Business
PAN 2.0: Beware of new scam! Fraudsters launch schemes to fool PAN Card holders – here’s what you should know
PAN 2.0: The Modi government recently gave its not for the PAN 2.0 project, which offers PAN cards with enhanced features, including secure data storage in a dedicated vault, better QR code functionality for convenient access, and unified PAN/TAN services through a single portal.
Unfortunately, criminals have begun targeting individuals with fraudulent schemes, deceiving them with false promises of new PAN cards, according to an ET report. It’s crucial to understand how to protect oneself from these deceptive practices.
Beware of PAN 2.0 Scam
The most important thing to understand is that your current PAN card maintains its validity even after PAN 2.0’s launch. A new PAN card is necessary only when updating personal details like name or birth date. For deliveries within India, a physical card costs Rs 50, whilst international deliveries incur Rs 15 plus shipping charges.
Also Read | PAN 2.0: How to easily apply for PAN Card reprint with QR code – check 6 simple steps online
Hence, obtaining a new PAN card under PAN 2.0 isn’t compulsory.
- You need to exercise caution if you are contacted about mandatory PAN card upgrades or expedited processing for a fee.
- The UP cyber cell advises against sharing account details or OTPs.
- Avoid engaging with suspicious links, calls, messages or emails regarding PAN 2.0 upgrades.
Official information about PAN 2.0 is available on the Income Tax department’s website. For PAN card reprints, use only authorised service providers: Protean (previously NSDL) or UTIITSL. These are the sole entities approved by the income tax department for issuing physical PAN cards.
If you want to lodge a complaint then contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’s official website. It is advisable to submit your grievance immediately following a scam incident. Ensure you preserve all evidence, including call records, text messages, emails and any other exchanges with the fraudster, as these will serve as crucial documentation during the investigation.
Business
Stock market holidays 2025: BSE, NSE release holiday calendar for 2025 – check full list of month-wise stock market holidays
Stock market BSE, NSE holidays 2025: The stock exchanges in India have announced 14 trading holidays for 2025. In February, May, November and December there will be one holiday, while March and August will have two holidays each. April and October will see three trading holidays each.
This schedule was released by the stock exchange authorities a few days ago
BSE, NSE Stock Market Holidays 2025: Full list
- The first stock market holiday of 2025 will be on February 26, Wednesday, for Mahashivratri celebrations.
- March holidays are scheduled for the 14th (Friday) for Holi and 31st (Monday) for Id-Ul-Fitra (Ramzan Id).
- Three holidays in April fall on the 10th (Thursday), 14th (Monday) and 18th (Friday), marking Shri Mahavir Jayanti, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti and Good Friday respectively.
- Maharashtra Day will be observed on May 1 (Thursday). The markets will be closed on August 15 (Friday) for Independence Day and August 27 (Wednesday) for Ganesh Chaturthi.
- October’s three holidays include Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra on October 02 (Thursday), Diwali on October 21 (Tuesday), and Diwali Balipratipada on October 22 (Wednesday).
- The exchanges will conduct Muhurat Trading on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with timing details to be announced later.
- Trading will be suspended on November 5 (Wednesday) for Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti and December 25 (Thursday) for Christmas.
Several holidays coincide with weekends: Republic Day (January 26), Shri Ram Navami (April 06) and Muharram (July 06) fall on Sundays, whilst Bakri Id occurs on Saturday, June 7.
Business
Indian Railways plans centrally heated sleeper train, special Vande Bharat chair car for Kashmir – check features
Indian Railways eyes two special trains for Jammu & Kashmir! Indian Railways plans to introduce two new train services to enhance Kashmir connectivity in the coming month.
A centrally heated sleeper train will operate between New Delhi and Srinagar, offering a 13-hour journey through snow-covered mountains and across the 359-m-high Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The train will provide premium comfort but will not include second-class sleeper coaches, sources told ET.
Previously it was being speculated that the Vande Bharat sleeper would debut on the Kashmir route, but that doesn’t appear to be the case now.
Vande Bharat for Katra-Baramulla Route in Jammu & Kashmir
- For the Katra-Baramulla route, an eight-coach Vande Bharat train with chair car seating will be introduced, a senior railway official told the financial daily.
- The
Vande Bharat Express for Jammu & Kashmir also incorporates specialised features including silicon heating pads for water tanks to prevent freezing, and toilets with warm air circulation through specially designed ducts. - In a first for Indian Railways, the loco pilots’ front glass contains embedded heating elements to prevent frost formation in sub-zero temperatures.
- The service will reduce the 246-km Katra-Baramulla journey time to three-and-a-half hours, significantly faster than the current 10-hour bus journey. Baramulla railway station lies 57 km beyond Srinagar.
Jammu & Kashmir Train Connectivity
Katra, which serves as the entry point to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and attracts numerous pilgrims, currently has a 16-coach Vande Bharat Express connection to New Delhi operating six days weekly.
The railway official said, “Once the Katra-Baramulla Vande Bharat becomes operational, likely by late next month, passengers will be able to seamlessly journey from New Delhi to Katra in our existing Vande Bharat and then transfer to the new service to reach Srinagar or Baramulla.”
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