Author: Sharad Natani

India’s food delivery platform sector has emerged as a major engine of job creation and economic growth, employing nearly 1.37 million workers in 2023–24 and growing at a strong 12.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past two years, according to a new study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). The report, titled Impact of Food Delivery Platform Sector on India’s Economy, highlights how digital food delivery platforms have rapidly expanded their footprint, outpacing overall employment growth in the country. Employment in the sector rose from 1.08 million workers in 2021–22 to 1.37 million in 2023–24,…

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on suspected online gambling and financial irregularities in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, carrying out coordinated raids at multiple locations linked to social media influencer and online gaming entrepreneur Anurag Dwivedi. The searches, conducted by a 16-member ED team with CRPF support, continued for several hours on Wednesday. According to official sources, the investigation is focused on crores of rupees allegedly earned through online gaming platforms such as Dream11, aggressive social media promotions, and possible links to illegal betting and money laundering networks. Bank records, property documents, and digital devices were seized during…

Flying within or outside India just got more transparent. The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s India Passenger Charter clearly lays down what every air traveller is entitled to—right from flight delays and cancellations to baggage loss, overbooking, refunds, and special assistance. The charter is designed to empower passengers, reduce confusion at airports, and ensure airlines remain accountable. Here’s a simplified look at what your rights really mean when you book a flight. Flight Delays, Cancellations & Overbooking Passengers facing delays of 2 to 4 hours are entitled to free meals, while longer delays may qualify them for alternate flights, refunds, or…

In a major policy shift driven by economic urgency, the Indian government has relaxed business visa rules for foreign technical experts, particularly Chinese engineers and technicians, after strict curbs over the past four years reportedly caused losses of nearly ₹1 lakh crore to Indian industry. The move is expected to provide a significant boost to key sectors such as electronics manufacturing, solar energy, and industrial equipment, where projects were delayed due to the absence of specialised foreign expertise. According to a Reuters report, the government has simplified and fast-tracked the business visa process to address bottlenecks created after 2020, when…

What started as small cyber fraud rackets in the border villages of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district has now unravelled into a sophisticated international cybercrime empire, operating from luxury mansions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). A major police crackdown has exposed how fraudsters transformed illicit digital scams into a lavish lifestyle marked by premium SUVs, farmhouses, and overseas networks. In a coordinated multi-day operation, Mathura Police arrested 37 accused, dismantling a syndicate that once operated quietly from villages like Devsaras, an area locally known as ‘Mini Jamtara’ for its history of cyber fraud. Investigators say mounting police pressure…

In one of Uttar Pradesh’s most daring and intelligently executed cybercrime crackdowns, the Agra Police have dismantled a Dubai-controlled international cyber fraud network, arresting 32 accused after a two-month-long undercover operation that saw police officers posing as cyber criminals, account buyers, and document brokers. Officials said the syndicate was operating with military-like precision, using fake companies, encrypted communication platforms, and a compartmentalised structure to evade law enforcement. The alleged kingpin, Nitin Bhagaur, is believed to be operating from Dubai, and preparations are underway to seek a Red Corner Notice against him. From Sweet Shop Owner to Cyber Kingpin Investigators revealed…