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New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
How QAnon movement entered mainstream politics in US – and why the silence on Epstein files matters
The Justice Department asked a federal court on July 18, 2025, to unseal grand jury transcripts in Jeffrey Epstein's case. The direction from President Donald Trump came after weeks of frustration among some far-right groups over his administration's refusal to release the complete and unredacted 'Epstein files.' Epstein, a wealthy financier with high-profile connections, was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and later died by suicide in a Manhattan jail awaiting trial. In early 2025, a federal court unsealed portions of the court documents. While names of some of the alleged clients and victims were released, many were redacted or withheld. Epstein's arrest and death became a central focus for QAnon followers, who saw them as proof of a hidden global elite engaged in child trafficking and protected by powerful institutions. The release – or withholding – of the Epstein files is often cited within QAnon movement circles as evidence of a broader cover-up by the so-called 'deep state.' Some followers of the MAGA – Make America Great Again – movement and the Republican Party believe in the false claim that the United States is secretly controlled by a cabal of elites who are pedophiles, sex traffickers and satanists. Over time, what started as a baseless conspiracy on obscure platforms has migrated into the mainstream. It has influenced rhetoric and policy debates, and even reshaped the American political landscape. The foundational belief of many of the QAnon followers is that Trump is a heroic figure fighting the elite pedophile ring. Trump's attempts at downplaying or obstructing the very disclosures they believe would validate their worldview has led to confusion. To some, the delay in the release of the files feels like a betrayal, or even the possibility of his wrongdoing. Others are trying to reinterpret Trump's actions through increasingly baseless conspiracy logic. Trump has publicly dismissed demands for the full release of the Epstein Files as a 'hoax.' He has also made false claims. On July 15, 2025, Trump said: 'And I would say that, you know, these files were made up by Comey. They were made up by Obama.' As a scholar who studies extremism, I know that the movement views Trump as a mythological figure and it interprets Trump's actions to fit this overarching narrative – an elasticity which makes the movement both durable and dangerous.
New Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
The Epstein web: Return of the man who knew too much
Robert Maxwell's mysterious death at sea in 1991—with his body found floating near the Canary Islands—and later revelations of his cooperation with Israeli intelligence are part of the shadow legacy Ghislaine inherited. That she embedded herself so deeply into the Anglo-American elite without scrutiny for so long speaks not only to privilege, but to protection. Prince Andrew's entanglement is no longer a matter of speculation. His now-settled civil case with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abusing her as a minor, came with a multi-million-dollar payout and a permanently-damaged reputation. The photograph of him with Giuffre, Maxwell in the background, remains iconic—not just for what it shows, but for how it was denied. The prince's association with Epstein, even after Epstein's first conviction, and the disastrous BBC interview that followed, confirmed what many already feared: that the British establishment had, at best, turned a blind eye. At worst, it was complicit. Numerous observers, including former intelligence professionals, have long speculated that Epstein was a facilitator—creating honeypots, filming the powerful, and quietly handing over the results to interested parties. Former Israeli officer Ari Ben-Menashe and American whistleblowers have suggested Epstein's operation bore the hallmarks of classic compromat used for control or blackmail. Why else would such a man be funded, protected, and even after conviction be welcomed by the world's most influential people? Epstein's death in a high-security New York prison in 2019, officially ruled a suicide, though surveillance footage vanished and the guards reportedly slept through it, only deepened suspicions. It was the perfect ending for a man who knew too much. At first glance, Trump appears as just another name in Epstein's contact list who famously called Epstein 'a terrific guy' in 2002. But since Epstein's death, many within Trump's base have seized on the scandal as proof of a global elite network rotten to its core—a real-world echo of what the QAnon, the far-right conspiracy movement, claims about a secret cabal of child-abusing elites that Trump was chosen to expose. While neither Clinton nor Trump has faced charges over Epstein's activities, their documented ties continue to raise uncomfortable questions. To many on the right, Epstein became symbolic of a decadent ruling class—jet-setting, untouchable and predatory. The fact that Epstein's ties to Clinton were longer and deeper than to Trump has not gone unnoticed. Nor has the fact that Epstein's prosecution accelerated under the Trump-era department of justice.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Lucknow School Van Driver Held For Alleged Digital Rape Of 4-Year-Old Girl
