Punjab Police bust interstate cybercrime racket, 38 arrested

Punjab Police has busted an interstate cyber fraud racket and arrested 38 people from a resort during a raid, officials said on Friday. The raid was conducted jointly by teams from the Kapurthala Cyber Cell and the city police station in Phagwara on Thursday night.

The arrested accused, including some women, were taken to Kapurthala in a bus. The group comprises individuals from various states, including Punjab, New Delhi, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, according to police.

Police sources revealed that the group was defrauding people in the United States and Canada by offering fake software solutions. They reportedly hacked electronic devices of unsuspecting victims as part of their scheme. One of the accused, who allegedly operated the racket, had leased the resort premises and hired several people to manage an illegal call centre.

An FIR registered in the early hours of Friday stated that the arrests were made under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of cheating, as well as under the Information Technology Act.

During the raid, police recovered 40 laptops, 67 mobile phones, and Rs 10 lakh in cash.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/punjab-police-bust-interstate-cybercrime-racket-38-arrested-in-raid-23594796

Devdutt Padikkal completes 3,000 First-class runs with 7th century: Stats

**Devdutt Padikkal Completes 3,000 First-Class Runs with 7th Century Against Australia A**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 19, 2025, 01:59 PM*

Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal made a stunning return to the India A circuit with an impressive century against Australia A in Lucknow. The left-handed batsman resumed his innings on the fourth morning at an overnight score of 86 and quickly reached his hundred in just 120 balls. This marked Padikkal’s seventh First-Class (FC) century and helped him surpass the milestone of 3,000 runs in FC cricket.

### Solid Partnership with Dhruv Jurel Powers India A

Batting at number four, Padikkal forged a crucial partnership with India A’s wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. When Jurel joined him at the crease, India A were 222/4. The duo put together a formidable 228-run stand for the fifth wicket in response to Australia A’s first innings tally of 532/6 declared.

Despite the mounting pressure, Jurel counter-attacked brilliantly and scored a well-crafted century off just 114 balls. He ended his innings with 140 runs from 197 deliveries.

### Padikkal’s Impressive Knock

Padikkal made his innings count by scoring a commanding 150 runs from 281 balls, including 14 boundaries and a six. After Jurel’s dismissal, Padikkal added 41 runs with Tanush Kotian and another 29 runs alongside Harsh Dubey before he was finally dismissed by Corey Rocchiccioli.

At the time of Padikkal’s departure, India A’s score stood at 520/7. Rain subsequently stopped play with India A at 532/7.

### Milestone Achievement: 3,000 First-Class Runs

Playing in his 45th FC match, Padikkal has now amassed over 3,000 runs, totaling 3,038 at an impressive average of over 42. His record includes 7 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Of these, 90 runs have come in two Test matches representing Team India.

### Career Highlights and Return to Competitive Cricket

At just 25 years old, Padikkal has already established himself as a promising cricketer. This match marks only his second competitive outing since the 2025 Indian Premier League season with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Earlier this month, he made a comeback in First-Class cricket with a half-century and an unbeaten 16 runs in the Duleep Trophy semi-final in Bengaluru.

### International Stint: Test Debut and Challenges

Padikkal made his Test debut against England in Dharamsala last year, scoring a half-century. However, he played only one more Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener against Australia in Perth. After a disappointing duck in the first innings and 25 runs in the second, he was dropped for the rest of the tour.

He also missed India’s recent England tour in June, but this recent performance signals a positive resurgence in his career.

Devdutt Padikkal’s fluent century against Australia A not only helped India A fight back strongly but also marked a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. Fans and selectors alike will be hopeful that this form translates into a sustained return to international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/padikkal-gets-to-this-massive-fc-milestone-with-defiant-150/story

5 workplace communication myths ‘The Office’ gets wrong

**5 Workplace Communication Myths ‘The Office’ Gets Wrong**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 19, 2025, 02:24 pm*

*What’s the story?*
The Office, a popular sitcom, has provided us with some hilarious insights into workplace communication. However, not all of its portrayals are accurate or practical. While the show is entertaining, it often exaggerates or simplifies complex communication dynamics. Here, we debunk five myths about workplace communication as seen in The Office and offer a more realistic view of how to effectively communicate in professional settings.

