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More than half of households in a survey conducted online across 309 districts expect a decline in their income by up to 25 per cent and dip in savings, and are looking for relief in the coming budget, online platform LocalCircles said on Sunday. The survey, conducted between November 25 and January 25, found that with job losses and hiring sentiment turning negative, 52 per cent respondents feel that the economic uncertainty will persist for the next 6-12 months. LocalCircles claimed that 37,000 responses were received from household consumers across 309 districts of India, comprising 64 per cent men, 36 per cent women from tier 1, tier 2 and smaller towns as well. "Our survey indicates that majority households in the country are facing the squeeze and in community discussions thousands of inputs were received by LocalCircles about lowering income tax rates or increasing deductions and exemptions," LocalCircles founder Sachin Taparia said. The number of responses on each question
Prices of refrigerators are likely to increase by up to 5 per cent as the revised norms of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) have become applicable from January 1 this year. According to manufacturers like Godrej Appliances, Haier and Panasonic, implementation of the new norms may put an additional burden of 2-5 per cent on consumers, depending on the models. Besides tightening the labelling, the new norms also mandate separate star labelling for freezers and refrigerator provisioning units (storage part) of the frost-free models. "Now, we have to declare labelling for both. That is the new change," said Godrej Appliances Business Head and Executive Vice President Kamal Nandi told PTI. When asked about the price increase, he said: "In every energy efficiency tightening, cost inputs go up a little bit to achieve those efficiencies through better insulation and around 2-3 per cent price hike because of this will be happening, depending on various models and star ratings". Moreov
Despite robust growth in financial inclusion and the burgeoning financial services industry, almost 69 per cent of Indian households struggle with financial insecurity and vulnerability, according to a personal finance survey conducted by Money9. India's Personal Finance Pulse maps Indian households' income, savings, investment and spending, said a statement issued by Money9, promoted by TV9 Network. Providing insights into how India earns, spends and saves, the survey has also unveiled the country's first-ever state ranking of citizen financial security -- the Money9 Financial Security Index. "The survey finds that the average income of an Indian family of 4.2 persons is Rs 23,000 per month. Over 46 per cent of Indian families have an income of less than Rs 15,000 per month i.e.belong to the aspiring or lowest-income cohort," it said. "Only 3 per cent of Indian households have a luxury standard of living and most of them belong to higher income cohorts (High- Middle and Rich)." Al
Britain's rate of inflation has surged to a new 40-year high as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 10.1 per cent on Wednesday, with increasing food costs the biggest driver of the latest hike. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), annual inflation for essential food items is now running at 12.7 per cent, up from 9.8 per cent in June, fuelled largely by price rises for basics such as bread, milk, cheese and eggs. The latest figures come amid soaring energy bills and a mounting cost-of-living crisis across the country. "A wide range of price rises drove inflation up again this month, said ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner. "Food prices rose notably, particularly bakery products, dairy, meat and vegetables, which was also reflected in higher takeaway prices. Price rises in other staple items, such as pet food, toilet rolls, toothbrushes and deodorants also pushed up inflation in July, he said. "Driven by higher demand, the price for package holidays rose, after