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

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on auto imports, which are set to take effect on April 3, are expected to have far-reaching effects on the automotive industry in the U.S. Even if you're not actively in the market for a new car, these new tariffs could impact the cost of owning and maintaining your vehicle. The tariffs, designed to boost domestic manufacturing and generate significant revenue, will raise the price of cars imported from foreign countries. But beyond the initial cos

South Texas has faced a severe and historic weather event this week, as officials report record-breaking rainfall that caused significant flooding in multiple cities, including Harlingen, Alamo, and Weslaco. Harlingen, which received over 21 inches of rain, experienced the heaviest downpour on Thursday. This intense weather event prompted emergency rescues of more than 200 residents, with hundreds more still waiting for assistance. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with aut

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

The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 is set to begin on Sunday, March 30, with devotees across India and abroad preparing to celebrate nine spiritually significant days dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, known collectively as Navadurga. The first day, known as Pratipada, marks the commencement of rituals with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana—an important rite that symbolises the invocation of divine energy. Chaitra Navratri is observed during the Hi

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

 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

Health insurance is meant to be a safety net—helping individuals manage healthcare costs without financial stress. However, for many, that reassurance is shattered during claim time when their applications are denied. These rejections can leave policyholders not only frustrated but also suspicious about their insurer’s intentions. While some rejections are justified, many arise from avoidable mistakes that occur during policy purchase or while filing a claim. Understanding these e

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

In a bold move showcasing its expanding technological capabilities, China has deployed an advanced underwater data center near the coast of Hainan province. This pioneering facility not only redefines data infrastructure with its cutting-edge AI processing capabilities but also sets a benchmark in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. At the core of this initiative is DeepSeek technology, China’s powerful AI assistant platform that recently drew global attention for its ab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour from April 3 to 6, covering two key nations in India’s neighbourhood—Thailand and Sri Lanka. The visit aims to strengthen regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework and bolster bilateral ties with both Southeast Asian and South Asian partners. The centerpiece of the Prime Minister’s visit is his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Econo

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the future of work, many professionals are left wondering which jobs will survive the wave of automation. From AI-generated images in Studio Ghibli style to advanced tools like ChatGPT creating text and visuals, it’s no surprise that the creative and tech industries have started expressing concern. The question is no longer whether AI will impact jobs, but how soon and to what extent. Amid these discussions, tech visionary and Microsoft co-fou

Chennai — Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking interim protection from arrest in connection with an FIR lodged against him in Mumbai. The case stems from a recent stand-up performance during which Kamra allegedly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor"—a remark that has sparked political and legal uproar. Kamra, who claims to be a resident of Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram, filed a petition for trans

In an unexpected twist to Turkey’s ongoing political unrest, a viral moment stole headlines as a protester dressed in a Pikachu costume was seen fleeing police in Antalya during a demonstration against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The bizarre yet symbolic act of defiance unfolded in the early hours of March 27, as law enforcement deployed water cannons to scatter demonstrators. What began as a nationwide outrage ove

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — One of college sports’ most iconic rivalries is set to write a new chapter on an even grander stage. On Friday, in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16, Duke and North Carolina will face off for the very first time in tournament history. The game, which tips off at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as part of the Birmingham Regional 2 semifinals, will be the third meeting between the two programs this season — but the first ever in March Madness. For a

Buying a property in India can be challenging in itself, but when the seller is a non-resident Indian (NRI), the process becomes even more complex. While location, pricing, and negotiation remain critical, buyers must also navigate a web of tax compliance and documentation requirements. A single error in the transaction can result in steep penalties, especially when it comes to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act. Unlike typical real estate deals bet

The European Union has issued a new set of guidelines urging its 450 million citizens to prepare for potential crises by stockpiling essential supplies. These supplies, which should last for at least 72 hours, include food, water, medicine, flashlights, and other critical items. The EU’s recommendation comes as part of an updated security strategy, considering the rising global threats that Europe faces today, including warfare, cyberattacks, the impacts of

Man of Masses NTR, currently in Japan for the promotion of his upcoming film Devara, experienced a touching moment when a Japanese fan revealed she learned Telugu after watching the global blockbuster RRR. The fan expressed her admiration directly to NTR in fluent Telugu, surprising and moving the actor, who is a well-known lover of both cinema and languages.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has been the target of multiple death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, recently opened up about how he copes with the situation. Speaking at a press meet in Mumbai, Salman said he places his trust in God and believes that whatever lifespan is written for him, he will live accordingly. Despite the growing threat to his life — including a firing incident outside his Bandra residence in 2023 — the 59-year-old actor remains co