**#1 Myth of Over-the-Top Personalities**
The Office often depicts characters with exaggerated personalities that drive most of the office dynamics. In real life, workplaces have a diverse range of personalities, but they are not as over-the-top as shown on the show. This myth can lead to misunderstandings about how personality traits affect communication at work.

In reality, understanding and adapting to different personalities is key to effective communication.

**#2 Misconception of Constant Conflict**
Another common theme in The Office is that workplaces are always rife with conflict and drama. While some conflict is inevitable in any team setting, most workplaces actually have a more subdued atmosphere where collaboration and teamwork are the norms.

This misconception can create unnecessary stress and tension among employees who feel they need to be in a constant state of conflict management.

**#3 Oversimplification of Leadership Roles**
Leadership roles in The Office are often oversimplified, with managers portrayed as either incompetent or overly controlling. In reality, effective leadership involves balancing authority and approachability.

Leaders must navigate complex relationships and make decisions that consider the well-being of their team members. This myth undermines the importance of strong leadership skills in fostering a positive work environment.

**#4 Illusion of Open Communication Channels**
The Office often depicts open communication channels as easily accessible to all employees, regardless of hierarchy or position. However, in most organizations, establishing open communication requires deliberate effort from both management and staff to build trust and transparency.

This illusion may lead employees to believe they can voice concerns without any repercussions or barriers, which is often not the case.

**#5 Simplistic View on Feedback Mechanisms**
Feedback mechanisms in The Office are usually shown as simple exchanges between coworkers or between employees and management. In reality, effective feedback processes require structured systems for giving and receiving constructive criticism.

These systems are vital for professional growth and development. Without them, misunderstandings may arise and negatively affect team dynamics.

By recognizing and moving beyond these myths, professionals can foster healthier, more productive workplace communication that truly reflects real-world dynamics—unlike the exaggerated scenarios often portrayed in The Office.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-workplace-communication-myths-the-office-gets-wrong/story

Multiplexes resume bookings for ‘Jolly LLB’; here’s what happened

**Multiplexes Resume Bookings for ‘Jolly LLB 3’; Here’s What Happened**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:30 PM*

The much-anticipated release of *Jolly LLB 3* faced a significant hurdle when leading multiplex chains PVR and Inox halted the advance booking of shows due to disagreements over the Virtual Print Fee (VPF). Bookings were first stopped on Wednesday evening, briefly resumed on Thursday morning without resolving the issue, and then suspended again on Thursday evening — just hours before the film’s premiere.

The dispute grew notable enough to attract the involvement of superstar Akshay Kumar, highlighting the intensity of the conflict surrounding this release.

### What Led to the Booking Suspension?

The root of the problem lies in the Virtual Print Fee (VPF), a charge imposed by major multiplex chains on producers or distributors to help cover the costs associated with upgrading cinema technology. This fee typically averages around ₹20,000 per screen. While smaller cinema chains and non-2K theaters collect the fee through digital service providers such as UFO, Scrabble, and Qube, major multiplexes like PVR and Inox directly impose the fee on filmmakers.

The *Jolly LLB 3* team challenged this fee, arguing that as a 2025 release, they should be exempted from the ongoing charges.

### Payment Agreement Reached Under Protest

Fearing that the prolonged halt in bookings would severely impact the film’s first-day collections, the producers of *Jolly LLB 3* decided to agree to pay the VPF. However, they made it clear that this payment was made under protest, and discussions around the legitimacy and fairness of the fee would continue.

A multiplex official confirmed that the issue was finally resolved around midnight, and advance bookings resumed, ensuring a smooth release of the film across India.

