In a move that offers much-needed relief to Public Provident Fund (PPF) account holders across India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has officially announced that individuals will no longer have to pay any fees to add, update, or remove nominee details in their PPF accounts. The announcement was made via a post on social media platform X and follows a recent government notification that amends the applicable savings rules. Through Gazette Notification 02/4/25, changes have been introduce

The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence

In a major immigration reform move, US President Donald Trump has proposed a new visa scheme that offers a 'gold card' residency permit to foreigners willing to invest $5 million in the United States. This initiative aims to attract “brilliant, hardworking, job-creating people” while generating significant government revenue to balance the federal budget. Described as “like the green car

The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) has issued fresh guidelines to streamline the pension disbursement process for retirees under the National Pension System (NPS). The new instructions aim to ensure that pensioners receive their dues on time without unnecessary delays. In a memo dated March 12, 2025, the CPAO emphasized the need to follow the same procedural framework as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to avoid errors. The CPAO’s latest reminder follows an earlier directive issue

The fate of TikTok in the United States has taken a new turn as US President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration is actively engaged in talks with four potential buyers over the sale of the popular video-sharing platform. The news follows heightened concerns over TikTok’s data security risks and its ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump stated, "We're dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it ... all

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 is working on refining the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to increase local value addition and export-driven growth in key industries. While the scheme has successfully attracted investment across multiple sectors, officials believe that further improvements are needed to address import dependency and enhance India's global manufacturing competitiveness.Since its launch in April 2020, the PLI scheme has been instrumental in drawing substantial investments i

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has laid off hundreds of weather forecasters and federal employees, a move that has sparked widespread concern over public safety, disaster preparedness, and the future of extreme weather warnings in the U.S.. The job cuts primarily targeted probationary employees, including those working in National Weather Service (NWS) offices nationwide, where meteorologists provide crucial local forecasts and severe weather alerts.  

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in the final stages of electing its new national president, with the decision expected to be announced by March 15, 2025. The position became vacant after JP Nadda was elevated to a Union ministerial role, prompting a keenly contested leadership race within the party. The BJP’s national leadership is working towards selecting a strong candidate capable of guiding the party through the next five years, as it prepares for crucial state and national elec

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has presented a record-breaking budget for the financial year 2025-26. With an overall outlay of ₹3.22 lakh crore, this is the first time in the state's history that the budget has surpassed the ₹3 lakh crore mark. Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav introduced the budget in the Andhra Pradesh assembly, outlining major allocations aimed at boosting welfare programs, infrastructure, agriculture, and social developmen

The Indian government is reportedly working on a Universal Pension Scheme, a voluntary initiative designed to provide retirement benefits to individuals across all sectors, including those in unorganised employment, traders, and self-employed individuals aged 18 and above. Unlike traditional job-based pension plans, this scheme will not be tied to any specific employment, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals.The Labour Ministry has already initiated discussions on the framewor

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 Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched the Smart Pension Plan, designed to provide financial security for retirees through structured annuity payouts. The plan offers a range of annuity options, ensuring flexibility and stability for policyholders looking for a steady income after retirement. With multiple features tailored to meet the needs of individuals at different life stages, the Smart Pension Plan provides long-term financial support.The

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi has accused the newly formed BJP government of failing to fulfill its pre-election promise of providing a Rs 2,500 monthly allowance to women in its first cabinet meeting. In a video posted on X, she criticized the BJP for allegedly deceiving the women of Delhi.In response, newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta dismissed Atishi’s remarks, stating that the new government would operate on its own terms. "It’s our gove

  Kash Patel has officially been confirmed as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking a new chapter in the agency’s leadership. Patel, 44, secured confirmation after a narrow 51-49 vote in the Senate, with opposition from some lawmakers. Notably, Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against his confirmation, reflecting divisions over his appointment.

The 38th National Games closed on a high note with Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that India is on track to host a successful Olympics in 2036, signaling a bright future for Indian sports. During the ceremony, which featured key figures such as Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Uttarakhand's impressive rise in the medal standings was celebrated. The state jumped from 21st to 7th pla

On Monday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy issued directives to ensure free sand supply for houses being built under the state’s ‘Indiramma’ housing scheme, which focuses on providing homes for economically weaker sections. During a review meeting on mines and mineral development, Reddy instructed officials to supply sand at reduced rates for the general public while ensuring that beneficiaries of the housing scheme receive it free of charge.   I

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently issued 21,885 pension payment orders as part of its ongoing efforts to implement higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. As per Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje's written response in Lok Sabha, a total of 17.48 lakh applications were submitted by pensioners and members seeking to increase their pension by making higher contributions.   The EPF

The integrity of the Taekwondo competition at the National Games has been questioned after allegations emerged that results were fixed in advance for 10 out of the 16 weight categories. In response to these claims, the National Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) has replaced the director of competition, T Praveen Kumar, with S Dinesh Kumar following strong recommendations made by a three-member committee formed to prevent manipulation of the event. The GTCC chairperson, Sunaina Kumari,

At the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Narmada Nithin Raju delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s 10m air rifle event, securing the gold medal while setting a new national record. Representing Tamil Nadu, Narmada finished with a score of 254.4, surpassing the previous national mark of 252.9, set by Olympian Apurvi Chandela in 2019. Her performance was nothing short of remarkable, as