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Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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Vat Purnima Vrat 2025: Tie the Knot (Around the Banyan) with a Smile

Immerse yourself in the tradition, myth, and merriment of Vat Purnima 2025—a day that beautifully merges devotion with drama, piety with punchlines.

Here’s an engaging, professional, and sometimes funny run-through covering everything you’re searching for.

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Date & Muhurat: When to Fast, When to Feast

  • Vat Purnima Vrat 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 (Jyeshtha Purnima in the Amanta calendar)
  • Purnima Tithi: begins at 11:35 AM, 10 June, ends 1:13 PM, 11 June
  • Shubh Muhurat for Puja: between 8:52 AM–2:05 PM
  • Bath & Donation Window: ideally 4:02 AM–4:42 PM
  • For North India, a second observance—Vat Savitri Vrat—falls on Amavasya, 26 May 2025

What’s Vat Purnima Vrat All About?

  • It’s a sacred Hindu festival where married women fast and pray for their husbands’ health, long life, and marital happiness
  • Central to it: worshipping the Vat Vriksha (banyan tree), symbolizing the holy trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
  • The day is inspired by the legend of Savitri and Satyavan—a tale so dramatic that it outdoes any serial! Armed with devotion and intellect, Savitri convinces Yama, god of death, to restore her husband’s life

Detailed Ritual Guide (Puja Vidhi)

Step-by-step ritual for those who want to ace the vrat:

  1. Early morning bath & pledge: Start pure and focused.
  2. Adorn the banyan tree: Decorate it with flowers, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), sacred thread
  3. Circumambulation (Parikrama): Tie a raw thread one of 7, 11, or 21 rounds and chant mantras like the Mahāmṛtyunjaya
  4. Listen or recite the Vrat Katha: Narrating Savitri’s tale fortifies purpose and patience
  5. Offer prasadam: Fruits, soaked grains, sweets, coconut—food for tree and soul
  6. Charity (Daan): Feed the needy during auspicious hours (4–4:42 PM)
  7. Break the fast: Only after the puja and story conclusion—no midnight feasting allowed!
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Significance & Symbolism

  • Celebration of wifely love & strength—Savitri’s devotion is legendary.
  • The banyan tree symbolizes longevity, unity, and shelter in marital life
  • Ritualistic fasting and giving donations bring emotional resilience, discipline, and bonding .

Light-hearted Insights

  • Think of this as the ultimate “husband warranty”: “Tie a knot around the banyan, and your hubby’s health gets extended!”
  • Fasting feels heroic…until someone says “naan” and your stomach files a grievance.
  • With the Vrat Katha, you’re basically channeling your inner lawyer to argue with Yama—no courtroom needed!

Gracious Gifting & Messages

  • Send your husband or sister-in-law thoughtful Vat Purnima wishes on WhatsApp, or pen poetic captions like: “May the banyan bless us as you bless my life—strong, steady, eternal.”

Regional Twists You’ll Want to Know

  • North India (UP, Bihar, Haryana, etc.): observe Vrat on Jyeshtha Amavasya (26 May)
  • Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, South India: celebrate on Jyeshtha Purnima (10 June)
  • Despite the date difference, the love, legends, and local flavour remain the same.

FAQ Section — What Everyone’s Searching For

QuestionQuick Answer
When is Vat Purnima 2025?10 June, 2025 (Purnima tithi begins at 11:35 AM).
What’s the Puja muhurat?8:52 AM to 2:05 PM – perfect time to worship.
Can husbands join?Absolutely! While primarily for wives, husbands can support, participate, or fast too.
Fasting with water?Strict nirjala fast (no food or water) is traditional—unless health issues arise.
What to offer?Fresh fruits, soaked grains (e.g., gram), sweets, coconuts, thread, coins.
Why the banyan tree?Symbolizes longevity, immortality—home to Hindu Trinity
How many rounds?Seven is typical—but you’ll find rituals prescribing 7, 11, or even 21 rounds .
Which story to narrate?The Savitri–Satyavan tale featuring Yama’s reversal and Savitri’s resolve.

Top Tips to Nail the Day

  1. Plan ahead: Puja materials—cotton threads, fruits, turmeric, sweets—must be ready by early morning.
  2. Hydrate right: If you can’t go moj without water, sip during donation window before sun hits full swing.
  3. Stay with the flow: Group fasts and pujas are more joyous—and you won’t snooze mid-ritual.
  4. Hit social media: Tag heartwarming wishes with #VatPurnima2025.
  5. Reflect afterwards: Take a moment with your spouse to talk about vows—love isn’t just some ritual; it’s real representation.

Vat Purnima Vrat 2025 begins Tuesday, 10 June, with prayers, fasting, and tying threads around the banyan tree between 8:52 AM–2:05 PM.

The core: Savitri’s inspiring legend, the symbolic banyan, and a day full of devotion and fun. For northern ladies, the sister fast was 26 May.

After rituals, break fast only post-puja, enjoy sweets, and celebrate love’s grand circle.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Result: Hold Your Breath, Roll Numbers Coming in Hot

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Why this is the moment you’ve been waiting for

  • Exam held on May 25, 2025 – both GS‑I and CSAT papers taken across two shifts
  • Result expected around mid‑June, typically within 15–20 days post-exam — industry estimates point to June 14.
  • Today, June 10, is the focal point of live updates – answer‑keys are out, unofficial cut‑off chatter abounds, and roll‑number PDFs may drop anytime
Only IAS

1. “Where do I check the result?”

