Yearly Archives: 2025

coaching, cricket, india, sports

Varun Chakravarthy hails Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir

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By Parth Dhall | Oct 07, 2025 | 09:31 PM

**Varun Chakravarthy Praises Coach Gambhir for Instilling ‘Spartan Mentality’ in Team**

India’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, has lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir for fostering a “Spartan mentality” within the team. Under Gambhir’s guidance, Chakravarthy says there is “no option of losing,” and players are expected to give their absolute best on the field.

Chakravarthy, who has been in sublime form recently, credited both Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) for his international comeback after nearly a three-year hiatus from the Indian team.

### Support System: Gambhir and SKY Backed Me During My Absence

Reflecting on his return to the national side, Chakravarthy acknowledged the backing he received from Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav as a key wicket-taker. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday, he shared how their support was instrumental during his absence from international cricket.

“I was out of the team for more than three years, but I did have a consecutive good IPL. For them to recognize that and bring me into the team was great for me,” Chakravarthy said.

### Career Trajectory: From Debut to Comeback

Varun Chakravarthy first represented India in July 2021. However, following a subpar performance at the ICC T20 World Cup that year, he was dropped from the T20I side. After nearly three years away from international cricket, Chakravarthy was recalled in October 2025.

Since his return, the mystery spinner has become a regular member of India’s T20I squad and has also made his One Day International (ODI) debut. Earlier this year, he played a key role in helping India win the Champions Trophy.

### Areas for Improvement: Gambhir Wants Me to Boost ODI Chances

Despite missing out on India’s ODI squad for the recent Australia tour, Chakravarthy revealed that Gambhir has advised him to work on certain aspects to improve his chances in ODI cricket.

“Basically, the conversations were around bowling longer spells,” Chakravarthy explained. He also mentioned that Gambhir encouraged him to bat higher up the order in domestic cricket and to develop his batting skills further.

### Career Highlights: Stunning Numbers Since Comeback

Since making his T20I comeback, Chakravarthy has taken 38 wickets in 18 matches at an impressive average of 12.94, maintaining an economy rate of 7.23. He has claimed two five-wicket hauls in T20Is after returning to the team against England and South Africa.

By achieving these feats, Chakravarthy became just the third Indian bowler to record multiple five-wicket hauls in T20I cricket, joining the ranks of Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Overall, he boasts 40 wickets from 24 T20Is at an average of 15.60.

### Team Chemistry: Praising Kuldeep Yadav’s Impressive Run

Chakravarthy also praised fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup. “Kuldeep is definitely one of the most experienced bowlers right now in the pool of players that we have, and he has done amazingly well,” he said.

The two spinners complement each other effectively with their different bowling styles and varying speeds, adding depth and variety to India’s bowling attack.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/varun-chakravarthy-heaps-praise-on-gautam-gambhir/story

business, economy, legal, real estate

Villar Land valuer told to explain trillion-peso tag

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MANILA, Philippines – The appraiser of the assets of Villar Land Holdings Corp. has been ordered to explain its trillion-peso valuation of the listed firm’s properties as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deepens its investigation.

The Office of the General Accountant at the SEC issued a show cause order against E-Value Phils Inc. regarding the valuation figures.

https://business.inquirer.net/551323/villar-land-valuer-told-to-explain-trillion-peso-tag

business, local news, protest, transportation

Indore News: Truck Transporters’ Strike Halts Goods Movement; 1,000 Vehicles Off Road On Day 2

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Indore Truck Transporters Launch Indefinite Strike Over Police-Imposed Restrictions

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Truck transporters in Indore have initiated an indefinite voluntary strike, bringing the movement of goods in and out of the city to a near standstill. Now in its second day as of Tuesday, the strike is a protest against the police-imposed no-entry restrictions on trucks from 6 am to 11 pm.

By Tuesday afternoon, the impact of the strike was evident across the city. Over a thousand trucks remained parked, with transport operators suspending all bookings and deliveries. The protesting transporters also organized a rally, pledging to continue the shutdown until the restrictions are withdrawn.

