Kerala sees record growth in remittances and NRI deposits in 2025
Kerala has reached an unprecedented economic landmark as annual remittances from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly those from Kerala, have surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time. Alongside this, total deposits from NRIs in the state’s banking sector have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, signaling a robust and growing contribution of overseas Malayalis to the state’s financial ecosystem. This financial influx has significantly boosted Kerala’s domestic econo
Kerala sees record growth in remittances and NRI deposits in 2025
Kerala has reached an unprecedented economic landmark as annual remittances from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly those from Kerala, have surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time. Alongside this, total deposits from NRIs in the state’s banking sector have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, signaling a robust and growing contribution of overseas Malayalis to the state’s financial ecosystem. This financial influx has significantly boosted Kerala’s domestic econo
Retired Before March 2025? Claim UPS Benefits by June 30
If you retired from Central Government service on or before March 31, 2025, or are the legally wedded spouse of such a retiree, you may be eligible for significant financial benefits under the recently launched Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The deadline to claim these benefits is June 30, 2025, as announced by the National Pension System (NPS) Trust. Launched on April 1, 2025, the UPS is designed to supplement the pension income of retired Central Government employees and their spou
Retired Before March 2025? Claim UPS Benefits by June 30
If you retired from Central Government service on or before March 31, 2025, or are the legally wedded spouse of such a retiree, you may be eligible for significant financial benefits under the recently launched Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The deadline to claim these benefits is June 30, 2025, as announced by the National Pension System (NPS) Trust. Launched on April 1, 2025, the UPS is designed to supplement the pension income of retired Central Government employees and their spou
Why Young Indians Prefer Renting Over Buying Homes
For decades, owning a house was seen as a proud achievement in Indian households symbolic of success, stability, and adulthood. Parents often pushed their children to buy homes early, even if it meant burdening themselves with heavy EMIs. But in 2025, the mindset of India’s younger generation is shifting. With rising property prices, changing work patterns, and a desire for lifestyle freedom, more and more young Indians are opting to rent rather than buy. The traditional belie
Why Young Indians Prefer Renting Over Buying Homes
For decades, owning a house was seen as a proud achievement in Indian households symbolic of success, stability, and adulthood. Parents often pushed their children to buy homes early, even if it meant burdening themselves with heavy EMIs. But in 2025, the mindset of India’s younger generation is shifting. With rising property prices, changing work patterns, and a desire for lifestyle freedom, more and more young Indians are opting to rent rather than buy. The traditional belie
US Cuts Remittance Tax to 3.5%: Big Relief for Indian Migrants
The rollback of the proposed 5% remittance tax to 3.5% by the United States government has brought major relief to Indian migrants who regularly send money home. On a $10,000 transfer, senders now save $150 (₹12,000), which is a significant benefit for families depending on overseas income for essential needs such as healthcare, education, and daily expenses. The move is especially helpful for workers in service and labor-intensive industries. India continues to be the top recipie
US Cuts Remittance Tax to 3.5%: Big Relief for Indian Migrants
The rollback of the proposed 5% remittance tax to 3.5% by the United States government has brought major relief to Indian migrants who regularly send money home. On a $10,000 transfer, senders now save $150 (₹12,000), which is a significant benefit for families depending on overseas income for essential needs such as healthcare, education, and daily expenses. The move is especially helpful for workers in service and labor-intensive industries. India continues to be the top recipie
Middle East fast becoming global tech hub with AI, startups and cloud infrastructure
The Middle East is rapidly positioning itself as a significant force in global technology, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar taking bold steps to attract international tech investors and build local capacity. These nations are not only signing multibillion-dollar deals but also enacting legal reforms, fostering startup ecosystems, and constructing the infrastructure needed to support advanced artificial intelligence systems and cloud-based technologies. Thi
