Author: Atiya Memon

Argentina, known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and passionate people, has been grappling with a seemingly never-ending economic crisis. The country’s current economic turmoil is the worst it has been in the past two decades, having deeply impacted the lives of its citizens. Today, they are engaged in an ongoing battle in the polls to find a way out of this protracted crisis. The roots of Argentina’s economic crisis can be traced back to the late 20th century. Hyperinflation in the 1980s and the collapse of the Argentine peso in 2001 left the nation in shambles. Since then, economic…

In a surprising move, Google announced a series of layoffs in its news division, sending shockwaves through the media industry. The tech giant, known for its vast and diverse portfolio, has been a major player in the news landscape for years. The decision to downsize its news division, comprising journalists, editors, and support staff, marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy. This article explores the reasons behind Google’s latest layoffs in the news division and the potential implications for the media landscape. The reason for the layoffs The first question that arises is why Google, a company renowned for…

The global financial landscape witnessed a pivotal moment as representatives from around the world convened for the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Morocco. The 2026 meeting marked a significant turning point in the discourse on international development and financial cooperation. With an evolving global economic order, discussions revolved around the reforms proposed for the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Challenges on the Horizon The opening of the 2026 meeting set the tone by acknowledging the mounting challenges faced by the global community. The COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the vulnerabilities…

Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, has said Israel crossed “all red lines” by targeting al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, coining the attack that killed at least 500 people a “hideous war massacre” that cannot be tolerated. He declared that Palestinians would not leave nor allow anyone to expel them from their land, and that any talks that do not aim at stopping the war are unacceptable. At least 500 people were killed in the bombing, most of whom were women and children. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli army, has denied any responsibility for the attack. “Intelligence from multiple sources…

On October 18, banking and financial service company stocks faced significant selling pressure, primarily due to concerns about declining profit margins, which unnerved investors. This led to the Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services indices becoming the day’s worst performers. By 4 PM, the Nifty Bank index had declined by 1.17%, and the Nifty Financial Services index had dropped by 1.28%. Simultaneously, the Nifty PSU Bank index witnessed a decline of 1.67%. Bank Stocks In its earning report, HDFC Bank, harbinger stock for the banking sector, declared that its margins fell; analysts backed this while expressing disappointment in its earnings.…

In a recent development that has sent ripples across the fintech industry, Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment bank, has made a bold prediction: Paytm, the Indian mobile payment and commerce platform, has the potential to become the most profitable fintech company. Concurrently, the bank has raised its price target on Paytm to Rs. 1,250, signalling a potential 34 per cent upside. This article explores the rationale behind Goldman Sachs’ assessment, examines key statistics, and delves into what this means for the future of Paytm and the broader fintech landscape. Goldman Sachs’ Bold Prediction Goldman Sachs has been closely following…

In a world where gender equality and female empowerment have become central themes, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have emerged as pivotal catalysts in fostering financial inclusion and gender parity. Recognizing women’s potential as catalysts for societal improvement, NBFCs have adapted their services to meet their specific financial requirements. Through customized financial products and a commitment to empowering women, these financial institutions are playing a crucial role in changing the economic landscape for 1.5 lakh women. Financial Literacy Initiatives Traditionally, women have faced numerous challenges in accessing financial services, including limited access to banking, lower financial literacy, and societal norms that…

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon is inextricably linked to the broader Israel-Palestine conflict. On Sunday, Israel declared its northern border with Lebanon a closed military zone and warned civilians not to come within four kilometres of it, lest they be fired upon. This measure was taken after deadly clashes with Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, leading to fears of another front opening up in the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The military group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which they say came in response to Israel’s strikes into Lebanon that claimed the lives of two civilians and…

In a move that underscores its commitment to financial inclusion and serving a diverse range of customers, Bajaj Finance, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies, has announced ambitious plans to diversify its offerings. The company is set to launch microfinance services along with financing options for tractors and commercial vehicles. This strategic expansion aims to empower individuals and businesses across various segments of the Indian economy. Microfinance: Bridging the Financial Divide Bajaj Finance’s foray into microfinance is a significant step toward addressing the financial needs of underserved and marginalized communities. Microfinance has proven to be a powerful tool in…

The domestic aviation sector’s impressive rebound in air passenger traffic is anticipated to maintain its momentum in the second half of the current fiscal year, according to ratings agency Icra. It predicts that the domestic air passenger traffic will grow by 8-13 per cent in FY24 to touch 150-155 million. Domestic Air Passenger Traffic in September Icra’s estimates for September’s domestic air passenger traffic amount to approximately 12.3 million. While this figure represents a 1.3% drop compared to August, it is nearly 19% higher than the same period last year and approximately 7% above September 2019 levels, pre-Covid. During the…