Once the UPSC uploads the Prelims result:

  1. Visit upsc.gov.in → “What’s New” section
  2. Download the Prelims 2025 result PDF, which lists only roll numbers of qualified candidates.
  3. Use Ctrl+F (or scroll) to find your roll number. Note: No marks or category‑wise cut‑offs are given at this stage

2. Cut‑Off Drama: What qualifies as safe?

  • General Category cut‑offs in past years:
    • 2022 – 88.22
    • 2023 – dip to 75.41 (due to tougher CSAT)
    • 2024 – bounce back to ~88
  • Experts predict 2025 cut‑off between 85–90 marks, due to moderate GS‑I difficulty, tough CSAT, and lower vacancy count (979 vs 1,056)
  • A safe target for GS‑I: 90+
  • Rule of thumb: about 45–50 correct answers gets you into the qualifying zone, assuming you avoid negative marking .

3. CSAT: Qualifying test or elimination trap?

  • CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying only — you need to score at least 33% marks (~66/200)
  • But recent trends (especially 2025’s) show UPSC has toughened CSAT as a sort of eliminator
  • Experts caution: don’t underestimate CSAT—flunking it means disqualification regardless of high GS‑I score.

4. How many get through Prelims?

Approximately 12,000 candidates are usually shortlisted for Mains
Given the 979 vacancies, this gives a 12:1 aspirant-to-vacancy ratio. FYI, expect intense competition ahead.

5. What’s next? Mains & DAF-I

  • Qualified candidates will need to fill the Detailed Application Form‑I (DAF‑I) — uploads include service preferences, category, and academic data
  • Mains exam begins August 22, 2025, comprising 9 descriptive papers (GS, Optional, Language)
  • Interview/Personality Test follows—this is the final leg before the merit list & final service allocation.

6. Stats, patterns & analysis

  • Subject-wise breakdown of Prelims GS‑I (2025):
    • Economy – 17 questions
    • History/Art/Culture – 16
    • Geography – 14
    • Polity & Governance – 15
    • General Science & Tech – 15
    • Environment – 10
  • Negative marking: −0.33 for every wrong answer—choose wisely!
  • CSAT difficulty: “one of the toughest yet,” with analytical/reasoning content making it a key hurdle

7. New portal & Aadhaar integration

  • A revamped application portal (upsconline.nic.in) introduced Aadhaar‑based identity verification on May 28.
  • Around 92% candidates opted for Aadhaar login—UPSC aims for smoother, secure application practices.

8. Answer Key released?

Yes—UPSC has already published official answer keys for GS Paper I and II (2024); in 2025, monitor the portal for answer-key release—use it to estimate pre‑result scores

FAQs — What candidates are searching for

QuestionQuick Answer
When will result be out?Expected mid‑June (around 14th), held June 10 live-updates
Where to check?Official PDF on upsc.gov.in under “What’s New”
What’s cut‑off?Likely 85–90 for General category; safe if 90+ in GS‑I
How to estimate my score?Use GS‑I correct answers – each correct = +2, wrong = −0.66; ensure CSAT ≥ 66/200
Next after Prelims?Submit DAF-I, prepare for 9‑paper Mains starting Aug 22, then Interview
Will I get marks?No – only roll numbers in result PDF; marks and positional data are provided later

Final Takeaways & Tips

  • Stay glued to UPSC’s website today and tomorrow—to catch the roll‑number PDF as soon as it appears.
  • Don’t panic if you don’t see your number immediately—technical issues or delays happen. Keep calm and check again in a few hours.
  • If you qualify, start Mains prep seriously—visit optional subject trends, previous questions, and test schedules.
  • If you miss the cut, analyse your shortcomings carefully: Was it GS‑I errors, or CSAT slip? Re-strategise, revisit CSAT, and try again with learnt grit.
  • Community power: Join forums and groups for peer support—they’re great for moral and material muscle.

Kavya Maran’s Heartbreak: Heinrich Klaasen Retires from IPL & Joins U.S. League—Cricket’s New Frontier!

The Curveball No One Saw Coming

Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran must be clutching her head after a whirlwind end to IPL 2025:

star overseas batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced his international retirement and signed on with a new U.S.-based franchise.

First IPL heartbreak, now a U.S. cricket detour—this one’s got even the fans doing a double take.

Who Is Heinrich Klaasen & What Just Happened?

  • Klaasen Basics: The explosive South African wicketkeeper-batter, retained by SRH for ₹23 crore before IPL 2025.
  • IPL Heroics: Scored a blazing unbeaten 105 off 39 balls (with 9 sixes!), one of the fastest tons in tournament history.
  • IPL Summary: Finished IPL 2025 with 487 runs in 13 matches at an average of 44.27, including one century and one fifty .
  • Sudden Shift: Declared international retirement after IPL and signed with the Seattle Orcas for Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S.

Why Fans Are Searching This News

Here’s every burning query fans typically Google (and we’ve answered them all):

Fan QuestionAnswer
Why did Klaasen retire (internationally)?Felt overlooked after missing a CSA central contract; decided to focus on franchise leagues.
Is this IPL exit permanent?He’s stepping away from international cricket, but IPL eligibility remains. Future IPL participation depends on availability and SRH selections.
What’s next in his career?He’s joined the Seattle Orcas in the upcoming MLC 2025 season in the U.S. .
How did SRH perform in IPL 2025?Finished 6th with 13 points from 14 matches—solid individual showings but inconsistent overall .
Reaction from Kavya MaranMixed emotions—visible frustration during matches (e.g. GT clash) and elation after Abhishek Sharma’s century .
How big is MLC & why choose it?MLC is the newly launched U.S. T20 league gaining global attention. Klaasen’s move reflects cricket’s expanding frontiers.
What does this mean for SRH?They’ll miss his explosive middle-order firepower and must adapt tactics or seek replacements in IPL 2026.

