Nation Pulse 24

Author: Nation Pulse 24

  • SBI Digital Banking Services Face Temporary Outage on September 7

    SBI Digital Banking Services Face Temporary Outage on September 7

    SBI Digital Banking Services Face Temporary Outage on September 7

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    New Delhi, September 7, 2025 — The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector lender, has announced that several of its key digital banking services will remain temporarily unavailable today due to scheduled maintenance and system upgrades.

    According to an official notification, customers may face disruptions while accessing internet banking, YONO Lite, YONO Business, and Corporate Banking platforms. The bank clarified that this outage is necessary to strengthen its digital infrastructure and ensure more secure and efficient services in the future.

    > “We regret the inconvenience caused to our valued customers. The downtime is essential for system enhancement and improved user experience,” the bank said in a statement.

    Services to Remain Functional

    While online platforms will be affected, SBI ATMs and branch services will remain fully operational. Customers can continue to perform cash withdrawals, deposits, and other branch-based transactions without disruption.

    In addition, UPI payments through third-party apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are expected to function normally, though some linked services may experience brief delays.

    Advice for Customers

    SBI has advised its customers to plan their transactions accordingly and use alternative channels such as ATMs or branch banking for urgent requirements. The bank has also urged users to stay updated through official announcements on its website and verified social media handles.

    Growing Digital Footprint

    SBI’s YONO app and internet banking services cater to millions of customers daily, handling transactions worth several crores. The temporary outage underscores the challenges large financial institutions face in balancing service availability with the need for robust security and system resilience.

    This maintenance exercise comes at a time when digital banking adoption in India is witnessing exponential growth, making uninterrupted service a top priority for both banks and customers alike.

  • Uttarakhand: State government’s focus on employment

    Uttarakhand: State government’s focus on employment

    Dhami government gave 25 thousand government jobs in four years

    Report: Amaanullah Usmani

    Dehradun – The youth has emerged as the biggest beneficiary during the four-year tenure of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. During this period, a record 25 thousand youth have been selected in government service. In this sequence, on Saturday, appointment letters were given to 15 assistant teachers selected in the Government Ashram System Schools of the Tribal Welfare Department.

    After taking charge on 4 July 2021, the Dhami government focused especially on providing employment and skills to the youth. During this, more than 25 thousand youth have been provided permanent employment in government services through Public Service Commission, Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission, Medical Services Selection Commission. The recruitment process of many departments is still going on at the level of Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, Subordinate Services Selection Board. In some cases, the final selection recommendation is going to be made soon, due to which this figure of total permanent jobs is going to increase further.

    The present government has started the Chief Minister’s Skill Development and Global Employment Scheme from 9 November 2022, for this, employment is being provided in Germany and Japan by providing training to the youth in the field of hospitality, nursing, automobile. So far, 154 youth have been trained under the scheme, out of which 37 have been provided employment in Japan.

    The Dhami government has broken the back of the copy mafia by implementing strict anti-cheating law in 2024. Since then, there has been no paper leak in any exam, not only this, the Dhami government has also sent more than 100 mafia involved in paper leak to jail.

    Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the government is trying to provide employment opportunities for the youth through education, skills. Our effort is that the water and youth of Uttarakhand should be used here. Instead of migrating, the youth should become job providers.

  • Flipkart Announces Big Billion Days Sale 2025: Exclusive Deals on iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, and More

    Flipkart Announces Big Billion Days Sale 2025: Exclusive Deals on iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, and More

    Flipkart Announces Big Billion Days Sale 2025: Exclusive Deals on iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, and More

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    E-commerce giant Flipkart has officially announced that its flagship Big Billion Days (BBD) Sale 2025 will begin on September 23, offering massive discounts across multiple product categories including smartphones, laptops, televisions, home appliances, and audio devices.

    Flipkart confirmed that Plus and Black membership holders will get early access to the sale on September 22, while “Early Bird Deals” will begin as early as September 8 for select users.

