From Access to Advantage: ONDC’s Role in Democratizing India’s Digital Economy and Promoting Sustainability

Prof. Ashwani Mahajan Professor, P.G.D.A.V College, University of Delhi, Nehru Nagar, New Delhi ashwani.mahajan@pgdav.du.ac.in Prof. Phool Chand Professor, P.G.D.A.V College,  University of Delhi, Nehru Nagar, New Delhi phool.chand@pgdav.du.ac.in ORCID id:https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6687-1226 Annu Kumari Doctoral Scholar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi annu.8116690021@ipu.ac.in ORCID id:https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4946-6904 Abstract Today, India’s e-commerce is ushering towards…

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Impact of foreign direct investment on Indian small retailers

Nupur Goel1, Ashwani Mahajan2 Research Scholar, Mewar University, Rajasthan, India. Department of Economics, PGDVA College, Delhi, India nupurgoel82@gmail.com ABSTRACT In India, the retail industry is second largest employer after agriculture. Recorded by NSSO 64th Round 2007-08, retail trade employed 7.2% of the total workers and offers job to 33.1 million. India’s retail trade is largely…

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Anomaly of Exchange Rates

                                                                            Ashwani Mahajan and Phool Chand Based on the analysis of the economic performance of India during 2014–16,…

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Navigating the Demographic Shift: Youth’s Role in Realizing Viksit Bharat @2047

By Ms. Rakhi Solanki and Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, the nation finds itself at a critical demographic crossroads. The vision of a fully developed or “Viksit” Bharat faces a significant challenge: a steadily declining fertility rate. In 2021-22, India’s fertility rate reached 2.0 births per woman, falling…

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN RETAIL: OPPORTUNITIES OR CHALLENGES

Nupur Goel1, Dr. Ashwani Mahajan2 1Research Scholar, Mewar University, Rajasthan, (India) 2Department of Economics, PGDVA College, Delhi, (India)     ABSTRACT A small sample survey for analyzing the impact of foreign direct investment on retail sector especially, on unorganized retail sector in Delhiis conducted and the results shows the high impact on business in terms…

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The Exchequer, Vodafone and the Government

Dr. Ashwani Mahajan Associate Professor, Dept of Economics, P.G.D.A.V. College (University of Delhi) Sometime back, news flashed that the efforts for a compromise between world’s third largest telecom company Vodafone and the government of India have come to a dead end and the income tax department is going to slap a notice on Vodafone asking…

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From Access to Advantage: ONDC’s Role in Democratizing India’s Digital Economy and Promoting Sustainability

Prof. Ashwani Mahajan Professor, P.G.D.A.V College, Prof. Phool Chand Professor, P.G.D.A.V College Annu Kumari Doctoral Scholar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi Abstract Today, India’s e-commerce is ushering towards inclusive growth with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). It is a revolution in e-commerce practices that aims to solve consumers’ day-to-day problemsand…

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COVID-19 and Disparities in India: An Analysis

Abstract COVID-19 has been no less than a nightmare for the world. No community or person was left unaffected. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be seen in different sections of society, but this impact has not been uniform for all. The current pandemic has amplified the inequalities that were somehow already deep-rooted across…

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Why Housing is important for Rural Development?

Shelter is an essential component of human survival. Roof over one’s head is to be seen as the basic human right. Housing is an important aspect among the developing nation. Its main focus is to imply economic development within the rural sector. But we see shortage of shelter is a universal phenomenon faced by majority…

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Hindenburg, REIT, FII, and Indigenous Financial Capital

The financial capability, technical capability, and knowledge capability areamong the core of the self-reliance of any nation. The demographic dividend is the runway on which the technical capability and knowledge capability can rely to fly. The shelf life of technology and knowledge applications is diminishing fast. It is the technical capability that has proved as…

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The Roadmap: India to Become a Global Economic Power by 2047

The Roadmap: India to Become a Global Economic Power by 2047 Anvesha Sharma Kshitiz Negi Nishant Chaturvedi Abstract This paper focuses on the theme of India’s path toward becoming a global economic power by 2047. It critically analyses the various sectors of the economy that could potentially accelerate India’s growth. The paper takes into account…

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From Algorithms to Accountability: Rethinking AI’s Role for 2047

From Algorithms to Accountability: Rethinking AI’s Role for 2047       India, being the fastest growing economy with having the world’s second largest population, has a significant stake in the AI revolution. Recognising AI’s potential to transform economies and the need for India to strategise  its approach, Hon’ble Finance Minister, in his budget speech…

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MAJOR EXPORTS OF INDIA FROM 1947 TO 1990 (TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS)

 -By Nishant Chaturvedi ABSTRACT- This paper discusses the evolution of the major exports of India from 1947 to 1990 against the background of significant changes in economic, political, and social trends. The paper identifies such significant export sectors through a historical analysis of data and statistical evidence, mainly products of agriculture, textiles, and manufactured goods,…

