Economy news

• PPF New Rules: What If You Open Second Account By Mistake? Check Interest Rates For FY 2024–25

  04-05-2025 12:12 via zeenews.india.com
  
  PPF Account New Rules: The default tenure is 15 years, with the option to extend in blocks of five years. Investors can contribute between Rs 500 and Rs 1.5 lakh annually. 
  
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• Titan expects Watch business to cross billion-dollar sales mark in next 2 years, focus on premiumisation

  21-12-2025 06:22 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Titan's watch business is poised to reach $1 billion in sales within two years, driven by premiumization and international expansion. The company is focusing on the mid-premium and premium analogue segments, with plans to significantly increase its Helios Luxe store network. Titan anticipates strong growth in premium and luxury segments, projecting upwards of 30% expansion.
  
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• US visa delays: Indian H-1B workers stranded as Trump admin starts social media checks; firms rush to bring them back

  21-12-2025 05:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  US companies are grappling with significant disruptions as tighter social media checks by the Trump administration have led to prolonged visa stamping delays for Indian professionals. Many H-1B visa holders are stranded in India, forcing employers to explore remote work options or expedite travel back to the US to avoid visa expiry.
  
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• Prices Of Imported Agricultural Goods Rise Amid Strong US Dollar in S. Korea

  21-12-2025 04:58 via zeenews.india.com
  According to the Bank of Korea, the import price index for coffee came to 307.12 in November in U.S. dollar terms and 379.71 in Korean won terms, with 2020 set as the base year at 100, reports Yonhap news agency.
  
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• Brazil's Lula hopes EU-Mercosur trade deal will be signed in January

  21-12-2025 04:53 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Brazil's President Lula expressed hope for the EU-Mercosur trade deal signing in January, despite recent farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy. The agreement, under negotiation for over 26 years, faces delays as EU officials work to address member state concerns.
  
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• 'Don’t travel’: Google and Apple warn visa workers against overseas travel amid US immigration crackdown

  21-12-2025 03:59 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Google and Apple have advised US-based employees on work visas against international travel due to potential 12-month delays at US embassies. This follows warnings from outside counsel about significant visa stamping appointment backlogs. The delays are attributed to new social media screening requirements for visa applicants.
  
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• US labour market: After affordability concerns, America faces its next hurdle — a ‘stagnating’ job landscape

  21-12-2025 03:58 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  US job growth is significantly slowing, with hiring at its weakest in two decades. While the economy isn't contracting, this trend, fueled by retirements and immigration restrictions, suggests a stable but uneven labor market. Experts warn of a potential K-shaped recovery, benefiting the wealthy while straining others, with AI adding further uncertainty.
  
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• Data breach case: US court approves Infosys McCamish's proposed $17.5 million settlement

  21-12-2025 03:50 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A US court has granted final approval for Infosys McCamish's $17.5 million settlement in class action lawsuits stemming from a 2023 cybersecurity incident. The settlement resolves all allegations related to the breach, which Bank of America identified as originating from the Infosys subsidiary and affecting over 57,000 customers. The agreement becomes effective if no appeals are filed within 30 days.
  
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• India-US Trade: If No Deal Happens, How India Plans To Counter US Tariff Threats

  21-12-2025 03:09 via zeenews.india.com
  The government is taking proactive steps, including regulatory reforms, incentives for important sectors and strategic trade agreements to safeguard exports and attract investment while keeping pressure on Washington for a favourable deal.
  
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• EPW India collects Rs 9 crore from anchor investors; SME IPO to open Monday

  21-12-2025 02:58 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  EPW India, an IT electronics refurbishing firm, has secured Rs 9.04 crore from anchor investors ahead of its Rs 31.8 crore IPO, opening December 22. The company plans to use the funds for working capital, debt repayment, and general corporate needs. Incorporated in 2021, EPW India specializes in e-waste management and aims for growth on the NSE Emerge platform.
  
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• ED to file FIR against 970 crore fraud kingpin for laundering

  20-12-2025 23:47 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The Enforcement Directorate is preparing to file a money laundering case against Ponzi scheme fraudster Ravindranath Soni, accused of defrauding over 1,000 investors of Rs 970 crore globally. Kanpur police have gathered substantial evidence, including financial trails and celebrity connections.
  
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• Commodity trade entry by banks, insurers on table

  20-12-2025 22:50 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Sebi is collaborating with RBI and the insurance regulator to allow banks and insurance companies to participate in commodity derivatives markets. Working groups are also reviewing measures to deepen the Agri Commodity Derivatives ecosystem and optimize the regulatory framework for margins, position limits, and delivery mechanisms.
  
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• GST notice: UltraTech Cement gets Rs 782 crore notice; company says it will contest

  20-12-2025 18:53 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  UltraTech Cement faces a significant Rs 782.2 crore GST demand notice from authorities for alleged short payment and improper input tax credit use between 2018-19 and 2022-23. The company, India's largest cement producer, stated it is reviewing the order and plans to challenge it, asserting its submissions were not duly considered.
  
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• Section 80G explained: CBDT issues FAQs on ITR donation deductions; what taxpayers should know

  20-12-2025 18:40 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Taxpayers under the old regime can still claim deductions for charitable donations via Section 80G. New FAQs from the Income Tax Department detail verification processes, emphasizing donor-donee data matching.Remember, cash donations over Rs 2,000 are ineligible, and this benefit isn't available under the new tax regime.
  
