9, May 2026
Arvind Kejriwal Slams ED Raid on Sanjeev Arora, Says Punjabis Being Harassed !

Delhi. May 9 (BNP): Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following its raid on the premises linked to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, alleging that Punjabis were being “harassed in every possible way.”

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Reacting to the ED action, Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Central government of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders and suppress political voices from Punjab. He said the repeated raids and investigations against AAP leaders reflected a larger pattern of political vendetta.

“Punjabis have been harassed in every possible way,” Kejriwal said while addressing reporters, adding that the people of Punjab would not be intimidated by such actions. He claimed the raids were politically motivated and aimed at weakening the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of upcoming political developments.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at locations linked to Sanjeev Arora as part of an ongoing investigation. However, officials have not yet released detailed information regarding the nature of the case or the findings of the raid.

The development has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP, with party leaders rallying behind Arora and questioning the timing of the enforcement action.

9, May 2026
Two Homes, One Bond: Vedaanta Senior Living Celebrates the Evolving Journey of Mothers and Daughters

Bengaluru, May 9th: Vedaanta Senior Living, a leading provider of thoughtfully designed senior living communities, has unveiled its Mother’s Day campaign film that beautifully captures the evolving dynamic between mothers and their children, anchored in reassurance, love and everyday joy.

Conceptualised and executed in-house, the campaign adopts a warm, slice-of-life storytelling format that unfolds over the course of a single day. Reflecting everyday life today, the story take place across a series of video calls between a mother residing at Vedaanta and her daughter living abroad. The film presents a gentle yet distinct contrast between two lives.

On one side is the mother’s day at Vedaanta – structured, personalised and engaging. Her routine includes the much awaited morning tea served at her home, catch-up walks with friends, guided fitness sessions, interesting meals without the burden of cooking, and laid-back moments in the in-house movie theatre. On the other side is the daughter’s life, fast-paced and demanding, as she balances work, household responsibilities, and parenting.

As the day progresses, these parallel narratives unfold through candid, affectionate calls . What begins as routine check-ins gradually reveals a deeper emotional shift. The daughter, who once worried about her mother’s well-being, comes to realise that her mother is not only cared for but truly thriving. The film culminates in a tender Mother’s Day exchange, reinforcing Vedaanta’s positioning as not just a residence, but an ecosystem of everyday care, independence, and peace of mind.

The campaign features professional models and is designed to feel authentic and relatable, drawing from real-life experiences of modern families navigating distance, responsibilities, and care. Link to the campaign: https://youtu.be/FpKiDP8bvTo

Commenting on the campaign, Shreya Anand,Director and Head of Marketing, Vedaanta Senior Living said, “This campaign is deeply personal and reflective of a reality many families live in today. We wanted to move away from portraying ageing as a phase of dependence and instead celebrate it as it is today in our communities – active and independent. Through this film, we are reassuring families that choosing Vedaanta is not about stepping away from loved ones, but about ensuring they are truly cared for, even in your absence. It is a message of emotional security, told through simple, everyday moments.”

The narrative is further elevated by glimpses of the vibrant Vedaanta community, where residents engage in community activities, fitness sessions, and lots of friendly chatter that foster a strong sense of belonging.

With this campaign, Vedaanta Senior Living continues to strengthen its brand ethos of redefining senior living in India, positioning it as an aspirational lifestyle choice rooted in independence, care, and emotional well-being

9, May 2026
Narendra Modi Touches Feet of 98-Year-Old BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal!

West Bengal, May 9 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during a public event in West Bengal, touching the 98-year-old’s feet as a mark of respect for his decades-long contribution to nationalist politics.

Narendra Modi Touches Feet of 98-Year-Old BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal!

The gesture drew widespread attention at the event, with Modi acknowledging Sarkar’s lifelong dedication to the nationalist movement and the BJP’s ideological roots. Sarkar is regarded as one of the party’s oldest grassroots workers in West Bengal and has remained associated with nationalist causes since the early years after Independence.