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Analysing Sustainability Movements through Indian Thoughts

-By Anushka Verma   Abstract: Sustainability movements have influenced environmental discourse throughout the world. They focus on the urgent need for conservation and responsible resource management. While international movements often originate from reactions to industrialization and environmental crises, Indian sustainability movements are deeply connected with cultural and spiritual traditions that focus  harmony between humans and…

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Homage to Dr. Manmohan Singh

  Dr. Manmohan Singh served as prime minister for ten consecutive years and as finance minister for five years. His tenure as finance minister and the trade policies of the then-union government had substantial differences with the ideologies of Rashta Rishi Dattopnat Thengdi Ji. The decreasing contribution of the agriculture sector to GDP and the…

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Fertility issue: An analysis

Dr Nithyanandha Prof IIM trichy Context: Dr. Usha Sriram, a healthcare specialist provided the social context to the falling fertility rates in India. Medically, the genetics have not changed in India over the last three decades. Thus the falling fertility rates in India are fundamentally related to socio-economic and environmental issues. India cannot go back…

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Emerging Water Quality Problems in Developing Countries

Manish Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Tushara Chaminda, Pham Van Quan, and Keisuke Kuroda 1 Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam 784028, India 2 Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India 3 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka 4Hanoi Architectural University, Vietnam 5 Center for Environmental Risk…

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Education: Key to Master the 4th Industrial Revolution

Bhagwati Prakash and Jaya Sharma The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterized by the fusion of technologies blurring lines inter se the physical, digital, and biological spheres and collectively referred to as cyber-physical system has been fast embracing the world. This new industrial revolution can offer an opportunity to leapfrog rapid development and growth in the…

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India and Central Asian Republics: A Review of Economic and Strategic Partnership

India and Central Asian Republics: A Review of Economic and Strategic Partnership Rahimullah, Dr. Pradeep S. Chauhan, Dr. Sushil Sharma Research Scholar, University School of Management, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India Professor, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Professor, University School of Management, Kurukshetra University,…

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An analysis of RBI & CSO data on household savings: What is the correct methodology for such data?

If we re-estimate the Indian households’ savings based on the data provided by the RBI and methodologies suggested by the SEBI, we get altogether different figures for household savings. Here we compare two scenarios, one RBl’s estimates of household savings and two, household savings after taking into consideration financial savings using SEBl’s methodology. Traditionally, households…

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China’s Demographic Realities and Economic Slowdown: Opportunities and Challenges for India

-Dr Reeta Kumari (Researcher) Abstract China, once greeted as the engine of global economic growth, is now dealing with profound demographic shifts and a slowing economy. The nation’s declining fertility rates, shrinking workforce, and rapidly aging population pose significant long-term challenges to its economic vitality. Concurrently, structural inefficiencies, real estate crises, and dwindling export growth…

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India and the Global South: Issues, Engagement and Challenges

-By Dr. Rakesh Arya Abstract: The concept of the Global South encompasses regions in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, representing developing nations with shared historical contexts of colonization and economic marginalization. India’s role within the Global South is pivotal, leveraging its growing economic power, democratic framework, and strategic geopolitical positioning to advocate for equitable…

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Building a Resilient Indian Startup Ecosystem:

-By S Rangarajan   India’s Startup Ecosystem: Growth, Challenges, and the Road Ahead The Indian startup ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past few decades, transitioning from a back-office IT service hub to a global innovation powerhouse. In the 1990s and early 2000s, global investors primarily viewed India as a cost-efficient IT talent pool. However, the…

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India-China Relations: Issues and Emerging Trends

-By Dr. Reeta Kumari Abstract India-China relations are shaped by a complex mix of historical disputes, economic interdependence, and geopolitical competition. The primary issues include the long-standing border dispute, particularly in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, trade imbalances, water-sharing concerns, and China’s increasing influence in South Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road…

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Sustainable Energy for a Sustainable India: A Policy and Technology Perspective

– By Naman Kashyap and Vaibhav Pandey Abstract India stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition, where the pursuit of sustainable growth is inextricably linked to the adoption of renewable energy technologies. This research paper examines the current status of India’s renewable energy landscape, analyzing key progress metrics and highlighting the gaps that…

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International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-1 Report Building a Leading Economy

International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-1 Report Building a Leading Economy   Date: May 24, 2025 Time:  05:00 pm Venue: Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium Session Incharge: Sh. Ravi Pokharna Ji Three Pillars of Development: Agriculture, Knowledge, and Innovation   As Bharat moves toward new dimensions of development, three distinguished speakers…

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International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-2 Report Harnessing Demography & Strategies for Employment

