Severe Weather Hits Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Faces Flooding as heavy rain continues day after day, creating major problems across the state. The weather has gotten so bad that local authorities are warning people about the dangers.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts. They have given a Red Alert for severe rain coming to Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi. This alert tells people to be very careful during this time. A Yellow Alert is in place for Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi for August 28, and for Shimla and Mandi on August 29. There is also an Orange Alert for August 30-31 in Mandi, Shimla, and Solan as rain continues to be a threat.

Highway Cut Off Due to Landslides

Because of these heavy rains, major roads have been affected. The Chandigarh-Manali Highway has been closed for traffic. This is due to landslides in Banala that have made the road unsafe. Parts of the highway have even washed away because the Beas River is overflowing.

Kullu Police reported that the highway from Pandoh to Aut in Mandi district has been closed for three days now. Many trucks and other vehicles are stuck, causing trouble for drivers. They cannot deliver goods, especially perishable items like vegetables, which are starting to spoil.

Impact on Local Communities

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh shared that some areas in the district are being evacuated. The water levels in rivers are rising quickly, causing fear for local residents. Raveesh explained, “Because of continuous rainfall, our National Highway has been damaged at many points. The water level is very high. I request everyone to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe.”

She described how the damage to the highway is affecting many people. In places like Bindu Dhank, the road is torn up, and businesses are facing waterlogging issues. This has led to problems for restaurants and shops as well.

The situation has worsened after two days of nonstop rain. Water has started to flood several areas including bus stands and local shops. Roads that connect mining areas are also disrupted.

Drivers Stuck in Difficult Situations

As drivers wait helplessly, their demands for action grow. Some drivers like Gurvinder Singh are frustrated. He said, “I have come from Amritsar and am going to Kullu Manali. It has been four days since I arrived. The condition of the road is very bad. The people are taking Rs 260 as toll tax. No one is giving any answer from the administration. The roads are damaged and under construction. It will take 2-3 days.”

Drivers are worried, especially as their food supplies run low. Another driver, Bablu Thakur, expressed his challenges. He said, “We are stuck here for the last few days. It is very difficult to reach home. We are also facing damage at home, and the rivers are in full spate, and the roads are in very bad condition.”

Thakur also pointed out that assistance from the government has been lacking. He noted, “The administration had made no arrangements for food and accommodation. Some dhaba people are feeding us sometimes. Sometimes, langar people come and give us water too.”

Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

The heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused many problems. Lives are disrupted, and many people are in danger. Local officials are working hard to keep people safe and warn others. They are trying to help those stuck with supplies and find ways to clear roads.

Everyone is hoping for the rain to stop soon. Safety is the priority right now, and everyone is encouraged to stay indoors if they can. The government is taking steps to manage the situation and support the communities affected.

As the weather remains unpredictable, families and travelers must stay alert. They should listen to local news and follow the guidance of authorities to stay safe from the ongoing flooding risks.

Daily News

Introduction

US Commends CBI for Shutting Down a huge cybercrime operation. The United States thanked India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for this significant achievement. They worked together to dismantle a network that stole over Rs 350 crore from American citizens since 2023.

The Announcement

The U.S. Embassy made a social media post about this success. They said, “a big week for US-India law enforcement collaboration.” This means that both countries worked closely together to stop this crime.

The post continued, “India’s CBI, in close coordination with the U.S. FBI, dismantled a transnational cybercrime syndicate that defrauded U.S. nationals of nearly USD 40M through tech-support scams, and arrested key figures behind the cyber fraud network.” This shows how both agencies are joining forces to fight against crime that crosses borders.

The embassy expressed deep gratitude to the CBI, stating, “Through shared intelligence and coordinated action, both our agencies are working together to dismantle international networks, prevent future scams, and keep our citizens safe. Thank you for your partnership and support, CBI.”

Busting the Call Center

One of the call centers involved was located in Amritsar. It was named ‘Digikaps The Future of Digital.’ This call center was situated near Khalsa College of Women.

During the raids, officials arrested three main suspects: Jigar Ahmed, Yash Khurana, and Inder Jeet Singh Bali. They were responsible for many of the scams.