### Understanding Virtual Print Fee (VPF)

VPF is a recurring point of contention in the Hindi film industry. It is intended to offset the cost multiplexes incur for switching from traditional film prints to digital projection technology. Despite being a standard practice, many producers feel that the fee should not be charged indefinitely.

### The Ongoing Battle Over VPF

The VPF dispute is not new. Back in 2019, producer Ronnie Screwvala took major multiplex chains including PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, and Carnival Cinemas to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over the fee. However, the CCI ruled in favor of the multiplexes.

Despite this, producers continue to argue that the VPF was meant to be a temporary charge and are pushing for its discontinuation or waiver for newer releases.

### *Jolly LLB 3* is Now in Theaters

Following the resolution, *Jolly LLB 3* has hit theaters nationwide. The film’s release was closely watched, not only for its content but for the implications this dispute has on the film distribution and exhibition ecosystem in India.

Stay tuned for more updates and box office reports on *Jolly LLB 3*.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/jolly-llb-3-team-submits-vpf-under-protest/story

Low-fat dairy: Myth v/s facts

**Low-fat Dairy: Myth vs. Facts**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 19, 2025, 01:52 PM*

### What’s the Story?

Low-fat dairy products are often promoted as healthier alternatives to their full-fat counterparts, especially for individuals aiming to manage weight or cholesterol levels. However, the benefits of low-fat dairy aren’t as straightforward as many believe. This article explores various aspects of low-fat dairy, including its nutritional value, effects on health, and common misconceptions about its consumption.

### 1. Nutritional Value of Low-Fat Dairy

Low-fat dairy products typically contain fewer calories than full-fat versions, making them attractive to those monitoring calorie intake. However, processing to remove fat can lead to a reduction in essential nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

Therefore, while low-fat dairy may help reduce calorie consumption, it might not always offer superior nutritional benefits compared to full-fat options.

### 2. Impact on Cholesterol Levels

There is a widespread belief that low-fat dairy helps lower cholesterol levels. Yet, research indicates the relationship between dairy fat and cholesterol is more complex. Some studies suggest that full-fat dairy does not significantly raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol compared to low-fat alternatives.

This means consuming full-fat dairy in moderation could be just as heart-healthy as opting for low-fat products.

### 3. Satiety and Weight Management

A common misconception is that low-fat dairy aids weight management by increasing satiety. However, evidence from some studies shows that full-fat dairy might actually be more satiating due to its higher fat content.

Feeling fuller for longer can reduce overall calorie intake by curbing hunger more effectively than low-fat options.

### Tip 1: Cost Considerations in Dairy Choices

When deciding between low-fat and full-fat dairy, cost is an important factor. Low-fat products usually cost more because of the additional processing required to remove fat content.

Consumers should balance their budget with their health goals, remembering that maintaining a balanced diet is more important than saving a few cents.

**Conclusion**

The choice between low-fat and full-fat dairy is not clear-cut. While low-fat dairy reduces calorie intake, it may lack some nutrients and may not offer significant heart health benefits over full-fat dairy. Full-fat dairy might also better promote satiety, potentially aiding in weight management. Considering nutritional needs, personal health goals, and budget can help make the best choice for you.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/low-fat-dairy-myth-v-s-facts/story

Swap candy with spiced jowar puffs for healthier snacking

**Swap Candy with Spiced Jowar Puffs for Healthier Snacking**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 19, 2025, 02:21 PM*

Craving a crunchy snack but want to keep it healthy? Swapping candy with spiced jowar puffs is an excellent way to enjoy flavorful munchies without the guilt. Jowar, also known as sorghum, is a gluten-free whole grain packed with fiber and essential nutrients. Spiced jowar puffs offer the satisfying crunch of traditional snacks while boosting your nutritional intake.

### Nutritional Benefits of Jowar

Jowar is rich in vital nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It’s also high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer periods. Unlike candy, which is loaded with sugar and empty calories, jowar puffs provide a balanced nutritional profile. They can help regulate blood sugar levels and supply sustained energy throughout your day.

