On Monday, the Indian rupee plunged by 67 paise to hit a record low of 87.29 against the US dollar. This sharp depreciation came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, sparking fears of a global trade war. Trump’s tariffs—25% on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China—sent shockwaves through the financial markets. As the US dollar gained strength amid risk aversion, the rupee faced mounting pressure due to sustaine

Income Tax: Union Budget 2025 introduces a revamped tax regime, with key reforms aimed at providing relief to the middle class. The new tax slabs are as follows: Up to Rs 4 lakh - 0% Rs 4-8 lakh - 5% Rs 8-12 lakh - 10%

GATE 2025 Exam Dates and Location Update: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025 will take place from February 1 to February 16. However, due to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, GATE exams scheduled for February 1 and 2, along with the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) on February 2, will now be conducted in Lucknow on the same dates. Candidates are advised to check the official website for further details about location changes. Things

With the Union Budget 2025 just around the corner, India’s stock market is experiencing increased volatility. The India VIX, a key indicator of market fluctuations, surged by over 5% leading up to Budget day. Historically, the market has shown a mix of both gains and losses on the day of the Budget announcement and in the lead-up to it. The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 index has seen varying movements, with large swings in previous years, making it difficult to predict the immediate market re

On the eve of Republic Day, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force was conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his remarkable leadership and courage during a high-stakes mission off the Somali coast. The operation, which took place on March 16, 2024, involved rescuing 17 crew members from the MV Ruen, a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates. The pirates had previously attacked merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and even fired at the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata

DTC to Be Introduced Separately: Sources have confirmed that the much-anticipated Direct Tax Code (DTC), which seeks to simplify India’s income tax laws, will be introduced separately and not as part of the Union Budget 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to deliver the budget speech on Saturday, but the new tax code will be presented at a later date. This move marks a shift from earlier reports suggesting the DTC would be included with the budg

As more women actively engage in managing their finances, investing in tax-saving options has become a crucial part of financial planning. In India, several investment avenues not only promise attractive returns but also offer significant tax benefits. Some options are general, while others are specifically designed for women. Here's a closer look at some of the key tax-saving investment options women can consider: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

 As the Union Budget 2025 approaches on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to address rising concerns over high inflation and shrinking disposable incomes, with a focus on tax relief for salaried individuals. One of the most anticipated measures is the potential increase in the standard deduction for salaried employees. Under the current system, a standard deduction of Rs 75,000 is available for those opting for the New Tax Regime, while the Old Tax Reg

Tamil Nadu’s professional boxer Sabari Jaishankar is set to headline the upcoming Super Fighter Series, an international boxing event scheduled for February 7 in Bangkok. Jaishankar, who is currently the WBC Middle East and WBC Australasia champion, will take on seasoned Thai boxer Rattakorn Tassaworn in an exciting match-up. Jaishankar is not the only Indian boxer participating in this high-profile event. His fellow countrymen, Laldinsanga and Vanlalawmpuia, both from Mizoram

Adani Group has issued a statement refuting claims that its 484 MW wind power projects in Sri Lanka, located in Mannar and Pooneryn, have been cancelled. The company clarified that the recent decision by the Sri Lankan Cabinet to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a routine review process, especially with the new administration in place. The reevaluation aims to align the terms with the country’s evolving energy policies. The company emphasized its commitmen

Samsung has launched a new feature for the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE, designed specifically for kids. This feature allows parents to manage their child's watch via the Google Family Link, offering a safer and more controlled smartwatch experience for children. To set up the watch, parents can use their own phone, eliminating the need for a separate smartphone. Once set up, the watch operates independently, with an activated eSIM. The system provides a variety of tools for staying conne

Archaeologists in Cambridgeshire have made an extraordinary discovery of a Roman-era cemetery that includes a unique burial involving liquid gypsum, providing rare insights into ancient burial practices. The central grave, believed to belong to a high-status individual, was found encased in a stone coffin with gypsum poured around the body, a practice known from Roman times but poorly understood. The gypsum preserved impressions of fabric from the individual's clothing, offering a glimpse

 Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have surged to an all-time high, climbing 0.43% from Thursday's rates, reaching Rs 79,970 for contracts expiring on February 5, 2025. The precious metal has seen an upward trajectory this week, following a climb in spot prices which also touched record highs. As of 6:50 a.m. on Friday, gold's spot price in India stood at Rs 79,980 per 10 grams, according to the India Bullion Association. Despite the earlier rise, prices cooled o

 A deadly explosion occurred at an ordnance factory in Bhandara district, near Nagpur, Maharashtra, this morning, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths. The blast took place in the LTP (Load, Test, and Pack) section of the factory around 10:30 AM, causing significant damage. The impact of the explosion was so severe that it was heard from 5 km away, and a thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the site. The blast led to the collapse of the factory roof, trapping workers inside.

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:

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a component of an employee’s salary provided by employers to help cover rental expenses. Depending on various conditions, HRA may be partially or fully exempt from taxes. However, to benefit from this exemption, employees need to meet specific criteria. Is HRA Taxable? While HRA is part of an employee’s salary and is initially included in taxable income, it can be exempt under certain conditions. If the employee lives in a rented

Mexican authorities have started constructing large tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez in anticipation of a possible surge in deportations from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The shelters, part of a broader strategy across northern Mexico, aim to accommodate thousands of deported Mexicans, providing them with food, housing, medical care, and assistance with identity documentation. This move comes as Trump’s administration plans mass deportation

A tragic train accident occurred near Pachora station in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after a fire rumour spread on board the Pushpak Express, causing panic among passengers. The incident took place around 5 pm when passengers jumped off the train after a fire rumour, and were struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was traveling on an adjacent track. Initial reports suggest that sparks inside a coach of the Pushpak Express, possibly caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that the application forms for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 will be released today, January 22. Candidates who wish to appear for the prestigious Civil Services Examination can visit the official UPSC website to access the detailed notification and fill out the application form. The last date to submit applications is February 11, 2025. The Civil Services Prelims will take place on May 25, 2025, alongside

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