Walk N Talk Blogs

  The Income Tax Department is set to launch a nationwide crackdown on taxpayers who have failed to deposit their TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) , according to official reports. The investigation will be based on tax deductions from FY22-23 and FY23-24 , with nearly 40,000 taxpayers under scrutiny. Comprehensive Strategy to Detect TDS/TCS Defaulters The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has devised a 16-point strategy to identify and act against TDS/TCS defaults. The data analytics division has already compiled a list of potential defaulters, enabling a systematic investigation . A senior official stated, "We have data from the analytics team and will initially reach out to such taxpayers through intimation in case they have missed depositing tax." This enforcement drive is expected to be non-intrusive , following a similar approach to previous initiatives. Who Will Be Targeted? Authorities will focus on specific cases, including: Re...

  Infosys, India's third-largest IT services company, has rolled out salary hikes for employees, albeit at a lower rate compared to previous years. The increment cycle , which began on February 24, 2025 , applies to employees in band JL6 and below , with the revised pay structure coming into effect on April 1, 2025 . Infosys Salary Increments: Performance-Based Hikes Infosys has categorized employees into three performance-based groups to determine salary increments: Meeting Expectations : Employees in this category received a 5-7% salary increase. Commendable Performance : Those who performed well secured a hike between 7-10% . Exceptional Performers : A select group of high achievers received the highest increments, ranging from 10-12% . Needs Improvement : Employees in this category did not receive any salary hikes. Infosys Annual Appraisal Process Infosys employs approximately 3.23 lakh employees , and salary hikes are based on the annual appraisal process covering the ...

  Thanks to the Internet, there is no shortage of tools and applications for almost every purpose. From image editing to file conversion , a vast number of websites offer these services for free. However, finding a comprehensive list of such useful platforms can be challenging. If you’re looking for some amazing websites to make your daily tasks easier, here’s a handpicked list for you: 1. Unsplash (unsplash.com) A go-to platform for royalty-free stock images , Unsplash offers a vast library of high-quality photos for personal and commercial use. The website, now owned by Getty Images, boasts over five million photos as of 2023. 2. Remove.bg (remove.bg) Need to remove an image background quickly? Remove.bg does the job effortlessly, eliminating the need for manual editing and complex software. 3. 12ft.io (12ft.io) Tired of paywalls and annoying pop-ups? 12ft.io removes pop-ups, banners, and ads , giving you a cleaner and distraction-free reading experience. 4. Otter.ai (otter...

  OpenAI has announced the wider rollout of Deep Research , an advanced AI-driven feature designed to improve information retrieval and citation accuracy within ChatGPT. Initially launched in limited preview, Deep Research is now available to all ChatGPT Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users , significantly increasing its accessibility. What is Deep Research? Deep Research is a sophisticated tool that enables ChatGPT to deliver more accurate, well-cited, and trustworthy responses. By integrating advanced retrieval techniques and expert-reviewed data, this feature enhances AI-assisted research, making it more reliable for users. Key Enhancements and Features Since its initial release, OpenAI has made several refinements to Deep Research, ensuring it remains both user-friendly and precise . The latest updates include: Embedded images with citations to provide more visually informative responses. Improved understanding of uploaded files , allowing ChatGPT to retain and reference c...

  Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is gearing up for a cabinet expansion before the upcoming state legislative assembly elections. According to sources cited by India Today, the expansion is expected to take place before the budget session, with five to seven new faces likely to be inducted into the cabinet. BJP’s Dilip Jaiswal Resigns Ahead of Cabinet Expansion In a significant political move, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal announced his resignation from Nitish Kumar’s cabinet on Wednesday. Jaiswal, who held the position of Revenue Minister, cited the party’s ‘one person, one post’ principle as the reason for stepping down. “I am going to resign from the post of Revenue Minister. ‘One person, one post’ is the principle on which the party works. I am thankful that the central leadership has given me the responsibility of the party’s state unit. Cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the Chief Minister,” Jaiswal stated, as reported by ANI. Sources suggest that with the Bihar el...

  BSF Troops Thwart Infiltration Attempt at International Border The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully neutralized an intruder attempting to cross the International Border (IB) in the Pathankot sector during pre-dawn hours on Wednesday. The incident took place at Border Outpost (BOP) Tashpatan, where BSF personnel observed suspicious movement across the border. According to an official statement by the BSF, the intruder ignored repeated warnings and continued advancing despite being challenged by the alert troops. Sensing a potential security threat, BSF personnel took decisive action, neutralizing the individual. “The identity and motive of the intruder are being ascertained,” BSF authorities stated, adding that a strong protest will be lodged with the Pakistan Rangers regarding the incident. Heightened Security and Retaliatory Measures This infiltration attempt comes a day after the Indian Army engaged in retaliatory firing against Pakistani troops along the Line of Contro...

