BEUC EU CONSUMER GROUP
Gas prices in the US are nearly half of Europe's: Why are American drivers paying so much less?
American motorists are currently paying much less for fuel compared to drivers in the European Union. The average petrol price in the EU is almost double that of the US, highlighting significant market differences. Higher taxation in Europe contributes to this price discrepancy, making it important for consumers to understand. Diesel costs also reflect a noticeable difference, though the gap is smaller than for petrol.
India finalises association with Horizon Europe for research and innovation collaboration
India has concluded negotiations with the European Union to associate with Horizon Europe for research cooperation. The agreement aims to create a long-term framework for collaborative R&D projects between India and the EU. Indian researchers will have access to European consortia and cutting-edge research infrastructure through this partnership. The collaboration seeks to deepen talent mobility and co-develop critical technologies and standards effectively.
UK plans facial recognition surveillance to identify visa overstayers and immigration offenders
The UK government is set to broaden the application of live facial recognition technology to detect immigration violations across various venues such as transport hubs, ports, and major public gatherings. The Home Office's goal is to track down individuals who have overstayed their visas or arrived unlawfully in the UK.
EU's 2030 ban on single-use ketchup sachets puts condiment packets in spotlight
Starting in 2030, the European Union will ban single-serve condiment sachets, including ketchup and mayonnaise, in restaurants as part of efforts to tackle waste. Takeaway services and specific healthcare facilities will be exempt to ensure hygiene. Alternative solutions such as refillable dispensers and small bowls will be encouraged, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable practices in response to environmental concerns about single-use plastics.
EU and India conclude negotiations on association to Horizon Europe to push innovation ties
India and the European Commission have completed negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe. The agreement is expected to enhance scientific cooperation between Europe and India significantly. Researchers from India will gain access to Horizon Europe funding and can lead joint projects addressing pressing global challenges. This association aims to facilitate collaboration in various fields, including health, climate, and energy.
- Go To Page 1
Voltas names Noel Tata chairman emeritus; Q2 profit rises 53.5%
Voltas has announced the appointment of Sunil Alaric D’Souza as the new chairman. Noel Tata will step down as chairman on November 11, 2023. The company also designated Jayant Balan as managing director starting from May 25, 2027. Voltas recently reported significant financial growth with a 53.5% increase in quarterly profits. The leadership changes coincide with improved demand for the company's air conditioning products.
Activists breach Microsoft data centre construction site as protests spread in Europe
Activist groups have announced actions in 16 countries on Friday and Saturday, according to the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" coalition, which is rallying environmental groups and digital rights campaigns behind calls to pause large-scale construction.
EU charges TikTok over harmful algorithmic 'rabbit hole' effects
EU tech regulators charged social media platform TikTok on Friday with breaching the bloc's online content rules due to the so-called "rabbit hole" effect of its recommender system, which attracts users' attention to a constant stream of
Daksham Growth Ventures raises Rs 125 cr in first close of maiden consumer fund
Daksham Growth Ventures has completed the first close of its consumer-focused fund, raising approximately Rs 125 crore. The fund is registered as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and targets a total corpus of Rs 150 crore. It aims to invest between Rs 5-20 crore in early-growth businesses including direct-to-consumer and B2B2C companies. The fund will support companies with governance, brand positioning, and distribution expansion.
Lithuania changes residence permit rules, creating fresh hurdles for Indian workers and students
In a move to tighten immigration control, Lithuania has established new residence permit rules that pose challenges for foreign nationals, especially from India. This shift affects Indian workers and students looking for work or study opportunities within the country. Particular visa types will now encounter more scrutiny, necessitating that employers assess the eligibility of candidates accurately.
Honasa looks beyond Mamaearth as younger brands grow over 45% and strengthen its beauty portfolio
Honasa Consumer saw impressive growth for its younger brands in the second quarter of FY27, particularly with The Derma Co. hitting unprecedented levels of brand search interest. Year-on-year revenue climbed by about 36%, leading to total earnings of Rs 731 crore. Notably, Mamaearth's growth remained strong, reinforcing its profitability, as the company successfully evolves into a versatile multi-brand beauty and personal-care platform.
Honasa Consumer Q2 Results: Mamaearth parent's profit surges 87% YoY to Rs 73 crore
Honasa Consumer achieved an 86.7% increase in net profit for the September quarter, reaching Rs 73.25 crore. Revenue from operations grew by 35.9% compared to the previous year, amounting to Rs 731.19 crore. Despite sequential profit decline, the company indicated strong performance across various sales channels, including general and modern trade. The flagship brand Mamaearth continued to show robust growth, contributing significantly to overall earnings.