According to party leaders, Makhanlal Sarkar was among those who accompanied Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee during the 1952 Kashmir movement. He was reportedly arrested during the campaign launched to hoist the Indian tricolour in the region, which later became a defining chapter in the Jana Sangh’s political history.

The Prime Minister’s interaction with the veteran worker came amid BJP celebrations in West Bengal following the party’s electoral success in the state. Senior leaders present at the event described Sarkar as a symbol of commitment and ideological perseverance within the organisation.

9, May 2026
India’s Capital Markets to Drive Inclusive Wealth Creation and Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047: Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi at PHDCCI’s 8th Annual Convention

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully organized the 8th Annual Convention on Capital Market & Commodity Market on the theme “Democratising Wealth Creation: Inclusive Capital Markets for a Prosperous India” on Friday, 8th May 2026 at PHD House, New Delhi. The convention brought together policymakers, regulators, financial market experts, industry leaders, and market participants to deliberate on the growing role of inclusive capital markets in India’s economic transformation.

India’s Capital Markets to Drive Inclusive Wealth Creation and Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047: Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi at PHDCCI’s 8th Annual Convention

The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr. Mohit Luthra, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, who welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, and participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening financial inclusion and investor participation for building a resilient and prosperous economy

The Chief Guest Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and National Spokesperson, BJP, “while addressing the gathering, highlighted India’s remarkable economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that India has emerged as the world’s 4th largest economy, 4th largest stock market, 3rd largest automobile manufacturer, and the global leader in digital transactions, contributing nearly 49% of all digital transactions worldwide through UPI. Emphasising the success of Jan Dhan Yojana, DBT and digital inclusion, he noted that over 56 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, enabling direct transfer of benefits and significantly reducing leakages in welfare delivery. He underlined the exponential rise in Demat accounts from 2.2 crore in 2014 to over 21 crore today, reflecting deepening financial inclusion across districts and smaller towns. Shri Trivedi also highlighted India’s growing global stature in manufacturing, defence production, exports, semiconductors, electronics, startups and infrastructure development, citing investments by global companies such as Foxconn, Samsung and Google. Referring to India’s increasing role in global growth and geopolitical trust, he stated that the world now sees India not merely as a superpower, but as a “world friend and world guru” capable of motivating and guiding the global community. He further cautioned against divisive narratives based on region, language and identity, stressing the need for national unity to sustain India’s economic rise and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Mr. Deepak Ranjan, Director (Financial Markets), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, “in his address highlighted that the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in India’s financial regulatory framework through the proposed Securities Market Code. He noted that the reform aims to consolidate the existing SEBI Act, Securities Contracts Regulation Act, and Depositories Act into a single, comprehensive legislation, thereby streamlining the regulatory architecture of India’s capital markets. Emphasizing the importance of consultative policymaking, he stated that the new framework seeks to institutionalize greater stakeholder participation, periodic regulatory reviews, and a more transparent rule-making process to ensure that India’s securities market ecosystem remains robust, responsive, and globally competitive.”

While addressing the gathering Ms. Shashi Kajle, Director (Financial Markets), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, “talked about India’s rapid transformation into a globally significant financial and economic powerhouse, driven by inclusive capital markets, digital public infrastructure, and expanding retail participation. She noted that India’s market capitalization has grown to nearly USD 5 trillion, supported by over 21 crore demat accounts, rising mutual fund participation, and strong fintech adoption, reflecting a major shift towards formal and long-term wealth creation. She further emphasized the role of digital initiatives such as Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile connectivity, and UPI in deepening financial inclusion across the country. Stressing the importance of investor trust, transparency, and wider participation, particularly among women, MSMEs, and young investors, she underlined that India’s capital markets are increasingly emerging as instruments of entrepreneurship, innovation, and national development. She also highlighted the growing significance of GIFT City in strengthening India’s integration with global financial markets and supporting the country’s long-term vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

Dr. D K Aggarwal, Former President, PHDCCI, “highlighted India’s emergence as a rapidly growing economic powerhouse, stating that the country is on track to become a USD 20 trillion economy by 2047, with capital markets expected to play a transformative role in wealth creation. Emphasizing the theme of democratizing wealth creation, he noted that advancements in digitalization, financial innovation, and regulatory reforms have made investments increasingly accessible to common households through products such as mutual funds, SIPs, ETFs, bonds, and fractional ownership platforms. He further underlined the strong investor protection framework established by regulators, which has significantly enhanced trust and safety in Indian markets. Highlighting the remarkable long-term growth potential of Indian equities, he expressed confidence that India’s capital markets would continue to expand rapidly, creating unprecedented opportunities for inclusive and sustainable wealth creation.”