### Flavorful Spice Combinations

The secret to making jowar puffs irresistible lies in the spices. Turmeric, cumin, and chili powder are great choices to add vibrant flavor without the calories found in sugary coatings. These spices not only enhance taste but also bring anti-inflammatory benefits. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to keep your snacking exciting and delicious.

### Cost-Effective Snacking Option

Making spiced jowar puffs at home can be far more affordable than purchasing ready-made snacks or candy. Jowar grains are inexpensive, and common household spices make this snack budget-friendly. Preparing your own puffs lets you save money while enjoying a healthier alternative to store-bought sweets.

### Easy Preparation Tips

Preparing spiced jowar puffs is simple and requires minimal ingredients. Start by popping jowar grains like popcorn until they become light and fluffy. Then, toss them in your choice of spices along with a little oil or butter to help the flavors stick. Finally, bake or air-fry the mixture for a few minutes to achieve the perfect crunch.

Switching from sugary candy to spiced jowar puffs is a smart move toward healthier snacking. Give this wholesome alternative a try and enjoy the benefits of whole grains combined with delicious spices!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/swap-candy-with-spiced-jowar-puffs-for-healthier-snacking/story

‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda bats for talks

**’Pakistan Felt Like Home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda Bats for Talks**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025 | 01:23 PM*

Sam Pitroda, a prominent Congress leader and chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has called for a shift in India’s foreign policy to focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries. Emphasizing cultural and social connections, he urged a renewed engagement with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

“Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighborhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbors? I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and I feel at home,” Pitroda remarked.

### Political Backlash

Pitroda’s comments have sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called him “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief,” highlighting his statement about feeling “at home” in Pakistan as controversial. Bhandari also criticized the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly taking no tough action against Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress party, alleging they harbor an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Poonawalla said, “They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama and Pahalgam. They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda who divides Indians & stays in US away from India finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”

### Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Pitroda has attracted political controversy for his views on foreign policy. Earlier this year, in February, he suggested that India tends to exaggerate the threat from China and advocated for a more collaborative approach with Beijing.

“Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one,” Pitroda said, sparking debate on India’s stance towards China.

Sam Pitroda’s recent remarks continue to fuel the ongoing discourse over India’s foreign relations strategy, particularly in the context of its neighbors and regional diplomacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story

How ‘Stranger Things’ keeps us glued to the screen

**How ‘Stranger Things’ Keeps Us Glued to the Screen**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 19, 2025, 02:18 pm*

**What’s the Story?**
*Stranger Things* is a perfect blend of nostalgia, adventure, and mystery that has captured the hearts of audiences across the globe. Set in the 1980s, the series takes viewers on a thrilling journey with a group of kids as they encounter supernatural events in their small town. The youth-mystery genre uniquely combines youthful curiosity with suspenseful storytelling, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

### 1. Embrace Nostalgia for Engagement
Leveraging nostalgia is a powerful tool for engaging audiences. By incorporating iconic elements from past decades—such as music, fashion, and technology—*Stranger Things* evokes fond memories while attracting new viewers. This strategy not only enriches the storytelling but also creates a shared experience across generations.

### 2. Develop Strong Character Dynamics
Strong character relationships are key to sustaining audience investment. In *Stranger Things*, the chemistry among the characters drives the plot and makes the story relatable. Focusing on character development and interpersonal bonds builds emotional connections that keep viewers hooked week after week.

### 3. Create Suspenseful Plot Twists
Plot twists are the backbone of any mystery series, and *Stranger Things* excels at keeping the audience guessing. Unexpected turns heighten excitement and add complexity to the narrative, ensuring that viewers remain eager to see how events unfold.

### 4. Incorporate Supernatural Elements Sparingly
Supernatural elements add intrigue, but overusing them can overwhelm viewers. *Stranger Things* introduces these elements gradually, allowing audiences to absorb the mystery while maintaining a balance between reality and fantasy. This measured approach keeps the story engaging without becoming confusing.

