Author: Sharad Natani
Until recently, Anurag Dwivedi was a symbol of digital-age success. A school dropout from a small village in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, he built a flashy online persona, amassed luxury cars, hosted a grand wedding on a Dubai cruise, and became a familiar name among India’s young influencer ecosystem. Today, the same name dominates headlines for a very different reason — an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged illegal betting, money laundering, and foreign investments. The ED has conducted raids at 10 locations across Unnao, Lucknow, and Delhi, freezing ₹3 crore in bank deposits, seizing four luxury cars, recovering ₹20…
The latest tranche of documents released in connection with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has sparked global attention—not just for the powerful names involved, but for an unexpected cultural reference. Files made public by the US Department of Justice mention India’s ancient Ayurvedic healing system and detox massage practices, highlighting their surprising presence in records linked to one of the most controversial figures of recent times. Released following an executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump, the documents were made public within a 30-day deadline. While the disclosures largely focus on Epstein’s extensive social and political network, references to…
India has indefinitely suspended visa services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, following a series of security-related incidents linked to unrest in the country. The suspension came into effect on December 21 and will remain in force until further notice, officials confirmed. The decision follows reports of stone-pelting and vandalism at premises associated with the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, amid a rapidly deteriorating law-and-order situation. Indian authorities have described the move as a precautionary step aimed at safeguarding diplomatic staff and visa applicants. Visa Services Closed Until Security Review In an official…
India’s credit card market is steadily consolidating around a few major players, with private and public sector banks competing aggressively to capture a larger share of consumer spending. Latest data based on outstanding credit cards as of October 31, 2025, sourced from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), reveals a clear hierarchy led by HDFC Bank, followed closely by SBI and ICICI Bank. HDFC Bank Maintains Top Spot HDFC Bank continues to dominate the Indian credit card landscape with a 22.3% market share, making it the largest issuer of credit cards in the country. The bank’s leadership can be attributed…
Retiring early or achieving financial freedom before the age of 40–45 may sound unrealistic to most Indians, but financial planners are increasingly calling it achievable, practical, and realistic—if done the right way. The secret, they say, lies not in sudden wealth or risky bets, but in discipline, clarity, and India-specific financial planning. Contrary to popular belief, early financial independence does not require striking it rich through crypto, startups, or inheritance. Instead, it is built slowly through consistent saving, smart investing, controlled lifestyle choices, and rising income. What Financial Freedom Really Means for Indians For most Indian households, financial freedom is…
In India’s vast administrative landscape, where impact is often measured quietly and over decades, Gokul Mahajan’s journey stands out as a story of consistency, courage, and commitment to public service. With three National Awards already to his name, Mahajan has now added another prestigious feather to his cap — the Raksha Mantri Honour, recognising his outstanding contribution to governance and national service. A Career Defined by Excellence Over the years, Gokul Mahajan has earned a reputation as an administrator who delivers results on the ground. Known for his people-centric approach and sharp administrative acumen, Mahajan’s work has consistently translated policy…