Chip export thaw: China exempts some Nexperia products from ban; signals easing with Europe

China on Saturday said it will exempt certain Nexperia semiconductor products from an export ban imposed amid a dispute with Dutch authorities, signalling a partial easing of tensions that had alarmed European businesses.Anxiety over potential chip shortages had mounted after the Netherlands invoked a Cold War-era law in late September to take control of Nexperia,…

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Coal revival drive: ECL reopens two closed mines under MDO model; aims to cut losses and lift output

In a major step towards restructuring its operations, Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has reopened two previously closed mines under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) revenue-sharing model. The move, inaugurated virtually by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday, marks a strategic shift aimed at reviving loss-making assets and improving operational efficiency, PTI reported…

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Coal output trend: Coal India production drops 9.8% in October; offtake weak amid post-monsoon slowdown

Coal India Ltd (CIL) reported a 9.8 per cent year-on-year fall in production to 56.4 million tonnes in October, reflecting a continuing slump in operations amid subdued demand and post-monsoon challenges.According to provisional data released by the company on Saturday, coal offtake during the month also declined 5.9 per cent to 58.3 million tonnes, PTI…

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8th Pay Commission: How is hike in pension amount calculated? Check details

Many retired central government employees are waiting to see how the 8th Pay Commission will impact their pensions, now that the Centre has approved the commission’s Terms of Reference (ToR) and given an 18-month timeline for the report. Although pay commission discussions usually revolve around serving employees, pensioners outnumber them. As per the government’s Pensioners’…

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Currency update: Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 5,817 crore still in circulation; RBI says 98.37% of high-value bills returned

High-value Rs 2,000 denomination notes worth Rs 5,817 crore remain in circulation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in data released on Saturday.The central bank had announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes from circulation on May 19, 2023, while clarifying that the currency continues to remain legal tender, PTI reported.According to the RBI,…

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Energy demand trends: Power consumption dips 6% to 132 billion units in October; unseasonal rains and cooler weather curb usage

India’s power consumption fell 6% year-on-year to 132 billion units (BUs) in October from 140.47 BUs in the same month last year, mainly due to lower use of cooling appliances and unseasonal rains across several regions, PTI reported.Experts attributed the decline to the combined impact of widespread rainfall and the early onset of winter, which…

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Small business owners alert! Secure your GST registration in just 3 days; check details

Small and low-risk enterprises will soon be able to secure their Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration in just three working days. The GST department is introducing a simplified registration route for small and medium businesses, which becomes operational from Saturday. India’s Digital ID, GST Reform Win Global Recognition From IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva Under…

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GST revenue momentum: Collections rise 4.6% to Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October; festive demand offsets impact of rate cuts

India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 4.6% year-on-year to about Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October, driven by festive demand and pent-up consumption, according to government data released on Saturday.The increase came despite GST rate cuts on 375 items–from kitchen essentials to electronics and automobiles–that took effect from September 22, coinciding with…

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‘Alerted everyone’: US treasury secy Scott Bessent slams China over rare earth controls; calls it a ‘real mistake’

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent criticised China’s decision to tighten control of rare earth exports, calling it a “mistake” that cautioned everyone.Reflecting on China’s decision to introduce new export restrictions in October, Bessent said the move had revealed Beijing’s willingness to weaponise rare earths, a group of minerals that are vital to defence systems, electric…

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