Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a significant move towards strengthening state rights, on Tuesday announced the formation of a high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph. The committee will examine and recommend steps to enhance Tamil Nadu’s autonomy amid growing friction with the Union government. The announcement was made during his address in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, highlighting what Stalin termed as "persistent overreach by the Centre." T

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

 China has indicated a willingness to address India’s rising concerns over a ballooning trade deficit that is projected to touch a record $100 billion in the financial year 2024–25. This development comes as China seeks to offset its economic challenges amid intensifying trade friction with the United States. People familiar with the situation have said that Beijing has informally conveyed its openness to increasing imports from India by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers,

  In a major escalation of the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China, Beijing has announced a significant hike in tariffs on American goods, raising import duties from 84% to 125%. The move, confirmed by the Chinese finance ministry on Friday, is a direct response to recent tariff increases imposed by the U.S. administration. It marks one of the most severe retaliatory actions taken by China in the prolonged dispute that has gripped global markets and resha

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

In a dramatic reversal that sent shockwaves through global financial markets, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a pause on newly implemented tariffs targeting dozens of countries. The unexpected move came less than a day after his sweeping tariff measures went into effect, causing major disruption across world markets and triggering one of the most volatile trading periods since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tariff freeze, which offered some temporary relief to ratt

India’s banking sector is projected to witness a year-on-year credit expansion of ₹19 lakh crore to ₹20.5 lakh crore in FY2025-26, amounting to a growth of approximately 10.8%, according to a report by ICRA, a leading credit rating agency. This expansion is expected to be driven by recent monetary easing measures implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), though structural challenges in deposit mobilisation and rising credit-deposit ratios may temper growth momentum. According to

China has issued a stern warning in response to former President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, pledging to fight back with equal force if the United States raises duties on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%. The Chinese Commerce Ministry declared it would “resolutely” take all necessary countermeasures to defend the country’s economic interests, reinforcing its position that any trade war escalation would be met with firm resistance. Trump announced o

Amid growing unrest over the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the appointments of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff recruited through the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly pledged her support for the affected individuals. Speaking at Netaji Indoor Stadium to a large gathering of dismissed teachers, Banerjee criticized the judgment, questioned the rationale behind the blanket dismissal, and drew comparisons with

Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh — The Central Government has disbursed over ₹4,200 crore to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital, Amaravati. This follows the release of USD 205 million (approx. ₹1,705 crore) by the World Bank under a major international funding initiative aimed at completing the first phase of the state’s capital development project. A senior government official confirmed that the ₹4,285 crore, transferred on April 1, is part of a comprehensive ₹15,

As the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage nears, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of certain categories of visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas and will remain in place until mid-June, aligning with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The decision reportedly aims to address logistical challenges and prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj. The countries impacted by this move inc

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

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a Calcutta High Court verdict that invalidated the appointment of over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff recruited by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Banerjee expressed her disagreement with the apex court's judgement, stating she cannot support a blanket cancellation of all appointments and voiced her deep

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

Bank of America has issued essential guidelines for customers to help them avoid their accounts being labeled as abandoned property. Accounts that show signs of inactivity for extended periods, often more than three years, are at risk of being classified as abandoned and subsequently turned over to the state. This process is called escheatment, and it can result in the loss of access to your funds if not managed properly. However, the bank provides several proactive steps for customers to kee

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

 A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at 12:50 pm local time on Friday, unleashing chaos and destruction across the region. The epicentre of the quake was located 16 km northwest of the city of Sagaing and at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The region was rocked again shortly afterward by a significant aftershock measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. Local media reports confirm at least 20 deaths in Myanmar so far, wi

Imagine racing to make an urgent fund transfer on March 31, only to find that your bank is open, but critical transactions aren’t going through. That could be a reality for many this year, as March 31, 2025, marks the last day of the financial year—and it comes with banking limitations that could impact individuals and businesses alike. While banks across India will remain operational on March 31, customers should be aware that many essential financial services may not function as

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a recent episode of the ANI podcast, made strong remarks regarding communal harmony in the state under his government. Asserting that Muslims are the safest community in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath credited the Bharatiya Janata Party’s governance since 2017 for the absence of communal riots in the state. His comments have sparked widespread discussions over the state of inter-religious trust, safety of minorities, and the broader implicatio