Asianet Newsable

High Income, Low Savings? Vastu Remedies to Stop Money Drain

Richa Barua — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:38:07 +0530

Vastu Tips: If money isn't lasting in your hands despite a good salary, some simple Vastu Shastra changes can improve your financial situation. This can help you avoid financial crunches.

Vastu says the north is for wealth and career. Clutter or heavy items here block money flow. Keep it clean and bright. A small fountain or water pictures are lucky here. Avoid black; use blue, white, or light green.

Money loss is linked to the kitchen. Place stoves in the southeast. Fix leaky taps fast, as water leaks mean money leaks. Avoid keeping trash, empty containers, or broken items in the kitchen to prevent financial issues.

The main door is key for wealth. A broken or dirty door causes money issues. Use auspicious symbols on it. Place safes in the south/west, facing north/east to boost savings and stability.

Keep home bright and fragrant. Feng Shui items help finances. Avoid clutter and negative art. Weekly rituals can remove money blocks. (DISCLAIMER: This is for info only. Consult an expert for advice.)

RBI to make NEFT system available 24x7 from December 16

PTI News — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 15:31:27 +0530

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to make National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system available on a round-the-clock basis from December 16.

In a bid to promote digital transactions, the RBI on Friday (December 6) said round-the-clock transactions will be allowed under the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system from December 16

The 24x7 NEFT system will be available on all days of the year, including holidays, it added.

NEFT transactions are settled in hourly batches. For weekdays, the batches are from 8 am to 7 pm. On first and third Saturdays, the settlement happens from 8 am to 1 pm.

In a notification, the central bank said it has been decided that the facility on NEFT system shall be made available from December 16, 2019 on a 24x7 basis.

The first settlement will take place after 00:30 hours on December 16, 2019 (night of December 15).

The RBI has asked the member banks to keep adequate liquidity in their current account with the regulator at all times to facilitate successful posting of NEFT batch settlements.

NEFT transactions after usual banking hours are expected to be automated transactions initiated using 'Straight Through Processing (STP)' modes by the banks.

The existing discipline for crediting beneficiary's account or returning the transaction (within two hours of settlement of the respective batch) to originating bank will continue, it added.

Besides, member banks will ensure sending of positive confirmation message for all NEFT credits and all provisions of NEFT procedural guidelines will be applicable for 24x7 transactions as well, it added.

“Member banks are also advised to initiate necessary action and ensure the availability of all necessary infrastructural requirements at their end for providing seamless NEFT 24x7 facility to their customers,” the regulator said.

Banks may disseminate information on the extended timings for NEFT to all their customers, RBI said.

From July 1 this year, RBI had decided not to levy charges on transactions through NEFT and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system in order to promote digital transactions in the country, and asked banks to pass on the benefits to the customers.

Earlier, the RBI used to levy minimum charges on banks for transactions routed through RTGS and NEFT. Banks, in turn, levy charges on their customers.

RTGS is meant for large-value instantaneous fund transfers, while NEFT is used for fund transfers of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Explained: Donald Trump Considers to Scrap Capital Gains Tax, What It Means for You?

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:26:33 +0530

Donald Trump says he’s open to eliminating capital gains tax. But who benefits most, and what happens to federal revenue? Here’s what’s unfolding.

US President Donald Trump has kickstarted debate after publicly endorsing the idea of scrapping capital gains tax on primary home sales. The move comes on the heels of a bill introduced by Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who argues the tax is outdated and punishes middle-class families trying to sell homes in today’s inflated market.

Speaking to reporters after the FIFA Club World Cup final, Trump said his administration is “looking at” Greene’s proposal. “It could be a very big positive,” he said. “It’s going to be a great incentive for a lot of people who really need money.”

The IRS currently levies capital gains taxes on profits made from selling a home, unless those profits fall within certain thresholds: $250,000 for individual filers and $500,000 for joint filers. These exclusions apply only if the homeowner has lived in the house for at least two of the past five years.

However, these exemption limits haven’t changed since 1997, even as home prices have skyrocketed. For context, the median home price in 1997 was about $145,800. As of the first quarter of 2025, it stands at nearly $417,000, per Federal Reserve data.

As a result, a growing number of middle-class sellers are now breaching the exemption thresholds and facing tax liabilities once reserved for wealthier homeowners.

The "No Tax on Home Sales Act," introduced by Greene, seeks to eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of primary residences altogether. Her pitch is that it’s a way to ease pressure on everyday Americans and free up the housing industry in an already tight market.