IPL Highlights That Shaped the Decision

The 105* Blitz & Franchise Thanks

Klaasen’s 105* came in SRH’s last match—one of IPL’s fastest tons ever. After the knock, he thanked team boss Kavya Maran for her unwavering support despite the team’s roller‑coaster season

SRH Roller‑coaster Season

  • Highs: Team scored the highest-ever IPL total (286) earlier in the season.
  • Lows: Mid-tournament mayhem—Kavya visibly furious when key top‑order failed
  • Results: Third place finish in IPL 2024 → slump to 6th in 2025

Retirement Announcement

After IPL wrapped up, Klaasen said goodbye to international cricket, citing missed central contract and a desire to focus on T20 leagues like the MLC.

New Home in Seattle

He’s now set for MLC’s Seattle Orcas franchise, bringing big-hitting brand cricket to North America .

Fan Buzz & Reaction

  1. Social Media Shock: Threads, memes, and disbelief—“Why leave after a career-defining century?”
  2. Support for MLC Move: Many see it as a smart financial and strategic shift.
  3. Future IPL Speculation: Fans ask—“Will he return next IPL? Can SRH retain him?”
  4. Kavya’s Emotional Contrast: We’ve had her on-camera frustration and embrace moments (e.g. Abhishek’s century)

A Dash of Humor

  • “He hit the fastest century, then fast-walked to the airport to Seattle!”
  • Imagine the Seattle Orcas fans: “Welcome to cricket—orcas? Batter vs whale!”
  • IPL owners now playing talent chess: Kavya might be thinking, “Okay, who’s next?”

What’s Next?

  • For Klaasen: Strong MLC debut could boost his global brand and earning power.
  • For SRH & Kavya: Need a new explosive middle-order pick for IPL 2026.
  • For Indian fans: Will he return, and can his retired international status change?
  • For U.S. cricket: High-profile signings like Klaasen elevate MLC’s profile significantly.

Heinrich Klaasen’s turbo-charged innings capped a dramatic IPL end—but then retirement and a shock U.S. move rewrote the script. It marks both a bold personal pivot and a challenge for Kavya Maran’s SRH squad.

Will Klaasen conquer Seattle’s shores? Will SRH find a suitable Desi-Klaasen substitute? And will IPL fans forgive this international farewell? Time—and cricket—will tell.

CID 2: Narendra Gupta aka Dr Salunkhe Bids Adieu After Being Called ‘Gaddar’ – A Farewell Full of Surprise and Spices!

The Unexpected Exit of Dr Salunkhe

The beloved forensic whiz from CID, Dr R. P. Salunkhe, portrayed by Narendra Gupta, has dramatically bowed out of CID 2. The catalyst?

A surprising twist: Shivaji Satam’s ACP Pradyuman labels him a “gaddar” (traitor). Cue gasps, memes, and heated fan discussions across the internet.

Who Is Narendra Gupta?

  • Narendra Gupta: Born in Jaipur, this actor has been a staple of Indian television since the late ’80s. He earned fame as forensic expert Dr Salunkhe on CID, first appearing in 1998 and remaining a fan favorite through 2018 .
  • Over two decades, Narendra became synonymous with forensic drama, and CID 2’s revival felt incomplete without him—until now.

What Actually Happened?

  1. A Heated He-said – In the most recent episodes, ACP Pradyuman drops the bomb: “Salunkhe is a gaddar.”
  2. Narendra’s Farewell – Shocked and hurt, Dr Salunkhe steps away from the show, delivering an abrupt farewell
  3. Fan Outrage – The fandom erupted with comments like “Unacceptable…”, demanding explanations.

Fans Speak Up: The Reddit Row

Reddit’s r/IndianTellyTalk lit up with conversations about the twist:

“Why the makers did that to Dr Salunkhe, he was one of the OGs man…”
“I honestly thought it would be Dr Gargi… Dr Salunke was a shocker.”

It turns out viewers expected a plot centered on new characters, but the “traitor” storyline blindsided them—and they want clarity.

What Fans Are Googling (and Craving to Know!)

QuestionAnswer
Why call Dr Salunkhe a gaddar?The accusation stems from a plot twist, but showrunners haven’t clarified if it’s intentional betrayal or dramatic bluff.
Did Narendra Gupta really leave for good?The actor has “bid adieu,” suggesting a full exit, but the door remains open for a possible return.
Will Dr Tarika or Dr Gargi fill the void?Fans suspected other forensic leads might emerge, but so far, neither has taken center stage
How are the fan reactions?Mixed! Nostalgia militant supporters vs. new viewers tuned in for twists. Reddit quotes above say it all.
Where did he bid goodbye—on screen or off?The farewell unfolded onscreen. Off-camera, we haven’t heard any personal statements from Narendra himself or official producers.
Is this an attempt to spice the narrative or a misstep?Hard to say. It’s classic plot shock—could add suspense… or alienate loyal fans. Only ratings will tell.

The Impact on CID 2

  • Shock factor vs. Sentiment: Killing off an icon signals stakes, but risks alienating the original fanbase.
  • New lab dynamics: With Dr Salunkhe absent, viewers await who’ll now analyze the clues—Dr Tarika’s name keeps popping up.
  • Social media storm: “Unacceptable” comments flood Twitter and Reddit. The show’s buzz just skyrocketed—for better or worse.

