India's Exports Drop 2.38% in January, Trade Deficit Widens to $22.99 Billion

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the 'Lado Lakshmi Yojana' in the 2025-26 budget. This initiative promises ₹2,100 monthly assistance for women, aimed at empowering them financially. The scheme is part of the BJP's commitment ahead of the October 2024 assembly elections. It will benefit women over 18 years old and includes provisions for interest-free loans of ₹1 lakh for women farmers. Saini reassured that funds are available to fulfill this promise, while the complete eligibility criteria will soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

Anubhav Dubey, co-founder of Chai Sutta Bar, shares a powerful story of resilience and success after facing repeated failures in the UPSC exams. In a heartfelt post, he reflects on his struggles with self-doubt and how a simple business idea transformed his life. Despite feeling like an average student and fearing failure, he decided to partner with his friend Anand Nayak to start a tea business. His dedication led to the creation of a popular tea chain, which now boasts numerous awards. Dubey encourages others not to lose hope, emphasizing that lack of recognition doesn’t define one’s potential.

Melinda French Gates, the philanthropist and ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, shares her journey post-divorce. Speaking to Elle, she expressed that while divorce is painful, she now feels “thriving” and unencumbered in her life. Reflecting on her past, Melinda recalled a trip to Santa Fe that symbolized her awareness of separation. She emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency after divorce, stating she can now make her own decisions without needing permission. At 60, she embraces life with less concern for others' opinions, focusing on personal growth and staying active through various activities.

An MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore shared his surprising decision on Reddit about repaying his education loan. Initially, he planned to clear it within three to four years, thinking it was the smart move. However, after a careful financial analysis, he realized that extending the repayment to eight years was wiser. This strategy allowed him to benefit from tax advantages and maintain more liquidity for investments. His experience teaches that while being debt-free quickly sounds appealing, making informed financial choices can lead to better outcomes.

Tata Motors is set to raise the prices of its passenger and commercial vehicles starting from April 2025. This increase, driven by rising input costs, will vary based on the vehicle's make, model, and variant. For commercial vehicles, the hike could go up to 2%. This move is likely to impact fleet operators and logistics businesses, which heavily rely on Tata's vehicles. However, analysts believe that Tata's strong brand and service network will help it maintain its market position despite the challenges. The company is committed to providing top-notch mobility solutions while managing production costs.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched investigations into several major global ad agencies, including GroupM and Dentsu, for suspected price fixing. Raids were conducted across ten locations in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram. This action follows significant changes in the Indian advertising market, particularly after the merger of Walt Disney and Reliance's media assets, which is expected to dominate the market. The CCI is looking into allegations that these agencies colluded with broadcasters to control ad prices and discounts. If proven guilty, they could face hefty fines, making this a crucial development in India's advertising landscape.

The Indian stock market saw a significant boost on Tuesday, rising nearly 1.5% after a week of stability. The BSE Sensex climbed by 1,131 points, reaching 75,301.26, while the NSE Nifty increased by 325 points to 22,834.30. This surge was driven by sectors like real estate, auto, and banking, as investor confidence grew amid positive global signals. The anticipation of a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine and expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve further fueled the optimism. Additionally, the Indian rupee strengthened against the dollar, aided by a surplus in the current account, showcasing a stable economic outlook.

Sunita Williams' return from space has sparked joy and pride across India. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to celebrate the safe return of NASA's Crew 9, which included Williams. He highlighted how her remarkable journey and unwavering spirit have redefined human endurance in space. Singh expressed that her achievements not only inspire millions worldwide but also make every Indian proud. This moment is seen as a significant milestone for space exploration, and it brings excitement to space enthusiasts everywhere. Congratulations flowed from Singh to all those involved in ensuring the crew's safe return.

Shares of Varun Beverages surged nearly 5% on March 18, fueled by optimistic predictions from various brokerages about strong summer demand. After hitting a 52-week low on March 3, the stock has rebounded by around 27%. Analysts from Citi Research believe the share price could rise significantly in the next three months due to a boost in earnings and recent acquisitions in Africa. Other firms like JM Financial and DAM Capital also maintain 'Buy' ratings with target prices indicating potential gains of up to 27%. Overall, the outlook for Varun Beverages is bright, especially as summer approaches.

