only’. “Following my February report on illegal discrimination against American workers, the DOJ has taken action against at least one of the companies I exposed,” he wrote while sharing the news on X.Now, the firm has agreed to pay $58,000 to the charging party, a US citizen who was excluded from consideration for the position of Python developer based on his citizenship status. Additionally, it has also agreed to pay a civil penalty. U.S. Treasury in the amount of $255,420 and took steps to train and monitor its recruiters. Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon said, “It is illegal to discourage American workers from applying for American jobs. Employers cannot exclude American workers from the labor force by discriminating based on their citizenship status. Employers must design hiring, training, and compliance practices to ensure they comply with federal civil rights laws.” This is the ninth settlement granted by the DOJ since the revival of its Protecting US Workers Initiative implementing the INA Act in 2025.

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Reshuffle in H-1B visa boosted anti-India campaigns, Donald Trump’s policy reshaped American appointments

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‘Only Pakistan can play such a role’: Tharoor takes a dig at Islamabad on Iran-US mediation. india news

'Only Pakistan can play such a role': Tharoor takes dig at Islamabad on Iran-US mediation

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday took a dig at Islamabad as it is mediating talks between Iran and the United States, highlighting Pakistan Prime Minister’s allegations Shahbaz SharifWas prepared by ex post Washington.Speaking to reporters, Tharoor said, ‘Do you know what kind of relationship Pakistan has with Washington… There have been some allegations that Washington had written that tweet for the Pakistani PM, because its heading was, “Draft for the PM of Pakistan.”“If you and I have written something for the Indian Prime Minister, would we write ‘Draft for the Prime Minister of India’ on top of it? And the language used was also the language of Washington. Moreover, some of the phrases were similar to those used by Donald Trump a few hours earlier. Only Pakistan can play the role it has played with Washington.This comes days after Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif posted a “draft” message about the Iran conflict on his official X account and quickly edited it. The post called for a two-week ceasefire and diplomatic pause and appeared just as the United States and Iran were moving toward a temporary truce.In both versions, Sharif urged Donald Trump to extend his deadline for military action by two weeks to push talks forward. Calling it a goodwill gesture, he also appealed to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period. “We urge all warring parties everywhere to observe a ceasefire for two weeks,” the post reads, describing the pause as essential for “long-term peace and stability in the region.”Within hours, Washington and Tehran confirmed they had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from the brink of major escalation.The breakthrough came after a dramatic reversal by Trump, who had previously threatened a widespread attack on Iranian infrastructure if Tehran failed to meet his demands. Instead, he halted the planned attacks shortly before their deadline and said the decision was based on talks with Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership. Trump signaled cautious optimism, saying “the two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalized.”Meanwhile, delegations from the US and Iran reached Islamabad in Pakistan on Saturday to hold peace talks on the ongoing war in the Middle East. The 71-member Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and including the country’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, landed in the Pakistani capital earlier in the day. While US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, arrived in the afternoon. The US delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance.

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अयोध्या में निःशुल्क स्वास्थ्य शिविर की पहल, आईएमए की टीम पहुंची, लोगों को मिलेगा लाभ

अयोध्या में स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं को बेहतर बनाने के लिए सराहनीय कदम उठाया गया है। इंडियन मेडिकल एसोसिएशन की कानपुर इकाई की 50 सदस्यीय टीम अयोध्या पहुंची, जहां उनका भव्य स्वागत किया गया. इस पहल का मकसद आम लोगों को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएं मुहैया कराना है. आईएमए अयोध्या इकाई ने इस टीम का स्वागत करते हुए कहा कि जल्द ही एक निःशुल्क स्वास्थ्य जांच एवं परामर्श शिविर का आयोजन किया जाएगा, जिसका सीधा लाभ स्थानीय लोगों को मिलेगा.

आईएमए अयोध्या ने किया जोरदार स्वागत
अयोध्या पहुंची आईएमए कानपुर की टीम का डॉ. आशीष श्रीवास्तव के नेतृत्व में स्वागत किया गया। इस दौरान दोनों इकाइयों के बीच आपसी सहयोग और स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में सुधार को लेकर चर्चा हुई. इस कार्यक्रम में डॉक्टरों ने क्षेत्र में स्वास्थ्य जागरूकता बढ़ाने पर भी जोर दिया.

