A recent report by global analytics firm FICO has highlighted the increasing threat of scams in India's real-time payments (RTP) ecosystem. According to the survey, over one-third (34%) of respondents have lost money to scams, paying for goods, services, or investments that were never delivered. The report further reveals that 60% of respondents have received messages from scammers, and 54% reported that friends or family members have been scammed. Despite fewer people reporting

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:

Retirement Planning: More Than Just Accumulating Wealth Retirement isn’t just about saving money, but ensuring it lasts through the years, considering inflation, medical expenses, and market fluctuations. A 2024 survey revealed that 68% of Indians aged 45-60 feel financially unprepared for retirement. The key to a secure retirement lies in managing investments wisely. The Reality of Retirement in India A large number of retirees

In the wake of the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has ordered parliament to be dissolved and set a new election date for February 23. Scholz's coalition, a three-party alliance, fell apart on November 6 after a bitter dispute over economic policies led to the firing of his finance minister. Following a confidence vote loss on December 16, Scholz now leads a minority government. As the post-World War II German constitu

The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and

On Friday, Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, marking one of the heaviest attacks on the country’s energy sector since the invasion began nearly three years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as part of Russia’s ongoing strategy to terrorize millions of people and demanded a strong global response. Ukraine's air defense systems intercepted 81 missiles, including 11 cruise miss

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Union Government for delaying financial assistance to Wayanad, which was severely affected by landslides in July. Nearly 400 people were killed in the disaster, and despite 100 days passing since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the affected villages, the state has not received any financial aid for rehabilitation. The Centre has been swift in helping other disaster-hit states, but Kerala’s requests for aid have been

France's government collapsed on Wednesday after lawmakers from both left and right wings successfully passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, throwing the country into deeper political chaos. Barnier, who had served for just under three months, will now be required to resign and tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron. The collapse marks the shortest tenure of any Prime Minister in France's Fifth Republic. The no-confidence motion wa

The Indian Rupee has depreciated to a record low of 84.61 against the US Dollar, marking a fresh setback for the currency. This comes after former US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS nations if they fail to continue using the US Dollar. Trump's demand for a commitment from BRICS countries not to create a new currency or back alternatives to the dollar has put additional pressure on global markets, including the Indian Rupee. Along with this geopolitical

Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight, using 90 missiles and 100 drones. The attack has left over one million people without electricity as temperatures drop, marking the 11th large-scale attack on Ukraine's power systems this year. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of "weaponizing winter," with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning the use of cluster munitions against civilians and infrastructure. At

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday following the results of the assembly elections. Despite a significant victory for the Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, the decision on who will succeed Shinde as the new CM remains uncertain. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde visited the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation

The Adani Group reported a record financial performance in the first half of the ongoing financial year and for the trailing twelve months, driven by its growing businesses in infrastructure, energy, and renewables. The group's net exposure to Indian banks stands at $11 billion, with equity now accounting for 63% of its total debt. This marks a reduction in the conglomerate's reliance on debt. The strong growth in the first half was fueled by Adani Enterprises' solar and

A groundbreaking study using data from NASA and German satellites has revealed a concerning and persistent decline in Earth's freshwater reserves since May 2014. The findings, published in Surveys in Geophysics, highlight a significant reduction in the amount of freshwater stored on land, including in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers. This shift, tracked by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, suggests a transition towards drier conditions across co

As part of its commitment to the NDA coalition's promises made prior to the elections, the central government is actively working to halt the disinvestment process of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), commonly known as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, there are ongoing efforts to ensure the plant remains operational amid concerns over financial viability and raw material shortages. Recent reports indicate that the B

The ongoing property disputes between YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his sister YS Sharmila have taken another dramatic turn. In a recent statement, Jagan claimed to have provided approximately ₹200 crore to Sharmila over the past decade, emphasizing that this was done out of "sisterly love and affection." While this assertion may initially appear to be an attempt to bolster Jagan's public image by showcasing his support for Sharmila, it has also drawn significant scrutiny

US stocks experienced a lower opening on Friday as investors took a moment to reassess following a robust rally spurred by the Federal Reserve's significant interest rate cut earlier this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 120 points, or 0.3%, landing at 41,906.55. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.2%, settling at 17,950.7. The S&P 500 also saw a dip, declining by as much as 0.26% to 5,698.93. Despite the overall market downturn, nine of t

Studying abroad can significantly enhance career prospects, offering students access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and valuable global networks. For those who meticulously plan their academic journey, attending top-ranked universities overseas can lead to exceptional job opportunities. However, the high cost of foreign education can be daunting. Students often turn to scholarships or education loans to fund their studies. In India, various banks provide edu

Introduction and Background: In Kolkata, junior doctors are continuing their protest over the horrific rape-murder of a fellow doctor. Their protest has brought significant attention to their demands for greater transparency in the investigation and meetings with state officials. Recently, these doctors received a "fifth and final" invitation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss their concerns. This meeting is crucial given the recent develop

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), once a dominant force in Andhra Pradesh with 151 assembly seats and 22 MPs, is now facing an existential crisis. The party's dramatic loss in the 2024 elections, which saw its tally fall to just 11 MLAs and 4 MPs, has led to a wave of defections and internal strife. Many senior leaders, who had been staunch allies of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, are now leaving the party in frustration. Among the significant exits is Alla Nani, Mopidevi Venkataramana, an

The Financial Times has unveiled its 2024 global rankings for Masters in Management (MiM) programs, with the University of St. Gallen maintaining its lead for the 13th time. This prestigious position underscores the Swiss institution's consistent excellence in business education. HEC Paris follows in second place, while Insead, making a notable debut in third, stands out for its top ranking in alumni international work mobility. Edhec Business School and Shanghai Jiao Tong University'