    This year, smartphones are expected to be the highlight of the BBD sale. Reports suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S24 will be available for under ₹40,000, while the Galaxy S24 FE could drop below ₹35,000. The newly launched iPhone 16 is also rumored to be priced under ₹50,000 during the sale, making it one of the most anticipated deals of the year.

    Apart from smartphones, Flipkart is also teasing heavy discounts on laptops, smart TVs, wearables, kitchen appliances, and gaming accessories. The company is positioning the sale as its biggest shopping festival ahead of the festive season.

    To further sweeten the offers, Flipkart has partnered with leading banks including Axis Bank and ICICI Bank, offering 10% instant discounts on purchases made through their debit and credit cards. Additional savings are also expected for users of Flipkart’s co-branded credit card.

    Industry experts believe that this year’s BBD sale could surpass previous records in terms of sales volume, given the growing demand for electronics and the excitement around flagship smartphone deals. Flipkart is also promoting “sale pass vouchers,” priced affordably, that will provide additional discounts during checkout.

    With the festive season approaching, Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2025 promises to be a shopping extravaganza for Indian consumers.

  • X Expands Encrypted Messaging Feature ‘XChat’ to All Users

    X Expands Encrypted Messaging Feature ‘XChat’ to All Users

    X Expands Encrypted Messaging Feature ‘XChat’ to All Users

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    In a major update aimed at strengthening user privacy, X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out its encrypted messaging feature, XChat, for all users. The feature, which was previously limited to Premium subscribers, is now available free of cost, marking a significant step in the platform’s security evolution.

    A Separate Secure Inbox

    XChat is designed as a separate opt-in inbox that does not replace the platform’s existing Direct Messaging (DM) system. Standard messages remain in the “Unencrypted” section, while users who activate XChat can send and receive end-to-end encrypted conversations.

    To activate the feature, users must opt in and set up a four-digit PIN code, which provides an additional layer of security. On desktop, the “Chat” tab appears above Message Requests, while on mobile devices it is available on the navigation bar above Communities.

    Features and Functionality

    XChat supports a wide range of features, including:

    End-to-end encryption, ensuring only sender and recipient can read the messages.

    Media sharing and group chats.

    Options to pin messages, manage read/unread status, and soon, the addition of disappearing (auto-vanishing) messages.

    An unsend option, allowing users to delete messages from both devices.

    Elon Musk described the system as using “Bitcoin-style encryption” and confirmed that it is built on Rust programming language. Experts, however, note that while the term is catchy, the encryption relies on elliptic-curve cryptography rather than Bitcoin’s blockchain model.

    Security Concerns

    Despite the upgrade, security experts point out some limitations. Unlike Signal, XChat does not support forward secrecy, which means if a user’s encryption key is compromised, past messages may also be at risk. Furthermore, private keys are stored on X’s servers through its Juicebox protocol, raising concerns over potential vulnerabilities.

    Metadata such as recipient details and message timestamps remain visible, and encrypted messages cannot be reported to moderation teams, presenting a trade-off between privacy and abuse detection.

    Conclusion

    With XChat, the company has taken a major step toward improving user privacy and securing digital conversations. While it still faces criticism for certain cryptographic shortcomings and moderation challenges, the update highlights X’s effort to compete with secure messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp. For journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users, XChat could prove to be a valuable addition.

  • Mumbai: First Delivery of Tesla Model Y from City’s First Outlet

    Mumbai: First Delivery of Tesla Model Y from City’s First Outlet

    Mumbai: First Delivery of Tesla Model Y from City’s First Outlet

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    Mumbai witnessed a historic moment in India’s automobile industry as Tesla delivered its first Model Y SUV from its newly inaugurated showroom at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This marks the company’s first official customer handover in the country, further solidifying Tesla’s entry into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market.

    The delivery event took place just weeks after Tesla launched its flagship Experience Centre in Mumbai on July 15, 2025. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier inaugurated the showroom, emphasizing the state’s vision for sustainable mobility. Now, with the first Model Y officially on Indian roads, Tesla has moved from showcase to delivery, turning anticipation into reality for its customers.