While addressing the masses Mr. Pradeep Ramakrishnan, Executive Director, IFSCA, talked about “the extraordinary evolution of GIFT City into a globally emerging international financial hub, reflecting India’s growing prominence in the international financial ecosystem. Emphasizing the vision behind the development of GIFT-IFSC, he noted that the centre was established to create a world-class financial and business environment comparable to leading global financial destinations. He further shared that GIFT-IFSC today hosts over 1,500 registered entities across international banking, capital markets, insurance, fintech, investment funds, and foreign universities, while steadily strengthening its position as a strategic gateway for global capital flows, innovation, and next-generation financial services.”

Mr. Narinder Wadhwa, Co-Chair, Capital Market & Commodity Market Committee, PHDCCI, “in his closing remarks said that despite global political uncertainties and tensions in West Asia, India’s growth story remains strong and resilient. He emphasized that financial inclusion is the need of the hour and highlighted the importance of converting savers into investors and citizens into stakeholders in India’s economic growth journey. He also shared that the convention would further deliberate on emerging opportunities across various market segments and asset classes.”

The session was moderated by Mr. B. K. Sabharwal, Chair, Capital Market & Commodity Market Committee, PHDCCI, who facilitated engaging discussions on strengthening investor participation, expanding financial literacy, and leveraging capital markets as a catalyst for inclusive economic development.

The convention concluded with a strong call for enhancing financial literacy, encouraging wider retail participation, and building globally competitive capital markets that support India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047. The deliberations reflected a shared commitment towards creating a transparent, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystem for sustainable wealth creation.

During the convention, PHDCCI also launched the Knowledge Report titled “Profit Pool Analysis for Selecting Emerging Industries and Stocks in India”, providing key insights into emerging sectors, investment trends, and future growth opportunities in the Indian economy.

The inaugural session was followed by panel discussions on Investment During Uncertain Times: Opportunities and Challenges for Wealth Creation and Investment, Empowerment and Financial Inclusion through various Asset Classes. Distinguished speakers included Mr. Gurmeet Chadha, CIO & MD, Complete Circle; Mr. Ashu Madan, MD, JM Financial Services; Mr. Kunal Saraogi, SEBI Registered Research Analyst; Dr. Sharad Kohli, Tax Guru, Founder & Chairman, KCC Group; Dr. Neha Singh, Editor, DRS Insights; Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund; Mr. Jayendra Malhotra, Senior Economist; Mr. Puneet Agarwal, Element One Alternatives; Dr. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer, Master Trust Ltd. & Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, MD, NEXGEN Financial Solutions.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of government bodies, regulatory authorities, stock and commodity exchanges, market intermediaries, law firms, financial institutions, academia, and industry associations. Interactive technical sessions and panel discussions enabled meaningful exchange of ideas and recommendations for strengthening India’s financial architecture.

The Convention was supported by Globe Capital as the Presenting Partner; MSEI as an Exchange Partner; NSDL as Depository Partner; Wealth Discovery as the Associate Partner; Choice Broking, Dhan, Jainam Securities, SMC Capital, Steel City Securities, Starfinvest & SMIFS Ltd. as Co- Partners; Findoc, Agroy, Nexgen & Golden Globe Fund as Supporting Partners, Anand Rathi as the Logo Partner & The CPAI as the Association Partner.

The convention was attended by more than 250 delegates and reaffirmed the critical role of robust, transparent, and inclusive capital and commodity markets in shaping India’s growth story. The enriching discussions on investor participation, regulatory reforms, technological advancements, financial literacy, market resilience, and the expanding role of India in global financial markets provided meaningful direction for the future.

