The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced major updates to the RuPay Debit Select Card, offering enhanced lifestyle benefits in fitness, travel, wellness, and entertainment. These new features will be effective from April 1, 2025, providing cardholders with complimentary airport lounge access, gym memberships, spa sessions, OTT subscriptions, and accident insurance coverage.RuPay Debit Select was introduced as a premium debit card offering exclusive privileges. In a circ

Technicolor India, a leading visual effects (VFX) and animation studio, has announced the closure of its operations in Bengaluru and Mumbai, affecting 3,200 employees. The decision is part of a global shutdown by its parent company, Technicolor Group, headquartered in Paris.This sudden move has left thousands of employees in distress, particularly in Bengaluru, where nearly 3,000 professionals were employed. The closure marks a significant blow to India's VFX and animation industry, which

Choosing between a fixed and floating interest rate for a home loan is a crucial financial decision. Both options come with advantages and risks, and selecting the best one depends on your financial goals, market trends, and risk appetite. A fixed rate offers stability, while a floating rate provides flexibility and potential savings. Understanding the differences between these loan types will help you make an informed decision based on your repayment capacity and future market expectations.

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, tying them to border security concerns and trade imbalances. The tariffs, initially set for March 4, are now expected to take effect on April 2, giving businesses and trade partners a brief window to prepare.   Trump Links Tariffs to Fentanyl Crisis and Border Security During his first Cabinet mee

If you've switched jobs multiple times, there's a chance you may have more than one Universal Account Number (UAN) from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Managing multiple UANs can be confusing and may result in losing track of your provident fund savings. To avoid this, it's important to consolidate all your previous UANs into a single active account.   Why Do Employees End Up with Multiple UANs? There are

With rising inflation and uncertain economic conditions, traditional savings methods like bank accounts and fixed deposits may no longer be enough to grow wealth. As a result, investors are increasingly looking at stocks, gold, and real estate as viable alternatives to secure their financial future.But which investment is the best choice in 2024? Let’s analyze each option using historical data, expert insights, and current market trends.   Real Estate: Sta

DBS Group, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 4,000 employees over the next three years due to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in banking operations. The move, confirmed by outgoing CEO Piyush Gupta, signals a major transformation in the financial sector, where AI-driven efficiencies are gradually replacing traditional job roles.   Speaking at an industry conference in Mumbai, Gupta r

Personal loans are often marketed as quick and hassle-free financial solutions, but borrowers are frequently caught off guard by hidden charges that increase the total cost of borrowing. While interest rates are clearly disclosed, additional fees, penalties, and deductions can reduce the actual loan amount disbursed and increase monthly EMIs.Lenders often do not fully disclose these fees upfront, making it essential for borrowers to understand all associated charges before finalizing their lo

The Union Budget 2025 has brought a major tax relief for the middle class, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will have zero tax liability under the new tax regime. Additionally, salaried individuals can claim a standard deduction of ₹75,000, effectively making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free. This move is aimed at simplifying tax compliance and increasing disposable income for millions of taxpayers.  

Amazon has officially surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue for the first time, marking a historic shift in the retail landscape. For over a decade, Walmart has consistently led the industry in revenue generation, but Amazon’s rapid expansion in eCommerce, cloud computing, and advertising has propelled it to the top. During the fourth quarter, Amazon reported a staggering $187.8 billion in revenue, surpassing Walmart’s $180.5 billion. While Wal

  H-E-B has taken a major step in expanding its online shopping services in Houston with the opening of a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot eCommerce Fulfillment Center (eFC). This move is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing digital shopping experiences for customers, streamlining delivery services, and making grocery shopping more efficient. The new facility will support both H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery services, allow

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur

The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is making a major move, shifting its U.S. corporate headquarters from its namesake state to Plano, Texas. The decision, announced by parent company Yum Brands, means that 100 corporate employees will transition to the new Texas office within the next six months. This relocation marks a significant shift for the iconic fast-food brand, which has deep historical ties to Kentucky. The move is part of Yum Brands' broader strateg

As the March 31, 2025 financial year-end approaches, taxpayers under the old income tax regime should focus on tax-saving investments to minimize liabilities. Here are five effective last-minute tax-saving options:   Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) – A tax-saving mutual fund with a three-year lock-in period, offering deductions under Section 80C for investments up to Rs 1.5 lakh, along with potential high returns from equity marke

The Income Tax Bill 2025 has raised concerns among taxpayers regarding refund eligibility if an Income Tax Return (ITR) is not filed before the due date. While the Income Tax Department (ITD) has clarified that there is no change in refund provisions, tax experts have pointed out inconsistencies that may impact individual taxpayers.   IT Department’s Clarification on Refunds

As President Donald Trump's second term continues to take shape, small businesses across the country are facing mounting challenges due to shifting economic policies. The administration's new directives, including funding freezes, tariffs, and the rollback of diversity initiatives, have created a climate of uncertainty. While some of these policies have been temporarily halted by the courts, business owners are still contending with rising costs, higher in

  TikTok has made a dramatic return to app stores after its temporary removal from Apple and Google platforms on January 18. The popular social media app was reinstated on February 15, marking a major development in its ongoing battle with the U.S. government over national security concerns. The removal followed a controversial law that required ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face an outright

Joann, the well-known retailer specializing in fabrics and crafts, is undergoing a major restructuring plan that includes shutting down more than 500 of its nearly 850 U.S. locations. This significant downsizing effort comes amid financial struggles and an increasingly competitive retail environment. The decision is part of Joann's bankruptcy proceedings and is aimed at optimizing its physical presence to ensure long-term viability. Stores in 49 states

JCPenney has recently announced plans to close select store locations by mid-year as part of a targeted response to expiring lease agreements and shifting market conditions. This decision, while affecting only a small portion of its overall network of stores, reflects the company’s broader strategy to adapt to an evolving retail landscape. The closures come at a time when the retail environment is undergoing significant transformation, influenced by c