Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has launched “Specialised Investment Funds” – SIF as a distinct asset class. The SIF provides an alternative between portfolio management schemes (PMS) and so-called vanilla mutual funds (MFs). Key Highlights: Portfolio Management Service (PMS) A Portfolio Management Service (PMS) is a service that provides investors with personalised investment management. It is not like mutual funds which cater to a large pool of investors with the same investment objective, a PMS account is aimed to meet your specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. A vanilla strategy on mutual funds is a

The Reserve Bank of India has begun to rein in its ballooning non deliverable forwards book (NDFs), as sources say it has turned away from one of its primary tools to push back against the strong dollar. Non Deliverable Forwards (NDFs) Book A non-deliverable forward (NDF) book is a financial market that allows it’s participants to speculate and hedge in currencies that are not freely convertible. NDFs are basically a type of financial derivative contract that allows parties to lock in a future exchange rate for a specific currency pair.  Key Features:

Context: A Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar´s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, has recommended full goods and services tax (GST) exemption on pure term life insurance policies by reducing it to 5 percent from 18 percent. What is Goods and Services Tax(GST)? Main Features of GST Read more>>

Context: India was not among the top 10 countries with the largest trade deficits with the US in CY 2023, but ranked 10th according to data for CY 2024, as electronics exports recorded an increase. Key Highlights: Countries where the US records a trade deficit: India’s trade deficit statistics: What is Trade Deficit? Also Read: Merchandise Export Falls

Context: The government is expected to set the fiscal deficit target at 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for FY26 in the upcoming Budget. What is Fiscal Deficit? Also Read: Fiscal Deficit Hits 46.5% of FY25BE

Context: India’s net direct tax collections were up 16.5%, crossing ₹15.82 lakh crore by December 17, with non-corporate taxes leading the growth. What is Direct tax and Indirect Tax? Direct Taxes are imposed on one’s income and earnings and are paid directly to the government. On the other hand, indirect taxes are just opposite and are paid to the government whenever any goods or services are purchased.