News

India and the United States have reached an understanding on the next steps towards a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), aiming to finalize its first tranche by fall 2025. This agreement seeks to increase market access, reduce trade barriers, and deepen supply chain integration between the two nations.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren joined the BJP on August 30, citing the state government's "present style of functioning and policies" as his reason for leaving the JMM. Meanwhile, JMM legislator Ramdas Soren was sworn in as a minister in the Hemant Soren government, replacing Champai Soren in the state cabinet.

The Ministry of Finance plans to borrow Rs 8 lakh crore in the first half of FY 2025-26, with a portion dedicated to environmentally sustainable projects through Sovereign Green Bonds. This borrowing will be conducted through weekly auctions and issuance of Treasury Bills, with the Reserve Bank of India setting the Ways and Means Advances limit at Rs 1.50 lakh crore for the period.

Veteran investor Shankar Sharma champions India's parallel economy, praising its ability to act as a shock absorber during economic downturns. He argues that unaccounted wealth in the form of gold, cash, and real estate provides families with a safety net, helping India weather global crises better than other nations.

Employee attrition in India declined in 2024 as workers prioritized stability over career moves amidst muted salary growth, with the average attrition rate falling to 17.4% from 18.1% in 2023. Companies are focusing on optimizing compensation costs, with pay increases for 2025 forecast at 8.8%, the lowest expected average increment in a decade.