Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du

In a swift and significant move, Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh has been replaced by Satish Golcha, a 1992 batch IPS officer, just a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public meeting at her residence. The attack, which saw the CM slapped and her hair pulled, raised serious questions about the security arrangements provided to top political figures in Delhi. SBK Singh, who had been given additional charge as the Delhi Police Commiss

1. You Dread Going to Work Every Day One of the clearest signs that you're on the wrong career path is if you dread going to work every day. While it's normal to have occasional bad days or stressful periods, if you consistently feel anxiety, frustration, or dread about starting your workday, it may indicate deeper dissatisfaction. This feeling can lead to burnout, mental exhaustion, and a lack of motivation, signaling that your job may no longe

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has approved a significant overhaul of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, paving the way for major reforms to simplify the tax structure. The proposal is set to be discussed in the upcoming GST Council meeting in August. The finance ministry has already initiated discussions on the changes, which are expected to streamline the GST system and ease compliance for businesses and consumers alike.

 California agricultural officials have begun releasing millions of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies, known as Medflies, across Alameda County in a strategic attempt to eradicate the destructive pest that reemerged in the region in the summer of 2024. Though the discovery sparked alarm, experts now say this latest move may signal not the start of an outbreak, but potentially its end. The Medfly is considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests in the world due to it

Retail giant Kohl’s is preparing to close 27 underperforming store locations across 15 states this Saturday, March 29, as part of its strategic restructuring efforts. Among those closing are five locations in California’s Bay Area, including Fremont, Mountain View, Napa, Pleasanton, and San Rafael. These closures, initially announced in January, reflect the company's focus on optimizing operations and enhancing profitability by addressing performance issues in certain regions whi

Columbus residents enrolled in the Clean Energy Columbus Program can expect a bump in their electricity bills starting this June. The rate increase comes as part of the city’s continuing commitment to sustainability, with the program sourcing 100% clean energy for its participants. Supplied by AEP Ohio, the Clean Energy Columbus Program has helped many residents save on monthly power bills while contributing to broader environmental goals outlined in the Columbus Climate Action Plan.

In 2024, the United States saw a slight but notable increase in its national birth rate, reversing a record-setting decline the year before. Approximately 3.6 million babies were born, marking a 1% increase from 2023. While modest, this uptick represents a shift in reproductive trends that have been steadily evolving since the late 2000s. One of the most significant patterns to emerge from the data is the rising number of births among older women. The birth rate for women aged 30

 Columbus, Ohio is experiencing a remarkable and hopeful shift in public safety, with the city's current homicide rate falling to its lowest point in more than a decade. Local officials and community leaders say the steady decline in deadly violence is the result of persistent collaboration, data-driven policing, and grassroots engagement that has been years in the making. So far in 2025, only 16 homicides have been reported in the city — a significant drop from the

Millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies should prepare for an especially difficult spring in 2025, as medical experts warn that this year’s allergy season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record. With pollen counts already registering 10% to 20% higher than average in many regions, doctors are urging allergy sufferers to act early and take proactive steps to manage their symptoms. Climate and environmental changes have been steadily reshaping allergy

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive

In a noteworthy development signaling the economic progress of Andhra Pradesh, the state has recorded its highest monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in nearly a year. The GST revenue generated in the state for the month of March 2025 has reached an impressive ₹3116 crore, breaking past the ₹3000 crore milestone for the first time in the last 11 months. This also marks an 8.35 percent year-on-year growth compared to March of the previous year, indicating an upward trend in tax

As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

The landscape of relationships in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days when marriage was considered the ultimate milestone and divorce carried a heavy stigma. Social values, economic independence, and individual aspirations are now redefining how Indians view commitment, family, and relationships. For generations, divorce was rare in India, and remaining single was perceived as an unfortunate outcome rather than a conscious choice. However, changing attitudes hav

Canada has tightened its immigration and visa policies, affecting thousands of Indian students, workers, and temporary residents. Since the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into effect on January 31, 2025, reports indicate a rise in study permit revocations, visa scrutiny, and stricter departure enforcement.The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has projected that 7,000 study permits could be revoked this year, impacting more than 4.27 lakh Indian stud

India is heading into one of its hottest years on record, with meteorologists predicting severe heatwaves and soaring temperatures across the country in 2025. February 2025 was officially Delhi’s warmest in 74 years, and forecasts suggest that March will be significantly hotter than usual, bringing an increased number of heatwave days.Climate experts warn that 2025 could surpass 2024 in terms of extreme temperatures, highlighting rising global warming trends. With greenhouse gas emissio

The Pakistan cricket team is set for a major restructuring following its disastrous performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they were eliminated without securing a single win. The team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, managed just one point in the tournament, suffering defeats against New Zealand and India, while their match against Bangladesh was washed out. The disappointing campaign has led to speculation of sweeping changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), selection committee, coac

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.

Former US President Donald Trump has announced a significant shift in US immigration policy, introducing the ‘Gold Card’ visa program, which allows Indian graduates from US universities to secure jobs and eventually gain citizenship. This move is seen as a major boost for international students, particularly those from India, who have often struggled with restrictive visa policies despite their high qualifications.   The ‘Gold Card’ initiative, un

  The future of employment is shifting rapidly as artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and renowned tech visionary, has predicted that only three sectors—energy, biology, and AI programming—will remain largely untouched by automation. His insights highlight the growing necessity for workers to adapt to the changing job landscape by acquiring skills that AI cannot easi