More playtime outside, limiting online gaming help China fight kids’ sedentary behaviour
Findings are based on surveillance data gathered from more than 7,000 primary and secondary school students. In a world-first, China’s recent laws... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaHow Delhi is fighting pollution: Steps taken so far & whether or not these are enough
While the critical stage has already been reached in Delhi, the full suite of mandated emergency measures have yet to be initiated. The CAQM has not yet asked Delhi/NCR authorities to invoke all the mandated emergency steps. The city awaits a decisive move by the authorities even as its residents gasp for breath. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia looks to build consensus at WTO to block non-trade issues
India is pushing for forging consensus with like-minded countries at the World Trade Organization in order to prevent entry of non-trade issues such as environment and sustainability into the trade negotiations. Brazil, China, Thailand and South Africa are some of the countries which could get affected and India will try to build a consensus with them. The move by advanced economies to impose green taxes has already made the developing and emerging economies wary of such moves. Key Points
Economic TimesBiden administration seeks input on AI safety measures
The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday said it will spend the next 60 days fielding opinions on the measures that could ease consumer concerns about these new systems. Key Points
The Indian ExpressThe MPC’s ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ rate decision has its merits
Credit for India's happy mix of inflation and growth should be shared by RBI's rate-setting panel and the Union government. The centre's supply-side measures have helped the central bank do its job. Key Points
mint
Rising food prices: Govt mulls measures to stem price rise
Among the measures aimed at protecting the most vulnerable people in society is a possible extension of free food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). In addition, the existing subsidy support for cooking gas under the Ujjwala scheme will continue. Key Points
Business TodayIndia, US mutually resolve 2 trade disputes: WTO
“The circulation of the two panel reports is a formality given that the two sides reached mutually acceptable solutions to the disputes in July. The panel did not issue any findings on the claims made by them in the respective disputes,” said an official. Key Points
Economic TimesArgentina sharply devalues its currency and cuts subsidies as part of shock economic measures
International Business News: Argentina announces a sharp devaluation of its currency, slashing it by 50% to 800 pesos to the U.S. dollar. The government also cuts energy and trans Key Points
Times Of IndiaWill take firm action against people spreading terror narratives: J&K Police
Birdi unveiled stringent measures to combat online threats and vigilance against terror propagation on social media platforms. Recognising the evolving challenges, the IGP announced that the police will adopt robust measures and take firm action against individuals propagating a terror narrative and disturbing the peace on social media platforms. Key Points
Hindustan TimesRishi Sunak toughens UK visa rules to cut immigration: 'Radical action'
The tough new immigration rules are said to reduce the number of people able to move to the U.K. each year by hundreds of thousands. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times
'Shoot-at-Sight' orders enforced as violence breaks out in Uttarakhand amid Madrasa demolition
Over 50 police officers were injured in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, during a clash while dismantling an illegal madrasa. Shoot-at-sight orders were issued to control unrest as the demolition turned violent, with stones thrown at officials. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the clash, emphasizing adherence to a court order. Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay reiterated the illegality of the structures, with efforts underway to apprehend instigators. The government is taking strict measures to restore peace and uphold the rule of law. Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi eateries prepare to ring in New Year with precautions in place amid fresh Covid scare
New Delhi, Dec 28 (PTI) Hotels, fine-dining restaurants and cafes in Delhi are gearing up to welcome the new year with precautionary measures in place after the national capital reported its first case of the new JN.1 Covid sub-variant. These establishments aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience with sanitation and hygiene as priorities […] Key Points
ThePrintMeta must clarify measures against child sexual abuse by Dec. 22, EU says
Meta Platforms (META.O) was told by EU tech regulators on Friday to provide more details on measures taken to tackle child sexual abuse material on its photo and video sharing app Instagram by Dec. 22 or risk a formal investigation under new EU online content rules. Key Points
ReutersChintels residents demand full settlement before demolition
Residents of the Chintels Paradiso condominium in Gurugram, India, have decided to submit a set of demands to the district administration and department of town and country planning. They are seeking financial settlement, payment of rent, safety measures, and submission of pending audit reports before the demolition of unsafe towers can take place. The residents are also requesting compensation for flat owners and the option to reconstruct flats instead of receiving compensation. They want the safety of occupied towers to be ensured and for safety measures to be agreed upon in writing. Key Points