She argues that the outdated cap has failed to keep pace with market realities and now affects far more households than originally intended. According to Realtor.com data, a staggering 79% of homeowners in Hawaii, 65% in Washington, and 62% in Massachusetts currently face the prospect of capital gains taxes when selling their homes.

Removing the tax entirely, Greene claims, would allow people to “downsize or relocate without being penalized for appreciation.”

While the proposal is positioned as middle-class relief, critics argue the real beneficiaries are likely to be high-income households who’ve gained the most from house price surges. Eliminating the capital gains tax would likely result in billions in lost federal revenue and could create loopholes that investors exploit to avoid taxes by claiming properties as “primary residences.”

Trump has voiced his support but, as President, cannot unilaterally make the change. That power rests with Congress, where the bill now sits with the House Committee on Ways and Means. Still, Trump’s public endorsement could pressure fellow Republicans to get behind the proposal.

There is currently no set timeline for debate or a vote in Congress. While Trump has leaned into support for Greene’s bill, Democrats are expected to oppose it, citing revenue loss and concerns over tax equity. The debate is likely to heat up in the coming weeks as the 2025 economic agenda unfolds and tax policy becomes a key election issue.

Why Should Indian Investors Diversify Globally As Geopolitical Tensions Shake Markets?

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:04:46 +0530

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and volatile markets, investors are being urged to distinguish short-term disruptions from long-term fundamentals. According to Sachin Sawrikar, Managing Partner at Artha Bharat Investment Managers, shocks across asset classes often prove temporary unless global trade or energy supply face sustained disruption.

Sawrikar emphasized that Indian portfolios remain heavily concentrated in domestic assets, limiting diversification benefits. He suggested allocating 20–30% of capital to international markets to enhance resilience, manage risk, and access opportunities across geographies and sectors.

Short-Term Volatility Versus Long-Term Trends

Periods of geopolitical tension typically trigger sharp moves in energy prices, currencies, and equities. However, history shows markets absorb shocks unless structural disruptions occur. Investors should avoid reacting to headlines and instead focus on disciplined allocation and risk management.

Global diversification is increasingly important. India offers strong growth drivers such as urbanization and digital transformation, while the United States remains attractive for technology and innovation. Middle Eastern investors are also exploring opportunities across Asia and emerging markets.

Crude oil and commodity volatility influence inflation, interest rates, and trade balances. In such environments, real assets like gold and commodities serve as effective diversifiers. Cyclical opportunities also emerge in energy infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and resource efficiency. Domestic investments in infrastructure and energy transition can complement global exposure.

Also Read: Why Did Rupee Slip To Record Low of 92.63 Against Dollar & What Factors Are Driving It?

Role Of Rebalancing

Sharp market moves can distort portfolio allocations, increasing unintended risk. Systematic rebalancing helps maintain strategic asset allocation by trimming outperformers and adding to corrected assets. This approach preserves diversification and can create tactical opportunities during periods of uncertainty.

Equities provide growth, fixed income offers stability, and gold hedges against uncertainty. International investments add geographic diversification and exposure to global sectors unavailable domestically. Balanced allocation across these asset classes helps portfolios navigate different market cycles effectively.

Global Themes To Track

Technology and artificial intelligence continue to drive productivity. The semiconductor ecosystem is becoming strategic as digital infrastructure expands. Defense and aerospace sectors are gaining prominence amid geopolitical tensions, while renewable energy and supply chain diversification remain critical themes.

For those aged 30-40, Sawrikar recommends allocating 20–30% of portfolios to global markets. ETFs and index-based strategies provide cost-efficient access, unlike traditional funds that demand high minimum investments. Deploying fresh capital gradually across equities, debt, gold, and global assets is more effective than attempting to time markets.

GST Bill: What happens next

Team Asianet Newsable — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:23:52 +0530

