Over 80% of urban consumers said spending on essential items has increased. | Photo Credit: STAFF Urban consumers in India began the new year with both hope and concern. On the one hand, India’s retail inflation eased to a five-month low of 4.31% in January, providing some relief to consumers by reducing the pressure on … Read more
(1) President Trump’s Executive Orders U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20, 2025 and as of February 11, he has signed 63 executive orders, which is more than those signed by any recent President in their first one hundred days in office, even surpassing the number of executive orders he signed during his first term … Read more
Data Point: Was the 40 lakh elector increase in Maharashtra in 2024 unusual? | Video Credit: The Hindu The surge in electors in Maharashtra became a subject of controversy after the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised the issue at a recent press conference. He pointed out that between the … Read more
Originally intended for small and marginal farmers, the PM-KISAN was later extended to all farmers who owned lan | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), which provides yearly income support of ₹6,000 to eligible farmer families in three instalments, has been through highs and lows both in terms of coverage … Read more
Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: AP Israel and Hamas agreed on the first draft of a ceasefire deal on Wednesday (January 15, 2025), signalling the biggest step yet toward an end to the conflict. Among other things, … Read more
(1) Trump returns to the White House Donald Trump is all set to return to the White House with his second inauguration as president of the United States. Mr. Trump, 78, will formally be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at 12 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) on Monday (January 20, 2025). … Read more
In July 2024, the EU sourced close to 15% of its crude oil from the U.S | Photo Credit: Peter Boer U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on many countries if they do not fulfil certain conditions. In November last year, he said he would impose sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, China, … Read more
More than 80% of government schools in India are equipped with functional electricity, ramps, boys’ and girls’ toilets, handwash, and libraries. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Government schools have notably improved in the provision of basic infrastructure facilities to students over the past 10 years, and are almost on a par with private schools, data … Read more
(1) Thailand is third in Asia to enact same-sex marriage Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand made their wedded status legal on Thursday (January 23, 2025), the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples. The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast … Read more
One in three consumers in India is eyeing electric vehicles (EVs) for their next purchase, says the ‘Think Mobility’ report by Google and BCG. Women are emerging as key decision-makers in the EV market. While EV-related challenges persist, innovations and localised manufacturing could pave the way for greater adoption, says the report. The report highlights … Read more