Middle East fast becoming global tech hub with AI, startups and cloud infrastructure
The Middle East is rapidly positioning itself as a significant force in global technology, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar taking bold steps to attract international tech investors and build local capacity. These nations are not only signing multibillion-dollar deals but also enacting legal reforms, fostering startup ecosystems, and constructing the infrastructure needed to support advanced artificial intelligence systems and cloud-based technologies. Thi
Dubai Firm Disappears Overnight, Investors Lose Millions
In yet another shocking case of financial fraud in the UAE, Gulf First Commercial Brokers, a Dubai-based brokerage firm, has reportedly shut down overnight, leaving behind empty offices and millions of dirhams in vanished investor funds. Many of the victims, including Indian expats, are now demanding answers after being lured into the scheme through aggressive cold-calling and promises of secure returns on forex investments. The firm operated from two office spaces in Capital Golden
Dubai Firm Disappears Overnight, Investors Lose Millions
In yet another shocking case of financial fraud in the UAE, Gulf First Commercial Brokers, a Dubai-based brokerage firm, has reportedly shut down overnight, leaving behind empty offices and millions of dirhams in vanished investor funds. Many of the victims, including Indian expats, are now demanding answers after being lured into the scheme through aggressive cold-calling and promises of secure returns on forex investments. The firm operated from two office spaces in Capital Golden
Sonia, Rahul Named in ₹142 Cr Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were direct beneficiaries of ₹142 crore in proceeds of crime linked to the ongoing National Herald case. The explosive claim was made during preliminary arguments before Special Judge Vishal Gogne at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday, intensifying one of the most politically sensitive legal battles in recent times. The probe agency informed the court that the allegations es
Sonia, Rahul Named in ₹142 Cr Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were direct beneficiaries of ₹142 crore in proceeds of crime linked to the ongoing National Herald case. The explosive claim was made during preliminary arguments before Special Judge Vishal Gogne at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday, intensifying one of the most politically sensitive legal battles in recent times. The probe agency informed the court that the allegations es
Big Arrest in AP Liquor Scam: Bharathi Cements Director Held
The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe has taken a significant turn with another high-profile arrest made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), deepening the political and financial implications of the case. After the recent apprehension of Raj Kasireddy, a known associate of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the SIT has now arrested Govindappa Balaji, the director of Bharathi Cements. His alleged involvement in the money laundering aspect of the scandal has pushed the case into a mor
Big Arrest in AP Liquor Scam: Bharathi Cements Director Held
The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe has taken a significant turn with another high-profile arrest made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), deepening the political and financial implications of the case. After the recent apprehension of Raj Kasireddy, a known associate of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the SIT has now arrested Govindappa Balaji, the director of Bharathi Cements. His alleged involvement in the money laundering aspect of the scandal has pushed the case into a mor
ULIPs vs Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Best for Long-Term Wealth?
Choosing the right investment vehicle for long-term wealth creation is a crucial step for financial planning. Among the most common options available to Indian investors are ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), mutual funds, and direct investment in stocks. Each of these instruments offers a different mix of risk, return, flexibility, and cost. Understanding their core differences can help individuals make better investment decisions aligned with their goals and risk appetite.
ULIPs vs Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Best for Long-Term Wealth?
Choosing the right investment vehicle for long-term wealth creation is a crucial step for financial planning. Among the most common options available to Indian investors are ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), mutual funds, and direct investment in stocks. Each of these instruments offers a different mix of risk, return, flexibility, and cost. Understanding their core differences can help individuals make better investment decisions aligned with their goals and risk appetite.
