Relief package may have set stage for Govt exit from Vodafone Idea, stake sale in works

THE UNION Cabinet's nod for a relief package to Vodafone Idea may set the stage for the government's potential exit from the beleaguered telecom operator. Also under active consideration is the possibility of bringing in an investor from the private sector, top government sources, who did not wish to be named, told .

Cigarettes to cost 15-40% more from February 1

Smoking is set to turn more expensive from February 1 with higher price increases for filters and longer cigarettes. The government late Wednesday night notified the new duty rates for tobacco products including cigarettes and cess rates for paan masala.

IMD: India saw fifth driest December in 124 years

December 2025 was the fifth driest December in India since 1901, and the driest since 2001. The all-India rainfall last month stood at 4.9mm, which was 69 per cent below normal. Northwest and north India usually experience rainfall and snowfall in December, but it was an exceptionally dry December this time.

Gig worker concerns must be addressed fairly

It is necessary, however, for companies to acknowledge that gig workers form the backbone of their operations. Even as they seek to maximise profits for their shareholders, they need to listen to the concerns of workers, and address them. For instance, payment structures can be made more transparent. The fall in utility derived by the consumer from a slightly "delayed" delivery may not be significant for the companies' bottom line while it poses serious hazards for the workers. A fair and reasonable solution needs to be negotiated by both parties.

Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge

Steel and aluminium, which account for about 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, are now the most protected sectors in the developed world. The US already imposes a 50 per cent import tariff, and the EU will soon add a new carbon tax. What is presented as climate action is also a tool for industrial protection and revenue generation.

Navigating a world without norms

Governments will continue to invoke the language of norms, but selectively. New Delhi is an advocate of territorial sovereignty in Asia, but is reluctant to criticise Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

PFRDA allows banks to set up pension funds to manage NPS

A pension fund is an intermediary responsible for receiving contributions, accumulating them, and making payments to subscribers as specified by regulations.

A shift in the climate narrative as Paris pact comes under scrutiny

In the Paris pact, achievement of the 1.5 or 2 degree Celsius targets is predicated on global cooperation.

The experience of the last 10 years shows that this approach is disconnected from the way countries actually behave in the global arena.