Citizens Financial News

UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has submitted evidence alleging that China is attempting to reshape the international order by influencing multilateral institutions like the UN. The evidence suggests that Beijing is using its influence to silence discussions on sensitive topics and manipulate reports to align with its priorities, including downplaying issues related to human rights and democracy. The UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee is investigating these allegations as part of its inquiry into international relations in the multilateral system. China is aiming to reshape the rules-based international order to reflect its own priorities by taking over multilateral institutions such as the UN, evidence submitted by a UN whistleblower claims. The evidence presented claims Beijing was influencing votes at the UN to squelch discussions on topics sensitive to it and that it even bribed two General Assembly presidents.

Mint explains: These are platforms where foreign exchange transactions can take place. They are used by corporates and traders to hedge their foreign currency risks. These transactions can be on over-the-counter (OTC) spot or derivatives platforms authorized by the RBI.

Lok Sabha General Elections are set to occur in seven phases, beginning on April 19. A voter ID card not only plays a crucial role in the electoral process but also acts as a significant official document for confirming your identity, place of residence, date of birth, and other details. Bank holiday for Lok Sabha Election 2024:Banks in these cities will be closed on April 19 for phase 1 of general elections Voting is a fundamental right in every democratic society and it’s a responsibility of every citizen to cast his vote. Voter ID is a very important document as it verifies the identity and details of the holder.

The South Korean “crypto tax crackdown” continues its nationwide tour, moving on to the city of Yeongcheon in North Gyeongsang Province.

File Penalty notice. One can also file for an extension request on April 15 in select cases. According to reports, the IRS has stated that it has received 100 million-plus tax returns, with millions more expected to be filed as the deadline comes near. According to the IRS, one will only have to pay a fine or penalty if they are 'not owed any tax refund.' Moreover, the IRS has also stated that if one cannot pay their taxes in full by April 15, they should still file it within the stipulated date and pay whatever amount they can and later opt for payment plans available on the IRS site, says NBC Chicago.

If you have invested in any of these savings schemes like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and National Saving Certificate (NSC), you need to provide two key documents Aadhaar and PAN to the accounts office of the respective financial institution, if not submitted them yet.

Fixed deposits (FDs), also known as term deposits or time deposits, are considered a much safer investment tool. Banks and other financial institutions allow customers to put a certain amount of money in fixed deposits for a set period and earn guaranteed returns at a fixed interest rate.

Two non-bank lenders, Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance, have recently hiked interest rates by up to 60 basis points (bps) on their fixed deposits (FDs) for various maturity tenures.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says: “Whether it is aimed at employment or not, it is certainly aimed at helping the MSMEs and the small ticket loan seekers. The small ticket loan seekers are the people who cannot give collaterals at all. We had extended a lot of help for them.” Excerpts from the interview

Election Commission of India (ECI) Order, granting a paid holiday to employees on the day of polling in the NCT of Delhi under Section 135B of the RP Act 1951. The polling day in the NCT of Delhi is scheduled for May 25. As per the order, all eligible employees, be they public or private, who are voters in the NCT of Delhi are entitled to a paid holiday to exercise their democratic right to vote on the polling day. Besides, it is to state that voters of neighbouring cities Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan working in Delhi will also be given a paid holiday on the day of voting and vice versa for voters of Delhi working in neighbouring cities as per their polling dates, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer informed through a press release.

Vermont’s journey to make its auto-IRA program a reality is poised to go much more quickly as the state eyes a key collaboration. Vermont state treasurer Michael Pieciak said it has chosen Colorado to assist in the development of the state’s public retirement program, VT Saves.

Indian Embassy in Iran issued additional helpline numbers for the assistance of Indian citizens after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel. In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Iran wrote, «Embassy of India in Tehran has activated additional helpline numbers. For any assistance, please contact the Embassy at: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989932179567; +989932179359; +98-21-88755103-5; [email protected]» Iran, on Saturday, attacked Israel with more than 300 projectiles, in response to an attack on its consulate in Syria.

