Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

22 Feb, 2025, 09:26AM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
'Zero for zero' plan: A fix for India to bypass big tariffs without ruffling Trump's feathers'Zero for zero' plan: A fix for India to bypass big tariffs without ruffling Trump's feathers
India should look at a 'zero-for-zero' tariff approach to counter proposed US reciprocal tariff increases, focusing on eliminating import duties on certain American products in exchange for similar concessions, GTRI said. This strategy can help avoid the potential negative impacts of a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. Read more
Tesla to sell imported EVs in India from April for as low as ₹21 lakh, zeroes in on Mumbai and Delhi locations: ReportsTesla to sell imported EVs in India from April for as low as ₹21 lakh, zeroes in on Mumbai and Delhi locations: Reports
Tesla aims to enter the Indian market in April 2025, offering imported electric vehicles from its Berlin plant. The company has started recruitment in India for various roles, aligning with its expansion plans. Tesla's founder Elon Musk previously emphasized the necessity of first selling and servicing its cars before setting up local manufacturing. Read more
Rekha Gupta takes the helm as Delhi CM: An old RSS hand ready for changeRekha Gupta takes the helm as Delhi CM: An old RSS hand ready for change
Rekha Gupta was unanimously chosen by BJP legislators as the new chief minister of Delhi, marking her as the first woman since 2014 to assume this role after an election. At 50, Gupta’s extensive background in student politics and her ties with RSS contributed to her appointment. Read more
Kash Patel sworn in as FBI Director, takes oath on Bhagavad GitaKash Patel sworn in as FBI Director, takes oath on Bhagavad Gita
Indian-American Kash Patel on Friday took oath on the Bhagavad Gita as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). After taking his oath of office, Patel said that he was living the American dream and added that a "first-generation Indian is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth." Read more
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Home abroad: Why rich Indians are choosing 'invest and migrate' programs for foreign citizenshipHome abroad: Why rich Indians are choosing 'invest and migrate' programs for foreign citizenship
Around 10,000 Indian millionaires have migrated in two years, thanks to the 'invest and migrate' trend. High-net-worth individuals seek better opportunities and living conditions abroad by investing in foreign properties or businesses, gaining access to residency or citizenship in countries like the US, Portugal, and the UAE. Read more
Smokey Affair: GST on cigarettes, tobacco products may be raisedSmokey Affair: GST on cigarettes, tobacco products may be raised
India is considering raising the GST on cigarettes and tobacco products to 40% and adding an additional excise duty after compensation cess ends in 2026. Currently, these products face a 28% GST plus other levies totaling 53%, below WHO's recommended 75%. The GST Council will decide on the recommendations. Read more
Sensex tanks over 2,000 points in February. More doom on the horizon?Sensex tanks over 2,000 points in February. More doom on the horizon?
The Sensex plunged 2,300 points in February as FIIs withdrew Rs 23,000 crore, driven by Trump’s tariff threats and a Hang Seng rally. Smallcaps remain vulnerable, but experts see signs of a bottom. Read more
Google Pay now charges convenience fees on bill payments via credit, debit cardsGoogle Pay now charges convenience fees on bill payments via credit, debit cards
Google Pay has started charging a convenience fee for bill payments made with credit and debit cards, with fees ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the transaction value plus GST. This move highlights a shift towards monetizing UPI transactions to offset processing costs as UPI adoption grows. Read more
Satya Nadella unveils Microsoft’s palm-sized ‘God chip’ that is more powerful than all the computers on Earth combinedSatya Nadella unveils Microsoft’s palm-sized ‘God chip’ that is more powerful than all the computers on Earth combined
Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a groundbreaking quantum processing unit (QPU) that could transform computing as we know it. Built on a topological core, this chip introduces a new state of matter enabled by topoconductors, a class of materials developed after nearly two decades of research. CEO Satya Nadella called it a fundamental leap in computing. While some experts remain cautious, this breakthrough could bring practical quantum computing closer than ever. Read more
Elon Musk’s family: A look at his 13 children, their names, ages and mothersElon Musk’s family: A look at his 13 children, their names, ages and mothers
Elon Musk is reportedly the father of 13 children, born to four women. Here is everything you need to know about his partners and children. Read more
FMCG Inc readies quick fix for urban distributorsFMCG Inc readies quick fix for urban distributors
Companies like Godrej Consumer, Emami, and Adani Wilmar are reducing the number of urban distributors to make them more viable, offering higher credit and expanding business scopes. This is to adapt to the growing shift of consumers from traditional kirana stores to quick commerce and modern trade. Read more
Where’s My Refund? IRS 2025 tracker, refund schedule, and payment updates – Everything you need to know!Where’s My Refund? IRS 2025 tracker, refund schedule, and payment updates – Everything you need to know!