  On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled a new initiative aimed at attracting affluent foreign nationals to the United States: the "Gold Card" residency permit. This program proposes to grant permanent U.S. residency to individuals who contribute $5 million, offering a streamlined pathway to American citizenship. The introduction of the Gold Card is set to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in the coming months. Understanding the EB-5 Visa Program Established by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa program was designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Applicants were required to invest a minimum of $1.8 million—or $900,000 in targeted employment areas—and demonstrate the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Over the years, this program became a popular avenue for many high-net-worth individuals, including a significant number of Indian nationals, to secur...

Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, is known for its rapid growth, booming tech industry, and unfortunately, crippling traffic congestion . Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently made a controversial remark that further fueled public frustration, stating that even divine intervention wouldn’t be enough to fix the city's problems overnight . His statement has sparked backlash, with critics pointing fingers at the Congress-led government for its inefficiency in addressing Bengaluru’s infrastructure crisis. The Controversial Statement While speaking at a road construction workshop , DK Shivakumar defended the government’s pace of work, saying: "Bengaluru can't be changed in two or three years. Even God can't do that. It can be changed only when proper planning is done and executed well." His comments were immediately met with criticism from opposition parties, urban planners, and citizens who have been grappling with endless traffic snarls,...

  The tragic deaths of three family members in Kolkata’s Tangra area have taken a shocking turn as the autopsy report revealed chilling details that deepen the mystery. The bodies of Romi Dey (44 ), Sudeshna Dey (39) , and Priyamvada (minor) were discovered under suspicious circumstances , leading police to investigate whether this was a case of suicide or something more sinister. The Discovery of the Tragedy The police learned about the deaths in an unexpected manner. On Wednesday afternoon , a high-speed car crash near the Avishikta crossing involving Prasun Dey, Pranay Dey, and a minor boy, Pratip led to their hospitalization. The car was reportedly traveling at 100 km/h before the accident. When the police arrived to take statements, Pranay Dey made a shocking confession —three family members had been found dead at their home. Gruesome Scene at the Dey Residence When the police arrived at the house in the Tangra PS area , they were met with a horrific sight. The bodi...

  The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has once again become a subject of discussion in Tamil Nadu, as the Linguistic Minorities Forum of Tamil Nadu (LIMFOT) has urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to implement the policy in the state. The forum particularly advocates for the three-language formula, emphasizing its importance in accommodating minority languages within school education. LIMFOT's Appeal for NEP Implementation On Wednesday, CMK Reddy , Chairman of LIMFOT, wrote to Chief Minister MK Stalin , stressing that implementing the three-language formula would ensure representation for linguistic minorities. According to Reddy, NEP 2020 does not mandate Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other specific language , but rather provides flexibility to states to introduce three languages, including the state language, English, and a language of the student’s choice . "Nowhere is it mentioned in NEP 2020 that either Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other language is compulsory. The only thing ...

What was supposed to be a peaceful kayaking trip through the Strait of Magellan in Chile turned into a harrowing experience for 23-year-old Venezuelan adventurer Adrián Simancas. A day that began like any other with his father quickly escalated when Adrián found himself engulfed by a massive humpback whale, an event he’ll never forget. Adrián's story has since captured the world’s attention, with many fascinated by the bizarre and terrifying incident. The shocking moment was later recorded by his father, Dall Simancas, whose kayak-mounted camera provided a rare and remarkable glimpse into the encounter. The Unthinkable Encounter Adrián was paddling through the waters when, without warning, he felt something extraordinary happen. "I spent a second realizing I was inside the mouth of something, that maybe it had eaten me, that it could have been an orca or a sea monster," he told BBC Mundo, recalling the initial shock. He described the feeling as a slimy texture brushing...

The landing of deportation flights from the United States carrying Indian immigrants has ignited a firestorm of political and social unrest in Punjab. With the first flight arriving on February 5, 2025, and another expected to land soon, the issue has sparked sharp disagreements between political parties, and has raised significant concerns among the people of Punjab. The controversy centers around the choice of Amritsar as the landing site for these flights. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has condemned the move, accusing the BJP-led central government of deliberately tarnishing the image of Punjab and its people. According to Mann, the selection of Amritsar is part of a "smear campaign" that aims to falsely portray illegal immigration as an issue that is solely tied to Punjab. Mann’s criticism became particularly pointed following the arrival of the first flight, which carried 104 deportees—30 of whom were from Punjab. Images of the deportees...