12 अप्रैल को निःशुल्क स्वास्थ्य शिविर का आयोजन किया जायेगा
बताया गया कि रविवार 12 अप्रैल को इंडियन मेडिकल एसोसिएशन कानपुर, आईएमए अयोध्या एवं श्री राम जन्मभूमि तीर्थ क्षेत्र ट्रस्ट के संयुक्त सहयोग से निःशुल्क स्वास्थ्य शिविर का आयोजन किया जायेगा। यह शिविर कांशीराम कॉलोनी स्थित प्राथमिक विद्यालय में आयोजित किया जाएगा, जहां लोगों को विशेषज्ञ चिकित्सकों द्वारा निःशुल्क जांच एवं परामर्श दिया जाएगा।

कार्यक्रम में कई प्रमुख अतिथि शामिल होंगे
इस स्वास्थ्य शिविर में चंपत राय मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में मौजूद रहेंगे. इसके अलावा सीएमओडॉ. विशिष्ट अतिथि के रूप में उपस्थित थे। कार्यक्रम में देवेन्द्र कुमार भिटौरिया और आईएमए अयोध्या के अध्यक्ष डॉ. आशीष श्रीवास्तव भी शामिल होंगे।

स्थानीय लोगों को सीधा लाभ मिलेगा
इस पहल से अयोध्या के स्थानीय नागरिकों को निःशुल्क स्वास्थ्य जांच एवं परामर्श का लाभ मिलेगा। साथ ही लोगों में स्वास्थ्य के प्रति जागरूकता भी बढ़ेगी. डॉक्टरों का मानना ​​है कि ऐसे शिविर समाज के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण हैं, ताकि समय पर बीमारियों की पहचान और इलाज संभव हो सके.

(रिपोर्ट:अनूप कुमार अयोध्या)

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Why does each zodiac sign react differently to stress?

We all deal with pressure in our own way. Some people get upset and start screaming loudly while others want to hide under the curtains until everything goes away. If you’ve ever wondered why your best friend stays quiet when you’re walking back and forth, the answer may be in the stars. Our zodiac signs are grouped by elements. Fire, Earth, Air and Water. These elements are like a default setting for how we handle emotions and stress.Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)Fire signs have a lot of energy. When they become stressed they usually need to do something to get rid of that energy. Aries may become angry or start a new project to keep themselves busy. Leos may feel like they are losing control and become really dramatic to get attention again. For these signs, stress often looks like frustration or getting angry quickly. They don’t like feeling helpless. The best way for them to deal with it is to do something like brisk walking or going to the gym. To get that energy out of their system.Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)Earth signs are planners. When things go wrong their first instinct is to act. A Virgo may start cleaning everything or making tons of to-do lists. Capricorns will immerse themselves in work thinking that if they finish everything the stress will go away. Because they keep things inside to stay strong, they can eventually become really tired. They feel tension in their body like pain in the neck or stomach. They need to learn that it’s okay to take breaks and that everything will be okay if they just rest for a while.Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)For air signs, stress comes from thinking too much. They overthink everything. Gemini people will talk a lot, trying to get their feelings out loud. Libra can get stuck because they’re worried about making choices or upsetting someone else. These signs are really disturbing. They may forget their keys. Don’t keep track of time because their mind is racing. To feel better they have to put down their phones and computers. Simply writing down your thoughts on paper helps to get rid of the clutter.Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)Water signs are sensitive. When stress comes they feel it deep in their chest. People with Cancer zodiac sign can go home. Stay where you feel safe. A Scorpio man can be very quiet and secretive when thinking about his feelings in private. For them, stress feels like a wave. They can be really emotional. Feel exhausted by the energy of the people around you. The best thing for a stressed water sign is to take a bath, have a good cry, or spend some quiet time near water to help them feel calm again.understanding the differencesKnowing how your sign reacts helps you be kinder to yourself. If you’re an Earth sign, don’t be angry at yourself for wanting to organize your closet when you’re stressed. This is your way to find orders. When we understand that everyone has a way of dealing with it, we stop judging our friends based on how they behave when they are under pressure. Whether you have to scream into your pillow or make a list, this is all your way of finding balance again.

