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Elections 2025Economy / The Economic Times
India's exports have rebounded this month. After a fall in October, November exports are now in positive territory. Sectors like seafood are showing healthy growth. Merchandise exports are on an upward trajectory compared to last year. Discussions are ongoing to boost competitiveness in Special Economic Zones. This surplus capacity can help reduce imports from countries like ASEAN and China.
India is set to issue clearer rules for its key export schemes next week. The Rs 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission aims to strengthen outbound shipments, with detailed guidelines for the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative expected shortly. The move is designed to support Indian exporters as they navigate growing challenges, particularly those arising from the recent tariff increases imposed by the United States.
Sabarimala food crackdown: Food safety officials have stepped up inspections around Sabarimala during the mandala-makaravilakku pilgrimage season, checking 350 establishments and issuing rectification notices to 60 of them for hygiene lapses. Temporary laboratories and mobile units are testing prasadam and the raw materials used to prepare it, while awareness programmes and distributed pamphlets aim to ensure safe food for both pilgrims and vendors.
Indian companies will invest cautiously despite strong revenue growth expected in the December quarter. Revenue is projected to rise 8-10 percent. Profitability should improve with softening commodity prices. However, private investment will remain measured due to global uncertainties. Government spending will support overall investment. Certain sectors like electronics and EVs will see increased investment.
India and the Eurasian Economic Union will begin trade agreement talks this Wednesday. This move aims to diversify Indian export markets. The agreement is expected to benefit MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen. India is also exploring trade pacts with SACU and Mercosur. Negotiations with Israel and Canada are also on the horizon.
Gen Z is saving money early because they see baby boomers struggling with retirement. Many young people are choosing safe and traditional investing. Older generations are facing high costs and going back to work. This early saving habit may help Gen Z retire with more comfort. The story shows why young savers are thinking about retirement sooner.
India's new labour codes are set to boost the economy. Consumption could rise by Rs 75,000 crore. More workers are expected to join the formal sector. Unemployment may decrease by 1.3 per cent. Social security benefits will reach more people. This framework supports both workers and businesses for a stronger workforce.
Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration, with only minor details remaining to be settled. Ukrainian officials expressed optimism for a visit to Washington by President Zelenskyy to finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss the proposal.
Glen Powell stars in How to Make a Killing, an A24 thriller movie directed by John Patton Ford, debuting on February 20, 2026. Inspired by Robert Hamers Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), the movie has Becket Redfellow (Powell), an estranged heir determined to gain a $28 billion inheritance by removing seven wealthy relatives. Blending with suspense, dark humor, and intense drama, the film offers a chilling yet captivating narrative of ambition and greed.
A new video by Apollo Hospital specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal warns against the growing trend of IV glutathione whitening drips. He explains that glutathione is naturally produced by the body and external infusions offer only minimal, short term brightening, with no strong scientific evidence or long term safety data. Citing risks like liver and kidney injury, he highlights rebound pigmentation after stopping the treatment and urges people to rely on proven skincare and lifestyle habits instead.
The Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation is organising a special recruitment drive for 300 delivery rider positions in the United Arab Emirates. This initiative offers new overseas employment opportunities for the youth of Himachal Pradesh. Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of AED 2,500, along with commission and tips.
American businesses saw their inventories remain steady in August. Retail stocks experienced a dip, even as sales showed strength. This development follows a slight increase in July. The report, delayed by a government shutdown, indicates a complex economic picture. Business sales saw a modest rise, suggesting a healthy pace of economic activity.
An American mother raising her daughters in India found the country offered a childhood rich in community, color, and warmth, unlike her US experience. She highlights the abundant affection, diverse diet, cultural immersion, and affordable lifestyle as key benefits. Her perspective resonated with many online, sparking discussions about childhood values and parental choices.
Bitcoin BTC USD price recovery prediction: Crypto markets remain in 'extreme fear' despite a slight uptick in the Fear & Greed Index to 20. Experts suggest this could signal a bottoming out, potentially creating buying opportunities. Expectations of a December Fed rate cut and upcoming altcoin ETFs are also seen as positive catalysts for a market recovery.