নকশালবাড়ি , শিলিগুড়িতে এক মাধ্যমিক পরীক্ষার্থী অর্পিতা মণ্ডলের মৃত্যু ঘটেছে, যিনি মায়ের সঙ্গে ঝগড়ার পর বান্ধবীর বাড়িতে চলে গিয়েছিলেন। ঘটনাটি গোটা এলাকার মানুষকে মর্মাহত করেছে এবং এটি পারিবারিক বিরোধের ক্ষতিকর প্রভাব নিয়ে নতুন প্রশ্ন তুলেছে। পুলিশ এখন এ ঘটনায় তদন্ত করছে। পারিবারিক বিরোধের পরিণতি সূত্রে জানা গেছে, অর্পিতা, নন্দপ্রসাদ হাই স্কুলের ছাত্রী, গত রবিবার মায়ের সঙ্গে ঝগড়া করে বাড়ি থেকে বেরিয়ে যান। এরপর তিনি মেচবস্তি এলাকার বান্ধবী সুজাতা শৈবের বাড়িতে ওঠেন এবং সেখানে থেকে মাধ্যমিক পরীক্ষার প্রস্তুতি নিতে থাকেন। দু’দিন ধরে পরীক্ষা দেওয়ার পর বৃহস্পতিবারও তিনি বান্ধবীর বাড়িতেই ছিলেন। বৃহস্পতিবার দুপুরে বান্ধবীর বাড়িতে ঘুমানোর পর অর্পিতা আর জাগ্রত হননি। অনেক ডাকাডাকির পরও কোনো সাড়া না পেয়ে তার মা’কে ডাকা হয়। মায়ের ডাকাডাকিতেও সাড়া না দেওয়ায় অর্পিতাকে নকশালবাড়ি হাসপাতাল নিয়ে যাওয়া হয়, যেখানে চিকিৎসকরা তাকে মৃত ঘোষণা করেন। তদন্ত চলছে অর্পিতার মৃত্যুর কারণ এখনও পরিষ্কার নয়, এবং পুলিশ ময়নাতদন্ত রিপোর্ট পাওয়ার পরই সঠিক কারণ জানার আশা করছে। কুরসিয়ংয়ের অতিরিক্ত পু...

  কলকাতার খাস এলাকায় এটিএমে ঘটে গেল একটি বড় জালিয়াতি, যা নিরাপত্তা ব্যবস্থা নিয়ে নতুন প্রশ্ন তুলছে। শুক্রবার রাতে সার্ভে পার্ক থানা এলাকার কাছে অবস্থিত স্টেট ব্যাঙ্ক অফ ইন্ডিয়া (এসবিআই) -এর এটিএমে গিয়েছিলেন বলাই সর্দার নামক একজন গ্রাহক। তিনি নিয়মিত পদ্ধতিতে এটিএম মেশিনে কার্ড ঢোকানোর পর পিন দিলেও টাকা উঠেনি। এর পরিবর্তে, মেশিন তার কার্ডটি আটকে দেয়। বেশ কিছু সময় চেষ্টা করেও তিনি কার্ডটি উদ্ধার করতে পারেননি এবং হতাশ হয়ে বাড়ি ফিরে আসেন। কিন্তু বাড়ি ফিরে তার মোবাইলে পর পর টাকা কাটার মেসেজ আসতে থাকে। এই ঘটনা দেখে তিনি অবাক হয়ে যান, কারণ তিনি জানতেন না যে তার অ্যাকাউন্ট থেকে ধারাবাহিকভাবে ৭০ হাজার টাকারও বেশি গায়েব হয়ে গেছে। বলাই সর্দার ঘটনাটি আবারও এটিএমে ফিরে গিয়ে পুলিশকে জানালে, পুলিশ ঘটনাস্থলে পৌঁছায়। তদন্তে জানা যায়, শুধুমাত্র বলাই সর্দার নয়, আরও অনেক গ্রাহকের টাকা এভাবে চলে গিয়েছে। পুলিশের পাশাপাশি সাইবার বিশেষজ্ঞরাও ঘটনা খতিয়ে দেখছেন। এটিএম জালিয়াতির কৌশল: এ ধরনের জালিয়াতির ঘটনা সাধারণত স্কিমিং ডিভাইস বা ক্যামেরা ব্যবহার করে করা হয়। প্রতারকরা এটিএম মেশিনে স্কিমিং ডিভাই...

