Category: INDIA

  • EC vows free, fair polls in West Bengal: CEC Kumar

    EC vows free, fair polls in West Bengal: CEC Kumar

    New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday, April 20, asserted that the Election Commission will leave no stone unturned in holding free, fair and transparent polls in West Bengal where the first phase of voting is scheduled to be held on April 23.

    Interacting with officials involved in poll management, the CEC said the elections will be fear-free, violence-free and intimidation-free.

    Officials said the poll authority will ensure elections are also inducement-free and “booth jamming free”.

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    No employee of the state government, local bodies or autonomous bodies will be allowed to influence the electoral process, they said.

    The ruling TMC in the state has accused the EC of playing in the hands of the BJP, a charge vehemently rejected by the election watchdog.

    The EC and the TMC have also been at loggerheads over the special intensive revision of voters’ list with the party accusing the poll authority of deliberately disenfranchising voters to benefit the BJP. Both the EC and the BJP have rejected the charge while dubbing it as baseless.

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    The second phase of voting in West Bengal will be held on April 29 and votes will be counted on May 4.

  • ‘Thank You For The Confidence & Kindness You’ve Shown In Me’: Tim Cook Writes A Deeply Emotional Letter To The Apple Community

    ‘Thank You For The Confidence & Kindness You’ve Shown In Me’: Tim Cook Writes A Deeply Emotional Letter To The Apple Community

    Apple Is Sending 200 Siri Engineers To An AI Coding Bootcamp Ahead Of WWDC 2026: Here’s Why | File Pic

    Tim Cook has spent fifteen years reading emails. Every morning, almost without exception, he would open his inbox and read notes from Apple users around the world, strangers who wrote to him about the moment an Apple Watch saved a mother’s life, about a photograph taken at the top of a mountain, about the ways a Mac had quietly changed what was possible in their working lives. Some wrote to thank him. Some wrote to push back. Today, as he steps down as CEO, he has penned an emotional note to the Apple community, and it sure to well up your eyes.

    In a rare and deeply personal open letter addressed simply to ‘the Apple community,’ Cook stepped outside the corporate idiom entirely and spoke as something closer to a private individual. A person from a small town who, by some combination of talent and fortune and devotion, found himself leading the most valuable company in the world, and who wanted, before that chapter closed, to simply say thank you.

    Tim Cook pens down emotional letter to the Apple community

    The letter arrived alongside an internal memo to Apple employees announcing Cook’s transition from CEO to executive chairman, a role he will assume in September. But while the employee memo carried the measured cadence of a corporate succession announcement, the community letter was something altogether different. It was, in its texture and tone, a love letter, addressed to the millions of people whose lives Apple’s products have touched, and whose correspondence with Cook, he reveals, has shaped the course of his leadership far more than most observers would have guessed.

    “In every one of those emails I feel the beating heart of our shared humanity,” Cook wrote. “I feel a sense of deepening obligation to work harder and push further.” The letter, brief by the standards of a farewell, is dense with gratitude.

    “Thank you for the confidence and kindness you’ve shown me,” he writes. “Thank you for saying hi to me on the street and in our stores. Thank you for cheering alongside me when we unveiled a new product or service.”

    Tim Cook will remain CEO through the summer. In September, he becomes executive chairman.

    Read Tim Cook’s full farewell letter to the Apple Community

    The following is the complete, unedited letter published by Tim Cook to the Apple community:

    To the Apple community:

    For the past 15 years I’ve started just about every morning the same way. I open my email and I read notes I received the day before from Apple’s users all over the world.

    You share little pieces of your lives with me and tell me things you want me to know about how Apple has touched you. About the moment your mom was saved by her Apple Watch. About the perfect selfie you captured at the summit of a mountain that seemed impossible to climb. You thank me for the ways Mac has changed what you can do at work and sometimes give me a hard time because something you care about isn’t working like it should.

    In every one of those emails I feel the beating heart of our shared humanity. I feel a sense of deepening obligation to work harder and push further. But most of all, I feel a gratitude that I cannot put into words, that I somehow got to be the person on the other end of those emails, the leader of a company that ignites imaginations and enriches lives in such profound ways it defies description. What an honor and a privilege it has been.

    Today we announced that I’m taking the next step in my journey at Apple. Over the coming months I will be transitioning into a new role, leaving the CEO job behind in September and becoming Apple’s executive chairman. A new person will be stepping into what I know in my heart is the best job in the world. That leader is John Ternus, a brilliant engineer and thinker who has spent the past 25 years building the Apple products our users love so much, obsessed with every detail, focused on every possible way we can make something better, bolder, more beautiful, and more meaningful. He is the perfect person for the job.