Mark Mobius Goes 95% Cash – Warns of 6-Month Global Market Risk, Bets Big on India
Veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has shifted nearly all of his investments into cash, citing ongoing global trade tensions and market uncertainty. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Mobius said that he currently has around 95% of his funds in cash, declaring that “cash is king” as the global economy navigates unstable trade dynamics. Mobius, who has over three decades of experience investing across developing markets and co-founded Mobius Capital P
Mark Mobius Goes 95% Cash – Warns of 6-Month Global Market Risk, Bets Big on India
Veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has shifted nearly all of his investments into cash, citing ongoing global trade tensions and market uncertainty. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Mobius said that he currently has around 95% of his funds in cash, declaring that “cash is king” as the global economy navigates unstable trade dynamics. Mobius, who has over three decades of experience investing across developing markets and co-founded Mobius Capital P
How Houston Spent $180 Million: A Deep Dive Into the City's Procurement and Purchasing Process
The City of Houston spent $180 million from its general fund on purchasing goods and services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to newly released public financial records. Overseeing that massive flow of public funds was the Strategic Procurement Division of the Finance Department, which itself cost about $9.5 million to operate last year. City officials emphasize that purchasing within a government body like Houston is far different from everyday consumer spending. Unlik
How Houston Spent $180 Million: A Deep Dive Into the City's Procurement and Purchasing Process
The City of Houston spent $180 million from its general fund on purchasing goods and services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to newly released public financial records. Overseeing that massive flow of public funds was the Strategic Procurement Division of the Finance Department, which itself cost about $9.5 million to operate last year. City officials emphasize that purchasing within a government body like Houston is far different from everyday consumer spending. Unlik
Tourist Wins $3.1 Million Jackpot on Illinois Lottery Visit to Chicago
A trip to Chicago ended with far more than sightseeing and selfies for one lucky tourist who now returns home $3.1 million richer. The unexpected windfall came courtesy of the Illinois Lottery’s FastPlay Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game, with the winning ticket purchased at Komal Wine and Liquors near O’Hare International Airport. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, snagged a $3,188,104 jackpot while enjoying a visit to one of America’s most iconic cities.
Tourist Wins $3.1 Million Jackpot on Illinois Lottery Visit to Chicago
A trip to Chicago ended with far more than sightseeing and selfies for one lucky tourist who now returns home $3.1 million richer. The unexpected windfall came courtesy of the Illinois Lottery’s FastPlay Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game, with the winning ticket purchased at Komal Wine and Liquors near O’Hare International Airport. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, snagged a $3,188,104 jackpot while enjoying a visit to one of America’s most iconic cities.
Harsh Goenka's Gold vs. Gadgets Post Wins Internet, Sparks Investment and Marriage Debate
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, known for his witty and thought-provoking social media posts, has once again struck a chord with netizens. This time, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a humorous yet insightful comparison between material purchases and long-term investments particularly gold. Using real-life anecdotes involving his wife, Mr Goenka cleverly highlighted how investing in gold has proven to be far more valuable over the years than spending on depreciating assets like cars,
Harsh Goenka's Gold vs. Gadgets Post Wins Internet, Sparks Investment and Marriage Debate
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, known for his witty and thought-provoking social media posts, has once again struck a chord with netizens. This time, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a humorous yet insightful comparison between material purchases and long-term investments particularly gold. Using real-life anecdotes involving his wife, Mr Goenka cleverly highlighted how investing in gold has proven to be far more valuable over the years than spending on depreciating assets like cars,
Gold vs Mutual Funds: Which Investment Offers Better Returns in 2025?
If you're wondering whether to invest in gold or mutual funds this year, you're not alone. With rising market uncertainty, inflation concerns, and global geopolitical tensions, investors are reevaluating traditional assets. Gold and mutual funds have long stood as two prominent options for Indian investors. While both offer potential returns, they cater to different investment styles, goals, and risk appetites. Financial experts suggest that a well-balanced investment portfolio, tailo
Gold vs Mutual Funds: Which Investment Offers Better Returns in 2025?