India and the EU aim to finalize their free trade agreement by year-end and are committed to a free, open Indo-Pacific. Discussions also covered economic security, resilient supply chains, and cooperation on global issues, including peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and combating terrorism.
Italian Parliamentarians have launched an IMEC Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster parliamentary diplomacy for the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor. This initiative, supported by over forty MPs, aims to deepen trade and political ties between India, GCC countries, and Europe, with Italy playing a proactive role.
American consumer confidence fell in November. Households expressed concerns about jobs and their financial well-being. The recent government shutdown also contributed to this decline. Consumers mentioned prices, inflation, trade, and politics as key factors. The overall sentiment from consumers was more negative compared to the previous month. This data reflects a dip in economic optimism.
Dr Vassily Eliopoulos, a longevity expert, reveals four simple habits for a stronger, clearer mind and a longer life. These include seven to nine hours of sleep, strength training twice weekly, eating real food 80 percent of the time, and fostering low-stress connections. These everyday choices can significantly boost energy, mood, and long-term health.
The PPI inflation report for September shows prices are rising slowly, and some signs point to cooling pressure. Goods and energy costs moved differently, affecting overall numbers. Retail sales also changed in small ways, with some categories growing and others falling. The data gives a mixed picture of how inflation and spending are behaving.
Sudhanshu Mani Vande Bharat Review: Sudhanshu Mani, the creator of India's Vande Bharat train, finally travelled on it. He praised its enduring design and improved seating. However, he noted low passenger numbers and the train not reaching its full speed potential. Mani believes a sleeper version is crucial for the project's success. He feels the project is currently more hype than reality due to delays.
India and Kazakhstan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation at a conference in Almaty focused on evolving regional and global dynamics. Discussions centered on strengthening their strategic partnership, emphasizing regional security, emerging technologies, and boosting Eurasian economic linkages. The event highlighted ongoing collaboration through institutional mechanisms and new initiatives like expanded air connectivity.
New Zealand researchers have discovered that human activities like groundwater extraction and land reclamation are accelerating coastal land subsidence. This sinking, combined with rising sea levels, significantly increases the risk of coastal cities collapsing sooner than anticipated. The study highlights the vulnerability of urban coastal areas, with some experiencing subsidence rates exceeding 15 millimeters annually.
The University of Washington became a major point for discussion following OnlyFans creator Ari Kytsya addressed the students in a lecture attended by almost 1,200 individuals. Professor Nicole McNichols justified the invitation, citing: Our manifestation worked! Yesterday, my class had the chance to hear from THE Ari Kytsya essential in any honest conversation about sexuality, labor, and the realities of todays digital landscape.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature for iOS users, allowing them to use two accounts within a single app. This update enables users to manage personal and work communications separately without needing a second phone or app. The feature, currently in beta, offers independent management of chats, notifications, and privacy settings for each account.
NFRA Chairperson Nitin Gupta urged corporates to voluntarily adopt a 3-5 year viability assessment, citing recent company insolvencies despite short-term 'Going Concern' ratings. He also advocated for self-regulatory measures, including separate board-level risk management committees, to improve audit quality and prevent corporate failures.
President Emmanuel Macron is set this week to announce that France is restoring military service on a voluntary basis in the face of the growing threat posed by Russia, just under three decades after conscription was abolished in the country. Macron warned that France should not show weakness in the face of the threat posed by Russia.
Dancing with the Stars finale time, streaming platforms, winner bets, odds and prize money guide viewers as Season 34 ends with five couples on the dance floor. The episode includes three rounds, full cast returns, voting details, streaming options and early winner projections. Fans also track weekly scores and changes in odds.
Bharti Airtel asserts sub-standard equipment from Tejas Networks is disrupting its network in Rajasthan. Tejas Networks, part of a consortium rolling out BSNL's 4G, refutes this. Airtel alleges Tejas's equipment for BSNL's 850 MHz band radiates signals beyond limits, interfering with Airtel's 900 MHz uplink. The Department of Telecom has reportedly asked BSNL to deploy filters to resolve the issue.