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उत्तराखंड: दून से शुरू होंगी वाराणसी, प्रयागराज और अयोध्या के लिए नियमित उड़ानें, पर्यटन को मिलेगा बढ़ावा

देहरादून से वाराणसी, प्रयागराज और अयोध्या के लिए नियमित उड़ानें शुरू होंगी। केंद्रीय नागरिक उड्डयन मंत्री राममोहन नायडू किंजरपु ने मुख्यमंत्री धामी को पत्र लिखकर इस बात की जानकारी दी है. नई उड़ानों से पर्यटन और तीर्थाटन को बढ़ावा मिलेगा।

मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी ने पिछले दिनों केंद्रीय नागरिक उड्डयन मंत्री से देहरादून-वाराणसी, प्रयागराज और अयोध्या उड़ान सेवा शुरू करने का अनुरोध किया था। केंद्रीय मंत्री ने पत्र के माध्यम से बताया कि वर्तमान में देहरादून से अहमदाबाद, भुवनेश्वर, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई, कोलकाता, दिल्ली, शमशाबाद, जयपुर, लखनऊ, पुणे, कुल्लू के लिए इंडिगो, एलायंस एयर, एयर इंडिया, एयर इंडिया एक्सप्रेस की 254 उड़ानें हर सप्ताह संचालित होती हैं।

उन्होंने कहा कि भारत में घरेलू विमानन क्षेत्र को नियंत्रण मुक्त कर दिया गया है। इसके तहत, एयरलाइन अपने बेड़े में किसी भी प्रकार के विमान को शामिल करने और वाणिज्यिक आधार पर संचालन के लिए मार्ग चुनने के लिए स्वतंत्र है।

यह भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: अमरनाथ यात्रा की तरह चारधाम यात्रियों पर होगी निगरानी, ​​प्रशासन को पता चलेगा कितने यात्री कहां?

किसी भी हवाई अड्डे के लिए या वहां से हवाई सेवाएं शुरू करने या विस्तारित करने का निर्णय संबंधित एयरलाइन ऑपरेटरों पर निर्भर करता है। उन्होंने बताया है कि देहरादून से वाराणसी, प्रयागराज और अयोध्या के लिए उड़ान सेवा का अनुरोध सभी घरेलू हवाई लाइनों के साथ साझा किया गया है।

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Early childhood education: Dubai allows home-based learning for children aged 0-6 years during distance learning under new KHDA guidelines. world News

Dubai allows home-based learning for children aged 0-6 years during distance learning under new KHDA guidelines
KHDA allows centre-led home education for Dubai children aged 0-6 during the remote learning phase / Image: File

Dubai is taking a decisive step towards flexible education as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority has introduced a new policy that allows children aged 0-6 years to opt for home-based learning.The authority said the initiative supports diverse learning environments during the early years, a stage widely recognized as crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. By formally recognizing home-based learning, KHDA is giving parents the ability to shape how and where their children begin their educational journey, while ensuring that standards remain aligned with the wider education system.

Dubai early childhood education Rule

The new rule applies specifically to early childhood education, which covers children from birth to six years. In the UAE this stage is non-mandatory, with formal schooling starting in Grade 1.This difference gives parents significant flexibility. By the age of six, families can decide whether to enroll children in nurseries or early learning centres, or choose to guide learning at home now. Traditionally, early education in Dubai focuses on structured environments that develop communication skills, social interaction and creativity. KHDA’s latest move recognizes that these same outcomes can also be achieved in home settings through consistent engagement and age-appropriate learning activities.

What does home-based education mean?