The following is a round-up of the bills chequered past, the road-ahead for the bill and some recent comments by senior parliamentarians according to a report in NDTV. "Tax evasion will lessen, there will be no tax on tax or a cascade of taxes and ease of doing business will improve," said Finance minister Arun Jaitley, stating that India's major tax reform will see the Centre and states "pooling their sovereignty to reap the many benefits that will ultimately lead to India's progress". The minister thanked political parties for uniting in support of the reform to ensure it was passed in the Rajya Sabha, where the government is in a minority. That support came after long negotiations. The Congress, which stalled GST for months before agreeing to support it in the upper house after winning concessions, reminded the government today that it had pushed through the bill in the Lok Sabha last year by the sheer dint of its numerical strength and not consensus. "After suppressing the opposition in the Lok Sabha, you went and got stuck in Rajya Sabha, and you finally had to come down. If you would have shown more cooperation in Lok Sabha to begin with, this would have been a far smoother ride," said the Congress' Veerappa Moily. The main opposition party has pledged support to the bill but is likely to again ask for a categorical assurance from the government that it will not introduce the next GST-related bills as money bills, which don't need the Rajya Sabha's clearance. After the Lok Sabha passes the 122nd constitutional amendment bill today, it will be sent for the President's assent which the government hopes to secure in a day or two. The bill will then be sent to the states. At least 15 or half of India's 29 states must ratify the amendment in the constitution and the government targets getting that approval within 30 days as it chases an April 1, 2017 deadline for GST implementation.Several states will have to call for special sessions to clear GST in the next 30 days. A GST council will be formed after that with states and the Centre as members. This council will recommend rates and other modalities for GST, which will replace a raft of different state and local taxes with a single unifivalue-addedded tax system turning India into world's biggest single market. Parliament will need to clear two more GST-related bills and each state will have to pass its own law. To meet its deadline the government will push to get this done in the winter session of parliament.

Aadhaar mandatory for purchase of alcohol? What’s the reason behind it?

Team Newsable — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 18:07:28 +0530

Bengaluru: Most of us would have linked our Aadhaar card numbers to avail government schemes.

But ever heard of one in order to procure liquor?

Sounds strange, but a proposal to this effect has been sent to the government by an organisation named Rasthreeya Parisara Samrakshana Okkuta, which concerns itself with protection of the environment.

Let’s take a look at the proposals in detail.

A liquor buyer has to produce his Aadhaar number to get liquor. After this, when he comes to buy liquor the next time, he has to return the bottle or the tetra pack. If he fails to do so and disposes it of carelessly, the bottles will be scanned and the licence of the seller would stand cancelled. Apart from these, a cess to ensure welfare of the families of the alcohol consumers will be collected. In case of consumers falling on roads or pavements, they have to be shifted back to their houses in excise department vehicles. If the consumers fall ill, they have to be taken care of by the department or the govt itself.

Speaking to a local channel, Shivaprasad, DC, Mandya district excise department said, “There is no such proposal by the department itself. The proposal has come through an organisation called Rasthreeya Parisara Samrakshana Okkuta. We will study the recommendations and send our opinion to the government.”

The proposals surely lead to a lot of debates and discussions, but the primary motive behind these recommendations is to curb the harm done to the environment. As people throw these containers, there are high chances of animals consuming them.

'Dawn of Orange economy': PM Modi at WAVES summit, says India becoming global hub of music, film, gaming

Team Asianet Newsable — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:14:19 +0530

Mumbai: Putting emphasis on the growth potential of content creation economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the time is ripe for the create in India and create for the world. The current era marks the sunrise era of the 'Orange economy' in India, the Prime Minister said adding that the three pillars of the Orange economy are content, creativity and culture.

"We are witnessing the growth era of the Orange economy. The three pillars of the Orange economy are content, creativity and culture," he said.

"Today India is emerging as a global hub of music, film and gaming. With the orange economy booming, India's graphic and animation industry will face tremendous growth and bring economic prosperity for the nation" the Prime Minister said in his keynote address as he inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai.

"In the coming years, the creative economy can increase its contribution to India's GDP...Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts...This is the dawn of the Orange Economy in India," he said. The creative economy is interchangeably referred to as “orange economy.”

"This is the right time to create in India, and create for the world. India has a treasury of stories dating back to thousands of years, at a time when the world is searching for ways and means of storytelling," the prime minister said. The prime minister termed this summit as a wave of culture, creativity and universal connect. He had messages for all - creators, investors, and the Indian youth. To the creators of the world, he urged them to dream big and tell their stories. To investors, he suggested that they should invest not just in platforms, but in people. To Indian youth, he asked them to tell billion untold stories to the world."This is a big opportuinty for india's creative economy," the Prime Minister said."Today, artists, innovators, investors, and policy makers from more than 100 nations have gathered here under one roof. We are laying the foundation for a global ecosystem of talent and creativity. WAVES is such a global platform that belongs to every artist and creator," he said. WAVES 2025, India's first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit is held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The four-day summit with tagline "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries" is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.In line with Prime Minister's vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of India's media and entertainment prowess. WAVES aims to unlock a USD 50 billion market by 2029, expanding India's footprint in the global entertainment economy.

