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CCI Chief Ravneet Kaur Advocates Ex-Ante Framework for Digital Markets

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is advocating for an ex-ante regulatory framework to oversee the rapidly evolving digital markets, according to Chairperson Ravneet Kaur. This proactive approach aims to complement the existing ex-post enforcement mechanism, addressing the unique challenges posed by digital platforms, often referred to as Gatekeepers, which can quickly dominate markets. Kaur recently presented the status of the proposed Digital Competition Bill to the Standing Committee on Finance, emphasizing the need for preventive measures against anti-competitive practices. She also indicated plans to enhance the CCI's Dedicated Digital Markets Division, pending the Bill's enactment, by recruiting data analysts and scientists. Regarding the NCLAT's recent stay on a CCI order concerning WhatsApp's privacy policy, Kaur stated that the commission will review the order before deciding on an appeal. Additionally, she noted that no formal complaints regarding quick commerce have been received yet, although the CCI is examining related industry concerns. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 10 pm

Suhana Masala, Ecofactory Foundation to establish spice excellence center

Suhana Masala has partnered with the Ecofactory Foundation to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for spice production in Sangareddy, Telangana, aimed at enhancing the skills and resources of local farmers. The initiative, announced following a meeting between Suhana Director Anand Chordia and Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu at the World Economic Forum in Davos, will train 25,000 to 30,000 farmers over the next two to three years. The CoE will focus on modern farming techniques to ensure that spice production meets global standards, thereby improving market access and income for farmers. Additionally, the initiative will promote eco-friendly farming practices, contributing to the preservation of natural resources in the region. The project underscores a commitment to elevating the quality of agricultural produce while fostering sustainable practices in Telangana's farming community. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2025, 8 am

India's PR industry to reach ₹4570 crore by FY 2030

The Indian public relations industry is projected to experience significant growth, with a headcount increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% by FY 2030, potentially employing 22,700 professionals, according to a PRCAI-Ipsos survey. The industry reached ₹2,500 crore in FY 2023, marking a 19% year-on-year increase, and is expected to grow to ₹4,570 crore by FY 2030, driven by adaptability to AI tools and expanded service offerings. Despite this optimistic outlook, challenges remain, including rising costs and stagnant client budgets, which may temper growth. The report highlights the industry's need to navigate AI-generated misinformation while fostering creativity and building trust. Atul Sharma, President of PRCAI, noted that while growth was robust post-COVID-19, the industry anticipates an 11% growth for FY 2024, reflecting a larger market base. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2025, 8 am

Trump urges businesses to manufacture in US or face tariffs

In a remote address to the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 23, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the onset of a "golden age" for America, promising to strengthen the economy through significant tax cuts and reduced regulations. He urged businesses to manufacture in the U.S. to avoid tariffs and announced plans to pressure Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, claiming this could help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump emphasized his administration's swift actions to combat inflation and restore American manufacturing dominance, while also addressing U.S.-China relations, expressing optimism for improved ties with President Xi Jinping. He reiterated his commitment to traditional gender definitions, stating that only two genders would be recognized in U.S. policy. Trump's remarks came just days after his inauguration for a second term, during which he criticized the previous administration's economic management. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2025, 12 am

Trump: US Recognizes Only Male and Female Genders

In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump declared at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the United States will officially recognize only two genders, male and female, and prohibit men from participating in women's sports. Speaking via video link shortly after beginning his second term, Trump emphasized that transgender surgeries would become increasingly rare. He recently signed executive orders that roll back protections for transgender individuals and dismantle diversity and inclusion programs within the federal government. These orders stipulate that the federal government will define sex based on biological characteristics, such as the presence of eggs or sperm, rather than chromosomes. Additionally, they mandate the segregation of prisons and shelters by this definition of sex and restrict federal funding for transition services, while also blocking the use of preferred pronouns for transgender individuals in government and workplace settings. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2025, 12 am