The introduction of home-based education reflects a broader change in the way early education is understood. Rather than being limited to classrooms, learning at this level is seen as something that can happen naturally in the home environment.Parents who choose this option are expected to take a more active role in shaping their child’s daily learning experiences. This may include guided play, storytelling, creative exploration and everyday interactions that contribute to development. The KHDA continues to regulate the sector to ensure that all forms of early education, whether home-based or centre-based, support holistic development, encourage flexible learning approaches and maintain strong parent involvement.For many families, especially those looking for a personalized or culturally aligned approach, this model offers flexibility without stepping outside the formal education framework.

Why does this KHDA rule matter?

The impact of this decision is significant for both families and the broader education landscape. For parents, this provides greater control over how children experience their early years of learning, allowing them to shape the routine and approach that best suits their child’s development.At the same time, the education sector is evolving into a more diverse system where traditional nursery and home-based education can co-exist. KHDA’s monitoring ensures consistent quality on both routes, preventing development gaps while allowing flexibility in delivery.

looking ahead

With this policy, KHDA is strengthening a long-term vision in which education is no longer limited to classrooms but extends to homes and communities. As Dubai continues to refine its education framework, more flexible and hybrid models are expected to emerge, especially in the early years.The direction is clear. Early education in Dubai is becoming more adaptable, more inclusive and more sensitive to the needs of modern families while maintaining a strong foundation of quality and accountability.

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More than the faces of the race: Ambassadors who really walked the talk india news

More from Faces of Race: Ambassadors who really walked the talk

Ambassadors are seen in most of the events.These were realized at the Times Internet Half Marathon.They weren’t just promoting the race from the sidelines or sharing countless posts – they were out on the course, meeting participants step by step, turning representation into action – and that’s what really defines the event.

Where impact faced stamina

Amongst the extraordinary performances, Jalaj Arora took on the toughest race – 21K – showing remarkable stamina and dedication even when the course became challenging. Deepak Gupta also had a strong run, maintaining a steady pace and displaying consistent control throughout.The performance in the 10K category was equally impressive. Jitendra Advani stood out with his pace and balance, while Ramnik Singh Kochhar made a notable impact with his steady performance and commitment on the course.One of the biggest highlights was Deepak Maurya, whose run was fast, focused and highly impressive, setting a strong benchmark among the ambassadors.

Screenshot 2026-04-11 155006

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Not just runners, but enablers too

What set these ambassadors apart was not just limited to their performance on race day, but the impact they made in the lead up to the event.Through constant engagement, interaction and outreach, he encouraged participation at every level. First-time runners were inspired, hesitant individuals gained confidence, and a broader sense of community began to take shape even before the starting line was drawn.Their contributions extended beyond numbers – they brought intention, energy and belief to the marathon ecosystem.

Redefining representation

At its core, the Ambassador Program wasn’t just about visibility – it was about credibility. By running the same courses, enduring the same physical demands, and facing the same challenges, these ambassadors established deep connections with the participants. Their presence strengthened faith, making their encouragement more authentic and effective.When those inspiring participants were also actively part of the journey – striving, enduring, and working together with others to accomplish the task – the marathon evolved into more than just an event.It became a shared experience and at the Times Internet Half Marathon, the ambassadors made sure it was a story worth remembering.

Screenshot 2026-04-11 155033

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5 महीने तक बेटी के शव के साथ रहा पिता, रोज छिड़कता था परफ्यूम… ऐसे खुला पूरा राज

मेरठ समाचार: उत्तर प्रदेश के मेरठ जिले से एक बेहद चौंकाने वाली और दर्दनाक घटना सामने आई है। सदर थाना क्षेत्र में एक पिता अपनी बेटी के शव के साथ करीब पांच माह तक घर में रहा. इस दौरान वह दिन में कई बार परफ्यूम छिड़ककर घर में आने वाली दुर्गंध को छिपाने की कोशिश करते थे। यह मामला तब सामने आया जब डायल 112 के जरिए पुलिस को सूचना मिली. मौके पर पहुंची पुलिस ने जो देखा वह खौफनाक था और पूरे इलाके में सनसनी फैल गई.

