In a move that is set to bring joy to thousands of Indian families living in New Zealand, the government has introduced a new visa policy that allows parents of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents to stay in the country for up to 10 years without needing to apply for permanent residency. Known as the Parent Boost Visa, this new long-stay visitor visa was recently announced and will begin accepting applications from September 29, 2025. It provides a substantial upgrade from the previou

Meta Platforms has announced the launch of its first-ever Gaming Accelerator program in India, signaling a major investment in the country’s growing game development ecosystem. The program, which targets small and medium game developers and studios, aims to empower Indian talent with cutting-edge tools, AI support, and access to venture capital, placing them on the global gaming map. In the accelerator’s

Starting July 1, 2025, the City of San Marcos will implement paid parking for non-residents at City Park, located at 170 Charles Austin Drive. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to maintain and support local park resources as community usage continues to grow, especially during weekends and holidays. Non-residents visiting City Park will need to pay for parking either at on-site kiosks (cash or card) or

We all know that one student who can effortlessly memorise entire chapters before an exam. But science reveals that this ability to master rote learning isn’t just a lucky trait it’s deeply linked to brain function, genetics, and even lifestyle habits. The hippocampus, a crucial brain structure for memory, plays a big role. Some students show more efficient activity in this region, helping them retain repetitive information better and for longer. B

In a terrifying incident at Benbrook Lake, Tarrant County, Texas, 14 people were injured after a bolt of lightning struck a canopy during a fast-moving storm on Sunday evening, June 1. According to Cresson Fire Chief Ron Becker, the group was attempting to hold down the canopy when the lightning hit, sending a shock through the structure and surrounding area. The storm swept through the region with high winds and hea

 In a major policy development, the Indian government has initiated high-level talks to overhaul the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. According to a report by The Economic Times, the discussions aim to streamline the current slab structure, reduce business complexities, and prepare Indian industries for greater global competitiveness. The GST overhaul talks come amid broader tax reform efforts, including the introduction of an income tax simplification bill earl

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

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has emerged as one of the most critical and expensive judicial elections in American history, with the balance of the court—and possibly the direction of national policies—hanging in the balance. The election will determine the successor to a liberal-leaning justice on the seven-member bench, in a state already known for its political volatility and razor-thin electoral margins. Central to the contest are two county judges: conservat

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

Coromandel International Ltd. has won an appeal to quash an order to recover Rs 589.2 crore, including penalty and interest, from the company. The original order, filed by the additional commissioner of central tax from the Visakhapatnam Central GST Commissionerate, was contested successfully by the company. The Office of the Commissioner (Appeals), Central Tax and Customs, Guntur, ruled in Coromandel's favor on January 20, 2025. In a related matter, the fertilizer manufacturer

The gems and jewellery industry has made a strong plea to the government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 3% to 1% in the upcoming Budget. According to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), this move would reduce the industry's growing cost burden, especially amid rising gold prices, and improve affordability for consumers, particularly in rural areas. Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, emphasized that such a reduction would also promote better tax compliance

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The cou

India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos

A panel of state ministers has recommended changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, specifically targeting sin goods, including tobacco products, aerated beverages, and luxury cars. These goods are currently taxed at the highest 28% GST rate, along with an additional cess. The proposal, which is part of a rate rationalisation report, is set to be presented before the GST Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Min

In a positive sign for the Indian economy, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for September 2023 increased by 6.5% year-on-year, totaling ₹1.73 lakh crore. This marks a rise from ₹1.63 lakh crore collected in September of the previous year. The net GST collection after refunds stood at ₹1.53 lakh crore, showing a growth of 4% compared to ₹1.47 lakh crore in September 2022. So far this fiscal year, the government has recorded a gross GST revenue of ₹10.87 lakh cro

A panel of state ministers, established by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, is set to convene in Goa on September 24 and 25. This six-member group, led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, will review the implications of rate rationalization on at least 100 items. The discussions aim to analyze potential changes in GST slabs and rates, particularly focusing on essential goods. During the two-day meeting, the panel will explore various