Withdrawing money from the Retirement Fund can have serious long-term consequences, as shown by the potential loss of Rs 2.44 crore over 20 years due to compounding interest. It's crucial to use the withdrawal provisions wisely and preserve the EPF as a valuable retirement asset. Consulting a professional is recommended due to potential changes in tax rules and government notifications.
The Annual Information Statement (AIS) simplifies tax return filing by summarizing income and financial information. However, relying solely on the AIS can lead to errors and consequences. Taxpayers must review their own records and verify deductions, as the AIS does not include all income sources. Capital gains and deductions must be separately computed and verified.
The government is updating the PM Surya Ghar scheme to ensure public support is tied to electricity generation and service delivery, not just rooftop solar installation. The new framework may include generation guarantees, virtual metering, and financial assistance based on income.
Honda Cars India has launched the ZR-V hybrid SUV as part of its expansion of powertrain options. The company is also planning to introduce six new products this year, including its first mass-market electric car. The ZR-V has already gained popularity among Honda loyalists and new customers, achieving 70% of its full-year sales target within the first two months.
The Honda ZR-V, priced at Rs 47.99 lakh, is a fast and impressive car with a hybrid system that can hit 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Its design, cabin, and driving position are all top-notch, but it lacks some features and its high price may be a deterrent. As an imported CBU unit, it would benefit from being assembled in India for a more affordable price.
IIMs are adapting to the changing education landscape by establishing satellite centres in urban areas, driven by the National Education Policy 2020 and the demand for executive education and undergraduate degrees. This move also allows them to maintain their brand reputation and relevance in major economic corridors.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assures that the Union Budget numbers for the current fiscal year do not need to be altered. The government has enough funds to handle challenges caused by the West Asia conflict and has established a Rs 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund.
The India-UK free trade agreement has lowered import taxes on British alcohol, intensifying competition for Indian liquor producers. However, this will ultimately improve product quality and pricing for the domestic industry. IndoBevs, creator of BroCode, is investing in a new malt distillery to take advantage of the changing alcohol consumption trends.
PM Modi's appointment of Nandan Nilekani to lead examination reforms shows trust in his systems thinking. Nilekani's global technology leadership through infrastructure and digital identity projects makes him the ideal choice. The decision highlights the importance of system design in fixing issues with public exams.
The content creator economy in India has become a viable career option, thanks to the increasing use of smartphones. This has led to a surge in creators from smaller cities, producing vernacular content. However, it also brings new challenges, such as the need for reliable infrastructure and fast creative pace.
Indian industry executives are aiming to upgrade their technology from 28 nm to 7 nm and eventually to 2 nm, but this will require addressing four key challenges: technology transfer, capital, talent, and access to advanced equipment. India's focus should be on strengthening the design, packaging, materials, equipment, and IP chain before pursuing a specific node number.
The NoiseFit Halo 3 smartwatch has a stylish round-dial design and a metal body with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. Its standout feature is the Noise AI Pro assistant, which includes productivity tools like AI voice transcription and on-wrist QR code storage. The watch also has 24x7 heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ measurement, and stress tracking.
Fly91, a regional airline, plans to reach cash break-even by FY27 while expanding its fleet and network. Despite supply chain and financing challenges, they had a profitable quarter in FY26. Their long-term goal is to double their fleet to 60 aircraft by 2033 and connect major regional hubs with tier-II and tier-III cities.
Magnus Steel & Infra's Q1 FY27 saw a 5-fold increase in standalone net profit and a 273.7% rise in revenue, along with higher profit before tax and EBITDA. Chairman Karron Naresh Bajaj credited disciplined execution and sustainable growth focus. The company is now an approved steel supplier for Tata Motors' projects.
The Indian government will use the Producer Price Index (PPI) instead of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to measure deflation in GDP data, aligning with international standards. This is expected to provide more accurate measurements of real growth, but economists do not predict major changes in GDP growth rates.
India's renewable energy sector saw significant growth in the first half of 2026, with solar and wind electricity generation increasing by 25%. This brought their share in the country's power supply mix to 16.5%. However, coal-fired generation also saw a 3.5% rise due to higher electricity demand. Overall, renewables have overtaken in electricity consumption, which grew by 6%.
