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Sometimes you’re willing to give the new kid on the block a go when shopping for a new car. You’ve had positive feedback. It has a really nice appearance. Then again, you realise why you were initially searching for a compact crossover with some off-road capability.

That is the challenge of deciding between the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross is brand-new, gleaming, and brimming with possibilities. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, is the standard bearer and keeps getting better. See how the two stack up.

Toyota Corolla Cross 2024

Toyota enjoys great respect because it produces high-quality goods and, whenever possible, capitalises on its reputation for doing so. The Corolla Cross is the most recent addition to the growing collection of Corolla variations. In just its second year of release, it has already gained popularity in the segment by taking exterior stylistic ideas from the RAV4 and the Corolla.

Crucially, it accomplishes this while maintaining costs close to $25,000, which is essential for success in this market. The starting price, including destination charge, is $25,210.

Toyota Corolla Cross: Key Features

Being safe: The Corolla Cross is known to be safe thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the automaker’s array of active safety features that come standard. Improvements made possible by sensors with better detecting capabilities are included in the new system. Another element that makes the Crosstrek desirable is Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aid systems.

Hybrid option: The brand provides a hybrid option, but it will cost you more. Combining gas savings with the extra power a hybrid vehicle provides seems like a winning formula. Although Subaru has sold hybrid Crosstreks in the past, there isn’t one in the 2024 lineup.

Night moves: The Corolla Cross receives Toyota’s Nightshade trim, which includes 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels, an interior with red accent stitching and black and black cloth trim, and black-accented head and tail lamps. For not a huge sum of money, it’s kind of cool.

Subaru Crosstrek 2024

Subaru solidified the notion that a compact, vehicle-based utility may be entertaining and useful. Subaru upgraded the 2024 Crosstrek with sturdier bodywork and improved steering mechanics to enhance handling and ride quality. You’ve got a winner when you include its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which continuously modifies the torque applied to the wheels, and hill-descent control, which facilitates navigating rocky paths.

With the inclusion of the Wilderness package and the choice between a 182-hp and 152-hp Boxer 4-cylinder, all of it is elevated to a whole new level. Subaru also put a lot of effort into making the front seats better; they now have larger bolsters and additional padding. The starting price is $26,540.

Highlights of the Subaru Crosstrek

Off-road ready: Standard across the lineup, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, one of the most capable in the class, receives better response times for 2024. In addition, the Crosstrek has 8.7 inches more ground clearance than the Corolla Cross.

Good technology: The Crosstrek, with the exception of the entry model, has a strong infotainment system and an interior-dominating, vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen. There’s also wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto accessible.

Two powertrains: Having choices is always a good thing, and because some Subaru vehicles are known to require a little extra oomph, having a second, more potent Boxer engine to pick from allays worries.

Comparabilities

These two are excellent illustrations of the versatility and capability that consumers in this market need. Their sizes and prices are comparable.

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Science

After being launched on March 4, spacecraft maker Apex reports that its first satellite is still alive and thriving.

The Aries SN1 spacecraft, one of 53 payloads launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-10 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, has been successfully operated by the Los Angeles-based business.

In an interview on March 5, Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon reported that the spacecraft’s commissioning, which took place approximately 70 minutes after liftoff, went smoothly. He stated, “Everybody hopes for everything being perfectly nominal,” he said. “There’s always hiccups that occur, but I think our team was able to get through everything very quickly.”

According to him, the business created software for the spacecraft that would enable it to perform as many autonomous tasks as possible, including as self-orientation, power generation through solar array deployment, and telemetry transmission via a UHF beacon.

“It took about 10 minutes to go through that full autonomous sequence, when previously we budgeted 30 minutes or even an hour, so we’re very impressed with that performance,” he stated. The sole trouble arose later, when controllers moved to a higher-bandwidth S-band communications link. He attributed this to an unidentified ground issue rather than a spacecraft malfunction, which the business has subsequently fixed.

