Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, who served as the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Deputy Governor, has retired after nearly four decades with the central bank. Known for his strategic role in steering the RBI’s monetary policy, Patra became the face of the RBI during critical press conferences, answering the key questions on interest rates, inflation, and growth. Patra, who headed the monetary policy department for most of his tenure, was a key player in the decisions made by

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:

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

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for his iconic films like Satya, has been sentenced to three months of imprisonment by the Andheri Magistrate Court in Mumbai. The sentence is related to a cheque bounce case that has been ongoing for the last seven years. The case involves a sum of Rs 2 lakh 38 thousand, stemming from a transaction with Varma’s ex-employee. The court, after hearing the case for several years, issued a non-bailable warrant against the director on Tuesd

In one of his first actions upon returning to the Oval Office this week, President Trump directed federal agencies to explore measures to ease consumer prices in the U.S. However, experts caution that his administration's strict immigration policies could increase inflation and negatively impact various industries by reducing the nation's workforce. “A reduced labor supply exerts upward pressure on wages,

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

There’s a growing rush among Indian couples in the U.S. to schedule C-sections ahead of a critical February 20 deadline, following President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. Indian-origin doctors report an influx of requests, with one gynecologist revealing he has received calls from around 20 couples in just a few days. Under this policy, children born in the U.S. on or before

Saudi Crown Prince Announces $600 Billion Investment in the U.S. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has announced a staggering $600 billion investment plan in the United States over the next four years. This revelation was made during a phone call with President Donald Trump, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) early Thursday. The announcement signals a major step

Donald Trump and Melania Trump celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2025, with the former president sharing a heartfelt tribute to his wife on social media. To commemorate the milestone, Trump posted a throwback photo from their wedding in 2005, captioning it with a simple yet touching message: “Happy 20th Anniversary to Melania.”   A separate post on the official @P

The Central Bank of India has initiated the application process for the recruitment of Zone-Based Officers (ZBO) for the year 2025. This recruitment aims to fill 266 vacancies. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website, centralbankofindia.co.in, before the application deadline of February 9, 2025. Candidates applying for the ZBO posts must have completed graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualific

Mexican authorities have started constructing large tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez in anticipation of a possible surge in deportations from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The shelters, part of a broader strategy across northern Mexico, aim to accommodate thousands of deported Mexicans, providing them with food, housing, medical care, and assistance with identity documentation. This move comes as Trump’s administration plans mass deportation

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen will spearhead a 14-member Indian team at the upcoming Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025, set to be held in Qingdao, China, from February 11-16. India clinched a bronze medal at the last edition of the competition in Dubai in 2023, and the team is aiming for an even better performance this year, with the target set on reaching the finals. The squad, selected based on world rankings and

A tragic train accident occurred near Pachora station in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after a fire rumour spread on board the Pushpak Express, causing panic among passengers. The incident took place around 5 pm when passengers jumped off the train after a fire rumour, and were struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was traveling on an adjacent track. Initial reports suggest that sparks inside a coach of the Pushpak Express, possibly caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-

In a move to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic growth, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the formation of a new development authority that will integrate Prayagraj and Varanasi, following the model of the National Capital Region (NCR). This new authority will include seven districts—Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi—aiming for coordinated regional planning, better resource management, and improved services. The

Spiritual tourism in India has been on the rise, with an increasing number of travelers seeking personal growth, adventure, and spiritual experiences. Atlys, a visa processing platform, reports a 21.4% increase in inbound travel to India for spiritual purposes, showing global fascination with the country’s rich spiritual heritage. The journey for self-discovery and spirituality has become more popular among millennials, especially women. Women make up 66% of millennial spiritu

Winter can be a tough time for those prone to migraines, as cold temperatures, dry air, and changes in barometric pressure can trigger painful episodes. In addition to these environmental factors, stress, dehydration, and poor sleep can also exacerbate migraine symptoms. To help manage and reduce migraines during the winter months, here are 10 simple hacks you can try: Stay Hydrated Dehydration is a key migraine trigger, especially in cold weat

Nandamuri Balakrishna, the well-known actor and politician, has mastered the art of balancing two demanding professions: acting and politics. Serving as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh for three consecutive terms, Balakrishna, or Balayya, has proven to be a successful public representative while maintaining a strong acting career. Despite his busy schedule in the film industry, where he recently enjoyed the success of his blockbuster Daaku M

Trump expressed strong support for the H-1B program, emphasizing the value of bringing “competent” and “great” people into the United States. “I like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping others who may not have the qualifications they do,” Trump said. He acknowledged the role of skilled workers in expanding businesses an

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) has approved a plan to demerge its ice cream operations, including well-known brands like Kwality Wall’s, Magnum, and Cornetto. Shareholders of HUL will receive shares in the new entity after the demerger is completed. The new company will be listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This decision follows the board’s earlier approval to separate the ice cream business, which is expected to enhance operation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on BJP booth-level workers to expose the failures of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. During the 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' program, the PM instructed workers to document and share evidence of AAP's inability to improve basic amenities such as drainage, waste management, and other essential services. He stated that this initiative would help reveal AAP's shortcomings to the public and highlight the need f