Latest news with #INR
Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
INR rallies against US dollar after recent slide
Indian Rupee saw good gains today as firm local equities boosted the currency after it tested a three-month low against the US dollar in last session. The US dollar index is witnessing choppy moves as it holds around 98.30 mark. INR approached at 86.56 per US dollar, up 17 paise on the day. Meanwhile, global geopolitical scenario remains uncertain but the Crude oil prices are mostly holding in a range this week following a freak spike to six-month high. This is capping weakness in INR. NIFTY50 index also spiked today, hitting one-week high above 25000 mark and offered good support to INR. The dollar index eased from one-week high.
Business Standard
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
INR supported as NIFTY scales up one-week top
Indian Rupee edged up today as firm local equities boosted the currency after it tested a three-month low against the US dollar in last session. The US dollar index is witnessing choppy moves as it holds around 98.30 mark. INR started the session on a firm note and currently trades at 86.61 per US dollar, up 12 paise on the day. Meanwhile, global geopolitical scenario remains uncertain but the Crude oil prices are mostly holding in a range this week following a freak spike to six-month high. This is capping weakness in INR. NIFTY50 index also spiked today, hitting one-week high above 25000 mark and offered good support to INR. On the NSE, USD/INR futures are currently quoting at 86.64, down 0.15% on the day.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
How I got 'scammed' in the name of Kainchi Dham, Neem Karori Baba
' Hum baba ke naam pe galat kaam nahi karte madam '. These words are going to stay with me for a long time. Also I have learned my lessons! Hi, I am Pragya (name changed) from Noida and this is my story, 'How I was robbed off in the name of Neem Karori Baba'. You must be living under a rock if you haven't heard of Kainchi Dham or Baba Neem Karori. He was a revered saint from a small village who was a divine bhakta of Hanuman. Some even called him Lord Hanuman's avtar (reincarnation) . So, Kainchi Dham is a beautiful ashram set in the serene Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand (some 25 km from Nainital). This revered spiritual sanctuary was founded in June 1962 by the mystic saint Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharaj-ji . There is no doubt that over the years, the place has been attracting devotees in lakhs, including famous figures like Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, cricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, who sought spiritual guidance here. The ashram's natural ambiance, coupled with community service and spiritual practice, continues to inspire seekers worldwide. However, there was a time when only a handful of people knew about this place but thanks to social media and some eminent personalities, the ashram gained immense prominence over time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Today, the ashram draws devotees from all over the world! But then, today, there are people/gangs who are duping/cheating/robbing people in the name of gods. The incident My mother says, ' Jab tak bulawa nahi aajata, koi aise divya sthan pe nahi pohoch sakta ' (You just don't reach such divine places unless god calls ( bulava ) you himself). After being duped, this is exactly what I thought and how my mom's sentence stands right! I have been planning to visit the divine Kainchi Dham for a long time now. One fine day, I started searching for guesthouses and hotels to stay in Neem Karori and that's when I found this particular website called ' Kainchi Dham Neeb Karoli Baba Aashram '. The website looked quite authentic and had pictures of the rooms and some good reviews from guests who previously stayed there. Without any further doubt, I immediately called on the number mentioned on the website. A man named Pankaj Maharaj received the call. He introduced himself as a receptionist from the reception office and offered me a family room at INR 4500 (inclusive of a three-course meal, free parking and GST). He also said that the temple is only 20 m away from there. I found the rates reasonable and the man also sounded authentic and kept calling himself ' Baba ka bhakt '. Still I took my time and researched a bit more. Two days later, I called him again and said to share the address of his property. He shared the location information of the Kainchi Dham ashram listed on the internet. I called him again to ask about the actual location to which he said that the ashram is inside the temple premises so the address is the same. He managed to convince me and I in the name of god did not want to argue further. He then asked me to share an ID card and shared a QR code on my personal Whatsapp. Excited me, shared the ID and paid INR 4500. Soon after making the payment, I got a call from the same receptionist. He said, ' Mam aapne galat payment kar di hai, aapko dobara same amount pay karna padega and within 10 minutes aapki booking confirm hojaegi and first payment wapas aajegi .' I got confused and asked him to share my booking details immediately with me to which he said he can't because of incorrect payment. He kept insisting on a second payment. Till now, I was trying to understand what was happening but soon I understood that I have been scammed! I tried opening their website but it was taken down within seconds and the Whatsapp number also stopped working. By now it was confirmed that they were scammers who have been looting innocents. I registered a cyber complaint, and called my bank immediately. The customer care after a brief bank account research informed me that the account belongs to a Mumbai branch. I started researching and found there have been more such incidents in the past in the name of Neeb Karori Baba . There was a gang from Rajasthan who was duping people with the assurance of staying in the ashram. Weeks after, I am still getting updates but I know I will not get back my hard-earned money. And there must be hundreds of people just like me who have been forged and are waiting for justice and their money. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autocracy! How faulty meters & overcharging drivers taking Bengalureans for a ride
