Monthly Archives: October 2025

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

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**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments space, has unveiled its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. This innovative device marks a significant step toward integrating card payments with UPI-based solutions, specifically targeting small merchants.

Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD combines the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit, aiming to simplify digital payments for small businesses.

**Catering to Merchant Needs**

Small businesses in India primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the high costs and complexity of card acceptance solutions. The SmartPOD addresses this gap by offering an affordable way for smaller merchants to accept all forms of digital payments.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, explained, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Enhanced Device Specifications**

Building upon the popular SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup — one screen for the customer and another for the merchant — ensuring transparent transaction processes.

The device supports card payments across major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express, with NFC tap and EMV chip capabilities, making it versatile and user-friendly.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader mission to provide affordable digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also reassures that its existing hardware solutions will remain available, enabling businesses to choose options that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 61 crore registered users and a merchant network encompassing 4.4 crore outlets across India, underscoring its significant footprint in the digital payments ecosystem.

With the launch of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower merchants, especially small businesses, to embrace comprehensive digital payment methods seamlessly and affordably.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

disaster, government, india, politics

PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Families Of Himachal Bus Accident Victims – VIDEO

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New Delhi: At least 18 passengers lost their lives when a private bus they were traveling in was struck by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area within the Jhandutta Assembly segment, amid intermittent rainfall since Monday.

The bus, carrying around 35 passengers, was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the landslide hit. Eyewitnesses reported that a mountain came crashing down onto the bus, leaving little chance of survival for those inside. Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far from the mangled remains of the vehicle. State officials and heavy machinery have been deployed to clear the debris and continue searching for any missing passengers.

Bilaspur is notably the home district of BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

In response to the tragedy, several top leaders expressed their condolences and offered support to the victims and their families.

President Droupadi Murmu took to X to express her sorrow, stating, “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences on X, announcing an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his grief and informed that rescue operations are underway. On X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the incident site and are engaged in rescue operations. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. At the same time, I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu also conveyed his condolences and grief over the incident, extending support to the bereaved families.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, authorities urge caution in the region due to ongoing heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-announces-2-lakh-ex-gratia-for-families-of-himachal-bus-accident-victims-video

commerce, crime, law enforcement, security, technology

Mumbai Police Crime Branch Unit-8 Bust Interstate E-Commerce Barcode Fraud Racket, Seize ₹45 Lakh Goods; 3 Accused Arrested

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**Mumbai Police Bust Interstate Fraud Racket Involving Barcode Swapping on E-Commerce Deliveries**

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch Unit-8 has successfully busted an interstate fraud racket that was duping e-commerce companies by cleverly swapping barcodes on delivery boxes.

**Accused Details**
The accused have been identified as:
– Pankajkumar Hariram Jindal (32), a farmer from Kasba Survachain, Sirsa, Haryana
– Vijaykumar Mahendrasing Saharan (32), a driver from Rampura, Post Thana, Taluka Hansi, District Hisar, Haryana
– Shamsher Singh Raghuveer Alan (32), a farmer from Rampura, Post Thana, Taluka Hansi, Hisar, Haryana
– Sumantkumar Dauram Sahu (29), a driver and delivery worker from Ranbod, Ward No. 8, Taluka Nawagarh, Bemetara, Chhattisgarh

**Modus Operandi of the Gang**
According to police sources, the gang operated in collusion with delivery personnel to manipulate the delivery process. They would place multiple online orders for both expensive and inexpensive items. The criminals removed the barcode sticker from the costly product and pasted it onto the cheaper item.

Later, when the delivery arrived, they would refuse to accept the expensive item, claiming it was an “incorrect order.” As a result, the e-commerce platform would issue a refund for the costly product. Meanwhile, the fraudsters retained the expensive item, effectively pocketing the refund amount.

This tactic caused huge financial losses to various e-commerce companies.

**Trap and Arrests**
Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch team laid a trap in Borivali on October 6 and caught three accused red-handed swapping barcodes inside a delivery tempo.

Investigation revealed that two of the accused are residents of Haryana, while the third is from Chhattisgarh.

**Seizure and Custody**
Police seized goods worth ₹45 lakh from the accused, including electronic items valued at ₹34 lakh. Additionally, a Tata tempo worth ₹7 lakh and a Hyundai car valued at ₹4 lakh were confiscated.

All three accused were produced in court and subsequently remanded to police custody until October 13. The Mumbai Police are continuing their investigation to identify other gang members and insiders within the delivery chain who may be involved in this scam.