Along with the arrests, the CBI seized important evidence. This included:

• Rs 54 lakh in cash
• Eight mobile phones
• Several laptops
• Other digital evidence

According to reports, this gang had been cheating American citizens through fake tech support scams since 2023.

How the Scam Worked

The criminals tricked victims into believing they needed help with their computers and bank accounts. They convinced people to give them remote access.

Once they had access, the fraudsters claimed that the victim’s money was in danger. Then, they persuaded the victims to transfer money to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the gang.

The CBI reported that this operation managed to steal nearly $40 million, which is about Rs 350 crore. This method of theft through crypto highlights a worrying trend.

Evidence and Operation Details

During the raids in Amritsar, the CBI found a lot of digital evidence. This included:

• 85 hard drives
• 16 laptops
• 44 mobile phones

This evidence shows how big and organized this operation really was.

Operation Chakra-IV

The raids were part of something called Operation Chakra-IV. This operation aims to dismantle organized technology-enabled crime networks. It shows that India is taking cybercrime seriously.

Through Operation Chakra-IV, the CBI is working closely with Interpol and other international law agencies. They are focusing on organized tech-enabled crimes like the one in Amritsar.

A CBI official talked about the operation, saying, “As part of Operation Chakra-IV, the International Operations Division of CBI is rapidly identifying and taking action on the organized technology-enabled crime network in close coordination with Interpol and foreign law enforcement agencies.”

Continued Investigations

During the recent operation, 34 people were caught at the Amritsar call center. Investigators are also following the money to find out more about the cybercrime network.

The officials are committed to tracking the proceeds of these crimes. They are also trying to connect with more international links to prevent future scams.

The Bigger Picture

This successful operation shows that Punjab is involved in global cybercrime activities. The widespread nature of these crimes calls for stronger cybersecurity measures.

More citizens need to be aware of this issue, especially since the scams are growing and becoming more sophisticated. The collaboration between local and international agencies is essential in fighting these issues.

As we can see, the partnership between Indian and American law enforcement is crucial. It helps protect people from becoming victims of fraud. People must stay vigilant and be aware of the tricks that scammers use online.

By understanding these scams better, people can protect their money and personal information. Always remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Daily News

Introduction

In Amritsar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of Akal Takht, voiced urgent Concerns Over Flooding at Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. He asked the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) to send a detailed report about the damage caused by the floods.

Request for Report

On Wednesday, Gargaj requested the PSGPC to cooperate with the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). They need to assess how much damage occurred at the gurdwara. The PSGPC should send this report to the Akal Takht secretariat through the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Damage From Flooding

Reports indicate that floodwaters from the Ravi River have significantly affected the gurdwara. The main darbar and the entire complex of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib are now flooded. This gurdwara is just 4.5 kilometers from the Dera Baba Nanak integrated check post in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.

• Flooding from the Ravi River has reached several feet inside the complex.
• The entrance and the main darbar are badly affected.

Call for Joint Action

Gargaj expressed his worries about the recurring floods. He urged both the Indian and Pakistani governments to work together. Moreover, they should create plans to prevent future floods from reaching Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

Reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor

Additionally, Gargaj appealed for the reopening of the Kartarpur corridor. This corridor allows Sikh devotees from India to easily visit Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The closure of the corridor has hurt spiritual tourism and local economies. Many Sikh devotees want to visit the historic gurdwara and participate in kar sewa, or voluntary service.

The Importance of the Gurdwara

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is an important place for Sikhs. It is known as the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent his last years. The gurdwara attracts thousands of devotees every year.

History of the Kartarpur Corridor

The Kartarpur corridor was first opened in November 2019. This allowed Indian Sikhs to cross the border and visit the gurdwara for religious purposes. The reopening helped many people connect with their heritage and faith.

However, since its closure, Sikh devotees have faced difficulties visiting the site. Gargaj believes that reopening the corridor will help strengthen friendship and unity among communities.

Conclusion

However, the situation at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib needs immediate attention. With proper reports and cooperation between governments, steps can be taken to protect this important site from flooding in the future. The appeal to reopen the Kartarpur corridor is also vital for many Sikhs who wish to visit and serve at the gurdwara.

Daily News