At WAVES 2025, India is hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country's engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Summit also features the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. It aims to connect buyers and sellers locally and globally, ensuring wide-reaching networking and business opportunities. WAVES 2025 is seeing participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit features 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media. (ANI)

India’s rising concert economy: Coldplay shows generated revenue of Rs 641 crore

Ajay UK — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:34:51 +0530

Ahmedabad: A new report has confirmed the massive success of Coldplay’s ‘Music Of The Spheres’ concert in Ahmedabad, now being hailed as the largest stadium show of the 21st century. According to the report by EY-Parthenon, commissioned by BookMyShow, the concerts attracted over 2,20,000 attendees and had an economic impact of Rs 641 crore. This includes a direct boost of Rs 392 crore to the city’s economy, with significant spending on accommodation, transport, dining and retail. The event also contributed Rs 72 crore in Goods and Service Tax (GST) revenue to the Government of India.

“Tourism received a major boost, with the Ahmedabad Airport handling an unprecedented 138,000 travelers during the three-day window. Flights, trains and hotels operating at full capacity and hotel rates soared to historic highs, as the influx of tourists cemented Ahmedabad’s position as a premier entertainment destination,” the report noted.

According to data compiled, over 2.5 million people visited BookMyShow to get concert tickets in Ahmedabad. Of the 2,20,000 attendees, 86% of the audience were not residents of the city. Those who purchased tickets extended to more than 500 cities across the country. Ashish Hemrajani, BookMyShow CEO, said that choosing Ahmedabad for Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour was driven by two key factors - unprecedented consumer demand and the city’s infrastructure.

“After three sold-out shows in Mumbai, the Narendra Modi Stadium allowed us to host over 1 lakh fans per night. The support from local authorities was instrumental and together, we worked towards addressing the challenges like preserving cricket pitches with specialised turf protectors. Decentralising live entertainment is the future and as more global artists include India in their tours, we are committed to making it happen,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

The report also has a message from PM Modi, which highlights the growth of the concert economy. “In a country with such a rich heritage in music, dance and storytelling, with such a large pool of youth and a massive consumer base for concerts, there are vast opportunities for the concert economy,” the message read.

According to the data, 79% of those who attended the concert were under the age of 35, and 35% of the audience came from non-metro cities. The report also detailed the partnership efforts between the Centre and BookMyShow in arranging the travel, accommodation and transportation among other things. It also highlighted the role of influencers, celebrities and media in boosting the success of the event.

Read the full report here.

Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel shares zoom up 30% after tariff hike announcement

PTI News — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:22:12 +0530

New Delhi: Shares of Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel on Tuesday jumped up 30% on Tuesday after both companies announced a hike in mobile phone call and data charges from December.

Vodafone Idea zoomed 29.75% to Rs 5.80 on the BSE. Bharti Airtel jumped 6.31% to Rs 435 - its 52-week high.

Faced with intense competition and unprecedented statutory dues, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea on Monday announced a hike in mobile phone call and data charges from December saying the increase was warranted for viability of their business.

First, Vodafone Idea in a statement announced plans to raise tariffs for the first time in three years only to be followed by a similarly worded statement minutes later from Airtel.

The two did not quantify the increase in rates but said that the hike will be effective beginning next month.

"To ensure that its customers continue to enjoy world class digital experiences, Vodafone Idea will suitably increase the prices of its tariffs effective December 1, 2019," Vodafone Idea said.

The telecom sector is highly capital intensive with fast changing technology cycles that require continuing investments, Bharti Airtel said.

"It is, therefore, extremely important that the industry remains viable to support the vision of Digital India. Accordingly, Airtel will appropriately increase price offerings in the month beginning December," it added.

Let your money earn for you: Get Rs 9,000 in Your Account Monthly; Know how

Richa Barua — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:40:54 +0530

Post office: Whether you're employed or run a business, everyone wants a steady income after retirement. The Post Office offers a great option for such people. Let's learn about one such excellent scheme now.

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) is a fixed-income plan. Deposit a lump sum once to get a steady monthly income. It's a great risk-free investment, unaffected by market ups and downs.

* The current annual interest rate is 7.4%.* Min deposit is Rs. 1,000; max is Rs. 9 lakh (single) or Rs. 15 lakh (joint). Investing Rs. 15 lakh can earn you about Rs. 9,250 monthly.

This scheme matures in five years, after which you get your deposit back. Interest is credited monthly to your account. You can then reinvest the amount in a new MIS account.

This scheme is ideal for risk-averse investors, retirees, and anyone seeking a stable monthly income. Unlike mutual funds, MIS offers a stable, guaranteed return, making it a secure choice.

