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News18
an hour ago
- News18
The Smart Economy: Opinion Trading and Indias New Skill Wave
New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): I discovered opinion trading when a friend sent me a link to a cricket market. What began as a passing curiosity quickly became a passion. I found myself delving deep into the nuances of the game, learning to interpret match dynamics and time my decisions precisely. Over time, opinion trading became my favourite way to challenge my sports knowledge and stay deeply connected to the action on the field. This journey has shown me how skill, analysis, and engagement can transform a casual interest into a rewarding pursuit rooted in strategy and real-world personal experience reflects a larger trend shaping India's digital landscape. The country's rise as a digital powerhouse is driven by transformative platforms and industries that understand the potential of its vast, young, and tech-savvy population. Among these, opinion trading stands out as a particularly potent force. It not only mirrors India's passion for innovation but also exemplifies its evolution toward a knowledge-led, skill-based economy. What makes this phenomenon especially noteworthy is how it unites data, reasoning, and real-world awareness into a truly participatory economic movement. A Participatory Marketplace for the Digital Age In just a few short years, opinion trading has evolved from a novel concept to a major pillar of India's digital economy. Unlike formats that passively engage users, opinion trading requires participants to analyze real-time information, such as live sporting events, and articulate their conclusions through structured, transparent markets. Leading platforms like Probo and MPL Opinio typify this transformation, inviting users to leverage their expertise and analytical prowess within a regulated framework that favours consistency, insight, and informed segment now commands the attention of more than 50 million Indians, with annual transaction values crossing $6 billion and an infusion of over $500 million in industry investment as of 2025. Such momentum has translated into rapid job creation, technological advancement, and direct fiscal benefits for the Indian state, a trajectory that is only expected to accelerate in the coming years. Skill: The Foundation of Sustainable Growth The true genius of opinion trading lies in its clear distinction from forms of entertainment that hinge on unpredictability. Here, mathematical models, empirical data, and independent research confirm that success is rooted in discernment, critical thinking, and the ability to process and act on ever-evolving streams of information. Seasoned participants display consistent, superior outcomes over time, an outcome explainable only by the accumulation and application of anti-fraud systems, real-time analytics, and thoughtfully curated event markets help sustain the integrity of this structure, ensuring that platforms reward learning, adaptation, and rational decision-making. The best performers are not those who make random choices, but those who demonstrate systematic information analysis and rapidly iterate on feedback, a remarkable alignment with the demands of the 'insight economy." This evolution is underscored by rigorous studies and data from India's leading platforms and independent academic individual achievement, opinion trading is rapidly becoming a testbed for broader financial technologies and digital payment adoption. Every trade on these platforms reinforces trust in UPI and wallet-based payments, a critical leap toward a cashless, seamless economy. The sector's flourishing also fuels the development of cutting-edge AI, data analytics, and risk management systems, introducing Indian engineers and technologists to frontier challenges in automation and computational decision sciences. A Tax and Employment Windfall for the State The economic value generated by opinion trading extends to the public coffers as well. With a flat 30% tax deduction at the source on net winnings, the industry expands the nation's formal tax base, particularly bringing in younger, digitally native users who might not otherwise intersect with traditional tax nets. Platform revenues, already above $120 million annually, are only a part of the story; the state stands to gain from both direct and ancillary taxes as the ecosystem is another significant dividend. The industry has already created more than 10,000 jobs, with robust projections indicating that over 100,000 new roles could emerge in the near future. These opportunities range from product development and risk management to data science, compliance, and customer support, offering a meaningful boost to India's innovation economy. Societal Ripples: Building Decentralized, Data-Literate Networks Perhaps the most transformative benefit of opinion trading is its capacity to create giant, decentralized knowledge networks. As millions of Indians engage with real-time questions, especially within the sports industry, they collectively generate a crowdsourced intelligence layer that businesses and academics can learn from. This democratization of decision science not only fosters individual growth but also provides invaluable insights into public sentiment, societal trends, and emerging opportunities. Global Outlook and the Path Forward With solid foundations in skill, transparency, and technological sophistication, India is now positioned to lead the world in regulated, participatory prediction markets. Ongoing research and detailed technical analyses, such as those presented in 'The Question of Skill in Opinion Trading" and 'Quantifying Skill in Opinion Trading Platforms, provide clarity and rigor, establishing frameworks for responsible regulation and continued innovation. These studies highlight India's ability to adapt global best practices to its unique context, ensuring continued user protection and market integrity. Charting India's Next Digital Chapter Far from being a fleeting trend, opinion trading is redefining how India understands and interacts with its digital economy. It is ushering in an era where reasoning is rewarded, knowledge is monetized, and the collective intelligence of the nation finds a new marketplace. The journey ahead, anchored by user-centric regulation and relentless innovation, could see India become the global capital of skill-based, insight-driven digital a society and an economy, India thrives when it welcomes new forms of engagement, learning, and economic inclusion. Opinion trading, at the intersection of skill, technology, and public participation, is a resounding affirmation of that spirit, one that promises dividends not just for users and platforms, but for the nation as a whole. (ANI)Disclaimer:: Ankush Kumar is a Part-Time educator and small business owner, running a general store while teaching 11th and 12th grade accounting. He is committed to equipping students with essential financial skills and fostering practical entrepreneurship within the community. The views expressed in this article are his own.


Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
ICICI Bank rolls back decision on minimum account balance, slashes it to ₹15k from ₹50k
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] August 14 (ANI): In a major relief to its customers, ICICI Bank on Thursday announced a rollback of its recent decision to hike the minimum average monthly balance (MAB) for certain savings accounts to ₹ 50,000. The private sector lender has now reduced the MAB requirement to ₹ 15,000. The bank had in July revised the minimum average balance requirement for select account categories from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 50,000. The revision, which was scheduled to come into effect from September 1, has now been substantially moderated for all categories. The bank has revised the MAB for Metro and Urban cities from earlier announced ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 15,000. For Semi-Urban cities it will now be ₹ 7,500 instead of earlier announced ₹ 25,000 and for rural areas it will be ₹ 2,500 instead of ₹ 10,000. For pensioners (below 60 years) and student affiliated with about 1200 select institutes MAB will be Nil. The bank will charge 6 per cent of the shortfall or ₹ 500 whichever is lower, if MAB is not met. The bank will charge ₹ 23 per financial transaction/cash withdrawals from ATMs post 5 transactions, however all nonfinancial transactions will remain free. If a transaction is denied at other banks ATM for insufficient balance ₹ 25 will be charged for every such transaction. Penal charges for not-honouring of cheques deposited by consumers will be between ₹ 50 to ₹ 500. ICICI Bank has urged customers to check account category details through its website, mobile app or by visiting the nearest branch to understand the revised terms.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
US wants deeper Pakistan trade ties: Trump administration eyes critical minerals, hydrocarbons; move after ‘massive oil reserves' pitch
The US government has expressed its eagerness to enhance collaboration with Pakistan. US President Donald Trump's government is looking to deepen its economic ties with Pakistan at a time when trade deal talks with India remain stalled. The US government has expressed its eagerness to enhance collaboration with Pakistan in the fields of critical minerals and hydrocarbons, with a renewed emphasis on economic cooperation in other emerging sectors. This announcement was made in a congratulatory message for Pakistan's Independence Day. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the significance of ongoing partnership between the two countries. "On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14," Rubio said in a release from the US Department of State, according to an ANI report. Also Read | Donald Trump to help Pakistan build 'massive oil reserves'! How much known crude oil does it have & how does that compare to India? Top points to know 'We are eager to explore new economic collaboration opportunities, such as in critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and to encourage vibrant business partnerships that will ensure a prosperous future for both Americans and Pakistanis," the statement continued. This message is issued as Washington aims to strengthen its relationship with India's neighboring country. Trump's 'massive oil reserves' in Pakistan dreams In July, Trump revealed a trade agreement with Pakistan, highlighting a joint effort to develop the country's oil reserves and suggesting that "someday" Islamabad might sell oil to New Delhi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo In a Truth Social post, Trump mentioned that the United States and Pakistan are in the process of selecting an oil company for their partnership. Oil reserves: Pakistan not even a drop! He had said, "We have finalized a deal with Pakistan, where both countries will collaborate on developing Pakistan's extensive oil reserves. We are currently choosing the oil company to lead this partnership. Perhaps, in the future, they might sell oil to India!" Trump's claim about helping Pakistan develop large oil reserves for potential exports to India seems overly optimistic. A TOI report indicates that Pakistan holds only 0.02% of the world's crude oil reserves. Pakistan produces about 70,000 barrels of oil daily, which is less than 10% of India's production. Instead of being seen as a future energy exporter, Pakistan's current role in the global oil market is quite minor. A Reuters report states that Pakistan's proven crude oil reserves range from 234 million to 353 million barrels, ranking it 50th in the world for crude oil reserves. Also Read | 'More likely to happen in Lagaan, than...': Harsh Goenka mocks Trump's 'Pakistan may sell oil to India' suggestion; here's the reality of Pak's 'massive' reserves Additionally, the Trump administration announced the lowest tariff rates for Pakistani goods in South Asia, with a 19% tariff on Islamabad under the new tariff plans revealed earlier this month. Conversely, India faced a 25 percent tariff under the new plan. Furthermore, Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total to 50 percent, due to India's ongoing oil purchases from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticized the US's decision to impose additional tariffs, describing it as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." The MEA also stated that New Delhi would take "all necessary actions to safeguard its national interests." Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .