Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

18 Jan, 2025, 09:05AM IST, PTI
Hello Reader,

In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
Budget 2025: Will Sitharaman make roti, kapada, makaan affordable again?Budget 2025: Will Sitharaman make roti, kapada, makaan affordable again?
Union Budget: With Budget 2025 approaching, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faces the task of addressing rising costs for food, housing, and clothing. The budget aims to stabilize food prices, boost urban and rural housing affordability, and strengthen the textile sector through targeted subsidies, tax reliefs, and enhanced financial support for key programs. Read more
Hindenburg Research, whose reports wiped billions off Gautam Adani's wealth, shuts downHindenburg Research, whose reports wiped billions off Gautam Adani's wealth, shuts down
Hindenburg Research, known for short-selling activities, has been shut down by founder Nate Anderson. The decision comes after completing investigations, including those against Gautam Adani. Anderson plans to spend more time with family and invest his money in low-stress investments. His team members are taking different career paths. Read more

ET Budget 2025
Budget Session from January 31

Budget Session from January 31; Bill to overhaul income tax on agenda

 What India Inc needs in Budget

What India Inc needs in Budget to drive growth amid global challenges

 A game changing budget to revi

A game changing budget to revive India’s backbone - agriculture
More News »
Before Budget, Raghuram Rajan is worried about the big Indian middle classBefore Budget, Raghuram Rajan is worried about the big Indian middle class
Budget 2025: Former RBI chief Raghuram Rajan expressed concerns about India's middling GDP growth forecast of 6.4% for FY25 and the struggling lower middle class. He emphasized the need for private sector growth while noting the limitations of government-driven investments in supporting sustained economic expansion. Read more
Govt has a Rs 1L cr plan to prevent Jio-Airtel duopoly in IndiaGovt has a Rs 1L cr plan to prevent Jio-Airtel duopoly in India
The government is considering waiving 50% interest and 100% penalties on AGR dues for telcos like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel. This potential relief, offering over ₹1 lakh crore in financial aid, aims to maintain competition in the telecom sector, impacted by the 2019 Supreme Court ruling. Read more
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Indian IT biggies are slowly letting go of their love for H-1B visas, but US cos still want themIndian IT biggies are slowly letting go of their love for H-1B visas, but US cos still want them
India's top IT firms, including Infosys, TCS, HCLTech, and Wipro, are reducing their H-1B visa dependency by increasing local hires and technological advancements. They are adapting to US immigration changes and operational costs. In contrast, American companies like Amazon, Google, and Tesla are increasing their reliance on H-1B visas for specialized tech roles. Read more
Soon, you may not to be able to buy new car or bike in Maharashtra if you don't meet this criteriaSoon, you may not to be able to buy new car or bike in Maharashtra if you don't meet this criteria
Maharashtra's transport department plans to implement a policy making certified parking areas mandatory for new vehicle buyers to combat the projected increase in vehicle population. The department aims to reduce road congestion by introducing congestion fees, expanding faceless RTO services, and enhancing vehicle safety measures in its 100-day plan. Read more
8th Pay Commission announced: How much salary hike central govt employees can expect, how to calculate it8th Pay Commission announced: How much salary hike central govt employees can expect, how to calculate it
8th Pay Commission announced: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved setting up the 8th Pay Commission to review and revise the salaries of central government employees. The new pay commission will boost the salaries of current central government employees as well as pensions received by central government pensioners. Read on to know how much salary hike central government employees can expect. Read more
Maruti Suzuki E Vitara launched at Auto Expo 2025: Check price, interiors, range, featuresMaruti Suzuki E Vitara launched at Auto Expo 2025: Check price, interiors, range, features
Maruti E Vitara: Maruti Suzuki has launched its first electric SUV, the e-Vitara, at Auto Expo 2025. The e-Vitara will feature a range of over 500 km on a full charge, with two battery pack options. The SUV will have advanced features like a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera. It is developed in collaboration with Toyota. Read more
Israeli government approves Gaza ceasefire dealIsraeli government approves Gaza ceasefire deal
Israel's cabinet voted to approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, set to begin Sunday, ending days of uncertainty. The truce would halt the Gaza war and enable the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Civilian casualties and mediation efforts are highlighted as key elements in the deal. Read more
Maha Kumbh: Companies rope in influencers to amplify their brandsMaha Kumbh: Companies rope in influencers to amplify their brands
