Important update for UPS subscribers! Central government employees under Unified Pension Scheme eligible for OPS retirement, death gratuity benefits

Important update for UPS subscribers! Central government employees under Unified Pension Scheme eligible for OPS retirement, death gratuity benefits

The Ministry of Finance issued a notification in January, introducing UPS as an alternative under NPS. (AI image) Cheer for UPS subscribers: Central government employees opting for the Unified Pension Scheme or UPS will now be entitled to retirement and death gratuity benefits that were previously available under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).Union Minister of…

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Crude surge pressures India’s FY25 CAD target, UBI says every  rise in oil may widen deficit by  billion; FY26 gap seen at 1.2% of GDP

Crude surge pressures India’s FY25 CAD target, UBI says every $10 rise in oil may widen deficit by $15 billion; FY26 gap seen at 1.2% of GDP

India’s current account deficit (CAD) faces upward pressure in FY25 amid rising global crude prices, with every $10 per barrel increase in oil potentially worsening the annual CAD by $15 billion, according to a report by Union Bank of India (UBI).The bank has retained its CAD forecast at 0.9% of GDP for FY25, but cautioned…

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Air India to cut overseas flights on wide-body aircraft by 15% at least till mid-July

Air India to cut overseas flights on wide-body aircraft by 15% at least till mid-July

NEW DELHI: Air India will reduce its international services on wide-body aircraft by 15% with immediate effect “at least” till mid-July, reports Saurabh Sinha. AI operates about 70 international flights daily on its wide-body fleet. Multiple factors, including airspace closures, have increased flying times to and from the west and enhanced checks on Boeing 787s…

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Elon Musk’s Starlink faces new rival as Vi joins AST SpaceMobile, smartphone satcom service announced, launch date to be decided later

Elon Musk’s Starlink faces new rival as Vi joins AST SpaceMobile, smartphone satcom service announced, launch date to be decided later

Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with US-based satellite communications company AST SpaceMobile to deliver satellite-based mobile services directly to smartphones across India, without the need for specialised hardware or apps.The telecom operator said the tie-up aims to expand coverage in India’s unconnected regions by integrating AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular technology with Vi’s…

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ICAI begins review of IndusInd Bank, Gensol accounts, says audit probe may take six months; disciplinary action to follow if lapses found

ICAI begins review of IndusInd Bank, Gensol accounts, says audit probe may take six months; disciplinary action to follow if lapses found

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has begun reviewing the financial statements of IndusInd Bank and Gensol Engineering and expects the process to take at least six months before any action is taken against auditors for alleged lapses.ICAI president Charanjot Singh Nanda said the review is being handled by the Financial Reporting Review…

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Sebi reforms REITs and InvITs norms to align disclosures, cut entry size; allow broader role for merchant bankers

Sebi reforms REITs and InvITs norms to align disclosures, cut entry size; allow broader role for merchant bankers

The Sebi board on Wednesday approved a set of amendments aimed at improving ease of doing business for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and merchant bankers. The key changes include greater cash-flow flexibility for REITs and InvITs, a sharper definition of public unitholding, harmonised reporting timelines, and a reduction in the…

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Govt bond push: Sebi eases compliance rules for G-Sec FPIs, KYC norms and disclosure timelines relaxed

Govt bond push: Sebi eases compliance rules for G-Sec FPIs, KYC norms and disclosure timelines relaxed

In a move aimed at boosting long-term foreign investment in Indian debt markets, Sebi on Wednesday approved several compliance relaxations for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) that invest exclusively in Indian government securities (G-Secs).The decision, taken at the regulator’s board meeting, is expected to simplify onboarding, reduce paperwork, and improve ease of doing business for these…

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US stock market today: Wall Street stays flat ahead of Fed policy call, oil dips on easing fears; global markets trade mixed

US stock market today: Wall Street stays flat ahead of Fed policy call, oil dips on easing fears; global markets trade mixed

Wall Street held steady in early trading on Wednesday as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with the S&P 500 flat, the Dow Jones Industrial Average unmoved, and the Nasdaq composite edging up 0.1%.Around 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up 0.2 percent to 42,277.37, as did the broad-based…

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US added over 1,000 new millionaires daily in 2024, global net worth rises 4.6% led by financial market rebound, says UBS report

US added over 1,000 new millionaires daily in 2024, global net worth rises 4.6% led by financial market rebound, says UBS report

The number of millionaires in the United States grew by more than 379,000 in 2024 — over 1,000 new dollar millionaires every day — accounting for nearly 40% of global millionaires last year, according to the 2025 Global Wealth Report published by UBS on Wednesday.The report said private wealth rose 4.6% globally, with the Americas…

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FASTag annual pass: How to purchase, validity, cost, trip limit & more – Top 15 FAQs answered

FASTag annual pass: How to purchase, validity, cost, trip limit & more – Top 15 FAQs answered

The Annual Pass is available only on the Rajmargyatra mobile application and NHAI website. FASTag-based annual pass for national highways: In a big relief for frequent travellers, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced a new FASTag-based annual pass. The new FASTag annual pass will be available for Rs 3,000. It will…

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Air India refund tracking: Multiple flights cancelled due to Dreamliner safety checks, weather issues – how to check refund status

Air India refund tracking: Multiple flights cancelled due to Dreamliner safety checks, weather issues – how to check refund status

Air India cancelled several international flights on Tuesday, causing disruption for travelers. The cancellations follow the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Dreamliner bound for London, in which 241 out of 242 people on board were killed. In response, the airline has increased its operational inspections and technological checks.As of Tuesday, at least…

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