A Dash of Humor

  • When ACP soldiered on: “He called me a gaddar? I solved crimes—I don’t sell crimes!”
  • CID memes are on overdrive: Pradyuman fans vs. Salunkhe squad
  • Expect T‑shirts reading: “Team Salunkhe Forever”—plus gas masks, because this drama’s intense.

What to Watch Next

  1. Ratings Alert – Will cliffhanger fare keep viewers glued or switch them off?
  2. Behind-the-Scenes Drama – Any interviews from Shivaji or Narendra could hint at real tensions.
  3. Creative Choices – Will writers explain the “gaddar” rationale, or leave it safely in suspense?
  4. Fan Mobilization – Ongoing petitions urging return, or just nostalgic rants?

Key Highlights

  • Unexpected Exit: Narendra Gupta as Dr Salunkhe departs CID 2 following the “gaddar” accusation.
  • Fan Uproar: Strong backlash, with forums calling the move “unacceptable” .
  • Plot Guesses: Suspicion falls on Dr Tarika or Dr Gargi—but no confirmation yet .
  • Legacy Risk: Reboot risks losing original charm; mix of fan support and dismay.
  • Mystery Element: No official statement yet from creators or cast—keeping everyone guessing.

CID 2 may have fired its first dramatic salvo—but punting a fan favorite was a risky move. If it leads to deeper story layers and forensic intrigue, great.

But if it sours the loyal CID fanbase… this could backfire faster than a bad crime scene pic.

Either way, the drama worked—the internet is talking, and CID is trending again. Will Dr Salunkhe return with a redemption arc? Will a brand‑new genius solve cases? Or did CID just turn the tables on its OG heroes?

Stay tuned, clue‑hunters. The case of “Who really is the gaddar?” is just getting started.

From Zero Net Worth to Stock Market Hero: How These 2 Companies Are Changing Anil Ambani’s Fortune

Opening Act: The Meteoric Rise & Devastating Plunge

Anil Ambani—yes, that name associated with grand ambition, colossal losses, multiple court battles, and dramatic comebacks.

Remember when, around 2008, he surpassed his brother Mukesh to become India’s—and briefly the world’s—sixth richest man, with a $42 billion net worth?

That was before the telecom crash, debt spiral, and asset fire-sale that led to his dramatic fall from grace.

By 2020, he declared bankruptcy in a UK court, claiming “zero net worth.” Fast forward to June 2025, and analysts peg his wealth at around $530 million.

From world’s richest to arguably broke—then clawing his way back. But what’s driving this comeback?

Enter the Stock Heroes: Reliance Power & Reliance Infrastructure

Anil’s revival hinges on two of his core listed companies:

  1. Reliance Power
  2. Reliance Infrastructure

Together, these form the ADAG (Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group) public-facing comeback kids. Here’s the scoop:

1. Reliance Power

  • The company scored a major 350 MW solar + 175 MW/700 MWh BESS (Battery Energy Storage) order from PSU SJVN.
  • Just last week, shares hit a 52‑week high, jumping 15 % intraday, and up 136 % in the past year.
  • That order also pushed ADAG stocks higher: Power surged 11 %, Infrastructure 10 % on a breakout rally.

Why it matters: Clean energy is the new gold mine. With solar‑plus‑battery projects, Reliance Power is riding a green-energy wave.

2. Reliance Infrastructure

  • Fundraises totaling ₹17,600 cr in 2024 included ₹4,500 cr via preferential equity and ₹7,100 cr via FCCBs, wiping out most of its debt
  • Following debt reduction, stock spiked ~10–11 % intraday
  • Now its standalone debt is just ₹475 cr—after asset sales and capital raises

Why it matters: Infrastructure giants live and die on balance sheets. With almost zero debt, this one is lean, mean, and ready for growth.

What Questions Are People Searching About?

Here’s a roundup of FAQs investors and the public typically dig into—fully answered with fresh, updated details:

QuestionAnswer
How rich is Anil Ambani now?Around $530 million, a staggering fall from $42 billion
What went horribly wrong?Telecom price wars, heavy borrowings, defaulting on key loans, SEBI bans, and shareholder losses .
How did he go bankrupt?Debt defaults led to a UK court declaring bankruptcy in Feb 2020. He also faced contempt for failure to repay Ericsson .
Is this stock surge real or a flash in the pan?Backed by clean‑energy orders and debt cleanup—not just hype. The SJVN solar/BESS deal is a strong signal , and debt clearance is concrete progress
What’s the current stock performance?Reliance Power: +136% YTD; Reliance Infrastructure sees monthly/annual surges too .
Any lingering doubts or legal doubts?SEBI banned Anil for five years over fund diversion; he’s still fighting these rulings . Some creditors still want payouts. |

The Comeback Strategy in Three Acts

  1. Debt Elimination – Q3/Q4 2024 fundraising: Preference shares + FCCBs + asset sales targeted ₹17,600 cr to go zero debt
  2. Green‑Energy Pivot – Solar + BESS is cranking up; India’s PSUs are buying, and the market is waving green flags .
  3. Investor Confidence – Rising stock prices show renewed trust. Once relations with lenders and SEBI smooth out, more capital confidence follows.

What This Means for Investors & Onlookers

  • Momentum play? Yes—clean energy + infrastructure = long‑term structural growth.
  • Keep an eye on: Execution—will projects be completed on time, and margins maintained?
  • Watch for: SEBI rulings and legal appeals—these add regulatory risk.
  • Macro lens: India’s push for renewables and robust infrastructure is Big Picture supportive.

A Dash of Humor & Insight

  • Anil’s story is Wall Street meets Bollywood: spectacular highs, gut‑wrenching lows, and a redemption arc that’s better than most Netflix shows.
  • If rockets were stocks, his are: deep dive, rough landing, and now relaunching.
  • Investors looking at ADAG now might wonder: “Did I miss the train? Or is the rocket fueled and ready?”

