Author: Deshwale National Desk

Death claims worth ₹2060 crore settled; 99% processed within a day HDFC Life has reported a record individual death claim settlement ratio of 99.68% for the financial year 2024–25. The insurer settled 19,666 death claims, disbursing ₹2060 crore to beneficiaries. The company also ensured that 99% of non-investigative claims were paid within one working day of receiving all required documents — underlining its commitment to speed and customer convenience. Claims paid fast, hassle-free The company continues to promote customer-centric processes to simplify claim settlements. For instance, families can now submit death claim requests online, reducing the need to visit branches.…

In an age of unpredictable markets, many investors are returning to one of India’s most trusted tools for long-term wealth creation-the Public Provident Fund (PPF). Backed by the government, tax-free, and offering compound interest, PPF continues to be a strong choice for risk-averse savers planning for retirement or future financial goals. What is PPF? The Public Provident Fund is a government-backed savings scheme available at banks and post offices. It’s known for its safety, tax benefits, and guaranteed returns. The lock-in period is 15 years, but one can extend it in blocks of five years. The current annual interest rate…

Indian Railways has launched its all-in-one mobile app, SwarRail, aiming to revolutionise train travel for millions of users. Designed as a “super app,” SwarRail integrates various railway services in a single, user-friendly platform. What is SwarRail? SwarRail, developed by IRCTC and RailTel, merges ticket bookings, real-time train status, station info, e-catering, and hotel reservations into one application. It eliminates the need for multiple railway-related apps. The app is now live on Google Play Store, with an iOS version expected soon. Key features Why it matters Until now, passengers used different apps for ticketing, food, and train info. SwarRail combines these…

Arrest that uncovered A cross-border network The Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested Rampur-based dry fruit trader Shehzad Wahab for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. He was picked up from Moradabad on May 18, 2025, following months of surveillance. He used cross-border trade, dealing in dry fruits, spices, clothes and cosmetics as a cover for espionage. Regular flow of sensitive info and cash The ATS investigation revealed that Shehzad was directly in touch with ISI operatives. He shared confidential security information with Pakistani agents and routed money to ISI handlers active inside India. He wasn’t just spying, he was funding Pakistan’s covert…

मुम्बई के छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे और प्रतिष्ठित ताज होटल को रविवार देर रात बम से उड़ाने की धमकी मिली। मेल में भेजी गई इस धमकी में अफजल गुरू की फांसी का बदला लेने की बात कही गई थी। धमकी भरा ईमेल ताज होटल के कॉर्पोरेट कम्युनिकेशन डिपार्टमेंट और हवाई अड्डे के अधिकारियों को भेजा गया। मेल में लिखा था कि “हम अफजल गुरू की मौत का बदला लेंगे। ताज होटल और मुम्बई एयरपोर्ट को उड़ाया जाएगा।” जैसे ही मेल मिला, मुम्बई पुलिस और बम निरोधक दस्ते को अलर्ट किया गया। दोनों स्थानों पर तत्काल तलाशी अभियान शुरू…

A Haryana-based YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, has been arrested for spying for Pakistan. She was among six people held in a growing espionage case. The arrests followed a multi-agency probe linked to Pakistan’s ISI. Jyoti Malhotra is a travel vlogger with 3.77 lakh YouTube subscribers and 1.32 lakh Instagram followers. She had also uploaded videos about her trip to Pakistan in March 2025. Officials believe she shared sensitive information during and after this visit. Introduced by expelled diplomat Investigators revealed that a man named Danish, now declared persona non grata and expelled from India on 13 May 2025, introduced Jyoti to…

Maharashtra is experiencing unexpected rainfall even before the official monsoon season. Weather experts believe the monsoon may arrive early this year. Weather departments are on alert as heavy rains are predicted across Konkan, Pune, Satara, Nashik, Marathwada and Vidarbha. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Monsoon 2025 is likely to be above normal. The country may receive 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which is considered a positive sign overall. However, regional imbalances in timing and intensity remain a concern. So, what’s causing this early downpour? Experts say it’s a mix of warmer sea surface temperatures in the…

Two ISIS fugitives, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh, also known as Diaperwala, and Talha Khan, were arrested at Mumbai Airport. They were intercepted by immigration officials at Terminal 2 late Friday night. Both were returning from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been hiding. On the run for two years The duo had been absconding for over two years. Non-bailable warrants were issued against them by the NIA Special Court in Mumbai. A cash reward of ₹3 lakh each was announced for information leading to their arrest. NIA had been tracking their movements across borders. Based on a tip-off, the Bureau of Immigration…

Mumbai Metro 9 Phase 1: New Route, New Commute Mumbai’s crowded western suburbs are finally getting relief. Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 9 is set to transform travel from Mira-Bhayandar to the airport and beyond. Once operational, this corridor will link the outer suburbs directly with Andheri, Ghatkopar, and T2. The first phase of Metro 9, covering 11.3 km, runs from Dahisar East to Mira Bhayandar. It will seamlessly connect with the under-construction Metro Line 7, which links Dahisar East with Andheri East. This integration means faster airport access. Commuters from Mira-Bhayandar can soon reach Mumbai International Airport without…

The Bihar government has officially renamed the town of Gaya as Gaya Ji. The decision was approved during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This change aims to reflect the religious and cultural sentiments attached to the town.Gaya is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is widely known for Pind Daan, a Hindu ritual performed to honour ancestors. Why the name change? Locals and spiritual groups have referred to the town as Gaya Ji for generations. The suffix “Ji” is often used to show respect in Indian languages. The cabinet formalised this…