Category: Beyond

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Beyond

PPF plan builds ₹1 crore, ₹61,000 income

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) continues to be one of the most trusted savings options in India, especially for those looking for safe and steady returns. A disciplined investment strategy in PPF can potentially help investors build a corpus of over ₹1 crore and generate a monthly income of around ₹61,000 in the long run.

PPF is backed by the government, making it a low-risk option. It currently offers an interest rate of 7.1% per year. While the returns may not be very high compared to market-linked investments, the real strength of PPF lies in consistency and compounding over time.

If an investor contributes the maximum allowed ₹1.5 lakh every year, the savings can grow significantly. After the initial 15-year lock-in period, the corpus can reach around ₹40 lakh. By extending the account in blocks of five years and continuing the same yearly investment, the total amount can grow to about ₹1 crore in 25 years.

Once this milestone is reached, the strategy shifts from saving to income generation. Instead of withdrawing the full amount, investors can keep the ₹1 crore in the account. At a 7.1% interest rate, this amount can generate roughly ₹7.3 lakh annually. This works out to nearly ₹61,000 per month, offering a steady income stream while keeping the main investment intact.

However, it’s important to understand that PPF does not provide monthly payouts. Withdrawals are allowed only once a year, so investors need to plan how they manage this income for monthly expenses.

Another major advantage of PPF is its tax benefits. Investments, interest earned, and maturity proceeds are all tax-free, making it especially attractive for conservative investors planning their retirement.

While future interest rates may change and inflation can affect real returns, PPF remains a reliable option for those who prefer stability over risk. With patience and regular contributions, it can serve as a strong foundation for long-term financial security.

Also Read: Gold at ₹93,400, Silver near ₹2.5 lakh

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Gold at ₹93,400, Silver near ₹2.5 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India saw a mild rise on April 14, with rates firming up ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya festival. The occasion, known for gold buying, is already boosting demand in markets across the country.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold is priced at around ₹93,300–₹93,400 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold is trading between ₹85,500 and ₹85,700 per 10 grams in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. Silver prices are also holding strong, staying close to ₹2.5 lakh per kilogram.

The slight increase in prices is being seen across most major markets, although small variations exist due to local taxes and demand conditions. Overall, the trend remains steady with a gradual upward bias.

Experts say global factors are continuing to support gold prices. Economic uncertainties and movements in international currencies have kept gold attractive as a safe-haven investment. At the same time, domestic demand is picking up due to the upcoming festival and ongoing wedding season.

Silver is also witnessing consistent interest, supported not just by investment demand but also by its industrial uses.

Also Read: RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

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RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed new measures to reduce digital payment fraud, including a “kill switch” and a short delay for higher-value transactions.

Under the plan, payments above ₹10,000 made via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, wallets, and net banking could be delayed by up to one hour. This cooling period would allow banks or users to detect suspicious activity and stop fraudulent transfers before they are completed.

The RBI has also suggested a “kill switch” feature that would let customers instantly disable all digital payment services linked to their bank account. This would block transactions across cards, UPI, and internet banking until reactivated through strict verification.

The measures aim to address rising cases of online fraud, especially scams where users are tricked into authorising payments themselves. The central bank says the speed of digital transactions, while convenient, has made it harder to prevent fraud in real time.

The proposals are part of wider efforts to strengthen safeguards across India’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem while balancing speed with security.

Also Read: Musk post reignites debate on COVID vaccine safety

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GE–HAL F414 jet engine deal nears final stage

GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have wrapped up key technical discussions on the F414 fighter jet engine programme, bringing the long-pending deal a step closer to final approval.

The agreement is expected to support production of engines for India’s Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft. Officials say the technical groundwork is now largely done, and both sides will next focus on pricing, approvals, and signing the final contract, which is likely later this year.

The deal is expected to involve co-production of around 99 F414 engines in India. A major part of the agreement is technology transfer, allowing HAL to manufacture several critical components locally, including advanced engine parts that are usually difficult to produce.

The programme is seen as a boost for India’s “Make in India” push in defence manufacturing. Jet engines are among the most complex technologies in aerospace, and local production is considered a significant step toward reducing dependence on imports.