At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a thought-provoking critique of Western perspectives on democracy. During a panel discussion titled "Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience," Jaishankar shared his views on global democracy, highlighting India's robust democratic practices despite facing challenges. India’s Democracy and Global Perceptions Jaishankar responded directly to concerns that democracy is in crisis worldwide, a view often promoted in Western discussions. He emphasized that India’s democracy is thriving, pointing out that in the country’s national elections, nearly 700 million out of 900 million eligible voters participate. He also noted that voter turnout in India has increased by 20% over recent decades, underscoring the strength and resilience of Indian democracy. Democracy and Food Security: Jaishankar's Response Addressing U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin's ...

In a significant move to address ongoing challenges, the Maharashtra government announced the formation of a special seven-member committee on Friday. This committee is tasked with addressing key issues in the state, focusing on areas that need urgent reforms. The Maharashtra government’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to improving governance and tackling challenges that affect the daily lives of its citizens. The committee’s creation comes at a time when the state is grappling with multiple issues, from economic setbacks to infrastructural concerns. The government's decision to form a dedicated team shows its focus on delivering timely solutions and ensuring that citizens' concerns are effectively handled. The committee will also focus on monitoring the progress of various government initiatives and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. The move has been welcomed by many as it demonstrates a shift towards a more organized and strategic approach to ad...

  The political clash between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over deportation of illegal immigrants has taken center stage. On February 15, the second flight carrying deported Indian nationals from the United States landed at Amritsar airport, sparking a controversy. Mann raised concerns, accusing the BJP-led government of attempting to defame Punjab. BJP Hits Back at Bhagwant Mann Over Deportation Claims In response to Mann’s accusations, BJP leader RP Singh clarified the situation, stating that Amritsar was the closest international airport for flights arriving from the USA. Singh criticized Mann for politicizing the issue and spreading misinformation. He urged the Punjab CM to stop promoting conspiracy theories and suggested a more informed approach to the matter. Mann’s Allegations: BJP's Conspiracy to Defame Punjab Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed his concerns, claiming that the BJP government was intentionally choosing Amritsar airpo...

The stock market witnessed a notable decline on Friday, with several stocks plummeting over 5% amid a broader market sell-off. The BSE Sensex ended the day down by 199.76 points, closing at 75,939.21. This decline comes as investors continue to grapple with market volatility, marked by brisk selling in frontline bluechip stocks. Among the top losers on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Swarna Sec took the biggest hit, dropping by a staggering 20.00%. It was closely followed by Senco Gold and Sandesh Ltd , both of which saw a 19.99% fall. Other notable stocks that faced heavy losses include Source Natural , down by 19.98%, and Sanrhea Tech , which fell 19.97%. These significant losses underscore the ongoing turbulence in the market, with investors reacting to a range of factors affecting the global economy. The sell-off was particularly noticeable in stocks that have traditionally been stable, raising concerns about the current market climate. Despite these declines, the broader inde...

In today’s dynamic stock market, several stocks saw notable trading volumes, indicating significant investor interest. Among the most actively traded stocks were Vodafone Idea , Avance Tech , and Srestha Finvest , each making waves in the market. Here’s a closer look at the top-performing stocks in terms of trading volumes: Vodafone Idea (5.07 Crore Shares Traded) Vodafone Idea led the pack with a staggering 5.07 crore shares traded today. The telecom giant continues to attract attention, likely due to its ongoing restructuring plans and potential future growth in the telecommunications sector. Avance Tech (2.33 Crore Shares Traded) Avance Tech followed closely behind, with 2.33 crore shares exchanged on the market. The technology sector has been a hot spot for growth, and Avance Tech’s performance in today’s market showcases investor optimism. Srestha Finvest (1.80 Crore Shares Traded) The financial sector also made its mark, with Srestha Finvest trading 1.80 crore shar...

On February 14, 2025 , the much-awaited new income-tax bill was officially tabled before the Lok Sabha , with its proposed implementation slated for April 1, 2026 , pending necessary approvals. The Finance Minister’s speech in the recent Budget 2025 emphasized a shift towards simplicity , aiming to create an easy-to-understand tax framework that would benefit both taxpayers and tax authorities alike. A New Beginning for Taxation in India The new bill’s introduction seeks to address a growing concern among taxpayers: complexity . Over the years, income-tax laws have grown into a labyrinth of technical jargon, with provisions and amendments that have made it difficult for individuals to navigate the system. This new bill aims to simplify this by streamlining over 1200 provisions and 900 explanations that made the previous system convoluted. In a bold move, phrases like ‘ notwithstanding anything contained ’ will be replaced with more accessible language such as ‘ irrespective of ...