    John cares so much about who we are at Apple, what we do at Apple, who we reach at Apple, and he has the heart and character to lead with extraordinary integrity. I am so proud to call him Apple’s next CEO. This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership, and you will feel his impact in every bit of delight and discovery that grows out of the products and services to come. I can’t wait for you to get to know him like I do.

    This is not goodbye. But at this moment of transition, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Not on behalf of the company, this time, though there is a wellspring of gratitude for you that overflows inside our walls. But simply on behalf of me, Tim. A person who grew up in a rural place in a different time and, for these magical moments, got to be the CEO of the greatest company in the world. Thank you for the confidence and kindness you’ve shown me. Thank you for saying hi to me on the street and in our stores. Thank you for cheering alongside me when we unveiled a new product or service. Thank you, most of all, for believing in me to lead the company that has always put you at the center of our work. Every day we get up and think about what we can do to make your life a little bit better. And every day, you’ve made mine the best I could have asked for.

    Thank you.

    Tim Cook


  • US National Debt On Unsustainable Path Toward $60 Trillion In A Decade, Warns Senate Hearing

    US National Debt On Unsustainable Path Toward $60 Trillion In A Decade, Warns Senate Hearing

    The US faces an alarming fiscal crisis with public debt at 99-101 percent of GDP, projected to hit 120 percent by 2036 and 175 percent by 2056 per CBO. |

    Washington: The US is heading towards an unsustainable debt trajectory that could trigger global financial shocks, economists have warned lawmakers during a Senate hearing, raising concerns that rising American deficits may push up global interest rates and ripple through emerging economies, including India.

    Opening the hearing of the Senate Finance subcommittee on fiscal responsibility and economic growth on Wednesday, Senator Ron Johnson said the country’s debt trajectory had reached alarming levels. “Soon it will hit and surpass 39 trillion,” he said, adding that within a decade the national debt would “almost certainly exceed $ 60 trillion”. Johnson said Washington had failed to seriously confront the growing fiscal imbalance. “We still haven’t taken the first step in solving a problem, which is to admit we have one,” he told the panel. He argued that federal spending surged during the Covid-19 pandemic and never returned to earlier levels.

    “There is absolutely no justification for that whatsoever,” he said, referring to the sharp increase in government spending in recent years. Ranking member Senator Tina Smith agreed that the country faces a dangerous fiscal outlook but said both spending and falling revenues had contributed to the problem. “Deficits aren’t caused just by spending that’s too high. They are just as contingent on the revenue side of the ledger,” she said, calling the latest budget outlook “a grim picture”.

    Phillip Swagel, director of the Congressional Budget Office, told lawmakers that the current trajectory of federal finances is historically unusual and unsustainable. According to CBO projections, federal debt held by the public will rise from 99 per cent of GDP in 2025 to 120 per cent by 2036 and eventually to 175 per cent by 2056. “Our projections continue to indicate that the trajectory for budget deficits is not sustainable,” Swagel said. He added that stronger economic growth could reduce deficits but would not resolve the problem on its own.

    “Policy action is needed to reduce the budget deficit,” he said. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, warned that the growing debt burden now poses risks beyond economics. “Our national debt is the issue that everybody knows is a problem, but very few people are willing to do anything about,” she told senators. She said the fiscal trajectory could weaken Washington’s ability to respond to crises and global challenges. “Our ability to respond to emergencies and major crises and our role in the world” could be affected if the trend continues, she said.

    Martha Gimbel, executive director of the Budget Lab at Yale, said the consequences of rising debt are already affecting ordinary Americans through higher borrowing costs. According to research cited in her testimony, rising government deficits have pushed up long-term Treasury yields. For a typical 30-year mortgage, she said the increase in borrowing costs amounts to about “$ 2,500 per year” or roughly “$ 76,000 over the life of the loan”. Economists at the hearing also warned that a full-blown fiscal crisis in the US could send shockwaves through global financial markets. Swagel said such a crisis could lead to “sharply higher interest rates, a weaker dollar, lower investment, lower consumer spending, fewer jobs”.

    Because US Treasury securities underpin the global financial system, higher American borrowing costs often translate into tighter financial conditions worldwide. Analysts say rising US yields can influence capital flows, currencies, and borrowing costs in emerging markets. For countries such as India, shifts in US interest rates and Treasury yields are closely watched by policymakers and investors because they can affect global capital flows, exchange rates, and financing conditions across developing economies. 

    Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has been changed except the headline.