Key Highlights (Bullet‑point Recap)

  • Net Worth: Fell from $42B (2008) ➝ $0 (2020) ➝ $530M (2025)
  • Debt Status: Zero debt at Power & Infra following ₹17,600 cr boost .
  • Share Performance: Power up 136% YTD; both stocks saw double‑digit intraday jumps on good news
  • Major Deal: SJVN solar‑battery project (350 MW + 175 MW BESS) secured by Reliance Power
  • Legal Watch: SEBI ban (5 years, ended 2029) remains a source of uncertainty .

Anil Ambani’s tale isn’t done—and this chapter is serious stuff. With zero debt, renewable energy thrust, and major infrastructure momentum, there’s real substance behind the hype.

Yes, legal clouds still cast some shadow—but investors are finally viewing ADAG not as financially frozen, but as fuelled for takeoff.

If Anil truly delivers on project execution and clears lingering legal hurdles, these two companies might cement his comeback—not just financially but reputationally.

After all, who doesn’t love the underdog that shoots for the stars?

ICICI Bank Sakshi Gupta Bank Fraud in Kota Rajasthan

From trust to trickery: how a front-desk relationship manager turned affectionate greetings into fraudulent farewells.

NDTV Rajasthan

Key Highlights at a Glance

  • Employee Involved: Sakshi Gupta, Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank’s Kota branch
  • Fraud Span: 2020–2023
  • Amount Stolen: ₹4.58 crore (approx.) from 110+ accounts across 41 customers
  • Tech Tricks: Changed OTP mobile numbers to hide transactions
  • Modus Operandi: Used “pool account” — including ₹3 crore from one elderly customer
  • Investment Disaster: All stolen funds were lost in risky stock-trading
  • Discovery: Fraud uncovered in February 2023; Sakshi arrested May 31, 2025
  • Investigation Ongoing: Police probing for accomplices; ICICI cooperating

1. How Did It Unfold?

A ticket to trust became a ticket to trouble: Sakshi Gupta, once a trusted ICICI relationship manager in Kota’s DCM branch, allegedly siphoned off ₹4.58 crore over three years by abusing banking channels

She targeted unsuspecting customers—many of them elderly—opening or manipulating overdrafts, prematurely breaking fixed deposits, and even sanctioning loans in their names without their knowledge.

2. The Clever (and Crooked) “Pool Account” Scheme

In an elaborate yet calculated move, Sakshi used an elderly woman’s account to create a “pool”—a repository where over ₹3 crore passed through by February 2023.

This tactic helped her conceal fraudulent transfers across multiple accounts and delay detection from both customers and the bank.

3. Sneaky Security Breaches

Here’s how she covered up:

  • Mobile number hijacks: OTPs and transaction alerts redirected to device numbers of her relatives.
  • Debit tool exploitation: Misused debit cards, PINs, and ATM/internet banking; even activated overdrafts without consent across 40+ accounts.
  • Fake loan issue: A personal loan of ₹3.4 lakh was approved in someone else’s name

4. Breaking FDs & Forced Overdrafts—Her Next Moves

Sakshi relentlessly drained the funds:

  • Fixed deposit withdrawals: She prematurely closed 31 FDs, extracting ₹1.34 crore without informing customers.
  • Unauthorized loans: Financed a personal loan in others’ names.
  • Digital withdrawal spree: Went full throttle with ATM and online transactions via Insta kiosks and branch systems, funneling funds into her trading accounts.

5. The Stock Market Gamble that Went Bust

With all stolen funds in hand, Sakshi poured the money into futures and options trading via platforms like Zerodha and ICICI Direct.

But luck wasn’t on her side—the entire ₹4.58 crore vanished, leaving nothing behind. Even loot couldn’t survive the bull-and-bear battle.

6. How and When It Was Discovered

Discrepancy caught:

  • A customer went to check an FD only to find it closed—and money gone.
  • This triggered a complaint by branch manager Tarun Dadhich on February 18, 2023.

Police were brought in, ICICI conducted internal audits, and the scam finally unraveled. Over the next two years, the investigation deepened.

7. Arrest & Aftermath

Sakshi was arrested on May 31, 2025, and sent to judicial custody.

ICICI swiftly:

  • Suspended her employment
  • Settled legitimate customer claims
  • Filed an FIR immediately upon discovery

Both bank and law enforcement are probing whether she had help—from inside the organization or outside accomplices.

8. Victims Speak Out

Affected customers, particularly senior citizens, felt deeply betrayed:

“I never got any OTPs; a simple FD inquiry revealed everything.” Multiply that betrayal across 41 families, and you see the gravity of the damage.

Hidden losses and stolen retirement funds left many shocked and displaced from their financial routines.

9. What FAQs People Are Asking

QuestionAnswer
How much was stolen?₹4.58 crore over three years from 110 accounts held by 41 customers.
How did she hide it?Blocked OTPs by changing mobile numbers, used a pool account, misused digital tools .
What happened to FD money?She prematurely closed 31 FDs, withdrawing ₹1.34 crore on them .
Was it invested?Yes—in the stock market, but the entire amount was lost .
Has she been arrested?Yes, on May 31, 2025; currently in judicial custody .
What did ICICI do?Filed FIR, suspended her, audited the branch, and settled genuine claims .
Is the probe still on?Yes—police are investigating possible network or systemic failures .