घर के अंदर मिला क्षत-विक्षत शव, बचा सिर्फ कंकाल
पुलिस जब मौके पर पहुंची तो घर के अंदर एक कमरे में बच्ची का शव पूरी तरह सड़ चुका था और सिर्फ कंकाल बचा था. मृतक की पहचान प्रियंका विश्वास के रूप में की गई है, जो पेशे से शिक्षिका थी। उसके पिता उदय भानु विश्वास, जो मूल रूप से बंगाल के रहने वाले थे, उसके साथ घर में रह रहे थे।

परिजनों से छुपाया मौत का सच!
जांच में पता चला है कि प्रियंका की मां ने पहले ही आत्महत्या कर ली थी, जिसके बाद वह अपने पिता के साथ रह रही थी। पिता ने रिश्तेदारों को बताया था कि प्रियंका देहरादून में नौकरी करती है। कई महीनों तक वह इसी तरह लोगों को गुमराह करता रहा और किसी को सच्चाई की भनक तक नहीं लगने दी।

कैसे खुला पूरा मामला, रिश्तेदारों ने किया खुलासा
मामले का खुलासा तब हुआ जब काफी देर तक परिजनों को प्रियंका के बारे में कोई जानकारी नहीं मिली. शक होने पर परिजन शुक्रवार को घर पहुंचे और सख्ती से पूछताछ की। इसके बाद पिता ने स्वीकार किया कि उसकी बेटी मर चुकी है और शव घर के अंदर रखा हुआ है. इसके बाद तुरंत पुलिस को सूचना दी गई.

परफ्यूम से गंध छिपाकर पिता शव के साथ सोता रहा।
पुलिस पूछताछ में आरोपी पिता ने चौंकाने वाला खुलासा किया कि वह अपनी बेटी की मौत के बाद उसके शव के साथ रहता था और सोता भी था. अपनी दुर्गंध को छुपाने के लिए वह लगातार परफ्यूम का इस्तेमाल करता था। पुलिस को मौके से कई परफ्यूम की बोतलें भी मिलीं। बताया जा रहा है कि वह कुछ देर के लिए हरिद्वार भी गए थे और जब लौटे तो शव पूरी तरह सड़ चुका था।

जांच में जुटी पुलिस, पोस्टमार्टम रिपोर्ट का इंतजार
पुलिस ने शव को कब्जे में लेकर पोस्टमार्टम के लिए भेज दिया है और आरोपी पिता को हिरासत में लेकर पूछताछ कर रही है. डिप्टी एसपी नवीन शुक्ला ने बताया कि शव काफी क्षत-विक्षत अवस्था में मिला है और मौत के कारणों की पुष्टि पोस्टमार्टम रिपोर्ट आने के बाद ही होगी. फिलहाल पुलिस हर एंगल से मामले की जांच कर रही है.

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Former branch manager of Union Bank of India arrested; How he helped run a fake loan racket worth crores of rupees under the Mudra scheme. Lucknow news