E-commerce platform Amazon has roped in regional and national influencers to post 'experiences' of its box beds for devotees at Kumbh, which it has placed in Prayagraj, while ITC is collaborating with regional Instagram influencers for Bingo snacks. The soaps-to-staples maker is collaborating with influencers popular among audiences in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, to create relevant content. Coca-Cola, which is launching 'Maha Kumbh special edition packs' for some of its beverages, putting up hydration carts and food court activation at the mega religious event, too is collaborating with influencers. Read more
Elon Musk hosts India Global Forum business delegation at SpaceXElon Musk hosts India Global Forum business delegation at SpaceX
The Indian delegation, representing diverse sectors from technology and manufacturing to renewable energy, discussed opportunities for collaboration on global challenges. Topics included the role of technology in finance and regulation, partnerships in space and AI innovation, and India's growing role in the global innovation landscape. Read more
Saif Ali Khan attack: Mumbai police detain a suspect, later says he is 'not related' to stabbing caseSaif Ali Khan attack: Mumbai police detain a suspect, later says he is 'not related' to stabbing case
Mumbai Police confirmed that the suspect detained in the case is not linked to Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan's attack. The intruder, who gained entry via a fire escape, fled after stabbing Saif multiple times in a robbery attempt. Saif underwent surgery and is recovering under observation in the ICU. Read more
90,000 salaried individuals withdraw Rs 1,070 cr worth wrongful tax deduction claims90,000 salaried individuals withdraw Rs 1,070 cr worth wrongful tax deduction claims
Around 90,000 employees from PSUs and private sectors have withdrawn false tax deductions claims amounting to Rs 1,070 crore as of December 31, 2024, due to incorrect ITR filings. After investigations, the Income Tax Department discovered widespread mismatches in claimed deductions. Outreach programs are being launched to promote voluntary tax compliance and awareness among employers. Read more
Amul brings a bread and butter twist to L&T boss's 'stare at wife' remarkAmul brings a bread and butter twist to L&T boss's 'stare at wife' remark
Amul created a humorous doodle in response to L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan's suggestion of a 90-hour workweek. Subrahmanyan's comments about working on Sundays and questioning the value of time off sparked debate. Amul's playful artwork highlighted the controversy while adding humor to the serious discussion. Many users appreciated Amul's timely and creative response. Read more
FD interest rate up to 8%: Check which bank is offering the highest rate on 3-year fixed depositsFD interest rate up to 8%: Check which bank is offering the highest rate on 3-year fixed deposits
FD interest rate up to 8%: Bank customers should compare the interest rates offered by different banks for the desired tenure. Here is a table comparing interest rates offered by different banks for a 3-year tenure across private sector banks, public sector banks, and foreign banks. Read more
FMCG cos tailor price points for quick commerce to protect Kirana storesFMCG cos tailor price points for quick commerce to protect Kirana stores
Consumer goods firms like Parle Products, HUL and ITC are creating exclusive product packs for quick commerce platforms to protect kirana stores and cater to changing shopping habits. These packs are priced higher and tailored for online consumers, reducing conflict with traditional retail channels. Quick commerce's sales contribution has surged, prompting scrutiny from distributors and consumer goods firms. Read more
Adani top bidder for NH stretch in Tamil NaduAdani top bidder for NH stretch in Tamil Nadu
Adani Road Transport won the bid to manage a 124-km highway in Tamil Nadu with a Rs 1,692 crore offer. Other bidders included IRB Infrastructure Developers and Epic Concessions. The National Highways Authority of India aims to raise funds through monetization by awarding highway stretches to private firms for toll operation and maintenance. Read more
China strikes with export curbs: India’s EV and solar boom faces supply chain chaosChina strikes with export curbs: India’s EV and solar boom faces supply chain chaos
Indian electronics, solar, and EV sectors face delays due to China's export restrictions on key inputs and machinery, which may be a response to India's curbs on Chinese investments. Strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea is suggested to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and build resilient supply chains. Read more
US Consulate opens in Bengaluru, but you will still have to wait before you can submit visa applicationsUS Consulate opens in Bengaluru, but you will still have to wait before you can submit visa applications
The United States has inaugurated a temporary consulate in Bengaluru, marking a crucial step in India-US diplomatic and economic relations. This new facility aims to ease US visa processes for residents in Karnataka, enhancing ties in technology, education, trade, and defense sectors. Read more