Personal Finance

Why has India sharply increased gold and silver import duty to 15%?

India has raised gold and silver import duty from six per cent to 15 per cent amid concerns over rising imports, pressure on forex reserves, a weakening rupee, and widening trade deficit. The move comes as the government seeks to reduce dollar outflows and curb non-essential imports during global volatility

India’s new CPI explained: How will the 2024 inflation reset impact you?

India has launched a revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) with 2024 as the new base year, cutting food weight and boosting services, housing and digital spending components. From OTT subscriptions to rural rent, here’s how the updated inflation formula could affect EMIs, DA hikes and your household budget

In Graphics | The handy Budget glossary to have

The Union Budget will be presented in Parliament today. As the numbers begin to flow, the financial jargon and terms can be hard to grasp for people with little financial knowledge. Here's a handy glossary of financial words that will help you decode things

India is the world’s 4th-largest economy, but what does this milestone mean?

India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with the GDP estimated at $4.18 trillion. The rise reflects a decade of rapid expansion, strong domestic demand and reforms, even as challenges like low per capita income, job creation pressures and global trade uncertainties continue to shape India’s economic trajectory

Why the GST reform is a festive bonanza for the common man

India has rolled out its biggest GST reforms since 2017, cutting rates on essentials, farm equipment, and insurance while simplifying slabs to just five per cent and 18 per cent. A new 40 per cent rate targets luxury and sin goods. The changes aim to ease household budgets, support farmers and students, and boost spending ahead of the festive season

New workplace trend alert! What is 'job-hugging' that American employees are practising?

Once marked by the 'Great Resignation', US workers are now holding tightly to their jobs in what experts call 'job hugging'. With hiring slowing, opportunities shrinking and economic uncertainty growing, employees are staying put — but experts warn this trend could stall careers, block new entrants and set the stage for another mass resignation

Why are UK civil servants earning more than Prime Minister Keir Starmer?

In just two years, the number of UK civil servants earning more than the prime minister has more than doubled — a result of inflation-linked raises, Treasury policy shifts, and rising demand for tech and security experts. Over 400 civil servants are now paid more than Keir Starmer

Beef prices in the US are sizzling this summer: When will they cool down?

Beef prices in the US have hit record highs with ground beef averaging $6.12 (Rs 530 approx) per pound (less than half a kilo). Steak prices are up eight per cent since last year. Experts cite a shrinking cattle herd, drought, disease threats and potential tariffs as key reasons. Relief isn’t expected soon — and consumers may feel the pinch well beyond summer

The new middle class trap: Unsecured loans and social pressure fuel debt in India, Hong Kong and elsewhere

Once seen as engines of economic growth, the middle classes across countries including India and Hong Kong are now struggling to stay afloat as mounting personal debt, stagnant incomes and unchecked lending practices push them to the brink

India's soft power surge at Rising Bharat Summit: Youth, challenges with startups and Make in India

At the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, industry stalwarts explored how India's youth are reshaping the nation’s global identity through innovation, cultural influence and entrepreneurial grit. From fintech breakthroughs to challenges in the startup ecosystem, the panel discussed India's poised rise as a soft power superpower rooted in dignity and creativity