Hindustan TimesImproved forex reserve provided India's policymakers room for manoeuvre: BIS report
BIS is an international financial institution which is owned by member central banks with primary goal to foster international monetary and financial cooperation. Several members noted that the development of deeper and more liquid FX markets in the past facilitated efficient price discovery during 2022 and reduced the need for FX interventions or capital flow measures (CFMs) (including China, Indonesia and Malaysia), the report said. Key Points
Economic Times
Promoting locally practical methods may cut snakebite deaths: Study
Tamil Nadu has high numbers of four venomous snakes whose bites can seriously affect humans. Promoting locally practical methods -- with the support... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaIndia criticises safeguard measures on import of certain steel products by EU, UK in WTO meet
Several countries, including India, Switzerland, Russia, and Japan, have criticized the EU and the UK for their safeguard measures on steel imports, stating that they are inconsistent with global trade rules. The countries, speaking at the World Trade Organisation's Safeguards Committee meeting, argued that the measures violated WTO rules. Key Points
Economic TimesApple, Samsung stop India laptop imports after sudden curbs: Report
Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. and HP Inc. are among the biggest names freezing new imports of laptops and tablets to India after the country abruptly banned inbound shipments without a license. Laptop makers had been bracing for some government measures aimed at reducing reliance on imports and boosting local production, but the sudden licensing imposition caught the industry off-guard Key Points
Economic TimesIndia, US resolve last outstanding WTO dispute on poultry
In 2015, India lost a long-pending dispute over poultry imports from the US at the WTO. India had prohibited the import of various agricultural products from the US because of concerns related to Avian Influenza. New Delhi lost the case at the WTO at both the panel level and at the appellate level and though it lifted the ban, Washington remained unconvinced about the mechanism for poultry shipments and import duties and did not withdraw the case at the WTO. Key Points
Economic TimesTrade measures of G20 nations become more restrictive in recent months: WTO
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on the G20 to show leadership and contribute to economic stability and growth by unwinding recent and longstanding restrictions on trade. G20 members include India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, the UK, and the US, among others. Key Points
Economic Times
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says firing 27,000 employees is hard, but will pay off well for company
Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy has sent an annual letter to shareholders. He admitted that some of the measures such as firing 27,000 employees are hard, but the decision will pay off well for the company. Key Points
India TodaySebi using Artificial Intelligence for investigations, says official
India Business News: The Security Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for its investigations. Referring to the instances of stock market manipulations, Varshney said adhering to the law will be more beneficial and violation will cause problems. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has been taking action against violators as well as measures to enhance transparency and curb misdoings. Key Points
Times Of IndiaGautam Buddh Nagar authorities lay down the law for New Year celebrations: Section 144 imposed
The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police have implemented prohibitory measures on December 31 and January 1 to prevent unauthorized gatherings in Noida and Greater Noida. The measures also include a ban on processions, religious prayers, public consumption of alcohol, and more. Key Points
mintCrPC section 144 imposed in Noida, Greater Noida for Dec 31, Jan 1
The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Saturday announced imposing prohibitory measures under CrPC section 144 on December 31 and January 1, preventing unlawful assembly of five or more people in Noida and Greater Noida. Unauthorised processions, holding religious prayers and consumption of alcohol in public places have also been banned for Sunday and Monday. Key Points
Economic TimesBanks to need Rs 84,000 cr excess capital due to RBI tweaks on unsecured loans: SBI Economists
In a recent report from the State Bank of India (SBI), economists have highlighted that the banking system in India is anticipated to require an additional Rs 84,000 crore of excess capital. This need arises from the revised risk weights on unsecured loans, as introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The SBI economists, in their analysis released on Friday, also noted that the RBI is currently employing liquidity and macro prudential measures to attain the desired objectives of growth and inflation. Furthermore, they emphasized that the repo rates have reached their peak. Key Points
Economic Times
P&W engine issues to lead to more aircraft grounding in March quarter, says IndiGo