—

*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-police-crime-branch-unit-8-bust-interstate-e-commerce-barcode-fraud-racket-seize-45-lakh-goods-3-accused-arrested

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

Leave a comment

**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025, 8:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading name in the digital payments space, has launched its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called the SmartPOD. Unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the SmartPOD marks a significant advancement by integrating card payments alongside UPI-based solutions specifically designed for small merchants.

**Designed for Small Businesses**

The SmartPOD is designed and manufactured in India, combining the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit. This device caters to the growing demand among small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance options.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, commented, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Advanced Features and Specifications**

Building on the foundation of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains popular features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup—one screen for customers and another for merchants—to enable transparent and seamless transactions.

Importantly, the SmartPOD supports card payments from all major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It supports modern payment technologies like NFC tap and EMV chip, broadening the payment options available to merchants.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the launch of SmartPOD aligns with its broader vision to provide affordable and accessible digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also confirmed that all its existing hardware solutions will remain available, allowing businesses to choose devices that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 610 million registered users and an extensive merchant network comprising 44 million outlets across India, underscoring its dominant position in the digital payments ecosystem.

—

With the introduction of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower small merchants by offering versatile and cost-effective payment solutions, further driving digital payment adoption across the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

banking, business, economy, finance, interest rates

HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: How much could your EMIs drop?

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**HDFC Bank Cuts MCLR: How Much Could Your EMIs Drop?**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 04:30 PM*

HDFC Bank has announced a reduction in its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR), a move set to benefit borrowers with loans linked to this benchmark. The bank has cut the MCLR by up to 15 basis points (bps) for certain loan tenures. (For reference, one basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.)

**Revised MCLR Rates**

Following the revision, HDFC Bank’s MCLR rates now range between 8.45% and 8.65%, depending on the loan tenure. Here are the details of the rate cuts:

– **Overnight MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.55% to 8.45%
– **One-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.55% to 8.40%
– **Three-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.60% to 8.45%
– **Six-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%
– **One-Year MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%

**What is MCLR?**

MCLR stands for Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate. It is the minimum interest rate that a bank is required to charge on loans. This rate determines the baseline interest applicable to various loans and generally remains fixed for borrowers until updated as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) guidelines.

The RBI introduced MCLR in 2016 to improve the transmission of monetary policy changes into lending rates effectively, making the lending process more transparent and responsive to economic shifts.

**How Will This Affect Your EMIs?**

With the reduction in MCLR, borrowers with loans linked to these rates can expect a decrease in their Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). The exact drop in EMIs will depend on the remaining loan tenure and the outstanding principal amount. However, even a small cut in interest rates can lead to noticeable savings over time.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on how this rate revision impacts your loans and financial planning.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/hdfc-bank-slashes-mclr-by-up-to-15-bps/story

business, economy, finance, inflation, stock market

Benign September inflation perks up Philippine stocks

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MANILA, Philippines — Investors were quick to take advantage of lower priced stocks on Tuesday, with the local bourse lighting up green after the inflation rate turned out to be lower than expected.

By the closing bell, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) recovered by 1.39 percent or 83.51 points to end at 6,083.83. Likewise,

https://business.inquirer.net/551274/benign-september-inflation-perks-up-philippine-stocks

basketball, entertainment, japan, sports

B.League: Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks go off in separate wins

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**Dwight Ramos Leads Levanga Hokkaido to First Win in 2025-26 B.League Season**

MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Ramos played a pivotal role as Levanga Hokkaido secured their first victory in the 2025-26 B.League season over the weekend.

Ramos exploded for 29 points, guiding Hokkaido to an 81-77 win over Nagoya on Sunday at the IG Arena. His versatile scoring and composure throughout the game were key factors in the team’s success.

In a recent tweet from Levanga Hokkaido, Ramos was hailed as the hero of the game:
“本日のヒーローは我らが #ドワイト・ラモス 🇵🇭✨終始多彩な得点と冷静さでチームを牽引し、本日29得点🤯
10/5(日) 名古屋戦 GAME2 見逃し配信📡”
(Translation: Today’s hero is our very own Dwight Ramos 🇵🇭✨ Leading the team with diverse scoring and calmness, scoring 29 points today.)

Fans can catch a replay of the game against Nagoya from October 5 (Sunday) here: [Watch replay](https://t.co/zFziWBpgsE).