Gold prices soared to a record high of over $3,000, reaching $3,028.24 as investors flock to the metal amidst rising global tensions. The conflict in the Middle East and U.S. tariff plans led to this surge, with gold being seen as a safe investment. It has increased by over 14% this year alone, hitting record highs multiple times. Experts predict gold could climb even higher due to ongoing economic concerns and the upcoming meetings of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Other precious metals like silver and platinum also saw gains during this time.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not expressing condolences to the families of those who died in the Kumbh Mela stampede. Gandhi highlighted the need for the PM to address the youth's demand for employment. Modi, however, praised the Mahakumbh for showcasing India's unity and capability to organize massive gatherings. He referred to the event as a significant moment in India's history, likening it to crucial milestones in the country's independence struggle. The tragic stampede during the event claimed at least 30 lives and raised concerns over crowd management and safety.

The global video game market is on the rise, primarily driven by console gaming until 2027. A new report from Newzoo highlights the upcoming releases of Grand Theft Auto VI and Nintendo's next-generation Switch as key factors for growth. After facing challenges like layoffs and project cancellations in 2024, the gaming industry is poised for recovery. Major titles like GTA VI and popular franchises such as Spider-Man and God of War have kept gamers engaged. By 2027, console revenue is expected to surpass 56% of the combined gaming market, reaching $92.7 billion, indicating a bright future for console gaming.

Understanding car insurance in India is crucial as car ownership rises. Many people wonder how a low credit score affects their premiums. While Indian insurers do not currently use credit scores to set car insurance rates, having a good credit score can still be beneficial. A higher credit score, which ranges from 300 to 900, reflects good financial health and can lead to better loan terms and lower interest rates. Ultimately, while credit scores don't directly impact car premiums, they indicate your financial reliability, which is valuable in managing your overall finances effectively.

Fintech companies have revolutionized lending in India by offering quick and easy loans to millions. While companies like Paytm and MoneyTap provide loans with varying interest rates based on the borrower's profile, it’s crucial to be cautious. Borrowers often overlook the fine print in loan agreements, which can lead to unexpected fees and high interest rates. Missing repayments can severely damage credit scores, making future loans difficult. It’s essential to choose loans wisely, compare options, and ensure that the lender is legitimate. Understanding these aspects can help borrowers manage their finances better and enjoy a smoother borrowing experience.

EMI-free loans may sound like a great deal, but they often hide hidden costs and obligations that can trap borrowers in debt. Advertised as hassle-free financing, these loans come with undisclosed fees and inflated product prices. While they seem like a lifeline for those facing financial challenges, the reality is quite different. Many times, borrowers face high initial payments and strict repayment terms. In the end, these loans may provide momentary relief, but they can lead to greater long-term financial burdens, making them less beneficial than they appear. Always approach such offers with caution!

A recent credit card scam in UT has raised alarms about the dangers of digital fraud. Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Sector 31, lost ₹8.69 lakh after a scammer posing as a Punjab National Bank employee tricked him into revealing his credit card details during a WhatsApp video call. Following the scammer's instructions, Rajesh clicked a fraudulent link, resulting in six unauthorized transactions on his American Express card and a withdrawal from his Axis Bank card. This incident reveals how cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics. It serves as a warning that even vigilant individuals can fall victim to such scams.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is making headlines as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved its acquisition of a 90.5% stake in Uprising Science Pvt Ltd, valued at ₹2,670 crore. Following this news, HUL's shares rose over 1% in early trading, recovering from a slight loss the previous day. This acquisition will enhance HUL's Beauty & Wellbeing portfolio by adding Minimalist, the parent company of Uprising Science. The deal will be executed in two phases, allowing Minimalist to expand its reach from 2,000 to 20,000 stores over the next two years, according to its CEO, Mohit Yadav.

The recent violence in Nagpur has escalated to a serious level, prompting Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury to raise concerns in Parliament. She highlighted the alarming breakdown of communal harmony and law enforcement in the area. Following rumors about the burning of a sacred text, protests turned violent, leading to vandalism of property and vehicles. A curfew has been imposed in parts of Nagpur, with several injuries reported among both civilians and police. Chowdhury criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failing to maintain peace, while calls for calm have been made by Union minister Nitin Gadkari.