IndiGo, which had a fleet of 334 aircraft at the end of September, is taking various measures, including taking planes on wet lease, retaining ceo aircraft and also leasing additional ceo planes from the secondary market. Against the backdrop of powder metal issues flagged by P&W, IndiGo's Chief Financial Officer Gaurav M Negi said globally, the airline understands that a large number of incremental engines are being removed for shop visits between 2023 and 2026. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia can ride out Gaza war impact on crude: IMF ED KV Subramanian
The International Monetary Fund's executive director, KV Subramanian, believes that India will be able to handle the spike in crude oil prices caused by the conflict in Gaza. He stated that India's strong handling of the pandemic and its balanced approach to supply and demand measures have positioned the country well. However, he noted that higher oil prices may require additional measures to address inflation. Subramanian also mentioned that the impact on interest rates and the proposed Middle East-Europe logistics corridor is yet to be assessed. Key Points
Economic TimesDKS visits Bengaluru’s flood-prone areas, asks officials to take necessary measures ahead of monsoon
Officials from the BBMP said that over 2,951 encroachments on drains have been identified since 2017. Of these, 2,167 encroachments have been removed. Key Points
The Indian ExpressBudget 2024: Modi govt’s push for finding fertile grounds to tap farm votes before Lok Sabha elections
Budget expectations: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may propose increasing the amount of money transferred under the PM-Kisan scheme in Budget 2024. The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in India, with 60% of rural households relying on agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture accounts for 2.8% of the Union Budget, and last year, Rs 1,25,036 crore was allocated to the sector. Farmers in India face challenges such as slow growth, debt, small land holdings, and a lack of capital investments. Experts suggest that the government may announce populist measures for farmers in the budget, including income support schemes and agricultural market infrastructure promotion. Key Points
Economic TimesAs mercury begins to soar, India Inc steps up to keep workers sun-safe
As India braces for a hot summer ahead, companies across various sectors are implementing measures to protect their workers from the scorching temperatures. From ecommerce giants to real estate developers and oil companies, efforts include restricted work hours, flexible schedules, resting areas, access to refreshments, healthcare facilities, and breathable clothing. Key Points
Economic Times
RBI likely to focus on non-rate steps to fight rising inflation
The central bank is likely to focus on non-rate measures for the sixth time when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets this week. By announcing a lower-than-expected government borrowing programme, the government has done its bit by helping push down yields. Key Points
Economic TimesMassive sandstorm in China's Xinjiang turns sky orange, reduces visibility
A severe sandstorm engulfed parts of China's Xinjiang, turning the sky orange and reducing visibility to less than 100 metres. Authorities enforced emergency traffic measures for the safety of people on the roads. Key Points
India TodayNew French immigration law promulgated by Macron: Official Journal
France's Constitutional Council had previously censured certain contentious additions to the bill made under insistence from the right, including measures restricting access to social benefits and the introduction of immigration quotas. Macron had called on Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin after that ruling to do everything in his power to implement the immigration law as quickly as possible , a member of the president's team said. Key Points
Economic TimesIs the clean up over? 8 fertilizer stocks with 4 having “buy” reco and upside potential of up to 47%
If one looks at how the policies have panned in the last nine years. It is clear that one by one every sector has been looked upon and if that sector has been getting government subsidies in any form, the government has tried to improve the delivery mechanism of that subsidy by plugging leakage in a manner that the right person gets the subsidy and the government gets the intended result. In the case of the fertilizer industry, it started with urea getting coated with neem which was not a financial measure but had a financial impact. Similarly, there were some measures which in the short term impacted some fertilizer companies but over a period, there has been a clean up going in the industry. Will the street be having a re-look at them ? Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi schools to resume physical classes from January 15 with changed timings
The Directorate of Education under the Delhi government has officially announced the resumption of physical classes for all students in government, government-aided, and recognized private schools. According to the notification, this decision will come into effect from January 15, 2024 (Monday) and applies to students at all levels, including Nursery, KG, and Primary classes. As part of the precautionary measures, the directive states that no school, including double-shift schools, will begin classes before 9 am. Key Points
Economic Times
JN.1 cases in several states: What are the preventive measures?
