State-owned telecom company, Bhartiya Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), on Monday said that it has extended the deadline for its ‘Freedom Plan’ by 15 days to September 15.

“BSNL is extending its ‘Freedom Plan’ by 15 days, in view of the overwhelming customer response,” a Ministry of Communications statement said.

The plan was launched on August 1, offering complimentary 4G mobile services for 30 days at a token Re. 1 to new activations. Originally, the scheme was available for activations up to August 31; however, now, the offer window has been extended to September 15.

The schemes ‘ benefits include unlimited voice calls (as per terms and conditions), 2GB high-speed 4G data per day, 100 SMS per day, and a Free SIM card.

“BSNL has recently deployed a Make-in-India, state-of-the-art 4G mobile network across the country, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Freedom Plan—absolutely free of service charges for the first 30 days—gives customers a proud opportunity to experience our indigenously developed 4G network,” BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J. Ravi, said.

“We’re confident that the service quality, coverage, and the trust associated with the BSNL brand will encourage customers to stay with us well beyond the introductory period,” he added.

Customers can get the Freedom Plan by visiting the nearest BSNL customer service centre, carrying valid documents for KYC. You can request the Freedom Plan SIM with just Rs 1 activation, complete your KYC, and collect your free SIM. Once you insert the SIM and follow the activation process as guided, your 30-day complimentary benefits will begin from the date of activation.

Earlier this year, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia credited the PM Narendra Modi government’s strategic revival steps for bringing BSNL back from the brink, saying that the state-run telecom giant, once left on ‘ventilator support’ by the previous UPA government, has now firmly re-established itself in the hearts of Indian consumers.

Speaking exclusively to on BSNL’s remarkable turnaround, the minister said: “At one point, BSNL was not even on ventilator support but in a critically failing state.””Prime Minister Modi made a strong resolve to bring BSNL back into full service for the country. Today, we are seeing the result of that commitment,” the minister said.

Nagpur, August 25, 2025 — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a corruption case against the then Deputy General Manager of Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ), Nagpur, along with a Nagpur-based private company, its proprietor, and other unidentified public servants and private individuals.

According to the complaint, the former Dy. GM allegedly set up a proprietorship firm while serving in office and manipulated tender conditions to award contracts to his own firm. The firm is reported to have submitted forged and false experience certificates to secure these tenders.

Investigators also revealed that the accused official was involved in multiple financial and banking transactions with the private firm using accounts held by him and his family members.

Following the registration of the case on August 25, 2025, the CBI carried out searches at four locations, including the office and residences linked to the accused. The operation led to the recovery of incriminating documents, digital records, and other material evidence.

The probe is ongoing, and authorities are scrutinizing the recovered evidence to trace the full extent of the alleged corruption and financial irregularities.

Bollywood’s much-loved couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on July 15 in Mumbai. The next day, the actors confirmed the happy news through a joint Instagram post, while also requesting privacy for their daughter.

The couple did not share any photos of their daughter and also requested paparazzi not to take her pictures or record videos. However, several a few days back, a set of pictures showing Sidharth and Kiara holding a baby surfaced on social media.

In one photo, Sidharth is seen cradling a child and looking at her affectionately, while another shows Kiara holding the little one with the couple smiling joyfully. The photos quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comment sections with congratulatory messages and blessings. Some even remarked that the baby resembled Kiara.

However, the images are fake. A section of social media users pointed out that the viral photos have been digitally altered and do not feature the actors with their newborn daughter. They also flagged the visuals as AI-generated, clarifying that the baby shown was not Sidharth and Kiara’s child.

Also, the new parents have not shared any pictures with the media or on their official social media accounts.

Sidharth and Kiara welcomed their first child — a baby girl — on July 15 in Mumbai, 2.5 years after their marriage. They had tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in February 2023 after dating for several years.

In February 2025, they took everyone by surprise as they dropped a picture of two tiny knitted socks and announced that they were set to welcome their first child.

A day after the birth of their daughter, Sidharth and Kiara took to their social media and shared an official statement which read, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl!”

They later also requested the paparazzi to not click their child until the family allows it.