India's primary market is experiencing a rise in IPOs, with 9 companies launching this week and more planning to raise ₹25,000 crore in August. The success of SBI Funds Management IPO has boosted investor sentiment. This week, 3 mainboard IPOs and 6 SME offerings are scheduled.
The West Asia war has brought challenges for India-UK trade, with rising freight costs and logistics issues. Despite this, exporters are optimistic about the UK market and are taking new measures to overcome difficulties. While sectors like engineering face challenges, some exporters are already finding success.
The DoCA has asked the DAFC to temporarily stop selling pulses from public stocks to ensure enough supply in the future. They recommend relaxing the disposal norm for 9 months to preserve the stock due to the threat of El Nino and delayed monsoon affecting production. The government has a 4 million tonne buffer and is preparing for potential shortages.
SEBI has proposed a new MF-PMS framework to address the decline in registered investment advisers in the country. The new framework has reduced investment thresholds and net-worth requirements, which can attract affluent investors and allow for international investing and unlisted debt. This is expected to widen the market for mutual funds and encourage long-term investments.
RBI's reliance on forward market for rupee management has grown, with record $106.6 billion in outstanding forward dollar sales. This highlights the central bank's strategy in dealing with rupee depreciation and increased pressure. The rupee has depreciated 11.4% in the past year, closing at 96.57 against the dollar. Use of forward market gives RBI more flexibility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan during Kargil Vijay Diwas event, highlighting India's defence progress and self-reliance. He criticizes Pakistan's support for terrorism and asserts that talks will only be held about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Singh praises Indian soldiers' bravery and sacrifices in the Kargil War and stresses the need for ongoing efforts.
India aims to boost nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, drawing attention to listed engineering and capital goods companies in the nuclear supply chain. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is working on three indigenous reactor designs, with Tarapur in Maharashtra as the site for two reactors. Few Indian companies have experience in reactor projects, making BHEL, Larsen & Toubro and more
Mercedes-Benz India has joined forces with PadelPark India to be the title sponsor for the Indian Padel Tour (IPT) for the 2026-2027 season. The tour will have 19 tournaments in 10 cities, including Grand Slams, City Opens, and special events. Padel, a popular doubles racquet sport played indoors or outdoors, is gaining traction in India and globally.
PM Modi honors Kargil War martyrs, showcases India's defence prowess and alliances. INS Mahendragiri commissioned, DRDO's Pinaka and Kusha missile achieve success, 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' symbolizes strength and unity. India's defence industry gains global trust, plays crucial role in national security.
CAG finds financial and operational lapses in West Bengal's 'Swasthya Sathi scheme', leading to excess payments, unpaid claims, weak grievance handling, and poor contract enforcement. These issues strain public finances, increase risk of ineligible beneficiaries and service shortfalls.
At least one person was killed and several others injured after a car drove through a park in Berlin during the city's biggest LGBTQ+ Pride event on Saturday. Police suspect it was a terrorist attack, and a suspect has reportedly been identified.
Assam is experiencing severe floods, resulting in 66 deaths and over 6.54 lakh people affected across 10 districts. The state has set up 90 relief camps and 184 relief centres, providing shelter to 18,902 people. The floods have caused significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure, with many villages submerged and roads destroyed.
The Assam Cabinet has approved a stamp duty waiver for Self-Help Group members, making credit more accessible for women and community-based livelihood borrowers. It also announced new rules for ayurvedic health services and reforms for MBBS and BDS course admissions.
Haryana government's new MSME policy aims to boost industries and exports through measures like improving ease of doing business, supporting exporters, and modernising industrial areas. Key proposals include increased export freight subsidy, special recognition for high-exporting industries, and faster approvals and payments for traders.
Anahat Singh made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian squash player to win the World Junior Squash Championships title. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in the girls' singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada.
When Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, he had little patience for long and slow trade investigations. He wanted quick results and wanted other countries to feel the pressure immediately.
The 2026 KM Chart Awards, hosted by K-drama stars Kang Tae Oh, Won Ji An, and Byeon Woo Seok, took place at Korea University's Hwajeong Tiger Dome in Seoul on Saturday. TXT dominated the trophy tally, winning the Artist of the Year title and one of the Grand Prizes. BTS also snagged a Grand Prize for their comeback album "ARIRANG." Other winners included NEWBEAT, VVUP, and LNGSHOT.
