News Update

Rahul, Priyanka keep Congress guessing on Amethi, Raebareli

In 2019, the Congress’s first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections — 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat — featured both Amethi and Raebareli. Sonia Gandhi and then Congress president Rahul Gandhi contested from their family’s traditional bastions, with the former winning and the latter losing to the BJP’s Smriti Irani.

Rahul, Priyanka keep Congress guessing on Amethi, Raebareli

Perhaps aware that his position in Amethi was shaky, Rahul, in a surprise move, also entered the fray from Wayanad in Kerala, a constituency he currently represents. Cut to 2024. Sonia has decided against contesting from Raebareli, moving to the Rajya Sabha, and the party announced Rahul’s candidature from Wayanad on March 8 in its first list of 39 candidates.

But almost a month and 12 lists later, there is still uncertainty, or as some in the party say, a “strategic silence,” on whether Rahul and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from Amethi and Raebareli respectively to keep alive their family’s connection with Uttar Pradesh, or not. With Priyanka by his side, Rahul will file his nomination papers from Wayanad on Wednesday. Read: | INDIA  mega rally: Opposition rings alarm on free and fair polls, urges EC to step in and act Congress leaders say there is still a lot of time to decide. Amethi and Raebareli go to polls on May 20 in the fifth phase and the last date for filing nominations is May 3.

But, interestingly, the party has announced candidates in seats such as Maharajganj, Deoria, Bansgaon, and Varanasi that vote in the last phase on June 1. Apart from Amethi and Raebareli, the Congress has also yet to announce candidates for Prayagraj and Mathura. While in the case of others, it is the Congress’s Central Election Committee that takes a call on candidates —generally, a decision gets delayed when there is more than one strong claimant — senior Congress members say without any qualms that the Gandhi siblings will decide if they will enter the poll fray from UP.

Most of them are left with little option but to read signals and hazard intelligent guesses on the possible moves of the siblings. “Priyanka’s presence at the India bloc rally on Sunday is a signal that she may contest. She is active. Otherwise, she would not have been there at the rally since Sonia, Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress president), and Rahul were all attending,” said a senior leader who is a key member of the party’s decision-making apparatus. But another party functionary did not seem so sure.

“They may not contest. That is the signal I am picking up from those close to him.” There are different strands of opinion in the party on the reason behind this delay and whether it is a deliberate move.

A section believes there is no uncertainty or confusion and that the Gandhi siblings will contest from UP, the Hindi heartland state that is the most important in the journey to national power, and the decision will be announced at “the appropriate time.”.

Read | Congress list for Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check full list here “Rahul not contesting from Amethi will send a terrible political signal. I see no reason why he won’t contest. The Gandhis not contesting from Amethi and Raebareli will give the BJP a potent campaign talking point — that they have run away as they are not sure of their victories in Uttar Pradesh. It will be terrible in terms of optics in the northern states,” said a leader.

“10 Timeless Principles for Personal Financial Management”

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In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, mastering personal financial management is crucial for achieving long-term stability and prosperity. While trends and technologies may evolve, certain timeless principles serve as the foundation for sound financial decision-making. In this guide, we explore 10 enduring principles that will empower you to take control of your finances and secure your financial future.

1. Spend Less Than You Earn: One of the oldest and most fundamental principles of personal finance is to spend less than you earn. By living within your means, you avoid accumulating debt and create opportunities for saving and investing. Budgeting and tracking expenses are essential tools for implementing this principle effectively.
2. Build an Emergency Fund: Life is full of unexpected expenses, from medical emergencies to car repairs. Building an emergency fund that covers three to six months’ worth of living expenses provides a financial safety net, allowing you to weather unforeseen circumstances without resorting to high-interest debt or depleting your savings.
3. Invest for the Long Term: Investing is a powerful tool for building wealth over time. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a child’s education, or other long-term goals, adopting a patient and disciplined approach to investing can yield significant returns. Diversification, asset allocation, and periodic portfolio rebalancing are key strategies for successful long-term investing.
4. Prioritize High-Interest Debt Repayment: High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can quickly spiral out of control and impede your financial progress. Prioritize repaying high-interest debt aggressively, using strategies such as the debt avalanche or debt snowball method. Once you’ve eliminated high-interest debt, redirect those payments towards savings and investments.
5. Continuously Educate Yourself: The financial landscape is constantly evolving, with new investment opportunities, tax laws, and economic trends emerging regularly. Commit to lifelong learning by staying informed about personal finance topics through books, podcasts, online courses, and reputable financial websites. Empowering yourself with knowledge enables you to make informed financial decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
6. Plan for Retirement Early: It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, and contribute consistently to maximize the benefits of compounding growth over time. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to develop a personalized retirement plan tailored to your goals and risk tolerance.
7. Protect Your Assets with Insurance: Insurance serves as a critical safeguard against unforeseen events that could jeopardize your financial well-being. Ensure you have adequate coverage for health, life, disability, auto, and home insurance to mitigate risks and protect your assets. Review your insurance policies regularly to make adjustments as your circumstances change.
8. Cultivate Multiple Streams of Income: Diversifying your sources of income can provide greater stability and resilience in volatile economic conditions. Explore opportunities to generate passive income through investments, rental properties, freelancing, or starting a side business. Multiple streams of income not only increase your earning potential but also reduce dependence on any single source of revenue.
9. Practice Mindful Spending: Mindful spending involves aligning your expenses with your values and priorities to ensure that your money brings you true satisfaction and fulfillment. Before making a purchase, ask yourself whether it aligns with your long-term goals and whether it adds genuine value to your life. By being intentional about how you allocate your resources, you can avoid frivolous spending and focus on what truly matters.
10. Review and Adjust Regularly: Financial planning is an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustment. Set aside time periodically to evaluate your financial goals, assess your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your strategies. Life circumstances, economic conditions, and personal priorities may change over time, so staying flexible and adaptable is essential for long-term financial