The engines will power the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced version of India’s light combat aircraft designed to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s fleet. The aircraft is seen as important for closing gaps in squadron strength as older fighters are phased out.

Officials view the completion of technical talks as a key milestone that removes one of the main hurdles in the project. The focus now shifts to finalising commercial terms and securing government clearances.

Also Read: HSBC sees strong upside in ACME Solar, Clean Max

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China, Iran use economy as tool in US rivalry

A new report highlights how China and Iran are increasingly using the global economy itself as a tool to counter US influence, showing how modern geopolitical tensions are moving beyond traditional warfare.

Instead of direct military confrontation, both countries are reportedly using trade, energy supplies, and critical resources to apply pressure on the United States and its allies. This approach reflects a growing trend where economic systems are being used as instruments of power.

China, for example, holds a strong position in the global supply of rare earth minerals, which are essential for electronics, electric vehicles, and defence equipment. By controlling or restricting access to these materials, it can influence global supply chains and affect industries that depend heavily on them.

Iran, on the other hand, has used its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes, to create uncertainty in global energy markets. Even the threat of disruption in this narrow waterway has previously led to sharp rises in oil prices and global concern.

The report suggests that these strategies mark a shift from conventional conflict to what experts describe as “economic warfare,” where financial systems, trade routes, and commodities become tools of influence.

The United States, which has long used sanctions and its financial system as a source of global leverage, is now facing similar tactics being used against it. This growing balance of economic pressure is reshaping how countries compete and respond to each other.

The effects are already being felt worldwide. Energy prices have become more volatile, supply chains are under strain, and businesses are facing rising costs. These pressures are eventually passed on to consumers, affecting everyday prices.

Also Read: Bajaj Housing shares dip 3% as 25% lock-in ends

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Delhi Metro upgrades old trains with new features

Delhi Metro is giving a fresh upgrade to some of its oldest trains, making daily travel safer and more comfortable for passengers. The revamp mainly focuses on trains running on the Blue and Red Lines, many of which have been in service for nearly 20 years.

As part of this upgrade, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is refurbishing around 70 trains in phases. Several trains have already been upgraded, and the work is expected to continue over the next couple of years.

One of the biggest changes is in safety. The trains are being fitted with modern fire detection systems that can quickly identify smoke or heat. CCTV cameras are also being added inside coaches to improve security and help keep a closer watch on passenger safety.

The upgrade is not just about safety, it also focuses on making travel more convenient. New mobile and laptop charging points are being installed, which will be useful for daily commuters. Passengers will also benefit from improved digital displays and announcement systems that provide clearer and more accurate travel information.

The interiors of the trains are also getting a makeover. Worn-out parts are being repaired or replaced, and both passenger areas and driver cabins are being refreshed to give the trains a cleaner and more modern look. Electrical systems are also being upgraded to ensure smoother operations and reduce technical issues.

Officials say the aim is to extend the life of these trains while bringing them up to current standards. With millions of people using the metro every day, these improvements are expected to make a noticeable difference in overall travel experience.

Once the work is complete, passengers can expect a journey that feels not only safer but also more comfortable and better suited to today’s needs.

Also Read: Aavas financiers eyes leadership change

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Oil prices cross $100 after US Iran blockade

Global oil prices have jumped sharply, crossing the $100 mark, after the United States announced a naval blockade targeting Iran. The move has raised fresh concerns about tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global energy supplies.

The focus of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial waterway through which a large portion of the world’s oil is transported. Any disruption in this region can quickly affect global markets, and the latest developments have already caused prices to rise significantly.

The US decision comes soon after peace talks with Iran failed to produce any agreement. With diplomacy stalled, the situation has become more uncertain, and markets are reacting to the possibility of supply disruptions. Analysts say even the fear of limited oil flow through the strait is enough to push prices higher.

Following the announcement, oil prices rose by around 7–8%, reflecting concerns that exports from the region could be affected. Higher oil prices could eventually lead to increased fuel costs for consumers and add to inflation pressures worldwide.