If you're wondering whether to invest in gold or mutual funds this year, you're not alone. With rising market uncertainty, inflation concerns, and global geopolitical tensions, investors are reevaluating traditional assets. Gold and mutual funds have long stood as two prominent options for Indian investors. While both offer potential returns, they cater to different investment styles, goals, and risk appetites. Financial experts suggest that a well-balanced investment portfolio, tailo
India’s Organic Food Exports Surge 35% to $665.96 Million in FY2024-25
India's organic food exports have witnessed a significant surge, registering a 35% increase to reach $665.96 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This growth underscores the rising global demand for Indian organic products and the country's expanding footprint in the organic food sector. In terms of volume, exports grew by 41%, totaling 0.37 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 0.26 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. The
India’s Organic Food Exports Surge 35% to $665.96 Million in FY2024-25
India's organic food exports have witnessed a significant surge, registering a 35% increase to reach $665.96 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This growth underscores the rising global demand for Indian organic products and the country's expanding footprint in the organic food sector. In terms of volume, exports grew by 41%, totaling 0.37 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 0.26 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. The
ED Files Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation into the National Herald case. This marks the first time that both leaders have been officially charged in this high-profile case, which has been under scrutiny for several years. The chargesheet, submitted to a special court in Delhi on April 9, 2025, also names five other individuals, including Indian Overs
ED Files Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation into the National Herald case. This marks the first time that both leaders have been officially charged in this high-profile case, which has been under scrutiny for several years. The chargesheet, submitted to a special court in Delhi on April 9, 2025, also names five other individuals, including Indian Overs
NRIs Not Liable for Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Fund Sales in India, Rules ITAT
In a ruling that could significantly influence the tax liabilities of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in Indian mutual funds, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai bench, has determined that capital gains earned by NRIs on the redemption of mutual fund units are not taxable in India. This decision was delivered in a case involving a Singapore-based NRI who had declared short-term capital gains from mutual fund investments but claimed exemption under the Double Taxation Avoidance
NRIs Not Liable for Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Fund Sales in India, Rules ITAT
In a ruling that could significantly influence the tax liabilities of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in Indian mutual funds, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai bench, has determined that capital gains earned by NRIs on the redemption of mutual fund units are not taxable in India. This decision was delivered in a case involving a Singapore-based NRI who had declared short-term capital gains from mutual fund investments but claimed exemption under the Double Taxation Avoidance
UPI Services Disrupted Again in India, Third Major Outage Hits Digital Transactions in a Month
In yet another setback to India’s rapidly growing digital economy, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services across the country suffered a major disruption on Saturday morning. This marks the third significant outage in less than a month, severely impacting users and businesses who rely on the platform for quick and seamless financial transactions. Saturday’s outage left countless users stranded, unable to send or receive money through popular UPI-enabled apps such
UPI Services Disrupted Again in India, Third Major Outage Hits Digital Transactions in a Month
In yet another setback to India’s rapidly growing digital economy, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services across the country suffered a major disruption on Saturday morning. This marks the third significant outage in less than a month, severely impacting users and businesses who rely on the platform for quick and seamless financial transactions. Saturday’s outage left countless users stranded, unable to send or receive money through popular UPI-enabled apps such
Apple Flies iPhones from India to U.S. to Dodge Trump Tariffs Before April Deadline
In a high-stakes logistics maneuver that has grabbed the attention of global tech and trade watchers, Apple has reportedly shipped a significant consignment of iPhones from India to the United States in a matter of days, ahead of a new import tariff deadline imposed under President Donald Trump’s trade policy. According to multiple sources close to the operation, the tech giant arranged for as many as five aircraft to carry the devices across continents, with the aim of bypassing a
Apple Flies iPhones from India to U.S. to Dodge Trump Tariffs Before April Deadline
In a high-stakes logistics maneuver that has grabbed the attention of global tech and trade watchers, Apple has reportedly shipped a significant consignment of iPhones from India to the United States in a matter of days, ahead of a new import tariff deadline imposed under President Donald Trump’s trade policy. According to multiple sources close to the operation, the tech giant arranged for as many as five aircraft to carry the devices across continents, with the aim of bypassing a
No Fee for Updating Nominee in PPF Account, Confirms FM Nirmala Sitharaman
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
No Fee for Updating Nominee in PPF Account, Confirms FM Nirmala Sitharaman
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









