Author: Shehnaz Beig
Shehnaz Ali Siddiqui is a Corporate Communications Expert by profession and writer by Passion. She has experience of many years in the same. Her educational background in Mass communication has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics. She enjoys writing around Public relations, Corporate communications, travel, entrepreneurship, insurance, and finance among others.
The yield on India’s 10-year government bonds has dropped to its lowest level in almost three years, creating ripples across financial markets. This decline, occurring just ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled from December 4 to 6, has sparked discussions about potential policy changes, including interest rate cuts and liquidity measures. Bond Yield Trends: 10-Year Yield Falls Below 6.7% As of Wednesday morning, the yield on 10-year government bonds stood at 6.6928%, marking a dip from the previous close of 6.7121%. At one point, it fell even further to 6.6886%, the lowest…
SBI Mutual Fund, one of India’s largest and most trusted mutual fund houses, has launched its latest New Fund Offer (NFO) – the SBI Quant Fund. Open for subscription from December 4 to December 18, 2024, this fund brings a unique quant-based investment approach to equity funds. Aimed at delivering long-term capital appreciation, the SBI Quant Fund uses mathematical models to make unbiased investment decisions, moving beyond traditional methods reliant on fund managers’ intuition. What is a Quant-Based Fund? Quant-based funds are built on a systematic, data-driven approach to investing. Instead of relying solely on the judgment of fund managers,…
The United States has long held its position as a global superpower, commanding respect in political, economic, and strategic arenas. However, recent trends reveal a shift in perceptions among experts. While America’s political and diplomatic dominance faces growing skepticism, its financial markets are drawing unprecedented confidence from global investors. Unmatched Confidence in American Financial Markets Despite concerns in other areas, the U.S. financial markets continue to outperform. Investors are increasingly viewing America as a secure and lucrative destination for their money. The performance of U.S. stock markets far surpasses that of other nations, with the U.S. contributing nearly 70% to…
A Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) plays a crucial role in India’s administrative system. While District Magistrates (DMs) manage districts, SDMs are responsible for overseeing administrative tasks at the tehsil level. They act as a vital link in dividing a district into manageable sub-divisions to ensure efficient governance. The SDM’s position is held by either a junior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer or a senior State Civil Service (PCS) officer. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, SDMs are often referred to as Sub Collectors. Primary Responsibilities of an SDM SDMs have diverse responsibilities, from administrative tasks to public welfare. Their…
In a world dominated by smartphones, internet connections, and digital devices, Green Bank, West Virginia, stands out as a unique town. Known as the quietest town in America, it offers a glimpse into a life untouched by modern technological advancements. This peaceful place operates without Wi-Fi, mobile phones, or any gadgets that emit electromagnetic waves. Why Green Bank Has No Internet or Phones Green Bank lies in the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ), a specially designated area in the United States that restricts electromagnetic signals. Established in 1958, this zone covers a massive area of 33,000 square kilometers. The primary…
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are reigniting debates about the relevance of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States. Musk has openly criticized the practice, labeling it outdated and harmful, while Ramaswamy has voiced support for replacing it with standard time. As influential voices enter the discussion, the future of DST remains uncertain. The History of Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time, designed to maximize daylight usage, was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918, following the end of World War I. It became official nationwide in the 1960s under the Uniform Time Act. However, the concept dates back…
India’s economic growth slowed significantly in the second quarter of the current financial year, with the GDP growth rate dropping to 5.4%. This is a sharp decline compared to 7.6% in the same period last year and 6.7% in the April-June quarter. Released by the government on Friday, these numbers reflect challenges such as reduced consumption, adverse weather, and inflationary pressures. Economists Predicted the Dip in Growth Economists had already signaled a slowdown for the second quarter. A poll of 17 economists by The Economic Times projected an average GDP growth of 6.5%, driven by weakened urban demand, reduced government…
The popularity of mutual funds in India is growing, with more investors entering the market. In October 2024, equity mutual funds alone received a record investment of ₹41,887 crore, showcasing their appeal among salaried individuals seeking better returns. However, while mutual funds are a great investment option, it’s crucial to understand the tax implications on the profits earned. Tax on Equity Mutual Funds Taxation on equity-oriented schemes depends on the holding period: Tax on Debt Mutual Funds Debt mutual funds are taxed differently: Simplify Tax Payments To manage your taxes efficiently, here are some helpful tips: Stay Tax-Savvy Understanding mutual…
The Indian government has announced a significant upgrade to the PAN card system under the PAN 2.0 project, aiming to make financial transactions and tax compliance easier and more secure. This modernization effort, costing ₹1,435 crore, aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative and aims to transform the current PAN/TAN system into a user-friendly, cyber-secure digital platform. The project received approval during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 November 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about PAN 2.0, its features, and how it impacts you. Key Highlights of PAN 2.0 Who Will Benefit…
The global conversation on climate change intensified at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as developing countries voiced disappointment over inadequate financial support from wealthier nations. The crux of the issue lies in the yawning gap between what is needed and what is being offered to tackle climate challenges. While developing nations like India, Nigeria, and Bolivia are calling for at least $1.3 trillion in climate finance, wealthy countries have pledged only $300 billion by 2035—a sum that is both insufficient and, according to critics, insulting. What Is Climate Finance and Why Is It Crucial? Climate finance refers to the…