Latest news with #Shivansh


Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
In rural heartlands women lead green revolution silently
Ranchi: A silent agricultural shift is transforming the rural hinterlands of the state, including districts like Lohardaga, Gumla, and Khunti where over 25,000 farmers from 40 panchayats have embraced regenerative farming. Considered a new concept, regenerative farming is an eco-sensitive approach that revives soil health, reducing dependency on chemicals, and empowering local communities, especially women. This grassroots movement is fast becoming a model for sustainable agriculture and farmers are replacing chemical fertilisers and pesticides with natural soil inputs apart from growing diverse crops, and adopting practices that restore ecological balance. While organisations like PRADAN have provided technical guidance in some pockets, the real change is being driven by the farmers themselves, through village meetings, peer-to-peer learning and through local initiatives. In Lohardaga's Salgi gram panchayat, Rocho village is setting an example in this regard. What began in 2022 with just three families has now expanded to 32 households, all of which practise chemical-free farming. Women's groups are at the forefront of this change, working collectively to make their panchayat self-reliant and "poison-free". "We dream of making our village green and plastic-free in the next three years. Women deserve recognition as farmers and through regenerative farming, we are ensuring better nutrition for our families and protecting our forests and water bodies. This is about stopping migration, conserving our land, and making farming attractive for the youth," said Sumitra Devi, the village head of Salgi Reshmi Oraon, another farmer from Rocho, shifted from chemical-intensive farming to regenerative methods two years ago. Today, she grows paddy, millet, pulses, potatoes and vegetables on her 1.2-acre plot, using natural preparations like 'Jeevamrit', 'Shivansh' compost and multi-seed mixtures. She has also planted mango trees with intercropping of seasonal vegetables and pulses, improving both income and soil fertility. "Earlier, I spent a lot on fertilisers and pesticides. Inputs weren't always available on time, and my land was losing productivity. Now, I prepare my own organic inputs. Costs are lower, yields are better, and my family eats chemical-free food. My land is healing," Reshmi added. In Gumla's Poda village, Rajmuni Devi has adopted similar methods. For the past four years, she has practised relay cropping, green manuring and azolla cultivation to enhance her paddy fields. She prepares bio-fertilisers like 'Jeevamrit' and compost at the village's resource centre, sharing them with other farmers. "We stopped using chemical fertilisers in 2021. Since then, the soil moisture retention has improved and the number of pests are less while the crops are healthier," Rajmuni said. Her field no longer just produces food but it also regenerates the local ecosystem. In Khunti's Derang village, Savitri Devi has demonstrated how even small landholders can benefit from such practices. She developed a multi-layer vegetable garden on just 10 decimals of land, or about 0.1 acre, growing radish, French beans, peas, onions and coriander. This model earned her nearly Rs 14,880 from a single cycle, alongside better nutrition for her family. "My vegetables look fresher and last longer because they are grown naturally. Customers prefer them in the market. I also consume these vegetables at home. We've stopped consuming pesticide-laden food," Savitri added. Beyond income, Savitri's success has become a learning model for nearby farmers, proving that small steps in natural farming can lead to big gains in livelihood and health. Across these districts, the shift is not just about agriculture; it's about reclaiming local knowledge, reducing farming costs, making villages self-sufficient and creating an eco-friendly rural economy that works with nature, not against it, officials said.


Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Roopam Sharma makes a dramatic entry in Kumkum Bhagya as Sonalika; says 'To be a part of this iconic show feels surreal'
Kumkum Bhagya continues to engage viewers with its emotional depth and unexpected twists. Just as Shivansh (Namik Paul) and Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) begin to move beyond resentment and form a genuine bond, a blast from the past threatens to disrupt everything. What started as a revenge-driven marriage has slowly grown into quiet care—until Sonalika walks in, full of hope, unaware of the storm she's about to face. Popular television actress Roopam Sharma enters the show as Sonalika, Shivansh's ex-fiancée—completely in the dark about his marriage to Prarthana. Returning during a festive family pooja, she expects a warm reunion but is met with a truth that shatters her world. Adding to the drama, Roopam steps into a grey-shaded role, where Sonalika's presence doesn't just stir emotions but sparks tension and chaos in the couple's fragile new bond. With unresolved feelings, Sonalika is all set to turn their world upside down, bringing twists that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Roopam Sharma said, 'I've been watching Kumkum Bhagya, and to now be a part of this iconic show feels surreal. Joining the cast has been an incredibly rewarding experience, especially because I get to play a character like Sonalika—she's not your average girl-next-door. She walks in with love and longing, but what makes her stand out is the emotional baggage she carries and the storm she's about to unleash. There's vulnerability, but also jealousy, and when she realises that the man she's held onto is no longer hers, something shifts. That pain brings out a darker, messier side to her, and tapping into that grey zone has been creatively liberating. Sonalika doesn't hold back, and she's definitely going to shake things up for Shivansh and Prarthana. I'm having a blast playing her and I can't wait to see how the audience reacts once she makes her presence felt!' With Sonalika's dramatic return threatening to unravel the delicate bond between Shivansh and Prarthana, Kumkum Bhagya is all set to deliver another emotionally gripping chapter. Will Shivansh find the courage to face his past? How will Prarthana cope with a truth that threatens the fragile bond they've just begun to build? And can Sonalika accept that the man she returned for is no longer hers to claim? Rachi Sharma on Kumkum Bhagya's leap: I'm nervous; pressure to replace Prachi-Ranbir's pair is there


