Category: News

  • SBI Reduces Fixed Deposit Rates: Latest Updates You Need to Know

    SBI Reduces Fixed Deposit Rates: Latest Updates You Need to Know

    The State Bank of India (SBI) recently announced a drop in interest rates for its special fixed deposit plans that last 444 days. This change comes just five days after the central bank cut interest rates to help the economy. Now, SBI is offering 7.05% on these 444-day deposits, down from the previous rate of 7.25%.                        

       These special deposits were introduced in July 2024 to attract customers for a limited time. For regular fixed deposits, SBI’s highest rate is 6.90%. Starting Tuesday, April 15, seniors can earn more: 7.55% for seniors and 7.65% for super seniors over 80 years old.

    Earlier, in April 2023, SBI had launched a different special deposit plan for 400 days at 7.10%. Banks, including SBI, started these special plans to attract more deposits as there was a slowdown in deposit growth.

    Additionally, SBI has lowered interest rates on loans linked to external benchmarks by 0.25%, starting April 15. However, they haven’t changed their main lending rates, which stay between 8.20% and 9.10%.

    The bank’s External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) will drop from 8.90% to 8.65%, and the repo-linked lending rate will decrease from 8.50% to 8.25%.

    Experts say this move shows that banks, especially state-owned ones, are still trying hard to attract customer deposits. Other banks are likely to follow SBI’s lead on reducing rates as well. For example, Indian Bank has already extended its special deposit scheme until the end of June.

    SBI has also made some small changes to rates on deposits below ₹3 crore, reducing them by 0.10%. Fixed deposits that mature in one to less than two years will now earn 6.70%, down from 6.80%. Deposits maturing in two to less than three years have gone down to 6.90%.

  • Robert Vadra Open to Politics if Congress Wants Him

    Robert Vadra Open to Politics if Congress Wants Him

    Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said he might enter politics if the Congress party wants him. He believes more people are needed to fight against division in parliament. Vadra mentioned, “With the support of my family and if Congress thinks I should be in politics, I will take that step. I understand what change is needed on the ground.”

    He also shared that he often gets pulled into political talks because he’s part of the Gandhi family. “Many parties have used my name during elections or when they want to distract from something else,” he explained

    However, Vadra noted that he has learned a lot about politics from Priyanka and her brother, Rahul Gandhi. “I always wanted Priyanka in Parliament, and now she is working very hard there. I’ve gained a lot from my family,” he added

    Vadra also spoke about diamond dealer Mehul Choksi, who was recently arrested in Belgium for cheating Punjab National Bank out of ₹13,850 crores. He called the arrest a positive step and hoped the stolen money would be recovered to help those affected by the fraud. Vadra stated, “It’s important for the government to recover the money for the victims and bring back other fraudsters like Nirav Modi.”

  • Jose Daniel Ferrer: Feeding the Hungry and Fighting for Change in Cuba

    Jose Daniel Ferrer: Feeding the Hungry and Fighting for Change in Cuba

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba – Jose Daniel Ferrer stood on his porch in Santiago de Cuba one morning, warmly greeting a small group of elderly and sick people who had come for help. Inside his home, Ferrer, his wife Nelva Ismarays Ortega, and their small team were serving hot meals of boiled potatoes, yucca, pumpkin, chicken, rice, and spaghetti, all cooked on an open fire.

    Ferrer, 54, is not just a kind-hearted neighbor; he is a leading voice against the Cuban government. He founded a group called the National Patriotic Union (Unpacu) in 2011 to push for democratic change in Cuba. He believes that the only way to solve the hunger problem in Cuba is through democracy. “Political activism is my reason for being,” Ferrer shared confidently.

    Since starting his kitchen at the beginning of the year, he has been serving over 1,000 meals a day. However, the government has made it hard for him. They threatened people who came to his kitchen, warning them of detention or losing government benefits. Ferrer claims that state security has made it difficult for him and his team to get food ingredients. The Cuban government has not commented on these claims.

    One volunteer, Josefina Reyes, said she started helping Ferrer a couple of months ago but was recently threatened by the authorities for doing so. She maintained, “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

    Ferrer regularly shares updates about the challenges they face through videos and social media. The U.S. State Department has publicly supported him, stating, “We stand with Jose Daniel as he provides life-saving aid to the people of Santiago de Cuba.”

    Cuba’s government argues that a long-standing U.S. trade embargo is the reason for the island’s economic struggles. They run nearly 1,500 state soup kitchens, providing meals at low prices. However, many consider Ferrer’s kitchen to provide better food.

    Ferrer sees his aid program as a way to inspire a bigger movement for change, but that’s a tough goal in a country where many dissidents have been jailed or forced to flee. Ferrer was released from prison this year as part of an agreement between the U.S. and Cuba.