“We will keep our business completely closed until the no-entry order is lifted,” said Rakesh Tiwari, president of the Indore Truck Operator and Transport Association. The strike has garnered unanimous support from all major transport organizations in the city, including the Association of Parcel Transport and Filet Owners and the Dewas Naka Welfare Association.

No Written Assurances, No Movement

Tiwari explained that the transport associations strongly oppose the police administration’s new restrictions on key routes, which were imposed following a recent truck accident on Aerodrome Road. “Until we receive written assurances from the district and police administration, our strike will continue,” he warned.

“We are not against safety, but business continuity must also be ensured. The authorities must work with us to find a balanced solution,” he added.

Business Paralysis Across the City

With trucks grounded, several industrial and commercial areas — including Transport Nagar, Dewas Naka, Tej Palda, and Choithram Mandi — have reported significant delays in loading, unloading, and delivery operations. Many warehouses have remained idle due to the halted transport movement.

Story by Staff Reporter

https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-news-truck-transporters-strike-halts-goods-movement-1000-vehicles-off-road-on-day-2

children, education, government, health, sports

Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate Advocates NCC Training In Schools To Foster Discipline, Leadership And Fitness

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**Maharashtra Sports Minister Advocates for NCC Training at School Level to Promote Discipline and Leadership**

*Mumbai:* Maharashtra Sports Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate has directed that National Cadet Corps (NCC) training should be implemented at the school level to instill discipline, physical fitness, and leadership qualities among students.

### Promoting Patriotism, Sports, and Discipline

Speaking at a meeting on NCC, Scouts, and Guides held at the state ministry today, Minister Kokate emphasized that early exposure to such training would strengthen patriotism, discipline, and interest in sports among students.

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse suggested submitting a proposal to the central government to initiate NCC training at the school level.

### Officers and Stakeholders Present

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Sheetal Teli, Director of Teachers Rahul Rekhawar, NCC Captain J. George, Assistant Director Milind Dixit, Deputy Director of Education Dr. Vandana Vahul, and Under Secretary of the School Education Department Aniruddha Kulkarni.

### Teacher Training and Sports Development

Minister Kokate stated that with the support of ex-servicemen, NCC students, and sports teachers, school teachers should be trained in sports and physical fitness activities.

He emphasized that compulsory sports training at an early age would foster physical fitness, self-discipline, and critical thinking.

Additionally, the Minister suggested developing strategies to encourage participation in international competitions like the Olympics and increasing the number of sports teachers.

Special incentives could be offered to outstanding athletes when recruiting them as teachers.

### Benefits of NCC and Scouts Programs

NCC training, he noted, is an effective tool to develop leadership skills, character, a spirit of service, and sportsmanship. It also prepares a disciplined youth force that can assist during national emergencies.

Through Scouts and Guides programs, students from rural, urban, and tribal areas are taught tolerance and ethical values.

### Current NCC Enrollment

According to information shared during the meeting, in the 2023-24 academic year, a total of 100,884 students were enrolled in NCC programs across schools and colleges in Maharashtra. This includes 61,328 students in the junior division and 39,502 in the senior division.

—

*For details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit:* [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-sports-minister-manikrao-kokate-advocates-ncc-training-in-schools-to-foster-discipline-leadership-and-fitness

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 were killed when a private bus they were travelling in was hit by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, officials said. The tragic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area of the Jhandutta Assembly segment, amid intermittent rainfall that the region has been experiencing since Monday.

The bus, carrying around 35 passengers and travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin, was struck when a mountain suddenly gave way and crashed down onto the vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the chances of survival for the passengers were bleak. Rescue operations are currently underway, with state officials and machinery deployed to clear debris and search for missing passengers. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the mangled remains of the bus.

The Bilaspur district is notable as the home district of BJP national President J.P. Nadda.

In response to the accident, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to the victims and their families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The President wrote on X, “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 conveyed his sympathies to the affected families. Announcing ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), he stated that Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000. The PMO posted on X, “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 also expressed his condolences and informed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had reached the site and were engaged in rescue operations. On X, he said, “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.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

(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

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

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**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.

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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