* You need a Post Office savings account to join. * Penalties apply for early withdrawal. Disclaimer: This is for info only. Consult a financial advisor before investing.

Karnataka coalition crisis: Congress workers protest in Bengaluru; commissioner issues prohibitory orders

Team Newsable — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:41:09 +0530

Bengaluru: High drama occurred in Bengaluru after Congress workers alleged that two Independents are lodged in an apartment located on Race Course Road in the city. While Congress and BJP workers gathered outside the building, an argument broke out between them. Police are trying to bring the situation under control.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed for 48 hours in Bengaluru following the clash.

Speaking about the prohibitory orders, Bengaluru police commissioner Alok Kumar reportedly said that due to the tension prevailing on either side, various political groups gathering and facing off with each other, to prevent any untoward incident, Section 144 in Bengaluru city police limits has been declared and all bars, pubs and wine shops will be closed today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the floor test in the Assembly is expected to take place at any time.

Iran-Israel War Continues, But How Are Indian Markets Still Staying Calm?

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:13 +0530

Despite rising tensions in the Middle East and climbing crude prices, Indian stock markets have stayed largely unshaken. Here's why that’s happening.

On the fifth day of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Tel Aviv claimed it had taken out Iran’s wartime chief of staff. Israel even issued a threat to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning he could meet the same end as Saddam Hussein.

As the conflict escalated, U.S. President Donald Trump urged civilians to evacuate Tehran, while denying reports of any ceasefire talks with Iran. The world watched anxiously, but back home in India, markets didn’t mirror the global concern.

Despite the dramatic headlines, investors in Indian stock markets have shown little reaction. The Sensex, India’s benchmark index, has barely moved in the past week.

A day before Israel launched its first missiles on Tehran, the Sensex had closed at 81,691.98. By Tuesday, five days and three trading sessions later, it settled at 81,583. That’s just a 108-point drop or a modest 0.13% decline, despite the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

While the equity markets have remained calm, crude oil prices have ticked upward, showing an 11% jump, from $67.34 per barrel on June 12 to around $74.6 by Tuesday.

So, why this calm in the face of global chaos?

Experts point to India’s relatively secure macroeconomic position, low inflation, and minimal trade links with Iran. The conflict hasn’t targeted Iranian oil facilities yet, something that could potentially alter the market dynamics.

Analysts say that unless Israel begins attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure, or unless supply chains are disrupted, the current spike in crude is more psychological than structural.

OPEC members, led by Saudi Arabia, currently have excess production capacity. That serves as a safety net. As long as Iranian oil installations remain untouched, supply isn’t expected to tighten drastically.

Pankaj Pandey, Head of Research at ICICI Securities, noted that inflation in India is still manageable. This has given comfort to market participants, even as crude prices show an upward trend.

Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, echoed a similar sentiment. According to him, only a significant and sustained rise in oil prices would start pressuring India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, especially by bloating the import bill and increasing wholesale price inflation.

In May, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) slipped to a 14-month low of 0.39%, down from April’s 0.85%. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for April stood at just 3.2%, its lowest level in nearly six years.

The Reserve Bank of India’s latest monetary policy report projects CPI inflation at 3.7% for FY 2025-26, indicating that price pressures remain largely under control. That’s a key reason why market reactions have been muted so far.

Oil, of course, holds weight in India’s economic equation. The country imports nearly 85% of its crude oil needs, and oil imports make up more than a quarter of the total import bill. A rise in prices directly affects the current account balance and inflation numbers.

Crude-related products form over 9% of the WPI basket. A 10% hike in oil prices could raise WPI inflation by nearly 0.9%. But so far, markets aren’t reacting as if the worst-case scenario is unfolding.

Experts say the current uptick in crude is driven more by fear than by actual supply disruptions. Unless that changes, the Indian economy and its markets are likely to stay steady, despite the fire raging in the Middle East.

Diwali 2025: Maruti Suzuki to Apollo Hospitals; See Expert's Top Pick List

Richa Barua — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:52:06 +0530

Diwali is not just a festival of lights and sweets, but also a special time for the stock market. On this occasion, Muhurat trading is organized to earn profits during the festive season. Know about 7 stocks that can give good returns.

Why Japan’s $68 Billion Investment During Modi Visit Signals Confidence in Indian Economy Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:35:20 +0530

Two months after U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed India as a “dead economy,” Japan delivered a strikingly different assessment. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tokyo on August 29 and 30, Japan announced $68 billion of private investments in India over the next decade, marking the biggest outcome of the bilateral summit.