International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-2 Report Harnessing Demography & Strategies for Employment   Date: May 25, 2025 Time:  09:30 am Venue: Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium Speakers: Hon’ble CM Haryana- Sh. Naib Singh Saini, Sh. Sidharth Ji, VC- DU/IPU, Minda Group-Rep Session Incharge: Prof. Somnath Sachdeva (KUK), Prof. Pradeep Chauhan…

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International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-3 Report Economic Heritage to Global Leadership: Bharat’s Journey to 2047

International Conference Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat Plenary Session-3 Report Economic Heritage to Global Leadership: Bharat’s Journey to 2047   Date: April 25, 2025 Time:  12:00 pm Venue: Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium Speakers: Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare- Sh. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Sh. Krishna Gopal Ji, Prof. Bhagwati Prakash, Dr.…

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Growth in India’s defence exports, including key buyers and exported technologies

Growth in India’s defence exports, including key buyers and exported technologies India’s defence exports are growing, with a focus on major buyers and exported technologies. It highlights the role of indigenous manufacturing and strategic policies in expanding India’s global defence footprint. Abstract Contemporary changes in India’s defence industry’s export sector are shifting the country’s position in…

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Liveable Cities in Vikasit Bharath @2047 – Part A

Liveable Cities in Vikasit Bharath @2047 – Part A     When our Honorable Prime Minister envisioning Vikasit Bharath @ 2047, the entire nation was turbo-charged to wake up and work towards achieving a decided and visible goal for the country. All the departments, in almost all the states are taking up projects that could…

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The Rise of Autonomous Warfare: Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)

The Rise of Autonomous Warfare: Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) Use of AI-powered weapons during an ongoing conflict, such as the war between India and Pakistan, Israel and Gaza the war between Ukraine and Russia By Leena Abstract The sudden imposition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary warfare has entirely reshaped how military operations are…

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China’s String of Pearls Policy: Implications for India

China’s String of Pearls Policy: Implications for India – Dr Reeta Kumari Abstract China’s “String of Pearls” strategy refers to its growing network of military and commercial infrastructure across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), encompassing ports, bases, and diplomatic ties in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives. This policy has significant…

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हिंद महासागर क्षेत्र में भारत की रणनीति: सागर नीति से महासागर पहल तक

हिंद महासागर क्षेत्र में भारत की रणनीति: सागर नीति से महासागर पहल तक – डॉ राकेश आर्य अल्फ्रेड महान के अनुसार, जिसके पास समुद्रों पर नियंत्रण है, वही दुनिया पर राज कर सकता है, जो आज 21वीं सदी में भारतीय महासागर क्षेत्र की भू-राजनीति के संदर्भ में अत्यंत प्रासंगिक है। वैश्विक व्यापार, ऊर्जा आपूर्ति और…

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Ethical Dilemmas and Cognitive Dissonance Caused by Artificial Intelligence

Ethical Dilemmas and Cognitive Dissonance Caused by Artificial Intelligence Author: Vaibhav Pandey Abstract As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies become deeply embedded in Bharat’s socio-economic fabric, they bring transformative opportunities alongside complex ethical and psychological challenges. This paper critically examines the multifaceted ethical dilemmas arising from AI deployment—including algorithmic bias, privacy infringements, lack of transparency, and…

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India’s AI Moment: A Human Perspective

India’s AI Moment: A Human Perspective By Vaibhav Pandey A New Era Begins It all became real on March 7, 2024, when the Government of India launched the IndiaAI Mission. At first, it sounded like just another government announcement. But looking closer, you realize it’s a bold promise: we’re ready to write our own AI…

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Bharat-UK FTA Deal

Bharat and Britain signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24th July during the Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to the UK. This trade deal is expected to boost annual bilateral trade by $ 34 billion. Officially, this trade deal is known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to boost bilateral trade…

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10 Years of Digital India: A Decade of Transformation, Empowerment, and Inclusion

10 Years of Digital India: A Decade of Transformation, Empowerment, and Inclusion By Vaibhav Pandey On July 1, 2015, the Government of India launched the Digital India initiative with a singular vision: to bridge the digital divide, make government services more accessible, and shape a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy (MeitY, 2015). Now, in…

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$220 million worth of deals under scanner: After 25% tariffs, US sanctions 6 Indian firms; move taken over oil trade with Iran

The US State Department, on Wednesday, unveiled the sanctions against 6 India-based companies, claiming these firms deliberately participated in “significant transactions” involving the acquisition and sale of Iranian petroleum products, breaching American restrictions on Iran. Among the sanctioned Indian enterprises are prominent petrochemical traders. The heaviest accusations fell on Alchemical Solutions Private Limited, which allegedly…

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Industry ‘disappointed’ as US Imposes 25% tariff on Indian goods

Industry and economists have expressed concerns over the US government’s decision to levy a 25% tariff along with a “penalty” on Indian exports, starting August 1. In a statement issued on Wednesday, FICCI said that it’s “disappointed” by the US’ decision. “While this move is unfortunate and will have a clear bearing on our exports,…

