India’s social security landscape is transforming dramatically, with pension and insurance penetration reaching new heights in recent years. The latest Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, paints an optimistic picture of these advancements. PFRDA and IRDAI have been at the forefront, implementing reforms to deepen financial inclusion and shield vulnerable groups. Their initiatives have woven a safety net that now encompasses vast swathes of the population. A multi-layered pension system stands as a cornerstone. The NPS offers market-linked returns, complemented by the 2025-launched UPS, EPF, and APY for extensive coverage. NPS subscriber base hit 21.17 million…
Author: News Analysis India
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The political storm brewing over border security in West Bengal intensified after the Calcutta High Court mandated the Mamata government to transfer land to BSF. TMC firebrand Kunal Ghosh hit back, claiming the handover was completed long ago and accusing opponents of playing dirty politics. In a media interaction, Ghosh was categorical: ‘No comments on the high court order, but the land in question has already been handed over by the state. BSF is present everywhere in those zones, with jurisdiction extending 50 km from the border. There’s zero evidence to the contrary.’ He challenged the infiltration narrative head-on. ‘With…
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court delivered a procedural breather to the Yadav family in the ongoing Land for Jobs corruption case. Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap have been excused from mandatory court appearances from February 1 to 25. This period is crucial for formalizing charges in the CBI investigation. In contrast, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav marked their presence, firmly rejecting the accusations. With charges set, the court gears up for intensive daily trials beginning March 9, where prosecution will present its arsenal of evidence. Rabri Devi’s Bold Move…
Indian equities extended their winning streak, marking the third consecutive day of gains as the latest Economic Survey painted a bright picture for economic growth. At close, Sensex was up 221.69 points (0.27%) at 82,566.37, and Nifty rose 76.15 points (0.30%) to 25,418.90. The positive sentiment stemmed directly from the survey’s upbeat growth estimates, which overshadowed other concerns. Metal stocks stole the show with a 3.07% jump in Nifty Metal, closely followed by energy at 1.87% and commodities at 1.58%. Banking and infra sectors also contributed, with private banks up 1.03% and infrastructure gaining 0.85%. Defensive sectors lagged behind: defence…
Hockey India has rolled out its 33-member probable core group for the senior men’s national camp, a key step ahead of the FIH Men’s Pro League. The camp runs February 1-7 in Odisha’s Rourkela, priming the team for the high-stakes home series at Birsa Munda Stadium from February 10-15. Fresh from the Hero Hockey India League’s conclusion, this gathering reunites the squad brimming with momentum. HIL delivered fierce competition, exposing emerging players to world-class action and boosting their readiness for international battles. Coach Craig Fulton shared insights on squad rotation: ‘The HIL highlighted the need for change. Resting select seniors…
In a heartwarming return to his theatrical origins, Pankaj Tripathi’s ‘Lailaaj’ has been selected for the illustrious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s premier theater extravaganza hosted by the National School of Drama. This event draws top talents nationwide, offering a platform that elevates deserving plays to national acclaim. The actor, who rose to fame through memorable Bollywood roles, couldn’t contain his elation. ‘This feels like a dream realized,’ Tripathi expressed. ‘Theater shaped me, with NSD teaching me the true essence of performance. Presenting ‘Lailaaj’ here is like coming full circle.’ Co-produced with wife Mridula under their Rupkatha Rangmanch, the play…
Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, renowned for unflinching portrayals of India’s untold stories, opens up about the relentless hurdles in bringing ‘The Bengal Files’ to life. As the capstone to his provocative trilogy—after ‘The Tashkent Files’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’—this motion picture uncovers the brutal Hindu genocides amid the 1946 Direct Action Day, Noakhali carnage, and partition horrors. The ordeal began early. Hours before cameras rolled, production designer Rajat Poddar passed away unexpectedly, leaving grand sets half-built and a team in shock. Undeterred, they forged ahead in his tribute, finishing the shoot with unwavering commitment. In a candid conversation, Agnihotri described…
Border 2 has stormed Indian theaters since hitting screens on January 23, with Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan Shetty earning praise for his intense portrayal of a Navy officer. Four years after Tadap, Ahan faced the daunting task of returning to a high-stakes set packed with stars. His recent revelations paint a picture of resilience amid pressure. In a candid interview, Ahan described the initial butterflies: ‘Shooting with Sunny sir, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit after a long gap was intimidating.’ But the co-stars’ encouragement made all the difference, fostering an environment where he could thrive. The post-Tadap period tested him, yet…
In a major milestone for India’s digital infrastructure, 5G services are now available in 99.9 percent of districts nationwide, while telecom penetration has climbed to 86.76 percent, revealed the Economic Survey 2025-26. Over the past ten years, the telecom industry has transformed dramatically, bridging the gap between urban and rural connectivity. This surge from 75.23 percent density reflects concerted efforts to make high-speed internet accessible to all. Central to this progress is the government’s strategic pillars: inclusivity for balanced growth, development through performance upgrades and reforms, acceleration via swift innovations, and security to safeguard the ecosystem. The survey also spotlights…
A shocking case of violence against a Kashmiri trader has prompted high-level intervention from Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, calling for tough measures following the savage assault on an 18-year-old shawl vendor. Details emerging from the CM’s office reveal that the young man was relentlessly beaten with an iron rod until his bones shattered, in what appears to be a targeted hate attack. Abdullah’s conversation with Dhami emphasized the need for immediate FIR registration and comprehensive security for J&K natives. Dhami pledged full cooperation, committing to a rigorous probe and…