Japanese confidence in India’s growth potential contrasted sharply with Washington’s skepticism. Still, experts caution that these are commitments by private companies rather than government guarantees. Japanese firms will weigh India’s ability to absorb technology, provide skilled manpower, and create the right ecosystem before turning pledges into projects.

Alongside the investment announcement, India and Japan unveiled a Joint Vision for the Next Decade. The plan identified priority areas ranging from economic security, sustainability, and technology to health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. The framework is both pragmatic and expansive, opening fresh avenues for collaboration.

Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest tower, was illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag to commemorate Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Japan. pic.twitter.com/d51TrrmLpS

— 由仁アリン Arin Yuni (@Arin_Yumi) August 29, 2025

Expanding Partnership Beyond Delhi and Tokyo

Another important initiative launched during the visit was the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative. This seeks to connect Indian states directly with Japanese prefectures, moving cooperation beyond the capitals. Such decentralized engagement, analysts believe, can embed projects more quickly at the local level.

India-Japan ties have historically avoided major irritants, except for Tokyo’s strong criticism of India’s 1998 nuclear tests. India has remained the largest recipient of Japanese development assistance, and cumulative Japanese FDI in India since 2000 now stands at $44.4 billion. Annual bilateral trade is valued at about $22.85 billion.

The relationship has steadily evolved, from a “Global Partnership” in 2000, to a “Strategic and Global Partnership” in 2006, and finally to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in 2014. Both countries are also central players in the Quad grouping with the U.S. and Australia, while jointly campaigning for United Nations Security Council reforms.

This year’s summit with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru came at a sensitive time. Global economic uncertainty has been worsened by U.S. tariffs with 15 percent on Japanese goods, and a steep 50 percent on Indian exports. Both Tokyo and Delhi face questions about Washington’s reliability, prompting closer bilateral coordination.

Under the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative, India and Japan will deepen work in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy. According to an Indian foreign ministry official, these steps aim to enhance supply chain resilience and regional stability.

Security Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

The two governments also launched a new AI Cooperation Initiative to facilitate industry-academic exchanges, joint research projects, and data center development in India. While framed as economic, the effort is closely tied to security, given the central role of technology in strategic competition.

Defense cooperation remains another pillar of the partnership. Although China was not named directly in the joint statement, references to “serious concern” in the East and South China Seas and opposition to “unilateral actions” clearly pointed at Beijing.

A revised Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation now includes space, cyber, and defense equipment development alongside more advanced bilateral exercises and joint work by special operations units. It updates the 2008 framework and institutionalizes dialogue between the national security advisors of both countries.

Both sides describe their partnership as mutually beneficial. Delhi views Japanese investments as essential for Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” push, while Tokyo sees India as a crucial market and strategic partner at a time of U.S. trade friction.

The complementarities are evident. India’s mineral reserves and Japan’s extraction expertise align well, as do Japan’s need for skilled labor and India’s surplus workforce. Tokyo plans to facilitate exchanges of 500,000 people, including 50,000 Indian workers, to address Japan’s demographic challenges. Indian students will also benefit through expanded educational exchanges, with Japanese corporations like Suzuki playing a leading role.

Progress, however, faces obstacles. While Japan has introduced its E10 Shinkansen for India’s bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line continues to be plagued by delays, cost overruns, and land acquisition hurdles.

Questions also persist about India’s readiness for high-end technology. In areas like semiconductors, India remains at the lower end of the value chain. Digitalization may be the only sector where India holds an edge over Japan.

Despite challenges in implementation, both sides insist the momentum is real. An Indian foreign ministry official highlighted that the original investment target of $34 billion for 2026 was achieved early, prompting the new $68 billion commitment. Whether execution can match ambition will determine the lasting impact of Modi’s Tokyo visit.

Why Sensex Ended Lower on Budget Day | All You Need to Know About Derivatives Tax Triggered Sell-Off

Divya Danu — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:21:59 +0530

Stock markets fell sharply on Budget day after govt raised Securities Transaction Tax on futures trading. Sensex closed down nearly 1.9%, Nifty lost almost 2%. While Budget supported growth sectors, higher trading costs triggered knee-jerk sell-off.

Indian stock markets ended sharply lower on the day of the Union Budget presentation after investors reacted negatively to higher taxes on derivatives trading. The fall came even as the government highlighted support for several growth sectors.

The benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty slipped nearly 2 per cent on Sunday, February 1, after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and derivatives.

The 30-share BSE Sensex reversed early gains and dropped sharply during the afternoon session. It fell as much as 2,370.36 points, or 2.88 per cent, slipping below the 80,000 mark to touch 79,899.42.