10. Ripple Effects & Lessons Learnt

Internal audits & controls:
The fraud would not have continued if internal systems flagged the sudden mobile number changes or repeated FD closures earlier

Customer vigilance:
Bank users are now urged to regularly check balances and keep transaction alerts on—even after SIM changes.

Digital trust broken:
When bank technology meant for safety is misused, it raises fundamental questions about digital banking security.

11. ICICI Response & Industry Reflections

ICICI has stressed “zero-tolerance” for fraudsters and pledged safer account monitoring systems.

This incident spotlights how employees can exploit system loopholes—suggesting that even high-profile banks need regular internal stress-tests, mystery checks, and surprise audits.

12. Emotional Toll on Customers

  • Retirement savings drained: Many victims relied on FDs for stability. Their funding vanished overnight.
  • Trust shattered: A trusted manager turned deceiver. For victims, it’s not just money—it’s betrayal.
  • Stress & anxiety: Elderly customers had to fight to recover their money while hospitals bills and daily needs still demand payment.

13. What Happens Next?

  • Police investigation: Ongoing. Expect more names to pop up—colleagues or insiders who helped her.
  • Legal charges: She faces multiple sections under the Indian Penal Code and the Banking Regulation Act.
  • Reforms at ICICI: Expanded security, more automated alert systems, employee background checks.
  • Customer compensation: Bank has assured settlements; hopefully, full refunds and damages awarded.

A trusted ICICI employee, once the face of customer-centric service, turned that very trust into a criminal act.

Her downfall—driven by greed and stalled by recklessness—cost 41 families crores in trust and treasure.

This case isn’t just about a money trail—it’s about warning bells for the banking sector and lesson for banking customers.

Because financial safety is not just about vaults and audits; it’s about the person smiling across the desk—and the system behind them.

Bollywood Box Office Brawl: When Housefull 5 Out-Minted Thug Life & Gave Bhool Chuk Maaf a Run for Its Money

It’s not just clash-of-thrones—this was clash of comedy, romance, and time loops at the ticket counter!

The Champions Roll Call

Let’s meet our contenders:

  • Housefull 5: Star-studded comedy with murder-mystery twist, starring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez & more.
  • Bhool Chuk Maaf: Romantic time-loop tale with Rajkummar Rao & Wamiqa Gabbi.
  • Thug Life: Kamal Haasan’s crime-comedy, hit theatres at the same time.
  • Also lingering in memory: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (a Diwali 2024 smash), but still relevant as benchmark.

Opening Weekend Face-Off

Housefull 5 cemented its dominance within the first weekend:

  • ₹87 crore net in three days
  • Day‑1: ₹24.35 cr | Day‑2: ₹28.5–32 cr | Day‑3: ₹32–35 cr
  • Cracked the ₹100 crore milestone by Monday, propelled by holiday buzz.
  • Achieved ₹140 crore worldwide across three days.

Bhool Chuk Maaf, after early delays and OTT teases, saw a quieter ride:

  • Earned ₹7 crore on day one—modest but decent considering the hiccups.
  • By day 15, ticket sales slowed to ₹0.47 crore, as Housefull 5 took the limelight.

Thug Life—the grand challenger—bombed:

  • Underperformed badly compared to Housefull 5, trailing far behind.

Worldwide Totals & Franchise Comparisons

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Housefull 5 ended its three-day run with:

  • ₹140 crore worldwide total
  • Grabbed top franchise opening, beating Housefull 4 (~₹85 crore opening).

In contrast:

  • Bhool Chuk Maaf is still under ₹10 crore worldwide—its impact limited outside India.
  • Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) earned over ₹371–423 crore globally, reminding us how horror-comedy franchises can still set the bar.

Critic Reviews vs Audience Love

Housefull 5 is a critic-favorite—if your favorite critic is your neighbor’s cousin’s friend. Social media reaction:

  • “What torture… too many double meaning jokes.”
  • Some called out Slapstick sausage fest, but also praised punch-a-laugh moments.

Still, family audiences showed up in droves—especially during the Eid weekend. Akshay even did outside-cinema selfies wearing a mask— PR flop OR step-up? You decide.

Bhool Chuk Maaf received respectable word-of-mouth, but poor box office literacy—its time-loop charm wasn’t enough to match the comedy rollers. Its delay hurt momentum.

Thug Life couldn’t break through noise, even with star Kamal Haasan backing it.

In contrast, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 showed how a Diwali-weekend release with nostalgia, comedy, and horror can out-earn even top male-lead heavyweights.

Housefull 5:

  • Likely to cross ₹100 crore by Day 4 (Monday bump). Analysts predict ₹200 crore worldwide if midweeks stay healthy.

Bhool Chuk Maaf was in its third week by the time Housefull 5 dropped—making it overshadowed and stalled by comparison.

Thug Life faded early with little recovery.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in contrast had punchy second and third weekends—ending near ₹247 crore by week four.

What Audiences Are Googling

QuestionAnswer
Which is the biggest hit this month?Housefull 5, bars none.
Will Housefull 5 beat ₹200 crore mark?Quite possible globally, thanks to franchise pull & holiday magic.
How did Bhool Chuk Maaf do?Started small (~₹7 cr), left behind by bigger comedies.
Did Thug Life flop?Yes—despite star power, it barely made impact.
What about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?A historic hit—₹371–423 crore worldwide.
Which film is more emotional/comic?Bhool Chuk Maaf aims for emotion/time-loop romance. Housefull 5 is purely goofy.

Emotional vs. Funny vs. Professional Impact

  • Housefull 5: pure masala entertainer—on paper silly, in theatres full of energy.
  • Bhool Chuk Maaf: attempted emotional depth with time-loop romance, but lacked scale and reach.
  • Thug Life: tried crime + comedy mix, but lost before the race began.
  • Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: emotional nostalgia disguised as horror-comedy = massive success.