Taxpayers across the U.S. are asking, "Where’s my refund?" as the IRS refund schedule for 2025 unfolds. With over 140 million tax returns expected by the April 15 deadline, millions are tracking their tax return status. The IRS Where’s My Refund tool helps users check updates within 24 hours of e-filing. Most refunds are processed in 21 days, but some face delays due to EITC and ACTC claims. Read more
Gratuity payment can be denied by employer in this condition, rules Supreme CourtGratuity payment can be denied by employer in this condition, rules Supreme Court
Gratuity payment: Supreme Court said employers can forfeit gratuity payments if the employee was dismissed due to moral turpitude reason and it was proved in the company's own disciplinary committee hearing. Earlier based on a 2018 judgement precedent this dismissal for moral turpitude reason had to be proved in a court of law. With this decision, employers can now proceed with the forfeiture of gratuity without waiting for court to decide the cases. Read more
Pi Network Coin’s 62% crash explained—Why it declined and what it means for crypto enthusiastsPi Network Coin’s 62% crash explained—Why it declined and what it means for crypto enthusiasts
Pi Network Coin, the newest cryptocurrency mined on smartphones, experienced a sharp 62.63% drop following its listing. However, with major exchanges now supporting it and over 110 million users on board, the coin holds potential. Experts predict a bright future for Pi, with expectations it could surpass $500 by 2030. Read more
India faces severe river pollution, especially in Ganga and Yamuna, threatening public healthIndia faces severe river pollution, especially in Ganga and Yamuna, threatening public health
NGT summoned UP authorities after CPCB found coliform levels highly elevated in the Ganga and Yamuna, raising public health concerns. Yogi Adityanath disputed the findings amid Maha Kumbh Mela. The report underscores the pressing need for better sewage management. Effective pollution regulation, community involvement, and technological interventions are urged to improve water quality and safeguard public health. Read more
Trump has spent an incredible amount of taxpayer money golfing in his first month as US PresidentTrump has spent an incredible amount of taxpayer money golfing in his first month as US President
Ever since Donald Trump has made his comeback at the White House, he has spent all his four weekends playing golf. Trump, known for his love for Golf, has reportedly spent almost $11 million of taxpayer money funding his golfing hobby since returning to office. This comes amid Elon Musk-led DOGE to cut down government spendings. Read more
Vedanta demerger receives approval from shareholders and creditorsVedanta demerger receives approval from shareholders and creditors
The demerger seeks to establish five independent, globally scaled companies specializing in aluminium, iron ore, copper, oil and gas, and power generation. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enable Vedanta’s management to focus on individual business segments. By optimizing asset utilization and capital allocation, the move is expected to enhance overall business performance and growth. Read more
Another pandemic? China scientists discover new bat coronavirus that poses risk of animal-to-human transmissionAnother pandemic? China scientists discover new bat coronavirus that poses risk of animal-to-human transmission
A team of Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus with the potential for animal-to-human transmission. The virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARS-CoV-2 which was responsible for Covid-19. This has revived fears of deadly pandemic that claimed millions of lives in 2000. Read more
CBSE to allow students to take Class 10 board exam twice a year from next year and introduce global curriculumCBSE to allow students to take Class 10 board exam twice a year from next year and introduce global curriculum
CBSE will introduce twice-a-year board exams for class X from 2026. This aims to reduce exam stress and allow students to improve their scores. CBSE is also set to launch a Global Curriculum for foreign schools in 2026-2027, incorporating core Indian subjects. These changes align with the National Education Policy 2020 to prioritize flexibility and student-centric approaches. Read more
Delhi has survived nearly 500 tremors in 30 years but a specialist has a 8.0 magnitude warning for national capitalDelhi has survived nearly 500 tremors in 30 years but a specialist has a 8.0 magnitude warning for national capital
Delhi Earthquakes: The recent 4.0 magnitude tremor in Delhi-NCR highlights the potential threat of a major earthquake in the Himalayas, with seismologists warning of a significant quake due to accumulated strain. Researchers emphasize the need for preparedness in the highly vulnerable populous regions. Read more

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