He said, “We’re really happy to be able to complete the commissioning so soon.” Now, the corporation is using the spacecraft as an on-orbit software development testbed in addition to doing different “stress tests” on it.

Apex intended to deploy Aries SN1 as a mission dedicated to technological demonstration only. But the business signed up a number of clients to have payloads flown on the spacecraft, including three “major defence primes,” according to Cinnamon, and more payloads the company chose not to reveal. According to him, such clients are carrying out space domain awareness, communications, and edge computing payloads. Additionally, Apex’s spacecraft is equipped with a “selfie camera” payload that allows it to take pictures of itself with Earth in the background.

He added that each of them is paying Apex to fly the payloads, saying, “We wanted to go to strategic partners and future customers” and offer them a flight opportunity. “Then, if you like what you see, we can keep cooperating.”

The firm claims that the one-year timeframe from a clean sheet design for Aries to launching the first spacecraft is the fastest development time for that size of satellite he is aware of. The company obtained a $7.5 million seed round of funding in October 2022 and more than $50 million altogether. Aries is a 100 kg spacecraft bus that belongs to the ESPA class and has the capacity to carry an extra 100 kg of payload.

According to Cinnamon, components for three more Aries spacecraft are on available, and the second spacecraft is presently being constructed in a clean room. The business anticipates moving into a bigger plant in Los Angeles later this year, with long-term plans to mass-manufacture Aries and larger satellite buses.

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Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights, who were in need of a winger, acquired one on Tuesday when they acquired Anthony Mantha in exchange for the Washington Capitals’ 2026 fourth-round selection and a 2024 second-round pick.

The defending Stanley Cup champions’ goal of acquiring a top-six winger finally became a reality on Monday. At that point, they placed left winger and captain Mark Stone—who is now out due to an upper-body injury—on long-term injured reserve.

The Golden Knights were able to generate an extra $7.2 million in cap space by moving Stone to LTIR, according to CapFriendly.com.

The Golden Knights have been linked to several choices in what has turned into a very stagnant market, mostly because teams are attempting to figure out their own cap situations. This is because they are searching for someone who could replace Stone.

Mantha, one of the wingers thought to be in play, enters the picture. The 29-year-old is playing out the last year of a five-year deal that pays $5.7 million a year. It is the third time in his career that he has scored 20 goals, along with 34 other points, in 56 games with the Capitals.

Now that he’s in Vegas, he’ll try to translate his performance during the regular season into the kind of outcomes that may lead the Golden Knights to consecutive titles. Mantha has six points in 11 playoff games throughout his career, all assists.

The Golden Knights (33-22-7) had lost three straight games going into Tuesday, but they were still third in the Pacific Division. They are now one point clear of the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators in the wild-card race, but they are now three points behind the Edmonton Oilers for second place.

The Golden Knights anticipate that Mantha could be able to duplicate the success they experienced prior to the deadline of the previous season when they acquired Ivan Barbashev. After undergoing his second back surgery in a year, Stone was transferred to LTIR a year ago. That opened up a spot, and the Golden Knights took advantage of it by trading for Barbashev, a prospective UFA.

Before netting seven goals and eighteen points in 22 games to help the team win its first championship, Barbashev scored six goals and sixteen points in 23 games with the Golden Knights. Additionally, it resulted in Barbashev signing a five-year, $5 million-per-year contract to rejoin the Golden Knights.

Mantha, a seasoned player who will turn thirty in the following training camp, now gets a chance to hone his free agent credentials in a postseason race. Even while he might not end up paying as much as he did on his prior contract, he ought to be able to settle into a second- or third-line role with his new team and take advantage of the spring spotlight. Half of Mantha’s remaining pay will stay with the Capitals while he skates for Vegas.

The Capitals (28-23-9) have utilized the deadline to build for the future with the idea that they might not be done for the second year in a row with Mantha’s choice to go on. If they decide to move on from pending UFAs like Nic Dowd, Joel Edmundson, and Max Pacioretty, they might be able to acquire more draft money.

