New ED trouble for Anil Ambani
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached fresh assets worth `1,120 crore belonging to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group companies as part of its money-laundering probe linked to the alleged Yes Bank fraud. The action brings the total value of attachments against the group to `10,117 crore. Newly seized properties include Mumbai’s Reliance Centre at Ballard Estate, a commercial building in Andheri East, residential assets and a guesthouse in Santacruz, along with 231 land parcels and seven flats in Chennai. Movable assets such as fixed deposits, bank deposits and unquoted shareholdings have also been frozen. The ED alleges that between 2017 and 2019, Yes Bank invested `5,010 crore in instruments of Reliance Home Finance and Reliance Commercial Finance, which later turned non-performing. Investigators claim over `11,000 crore in public funds reached the companies through a “circuitous” route involving Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund due to regulatory restrictions.
EOW Notice to DK Shivakumar
The Delhi Police’s EOW has issued a notice to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar seeking detailed financials in connection with its probe into the National Herald case. The notice, dated November 29, asks Shivakumar to appear or submit records by December 19, citing that he may hold “vital information” relevant to the FIR registered against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Investigators have requested Shivakumar’s financials allegedly transferred by him or linked entities to Young Indian, and any communications with Young Indian or AICC officials.
FIFA Unveils Expanded World
FIFA is set to hold its largest-ever World Cup draw on Friday at Washington’s Kennedy Center, launching preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament across the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. First-time qualifiers Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan join a field that includes the world’s top 11 ranked nations, while 22 others — including Italy — vie for six remaining playoff berths. Argentina, led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, aims to defend its title and chase historic records. With matches staged in 16 venues — including 11 NFL stadiums and expanded capacity at Toronto’s BMO Field — attendance is expected to surpass the 1994 benchmark.