Delhi reported its first case of JN.1 strain. Experts maintain that there's no need to panic. However, precautions should be taken. Key Points
India TodayIndian government blocks 100 websites for offering fake jobs, here are the details
In a robust response to the escalating threat of cybercrime, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has implemented stringent measures to block more than 100 websites involved in task-based part-time job scams. Here are the details. Key Points
India TodayIndia to extend its global presence on pharmaceutical market with BRICS plus membership
The VIII International Conference on Antimonopoly Policy at Moscow's Skolkovo Innovation Center focused on enforcing competition laws in the pharmaceutical market. Representatives from Indian antitrust authorities expressed intent to support competition laws enforcement in information disclosure and patent regulation against global pharmaceutical monopolies. Key Points
Economic TimesMeta and Snap must detail child protection measures by Dec. 1, EU says
Facebook owner Meta Platforms (META.O) and social media company Snap (SNAP.N) have been given a Dec. 1 deadline by the EU to give more information on how they protect children from illegal and harmful content, the European Commission said on Friday. Key Points
ReutersUK's IG Group says it expects to cut 10% of workforce
British online trading platform IG Group (IGG.L) on Tuesday said it would cut 10% of its headcount as part of cost-saving measures to drive operating margin expansion and become a leaner fintech firm. Key Points
Reuters
India stays optimistic about growth: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman
She pledged more steps to boost supplies of essential commodities like pulses, tomato and onion to curb food inflation on top measures already taken by the government. Her comments came on a day when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised retail inflation forecast for FY24 by 30 basis points to 5.4%. Key Points
Economic TimesUS, India agree to end six WTO disputes, lift some tariffs
India also agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on certain US products such as chickpeas, lentils and almonds, the US Trade Representative's (USTR) office added in a statement. The USTR announcement came during a visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, and both nations have also reached major deals on engines for fighter jets, semiconductor investment and space cooperation. Key Points
Economic TimesGoldman cuts China GDP forecast, citing limited options to boost stimulus
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. — which has cut its forecast for China’s growth this year to 5.4% from 6% — says Beijing is more constrained now because of a shrinking population, elevated debt levels and President Xi Jinping’s call for curbing property speculation. Key Points
FinancialexpressGovernment looks to hire retirees in health, education sectors
The Indian government is planning measures such as incentives for employers to hire retirees for part-time work in sectors including education and healthcare. The country has an aging population, with those over 60 years of age projected to double to almost 19.6% of the total population by 2050. Other measures under consideration include a minimum wage framework based on prior experience, phased retirement, role modification, and flexible retirement policies. Key Points
Economic TimesPortugal ends golden visas, curtails Airbnb rentals to address housing crisis
Portugal will end its golden visa programme, which offers residency rights to non-EU nationals in return for investments including in real estate and has been criticised for boosting house prices and rents. Successful applicants can apply to obtain a passport after 5 years. | Travel Key Points
Hindustan Times
UK's curbs on international students, foreign workers may backfire, thinks a top hedge fund founder
The UK government's migration crackdown is damaging higher education institutions and hindering the country's ambitions in science and technology. The measures will lead to a funding shortfall, reduced talent pool, and hinder the recruitment of skilled workers, impacting sectors like the National Health Service. Key Points
Economic Times