By the end of the session, the Sensex recovered slightly but still closed down 1,546.84 points, or 1.88 per cent, at 80,722.94.

The NSE Nifty also saw heavy selling pressure. It fell 495.20 points, or 1.96 per cent, to close at 24,825.45. During the day, it dropped nearly 3 per cent to hit a low of 24,571.75.

The sharp fall came after Sitharaman announced a rise in STT on futures contracts from 0.02 per cent to 0.05 per cent. Market participants said this move raised trading costs and hurt sentiment, especially among derivatives traders.

Experts said the increase led to a quick and emotional sell-off, even though the Budget included several growth-focused measures.

Expert view on Budget impact

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Ltd, told News Agency PTI that the Budget supports sectors affected by global trade pressure and protectionist policies. These include data centres, global capability centres (GCCs), semiconductors, biopharma, rare earth elements and manufacturing.

He added that traditional sectors such as textiles, aquaculture and MSMEs have also received support. However, he said the market reacted negatively due to limited spending outlays and disappointment over the STT hike.

Since the Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in 2014, the Sensex has ended lower on eight out of the 15 Budget presentation days. These include two interim Budgets before the 2019 and 2024 general elections.

Last year, on the Budget day, the Sensex ended almost flat, rising just 5.39 points to close at 77,505.96.

On July 23, 2024, the Sensex fell 73.04 points. During the interim Budget on February 1, 2024, it declined by 106.81 points.

Mixed market history over the years

In 2023, the Sensex gained 158.18 points on Budget day. In 2022, it jumped 848.4 points, while in 2021 it saw a strong rally of over 2,300 points, or 5 per cent.

However, in 2020, the index fell sharply by nearly 1,000 points. In 2019, it gained modestly on February 1 but declined after the full Budget in July.

In 2018, the market ended slightly lower, while in 2017 it posted solid gains. Earlier, in 2016, the Sensex fell on Budget day when the Budget was still presented on February 28.

The Budget presentation date was moved to February 1 in 2017. This change allowed Parliament to complete approvals by March and start Budget implementation from April 1.

Earlier, Budgets were presented at the end of February, delaying implementation until May or June.

Market outlook remains cautious

Despite the fall, analysts said markets may stabilise once investors assess long-term benefits of sectoral support and policy clarity. However, short-term volatility may continue due to higher trading costs and cautious global cues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Physically challenged elderly man casts vote in Bengaluru

Pratiba Raman — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:53:41 +0530

A physically challenged elderly man defied age barriers and refrained from making excuses to not to vote, despite his condition.

He arrived in a wheelchair at Sarvodaya School in Srirampuram. The man was assisted inside the polling booth by police personnel.

Karnataka will go to polls in two phases, April 18 and April 23 with 478 candidates contesting from 28 constituencies. 241 candidates are contesting in the first phase in the state.

According to sources 30,164 polling booths have been arranged in Karnataka for the April 18 election.

'Our creative basket is vast, ready to be shared': PM Modi hails Indian cinema's global legacy at WAVES 2025

Team Asianet Newsable — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:31:17 +0530

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 today at the Jio World Convention Centre, calling it a historic moment for India's cultural and creative sectors.The four-day summit, themed "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries," aims to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.In his keynote speech, PM Modi addressed a diverse audience of artists, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers from over 90 countries."...India, with a billion-plus population, is also a land of a billion-plus stories and over a billion storytellers," he said.

"Every street, every river, every mountain in India carries a tale. Across more than six lakh villages, each one holds a new story, a fresh perspective. Truly, India has much more to offer," the Prime Minister said. Highlighting the depth of India's cultural wealth, he added, “In India, even music is a form of spiritual practice. Every note tells a story, every rhythm has a soul. Be it a devotional bhajan or a modern composition, the sound of India carries a touch of the divine.”

He urged the international creative community to tap into India's storytelling potential, saying, “This is the perfect time to 'Create in India, and Create for the World.' As the world seeks stories, India offers a treasure trove, rich in science, fiction, courage, and imagination. Our creative basket is vast and ready to be shared.”

WAVES 2025 is India's first-of-its-kind international summit dedicated to the audio-visual and entertainment sectors. It will bring together over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups, creating a powerful cross-sectoral network. From film and OTT to AVGC-XR, comics, AI, and broadcasting, the event encompasses the entire spectrum of media and emerging technologies. A significant highlight is the launch of the Global Media Dialogue (GMD), with ministerial participation from 25 countries. WAVES will also host the WAVES Bazaar, an international e-marketplace featuring over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects, facilitating global trade and collaboration in creative content.