Trending Theatres & Social Reaction

  • Housefull 5 broke occupancy records on Sunday (~55%) and sustained solid openings.

Fans captured akshay’s outside-theatre selfies—mixed but fun reactions.

Bhool Chuk Maaf lost screens as Housefull expanded.

Box Office Scorecard

  • Housefull 5 – Market leader: ₹87 crore net weekend, ₹140 crore global weekend, ₹100+ cr net by Monday.
  • Bhool Chuk Maaf – Modest success: ₹7 crore opening, faded after Housefull launch.
  • Thug Life – Box office misfire within first weekend.
  • Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 – Diwali darling: ₹371–423 crore global, massive longevity.

What These Films Say About Bollywood in 2025

  • Big casts + slapstick = box office gold, even if critics cry foul.
  • Timing is everything: Eid and Diwali weekend releases pack theatres.
  • Niche romantic/fantasy films struggle unless backed by big marketing.
  • Streaming releases impact box office if not handled smartly (see Bhool Chuk Maaf’s court tussle).
  • Housefull 5 is the current box office champ—big, loud, and unapologetically commercial.
  • Bhool Chuk Maaf earned applause, but not the cash.
  • Thug Life couldn’t compete.
  • Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 remains the gold standard for comedy-horror triumph.

Bollywood in 2025 loves spectacle, not subtlety—and right now, loud = lucrative.

Housefull 5 Outshines ‘Thug Life’ at the Box Office, Rakes in ₹87 Cr in Just 3 Days

When Akshay Kumar hits the big screen with the Housefull franchise, expect confusion, comedy, and—clearly—crores!

Weekend Box Office Breakdown

  • Day 1 (Friday): ₹24.35 crore
  • Day 2 (Saturday, Eid): ₹28.5–32 crore
  • Day 3 (Sunday): ₹32–35 crore
  • Total (Weekend): ₹87 crore net (approx.)

Why Everyone’s Talking About This

  • It’s Akshay Kumar’s biggest post-COVID opening weekend.
  • Franchise peak: Housefull 5 scored higher than any of the previous four movies.
  • One of 2025’s top openers, only behind Chhaava, Sikandar, and Raid 2.
  • The movie beat Thug Life in both hype and hard cash (box office-wise at least!).

What’s New in Housefull 5?

The movie’s got:

  • A murder mystery twist aboard a cruise ship.
  • A returning ensemble cast with Akshay Kumar leading the circus.
  • Classic double meaning jokes, insane flashbacks, identity swaps, and more.

Spoiler alert: It’s less about who dies and more about who gets slapped next.

Family First, Logic Later

Critics may roast it, but families are flocking to the theatres. The reasons?

  • Holiday release (Eid = bonus viewers)
  • Familiar Housefull comedy style
  • Over-the-top acting and zero-brain entertainment

It’s the kind of film where you don’t need popcorn—you need patience, but people are still enjoying it.

Plot? Never Heard of It

The plot is a twisted web of:

  • Suspicion
  • Slapstick
  • Secret siblings
  • Sassy punchlines

And of course, at least 37 characters pretending to be someone else. It’s like a game of Cluedo, but if Cluedo was written by toddlers after a Red Bull.

Worldwide Impact

India:
₹87 crore net in three days—unstoppable.

Overseas Collection (3 days):

  • North America: Over ₹8 crore
  • Australia/New Zealand: Over ₹4.5 crore
  • Total Overseas: Approx. ₹38 crore

Worldwide Gross (3 days): ₹125+ crore

Akshay Kumar now stands as the second-highest Bollywood actor with 28 films grossing $1 million+ overseas—trailing only SRK.

Critics vs. Audience: A Love-Hate Affair

Critics say:

  • “Torture on screen.”
  • “Too many double entendres.”
  • “You’ll lose brain cells. Take a friend so you can split the loss.”

Audience says:

  • “We don’t care. We came to laugh.”
  • “It’s dumb, but it’s funny.”
  • “We expected nonsense—and we got it. Full paisa vasool!”

Compared to Previous Housefull Films

FilmOpening Weekend (Approx.)Year
Housefull₹31 crore2010
Housefull 2₹42 crore2012
Housefull 3₹54 crore2016
Housefull 4₹85 crore2019
Housefull 5₹87 crore2025

What People Are Searching For (FAQs)

Q: Is Housefull 5 worth watching?
A: If you love slapstick, can tolerate bad jokes, and want to laugh without thinking—yes.

Q: Will it cross ₹100 crore?
A: Definitely—possibly by Day 4 or 5. Monday figures will confirm it.

Q: Why is the movie doing so well despite bad reviews?
A: Holiday release, family-friendly humor, star power, and low competition.

Q: Is Akshay Kumar back?
A: Box office says yes. Internet says maybe. Twitter says “depends who you ask.”

Q: How did it perform overseas?
A: Extremely well—North America and Australia contributed massively.

The Social Media Roast

Twitter and Instagram were quick to react. Some of the funniest takes:

  • “Plot holes bigger than Titanic.”
  • “Is it called Housefull because logic moved out?”
  • “Watched it sober. Regret it immediately.”

But memes = engagement, and engagement = box office buzz. So… win-win?

Verdict from Trade Analysts

Trade experts predict the film to:

  • Cross ₹100 crore in 4–5 days
  • Gross ₹200 crore worldwide if weekdays hold
  • Become Akshay’s top-grossing film post-2020

Even with critics slamming it, the ticket counters are speaking louder.

