Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

17 May, 2025, 01:40PM IST, PTI


Hello Reader,

In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
How India Pak went from near-war to a fight-pause over a weekendHow India Pak went from near-war to a fight-pause over a weekend
Following strikes on terror camps after the Pahalgam attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting key terror infrastructure in Pakistan. After Pakistan's military response, India systematically degraded Pakistan's air defenses, culminating in strikes on Pakistani airbases. Facing immense military and diplomatic pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, with India demanding de-escalation measures. Read more
IndusInd Bank probes yet another accounting issueIndusInd Bank probes yet another accounting issue
IndusInd is facing scrutiny over past accounting reversals flagged in a whistleblower letter to the RBI and the board. The letter also highlighted a discrepancy in interest income from the microfinance portfolio and an inappropriate relationship between a senior executive and an employee. These issues led to internal and forensic audits, executive resignations, and a significant financial provision. Read more
India offered US a deal, basically zero tariffs, says Donald TrumpIndia offered US a deal, basically zero tariffs, says Donald Trump
President Trump announced in Doha that India has proposed a trade agreement to the US, potentially eliminating tariffs on a wide array of American products. This development follows positive discussions on trade tariffs, with Trump expressing optimism about reaching a deal soon. Read more
India releases first-ever monthly unemployment data; April jobless rate at 5.1%India releases first-ever monthly unemployment data; April jobless rate at 5.1%
India initiated monthly labor force and unemployment data releases on May 15, offering real-time unemployment monitoring. The unemployment rate in April 2025 was 5.1% for individuals aged 15 and above, slightly higher for men (5.2%) than women (5.0%). This monthly data, collected under the PLFS's CWS, aims to provide faster, more detailed insights into India's labor market. Read more
icon
India's retail inflation eases to a 6-year low of 3.16% in AprilIndia's retail inflation eases to a 6-year low of 3.16% in April
India's retail inflation eased to 3.16% in April, down from 3.34% in March, primarily due to a further moderation in food prices. This marks the third consecutive month inflation has stayed below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target. Economists had predicted inflation would fall to 3.27%. Read more
SUVs drive April auto sales up 4% as entry-level buyers hold backSUVs drive April auto sales up 4% as entry-level buyers hold back
India's auto sector saw mixed results in April, with overall vehicle dispatches rising 3.9%. Passenger vehicle sales hit a record high, driven by SUV demand, while two-wheeler sales declined significantly due to a high base effect from the previous year. Read more
Trump wants Apple to stop moving iPhone production to India, says New Delhi can take care of itselfTrump wants Apple to stop moving iPhone production to India, says New Delhi can take care of itself
U.S. President Donald Trump said he urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop expanding manufacturing in India, expressing concern during their recent conversation in Qatar. Trump stated that Apple would instead increase its production in the United States following their discussion. Read more
Content producers' reel Trouble: Unsold scripts pile up as OTT, TV platforms tighten budgetsContent producers' reel Trouble: Unsold scripts pile up as OTT, TV platforms tighten budgets
Content production houses are facing challenges due to a backlog of unreleased films and streaming content, resulting in significant unsold inventory. With broadcasters and OTT platforms reducing budgets, the industry is grappling with falling acquisition prices and consolidation. Several studios, including Applause Entertainment and Jio Studios, are affected by this slowdown, impacting both film and TV show productions. Read more
All quiet on Bollywood front: Producers postpone launches, delay promotions as border tensions dent confidenceAll quiet on Bollywood front: Producers postpone launches, delay promotions as border tensions dent confidence
Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted the Hindi film industry, leading to delayed promotions, postponed releases, and potential losses of ₹150-200 crore. Uncertainty in theatrical performance and low producer confidence further contribute to the industry's woes, with some films opting for direct streaming releases. While some believe the impact will be minimal, others fear substantial financial repercussions. Read more
Govt may discourage destination weddings, film shooting in Turkiye, AzerbaijanGovt may discourage destination weddings, film shooting in Turkiye, Azerbaijan
India may discourage tourism, destination weddings, and film shoots in Turkiye and Azerbaijan. This action is likely due to their support for Pakistan. Trade ties are already under scrutiny. Educational collaborations are also being reconsidered. Indian film organizations have appealed for a boycott. The government may withdraw support for filmmakers in these nations. Read more
Nuclear leak happened in Pakistan’s Kirana Hills? World’s top atomic agency finally issues statementNuclear leak happened in Pakistan’s Kirana Hills? World’s top atomic agency finally issues statement
The IAEA confirmed there was no radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan, dismissing reports that Indian strikes hit Kirana Hills. Indian and Pakistani officials also denied the claims. Speculation had grown following sightings of U.S. and Egyptian aircraft linked to nuclear emergencies, but these were unverified and rejected by military sources as unfounded rumours. Read more
India en route to boost Gulf trade amid tensions with PakistanIndia en route to boost Gulf trade amid tensions with Pakistan
India strengthens its economic bonds with Gulf nations. Trade agreements are being finalized. A free trade agreement with Oman is expected soon. Similar pacts with Qatar and other Gulf countries are under consideration. India already has a trade deal with the UAE. Negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council are ongoing. Read more
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 27 as 4 more dieAmritsar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 27 as 4 more die
The death toll in the Punjab hooch tragedy has tragically climbed to 27 in Amritsar, with four additional fatalities reported in the Majitha area. Authorities are providing financial assistance to the affected families, including Rs 10 lakh for the deceased's families and Rs 2 lakh for those hospitalized. Read more
31 Naxals killed in 21-day operation across Karregutta Hills31 Naxals killed in 21-day operation across Karregutta Hills
Security forces conducted a 21-day operation against Naxals in Chhattisgarh. They eliminated 31 Naxals, including 16 women, near Karregutta hills. The operation targeted key Naxal organizations. Forces recovered weapons and destroyed weapon-making units. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the goal of a Naxal-free India by March 31, 2026. Security forces are intensifying efforts to eliminate Naxalism. Read more
Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, says "#269 signing off"Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, says "#269 signing off"
Virat Kohli Retirement News: Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, reflecting on a transformative 14-year journey. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 36-year-old expressed gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned in the format, stating that stepping away feels right despite the difficulty. He thanked the game, his teammates, and fans, signing off with a smile on his Test career. Read more
US slashes 'de minimis' tariff on small China parcels to 54%US slashes 'de minimis' tariff on small China parcels to 54%
The United States is set to ease trade tensions with China by reducing the "de minimis" tariff on low-value goods, benefiting e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. Effective May 14, 2025, the tariff will decrease to 54% from 120% for items under $800, with a $100 flat fee option. Read more

Experience your trusted ET newspaper. Now in a brand new way.
The Economic Times print edition. Experience it now with your ET Prime membership.

Read Today's Print Edition
MORE NEWSLETTERS
ET More Newsletter

Daily Newsletter

Special stories that round up the major developments of the day

SUBSCRIBE
ET More Newsletter

ET Mutual Fund

A weekly round-up of the top news and views from the mutual fund industry

SUBSCRIBE
ET More Newsletter

ET Investment Opportunities

Property, Stocks, IPOs, NFOs, Mutual Funds and latest investment options in your inbox

SUBSCRIBE
ET More Newsletter

Wealth

Weekly news on personal finance, stocks, property, gold, tax planning and more

SUBSCRIBE
Thanks for reading. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.