    Despite government criticism, Ferrer insists he receives no funding from the U.S. government. Most of his support comes from independent Cuban donors in the U.S. He hopes for financial assistance to continue his work. “To help here, we need policies that let us ease shortages and suffering,” he stated.

  • Why You Should Invest in Gold This FY26: A Simple Guide

    Why You Should Invest in Gold This FY26: A Simple Guide

    As people look to invest wisely in FY26, the idea of spreading investments around is becoming very popular, especially when it comes to gold. Gold is often seen as a safe bet for your money, and it’s becoming clear why it’s important now more than ever.

    With rising prices, global tensions, and changing currency values, experts suggest putting a little money into gold as part of a smart investment plan. Kunal Vora, a partner at White Whale Partners, explains, “Gold acts like a protective shield against rising prices, the US dollar, and uncertain times.” Right now, these problems are more serious, making gold a strong choice.

    Gold doesn’t pay you back in cash or dividends, but it can protect your investment from risks that other assets might not shield you from well. When things get shaky in politics, worldwide relations, or the economy, gold tends to do well.

    Vora adds, “Gold has seen a good rise recently, especially with all the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s announcements. But once the fears go away, gold prices might drop too. It should be seen as a smart hedge, not something that will always perform great.”

    Smart Investment Strategy for FY26

    For people planning their long-term wealth, keeping a good balance is important. Achin Goel, Vice President at Bonanza, suggests that people aged 30 to 40 should consider a mix of investments: 70% in stocks, 20% in bonds or fixed income, and 10% in gold.

    Goel explains, “This mix helps you grow your money with stocks while having stability with bonds and safety with gold.” Especially during uncertain times, having 10% in gold can really protect your investments.

    Gold’s Current Performance

    On the technical side, gold is doing quite well. Jateen Trivedi, a research analyst at LKP Securities, mentions that gold prices have recently hit record highs around ₹93,500 in India, gaining ₹1,500 quickly.

    “Even though the rupee is strong, worries from global tensions and US-China trade issues are spiking the demand for gold,” he says. “The excitement around it is high for now, with expectations for prices to reach ₹94,500 to ₹95,000, while ₹92,000 is a solid support level.”

    What Should Investors Do?

    As we move into FY26, the investment scene has many changes—central bank actions, global elections, inflation, and war uncertainties. In such a situation, putting 10% of your money into gold isn’t just about spreading risk; it helps you stay strong when things get rough.

    It’s not just about trying to get good returns—it’s about being ready for ups and downs. And when it comes to that, gold is still a smart choice.

    (Disclaimer: The opinions and suggestions from experts are their own and do not represent the views of NiftyStat.)

  • Trump Opposes Nippon Steel’s $14 Billion Bid for U.S. Steel

    Trump Opposes Nippon Steel’s $14 Billion Bid for U.S. Steel

    On April 13, President Donald Trump spoke while flying back to Washington, D.C., from Florida. He made it clear that he doesn’t want a foreign company to buy U.S. Steel, which is the American steel company. His comments follow a proposal that Japan’s Nippon Steel wants to buy U.S. Steel for $14 billion.

    Last Wednesday, Trump said he does not want to see U.S. Steel “go to Japan,” which caused the company’s stock value to drop by 7%. After this, both U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel said they are working with the U.S. government to get a major investment.

    When talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump repeated his view: “I don’t think a foreign company should control U.S. Steel.”

  • Carpenter Dies in Bike Accident While Trying to Flee Police Check

    Carpenter Dies in Bike Accident While Trying to Flee Police Check

    A 35-year-old man who worked as a carpenter died on Sunday while trying to escape from a routine police traffic check. The event took place in the Balanagar area. The traffic police stopped him, but instead of pulling over, the man tried to ride away. Unfortunately, he lost control of his bike, skidded, and fell onto the road. Tragically, a bus coming from behind ran over him, and he died instantly.

    After the accident, angry local residents protested, blocking the road. They blamed a traffic police officer for the tragedy, saying he was careless and even claimed he might have been drunk. However, police checked security camera footage, which showed the biker lost control himself.

    Following a complaint from the man’s brother, the police have opened a case against the traffic officer. Investigations are still ongoing.

  • Teen Charged with Murdering Parents and Planning to Kill Trump

    Teen Charged with Murdering Parents and Planning to Kill Trump

    A 17-year-old named Nikita Casap from Wisconsin is facing serious charges for allegedly killing his parents. Authorities say he shot his mother, Tatiana, and stepfather, Donald, at their home near Milwaukee in February. Their bodies were found on February 28, after family members requested a well-being check. Investigators believe they had been dead for weeks and that Nikita lived with their bodies before leaving home with $14,000 in cash, jewelry, passports, and their family dog.

