As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

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

Volkswagen is currently facing a major legal challenge in India after the Indian government refused to cancel a $1.4 billion tax bill imposed on the carmaker. The government argued in the Bombay High Court that overturning the tax demand would set a dangerous precedent, warning that such a move could have catastrophic consequences. Officials claimed that doing so might encourage other companies to withhold critical information and deliberately delay tax inquiries, ultimately exploiting legal

Kumar Mangalam Birla, the esteemed chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, has been recognized with the prestigious Business Icon of the Year Award at the Business Today - PwC India's Best CEO Awards. This recognition highlights his outstanding contribution to transforming the Indian conglomerate into a global business powerhouse with operations across 40 countries. After assuming leadership at just 28 following his father’s untimely demise in 1995, Kumar Mangalam Birla s

Ensuring financial security for children is one of the primary concerns for parents. Whether planning for education, marriage, or other major milestones, choosing the right investment plan can make a significant difference. While traditional government-backed schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) are widely known, financial experts are now highlighting the potential of Children's Mutual Funds as a flexible and high-return alternative.   Understanding Su

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods starting April 2, a move that has reignited tensions between the two countries over trade policies. Speaking to Breitbart News, Trump expressed frustration with what he described as India's excessively high tariffs on American products. During the interview, President Trump emphasized that while he maintains a "very good relationship" with In

Bitcoin prices showed minor declines across major exchanges on Monday, March 17, reflecting losses of under 2 percent. On CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin was trading at $83,687 (approx. Rs. 72.6 lakh) on global platforms. Meanwhile, on Indian exchanges like CoinSwitch and Giottus, the asset’s value fluctuated between $83,810 (approx. Rs. 72.7 lakh) and $87,506 (approx. Rs. 76 lakh). The leading cryptocurrency’s sluggish performance has persisted for over two weeks following a price dip ear

The United States is set to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Indian exports. While traders remain uneasy about the impact on export-driven sectors, a report by SBI Research suggests that India's economy is resilient enough to withstand these changes with minimal consequences. According to SBI Research, the newly imposed US tariffs are projected to result in only a 3-3.5% decline in Indian exports. Despite the tariff hike, India&rs

The "Boycott USA" movement is gaining momentum globally in response to Donald Trump's tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, which have ignited trade wars and fueled resentment towards American goods. The backlash, which has been rapidly spreading across social media platforms, reflects growing dissatisfaction with Trump's economic policies and international relations. In the past week alone, Google searches for “Boycott USA” have surged, with European cou

The Income Tax Department has issued a crucial reminder for taxpayers regarding the final instalment of advance tax for the financial year 2024-25. As per the official directive, taxpayers must clear their advance tax dues by March 15, 2025, to ensure compliance with Indian tax laws. Timely payment of advance tax not only prevents interest penalties but also contributes to the government's efforts towards economic growth, supporting the ‘Viksit Bharat Movement’ aimed at making

Starting April 1, 2025, taxpayers can begin filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. Employers will provide Form 16 to salaried employees, which plays a crucial role in filing ITR by summarizing salary details, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), and other tax-related information for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25. Understanding Form 16, its contents, and its significance can help taxpayers ensure a smooth and error-free filing process.  

In a significant financial setback for India’s wealthiest individuals, seven prominent billionaires, including Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji, Shapoor Mistry, and others, have collectively lost a staggering $34 billion in 2025 following a sharp stock market selloff. According to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, this loss comes amid growing volatility in global financial markets.   Gautam Adani: The Biggest Loser Ga

Reliance Jio has announced a significant partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services in India. This collaboration aims to improve digital connectivity across the country, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The move is contingent on SpaceX securing the necessary regulatory approvals to sell Starlink services in India. Once approved, Jio will distribute Starlink services through its extensive network of stores and online platforms. The partnershi

Elon Musk is facing growing public backlash following his involvement with the Trump administration, with protests escalating in unusual ways. One such protest appeared in New York City, where a satirical sign targeted both Musk and his electric vehicle company Tesla. The viral sign humorously instructs dog owners to dispose of their pet’s waste in the nearest Cybertruck — Tesla’s futuristic electric pickup — and even suggests depositing it "into Elon Musk's m

The central government is expected to announce a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) this week, according to several media reports. This anticipated hike is set to benefit over 12 million central government employees and retirees under the guidelines of the 7th Pay Commission. If implemented, this increase will raise the existing DA from 53% to 55% of the basic pay. The increase is designed to help employees and pensioners manage inflation by adjusting their income to

A loan against mutual funds is an effective financing option that allows investors to access funds without selling their investments. By pledging mutual fund units as collateral, individuals can secure a loan from banks or financial institutions. This method provides a practical solution for short-term financial needs while enabling investors to retain their portfolio and continue benefiting from market growth.   What is a Loan Against Mutual Funds?