READ: [B.League: Ex-NBA big man joins Dwight Ramos at Levanga](#)

Levanga Hokkaido supporters will surely look forward to more electrifying performances from Dwight Ramos as the season progresses.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643272/b-league-dwight-ramos-ray-parks-go-off-in-separate-wins

california, death, funerals, obituary, teen

D4vd’s alleged victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez laid to rest

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**D4vd’s Alleged Victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez Laid to Rest**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 7, 2025, 3:49 PM*

The funeral service for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was held on Monday at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California. This service followed the discovery of her body in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, on September 8.

The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that Rivas-Hernandez’s remains were released to her family on September 23.

### Family Confirmation and Community Vigil

Rivas-Hernandez’s family first spoke publicly about her death on September 18. A GoFundMe page created to help cover funeral expenses described her as “a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”

On September 21, dozens gathered in Lake Elsinore for a candlelight vigil held in her memory, honoring the young teen and offering support to her grieving family and community.

### Ongoing Investigation

In mid-September, LAPD detectives executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home linked to D4vd as part of the ongoing investigation into Rivas-Hernandez’s death. The Tesla involved was towed from Hollywood Hills to a secured lot in Los Angeles.

“We know that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so it is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered,” LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams told PEOPLE.

### Legal Representation

In response to the investigation, D4vd has reportedly retained Blair Berk, a prominent criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients such as Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Mel Gibson.

However, Berk’s legal team has clarified that his involvement does not imply that D4vd is a suspect in Rivas-Hernandez’s case.

As of now, “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not determined a cause or manner of her death,” Captain Williams added.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding this tragic case.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/celeste-s-funeral-held-month-after-being-found-in-d4vd-s-car/story

business, economy, international, politics, technology

This is Modi government’s stance on cryptocurrency in India

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**Modi Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 04:24 PM*

**What’s the story?**
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently clarified the Indian government’s position on cryptocurrency. During his two-day visit to Doha aimed at boosting trade and investments between India and Qatar, Goyal stated that the government neither promotes nor discourages cryptocurrencies but focuses primarily on taxing them.

**Taxation Focus**
Goyal emphasized that the government intends to regulate cryptocurrencies through heavy taxation rather than imposing an outright ban. “As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Government, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily,” he said. This approach is designed to protect people from getting trapped in unbacked cryptocurrencies that lack a support system.

**Digital Currency: India’s Sovereign Digital Rupee**
In addition to regulating existing cryptocurrencies, India is planning to introduce a sovereign digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to Goyal, the new digital rupee will possess features similar to stablecoins and will incorporate blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency and compliance. “Our idea is that this will only make it easier to transact,” he added.

**Tax Regulations on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)**
India has established a clear tax framework for virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, although it does not recognize them as legal tender. The Union Budget for 2022-23 introduced a 30% tax on income generated from the transfer of VDAs. This tax rate applies regardless of any profit or loss incurred in other transactions within the taxpayer’s portfolio. Additionally, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was implemented on all crypto transactions exceeding ₹10,000 starting July 1, 2022.

—

This balanced stance reflects the Indian government’s cautious approach towards cryptocurrencies—regulating through taxation and planning its own sovereign digital currency, while avoiding an outright ban.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/we-are-not-encouraging-cryptocurrency-says-piyush-goyal/story

california, death, funerals, obituary, teen

D4vd’s alleged victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez laid to rest

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**D4vd’s Alleged Victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez Laid to Rest**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 7, 2025, 3:49 PM*

The funeral service for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was held on Monday at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California. This comes after her body was discovered on September 8 in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.

The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that Rivas-Hernandez’s remains were released to her family on September 23.

### Family Confirms Death and Community Vigil

Rivas-Hernandez’s family publicly confirmed her death on September 18. A GoFundMe page set up to cover her funeral expenses read, “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”

On September 21, dozens gathered in Lake Elsinore for a candlelight vigil in her memory.

### Ongoing Investigation

In mid-September, LAPD detectives executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home linked to D4vd in connection with Rivas-Hernandez’s death. The Tesla was towed from the Hollywood Hills location to a lot in Los Angeles.

“We know that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so it is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered,” LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams told PEOPLE.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of her death.

### Legal Representation for D4vd

In response to the investigation, D4vd has hired Blair Berk, a prominent criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients such as Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Mel Gibson.

However, Berk’s legal team clarified that his involvement does not imply D4vd is a suspect in the case.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas-Hernandez’s death is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/celeste-s-funeral-held-month-after-being-found-in-d4vd-s-car/story