Author: Shehnaz Beig

India’s economy is on a solid growth trajectory despite global challenges, per the Finance Ministry’s recent report. The ministry highlighted that the country will likely achieve a 6.5% to 7.0% growth rate for the current financial year, with data until August, such as GST collection, Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), and electricity consumption, supporting this projection. These figures signal that India’s economy is stable and resilient in the face of worldwide uncertainty. Key Indicators of Economic Stability: GST, PMI, and Electricity Consumption The Ministry’s analysis points out that several indicators reflect positive momentum. GST collections have been steady, indicating a healthy…

In a significant decision, a consumer court in Hyderabad has ruled in favor of Jonathan Brainard, the owner of a Tata Nexon EV, and ordered Tata Motors to refund the full cost of the car, amounting to Rs 16.95 lakh. The court ruled that the fire, which erupted in Brainard’s car while he was driving, was due to a manufacturing defect. Fire Incident Raises Concerns Over EV Safety The case began in June 2023 when Brainard’s Tata Nexon EV caught fire while he was driving in Telangana. Brainard described that while driving at 38 kilometers per hour, a loud explosion…

If you’re looking for new investment opportunities, several fund houses like HDFC, LIC, and Kotak have opened fresh mutual fund offers (NFOs). These NFOs are available in various categories, including index funds, sectoral funds, thematic funds, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Each of these offers provides investors with a chance to diversify their portfolios and invest in growing sectors. NFOs Covering Different Investment Categories Currently, nine new mutual fund offers are available across five categories. Whether you’re interested in ETFs, sectoral funds, thematic funds, or index funds, there’s something for everyone. Explore the Key NFOs Open for Subscription Here are…

Be cautious while sharing Aadhaar and PAN cards, a small mistake can lead to massive trouble. In Maharashtra’s Thane district, a shocking case has emerged where a real estate agent was hit with an Income Tax notice for ₹382 crore. The notice came despite his meagre ₹20,000 monthly salary, exposing a major scam involving the misuse of his identity documents. The scam victim, a resident of Diva in Thane, had unknowingly become part of a massive financial fraud. Fraudsters had used his Aadhaar card, PAN card, and even a signed cheque to set up fake companies and bank accounts. These…

Ten years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Make in India initiative as a central part of his government’s strategy for economic growth and national security. This ambitious program aimed to promote self-reliance in various sectors, especially defence, to reduce India’s dependency on imports and strengthen its domestic manufacturing capabilities. A decade later, the results are visible, with significant strides in defence production and exports. Reducing Defence Imports: A Major Shift At the start of the Make in India journey, India relied heavily on foreign imports for defence equipment. About 65-70% of the country’s military hardware was imported. Today,…

The Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that could bring significant benefits to EV buyers and manufacturers in the state. One of the major highlights of this policy is the likely exemption from road tax for electric and strong hybrid vehicles, aimed at promoting the adoption of clean mobility solutions. Road Tax Relief on EVs and Strong Hybrids As per reports, the upcoming policy may offer a road tax exemption on vehicles priced up to ₹25 lakhs. This includes both electric vehicles and strong hybrid cars, which are seen as a greener alternative to…

Even as the stock market continues to rise, many mutual funds (MFs) are holding substantial cash reserves. This cautious strategy is raising questions among investors, especially since MFs currently have nearly ₹1.86 lakh crore in cash. The market is strong, but funds seem hesitant to deploy their cash reserves. What’s driving this decision? What’s Driving MFs to Hold Cash? Several factors are pushing MFs to remain cautious: Top Mutual Funds Holding Large Cash Reserves Here’s a list of the funds that are holding a significant percentage of their assets in cash: Why High Cash Holdings Aren’t Necessarily Bearish Many assume…

From October 1, 2024, several new income tax rules are set to come into effect. These updates, introduced in the 2024 budget, will impact various financial aspects, including Aadhaar regulations, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) rates, and more. If you are filing income tax returns or investing in the stock market, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to avoid potential issues. Let’s break down the key updates coming into force this October. 1. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) Increased for F&O One of the major changes is an increase in STT for Futures and Options…

When it comes to mutual funds, investors often face the question: “Should I invest in active funds or passive funds?” With numerous options available, making the right decision can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will help you understand both types of funds in a simple and straightforward way, so you can make an informed decision. What Are Active Mutual Funds? Active mutual funds are professionally managed by fund managers, whose goal is to beat the market. They actively choose stocks and adjust the fund’s portfolio based on research, analysis, and market trends. Key Points About Active Mutual Funds:…

The Indian stock market has been on a continuous upward trend, breaking new records every day. Recently, the Sensex crossed the 85,000 mark, sparking curiosity among investors about when it will reach the highly anticipated milestone of 100,000 points. Many experts believe that the Sensex could achieve this feat sooner than expected. Growth Momentum: From 85K to 100K It took about one and a half months for Sensex to rise from 80,000 to 85,000, and now it needs to gain another 17.5% to hit the 100,000 mark. According to financial analysts, this could happen by 2025. If Sensex continues to…