TN: New Hub for R&D and Advanced Manufacturing, Says Rajaa

At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Tamil Nadu's delegation, led by Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, showcased the state as a burgeoning hub for research, development, and advanced manufacturing. Engaging in over 50 meetings, the team emphasized a shift from traditional service and manufacturing to home-grown innovation. Notable developments include a global food-processing firm planning investments in FMCG products and a superfood giant eyeing Tamil Nadu's agricultural strengths. Additionally, two major finance players are set to establish Global Capability Centres, while pharmaceutical companies are considering new manufacturing plants. Minister Rajaa, speaking on supply chain diversification, highlighted the state's deep talent pool and infrastructure. The delegation also discussed initiatives to prepare an AI-ready workforce and explored collaboration with Manchester United to elevate football training standards, particularly for women, reinforcing Tamil Nadu's status as a global sports hub. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 8 pm

Tata Sons seeks CCI approval for Tata Play stake purchase

Tata Sons Private Limited has sought approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire a 10% stake in Tata Play Limited from Baytree Investments, a Temasek affiliate. This move is part of Tata Sons' strategy to enhance its ownership in Tata Play, a prominent player in India's Pay TV and OTT market, formerly known as Tata Sky. The acquisition aligns with Tata Sons' broader goal of consolidating its digital and media investments, as Tata Play offers Direct-to-Home (DTH) services and the Tata Play Binge OTT aggregator. The company asserts that the deal will not adversely affect market competition, citing the competitive landscape and the complementary nature of its services. With the Indian media landscape increasingly shifting towards digital platforms, this transaction, pending regulatory clearance, is expected to bolster Tata Play's position in the evolving entertainment sector, allowing it to better compete in the growing digital market. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 9 pm

Maharashtra signs ₹17 lakh crore MoUs at Davos

Maharashtra has secured investment commitments totaling approximately ₹17 lakh crore from various companies at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Reliance Industries leading the way by signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹3 lakh crore. The agreements were witnessed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has also finalized several other significant deals, including a ₹16,500-crore MoU with Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. Notable partnerships include commitments from Brookfield for over ₹1 lakh crore, and agreements with Sumitomo Realty, K Raheja Corp, Blackstone, and Temasek, each valued at ₹43,000 crore. Additionally, the Hiranandani group has pledged ₹51,600 crore, reflecting a robust interest in Maharashtra's economic potential from both Indian and global investors. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 9 pm

Karnataka Governor Gehlot returns Mineral Tax Bill for clarification

Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has returned the Mineral Tax Bill, which proposes a tax ranging from ₹20 to ₹100 per tonne on various minerals, citing concerns raised by mining associations. The bill, passed by the Cabinet in December 2024, aims to generate approximately ₹4,207.95 crore in revenue, with an additional ₹505.9 crore from taxing land-bearing minerals. The proposed tax rates include ₹100 for bauxite, laterite, manganese, and iron ore, ₹50 for copper ore, and ₹20 for limeshell. Congress spokesperson BL Shankar emphasized that the bill was introduced for community benefit and had bipartisan support, while former Lok Sabha member VS Ugrappa criticized the lack of traditional legislative discussion surrounding the bill. He warned that the return of the bill could hinder the state's development, noting that this is the 12th bill to be returned by the Governor. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 8 pm

India constrained by MFN rules in tariff cuts for Trump

India is currently engaged in inter-ministerial discussions to evaluate its response to the Trump Administration's "America First" trade policy, which threatens supplemental tariffs on trade partners to address the US's trade deficit. With a significant trade deficit of over $35 billion with India in FY24, the US is expected to push for lower tariffs on key products, particularly agricultural goods. However, Indian officials emphasize that any tariff reductions cannot be exclusive to the US and must adhere to the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle, which treats all World Trade Organization members equally. Trade economist Abhijit Das noted that while India previously lowered tariffs on certain products for the US under a bilateral agreement with the Biden administration, similar concessions for the Trump administration would require reciprocal tariff reductions from the US, which appears unlikely. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with exports rising from $53.1 billion in FY20 to $77.5 billion in FY24. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 8 pm

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