
Trump Faces Legal Battle Over NYC Congestion Pricing Halt
Trump's decision to halt New York City's congestion pricing program has led to a major legal dispute, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The congestion pricing plan, which went into effect on January 5, 2025, imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The policy aimed to curb traffic congestion while generating much-needed funding for the city's public transpor
Trump Faces Legal Battle Over NYC Congestion Pricing Halt
Trump's decision to halt New York City's congestion pricing program has led to a major legal dispute, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The congestion pricing plan, which went into effect on January 5, 2025, imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The policy aimed to curb traffic congestion while generating much-needed funding for the city's public transpor

67.97% Voter Turnout in Erode East Assembly Bypoll
In the Erode East Assembly bypoll, a voter turnout of 67.97% was recorded, according to a press release from the office of the Information and Public Relations Officer of Erode district. The bypoll was held after the unfortunate demise of MLA and senior Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, necessitating the election. This voting percentage highlights a significant level of engagement from the electorate in the region. After the polling concluded, all the Electronic Voting M
67.97% Voter Turnout in Erode East Assembly Bypoll
In the Erode East Assembly bypoll, a voter turnout of 67.97% was recorded, according to a press release from the office of the Information and Public Relations Officer of Erode district. The bypoll was held after the unfortunate demise of MLA and senior Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, necessitating the election. This voting percentage highlights a significant level of engagement from the electorate in the region. After the polling concluded, all the Electronic Voting M

Middle-Class Hopes for Tax Relief and Financial Reforms in Budget 2025
With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:
Middle-Class Hopes for Tax Relief and Financial Reforms in Budget 2025
With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:

Impact of U.S. Pulling Out of Global Tax Deal on India’s Tax System
The U.S. decision to withdraw from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) global tax deal, led by President Trump in his second term, could lead to significant shifts in the global tax landscape. However, according to tax expert Rakesh Nangia, India's tax policy will not be heavily impacted by this move. India had taken a more cautious approach toward implementing the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules and had not introduced substantial changes to it
Impact of U.S. Pulling Out of Global Tax Deal on India’s Tax System
The U.S. decision to withdraw from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) global tax deal, led by President Trump in his second term, could lead to significant shifts in the global tax landscape. However, according to tax expert Rakesh Nangia, India's tax policy will not be heavily impacted by this move. India had taken a more cautious approach toward implementing the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules and had not introduced substantial changes to it

Trump to Sign Executive Orders on U.S. Energy and Alaska’s Resources
Trump’s National Energy Emergency Declaration President-elect Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order declaring a national energy emergency to promote affordable and reliable energy in the U.S. Aiming to lower costs and boost domestic production, the measure would focus on removing regulations and promoting energy independence. Focus on Alaska’s Natural Resources Trump will also sign an executive order targeting Alas
Trump to Sign Executive Orders on U.S. Energy and Alaska’s Resources
Trump’s National Energy Emergency Declaration President-elect Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order declaring a national energy emergency to promote affordable and reliable energy in the U.S. Aiming to lower costs and boost domestic production, the measure would focus on removing regulations and promoting energy independence. Focus on Alaska’s Natural Resources Trump will also sign an executive order targeting Alas

"BCCI's New Guidelines: Impact on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah"
Following the Indian cricket team’s defeat in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has introduced a new guidelines aimed at promoting discipline, team cohesion, and reducing the influence of 'star culture' within the team. These rules come after consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and are designed to ensure a more unif
"BCCI's New Guidelines: Impact on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah"
Following the Indian cricket team’s defeat in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has introduced a new guidelines aimed at promoting discipline, team cohesion, and reducing the influence of 'star culture' within the team. These rules come after consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and are designed to ensure a more unif

TDP Sets All-Time Record with 1 Crore Registered Memberships
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has made a remarkable achievement by registering over 1 crore members, a first in the party's history. The ongoing membership drive, which has seen a surge in registrations, has reached an impressive milestone of 1,00,20,065 members, with notable participation from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The drive gained momentum under the leadership of Nara Lokesh, who introduced an insurance policy offering a Rs 5 lakh coverage, adding significant value for
TDP Sets All-Time Record with 1 Crore Registered Memberships
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has made a remarkable achievement by registering over 1 crore members, a first in the party's history. The ongoing membership drive, which has seen a surge in registrations, has reached an impressive milestone of 1,00,20,065 members, with notable participation from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The drive gained momentum under the leadership of Nara Lokesh, who introduced an insurance policy offering a Rs 5 lakh coverage, adding significant value for

