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

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

In India, banking services are designed to offer convenience—but they often come at a price. From ATM withdrawals to fund transfers and cheque issuance, nearly every service comes with associated costs. While some fees are minimal, others can add up over time, impacting your personal or business finances. Whether you're managing a savings account or operating a business with a current account, understanding standard banking charges is essential for smarter financial planning. Bank f

In a significant move aimed at reshaping the American education system, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the closure of the Department of Education. This bold move aligns with long-standing Republican ambitions to transfer educational authority to individual states and reduce federal involvement in schools. The signing ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren, proudly displayed the signed order.

Ensuring financial security for children is one of the primary concerns for parents. Whether planning for education, marriage, or other major milestones, choosing the right investment plan can make a significant difference. While traditional government-backed schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) are widely known, financial experts are now highlighting the potential of Children's Mutual Funds as a flexible and high-return alternative.   Understanding Su

A loan against mutual funds is an effective financing option that allows investors to access funds without selling their investments. By pledging mutual fund units as collateral, individuals can secure a loan from banks or financial institutions. This method provides a practical solution for short-term financial needs while enabling investors to retain their portfolio and continue benefiting from market growth.   What is a Loan Against Mutual Funds?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new digital platform named "Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant" (Mitra) to help investors track and reclaim lost, unclaimed, or inactive mutual fund investments. The initiative aims to reduce financial losses due to investor oversight, outdated KYC details, or the demise of the original investor.According to a circular issued by SEBI on February 12, 2025, an inactive folio is defined as a mutual f

The stock market has been experiencing a significant downturn, declining nearly 15% since reaching an all-time high in September. As volatility persists, investors are seeking strategies to make informed investment choices and minimize risk.   Factors Contributing to the Market Decline Several key factors have contributed to the downward trend in the stock market. One of the most recent triggers has been the announcement of fresh import tarif

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been accused of sending over $2 billion in aid to Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, raising concerns over how U.S. foreign aid is allocated. The claims were presented during a House Committee hearing on USAID’s financial practices, bringing renewed scrutiny to the agency’s funding policies.   Additionally, reports suggest that USAID provided financial assistance to Falah-e-In

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to introduce a major digital upgrade by allowing employees to withdraw their provident fund (EPF) claims using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). This move is part of the Indian government’s broader initiative to enhance digital financial transactions and streamline fund disbursements for millions of subscribers. The feature is expected to launch in the next two to three months as EPFO collaborates with the National Paymen

In a recent legal development, the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, intervened in the case involving cricketer Robin Uthappa. Uthappa, who is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., approached the court to challenge the recovery notices and arrest warrant issued against him. The case revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement, where U

In a shift of political support, major US business leaders and companies are lining up to donate substantial sums to Donald Trump’s 2025 inaugural committee, following his landslide victory. Corporate America, which largely supported Kamala Harris and the Democratic agenda in the 2020 presidential race, is now keen to strengthen ties with the incoming Republican administration. With some of the largest donations coming from figures like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI’s Sam A

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the country's 2025 budget, allocating $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defence, which accounts for 32.5% of the total government spending. This marks a significant increase from last year’s budget, highlighting the ongoing strain the war in Ukraine has placed on Russia’s finances. The budget sets a new record, with military spending expected to account for over 6% of Russia's GDP. In contrast, expenditu

Adani Total Gas Ltd. (ATGL) announced on Friday that it has successfully secured $375 million in funding from international lenders to expand its city gas distribution (CGD) network. This financing marks the largest global investment in the CGD sector, underscoring the growing importance of natural gas in India's energy landscape. The funds will enable ATGL to extend its services to over 200 million people, representing approximately 14% of India's population. The financing

In a generous show of support for those affected by recent floods in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Nandamuri Balakrishna has announced a significant donation of Rs. 50 lakhs each to the Chief Minister’s Relief Funds of both states. This contribution is part of a broader effort by various film celebrities to provide aid and relief during this critical time. Today, Balakrishna’s younger daughter, Nandamuri Tejaswini, met with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to hand

The Virendra Kumar Dhall Scholarship for Sporting Excellence has been introduced by Indian entrepreneur Aman Dhall at Loughborough University to honor his late father and support emerging athletes. This new initiative is a five-year program valued at GBP 12,500, designed to assist Indian students who are either competing at or aspiring to compete at the international level in sports. By