A 4-year-old girl was allegedly digitally raped by her school van driver in Lucknow's Indiranagar area, police said on Saturday. What is digital rape? 'Digital rape' refers to the non-consensual penetration of a person's private parts with fingers or toes. In this context, 'digital' means the digits of the hand or foot, rather than having any connection to technology. Police Action The accused, identified as Mohd Arif, has been arrested, ANI reported, quoting DCP (East) Shashank Singh. The incident reportedly took place on July 14. According to the FIR, Arif also threatened the child's family with death if they approached authorities. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | A 4-year-old girl was digital raped allegedly by her school van driver in Lucknow. DCP (East) Shashank Singh says that FIR has been registered and accused driver, Mohd Arif has been arrested. Picture of the accused, Mohd Arif released by the Police. — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025 School manager Sandeep Kumar has also been named as an accused, and sections of the BNS, POCSO Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked. The FIR also states that the driver threatened the child's family with death if they approached the Police. Mother's Account of the Incident According to the child's mother, she discovered the crime after her daughter complained of pain. "The school had provided me with the van... My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury," the mother of the child said. The child's mother alleged that the school administration initially tried to downplay the incident and discouraged complaints, claiming it would harm the child's future and the school's reputation. "I complained to the principal, who said she would talk about it. When I took the child to the doctor, the doctor said that whatever the child had said was done to her and something was inserted in her private parts. The school said that complaining would ruin the child's future and the school's reputation, after which they suggested of collectively complaining about the driver," ANI quoted the child's mother as saying. #WATCH | Lucknow | On 4-year-old girl digital raped by school van driver, mother of the victim says, "The school had provided me with the van... My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury. I complained to the… — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025 The child's mother alleged that her family was threatened with abduction and subjected to caste-based abuse when they confronted the driver and the school management. "I waited for two days but no action was taken by the school and the driver called again to pick the child for school. When we confronted him, he harassed us in front of the school and made casteist remarks. We were threatened with abduction, even the school also asked us not to complain. I have all the proof," the mother of the child said. The victim's mother said that the police have registered an FIR and conducted a medical examination of her child. She added that the case will be heard in the High Court today.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
MHT CET 2025 Merit List: Provisional list to be out today at fe2025.mahacet.org
MHT CET 2025 Provisional Merit List: The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, will release the MHT CET 2025 provisional merit list today. This list will cover admissions to BE/BTech and Master of Engineering and Technology programmes. Candidates who have registered for the counselling process can view the merit list by visiting the official MAHACET website at The provisional merit list will be made available online for both Maharashtra state and all India candidates. Candidates will be able to submit grievances regarding discrepancies in the MHT CET 2025 provisional merit list by logging into their accounts between July 19 and July 21, 2025. Relevant applications will be returned to the candidate's login portal for correction. Step 1: Go to the official MAHACET website: Step 2: On the homepage, click the link for MHT CET Provisional Merit List 2025. Step 3: This will redirect you to a login page—enter your credentials to proceed. Step 4: Click the submit button to view the merit list. Step 5: Review the displayed merit list and download it for reference. Step 6: Print a hard copy and keep it safe for future use. The MHT CET 2025 merit list will be compiled based on candidates' performance in the entrance exam, the availability of BE and BTech seats across Maharashtra colleges, and the preferences filled during the counselling process. To support any claims for amendments or concessions, candidates must upload the necessary documents as proof. The final merit list is scheduled for release on July 24, 2025. In cases where two or more candidates secure identical scores in the MHT CET, the following rules will be applied to determine merit ranking: –Preference to candidates with higher scores in the Mathematics section –If still tied, higher scores in the Physics section –Next, higher scores in the Chemistry section –Greater combined percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the qualifying examination –Higher Mathematics percentage in Class 12 –Higher Physics percentage in Class 12 –Higher overall aggregate percentage in Class 12
