The City of Houston spent $180 million from its general fund on purchasing goods and services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to newly released public financial records. Overseeing that massive flow of public funds was the Strategic Procurement Division of the Finance Department, which itself cost about $9.5 million to operate last year. City officials emphasize that purchasing within a government body like Houston is far different from everyday consumer spending. Unlik

Gold has once again taken center stage in the global financial landscape, reasserting itself as a preferred safe-haven asset at a time when traditional pillars like U.S. Treasurys and the dollar are facing significant challenges. As economic instability, inflation fears, and geopolitical risks rise, investors are increasingly turning to gold as a reliable store of value. The recent depreciation of the U.S. dollar has been a key factor in gold’s renewed strength. Several econ

If you're wondering whether to invest in gold or mutual funds this year, you're not alone. With rising market uncertainty, inflation concerns, and global geopolitical tensions, investors are reevaluating traditional assets. Gold and mutual funds have long stood as two prominent options for Indian investors. While both offer potential returns, they cater to different investment styles, goals, and risk appetites. Financial experts suggest that a well-balanced investment portfolio, tailo

 Maryland’s latest budget cycle has ended, but its financial aftershocks are just beginning to ripple through the state's residents and businesses. One of the most significant changes coming into effect is a new 3% tax on information technology and data services, a move intended to help fill a substantial budget deficit left behind by mounting fiscal obligations. Set to begin in July, this new levy is expected to have wide-ranging impacts on both service providers a

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced a partial retreat from his high-profile government role to refocus on Tesla, a move that comes in the wake of a dramatic downturn in the company’s sales and profits. During a recent earnings call, Musk informed investors that starting in May, his commitment to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would be scaled back to just one or two days per week. He defended his involvement with DOGE, stating it was part of a mission to combat national was

AUSTIN, Texas – The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is bracing for a major blow after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) slashed funding for critical food assistance programs. These cuts, tied to over $1 billion in federal reductions, will impact the availability of nutritious food for thousands of families in the region and reduce support for the local farming community. Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy at CTFB, said the cuts stem from chan

In a series of intense deliberations, the Texas House of Representatives has embarked on finalizing the state's budget, with debates centering around Attorney General Ken Paxton's backpay, healthcare costs associated with undocumented immigrants, and the future of the Texas Lottery. The budget process, typically procedural, took an unexpected turn when discussions arose about compensating AG Ken Paxton for the period he was suspended during his impeachment proceedings in 2023. Represe

India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr

Ray Dalio, billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates and one of the world’s most closely followed investors, has issued a stark warning that the United States could be on the verge of something far more severe than a typical recession. His concerns are rooted not in speculation, but in a detailed analysis of macroeconomic trends, fiscal policy decisions, and geopolitical tensions that he believes are combining to create an economic environment that could result in significant long-term

 China has indicated a willingness to address India’s rising concerns over a ballooning trade deficit that is projected to touch a record $100 billion in the financial year 2024–25. This development comes as China seeks to offset its economic challenges amid intensifying trade friction with the United States. People familiar with the situation have said that Beijing has informally conveyed its openness to increasing imports from India by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers,

In a significant move to celebrate the legacy of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, the Government of India is set to launch a nationwide campaign starting April 14. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with MY Bharat Volunteers, is spearheading the initiative that aims to engage the youth in commemorating Ambedkar’s enduring contributions to social justice, democracy, and equality. The campaign will include Jai Bhim Yatras—peaceful p

The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep

In a significant policy development, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the Reserve Bank of India will soon release comprehensive regulations governing prudential norms and conduct-related aspects of gold loans. This move follows growing concerns over irregular practices among certain regulated entities (REs) and the recent surge in gold-backed lending across the country. The upcoming regulations aim to harmonize gold loan guidelines across various categories of lenders, including ba

India’s banking sector is projected to witness a year-on-year credit expansion of ₹19 lakh crore to ₹20.5 lakh crore in FY2025-26, amounting to a growth of approximately 10.8%, according to a report by ICRA, a leading credit rating agency. This expansion is expected to be driven by recent monetary easing measures implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), though structural challenges in deposit mobilisation and rising credit-deposit ratios may temper growth momentum. According to

Efforts to halt the long-discussed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project have returned to the Texas state legislature, reigniting a decade-long battle over one of the most ambitious transportation proposals in the state’s history. The Texas Central Railway project, which aims to connect Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes using Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train technology, is once again under scrutiny in Austin, where lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at limiting or complet

  India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has expressed confidence that the recent tariff hikes announced by U.S. President Donald Trump could present an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in global trade. In response to the sudden shift in the U.S. trade stance, Goyal stated that India is well-positioned to benefit economically from the new environment created by America's protectionist approach. Trump recently declared a s

In 2025, residents of North Texas are witnessing a noticeable increase in gas prices, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas now at $3.04. This marks a significant jump from the previous week's price of $2.81. While many have been speculating about the reasons behind this rise, particularly in relation to ongoing economic discussions and the threat of tariffs, experts are weighing in to clarify the situation. Currently, Texas gas prices are still below the natio

Timely pension payments are not merely a procedural matter—they are a lifeline for countless retired central and state government employees. These pensions, disbursed through authorised banks, are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s "Master Circular - Disbursement of Government Pension by Agency Banks". The RBI recently updated the circular, issuing a series of clarifications that aim to make the pension system more transparent, accountable, and senior citizen-fr

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to announce its annual central contracts for the senior men’s cricket team in April, with significant changes expected across various categories. Among the most talked-about developments is the anticipated return of Shreyas Iyer to the list after a notable absence last year due to multiple controversies. Iyer, who captains Punjab Kings in the IPL, had been dropped from the BCCI's central contracts in the 2023-24 cycle. Ho

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a major political storm as it is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today amid mounting opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill, intended to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is being promoted by the government as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving the administration and efficiency of waqf property management. However, critics argue that several of its provisions threaten the very autonomy of Muslim religious endowments, making it a dee