    Nikita was arrested in Kansas during a traffic stop. Police found the cash, more than $14,000 in jewelry, and a revolver belonging to his stepfather in his car. That’s not all – he is also accused of planning to kill President Trump to overthrow the government. His plan was described in a three-page manifesto filled with hate, referencing extremist views and praising Adolf Hitler.

    According to federal authorities, Nikita communicated with other people about his plans to assassinate the President. His manifesto mentioned wanting to bring chaos by getting rid of both Trump and the Vice President.

    Nikita faces nine felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. He is now in jail with a $1 million bond and will appear in court to enter a plea. His public defender argues that he is still a minor and has not had a fair trial yet. A classmate reported that Nikita had once talked about killing his parents but claimed he didn’t have a gun.

    The case has drawn a lot of attention due to the serious nature of the allegations against a teenager.

  • Cleric Urges Peace Amidst Waqf Act Protests in West Bengal

    Cleric Urges Peace Amidst Waqf Act Protests in West Bengal

    In Murshidabad district of West Bengal, protests against the Waqf Act turned violent recently. Many people were hurt, and at least three lost their lives. During this chaos, Moulana Shafique, an important Islamic leader from Kolkata, spoke out. He said that harming others in the name of protests is wrong and goes against the teachings of Islam.

    Moulana Shafique, who leads the Nakhoda Masjid, mentioned that many followers of different religions do not support the new Waqf Act. He declared that those who hurt innocent people are not part of a true protest and that everyone should have the freedom to practice their own religion.

    He also pointed fingers at people with bad intentions who seek to divide the community and cause problems for their own advantage. Shafique urged everyone to stay united and not get influenced by these troublemakers. He is looking forward to a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 16 to discuss the Waqf Act, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

    “We will show how to fight this law peacefully, and Bengal will continue its tradition of harmony among all communities,” Shafique expressed.

    The protests began Friday, leading to violence in Suti and Samserganj blocks. Many shops were burned, and police faced attacks. With the situation getting worse, authorities imposed restrictions, and internet services were shut down in affected areas. BSF forces have been deployed to keep peace.

    This news reflects the importance of unity, especially in challenging times.

  • India’s Successful Test of Groundbreaking Laser Weapon for Drone Defense

    India’s Successful Test of Groundbreaking Laser Weapon for Drone Defense

    On Sunday, India successfully tested a new laser weapon that can take down drones, including those flying together in groups and surveillance tools. This advanced technology was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is a big step for India, putting it in a rare group of countries like the US, Russia, and Israel that have similar capabilities.

    The trial occurred at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, using a powerful 30-kilowatt laser. The DRDO stated that this weapon works incredibly fast, striking targets with great accuracy and effectiveness in just a few seconds, making it a highly effective counter-drone system.

    The laser weapon can easily destroy smaller aerial threats and reduce the need for expensive ammunition, making it a smarter choice for modern warfare. Experts believe that these types of weapons can change how battles are fought because they use less money and have fewer risks of harming innocent people.

    As drones become more common and pose new challenges, the demand for laser weapons that can fight against them is rising. Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retired) noted that these weapons can attack drones and other aircraft for the same price as just a couple of liters of petrol, which is much cheaper than traditional weapons.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of high-tech weapons in today’s conflicts, mentioning that drones are now a crucial part of military operations, often causing more damage than traditional weapons. He stated that the use of technology to improve military effectiveness is transforming how battles are fought.

  • Wordle Puzzle #1394: Hints and the Answer Revealed!

    Wordle Puzzle #1394: Hints and the Answer Revealed!

    Today’s edition of Wordle, Puzzle #1394, brought a mix of joy and challenge for players on April 13, 2025. While some players figured it out quickly, others had to think hard until their last guess.

    What is Wordle?
    Wordle is a daily game where players try to guess a five-letter word with just six tries. It is loved worldwide, and many make it part of their daily routine. When you guess a word, you get helpful feedback:
    – Green squares mean you have the right letter in the right spot.
    – Yellow squares mean the letter is in the word, but in the wrong spot.
    – Grey squares confirm that the letter is not in the word.

    Even though it seems simple, Wordle requires a mix of strategy, word knowledge, and a bit of luck!

    Hints for Today’s Puzzle
    For those still trying to get the answer, here are some hints:
    – Vowels: The word has two vowels.
    – No Repeats: No letters are repeated.
    – Starts with ‘L’: The word begins with the letter “L.”
    – Context: It’s a response to a joke, something more than just a smile.

    What’s the Answer?
    The answer to today’s Wordle challenge is “LAUGH.” This easy five-letter word means a big reaction to something funny, but the tricky letters and unique starting letter may have confused some players!

    FAQs

    What is Wordlebot?
    Wordlebot is a smart tool that helps players improve their guessing skills by comparing their results to a computer’s smart guesses.

    How can I win at Wordle?
    A good way to play is to pick four starting words that don’t share any letters. This can help you find all the letters and maybe even get some right on your first few tries!