BLOOMING INSIGHTS

  Imagine a world in which every government and organization functions with total accountability, openness, and efficiency, where political leaders prioritize the welfare of the citizens of their country and the rule of law is strictly enforced. In such a society, corruption would probably only have been in the past, there would be no practices that encourage dishonesty, bribery, and people would have had perfect faith in their leaders. This utopian vision is very different from the reality that exists now. Here comes the Corruption Perception Index(CPI), developed by Transparency International, which provides global ranking of public sector corruption.  Let’s explore how this index works, its importance and how it reflects the ongoing struggle to improve governance across the globe. What is the Corruption Perception Index(CPI)? The CPI is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world. It measures the level of corruption in the public sector of the countries. Ea...

  Introduction Imagine a world where every electronic gadget—from smartphones to advanced AI systems—relies on tiny yet powerful semiconductor chips. These chips serve as the backbone of modern technology, enabling innovation in almost every industry. India, recognizing the strategic importance of semiconductors, has set an ambitious goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub. With visionary policies, record investments, and groundbreaking research from institutions like IIT Madras and ISRO, the country is moving towards semiconductor self-sufficiency. However, India still has to overcome several major challenges to become truly self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing. This blog critically examines India’s progress, challenges, and realistic future prospects in the global semiconductor industry. 1. Understanding Semiconductors: The Foundation of Modern Technology A semiconductor is a material that sometimes allows electricity to pass and sometimes blocks it. Unlike metals ...

  INTRODUCTION On February 1, 2025 , Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the AY 2025-26 Budget , introducing key changes to income tax slabs and exemptions . While these exemptions reduce tax burdens and promote equity, they can also strain government revenues, leading to higher taxes elsewhere or spending cuts. This article critically examines these exemptions—their benefits, drawbacks, and impact across income groups —while exploring potential reforms for a fairer, more efficient tax system. MARGINAL TAX RELIEF From April 1 2025 individuals with taxable incomes up to ₹12 lakh will be exempt from paying tax. However, those slightly exceeding this limit after deductions can claim marginal tax relief under Section 87A of the new tax regime. Marginal relief is designed to prevent taxpayers from paying disproportionately high taxes due to a minor income increase. It applies up to a total income of ₹12.75 lakh beyond this full tax liability applies as per new slabs. If the n...