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• EU-Mercosur trade deal: Lula eyes January signing; EU farmer protests and member pushback delay pact

  20-12-2025 18:32 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed hope that the Mercosur-EU free-trade agreement will be signed in January, despite delays caused by opposition from some EU members and farmer protests. European negotiators had initially aimed for a weekend signing, but Italian Prime Minister Meloni requested more time, postponing the deal.
  
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• IOB stake sale: Govt pares stake via OFS; holding drops to 92.44%

  20-12-2025 17:31 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The Indian government has reduced its stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) to 92.44% after completing an offer-for-sale, diluting 2.17% of its equity. This move aligns with Sebi's minimum public shareholding norms, with a forbearance granted until August 2026 for public sector entities.
  
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• Electricity Bill consultation: Power minister discusses draft amendments with MPs; stakeholder feedback underway

  20-12-2025 16:38 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Power Minister Manohar Lal consulted MPs on the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to strengthen the sector by mandating cost-reflective tariffs and empowering regulators.
  
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• AI boom or bubble? Is the AI bet driving US growth into risky territory; Ruchir Sharma explains

  20-12-2025 15:44 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Artificial intelligence is now the primary driver of global economic growth, particularly in the US, according to economist Ruchir Sharma. He warns of significant risks due to this concentration, noting that while AI fuels investment and market gains, its true productivity impact remains uncertain.
  
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• Housing market outlook: Nearly 70% developers see over 5% rise in home prices in 2026; demand remains strong

  20-12-2025 14:58 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A CREDAI and CRE Matrix survey reveals nearly 70% of real estate developers anticipate housing prices to rise by over 5% in 2026, driven by sustained end-user demand. Developers also expect home demand to grow by more than 5%, indicating a positive outlook anchored in genuine market needs and a calibrated approach to new supply.
  
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• Indian Railways Slapped Rs 2.8 Crore Fine Over Food Complaints In Last 4 Years: Minister

  20-12-2025 14:50 via zeenews.india.com
  In order to take passenger feedback, the complaint management system over Indian Railways has been strengthened, simplified and made more accessible over the last few years through the introduction of the RailMadad Portal. 
  
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• IndiGo To Compensate Stranded Passengers With Rs 10,000 Travel Vouchers After Large-Scale Flight Cancellations From 26 Dec

  20-12-2025 14:42 via zeenews.india.com
  Indigo Compensation On Flyers Refund: IndiGo has started issuing refunds for cancelled flights, many passengers who booked through online travel agencies (OTAs) are still waiting to be paid.  
  
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• India‑Oman CEPA To Boost Exports, Energy Security

  20-12-2025 14:27 via zeenews.india.com
  The report from Bank of Baroda said that CEPA aims to expand trade and investment, increase export opportunities for labour‑intensive micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery and engineering products.
   
  
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• Bullion outlook: Gold, silver to retain momentum in 2026 amid strong demand, says PL Capital

  20-12-2025 14:00 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Gold and silver are set for a strong 2026. Gold prices are predicted to rise moderately to strongly. Silver is also expected to maintain its upward trend. This positive outlook is driven by robust global demand for gold and increasing industrial use of silver.
  
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• FII Selling In Dec Crosses Rs 21,100 Crore, Trend Set To Reverse: Analysts

  20-12-2025 13:31 via zeenews.india.com
  Strengthening of the currency in the last two days has helped to stem the tide of FII selling, they said. During the last three trading days, FIIs were buyers in the cash market with a total buy figure of Rs 3,596 crore.
   
  
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• Skilled labour gap: Walmart steps up training to build in-house technicians; US companies widen push to fix trade shortages

  20-12-2025 13:09 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Walmart is bolstering its in-house maintenance workforce through revamped training programs. These initiatives aim to equip employees with skills in areas like HVAC and electrical work, addressing a critical shortage that impacts store and distribution center operations.
  
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• IndiGo To Compensate Stranded Passengers With Rs 10,000 Travel Vouchers After Large-Scale Flight Cancellations From THIS Date

  20-12-2025 12:37 via zeenews.india.com
  Indigo Compensation On Flyers Refund: IndiGo has started issuing refunds for cancelled flights, many passengers who booked through online travel agencies (OTAs) are still waiting to be paid.  
  
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• From insurance to SIPs to retirement: How Parliament’s Winter Session rewrote your financial future

  20-12-2025 12:19 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Parliament has enacted sweeping financial reforms, including 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension firms, to boost domestic investment amidst global trade tensions. These changes aim to lower costs for consumers, improve product offerings, and channel capital into India's growth story, promising a more competitive and efficient financial landscape.
  
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• Govt Says In Regular Consultation With Textiles Exporters To Assess US Tariff Impact

  20-12-2025 12:09 via zeenews.india.com
  The government is also administering the two remission schemes of Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups and the Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme for other textiles products.
  
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• Tech oversight: Sebi to form working group on exchange technology; aim to strengthen market resilience

  20-12-2025 11:57 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India's market regulator Sebi is forming a working group. This group will explore future technology for stock exchanges. The aim is to strengthen market infrastructure. It will also benchmark global practices.
  
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• Long-time CEO reveals leadership lessons that changed his career - key takeaways

  20-12-2025 11:40 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge transformed his leadership from command-and-control to empowering his team, realizing personal growth was key to company expansion.He emphasized creating a safe environment fostering trust and shared purpose, enabling WD-40's global reach.Ridge now coaches, warning against ego-driven, micromanaging leaders, advocating for servant leadership focused on people and values for better outcomes.
  
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