### 5. Balance Adventure with Emotional Depth
Striking a balance between thrilling adventures and emotional depth is essential for a memorable youth-mystery series. Beyond exciting escapades, *Stranger Things* explores the emotional struggles of its characters. This layered storytelling makes the series relatable and compelling from start to finish.

*Stranger Things* captivates audiences by blending nostalgic elements, dynamic characters, suspenseful twists, a careful use of the supernatural, and emotional storytelling. It’s this thoughtful combination that keeps us glued to the screen.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/stranger-things-and-the-youth-mystery-genre-5-lessons/story

‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda bats for talks

**‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda Bats for Talks**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 pm*

Sam Pitroda, a prominent Congress leader and chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has called for a shift in India’s foreign policy to prioritize improving relations with neighboring countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and social ties with these nations.

“Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighborhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbors? I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and I feel at home,” Pitroda said.

### Political Backlash

Pitroda’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the comments, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.” He further criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly failing to take tough action against Pakistan following the 26/11 attacks.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress, accusing them of harboring an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X, Poonawalla said, “They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama and Pahalgam. They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda, who divides Indians & stays in US away from India, finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”

### Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Pitroda has sparked political controversy with his statements. In February, he suggested that India exaggerates the threat posed by China and advocated for a collaborative approach rather than viewing Beijing as an adversary.

“Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one,” Pitroda had said.

As debates continue around India’s foreign policy approach, Pitroda’s calls for engagement with neighbors remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story

5 classic Leslie Nielsen comedies every comedy fan must watch

**5 Classic Leslie Nielsen Comedies Every Comedy Fan Must Watch**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 19, 2025, 01:50 PM*

Leslie Nielsen was a master of comedy. His impeccable timing and deadpan delivery made him a legend in the genre. From spoofs to parodies, Nielsen had an incredible ability to turn even the most serious scenes into laugh riots. Here are five of his best films that showcase his comedic genius and explain why they continue to be beloved by comedy fans worldwide.

### 1. Classic Parody: *Airplane!* (1980)
*Airplane!* is one of the most iconic comedy films of all time. Nielsen stars as Dr. Rumack, delivering some of the most memorable lines with a perfectly straight face. Packed with puns and visual gags, the film serves as a classic parody of disaster movies. Nielsen’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight, making *Airplane!* a must-watch for any comedy lover.

### 2. Detective Spoof: *The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!* (1988)
In this hilarious spoof of detective films and television shows, Nielsen shines as Lieutenant Frank Drebin. The movie features absurd humor and clever writing, earning it cult classic status. Nielsen’s ability to deliver ridiculous lines with utter seriousness makes *The Naked Gun* unforgettable.

### 3. Spy Spoof: *Spy Hard* (1996)
In *Spy Hard*, Nielsen plays agent WD-40 in a side-splitting spy spoof. The film parodies popular spy movies with over-the-top action sequences and witty dialogue. Nielsen’s impeccable comedic timing amplifies the absurdity of the plot, making it an entertaining watch for fans of both spy films and comedy.

### 4. Vampire Comedy: *Dracula: Dead and Loving It* (1995)
Nielsen takes on the role of Count Dracula in this vampire comedy. The film humorously twists classic horror tropes, filled with puns and slapstick humor. Nielsen’s portrayal of Dracula is both funny and charming, offering viewers a fresh and entertaining take on traditional vampire stories.

### 5. Exorcism Parody: *Repossessed* (1990)
*Repossessed* is a clever parody of exorcism films. Nielsen stars as Father Jebedaiah Mayii, delivering his role with sincerity amidst absurd and hilarious situations. His performance significantly enhances the humor, making *Repossessed* a delightful watch for fans of supernatural parodies.

Leslie Nielsen’s unique comedic style and ability to remain completely deadpan in absurd situations have ensured his place in comedy history. These five classics are essential additions to any comedy fan’s watchlist.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/leslie-nielsen-s-best-comedy-films-a-list/story

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