Author: Teena Jose

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the abolition of the angel tax in the Union Budget 2024-25 for all classes of investors. Additionally, the corporate tax rate on foreign companies will be reduced to 35 percent. The angel tax, referring to the income tax on capital raised by unlisted companies through off-market share transactions, has been a contentious issue since its introduction in 2012 by then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. Under Section 56(2) VII B of the Income Tax Act, premiums received on the sale of shares to foreign investors were taxed as “income from other sources.” Initially implemented to curb…

The Union Budget 2024 has elicited a wide range of reactions from national leaders, reflecting diverse perspectives on its provisions and priorities. While some praised the Budget for its futuristic vision and targeted support for various states, others criticized it for neglecting key regions and issues. Here are the initial responses from prominent political figures across the country. Kangana Ranaut Expresses Happiness Over Budget Actor turned politician and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut expressed her satisfaction with the Budget, particularly noting the relief fund promised to Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, she said, “We are very happy with the Budget.” Akhilesh…

P Shayaamnikhil has achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster, becoming India’s 85th to do so, by completing his third and final GM norm at the recently concluded Dubai Police Masters chess tournament. This milestone marks the end of a 12-year journey for the player, who began his chess career at the age of eight. Shayaamnikhil, 31, needed just one win and eight draws to secure his long-awaited GM title in the tournament. He had met the requisite 2500 ELO rating points—the minimum requirement for a Grandmaster—back in 2012, and had already secured two Grandmaster norms by then. However, the third…

Several women-led startups are pioneering the way towards sustainable living, in a nation grappling with the monumental challenge of plastic waste,  According to a June 2018 report by Down To Earth, backed by research from the PlastIndia Foundation, India consumes an estimated 16.5 million tonnes of plastic annually. Alarmingly, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) states that 43 percent of this is dedicated to single-use packaging. This packaging often ends up in landfills, drains, or the ocean, wreaking havoc on wildlife and human health alike. While it’s undeniable that large corporations contribute significantly to plastic pollution,…

Lessons for Entrepreneurs from “It’s a Wonderful Life”: Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Lesson: George Bailey’s commitment to running the Bailey Bros. Building and Loan was driven by a sense of purpose to help working-class families achieve homeownership and improve their lives. Takeaway for Entrepreneurs: Align your business goals with a higher purpose. Businesses that serve a meaningful cause not only attract loyal customers but also inspire employees and stakeholders. Resilience in Adversity: Lesson: Despite facing numerous setbacks and personal sacrifices, George Bailey persevered through financial crises and personal challenges. Takeaway for Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is filled with challenges. Stay resilient during tough times,…

Iran holds the title of the world’s largest producer of saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” commanding a staggering 88% of the global market share. India follows as the second-largest producer, though its position is comparatively modest and may be subject to scrutiny. In India, a significant portion of saffron production, about 7%, occurs in Kashmir. Other notable saffron-producing countries include Spain, Greece, and Italy. Saffron is derived from the delicate stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Iran’s saffron is renowned for its superior quality, largely grown in key provinces such as Kerman and Khorasan. The region’s meticulous harvesting…

“Citizen Kane,” widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, offers profound insights into human nature and ambition through the story of Charles Foster Kane. Entrepreneurs can glean valuable lessons from Kane’s meteoric rise and tragic fall. Here are five key lessons from the movie that resonate deeply with the entrepreneurial journey: 1. Success Cannot Replace Personal Fulfillment Lesson: True fulfillment comes from within and cannot be substituted with external achievements or material wealth. Takeaway for Entrepreneurs: Charles Foster Kane amassed immense wealth and power, yet he remained deeply unfulfilled. Entrepreneurs should remember that while business success is important,…

Yoga, originating in ancient India, has evolved into a worldwide movement, deeply influencing health, culture, lifestyle, and even the economy across many countries. In the United States, yoga has become a mainstream activity with over 36 million practitioners as of 2016, according to a Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance survey. Its popularity has spurred the commercialization of yoga through branded styles like Bikram and Power Yoga, and a booming market for yoga apparel and equipment. In Europe, countries like Germany, the UK, and France have woven yoga into their cultural tapestry, adapting it to local preferences. European practices range from…

Check these Promising Israeli Startups Israeli startups are making significant strides, especially in the realm of enterprise software in the dynamic world of technology. These startups are not only innovating but also setting new benchmarks in their respective fields. Here’s a closer look at seven promising Israeli startups that are transforming industries with their cutting-edge solutions. 1. Trullion: Automating Accounting with Precision and Speed Sector: Enterprise SoftwareEstablished: 2019Founders: Isaac Heller and Amir BoldoEmployees: 85 (Israel and the USA)Funding: $35 million from Aleph, Third Point Ventures, Greycroft, StepStone Group Overview: Trullion is a pioneer in automating accounting solutions, an area often considered mundane but critically important for…

The financial technology (fintech) sector is reshaping the global financial services industry, and India is no exception. With a burgeoning market of over a billion people and increasing digital penetration, India is fertile ground for fintech innovation. Here, we spotlight ten fintech startups that are leading the charge in revolutionizing financial services across the country. 1. InCred Why It Matters: InCred’s user-friendly approach and comprehensive product portfolio make it a pivotal player in democratizing access to credit in India. Its focus on technology and data-driven decisions ensures efficient and transparent lending. 2. Lendingkart Why It Matters: Lendingkart’s innovative approach to credit evaluation…