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 The initiative aims to reduce financial losses due to investor oversight, outdated KYC details, or the demise of the original investor.According to a circular issued by SEBI on February 12, 2025, an inactive folio is defined as a mutual f

China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget for 2024, raising military spending to $249 billion as the country continues its aggressive modernization efforts amid escalating regional tensions. The budget, which was revealed in a draft report submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) by Premier Li Qiang, underscores China’s strategic focus on military expansion in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and its border with India. This increase follows China’s

Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and togetherness, and Iftar—the meal that breaks the fast—is a cherished moment for families and friends. Along with traditional dishes, indulging in a sweet treat after a long day of fasting is a special way to celebrate. Whether you prefer classic recipes or healthier options, these seven delicious and easy-to-make sweets will add a flavorful touch to your Iftar table.   1. Sheer Khurma

Microchip Technology has announced plans to lay off 2,000 employees, approximately 9 percent of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring plan aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency. The decision is driven by declining semiconductor demand, particularly from the automotive sector, where companies are struggling to clear existing chip inventories before placing new orders.The semiconductor industry has faced challenges over the past year, with demand fluctuations affecting m

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated once again as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a complete halt to aid and supplies into Gaza. This decision follows a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel demanding a new hostage release deal and Hamas rejecting the revised proposal.The fragile six-week ceasefire, brokered with the help of Egypt and Qatar, now hangs in the balance as both sides refuse to compromise on key demands. While Israel insist

Microsoft has officially announced that Skype, the once-dominant internet calling service, will be retired in May 2024. The decision marks the end of a two-decade legacy in online communication, as Microsoft shifts its focus to Teams, its business-oriented collaboration platform.The move comes as Skype struggles to keep up with modern video calling competitors such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet, which have dominated the remote work and digital communication space in recent years. Microsoft

India and the European Union (EU) have set a year-end deadline to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA), marking a crucial milestone in their bilateral trade relations. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in New Delhi to strengthen India-EU economic and strategic ties.The trade agreement, under negotiation for several years, aims to expand economic cooperation, boost trade, and enhance market access b

The Indian stock market is going through one of its worst phases in nearly three decades, with the Nifty 50 slipping 15% from its September peak. This marks its longest losing streak in 29 years, causing investor wealth to shrink by more than ₹90 lakh crore. On Friday, Nifty lost over 400 points, and the Sensex plunged by 1,400 points, sending shockwaves through Dalal Street.Investors are increasingly concerned about foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, small- and mid-cap stock de

As an 18-year-old Harvard freshman, Bill Gates had multiple job offers from major tech companies like General Electric, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), and Honeywell. While these offers boosted his confidence, Gates acknowledges that accepting any of them could have altered the course of his life—potentially delaying or even preventing the creation of Microsoft, which is now a $3 trillion tech giant.Gates details this pivotal phase of his life in his new memoir, Source Code, publis

Washington, US: US President Donald Trump has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington to sign a critical minerals deal, while also suggesting that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could end “within weeks” if the right agreements are reached.Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office press conference on Monday, revealing that negotiations between the US and Ukraine over access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals were near completion.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander is on track to achieve a historic landing on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s lunar exploration efforts. As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, Blue Ghost will play a key role in gathering scientific data to support future lunar missions under the Artemis program.The spacecraft has been steadily lowering its orbit around the Moon, performing a crucial engine burn to reduce its altitud

The Union Budget 2025 has brought a major tax relief for the middle class, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will have zero tax liability under the new tax regime. Additionally, salaried individuals can claim a standard deduction of ₹75,000, effectively making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free. This move is aimed at simplifying tax compliance and increasing disposable income for millions of taxpayers.  

The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visit to Guntur Mirchi Yard has stirred a political debate, with accusations of violating the election code ahead of the MLC elections. The Election Commission had reportedly denied permission for the interaction, but Jagan and his party leaders proceeded with the visit, drawing attention to what they claim is the AP government’s failure to ensure fair prices for chilli farmers.Jagan, accompanied by a l

Microsoft is making a massive $80 billion investment in artificial intelligence this year, reinforcing its leadership in the AI industry. However, a surprising Microsoft-Carnegie Mellon University study suggests that overreliance on generative AI, like ChatGPT, could lead to a decline in critical-thinking and analytical skills among professionals.The research found that workers who trusted AI for writing, analysis, and decision-making practiced those skills less over time, leading to self-dou

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Joint Base Andrews airbase in Maryland, United States, on Wednesday (local time) for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This visit comes at a crucial time in international affairs, as both nations are looking to strengthen ties and address shared challenges on the global stage. The arrival at a key military and administrative facility underscores the significance of the trip, symbolizing not only a routine diplomatic vis

The Andhra Pradesh Excise Department recently implemented a marginal increase in the prices of certain liquor products, prompting immediate reactions from political leaders. YSR Congress Party (YCP) leaders accused the AP government of committing a major mistake by raising liquor prices. However, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra swiftly countered these claims.   Minister Ravindra clarified that the price hike only affects hard liquor, and even then, it is a modest ₹10 in

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister, has officially started his Sanatana Dharma tour following his recovery from high fever and spondylitis. After a brief medical absence, Kalyan departed from Begumpet airport this morning and landed at Kochi airport a short while ago.The tour, which will last for four days, marks his return to full health and is dedicated to visiting prominent temples across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Today, he will be visiting the Agastya Maharshi Temple in Kochi, which wil

For many young people in Punjab, the United States represents the ultimate dream destination, offering the promise of higher earnings and better living standards. However, the increasing trend of illegal migration has exposed many individuals to significant risks, including financial ruin, life-threatening journeys, and legal consequences. The desire for a better future drives thousands to seek unlawful entry into the US, often facilitated by unscrupulous agents who exploit their desperation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu introduced a performance ranking system for his Cabinet colleagues, evaluating their efficiency in clearing files from June 12 to December 2024. The ranking aimed to ensure prompt decision-making and greater accountability within the government.In this ranking, Farooq, the Minister for Minorities, emerged as the top performer, highlighting his efficiency in clearing files. The ranking system also shed light on areas where ministers could improve, with Vasam