United States – The U.S. government announced Monday it will initiate a sweeping review of $9 billion in federal funding to Harvard University over allegations of anti-Semitism and campus unrest linked to pro-Palestinian protests. This move marks the latest escalation by President Donald Trump’s administration in its campaign against elite academic institutions that have seen intense student demonstrations related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The General Services Administration co

The stock market suffered a sharp sell-off on Friday as fears over inflation, declining consumer confidence, and doubts about artificial intelligence investments combined to push major indexes lower. The S&P 500 dropped 2%, making it the second-worst trading day of 2025 for the broad-based index, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 2.7%, breaching its lowest point for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slumped, losing 1.7% as investors reacted to concerning economic signals.

The Income Tax Department has issued a crucial reminder for taxpayers regarding the final instalment of advance tax for the financial year 2024-25. As per the official directive, taxpayers must clear their advance tax dues by March 15, 2025, to ensure compliance with Indian tax laws. Timely payment of advance tax not only prevents interest penalties but also contributes to the government's efforts towards economic growth, supporting the ‘Viksit Bharat Movement’ aimed at making

Post Office Savings Schemes remain one of the most trusted investment options in India, offering secure returns backed by the government. Many of these schemes not only provide financial security but also offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Investors can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year when investing in these schemes, making them an attractive option for tax planning.However, these deductions are applicable only under the old tax reg

The Indian government has introduced the Income Tax Bill 2025, a major overhaul of the country’s tax laws, granting unprecedented investigative powers to tax authorities. While presented as a move to modernize tax compliance, the bill includes provisions that allow tax officers to access digital assets, emails, social media profiles, trading accounts, and cloud storage in cases of suspected tax evasion.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the bill in Parliament, stating that i

US President Donald Trump delivered a triumphant address to Congress, emphasizing his administration’s policy shifts in global trade, domestic regulations, and federal restructuring. Within just six weeks of taking office, Trump boasted of achievements that have significantly altered America’s foreign relations, triggered trade disputes, and reduced the size of the federal workforce. His speech was met with a standing ovation from Republican supporters, while Democrats protested s

Choosing the right tax regime is an important decision for taxpayers in India. The old and new tax regimes offer different benefits, and individuals must carefully analyze their financial situation before selecting the most suitable option. While salaried employees have the flexibility to switch every year, business professionals have a more restricted choice.The decision between the two regimes depends on factors such as tax-saving investments, exemptions, and deductions. Understanding these

In response to widespread federal job losses, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has unveiled an initiative aimed at helping displaced federal employees find new opportunities within the state. The governor's executive action, announced Friday, outlines a plan to transition affected workers into state and county positions through job fairs and recruitment websites. Governor Moore made it clear that Maryland would not stand by while its residents face unemploym

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.  

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 National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings initiative designed to provide individuals with long-term financial security. With its tax benefits and flexible investment options, NPS is an attractive choice for those looking to systematically build a pension corpus. One of the most convenient ways to contribute to NPS is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which allows individuals to invest small amounts regularly, ensuring a d

The Department of Government Efficiency, known as the DOGE initiative, was introduced to streamline government spending by reducing the number of federal employees and eliminating programs that do not align with President Trump's policies. The initiative was presented as a necessary response to the growing $36 trillion national debt. One of its first major actions was the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, a move that has been met with both support and criticism. While

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce a new Income Tax Bill in Parliament today that will replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961. The purpose of this new bill is to simplify the language and provisions of the current tax law, making it easier to understand and more accessible for taxpayers. The bill is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reform and modernize the Indian tax system. The new bill will streamline various processes, eliminate complex

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant changes to the income tax regime, offering relief to middle-class taxpayers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising the basic exemption limit to Rs 4 lakh and increased the income threshold for the rebate under Section 87A to Rs 12 lakh. This means individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh, with a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, can avoid paying taxes altogether. But for those earning more than Rs 12.75 lakh, choosing between the old

Volkswagen has filed a lawsuit against Indian authorities, contesting a $1.4 billion tax demand that the company describes as "impossibly enormous" and in violation of India’s import tax regulations. The dispute centers around the classification of car imports, with Indian officials accusing Volkswagen of misclassifying imports to avoid higher customs duties. In particular, Volkswagen allegedly broke down nearly complete vehicles into individual parts, which are subject to low

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%

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

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