India can improve its rating if the country significantly reduces its fiscal deficit, as per S&P's APAC Managing Director Kim Eng Tan. S&P Global Ratings currently rates India as 'BBB-' with a stable outlook.

Kim said it is India's fiscal performance that is a critical factor in this assessment, as per a Moneycontrol report.

https://www.livemint.com/economy/indias-s-p-rating-at-bbb-the-agency-says-upgrade-possible-only-after-fiscal-deficit-cut-11702613707733.html

#PersonalFinance | Navigating the insurance claim process in the aftermath of a fatal car accident with a pending police FIR can be intricate. However, the mandate to submit an FIR depends on multiple factors related to the accident.

Got a question? #AskMint

https://www.livemint.com/money/ask-mint-money/how-do-you-claim-insurance-if-fir-is-pending-after-accident-11702570629303.html#:~:text=You%20may%20help%20the%20family,of%20the%20FIR%2C%20if%20required.

#BestoftheWeek | Rising markets, sustainable investments, and the startup sector's year of reckoning; here's a look at Mint's best works from the week gone by.

(Shashwat Mohanty writes)

https://www.livemint.com/weekend/mints-best-of-the-week-vacations-end-bull-runs-dont-11702640936856.html

#AdaniGroup has acquired a 50.5% stake in newswire agency, #IANS India Pvt Ltd for ₹5.1 lakh, further consolidating its presence in the media sector, according to a regulatory filing.

Read more: https://www.read.ht/RZHy

Amazon founder #JeffBezos has reportedly invested $42 million to construct a clock that would last for 10,000 years.

According to a report, the monumental timepiece will be designed by computer scientist and inventor Danny Hillis, and is being built inside a mountain in West Texas.

Read here: https://www.read.ht/RZ7E

December is here and so is the holiday season. But that also means that all tourist spots are going to be crowded and unaffordable.

So instead of going to touristy spots, visit these 8 destinations if you want to beat the tourist trap this winter.

https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/holiday-travel-plan-dont-go-to-goa-visit-these-spots-to-beat-tourist-trap-this-winter-11702793008971.html

In 2023, significant transformations have shaped United States visa policies, impacting various categories such as H-1B, EB-5, & student visas (F, M, J). The changes are valid throughout all embassies across India.

Here is all that you need to know about the new regulation:

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/big-us-visa-rule-changes-in-2023-how-united-states-tweaked-regulations-for-h1b-eb5-f1-visa-holders-11702629176905.html

Today's #MintMetric by Bibek Debroy!

#MintCharts | As India’s leading share index sails past another numerical milestone, the country is the most richly valued among major markets.

On an average annual basis, the Indian market, as represented by all stocks on the National Stock Exchange, crossed a market cap-to-GDP ratio of 100% for the first time in 2020-21. It is now 111% of estimated 2023-24 #GDP, an all-time high.

#BreakingNews | ED summons Delhi CM & AAP national convener #ArvindKejriwal once again for questioning in connection with Delhi Excise Policy matter.

The agency has asked him to appear before them on 21st December.

Read here: https://www.read.ht/R1DB

#MintCharts | The share of economic offences among all reported offences in the country reached an all-time high in 2022, as per latest data released recently by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Among major cities, Jaipur and Lucknow had the worst incidence of economic offences adjusted for population, shows the data.

Check out today’s Plain Facts for more such interesting insights.

#PersonalFinance | Building a portfolio is a complex exercise, & it has to be maintained too. One must keep in mind the volatility risk of the asset class, liquidity, lock-in rules & taxation.

Here's a look at how four commonly used asset types - equity, cash, gold & fixed income - have done in different periods.

#YearEnder2023 | From private space attempts to countries notching new triumphs, 2023 saw a host of moments to remember from the space sector this year. We take a look.

https://www.livemint.com/science/news/yearender-2023-a-look-at-the-top-11-space-moments-of-2023-11702710071902.html

In the ongoing #IPL2024Auction, Australia's star bowler #MitchellStarc became the most expensive player to be sold with a price of ₹24.75 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders. His base price was just ₹2 crore.

Read here: https://www.read.ht/R10j

#PersonalFinance | When liquidating an FD for an emergency, there are a few financially prudent options that one could consider. These options aim to minimize the cost of borrowing and optimize the use of the FD.

Got a question? #AskMint

https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/should-i-encash-my-fd-or-take-a-loan-against-it-for-an-emergency-11702991463411.html

#MintCharts | An increasing number of India's small cities and towns, expected to be more liveable than the bustling metropolises, are registering #airpollution above the safe limit. Cities such as Jaipur, Bhopal and Thiruvananthapuram are among cities that have seen a sharp rise in air pollution levels.

In today's Plain Facts story, we explain how Tier-II and Tier-III cities are facing the threat of air pollution.

#PersonalFinance | No-cost EMI schemes, popular for purchasing items through staggered payments without interest, involve hidden costs, including 18% GST on credit card interest, processing fees, and the loss of rewards.

(Shipra Singh writes)

Read more: https://www.read.ht/R1ah

#PersonalFinance | Bank #fixeddeposits (FDs) continue to be popular investment products not just among senior citizens who are looking for guaranteed income, but also among investors who can't stomach risks.

Here is a list of banks that offer the highest FD rates for deposits up to ₹1 crore over various tenures.

The Colorado Supreme Court has decided to exclude former US President #DonaldTrump from the presidential primary ballot, making it the first court to assert that his role in inciting the January 6 attack on the US Capitol disqualifies him from seeking re-election, Bloomberg reported

Read more: https://www.read.ht/R1e8

#BreakingNews | The #LokSabha passed the three criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill — today.

Read here: https://www.read.ht/R1km