India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by him, President Mohamed Muizzu has said. Muizzu, a pro-China leader, also reaffirmed that foreign ambassadors in Male will not wield authority over him emphasising that ultimate power rests with the citizens. Last month, he had alleged that his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih operated on the orders from «a foreign ambassador» without naming any country. He announced the withdrawal of the second Indian military contingent from the Maldives while speaking during a campaign event for the ruling People's National Congress party candidates ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21.

India has lost much of its power due to disunity, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen said the Congress has many organisational problems that need remedying. In an interview with PTI, Sen said that a caste census might be an exercise to consider, but India needs greater empowerment for the underprivileged through better education, healthcare, and gender equity. The noted economist said he is «enormously proud» to be a citizen of a democratic country like India, but there is a need to «work harder to enhance the nation's democratic nature». Sen said the opposition bloc INDIA failed to gain much traction, with its important allies such as JD(U) and RLD walking out.

Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have released their respective manifestos outlining their visions and promises for the future of India. While the Congress party presented its manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra', the BJP unveiled its manifesto named 'Sankalp Patra'. Let's delve into a comparative analysis of the promises made by each party in their manifestos. Economic Policies and Welfare Programs:

Ambedkar Jayanti 2024: April 14 marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, affectionately known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, revered by his followers as a champion of justice and equality. Each year, this occasion is commemorated not only by government officials and politicians but also by countless admirers both within India and around the world. Dr. Ambedkar's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Constitution of India, which he played a pivotal role in drafting to secure the rights of marginalised communities, particularly Dalits. Among the many provisions of the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar held one article in particular as paramount — Article 32. In the constituent assembly debates, he described it as the «heart and soul» of the Constitution, without which it would be rendered meaningless. Article 32 ensures the enforcement of Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, including the right to equality, life, and freedom from discrimination. This article empowers citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court if their Fundamental Rights are violated or not being upheld. It serves as a safeguard against legislative encroachment on these rights, ensuring that they are not suspended except as provided by the Constitution itself. Article 32 is not only integral to the basic structure of the Constitution but is also considered a Fundamental Right in itself.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto on Sunday, April 14 for the Lok Sabha election 2024 at its headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among other promises, the party pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country after forming a government at the Centre.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), released its eagerly awaited manifesto — Sankalp Patra — on April 14 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and party President JP Nadda. BJP's manifesto panel head in his address ahead of the official launch announced that the saffron party has completed all the promises of the 2019 poll pitch. "...I am happy and satisfied that under PM Modi's leadership, we have fulfilled all our promises that we made to the people of the country...Through its 'Sankalp Patra', BJP presents the roadmap to a self-respecting and capable India as well as presents its commitment to welfare and development of every section of society in the country." said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Russia, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala Saturday said the Ministry of External Affairs has informed him that the Indian embassy in Moscow has raised the matter with authorities there. Surjewala said he had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on April 7, seeking his intervention to ensure the safe return of the eight youngsters stuck in war-torn Ukraine. The Congress Rajya Sabha MP said he received a reply from the ministry on April 12 which stated that the Indian embassy in Moscow has taken up the matter with the Russian authorities concerned. «Larger issue of other Indian nationals who had been misled into joining the Russian Army was also taken up by Foreign Secretary with Russian Ambassador in New Delhi. In order to preclude recurrence of such incidents in future, we have also advised Indian citizens to stay away from the conflict,» according to the communication Surjewala received from the ministry.

Associated Press reported citing officials said. Teams from Turkey’s firefighting teams, emergency response agency, the Coast Guard, AFAD, and mountain rescue teams from different parts of Turkey were a part of the rescue operation. The cable car accident occurred on Friday evening, during Eid al-Fitr holiday, at the Tunektepe cable car just outside the Mediterranean city of Antaly .

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked people on Saturday not to get carried away by the words used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speeches and to vote for change in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a poll rally in Uttarakhand's Ramnagar, she said elections should be fought on real issues and not on the basis of empty rhetoric. «Don't get carried away by the words used by Modiji in his election speeches. Before casting your vote, you should honestly ask yourself whether 10 years of the Modi government have really brought about a positive change in your lives,» the Congress general secretary said. Ever-growing unemployment, uncontrolled inflation and paper-leak scams are the truths of people's lives and the BJP-led government is responsible for these as it has been in power for the last 10 years, she said.