A powerful gas explosion rocked a multi-use building in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon, leaving one person injured and several others displaced. The blast, which occurred at a juice bar located at 232 Hall Avenue, sent debris flying, shattered windows, and ignited a fire within the establishment. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to control the fire and secure the area.

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

Trump's decision to halt New York City's congestion pricing program has led to a major legal dispute, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The congestion pricing plan, which went into effect on January 5, 2025, imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The policy aimed to curb traffic congestion while generating much-needed funding for the city's public transpor

As the March 31, 2025 financial year-end approaches, taxpayers under the old income tax regime should focus on tax-saving investments to minimize liabilities. Here are five effective last-minute tax-saving options:   Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) – A tax-saving mutual fund with a three-year lock-in period, offering deductions under Section 80C for investments up to Rs 1.5 lakh, along with potential high returns from equity marke

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce a new Income Tax Bill in Parliament today that will replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961. The purpose of this new bill is to simplify the language and provisions of the current tax law, making it easier to understand and more accessible for taxpayers. The bill is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reform and modernize the Indian tax system. The new bill will streamline various processes, eliminate complex

The social media platform X has agreed to pay 10 million dollars to former President Donald Trump as part of a settlement that brings an end to a legal dispute stemming from the suspension of his account. This resolution marks the conclusion of a contentious legal battle that had its roots in the events following the U.S. Capitol incident. In January 2021, two days after the events at the Capitol, X – formerly known as Twitter – made the decision to su

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 Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant changes to the income tax regime, offering relief to middle-class taxpayers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising the basic exemption limit to Rs 4 lakh and increased the income threshold for the rebate under Section 87A to Rs 12 lakh. This means individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh, with a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, can avoid paying taxes altogether. But for those earning more than Rs 12.75 lakh, choosing between the old

In February 2025, US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30-day pause on tariffs against Mexico and Canada brought a brief sense of relief to global markets. The decision helped prevent a potential escalation of a full-blown trade war, with US equity futures and international markets responding positively. However, concerns linger about the long-term effects of tariffs on industries such as automotive, semiconductor, consumer goods, e-commerce, and green energy.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to the United States starting February 12, where he will engage in extensive talks with US President Donald Trump. The visit will take place shortly after Modi's two-day trip to Paris, marking the prime minister's first bilateral visit to the US since Trump's second term in office. The trip will provide an opportunity to strengthen ties between India and the US and discuss key issues, including trade, security,

The US stock market saw a sharp decline on Monday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by over 450 points, marking a decline of more than 1%, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.5% and the Nasdaq lost 1.8%. These significant losses reflect growing concerns over escalating trade tensions and the potential negative impact on the global economy. The new tariffs, which impose a 25% duty on imports from

Volkswagen has filed a lawsuit against Indian authorities, contesting a $1.4 billion tax demand that the company describes as "impossibly enormous" and in violation of India’s import tax regulations. The dispute centers around the classification of car imports, with Indian officials accusing Volkswagen of misclassifying imports to avoid higher customs duties. In particular, Volkswagen allegedly broke down nearly complete vehicles into individual parts, which are subject to low

On Monday, the Indian rupee plunged by 67 paise to hit a record low of 87.29 against the US dollar. This sharp depreciation came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, sparking fears of a global trade war. Trump’s tariffs—25% on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China—sent shockwaves through the financial markets. As the US dollar gained strength amid risk aversion, the rupee faced mounting pressure due to sustaine

Income Tax: Union Budget 2025 introduces a revamped tax regime, with key reforms aimed at providing relief to the middle class. The new tax slabs are as follows: Up to Rs 4 lakh - 0% Rs 4-8 lakh - 5% Rs 8-12 lakh - 10%

DTC to Be Introduced Separately: Sources have confirmed that the much-anticipated Direct Tax Code (DTC), which seeks to simplify India’s income tax laws, will be introduced separately and not as part of the Union Budget 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to deliver the budget speech on Saturday, but the new tax code will be presented at a later date. This move marks a shift from earlier reports suggesting the DTC would be included with the budg

As more women actively engage in managing their finances, investing in tax-saving options has become a crucial part of financial planning. In India, several investment avenues not only promise attractive returns but also offer significant tax benefits. Some options are general, while others are specifically designed for women. Here's a closer look at some of the key tax-saving investment options women can consider: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

 As the Union Budget 2025 approaches on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to address rising concerns over high inflation and shrinking disposable incomes, with a focus on tax relief for salaried individuals. One of the most anticipated measures is the potential increase in the standard deduction for salaried employees. Under the current system, a standard deduction of Rs 75,000 is available for those opting for the New Tax Regime, while the Old Tax Reg

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:

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

The U.S. decision to withdraw from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) global tax deal, led by President Trump in his second term, could lead to significant shifts in the global tax landscape. However, according to tax expert Rakesh Nangia, India's tax policy will not be heavily impacted by this move. India had taken a more cautious approach toward implementing the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules and had not introduced substantial changes to it