  • IAF officer found hanging at Raipur residence, probe underway

    IAF officer found hanging at Raipur residence, probe underway

    Raipur: An Indian Air Force (IAF) officer has allegedly committed suicide at his residence in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, police said.

    Wing Commander Vipul Yadav, 39, was posted in tasks related to anti-Naxal operations.

    His domestic help found him hanging with a rope from the ceiling fan inside his room at his residence in Vidhayak Colony under the Telibandha police station area on Wednesday, March 11, morning, a police official said.

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    Wing Commander Yadav’s son and daughter were sleeping in another room, he said.

    The officer’s wife, who previously served in the IAF, now works in the IT sector in Bengaluru. The couple had a love marriage in 2014, the official said.

    According to preliminary information, the couple reportedly had frequent disputes, and personal issues may have prompted him to end his life, the official said.

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    No suicide note was found at the spot, and further investigation was underway to ascertain the trigger behind the extreme step, he added.

  • Happy Birthday Shreya Ghoshal: Amazing Facts To Know About 'Queen Of Melody'

    Happy Birthday Shreya Ghoshal: Amazing Facts To Know About 'Queen Of Melody'

    Shreya Ghoshal, born on March 12, 1984, belongs to a traditional Bengali family. She is a celebrated playback singer with a gifted voice and diverse musical aura.
    Shreya Ghoshal rose to fame after winning the singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma in 2000, which changed her life and opened doors to Bollywood.
    She made her playback debut in Devdas, singing several songs composed by Ismail Darbar. Her songs earned her a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer at a very young age.
    She was the first Indian singer to have a wax statue installed at Madame Tussauds Museum in Delhi.
    Shreya Ghosal was studying science, but she dropped out to pursue her passion for singing after moving to Mumbai.
    Shreya regularly performs sold-out concerts across the world and is widely regarded as one of the finest voices of her generation.
    The US state of Ohio declared June 26 as “Shreya Ghoshal Day” in recognition of her musical achievements.
  • Finkurve Financial Services Crosses ₹1,035 Crore AUM Milestone As Portfolio Surges Nearly Tenfold Since FY23

    Finkurve Financial Services Crosses ₹1,035 Crore AUM Milestone As Portfolio Surges Nearly Tenfold Since FY23

    Finkurve Financial Services Limited announced on March 11, 2026, that its assets under management have crossed Rs 1,035 crore, marking nearly a tenfold increase compared with FY23. |

    Mumbai: Finkurve Financial Services Limited, which operates under the brand Arvog, has crossed a major growth milestone as its lending portfolio expands rapidly within India’s secured retail credit market.

    AUM Milestone Achieved

    Finkurve Financial Services reported that its assets under management have surpassed Rs 1,035 crore. The company said the portfolio has expanded nearly ten times compared with FY23, reflecting strong momentum in its lending operations. The NBFC attributed the growth to consistent portfolio expansion, disciplined underwriting practices, and rising customer trust across its branch-led phygital network.

    Expanding Branch Network

    The company currently operates more than 100 branches across four states and serves a growing customer base of over 50,000 borrowers. This network has helped the lender strengthen its presence in the secured retail lending segment. Through its branch-led approach combined with digital processes, the company aims to improve loan accessibility while maintaining operational efficiency.

    Focus On Secured Lending

    Finkurve’s growth strategy is centered on gold loans, which form the majority of its assets under management. The company follows prudent loan-to-value norms and focuses heavily on collateral-backed lending to manage risk. It has also introduced technology-driven processes designed to streamline loan servicing, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience across its lending operations.

    Long-Term Expansion Strategy

    According to Director Priyank Kothari, crossing the Rs 1,035 crore AUM mark represents an important milestone in building a scalable gold loan platform. The company aims to balance growth with asset quality while maintaining disciplined capital management as it expands further.

    Finkurve plans to continue focusing on sustainable expansion, governance standards, and long-term value creation as it scales its presence in India’s growing gold loan market. With rising assets under management, an expanding branch network, and a focus on collateral-backed lending, Finkurve Financial Services is positioning itself for continued growth in the secured lending segment.

    Disclaimer: This news article has been generated solely from the information contained in the provided PDF document and does not rely on any external sources. It is intended only as an editorial transformation of the original disclosure for informational purposes.


