The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new initiative to connect more directly with the public by launching an official WhatsApp channel. This development is part of the central bank’s broader commitment to enhancing public awareness and making important financial and banking information accessible to every citizen, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas who might not have regular access to official websites or traditional media. The initiative falls under the RBI&rs

In a heartfelt effort to ease the burden of rising living costs, a Jersey City gas station will be offering a generous giveaway this weekend that is expected to draw hundreds of locals. Tom Critelli’s Sunoco station, located at 465 Grand Street in Jersey City, is giving away $30 in free gasoline to the first 500 vehicles as part of a special event dubbed “Fueling the Community.” The giveaway will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, and it will operate on a first-come, firs

  After over two decades in the health and wellness industry, Modere has officially announced it is closing its operations. The direct-to-consumer brand, which once had a significant presence in markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, shared a heartfelt farewell with its community, expressing gratitude for the support and loyalty of its customer base throughout the years. Founded 23 years ago, Modere built its identity around offering clean-label

In a significant show of confidence, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, has emerged as the biggest investor in the Adani Group’s $750 million private bond issuance, taking on approximately one-third of the allocation. The investment, made through a private placement with a 3–5 year tenure, marks BlackRock’s debut in India's infrastructure-focused private bond space. Sources with direct knowledge revealed that BlackRock’s participation in th

As the holiday season approaches, the traditional hustle and bustle inside China’s Christmas product factories is strikingly absent this year. Long the workshop of the world when it comes to festive goods—from plastic pine trees to twinkling LED lights—these factories now face grim prospects due to the United States’ sudden and steep import tariffs. President Donald Trump’s recent escalation of trade tensions, with a 104% tariff slapped on Chinese imports, has effec

Efforts to halt the long-discussed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project have returned to the Texas state legislature, reigniting a decade-long battle over one of the most ambitious transportation proposals in the state’s history. The Texas Central Railway project, which aims to connect Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes using Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train technology, is once again under scrutiny in Austin, where lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at limiting or complet

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu continues to strengthen his reputation as a development-oriented leader by aligning state priorities with national strategic interests. As part of the broader vision of progress and security, Andhra Pradesh is now set to host one of India’s most ambitious defense projects — a new naval base near Visakhapatnam that will house nuclear submarines and advanced warships. This major defense initiative is being developed under Project Varsha and is poi

Swiggy, the popular online food and grocery delivery platform, is facing new tax troubles with a total tax demand of over Rs 165 crore for the financial year 2021-22. The first of the two orders was issued by the Profession Tax Officer in Pune, Maharashtra, demanding Rs 7.59 crore. This order alleges that Swiggy failed to properly deduct profession tax from its employees' salaries, which is required under the Maharashtra State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings & Employments Act, 1975.

Bangkok, April 4 — At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled several bold proposals aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, economic integration, and disaster resilience among the seven member nations of BIMSTEC—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. UPI Integration Across BIMSTEC In a major push toward financial connectivity, PM Modi proposed linking India’s UPI (Unified Pa

Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent remarks questioning the direction of India’s startup ecosystem have sparked a wave of reactions from prominent startup leaders and tech entrepreneurs. While addressing an audience, Goyal questioned whether Indian startups are merely focused on "dukaandari"—running shops—by prioritizing delivery services, fantasy sports, and betting platforms, as opposed to Chinese startups that are innovating in areas like electric vehicle

In a noteworthy development signaling the economic progress of Andhra Pradesh, the state has recorded its highest monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in nearly a year. The GST revenue generated in the state for the month of March 2025 has reached an impressive ₹3116 crore, breaking past the ₹3000 crore milestone for the first time in the last 11 months. This also marks an 8.35 percent year-on-year growth compared to March of the previous year, indicating an upward trend in tax

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a financial trail connecting billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros’s Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) to Indian entities operating in the NGO sector, sparking serious questions about potential violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and foreign direct investment (FDI) norms. The revelations, based on detailed investigations, have triggered fresh scrutiny over the methods used to funnel foreign fun

Poonam Gupta, a prominent economist with global expertise, has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman in over a decade to assume this high-ranking position at India’s central bank. She succeeds Michael Patra, who retired in January 2024. Gupta brings with her nearly two decades of international experience, having worked with the World Bank, International Monet

As the new financial year commences on April 1, 2025, several significant income tax changes have officially come into effect, directly impacting salaried individuals, senior citizens, investors, and taxpayers across the country. Announced during Budget 2025, these updates aim to simplify compliance, improve transparency, and provide substantial relief to the middle class. From revised tax slabs to increased deduction limits and changes in TDS thresholds, here’s a complete breakdown of

New Delhi, April 1 – Indians working abroad sent home a record-breaking $129.4 billion in 2024, reaffirming India’s position as the world’s top remittance recipient. According to the latest figures released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the last quarter of the year alone—October to December—saw the highest-ever quarterly inflows of $36 billion.   The World Bank, which tracks global remittance patterns, confirmed that India stands far a

Renowned American restaurant chain Hooters of America has filed for bankruptcy protection in Texas as part of a major restructuring effort aimed at addressing its mounting debt of $US376 million (approximately $601 million AUD). The company announced that it will transfer ownership of its company-operated restaurant locations to a group backed by the original founders of the brand, with the aim of strengthening its financial future. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Hooters has confirmed that it

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. The decision, announced on March 28, 2025, will benefit more than one crore individuals, including both current employees and retired personnel drawing pensions from the central government. This hike, though modest compared to previous years, will be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2025. As a resul

In India, banking services are designed to offer convenience—but they often come at a price. From ATM withdrawals to fund transfers and cheque issuance, nearly every service comes with associated costs. While some fees are minimal, others can add up over time, impacting your personal or business finances. Whether you're managing a savings account or operating a business with a current account, understanding standard banking charges is essential for smarter financial planning. Bank f

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the chairperson of HCL Technologies, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 of the Hurun Global Rich List 2025. With a staggering estimated net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore, she now ranks fifth among the world’s wealthiest women, marking a major milestone for Indian business leadership. Her leap in the rankings follows a significant transfer of ownership from her father, Sh

The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that it would not activate the recently negotiated Black Sea maritime security agreement until a series of longstanding conditions—most of them tied to earlier unmet commitments—are fulfilled. This development comes in the wake of a US-led effort to bring about a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and halt attacks on critical energy infrastructure. On Tuesday, the United States announced that it had reached separate agreements wit