A significant number of companies have registered for India's Rs 1,500-crore incentive scheme to boost critical mineral recycling capacity. The initiative, part of the Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to enhance domestic supply chain resilience for green energy technologies. Applications are open until April 1, 2026.
Severe storms have plunged over 50,000 Alabama customers into darkness, with Jefferson County bearing the brunt of widespread power outages. Fallen trees and downed power lines have created hazardous conditions, disrupting travel and challenging restoration efforts. Crews are working diligently to clear debris and restore electricity amidst rising outage numbers.
Social Security claiming strategy: Millions of older Americans depend on Social Security. Claiming benefits too early reduces monthly payments, impacting long-term financial stability. Waiting past full retirement age increases monthly checks. Life expectancy also plays a role in this crucial decision. Married couples must consider survivor benefits. Making the right choice ensures financial security in retirement.
A young man's persistent headaches and alarming blood pressure led to the discovery of a rare adrenal tumor, pheochromocytoma. After extensive testing confirmed the diagnosis, surgery successfully removed the tumor, normalizing his blood pressure and resolving his symptoms, highlighting the importance of looking beyond common causes for hypertension in young adults.
Fresh leaks about Rockstar Games have revealed internal Discord conversations connected to the mass firing of employees, deepening accusations of union suppression at the Grand Theft Auto studio. The Discord server, originally created in 2022 for employees exploring unionisation, included more than 300 members and concentrated on workplace challenges rather than confidential details.
Indian households often debate the use of onion and garlic in food, but AIIMS and Harvard trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi says science firmly supports their use. In an Instagram video, he explains that allium vegetables boost detox enzymes, improve gut bacteria, strengthen immunity and may slow tumor growth. Backed by cancer research highlighting their organosulphur compounds, he recommends daily consumption, noting that letting crushed garlic rest for 10 minutes enhances its antican
ISRO Chairman Narayanan expressed delight over private companies like Ananth Technologies entering complex navigation system development for space and defense. This move supports PM Modi's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision by reducing import reliance and potentially lowering costs. He also provided updates on the Gaganyaan mission, with 8,000 tests completed and preparations for the first unmanned mission underway.
Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and several with significant bounties, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Impressed by state government schemes and rehabilitation policies, these cadres have chosen the path of peace and social reintegration. This surrender signifies a potential decline in Maoist ideology and a growing faith in peaceful alternatives.
India's pharmaceutical industry must shift towards innovation in complex generics, including peptides, biosimilars, and biologics, to maintain its global leadership. Industry leaders emphasized the need for R&D-driven innovation beyond post-patent launches and highlighted the importance of updating pharmacy curricula to reflect current industry demands and prepare a skilled workforce for future breakthroughs.
JK Lakshmi Cement announced a significant Rs 1,816 crore investment to expand its manufacturing operations in Chhattisgarh. The company plans to increase clinker production by 2.31 MTPA and cement grinding capacity by 1.2 MTPA. This expansion aims to bolster its presence in the growing markets of Eastern and Central India, aligning with its goal of reaching 30 MTPA capacity.
Indian-Canadian relations are seeing a positive shift. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney met to discuss a new trade agreement aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030. They also agreed to expand civil nuclear cooperation and launched a technology and innovation partnership with Australia. Both nations are committed to strengthening diplomatic ties and people-to-people connections.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced a Rs 25,060 crore export promotion mission to boost competitiveness, especially for landlocked states. The mission, starting in 2025-26, aims to address global trade uncertainties and high US tariffs. Goyal emphasized a strong center-state partnership and market diversification for export growth.
Afghanistan's Taliban government claims Pakistan launched deadly overnight strikes in eastern provinces, killing civilians. Pakistan denies these allegations, stating no such strikes occurred. This incident escalates existing tensions between the two nations. Cross-border clashes previously erupted in October. Both sides have engaged in diplomatic efforts and military operations amidst ongoing disputes over militant sanctuaries.

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