Bengaluru: When Anjali (name changed) hailed an autorickshaw in Jayanagar recently, she was relieved to find a driver who agreed to go by the meter, a rare win, she thought. Her destination, BTM Layout, was barely 4km away. The ride was smooth, the driver polite, and everything seemed fair until the meter stopped at Rs 400. Shocked and confused, Anjali realised too late that something was off. Hers is not an isolated case. Residents across the city are voicing concerns over malfunctioning auto meters. While some autos operate without meters entirely, many others have the device that ticks at an unusually fast rate, leaving passengers overcharged and frustrated. Commuters say even short rides often end up costing double the usual fare. Akshara Srivastav, a student from MG Road, said: "I was charged Rs 180 for a ride from Indiranagar to MG Road. I take that route often, and it usually comes to Rs 80–90. When I questioned the driver, he simply pointed to the meter and shrugged. It's frustrating because you feel helpless and cheated." Subramaniam Sastri, a senior citizen from Jayanagar, had a similar experience. "My wife and I took an auto to the nearby clinic, barely 3 km away. The meter showed Rs 210! When I raised the issue, the driver became aggressive. At our age, arguing isn't easy. We now avoid autos unless absolutely necessary. The authorities must step in; this is becoming a daily struggle." Ironically, the transport dept has turned a blind eye to the problems faced by commuters, especially after the bike taxi ban kicked in. "Instead of seizing bikes, why can't the transport dept staff crack down on autorickshaws that do not operate by the meter, that fleece commuters for extra fare and for simply refusing to ply," netizens said. Congestion fare? Commuters share their ordeal Vinay Shankar, a city resident, recently shared a screenshot of his auto ride booked through a third-party aggregator app. What caught his attention was a line in the fare breakdown labelled "congestion fee." While the total fare was Rs 173, a surprising Rs 34 was added solely under this category. His tweet read, "Today's auto story, I was rejected by 2 autos and was trying to flag them, meaning they violated rules, and finally, to get a ride, I had to pay INR 84 beyond as a bribe, and congestion charges." Sharing a similar story, Raj S told TOI: "When I booked a ride from Church Street to Halasuru, the estimated fare was around Rs 60-70. After reaching the destination, which took longer than I expected, the fare jumped to Rs 150. Confused, I paid the auto driver and checked the receipt, and I was charged Rs 40 as congestion charges." Sripad Bhat, another netizen, posted: "Bengaluru auto driver taking passengers on fare meter charges is a daydream. Come and check at any Metro station. Min Rs 100 for 1km, I support bike taxis." "Please introduce us to one auto driver who uses the meter at least. Today I was being asked Rs 400 for Anandrao Circle to JP Nagar 1st Phase," Bhavesh M Vyas, a netizen, posted.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Bajaj Allianz Launches State-Wise Health Insurance Policies Tailored to Regional Needs
PNN Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 19: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of India's leading private general insurers, has unveiled a pioneering initiative -- the 'State-wise Health Insurance Policy', a first-of-its-kind health insurance product thoughtfully tailored to address the distinct healthcare realities of each Indian state. More than just another health plan, this product reflects the company's commitment to making quality healthcare truly accessible. Recognising that healthcare needs, treatment availability, and medical costs vary significantly across regions, these policies are customised to align with each state's unique healthcare ecosystem. By factoring in local hospital infrastructure, prevalent health concerns, and affordability levels, Bajaj Allianz has created coverage that goes beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model, delivering protection that is as personalised as it is practical. Designed with both affordability and accessibility at its core, the State-wise Health Insurance Policy offers comprehensive coverage with premiums customised to reflect each state's specific healthcare dynamics. Available in both individual and floater variants, it serves as an ideal solution for individuals and families alike. With flexible sum insured options ranging from INR 5 lakh to INR 20 lakh, the policy ensures that everyone, from young professionals to senior citizens, can find a coverage plan that aligns with their unique healthcare needs and financial priorities. These health insurance plans offer extensive coverage, including inpatient hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, and day care procedures. They also cover advanced treatments such as robotic surgeries and stem cell therapy, ensuring policyholders receive access to modern medical care. The policy includes organ donor expenses as part of the base cover, alleviating the financial burden associated with life-saving transplants. With a lifetime renewal option, the policy guarantees continuous coverage without age restrictions, providing long-term security for individuals and families. To further enhance protection, the plan offers a variety of optional add-ons. The Unlimited Sum Insured Reinstatement feature enables policyholders to restore their sum insured an unlimited number of times within a policy period after making a claim, providing additional security and uninterrupted financial support during medical emergencies. That's not it; the Super Cumulative Bonus rewards customers with up to 200% sum insured for claim-free years, enhancing coverage year after year. For those opting for cashless claims, the Cashless Discount reduces premiums, making the policy even more cost-effective. Additionally, the Accidental Death Cover provides financial security to families in the unfortunate event of a policyholder's accidental demise. Together, these features make the state-wise health insurance policy a comprehensive and customisable solution designed to meet the distinct healthcare needs of citizens across India. These customised product offerings have been rolled out across 25 states and 5 Union Territories, each designed to address the specific healthcare needs of its region. To truly resonate with people across regions, each policy carries a unique name inspired by the local language and cultural context of the state it represents. For example, in states where Hindi is the predominant language, the product is being called "AapKe Liye". Speaking on the launch, Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said, "India's diversity is its greatest strength, and healthcare needs are no exception. With these state-wise health insurance policies--Insurance made for you--we are redefining health insurance by tailoring it to each state's unique medical ecosystem. From treatment costs to disease patterns, healthcare challenges vary across regions, and insurance must evolve to reflect this reality. By offering affordable, feature-rich coverage designed for every Indian, we are making health financial security accessible, relevant, and truly personal. We believe that healthcare security should not be a privilege but a right for every Indian, and this initiative is a step towards making that a reality." To make these policies even more accessible, Bajaj Allianz offers special discounts for family coverage, loyalty benefits, and direct online purchases. The policy also promotes a healthier lifestyle by offering a wellness discount at renewal. To qualify for a 5% discount, customers need to achieve 7,500 steps daily for at least 24 days each month over a minimum of 9 months. If they raise their daily goal to 10,000 steps, they become eligible for a 10% discount. This product also includes an innovative feature called the Festive Bonus. In the event of emergency hospitalisation due to acute illness or accidental injury during a festival week in a policyholder's state, policyholders receive an additional INR 1,000 per day of hospitalisation, up to 10 days in a policy year. Customers can easily purchase these state-wise policies through Bajaj Allianz General Insurance's extensive network of branches, partner banks, agents, and digital platforms. It is also available online at or and via the Bajaj Allianz 'Caringly Yours' mobile app. With the launch of this initiative, Bajaj Allianz is setting a new benchmark in health insurance by making coverage more personal, relevant, and beneficial for every region. By focusing on affordability, state-specific pricing, and comprehensive protection, Bajaj Allianz ensures that everyone in the country can secure the best healthcare coverage without financial strain. About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Bajaj Allianz General Insurance stands as India's premier private general insurance company. It is a collaborative effort between Bajaj Finserv Limited, India's most diversified non-bank financial institution, and Allianz SE, the world's leading insurer and largest asset manager. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance provides a wide range of general insurance products, including motor insurance, home insurance, and health insurance, along with distinctive insurance offerings like coverage for pet insurance, weddings, events, cybersecurity, and the film industry. The company commenced its operations in 2001 and has consistently expanded its reach to be in close proximity to its customers. Presently, it maintains a presence in nearly 1,500 towns and cities across India. Notably, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance holds the issuer rating of [ICRA]AAA from ICRA Limited, signifying the highest level of assurance regarding the punctual fulfilment of financial commitments. Annexure: 1. J & K -Tuhund Khatir 2. Himachal Pradesh -AapKe Liye 3. Uttarakhand -AapKe Liye 4. Punjab- Tuhade Lai 5. Uttar Pradesh -AapKe Liye 6. Bihar -AapKe Liye 7. Jharkhand -AapKe Liye 8. West Bengal -Apnar Jonyo 9. Tripura- Apnar Jonyo 10. Mizoram- I tan 11. Assam -Aponar Babe 12. Nagaland -Opuni Karoni 13. Manipur -Adomgidamak 14. Sikkim -Tapainko Lagi 15 Arunachal Pradesh -AapKe Liye 16. Meghalaya- Na Ka bynta jong phi 17. Odisha- Apananka Pain 18. Chhattisgarh- AapKe Liye 19. Madhya Pradesh -AapKe Liye 20. Rajasthan -AapKe Liye 21. Kerala -Ningalkkayi 22. Tamilnadu -Ungalukkaga 23. Karnataka- Nimagagi 24. Telangana -Mee Kosam 25. Andhra Pradesh -Mee Kosam 26. Puducherry -Ungalukkaga 27. Andaman & Nicobar -AapKe Liye 28. Goa- Tujya Khatir 29. Lakshadweep- Ningalkkayi 30. Ladakh- Khyed kyi ched du