India's move towards alternative fuels is revealing a stark difference between two-wheelers and four-wheelers. While CNG is gaining traction in cars, it's facing challenges in the two-wheeler market. Bajaj Auto's CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, saw a decline in sales due to range limitations and competition from electric vehicles.
The male grooming industry is rapidly growing, with men incorporating makeup into their daily routine. By 2036, the global male colour cosmetics market is estimated to reach $55.1 billion, with foundations and natural/organic products being the most popular.
CKD is a major global health issue, with deaths from the disease increasing in recent years. The main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure, but age, obesity, and smoking also play a role. Detecting the disease early and making lifestyle changes can slow its progression and preserve kidney function.
India's aesthetics market has grown due to awareness and social media, but unregulated providers and clinics have also increased. CDSCO has tightened regulation on injectable cosmetic products to protect patients, increasing public awareness and promoting patient safety.
Trump supports Infantino as UN secretary-general, despite lack of qualifications. Infantino's success in organizing the 2026 World Cup is praised, but it does not guarantee diplomatic abilities. Team effort and on-field actions are more important than political involvement in the tournament's success.
India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has exempted 45% of its exports to the US from the additional 10% Section 301 duties, giving them an advantage over China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Türkiye. However, the remaining 55% will still be subject to the duties, and India has not received the textile and apparel tariff-rate quota exemption.
Honda Cars India has re-entered the premium SUV segment with the launch of the ZR-V e:HEV, priced at ₹47.99 lakh. The SUV is imported from Japan as a CBU and is powered by a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain. It comes with advanced safety features and a standard three-year warranty, with options for extended coverage.
Indulge in a diverse range of cultural events this week, including a performance by The Yellow Diary at The Grand Theatre in Mumbai, a discussion on comic-making in Bengaluru, a fusion show in Kolkata, a stand-up comedy show in Delhi, and a curated exhibition of rare works in Mumbai. Don't miss the chance to experience the best of Indian indie music, art, and collectibles.
Experience the rich history and culture of Greece beyond the popular island of Santorini. Begin your journey in Athens, where the iconic Acropolis and ancient Agora await. Explore the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. Visit Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, and the charming seaside town of Nafplio.
Italy is famous for its food, but pizza is a beloved snack worldwide. Surprisingly, Japan has a thriving pizza culture with unique variations and over 1,400 pizzerias in Tokyo alone. Japanese-inspired pizzas are now available in India at restaurants like Call Me Ten and Pizza 4P's, offering delicious options like mushroom.
Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue is a richly detailed book that chronicles the rise of the tech giant from its modest start in 1976 to its groundbreaking influence on technology and society. In The God Test, Robert Wright predicts a significant societal shift with the emergence of AI, while Brahma Prakash's Spectacle State examines the fusion of politics and daily life in India.
Award-winning Malayalam writer S Hareesh's new novel, August 17, imagines an alternate history where Travancore did not join the Indian Union in 1947. Through the eyes of a spy, the novel explores the political landscape of the time and the struggles of leaders like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.
Corporate fashion has evolved to embrace versatility and comfort, with a focus on elevated basics that can be mixed and matched for both professional and personal settings. The fit and texture of clothing are more important than labels, and timeless shades and understated accessories are key.
Anime has gained immense popularity in India, making it a billion-dollar market with 118 million viewers and a projected annual growth rate of 11-13% until 2030. The country has become the second-largest anime market, with a strong interest from the younger generation. This has led to the rise of anime contests with lucrative prizes such as a 2-BHK house and a trip to Japan.
India is leveraging its first Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project to establish a high-speed rail network. The Railways will use a uniform design for the seven new corridors, cutting down on time and expenses while boosting engineering capabilities. The NHSRCL is creating standard designs and technical specifications, along with a design library, for these corridors.
The completion of the bridge and tunnel project in Rudraprayag is expected to provide relief to the heavy traffic on the Kedarnath-Badrinath route. With 99% of the project completed, officials are aiming to begin trial runs in August. The project includes two motor bridges and has received a sanction of ₹156 crore.
Dark mode has become the go-to for Gen Z, providing comfort, style, and personalization while reducing eye strain. Research shows it can improve accuracy and confidence, but it may not be for everyone. App developers now face the expectation to include it, reflecting Gen Z's digital culture.