PM Modi is also set to tour the Creatosphere, where he will interact with creators selected from the "Create in India" challenges, initiatives that attracted more than 100,000 participants over the past year. Additionally, he will visit the Bharat Pavilion, a specially curated showcase of India's creative heritage and innovation.The grand opening ceremony at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) reflects a celebration of India's artistic spirit. A 50-piece orchestra led by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani will deliver a breathtaking musical performance on May 1.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal inaugurated the summit with a soulful welcome song. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a dramatic entry to welcome delegates on stage. Other leading stars, including Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Rajinikanth, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, were also present.

India strikes back: ‘IAF attacked who?’ asks Siddaramaiah

Team Newsable — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 18:50:23 +0530

Chikmagalur: The nation was celebrating after news Indian Air Force's air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan did he rounds. However, when reporters questioned Karnataka former chief minister Siddaramaiah, he was left caught off guard.

It was clear that Siddaramaiah had no knowledge of the air strike by the IAF in Pakistan even though there were tweets posted on his social media handle in which he congratulated the Indian Air Force for carrying out ‘Surgical strike 2’ on terror camps.

Gold Investment in India: 7 Key Advantages and Best Places to Buy

Richa Barua — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:27:56 +0530

Gold is one of the most reliable and diverse investment possibilities. Whether you pick real gold, digital gold, or paper gold, it can secure your wealth, hedge against inflation, and bring stability to your investment portfolio.

Gold has traditionally been seen as a sign of riches, security, and stability. In India, gold is more than simply an adornment; it is a reliable financial asset. With growing inflation, market volatility, and global uncertainty, investing in gold is more important than ever.

Whether you're a first-time investor or want to diversify your portfolio, here are the top 7 reasons to invest in gold and the best sites to acquire it safely.

Gold preserves your purchasing power as inflation rises. Unlike paper currency, gold retains its value over time, making it a safe long-term investment.

Gold has a low to negative correlation with equities and mutual funds. Adding gold to your investing portfolio might help balance risks and minimise overall volatility.

Gold is easily purchased and traded worldwide. In India, gold may be swiftly converted into cash using banks, jewellers, or digital platforms.

During economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, or market collapses, investors frequently go to gold for stability. It serves as a financial buffer in unpredictable times.

Historically, gold prices have consistently risen. Despite short-term changes, gold is a reliable wealth-preserving commodity.

Physical gold (coins, bars, and jewellery), digital gold, Gold ETFs, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), and gold mutual funds are all options for investors, making it affordable to everyone.

SGBs provide interest income and tax breaks upon maturity, making them an attractive alternative to actual gold for long-term investors.

1. Banks.Many major banks sell gold coins with purity certificates. This is a safe, but occasionally more expensive choice.

2. Reputable JewellersPurchase BIS-hallmarked gold from reputable companies such as Tanishq, Malabar Gold, Kalyan Jewellers, and locally accredited retailers.

3. Digital Gold Platforms.Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, and SafeGold are apps that allow you to buy gold online in modest amounts and store it securely.

4. Gold ETFs and Mutual Funds.Available via stockbrokers and financial applications such as Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox. Perfect for paper gold investors.

5. Sovereign gold bonds (RBI)SGBs, which are issued by the Government of India, are the safest form of gold investment, offering both interest and price appreciation.

Diwali special: Cut in petrol, diesel prices due to drop in fuel prices in international market

Team Newsable — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 17:51:39 +0530

New Delhi: The prices of petrol and diesel have come down, thanks to decrease in the price of crude oil in the international oil market.

This news has come as a gift to the people gearing up to celebrate Diwali from today. Fuel retailers have reduced petrol price by 11 paise and diesel by 6 paise, today. This week, petrol and diesel prices have fallen by 21 paise and 17 paise.

There was considerable increase in the rates of fuel in the last month after there were attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. But the prices have come down in India this month. In fact, this month, there has been no record of increase in the petrol, diesel prices.

Here is the list of reduced rates of petrol and diesel in the four cities of India.

Delhi

Petrol - Rs 73.06

Diesel - Rs 66

Mumbai

Petrol - Rs 78.68

Diesel - Rs 68.31

Bengaluru

Petrol - Rs 75.50

Diesel - Rs 68.26

Chennai

Petrol - Rs 75.87

Diesel - Rs 69.71

Kolkata

Petrol - Rs 75.71

Diesel - Rs 69.24