The impact is not limited to energy markets. Global stock markets have also shown signs of nervousness, as investors worry about the wider economic effects of rising tensions. At the same time, shares of energy companies have seen gains due to expectations of higher profits.

Iran has responded cautiously but warned that any blockade could lead to further escalation. This has added to fears that the situation could worsen, potentially affecting not just oil supplies but also overall stability in the region.

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Rupee opens weak at 93.28 against dollar

Rupee started the week on a weak note, opening 55 paise lower at 93.28 against the US dollar on April 13, 2026. The sharp fall reflects growing pressure on the currency due to rising crude oil prices and global uncertainty.

The main trigger behind the decline is the sudden jump in crude oil prices, which crossed $100 per barrel. This comes after tensions in the Middle East escalated, raising concerns about possible disruptions in oil supply. Since India depends heavily on oil imports, any increase in prices directly impacts the economy and weakens the rupee.

At the same time, the US dollar strengthened in global markets as investors shifted towards safer assets. This “risk-off” sentiment led to weakness across emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have also been pulling money out of Indian markets in recent sessions. This outflow of funds has added further pressure on the currency. Weakness in domestic equity markets also contributed to the negative sentiment.

In early trade, the rupee continued to hover near its lowest levels, with limited support from exporter dollar sales. Market participants are also cautious due to rising bond yields globally, which tend to attract investments away from emerging markets.

Also Read: Gold Around ₹1.52 Lakh, Silver Slides to ₹2.38 Lakh

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Gold around ₹1.52 lakh, Silver slides to ₹2.38 lakh

Gold and silver prices came under pressure on April 13, 2026, as global factors weighed on the bullion market. On the MCX, gold hovered near ₹1.51–₹1.52 lakh per 10 grams, while silver declined sharply to around ₹2.37–₹2.38 lakh per kilogram, reflecting a weak trend through the session.

Gold slipped by more than ₹1,100 per 10 grams in early trade, briefly moving below the ₹1.52 lakh level. Although prices showed some stability later, the overall sentiment remained subdued. Silver saw a steeper fall, dropping by nearly ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per kg, making it one of the worst-performing commodities of the day.

The decline comes at a time when geopolitical tensions remain elevated, particularly in the Middle East. Typically, such uncertainty supports gold and silver as safe-haven assets. However, this time, other global factors seem to have taken priority.

One of the key reasons behind the fall is the strengthening of the US dollar. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for international buyers, which reduces demand and puts pressure on prices. At the same time, crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation.

Higher inflation expectations have, in turn, reduced hopes of early interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. This is important because gold and silver do not offer interest, making them less attractive compared to assets that provide returns when interest rates stay high.

In international markets as well, both metals traded lower, with gold nearing recent lows and silver extending its losses. The trend was reflected in domestic markets, where prices stayed under pressure throughout the day.

Also Read: Sensex drops over 1200 points, Nifty slips Below 23,600

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UK backs Tata EV battery plant with $510 mn

The UK government has announced a major funding boost of $510 million (£380 million) for Agratas, the battery arm of the Tata Group, to build a large electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Somerset.

The new facility, often called a “gigafactory,” will manufacture batteries for electric cars and is expected to become one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to produce enough batteries to power hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year.

A major part of the production will supply Jaguar Land Rover, which is also owned by Tata Group. In the future, the plant could also cater to other carmakers, helping to strengthen the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain.

The funding is part of the UK’s wider plan to move towards cleaner energy and reduce reliance on imports for key technologies like EV batteries. By supporting domestic production, the government aims to make the country more competitive in the fast-growing electric vehicle market.

Officials say the project will also create thousands of jobs, both directly at the factory and indirectly through related industries. It is expected to bring investment into the region and support long-term economic growth.

The Somerset gigafactory is seen as a key step in the UK’s efforts to become a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. As demand for EVs continues to rise worldwide, countries are investing heavily in battery production to secure supply chains and stay ahead in the transition to cleaner transport.

For Tata Group, this project marks an important expansion of its global footprint in both the automotive and clean energy sectors. It also reflects the company’s growing focus on electric mobility.

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