9, May 2026
PMJJBY Supports India’s Vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”: LIC CEO

May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.

He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.

Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.

The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.

He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.

Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

9, May 2026
PMJJBY Key to Government’s Goal of Universal Insurance Coverage by 2047: LIC CEO

May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.

He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.

Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.

The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.

He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.

Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

9, May 2026
Govt Appoints New CDS and Naval Chief in Key Defence Leadership Changes

May 9 (BNP): The Government of India on Saturday announced important leadership appointments in the armed forces, naming Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff.

Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, will assume office as the Chief of Defence Staff and will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he takes charge, until further orders. His appointment is aimed at further strengthening jointness among the three services and improving higher defence coordination and strategic planning.

In a parallel decision, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will take charge on the 31st of this month and will serve in the position until December 31, 2028.

Currently serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role. His appointment is expected to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness, maritime security capabilities, and ongoing modernisation efforts.

Officials stated that these appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s defence leadership framework, ensuring seamless command transitions, and reinforcing national security preparedness across all three services.

9, May 2026
Sindhudurg Village Leads Maharashtra by Completing First Self-Enumeration for Census 2027

May 9 (BNP): Muth village in Sindhudurg district has become the first village in Maharashtra to complete the self-enumeration process ahead of Census 2027, marking an early milestone in the state’s census preparations.

Sindhudurg Village Leads Maharashtra by Completing First Self-Enumeration for Census 2027

The achievement was made possible through active participation of residents and coordinated efforts by revenue officials. The village, located in Vengurla taluka, has 36 households and a population of 144.

The exercise was conducted under the guidance of Sindhudurg District Collector Tripti Dhodmise, officials said.

Chief Principal Census Officer Nirupama J. Dange welcomed the development and encouraged other villages across Maharashtra to complete self-enumeration within the stipulated timeline. She noted that such initiatives would strengthen the accuracy, efficiency, and smooth execution of the upcoming census process.

Officials said the achievement highlights growing awareness and participation at the grassroots level in digital and citizen-driven governance initiatives.

9, May 2026
India–EU Partnership Enters Stronger Phase of Engagement: Sitharaman at Europe Day 2026

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the India–European Union partnership has gained fresh momentum, reflecting deeper cooperation across economic, trade, and strategic areas.

Speaking at the Europe Day 2026 event, she noted that the relationship between India and the EU has steadily strengthened, supported by shared priorities such as economic stability, sustainable growth, and a fair global trading system.

She highlighted that both sides are actively working to expand collaboration in key areas including trade, investment, technology, clean energy transition, and strengthening supply chains. According to her, these efforts are helping convert long-standing strategic understanding into concrete outcomes for businesses and economies on both sides.

Sitharaman also underlined that India and the EU, as major global economic partners, have significant scope to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors while jointly addressing global economic challenges. She expressed optimism that continued dialogue and engagement will further enhance the partnership in the coming years.

The statement reflects the growing importance of India–EU relations in supporting global economic stability and advancing shared development goals.

9, May 2026
Suvendu Adhikari Set to Take Oath as West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister

Kolkata, May 9 (BNP): Suvendu Adhikari has been formally elected as the BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal and is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister, marking the party’s first-ever government in the state following a decisive electoral victory.

 

The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, bringing an end to 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule led by Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari’s elevation came after a unanimous decision during the BJP legislature party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that all MLAs supported a single name for the Chief Minister’s post.

Soon after being elected leader, Adhikari met the Governor and formally staked claim to form the new government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders are expected to attend.

Adhikari’s political rise has been marked by a series of high-profile electoral victories against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, including a symbolic win in her traditional stronghold. Once regarded as a key strategist within the Trinamool Congress, Adhikari joined the BJP in 2020 and rapidly emerged as the party’s most influential face in West Bengal.

Known for his strong organisational network, deep understanding of Bengal politics, and aggressive campaign strategy, Adhikari played a central role in the BJP’s successful electoral push across the state. His appointment as Chief Minister is being viewed as a major political milestone for the BJP in eastern India and signals a new chapter in West Bengal’s political landscape.