Over half of consumers use AI for wellness, yet concerns over accuracy persist: McKinsey
More than half of consumers use artificial intelligence for wellness, yet 40 per cent of United States consumers worry its advice may be inaccurate, according to a McKinsey report.
Italy's Meloni warns Europe risks irrelevance in Ukraine peace talks
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern over Europe's fragmented approach to Ukraine peace negotiations. She highlights that differing diplomatic initiatives reduce Europe's credibility on the global stage. Meloni emphasizes the need for the EU to appoint a single representative with a clear mandate for negotiations. She insists on addressing this matter at the upcoming informal European Council in Dublin.
India-EU trade deal to ease mobility for Indian professionals, but work visas will still be required
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is set to simplify temporary entry for Indian professionals. It includes provisions for intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and business visitors. Visa applications will still follow existing immigration procedures and conditions, ensuring applicants meet specific requirements.
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla has marketed Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to prospective buyers in South Korea for years, often collecting lump-sum payments of 9.043 million won ($6,726).
Gold firms on softer oil prices, US midterm results awaited
Gold prices experienced a modest uptick in early Asian markets, spurred by a decline in oil prices that has helped ease inflationary concerns. This shift is shaping investor expectations around potential actions from the Federal Reserve. Attention is also focused on the US midterm election outcomes, which could influence market volatility, while India's gold demand faces a projected six-year low amidst high prices affecting sales.
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla is facing a consumer complaint in South Korea over allegedly misleading customers by selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to buyers whose vehicles cannot legally use it. The software, which was sold for a one-time payment of 9.043 million won ($6,726), is compatible with only about 20% of Tesla cars registered in the country, mainly US-made models.
COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
Personalised festive experiences key to brand loyalty for 72% of Indian shoppers: Survey
A recent survey indicates that 72 percent of Indian holiday shoppers prefer brands that provide personalized experiences. Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that demonstrate understanding of their preferences and offer seamless engagement. The survey found that 68 percent of respondents favor brands with an omnichannel presence for better communication. Additionally, shoppers are concerned about data security, which influences their loyalty just like festive offers.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
IKEA store in Belgium hit by fridge cyberattack; refrigeration systems impacted as supermarkets across Europe face issues
IKEA's store in Mons experienced temperature rises in refrigeration systems due to a cyberattack. Several European supermarkets, including Carrefour and Coop, also reported similar issues affecting their refrigeration control systems. A broader cyberattack targeted grocery retailers across Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Luxembourg, and Sweden, leading to food waste concerns. Investigations are ongoing regarding the causes and potential future impacts on food supplies.
Fridge cyberattacks highlight growing cybersecurity threats, EU says
A recent cyberattack on fridges at supermarkets across various EU countries shows just how much digital threats can mess with our daily lives. It's a reminder that as we rely more on technology, we're also more vulnerable to these kinds of attacks. It really makes you think about how safe our everyday items are!
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
Gold lingers near one-year low as Fed hike expectations firm
Gold prices experienced a minor uptick in early trading across Asia; however, they linger near a one-year low. Persistent worries about inflation are bolstering expectations for an impending Federal Reserve rate increase this year. The recent drop in tech stocks has placed additional strain on bullion prices, prompting a sell-off in safe-haven investments. Buyers in major Asian markets, especially India and China, remain hesitant amid expectations of further price declines.
Gold prices edge lower as US inflation data reinforces Fed outlook
Gold prices fell in early Asian trading, reflecting a decline of over 1% from the previous session. Spot gold is currently valued at $4,006.06 per ounce, while US gold futures have dipped to $4,018.50. Heightened inflation worries have raised fears of a potential interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December.
Gold dips on firmer dollar; US inflation data in focus
Gold prices experienced a decline as the dollar strengthened following the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady. Market participants are now paying close attention to forthcoming inflation statistics, which could sway the Fed's future decisions. Spot gold dropped by 0.7%, while both silver and platinum recorded slight downturns. However, palladium saw a modest uptick due to ongoing market volatility.
Europe needs to better prepare for warmer temperatures: European Union
The European Union on Tuesday warned of the need to better prepare for a feared 3C rise in global warming as it unveiled new rules to force member states to act. The EU remains committed to limit global warming to 1.5C, but European climate chief Wopke Hoekstra warned "it would be unwise not to prepare for the scenarios" during a press conference.
Load More
