Author: Sharad Natani
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…
In a remarkable achievement that reflects discipline, courage, and unwavering dedication to the nation, Udaipur-born Prateek Singh Rao has scripted history by becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army at the young age of just 34. His promotion from the rank of Major marks a proud moment not only for his family but also for Udaipur district and the entire state of Rajasthan. Lieutenant Colonel Prateek Singh Rao, a resident of Aravali House, Pula, has earned this distinction through years of relentless hard work, a disciplined lifestyle, and deep-rooted patriotism. He began his journey in the Indian Army in…
दुनिया तेजी से एक ऐसे स्वास्थ्य संकट की ओर बढ़ रही है, जिसे अगर अभी नहीं रोका गया, तो इसके परिणाम आने वाली पीढ़ियों के लिए बेहद खतरनाक हो सकते हैं। इंटरनेशनल डायबिटीज फेडरेशन (IDF) की ताज़ा Diabetes Atlas (11वां संस्करण) रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, 2050 तक दुनियाभर में डायबिटीज से पीड़ित लोगों की संख्या लगभग 90 करोड़ तक पहुंच सकती है। यह आंकड़ा मौजूदा समय की तुलना में बेहद चिंताजनक है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, 2024 में लगभग 50 करोड़ लोग डायबिटीज के साथ जीवन जी रहे हैं, जो वैश्विक वयस्क आबादी का करीब 11.1 प्रतिशत है। अगर मौजूदा जीवनशैली और…