Despite having trouble scoring goals, the Capitals were still able to make the playoffs earlier in the season. However, the Caps’ attempt to make the playoffs after a year off began to take a hit in mid-January as a six-game losing skid turned into a run of eight straight losses.

The Capitals were seven points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card slots entering Tuesday due to a combination of factors including their current losing streak and their lowest goal total in the conference.

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Business

The well-liked Nexon, Nexon EV, Harrier, and Safari SUVs now come in Dark Editions thanks to prominent Indian carmaker Tata Motors. These limited editions appeal to customers who value a more upscale and unique appearance by providing a striking and fashionable aesthetic.

The Dark Editions distinguish themselves from their conventional counterparts with a distinctive visual character. All of the exterior mirrors, alloy wheels, roof rails, and grille are completely blacked out on every model. This, together with the unique “Dark” mascot and emblems, produces a unified and commanding appearance.

Pricing

• Nexon Dark: Ex-showroom, Delhi, starting at ₹ 11.45 Lakh
• Nexon EV Dark: Ex-showroom, All India, starting at ₹ 19.49 Lakh
• Harrier Dark: Ex-showroom, Delhi, starting at ₹ 19.99 Lakh
• Safari Dark: Ex-showroom, Delhi, starting at ₹ 20.69 Lakh

Nexon EV: With its expressive digital language and sharp lines, the electric Nexon EV looks stunning in its Dark avatar. Its rarity is increased by the characteristic Dark mascot and a unique dark exterior treatment. Luxurious all-black leatherette seats and cutting-edge technology, such as a 31.24 cm touchscreen and a JBL sound system, are included inside. In India, the Nexon EV Dark raises the bar for electric SUVs with a stated range of 465 km.

Nexon ICE: With a dynamic posture, a chiselled hood, and sleek LED lighting, the Nexon Dark boasts an aggressive and bold look. The automobile has an even bolder appearance thanks to the distinctive black mascot and black exterior paint. In addition to cutting-edge amenities like voice assistants and a concealed touch panel that illuminates at night, the cabin boasts plush all-black leatherette seats.

The OMEGARC twins, the Harrier and Safari Dark Editions, come with a number of high-end features. These include a 10-speaker JBL sound system, driver knee airbags, and segment-first welcome and farewell animations on the LED lighting.

The interiors have a Blackstone motif with Piano Black accents, while the exteriors are painted a striking Oberon Black. The driving pleasure is further enhanced by opulent details like the Safari’s ventilated second-row seats and leatherette seats with Dark logos.

The reliable 2 litre Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine, which produces 350 Nm of peak torque and 170 PS of peak power, powers both SUVs. Both SUVs come with six-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes as standard equipment, while six-speed manual gearboxes are also available. The front wheels of both SUVs are driven.

The redesigned Harrier and Safari’s Dark Editions were initially unveiled at last month’s Bharat Mobility Expo. The two SUVs are currently on sale at Tata Motors dealerships around the nation. It is anticipated that customer deliveries will start in the upcoming weeks.

Tata Motors’ Dark Editions are an attempt to appeal to a rising market segment looking for a distinctive and high-end SUV experience. These limited editions stand out thanks to their more striking designs and cutting-edge features, which could draw in new customers and improve the profitability and reputation of the business.

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Business

Based on data mining from the Rivian website, the next Rivian R2 SUV is expected to retail for $47,500 and have a battery that can run approximately 330 miles between charges.

The R2 will have a maximum ground clearance of 9.8 inches, which makes it more off-road capable than the Tesla Model Y, which has 6.6 inches, according to the source code.

Rivian R2 versus Model Y scope and cost

The sole Tesla model that is comparable to the Rivian R2 is the Model Y Long Range, which costs $48,990 at the point of sale before federal tax credits and any further subsidies or incentives.

In addition to being more affordable than the Model Y at that time—330 miles as opposed to 310 miles for the Model Y LR—the Rivian R2 will also have a NACS port for quicker supercharging.

However, it is unclear if the Rivian R2 will be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit at the time of purchase, which might work in Tesla’s advantage.

Rivian R2 specifications

Regarding the remaining Rivian R2 specifications, like dimensions, clearance, tyre size, or approach angles, the following figures were discovered in the since-patched website source code:

  • Beginning at $47,500
  • Maximum range: 330 miles
  • 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3 seconds
  • Five seats
  • Measurements: 185.6 in.
  • 75 in. in width; 84.4 in. in width with mirrors
  • Height: Maximum 66.9 
  • in. 9.8 in. of ground clearance
  • Wheelbase: 15.6 inches
  • Diameter of Wheel and Tyre: 32
  • Approach Angle: 25°
  • Departure Angle: 27°

The CEO, RJ Scaringe, will take the stage to introduce the company’s first midrange SUV, which is intended to directly compete with the Tesla Model Y, on March 7, as Rivian has already revealed.

Elon Musk believes that if Rivian keeps losing money at this rate, the company would go bankrupt in a few quarters, while Rivian’s CEO is optimistic that the mass market R2 will help the company turn its finances around.

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Business

The much awaited introduction of the Seal sedan, which will make its debut in India’s premium electric car market, is something that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is looking forward to. The Seal is scheduled to make its India premiere tomorrow and will be added to BYD’s current portfolio, which also includes the Atto 3 crossover SUV and the e6 MPV. Internationally, well-known cars like as the Tesla Model 3 compete with the Seal.

BYD Seal India Introduces: Engine

The BYD Seal has a sloping roofline and an elegant, aerodynamic form. There are two battery pack options for the Seal EV: 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh. While the larger pack is only compatible with all-wheel drive, the smaller pack can be used with both single and twin motor installations.

With its larger battery, the top model boasts a 700 km range and a 530 horsepower dual motor configuration that allows it to reach 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. What alternatives are available for powertrains in India is still unknown.

Launch of BYD Seal India: Interior and Features

Expectedly, the BYD Seal will have an upscale, technologically advanced cabin. The 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, heated and motorised front seats, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, and 19-inch alloy wheels are probably the most notable features.

Among other safety measures, it is expected to come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and dual front airbags. In the Euro NCAP tests, the vehicle has previously received a 5-star safety rating.

BYD Seal: Cost and rivalry

Although the BYD Seal’s official price has not yet been disclosed, it is likely to fall between Rs 60 and Rs 65 lakh, ex-showroom. This would put it up against vehicles like the BMW i4, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

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Business

According to reports, Tesla and government representatives are talking about opening a new production site in Thailand.

According to Supakorn Congsomjit, an official from the prime minister’s office, if the proposed Tesla factory is built, it may produce electric vehicles (EVs) or batteries. The government has offered to power the facility using only green energy. (via Reuters)

The talks between Tesla and Thai government representatives have progressed to the point where Tesla conducted a site survey towards the end of last year, as we previously reported. The Thai government is attempting to draw Tesla as part of a larger national initiative to shift towards environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

Tesla is interested in Thailand because of a number of reasons, including its strategic location in Southeast Asia and its well-established automobile manufacturing sector. Thailand’s standing as a centre for EV manufacturing may be greatly enhanced by the establishment of a Tesla Gigafactory, which would also draw in further funding from the international car industry.

One of the biggest automobile exporters and manufacturers in Southeast Asia, Thailand has already drawn over $1.44 billion in investment promises from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

In late 2022, Tesla began selling cars in Thailand, where it first offered the Model 3 and Model Y for sale. The first deliveries of Tesla’s most well-liked automobiles will begin in early 2023, due to high demand.