  • US President Donald Trump Endorses Jake Paul For Future Political Run During Kentucky Rally Amid Global Tensions; Video

    US President Donald Trump Endorses Jake Paul For Future Political Run During Kentucky Rally Amid Global Tensions; Video

    Amid ongoing global tensions and conflict, US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed internet personality and boxer Jake Paul during a campaign rally in Kentucky. Speaking to supporters, Trump invited Paul on stage and praised his determination and popularity, telling the crowd that Paul could have a future in politics. Trump said that if Paul ever decided to run for office, he would give him his “complete and total endorsement,” drawing cheers from those attending the rally.

    Trump’s remarks came at a time when international attention is heavily focused on ongoing war and geopolitical instability, making the endorsement a notable moment during a politically charged period. While the rally mainly focused on domestic political issues, Trump highlighted Paul’s rise from social media fame to professional boxing, calling him a “tough fighter” who has built a strong public following. The endorsement also reflects the growing intersection between celebrity culture and politics in the United States.

    Paul briefly addressed the crowd as well, thanking Trump and encouraging people to stand up for their beliefs and participate in political discussions. Although he has not announced any formal plans to run for office, Trump’s public support sparked speculation about whether the influencer-turned-boxer could eventually pursue a political career. For now, the moment stands as another example of how high-profile public figures continue to influence political conversations in the U.S. during a period of global uncertainty.


  • Fire destroys parts of Matiala Slum cluster, no casualties

    Fire destroys parts of Matiala Slum cluster, no casualties

    New Delhi: A fire broke out in a cluster of jhuggis and waste material warehouses near the fish market in Matiala village in Delhi, a Delhi Fire Service officer said on Thursday, March 12.

    There were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries in the incident, he said. A call regarding the blaze in the jhuggi cluster was received around 11.54 pm on Wednesday, March 11, following which fire tenders were rushed to the spot to contain the flames, the officer said.

    As many as 23 fire tenders were deployed to douse the fire, which had spread across an area of about four acres, he said.

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    After hours of firefighting efforts, the fire was brought under control at 3.45 am, the officer said, adding that cooling operations were still underway to prevent any flare-ups.

    The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said.

  • IT Sleuths Conduct Searches At Mining Businessman Dilip Gupta’s Premises

    IT Sleuths Conduct Searches At Mining Businessman Dilip Gupta’s Premises

    Bhopal News: IT Sleuths Conduct Searches At Mining Businessman Dilip Gupta’s Premises | FP Photo

    Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Income Tax department conducted search operations against mining businessman Dilip Gupta on Wednesday. Sleuths of the Delhi-Kanpur wing of the department carried out the searches to probe alleged tax evasion.

    Local officials said a team from outside the state conducted searches at Gupta’s residence and office. Documents related to financial transactions are being examined to detect possible tax evasion.

    The search operation began in the morning hours. Police personnel were deployed outside Gupta’s house and offices during the exercise.

    Officials said the searches may continue for one or more days. However, officers of the Madhya Pradesh Income Tax Department remained tight-lipped about the operation.

    Earlier EOW action

    In November 2025, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had raided Gupta’s residence and office in connection with an alleged cheating case involving investors.

    Gupta was accused of cheating Vineet Jain and his mother through companies DG Mines & Minerals Private Limited and Shri Maa Cementic Private Limited.

    He allegedly lured investors by promising high returns on investments in the companies. Later, the investors alleged that the promised returns were not paid and the money was not returned. Following a complaint by Jain, the EOW registered a case and conducted raids on Gupta’s properties.


  • Controversy Erupts As Advocate Filed Complaint Against Hardik Pandya For Allegedly Disrespecting Indian Flag During T20 World Cup Celebrations

    Controversy Erupts As Advocate Filed Complaint Against Hardik Pandya For Allegedly Disrespecting Indian Flag During T20 World Cup Celebrations

    A controversy has erupted involving Hardik Pandya after a complaint was filed against the Indian all-rounder for allegedly insulting the national flag during celebrations following India’s victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.

    According to reports, advocate Wajid Khan submitted a complaint at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Pune seeking the registration of an FIR against Pandya. The complaint alleges that the cricketer disrespected the Indian tricolour during the on-field celebrations after India defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final. India national cricket team had produced a dominant performance in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, winning by 96 runs to retain the T20 World Cup title.

    The complaint claims that Pandya wrapped the Indian flag around his body and allegedly behaved in an inappropriate manner while celebrating the historic triumph on the field. The advocate argued that such actions could be considered disrespectful to the national flag and requested authorities to take legal action under relevant laws that protect the dignity of the tricolour.

    The incident reportedly occurred during the jubilant post-match celebrations when players and their families gathered on the ground after India’s emphatic victory. Videos and images from the celebrations quickly circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from fans and sparking debate over whether the act constituted disrespect toward the national flag.