Author: Shehnaz Beig

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is showing signs of a severe economic downturn that could impact economies worldwide. With growing concerns of a 2008-style recession, the country is grappling with significant financial issues across key sectors. Real estate, a pillar of the Chinese economy, is collapsing, while unemployment rates hit record highs, and the deflation crisis worsens. The situation is further complicated by escalating tensions with the United States, leading to potential ripple effects across the global economy. Real Estate Crisis at the Core of China’s Problems Real estate is a major contributor to China’s economic health, representing around one-third…

Swiggy, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated IPO. With a valuation that could reach up to $13 billion, the company has already filed its draft papers with SEBI, aiming to raise over ₹10,000 crore. While the food delivery market is highly competitive, Swiggy’s consistent growth and celebrity endorsements are creating buzz ahead of its public debut. A Star-Studded Investor Lineup It’s not just venture capital firms backing Swiggy. Big names from Bollywood and the sports world, including Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar, and cricketers like Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan, have…

In the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, Bhavesh Purohit has revolutionized organic farming with a unique venture called Dhenu Prasad. What started as a small initiative in 2017 is now a flourishing business that earns Rs 70 lakh annually. Bhavesh, with a degree in biotechnology, found his inspiration from an unexpected source—cow urine. His innovative solution aims to make farming both sustainable and profitable for local farmers. From Biotechnology Graduate to Organic Pioneer Bhavesh Purohit, a resident of Banaskantha, completed his graduation in Biotechnology. His father, who ran a cowshed, often struggled with saving abandoned cows, and this motivated Bhavesh to…

After prolonged efforts, Pakistan has managed to secure a $7 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), providing some relief to its immediate financial crisis. However, despite this new influx of funds, the country’s long-term economic outlook remains grim. Pakistani economists have pointed out that this loan will merely allow the country to manage short-term debt payments, leaving fundamental economic issues unresolved. Reliance on IMF and Friendly Countries The approval of this loan was largely facilitated by the support of countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the crucial role these…

The government is actively discussing reducing GST rates on more than 100 items, which could lead to significant price drops for everyday goods. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the Group of Ministers (GoM) to bring relief to the common man. The GoM, led by six key ministers from different states, is looking into lowering the tax rates for goods currently in the 12% GST slab, with some likely to drop to the 5% slab. These discussions could have a meaningful impact on the cost of products like bicycles, bottled water, and medical supplies. GST Rate…

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,…