    The Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling electric SUV globally, is available in two variants in India:

    Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) priced at around ₹60 lakh.

    Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) priced at around ₹68 lakh.

    The car offers impressive driving range, cutting-edge autopilot features, and Tesla’s signature minimalist interior design.

    Tesla also announced that its first batch of deliveries will be limited but will gradually expand over the coming months. Industry experts believe that this initial delivery signals the beginning of Tesla’s larger rollout strategy in India, which includes expanding sales, service networks, and charging infrastructure.

    To support its customers, Tesla is setting up Supercharger stations in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, with more cities to follow. This move is expected to significantly boost EV adoption in India, offering a reliable charging ecosystem to Tesla owners.

    With its first customer delivery complete, Tesla has officially begun its journey on Indian roads. The milestone is not just about one car but about setting the tone for the future of luxury EV mobility in the country.

  • 9 Carat Gold Now Included Under BIS Hallmark Certification

    9 Carat Gold Now Included Under BIS Hallmark Certification

    9 Carat Gold Now Included Under BIS Hallmark Certification

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    A major update for gold buyers in India— the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially brought 9 Carat Gold under the ambit of Hallmark Certification.

    Until now, hallmarking was limited to 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K gold. With this new decision, even 9 Carat Gold, which contains 37.5% purity, will now carry the BIS hallmark.

    Experts believe this move will bring greater transparency and trust to the jewellery market. It will particularly benefit buyers looking for budget-friendly gold jewellery, as they can now enjoy the same government-backed guarantee of purity that higher carat gold already offers.

    India is among the world’s largest consumers of gold, and the jewellery sector continues to expand rapidly. In such a scenario, the inclusion of 9 Carat Gold under hallmarking is being seen as a significant step towards consumer protection and industry standardization.

    According to industry insiders, this move will not only strengthen consumer confidence but also give a positive push to the jewellery business by making it more reliable and transparent.

  • GST Revision: Impact on Tech Gadgets and Automobiles

    GST Revision: Impact on Tech Gadgets and Automobiles

    GST Revision: Impact on Tech Gadgets and Automobiles

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    The government is considering changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, which could have a direct impact on the technology and automobile sectors. This move may come as welcome relief for consumers.

    At present, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic products fall under the 18% GST slab. The government is reportedly exploring the possibility of reducing this rate to 12%. If implemented, the prices of mid-range smartphones and premium laptops could drop significantly. For instance, on a smartphone worth ₹20,000, a consumer could save nearly ₹1,200. Experts believe such a move would boost demand and sales in India’s electronics market.

    On the other hand, the automobile sector is also expected to see a notable impact. Currently, cars and bikes attract 28% GST along with additional cess, which makes their prices considerably high. However, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are already taxed at just 5% GST. Now, there are discussions to further reduce GST on EV batteries and charging infrastructure. If this happens, owning and maintaining an EV will become more affordable, giving a push to India’s EV adoption drive.

    Industry experts say these revisions would benefit both consumers and manufacturers. While tech products would become more affordable for the masses, cheaper EVs could accelerate India’s green mobility mission, bringing the country closer to its sustainable transportation goals.

  • India Unveils Indigenous Semiconductor Breakthroughs at Semicon India 2025

    India Unveils Indigenous Semiconductor Breakthroughs at Semicon India 2025

    India Unveils Indigenous Semiconductor Breakthroughs at Semicon India 2025

    In a historic step towards technological self-reliance, India showcased two major semiconductor innovations at the Semicon India 2025 event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the country’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, “Vikram,” along with semiconductor chips developed in Assam.

    The Vikram processor marks a crucial milestone in India’s ambition to become a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Developed entirely within the country, the 32-bit chip is expected to power a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial systems. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that this processor symbolizes India’s entry into the league of nations capable of building advanced microchips independently.

    At the same event, Tata Electronics’ Jagiroad facility in Assam presented the Tata OSAT chip. Designed for packaging, testing, and optimization, this innovation enables mass-scale semiconductor production. In parallel, NIT Silchar unveiled a Neural Amplifier Frontend IC, developed to support brain-computer interfaces and medical technologies by enhancing low-noise neural signal amplification.