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Want to freelance in Germany? Get legal work permission with this Rs. 7,500 visa
Germany is offering freelancers a remarkable opportunity that most countries charge thousands for the chance to live and work there for an entire year at just €75 (approximately Rs 7,500). This affordable visa programme targets scientists, artists, journalists, and professionals in regulated fields like law, medicine, and engineering who want to establish themselves in one of Europe's strongest economies. The application process is straightforward, but knowing exactly what documents you need and how to prepare them can make the difference between approval and rejection. What is the Germany freelance visa The Germany Freelance Visa operates under Section 21(5) of the Residence Act. This visa permits individuals to work independently in Germany across various professions, including scientific research, arts, journalism, engineering, and architecture. The visa grants permission to live and work in Germany for one year, with the possibility of extension. Who qualifies for the freelance visa According to Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz), the visa welcomes freelancers in several specific fields: Academic and creative work: Scientific, artistic, or literary professionals can apply for this visa programme. Education sector: Teaching and educational roles are eligible under this visa category. Professional services: Doctors, engineers, architects, journalists, photojournalists, interpreters, and translators can apply for this opportunity. Before submitting your application, you should verify specific eligibility requirements with local German authorities, including the Aliens Authority and Chamber of Commerce, as your field may have additional requirements. Application process and documentation requirements The application process requires careful preparation of documentation to demonstrate both your professional qualifications and financial stability. Required documents Personal documentation: You need a valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least another year. Complete the visa application form and declaration, signing both in duplicate. Professional materials: Submit a detailed description of your freelance work, supported by fee contracts or letters of intent. Include your curriculum vitae outlining your professional experience. Qualification proof: Provide evidence of your qualifications, such as university degrees, training certificates, or reference letters. Financial documentation: Submit proof of available capital to support yourself in Germany, along with a revenue forecast. Additional requirements for specific professions Certain professions regulated in Germany may require extra documentation. Healthcare and law professionals, for example, may need an original permission to practice (Berufsausübungserlaubnis) issued by the relevant authority. Financial requirements and health insurance Demonstrating financial stability represents a critical requirement for visa approval. You must show capability to support yourself for at least one year in Germany. This proof typically comes in the form of bank statements or a secured income forecast from your freelance work. All applicants must provide proof of health insurance valid in Germany for the duration of their stay. Visa costs and payment The Germany Freelance Visa costs €75 (approximately Rs 7,500), payable in Indian Rupees. Check the official website for current exchange rates and available payment options. Financial security and insurance requirements To demonstrate your ability to support yourself, you need to provide: Financial proof: Bank statements and income proof showing sufficient funds. Health insurance: Valid health insurance coverage throughout your stay in Germany. Applicants over 45 may need to provide additional evidence of adequate retirement benefits or secure assets to ensure long-term financial stability. Application submission process Once you have gathered all required documents, submit two identical sets of your paperwork along with original documents for verification. German Missions may request additional documents or further verification, which could involve extra charges. The visa application process doesn't guarantee approval, but submitting correct documentation significantly increases your chances of success. Why apply for the Germany freelance visa The Germany Freelance Visa provides access to Germany's strong economy and vibrant freelance scene. This visa offers an excellent choice for independent professionals looking to expand their opportunities in one of Europe's most prosperous countries. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to extend your freelance network, the Germany Freelance Visa presents a unique opportunity to establish a professional life abroad at an affordable cost. The one-year duration, with extension possibilities, allows sufficient time to build your freelance career in Germany whilst exploring long-term opportunities in the country. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