Laugh Now, Think Never

Housefull 5 proves what Bollywood has always known: if the jokes land (or even if they don’t), audiences still show up. It’s not about logic—it’s about fun, timing, and tradition.

Whether you watch it to laugh or to roast, you won’t walk out neutral. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a win in itself.

When the “King of Good Times” Met the Digital Interrogator: Mallya vs Raj Shamani

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It was more than an interview—it was a crossover no one knew they needed. On one side, a flamboyant tycoon. On the other, a sharp-witted millennial podcaster. And between them: four hours of explosive revelations.

1. The Players in the Spotlight

Vijay Mallya — once India’s richest playboy-prince, defender of India’s first global beverage empire and IPL team owner—has been in exile since 2016, accused of financial fraud worth ₹9,000+ crore.

Now called a “fugitive,” he insists he’s not a thief and remains staunchly critical of Indian law enforcement.

Raj Shamani — a 20-something entrepreneur, author, and social media creator, known for undaunting interview style and polished questioning.

His “Figuring Out” podcast is the new gold standard platform for honest, in-depth conversations.

2. Why This Podcast Was More Than Just Talking

After nine years in hiding, Mallya choosing a millennial-led podcast over mainstream media sends a powerful message: he wanted control.

Shamani offered that—no filters, interesting follow-up, and viral friendliness.

The result? A four-and-a-third-hour dialogue that’s part confession, part hostage negotiation, part detective thriller.

3. Who Asked Better Questions?

Raj Shamani, trained to push, probe, and persist, asked the hard-hitting questions:

  • “Did you flee India?”
  • “Will you come back?”
  • “Where exactly did ₹14,000 crore go?”

It was direct, professional, and fierce—reminding viewers he wasn’t there for PR fluff. He pressed Mallya to explain bolder claims—like comparison of ₹6,200 crore owed versus ₹14,000 crore allegedly recovered.

Mallya defended himself with suave aplomb, quoting UK courts, blaming bureaucracy, and injecting Shakespearean drama.

He didn’t dodge; he spun—and answered. But at times, amicability overshadowed legal rigor.

4. The Signature Soundbites: Memorable Moments

  • Shamani: “Why haven’t you returned?”
    Mallya: “If I have a fair trial and dignity… I will think seriously.”
  • Shamani: “Are you a fugitive or a thief?”
    Mallya: “Call me a fugitive, not a chor… where is the chori?”

The interaction felt like legal theater, with the host’s question as opening argument and Mallya’s defense shot through dramatic flair.

5. Tone & Style Face-Off

Shamani’s style is modern, calm, concise, and digitized. No glare, no theatrics. He let Mallya talk—and subtly made space for public outrage and skeptical fact-checks to surface via listeners.

Mallya’s aura was theatrical. He joked about needing the “good graces of 29 Chief Ministers,” blamed the 2008 financial crisis, and dramatically referenced UK human rights rulings to justify staying abroad .

Together, they struck a rhythm: Shamani with precision; Mallya with flamboyance.

6. The Public Reaction Symphony

Supportive Chorus:

  • A wave of appreciators called it “raw honesty” and “final Mallya monologue.”
  • Viewers praised Shamani for giving Mallya a chance to speak without interruptions.

Critics’ Chorus:

  • Skeptics called it a calculated PR coup.
  • Analysts pointed out Mallya’s logic flaw: ₹14k crore “recovered” vs ₹6.2k owed lacks clarity. Banks, not voluntary, enforced this via courts.
  • Memers had a field day. One comedian quipped—“we need the SBI on podcast next” .

7. Did We Learn Something New?

Mallya’s Reflections:

  • Apology to 20,000 Kingfisher employees
  • Blamed Lehman effect, bureaucratic rigidity, political interference
  • Claimed no intention of outright theft
  • Admitted regret, loneliness, guilt

Shamani’s Takeaway:

  • Host got him to say “I’m a fugitive,” not a felon
  • Clearly showed Mallya’s willingness to return under conditions
  • Pressed hard on money discrepancies and treatment of staff

Together the podcast revealed much—but also masked more. It was fact-meets-PR face to face.

8. Who Won?

MeasureRaj ShamaniVijay Mallya
Control of narrative strong strong
Public sympathy? moderate mixed
Clarity on money? partial ambiguous
Ready for trial? conditional

9. Bigger Implications

  • For media: Podcasts are now powerful news platforms—able to draw hidden figures out of exile.
  • For fugitives: Personal storytelling is becoming their weapon—softening public perception before legal battles land.
  • For India-UK relations: Statements like “fair trial promise” and citing UK legal rulings add fuel to extradition debates.

Mallya’s gambit: use public sentiment to pressure courts. Shamani’s victory? Turning a fugitive defense into public discourse.

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In the end, this podcast was a full-circle drama:

  • Shamani: The calm inquisition, the voice of modern accountability, the question that cut through ceilings of privilege.
  • Mallya: The theatrical comeback, the businessman with all the lines, testing every boundary.

Call it a modern play: Act One—Shamani asks; Act Two—Mallya defends; Act Three—India and the world decide who won the debate.

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Vijay Mallya finally spoke—calling himself a fugitive, not a thief, apologizing to ex-employees, blaming bureaucracy, and claiming banks recovered more than he owed.

Raj Shamani, with quiet force, got him to say every controversial statement without drama.

Together, they created a powerful dialogue that’s still echoing in courts, meme pages, and social media feeds.

Inside the “Rs 9K Crore” Confessions: What Vijay Mallya Revealed on That Rare 4‑Hour Podcast

“I’m a fugitive, not a thief.” That wasn’t the only jaw‑dropping line in the interview.