    Experts say these developments not only reduce dependence on global supply chains but also create opportunities for domestic startups and research institutions. The Assam chips, in particular, are being seen as a signal of India’s intent to expand semiconductor manufacturing beyond traditional hubs, promoting regional innovation.

    Prime Minister Modi called the unveiling a “turning point in India’s semiconductor journey,” stressing that the government’s support for R&D and private investment will accelerate the country’s growth as a global tech hub.

    With global semiconductor demand projected to surge, India’s latest achievements could position it as a significant player in the industry, bridging the gap between innovation and large-scale manufacturing.

  • Zeenat Masroor of Roorkee won first prize in the competition held in Dehradun

    Zeenat Masroor of Roorkee won first prize in the competition held in Dehradun

    Zeenat Masroor of Roorkee won first prize in the competition held in Dehradun

    Report: Arif Niazi

    Roorkee – Schools from 40 different states registered for the Aashu speech competition and Aashu essay writing competition held at The Indian Public School Dehradun Rajawala. This competition was held at the national level in which students from different states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand etc. participated. Zeenat Masroor, a class 12 student of Greenway Modern Senior Secondary School Adarsh Nagar Roorkee, won the first place. As a reward, she was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 51000, a certificate and a prize. Anjali Saxena, a class 11 student of Greenway Modern Senior Secondary School Adarsh Nagar, participated in the essay writing competition. She won the second place in the competition. She was awarded Rs. 25000 cash, a certificate and a prize. The proper preparation of the students for this competition was done by the school teacher Mrs. Gunjan Tyagi. On this success of the students, the school’s Principal Mrs. Mala Chauhan and Manager Mr. Ashok Chauhan congratulated the students.

  • Bihar to Issue New Tech-Enabled Voter ID Cards Ahead of Upcoming Elections

    Bihar to Issue New Tech-Enabled Voter ID Cards Ahead of Upcoming Elections

    Bihar to Issue New Tech-Enabled Voter ID Cards Ahead of Upcoming Elections

    Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

    Bihar State Election Commission has announced plans to issue new, technologically advanced voter ID cards to all eligible voters following a comprehensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This initiative aims to enhance voter identification, ensure transparency, and strengthen the security of the election process ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

    The new voter ID cards will incorporate advanced features, including updated photographs, biometric verification, and other modern identification technologies. Voters will retain their existing voter ID numbers to avoid confusion, while benefiting from improved security and authentication measures. Officials emphasize that these updates are part of a broader effort to modernize electoral infrastructure and streamline voter management.

    The SIR process, recently completed, involved detailed verification and review of the entire voter database. During this period, the commission received more than 36,000 claims for inclusion and 2.17 lakh objections for removal of names from the voter list. Additionally, over 99% of registered voters submitted their updated photographs, ensuring that the new voter IDs reflect the most current data. The total number of voters in Bihar currently stands at 7.24 crore, highlighting the scale of this massive electoral exercise.

    While the Election Commission has not yet announced the exact date for issuing the new voter ID cards, the process is expected to begin shortly after the SIR review is fully finalized. The final voter list is slated for publication on September 30, 2025, ahead of the anticipated assembly elections, which are expected to be held between late October and mid-November.

    The Supreme Court has commented on the process, assuring that any claims or objections arising from the SIR will be considered, even if submitted after the official September 1 deadline. However, such submissions will only be incorporated into the final voter list after its publication, ensuring legal compliance and fairness in the electoral process.

    This modernization drive is seen as a significant step toward strengthening democratic processes in Bihar. By leveraging technology to improve the accuracy and security of voter identification, the Election Commission aims to minimize electoral fraud, enhance transparency, and make the voting experience safer and more efficient for millions of citizens.

    As Bihar prepares for its next assembly elections, the new tech-enabled voter ID cards are expected to play a key role in ensuring a smooth, transparent, and secure electoral process, reflecting the state’s commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions in governance.