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Business

Many auto specialists think that alternative-fueled vehicles may not end up becoming electric automobiles in the future. On the other hand, they think that robust hybrid cars are a superior choice for a sustainable future with lower carbon emissions. A few automakers share this belief, among them being Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the biggest automaker in India. The car will use an electric motor to provide propulsion, and the engine will function as a generator in the company’s recently unveiled new series hybrid system. The business has now declared that this powerplant will be available in several of its next automobiles. We therefore reasoned that we ought to make a list of the same.

Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024

The fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most eagerly awaited vehicle debuts of 2024. This time, the manufacturer has completely redesigned the outside and interior of this well-liked hatchback. Its powertrain, though, will be the main attraction. The all-new 1.2-liter Z-Series 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine will power the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift. What makes this engine even more unique is that the business intends to pair it with a powerful new hybrid system, enabling the hatchback to achieve an incredibly remarkable 35 km/l.With this new drivetrain, the company has already introduced the model to the Japanese market. In addition, the Japanese model comes with a CVT gearbox and AWD system. Both of those, though, are probably not going to be available in India. It’s anticipated that the updated Swift will go on sale in April.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire in 2024

The new sub-compact car Dzire, which will be based on the fourth-generation Swift, will be introduced by the firm after the all-new Swift. It is highly probable that the same 1.2-liter naturally aspirated Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol engine will be used by the firm in the Dzire. It may also receive the same powerful hybrid system. According to certain reports, the corporation may be revealing the new Swift generation a few months after the Swift’s April launch. According to some rumours, the new Dzire will have a function that is exclusive to its segment in addition to a redesigned appearance and interior design.Many are speculating that it will be the nation’s first sub-compact sedan with a sunroof.

Seven-seater Grand Vitara

The popular compact SUVs Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder are being developed into seven-seaters by Maruti Suzuki India Limited and its longstanding partner Toyota. It is quite probable that Maruti Suzuki would introduce the Grand Vitara seven-seater in 2025. It is anticipated to resemble the current Grand Vitara in appearance but will be expanded to accommodate the third row of seats. Regarding the drivetrain, it is quite probable that the business will equip it with the same robust hybrid drivetrain as in the outgoing model. With its powerful hybrid system and 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine, the Grand Vitara currently has a fuel efficiency of 28 km/l.The combined power output of this drivetrain is 92.45 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque.

The hybrid Maruti Suzuki Fronx

In the upcoming year, Maruti Suzuki’s most distinctive vehicle, the Fronx, will also get a potent hybrid drivetrain. According to rumours, the business intends to introduce the Fronx with the new HEV series hybrid system, which would utilise the brand-new Z12E three-cylinder engine to both generate electricity and charge a 1.5–2 kWh battery pack. The electric motor that powers the car’s front wheels will move it forward. The company hopes to improve driving with this new series hybrid system, which will have smooth acceleration, agile handling, and lower emissions.It is also anticipated to have a fuel economy of about 35 km/l, which will contribute to the country’s already enormously popular Fronx crossover becoming even more well-known. It is most likely going to arrive in late 2025.

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Business

A potential problem with the engine block heating cord not being fully seated for the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD has been discovered by GM, according to a recent service update. GM has also provided instructions for a fix that should be performed at Chevy dealerships.

According to GM service update number N232433290, the 6.6L V8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax engine, which is rated at 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque, is the only engine type that is affected by the improperly seated engine block heater cord in 2024 Chevy Silverado HD vehicles. The problem also affects GMC Sierra HD models made in 2024.

Dealerships are directed to implement the remedy on impacted pickups that owners bring in for maintenance as well as Chevy Silverado HD trucks that are presently in stock. As always, before beginning to address the issue, the service staff is encouraged to verify that the vehicle is implicated by examining its Investigate Vehicle History screen in the GM Global Warranty Management system.

The engine block heating cord is not broken; it just needs to be positioned correctly. Therefore, no new parts are required to complete the repair. The dealer should properly reinstall the cord and its retention clip if an inspection finds that it isn’t firmly seated. To do this, the right front wheel of the truck must be removed.