Former branch manager of Union Bank of India arrested; How he helped run a fake loan racket worth crores of rupees under Mudra Yojana
UP STF has arrested Nitin Choudhary in Mudra loan scam.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday arrested a senior bank official for his alleged involvement in a large-scale loan scam under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana using forged documents and fake identities. Nitin Chaudhary (39), a former branch manager of Union Bank of India, was currently posted as a credit manager at the bank’s Basant Vihar branch in Delhi.He was arrested by the joint team of STF and Cyber ​​Crime Police Station, Lucknow from Basant Vihar branch premises.This matter came to light after a complaint was lodged at the STF headquarters by Raj Bahadur Gurung, a resident of Lucknow. Gurung said he had approached an intermediary and signed some bank documents to obtain a business loan. However, he was later informed that his loan application had been rejected.The shocking thing is that after about five to six months, he started receiving messages regarding pending EMI payments. Upon checking his credit report, he discovered that two loans had already been approved in his name without his knowledge or consent. This prompted them to contact the authorities, leading to a detailed investigation.Acting on the complaint, STF initiated a thorough investigation under the supervision of senior officers. Technical surveillance and intelligence gathering exposed a well-organized interstate racket involving bank officials, middlemen and document forgers.The investigation revealed that the syndicate fraudulently processed loans in the name of suspicious persons by manipulating identity documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards. The photographs on these IDs were digitally altered and replaced with images of gang members, while forged signatures were used to complete the paperwork.The STF found that more than 100 individuals and entities were targeted, who had fraudulently sanctioned loans worth several crores of rupees in several banks.Earlier in the case, on September 13, 2025, STF had arrested four accused including another branch manager of Union Bank, Gaurav Kumar, and registered a case at Cyber ​​Crime Police Station, Lucknow.Subsequent interrogation and analysis of seized documents led investigators to identify Aamir Ahsan as the mastermind of the operation. He was arrested on February 15, 2026.Nitin Chaudhary, who was absconding, was identified as a key conspirator and was eventually traced and arrested from Delhi.Additional SP, STF, Vishal Vikram Singh said that during sustained interrogation, Chaudhary revealed important information about the functioning of the fraud network. He revealed that during his posting in Lucknow he had come in contact with co-accused Naved, a salesman attached to the regional office of the bank. Their introduction soon turned into a criminal partnership aimed at making money through fake loan approvals.ASP Singh said, “The gang hatched a systematic plan to exploit the loopholes in the Mudra loan scheme. Fake firms were created to prepare the quotations required for loan approval. These fake companies controlled by Navid and Aamir acted as beneficiaries where the loan amount was transferred.”Chaudhary admitted to personally sanctioning several fake loans, including a loan of Rs 9 lakh in the name of Vishnu Kumar Pandey for purchasing a generator, a vehicle loan of Rs 15 lakh in the same name using forged quotations, a loan of Rs 10 lakh in the name of Mahendra Pandey for printing machinery, a loan of Rs 10 lakh in the name of Chandrika Prasad, a loan of Rs 9 lakh in the name of Amit Kumar Tiwari.All the money was sent to the accounts of “Lucknow Commercial Motors” and other fake companies created by the gang. The amount was later withdrawn and distributed among the conspirators.He further admitted that he had introduced co-accused Naveed to another bank manager of Jankipuram branch, Gaurav Kumar, who had also sanctioned dozens of fake loans in return for commission.The accused was produced in Patiala House Court of Delhi, from where transit remand was obtained. He has been brought to Lucknow for further questioning.Officials said forensic examination of the seized electronic devices is being conducted to uncover digital evidence and financial clues.STF believes that more members of the syndicate are still absconding and efforts are on to identify and arrest them. Investigators are probing the possible involvement of additional bank officials and the scope of the scam at other financial institutions.

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2 killed in Russian drone strikes in Ukraine’s Odessa ahead of proposed Easter ceasefire

2 killed in Russian drone strikes in Ukraine's Odessa ahead of proposed Easter ceasefire
A rescue worker walks past a heavily damaged residential building after the Russian attack in Odessa (AP Photo)

Just hours before a proposed Easter ceasefire is expected to take effect, Russian drone strikes hit the Ukrainian port city of Odessa overnight Saturday, killing at least two people and wounding two others, local officials said.Officials said residential areas were attacked, damaging apartment buildings, homes and a kindergarten in the Black Sea city. The attack came amid intense air exchanges between Russia and Ukraine ahead of the Orthodox Easter period, the AP reported.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Where fighter planes and HIMARS missiles failed Ukraine, drones succeeded

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 160 drones overnight, of which 133 were intercepted or destroyed. In a separate update, Russia’s Defense Ministry said 99 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian territory and occupied Crimea.The attacks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour Easter ceasefire, ordering a halt to hostilities from Saturday evening to Sunday. The Kremlin described the move as a “humanitarian” gesture.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kiev was ready to mirror any de facto ceasefire steps, but stressed earlier proposals, including a moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure, had not been implemented by Moscow.Despite the announcement, both sides continued to report attacks.The Kremlin said it was committed to a comprehensive political solution based on long-standing demands, while Ukraine and its allies insisted on clear conditions and verification mechanisms.Separately, discussions have continued regarding a possible prisoner exchange over the Easter period. Russia’s human rights ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova said the two sides were working on a possible swap, a rare area of ​​progress in stalled U.S.-brokered talks that have so far failed to deliver broad breakthroughs in the conflict.

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