Home Ministry Approves Prosecution of Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
The ongoing battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took a significant turn today with the Ministry of Home Affairs giving its nod for the prosecution of Kejriwal. This decision is connected to the ongoing money laundering case linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy. Earlier, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, had already granted permission for the prosecution of the former Delhi Chief Minister. T
Home Ministry Approves Prosecution of Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
The ongoing battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took a significant turn today with the Ministry of Home Affairs giving its nod for the prosecution of Kejriwal. This decision is connected to the ongoing money laundering case linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy. Earlier, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, had already granted permission for the prosecution of the former Delhi Chief Minister. T

Blinken Dismisses Trump's Greenland Claim, Calls for Strong Alliances
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the controversial comments made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding the potential US acquisition of Greenland, stating that such an action is not realistic and urging the world not to waste time discussing it. Speaking in Paris during his farewell tour, Blinken stressed that the Biden administration's foreign policy focuses on maintaining strong alliances, with the belief that the US is more effective when working alongside its allies.
Blinken Dismisses Trump's Greenland Claim, Calls for Strong Alliances
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the controversial comments made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding the potential US acquisition of Greenland, stating that such an action is not realistic and urging the world not to waste time discussing it. Speaking in Paris during his farewell tour, Blinken stressed that the Biden administration's foreign policy focuses on maintaining strong alliances, with the belief that the US is more effective when working alongside its allies.

India Should Focus on FTA and China-Specific Safeguards for Steel Imports
India's government is investigating rising steel imports, particularly in two categories of flat-rolled steel products (HS 7208 and 7210), which account for over 75% of the surge in imports. Instead of implementing global safeguards, experts suggest that India should focus on Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-specific safeguards and measures targeting China. Many imports come duty-free under FTAs with coun
India Should Focus on FTA and China-Specific Safeguards for Steel Imports
India's government is investigating rising steel imports, particularly in two categories of flat-rolled steel products (HS 7208 and 7210), which account for over 75% of the surge in imports. Instead of implementing global safeguards, experts suggest that India should focus on Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-specific safeguards and measures targeting China. Many imports come duty-free under FTAs with coun

Trump's Return to White House Brings New Challenges to US-India Relations
The year 2024 was dramatic for the US, with President Joe Biden abandoning his reelection bid after a poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump. Trump, who had been absent from the White House for four years, made a triumphant return after defeating Kamala Harris in the presidential race. His comeback marks the first time since Grover Cleveland that a president has been evicted from the White House and returned four years later. While the Biden administration exits, the Indi
Trump's Return to White House Brings New Challenges to US-India Relations
The year 2024 was dramatic for the US, with President Joe Biden abandoning his reelection bid after a poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump. Trump, who had been absent from the White House for four years, made a triumphant return after defeating Kamala Harris in the presidential race. His comeback marks the first time since Grover Cleveland that a president has been evicted from the White House and returned four years later. While the Biden administration exits, the Indi

Elon Musk Defends Foreign Tech Workers Amid U.S. Job Market Debate
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently responded to a discussion about foreign-born tech workers in the U.S., defending their contribution to the industry. The conversation began when Amjad Masad, CEO of Replit, questioned whether foreign workers were truly displacing qualified Americans in the tech sector. Masad pointed out the large number of unfilled tech jobs, expressing skepticism about claims that foreign workers were taking opportunities from native-born Americans. Musk, who is origina
Elon Musk Defends Foreign Tech Workers Amid U.S. Job Market Debate
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently responded to a discussion about foreign-born tech workers in the U.S., defending their contribution to the industry. The conversation began when Amjad Masad, CEO of Replit, questioned whether foreign workers were truly displacing qualified Americans in the tech sector. Masad pointed out the large number of unfilled tech jobs, expressing skepticism about claims that foreign workers were taking opportunities from native-born Americans. Musk, who is origina

India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.
India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.

Centre Scraps 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8
In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE
Centre Scraps 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8
In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE

Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that
Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that

China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy to Boost Tourism and Economy
China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f
China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy to Boost Tourism and Economy
China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f

Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing

Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys
Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys

Elon Musk's Tesla and the Impact of H-1B Visa Changes
Elon Musk’s Tesla has become one of the top employers of H-1B workers, with over 1,700 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees in 2020. This marks a significant reliance on skilled foreign workers as Tesla continues to grow. Musk’s early career began with illegal work on a student visa in the U.S., but now Tesla’s future is intertwined with the availability of H-1B workers, a visa program that is crucial for attracting talent to the tech industry. The Trump adminis
Elon Musk's Tesla and the Impact of H-1B Visa Changes
Elon Musk’s Tesla has become one of the top employers of H-1B workers, with over 1,700 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees in 2020. This marks a significant reliance on skilled foreign workers as Tesla continues to grow. Musk’s early career began with illegal work on a student visa in the U.S., but now Tesla’s future is intertwined with the availability of H-1B workers, a visa program that is crucial for attracting talent to the tech industry. The Trump adminis

Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p
Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p