Before reinstalling, the cord is coated with dielectric grease, which prevents moisture from getting into electrical components. Up until the pickup’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, the remedy is available.

Recall that the pickup’s 2024 model year would have two different powerplant options, with the diesel engine of the impacted Chevy Silverado HD pickups being one of them. The other, a normally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine with standard equipment and 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, is unaffected by this problem. For cog changes, both engines employ the 10-speed Allison automatic gearbox.

Under the surface, the Chevy Silverado HD and its corporate platform-mate, the 2024 GMC Sierra HD, share a more capable version of the GM T1 chassis. Both the GM Oshawa facility in Canada and the GM Flint plant in Michigan are sites of production.

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Business

ED has taken swift action in Mahadev Betting App case. Based on information received,  the ED team on Friday arrested one of the owners of the Mahadev App Girish Talreja from Bhopal, meanwhile his accomplice Suraj Chokhani too was taken into custody from Kolkata. On Sunday, both of them were produced in court in Raipur. ED’s lawyer argued for the remand of both of them. The court has sent both of them to jail for one day. Both of them will appear in Raipur court again on Monday.

Meanwhile, the other co-owner of the Mahadev App – Ratan Lal Jain is on the run. According to ED, transactions worth crores have been found with Girish Talreja, Ratanlal Jain and Shubham Soni. Shubham Soni is absconding, ED is searching for him. Suraj Chokhani, arrested from Kolkata, is accused of investing the money of Mahadev Satta App in the stock market. ED’s investigation also revealed that Nitish Diwan, a resident of Bhilai, used to live in Dubai with the promoter of Mahadev Satta App and worked as a panel operator. ED conducted raids in many cities of the country on 28th February.

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has appointed a National Central Bureau (NCB) in all of its 195 member countries. These bureau serve as a single point of contact between Interpol and the respective law enforcement agencies of that member country.

In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the official NCB that is tasked with publishing, maintaining, and updating Red Corner Notices against fugitives/offenders as needed by India’s law enforcement authorities.

The Mahadev Book case has seen arrests of several individuals recently. Arrested individuals included an ASI named Chandrabhushan Verma, a relative of mastermind named Satish Chandrakar, and hawala operators Anil Dammani and Sunil Dammani. Verma is accused of taking bribes amounting to Rs 65 crore and distributing it to other senior officials under him as well while the others are suspected of carrying out operations of the illegal betting network and laundering the proceeds out of the country.

Meanwhile, The ED presented the four high-profile accused to a special court recently which provided them their judicial custody for seven days which ended yesterday. During that time, ED successfully extracted various pieces of information on the illegal betting network and the people linked to it.

On February 28, simultaneous raids were conducted by the ED in Raipur, Kolkata, Gurugram, Delhi, Indore, and Mumbai. Ratan Lal Jain & Girish Talreja, a hawala operator, was identified in connection with the case. Ratan Lal Jain & Girish Talreja, currently residing in Dubai, was allegedly involved in operating an illegal betting app called Sky Exchange in collaboration with Mahadev app promoters. Assets worth Rs 580.78 crore belonging to Ratan Lal Jain & Girish Talreja have been seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

It was discovered during the investigation that Ratan Lal Jain & Girish Talreja had been investing proceeds from illegal betting through his Dubai-based units into the Indian stock market via Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs). He had also appointed several associates as directors in the companies involved.

The ED release said that Ratan Lal Jain & Girish Talreja owned and operated one of the illegal betting websites viz. skyexchange, and was involved in large-scale hawala movement of the betting fund

The ED initiated its investigation based on FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh Police. Subsequently, other FIRs registered by the Vishakhapatnam Police and other states were also included in the investigation. The ED’s investigation into Mahadev Online Book revealed large-scale hawala operations aimed at siphoning off the proceeds of betting to offshore accounts.

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