India Gazette
01-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Shivansh Tyagi clinches gold at 2025 CJ Vietnam Open Taekwondo Championship
Ho Chi Minh [Vietnam] July 1 (ANI): Shivansh Tyagi, who is currently serving with the Income Tax Department, Mumbai, has brought laurels to India by winning the Gold Medal at the 2025 CJ Vietnam Open -- a G1-ranked international Taekwondo tournament, which was held from June 26 to 29 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The CJ Vietnam Open is known for attracting elite athletes from across the globe, and Shivansh's performance stood out amidst fierce competition. His remarkable display of skill, strategy, and determination on the mat not only earned him top honours but also showcased India's growing prowess in international Taekwondo, a release said. This gold medal is not just a personal milestone for Shivansh but a proud achievement for the Indian Taekwondo community as a whole. G1-ranked events play a significant role in global rankings and Olympic qualifications, making this victory even more significant. Shivansh Tyagi has consistently demonstrated dedication both in his professional career and his athletic journey. Balancing a demanding job with the Income Tax Department and the rigorous training required for international competition is no small feat, yet he continues to inspire with his commitment and excellence, the release said. His win has sparked celebrations back home, particularly in his hometown and among the Indian martial arts fraternity. Family, friends, and colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, honouring his hard work and the pride he brings to the nation. (ANI)


Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
B Pharma student among 3 arrested for online fraud
Lucknow: UP STF on Friday arrested three persons, including a B Pharma student, from Bhopal for a cyber scam in which they lured victims through social media platforms by promising handsome returns on completing fake "tasks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " The trio was arrested from Danish Nagar, Hoshangabad Road, in a joint operation with Amethi Police. STF ASP Vishal Vikram Singh said: "Victims were invited to join private Telegram groups via fraudulent links, where they were enticed to complete small digital 'tasks' in exchange for inflated financial rewards. Initial earnings were credited into fake wallets to build trust, but as victims invested more, they were trapped in an endless cycle of deposits, losing lakhs in the process." Those arrested included the alleged mastermind and a B Pharma student at Bhabha University, Bhopal, Shivansh Mishra (22) of Shahdol (MP). His childhood friend Ravi Singh (23) also from Shahdol, and maternal uncle Umashankar Tiwari (43) of Bhopal were also arrested. Police also seized three mobiles, 16 debit cards, 15 cheque books, nine bank passbooks and 359 screenshots of incriminating WhatsApp conversations related to cyber fraud, one PAN card, one driving licence, and one IGT Solutions employee ID card. One of the complainants, Ashish Vikram Singh from Amethi, filed an FIR, detailing how he was targeted. Ashish received a Facebook link promoting a "work-from-home reward scheme." Upon clicking, he was added to a Telegram group where he was assigned digital tasks. After depositing Rs10,000, he received a bonus of Rs 2,512, giving the appearance of legitimacy. Encouraged, Ashish completed 28 rounds of "tasks". At one point, a balance of Rs 9.13 lakh appeared in the digital wallet, and he was promised he could withdraw it after completing a final task worth Rs 3.16 lakh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But when he attempted to withdraw, he was told to deposit additional "security amounts" — first Rs 2.25 lakh, then Rs3 lakh more, and finally Rs 6.3 lakh for "VIP access." Ultimately, he was defrauded of Rs13 lakh. The ASP said Shivansh and Ravi were briefly recruited at a Bhopal call centre operated by IGT Solutions. There, they met cyber fraud recruiters — Zubair Khan, Saif Khan, and Anil Nayar and Amit Nayar — who ran a parallel racket involving rented bank accounts. For every new bank account with full access kits (ATM card, cheque book, SIM card, login credentials), Shivansh and the team were paid Rs15,000 and a share in the illicit earnings. They created nearly 50 bank accounts over the last year, often using forged documents or by convincing acquaintances. These accounts served as primary money mules.


Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
STF cracks task-based cyber scam: Mastermind, 2 held from Bhopal; victims lured via Telegram, duped of lakhs
LUCKNOW: In a significant breakthrough against rising online financial fraud, the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh arrested three accused — including the mastermind — from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for operating a sophisticated cyber scam. The scam lured unsuspecting victims through social media platforms by promising handsome returns on completing fake 'tasks.' The trio was arrested on Friday from Danish Nagar, Hoshangabad Road, under Bagh Sewaniya police station limits, in a joint operation with Amethi Police. Additional SP, STF, Vishal Vikram Singh, who led the probe, said that the arrests followed a months-long investigation into a rapidly growing trend of task-based scams proliferating across Telegram and Facebook. "Victims were invited to join private Telegram groups via fraudulent links, where they were enticed to complete small digital 'tasks' in exchange for inflated financial rewards. Initial earnings were credited into fake wallets to build trust — but as victims invested more, they were trapped in an endless cycle of deposits, losing lakhs in the process," he said. The arrested accused have been identified as Shivansh Mishra (22) — the alleged mastermind, son of Shailendra Prasad Mishra, a resident of Ganeshganj, Suhagpur, Shahdol (M.P.), and a B. Pharma student at Bhabha University, Bhopal. Ravi Singh (23) — son of Vinod Singh, also from Suhagpur, Shahdol, and a close childhood friend and classmate of Shivansh. Umashankar Tiwari (43) — maternal uncle of Shivansh, residing at South Tatya Tope Nagar, Bhopal. He played a key role in procuring bank accounts using real and forged documents. Police also seized three mobile phones used for scam coordination, 16 debit cards linked to fraudulent bank accounts, 15 cheque books, nine bank passbooks, and 359 screenshots of incriminating WhatsApp conversations related to cyber fraud. One PAN card, one driving licence, and one IGT Solutions employee ID card were also seized. One of the complainants, Ashish Vikram Singh from Amethi, filed an FIR (No. 13/24) at the Cyber Crime Police Station, detailing how he was targeted. Ashish received a Facebook link promoting a 'work-from-home reward scheme.' Upon clicking, he was added to a Telegram group where he was assigned digital tasks. After depositing ₹10,000, he received a small bonus of ₹2,512, giving the appearance of legitimacy. Encouraged, Ashish completed 28 rounds of 'tasks,' seeing increasing fake rewards in his digital wallet. At one point, a balance of ₹9.13 lakh appeared in the account, and he was promised he could withdraw it after completing a final task worth Rs 3.16 lakh. But when he attempted to withdraw, he was told to deposit additional 'security amounts' — first Rs 2.25 lakh, then Rs 3 lakh more, and finally Rs 6.3 lakh for "VIP access." Ultimately, he was defrauded of Rs 13 lakh. ASP Singh said that during interrogation, Shivansh confessed that he and Ravi were recruited during a brief stint at a Bhopal call centre operated by IGT Solutions. There, they met cyber fraud recruiters — Zubair Khan, Saif Khan, and most crucially, Anil and Amit Nayar — who ran a parallel racket involving rented bank accounts. For every new bank account with full access kits (ATM card, cheque book, SIM card, login credentials), Shivansh and the team were paid Rs 15,000 and a share in the illicit earnings. They created nearly 50 bank accounts over the last year, often using forged documents or by convincing acquaintances. These accounts served as the primary money mules through which fraudulent deposits were laundered and withdrawn. Umashankar Tiwari, Shivansh's uncle, admitted to arranging for bank accounts and delivering complete kits to his nephew, who passed them on to the Nayar brothers. Recognising a pattern in multiple such fraud complaints across Uttar Pradesh, STF cyber units were tasked by Additional Superintendent of Police Vishal Vikram Singh to intensify intelligence gathering. Based on digital footprint tracking, technical analysis, and confidential tip-offs, a coordinated STF team — in collaboration with Amethi Police — raided the gang's hideout in Bhopal and arrested the three accused. Police said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Anil Nayar, Amit Nayar, and others involved in this widespread scam. Police suspect the gang has operated across at least 200 fake bank accounts in the past year, defrauding victims across states. ASP Singh said the case highlights the alarming evolution of cybercrime in India — no longer limited to phishing emails or tech support scams, but now mimicking professional reward systems, task apps, and digital wallets to dupe individuals with promises of quick money. The STF has urged citizens to remain cautious and verify any online reward-based scheme before investing time or money. The STF has appealed to potential victims of similar task frauds to come forward and file complaints as further investigation into this pan-India racket continues.