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RBI caps investment by a bank in AIF scheme at 10 per cent

The Reserve Bank on Tuesday capped contributions by a single regulated entity (RE), including banks and NBFCs, at 10 per cent of the corpus of an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) scheme. Also, collective contribution by all REs in any AIF Scheme should not be more than 20 per cent of the corpus of that scheme,…

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ट्रंप ने भारत को दिया एक और झटका, टैरिफ के बाद अब छह कंपनियों पर लगाया प्रतिबंध

अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने बुधवार को भारत पर 25 प्रतिशत टैरिफ लगाने का एलान किया। इतना ही नहीं उन्होंने भारत पर एक बड़ा जुर्माना भी लगाया। टैरिफ के बाद अमेरिका ने भारत को एक और बड़ा झटका दिया है। दरअसल, अमेरिका की ट्रंप सरकार ने ईरान से तेल और पेट्रोकेमिकल उत्पादों के व्यापार में…

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Malaria cases in Delhi touch 10-year high: MCD data

Delhi has seen 124 malaria cases this year so far. Weekly cases remain low, but MCD reports a rise in mosquito breeding sites with larvae in the past week. Reported cases of vector-borne diseases have seen a jump this year according to early trends, as Delhi has so far recorded 124 malaria cases, the highest…

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Kamala Harris’ first interview after 2024 loss: Former VP recounts painful experience of certifying Trump’s January 6 win – Watch

The interview came just a day after Harris announced she would not run for California governor in 2026 and as she began promoting her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, which reflects on her short-lived presidential campaign and turbulent final weeks in office. During the conversation, Colbert thanked Harris for fulfilling her constitutional duty by certifying the…

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India continuing to buy oil from Russia: Report rebuts Donald Trump’s ‘good steps’ claim; decision guided by national interest and global energy stability

Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that he had heard that India is no longer going to buy oil from Russia, government sources said oil refiners continue to purchase crude from Russian suppliers. “Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories,…

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India-UK free trade agreement: A win for India, a lifeline for global Britain

The recently signed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) represents a significant win for India, showcasing its strategic negotiation. The deal offers the UK a crucial post-Brexit trade success, contrasting with its complex US relationship, and introduces a groundbreaking gender equality clause, reflecting India’s evolving, holistic approach to trade.   Read More…

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भारत-ब्रिटेन मुक्त व्यापार समझौता: एक नई साझेदारी की शुरुआत

भारत-ब्रिटेन मुक्त व्यापार समझौता: एक नई साझेदारी की शुरुआत -डॉ राकेश आर्य भारत और ब्रिटेन के बीच हाल ही हुआ नया आर्थिक समझौता नई विश्व व्यवस्था में आपसी संबंधों का मजबूत आधार बनाने का काम करेगा। करीब तीन साल के लंबे इंतजार के बाद दोनों देशों ने आखिरकार मुक्त व्यापार समझौते पर हस्ताक्षर कर दिए।…

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What’s up in space

This is an AI Free Zone: Text created by Large Language Models is spreading across the Internet. It’s well-written, but frequently inaccurate. If you find a mistake on Spaceweather.com, rest assured it was made by a real human being.   Read More…

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Trump’s tariff to test RBI rate decision

US President Donald Trump’s tariff shock on India is complicating the central bank’s interest rate decision Wednesday, with some economists bringing forward their expectations for easing. Before Trump’s announcement, most economists had expected no …   Read More…

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World’ most powerful battery switched on

The Waratah Super Battery said to be the world’s most powerful battery, has powered up in Australia’s New South Wales. The 850- MW/1680- MWh of its capacity, which is now acting as ” shock absorber” for the NSW grid in the event of outages.   Read More…

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MoSPI proposes new base years for IIP, GDP & CPI

The government has proposed 2022-23 as the new base year for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 2024 for the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Parliament was informed on Wednesday.   Read More…

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Nearly a million more deaths than births in Japan last year

Almost a million more deaths than births were recorded in Japan last year, representing the steepest annual population decline since government surveys began in 1968. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has described the demographic crisis of Japan’s ageing population as a “quiet emergency”, pledging family-friendly policies such as free childcare and more flexible work hours. But…

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EU buys more LNG from Russia, less from US

The European Union’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia have been increasing since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, even as EU sanctioned the Nayara Energy refinery in India last month owing to the 49.13% stake held in it by Russian oil firm Rosneft, saying profits from the refinery were fuelling…

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India raises anti-dumping duty on Chinese untreated fumed silica

The higher duty on the Chinese company is expected to raise the landed cost of Chinese fumed silica in India, potentially benefiting domestic producers India on Tuesday increased the anti-dumping duty on Chinese untreated fumed silica after finding evidence that the firm in question was absorbing the duty. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)…

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