EU CONSUMER PROTECTION
Why best leaders don't try to save the world
True leadership is not about saving the world or seeking glory but building dependable people. Drawing on Vishnu's wisdom, the article explores how nurturing others, collaboration and long-term investment define lasting leadership.
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.
From GST to e-invoicing: Closing the loop on Digital India
India has already built the rails. It is time to let the invoice travel on them.
India’s FTAs to open access to $85 trillion market; Piyush Goyal urges exporters to go global
India's trade agreements are expected to provide exporters preferential access to markets with a combined GDP of $85 trillion, covering 76% of the global economy, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He urged businesses to expand internationally, improve product quality and build global brands as India pursues additional trade pacts.
Government needs to incentivise domestic solar production as China eyes curbs on tech exports: Solex Chairman
The government needs to incentivize domestic production of solar equipment, as China's proposed export restrictions may create supply issues. Chetan Shah, from Solex Energy, emphasized India's limited cell capacity compared to module manufacturing. He proposed extending the ALMM-II framework to support local manufacturers in meeting their demands. Collaborating with other nations could also reduce reliance on Chinese solar equipment.
India-Chile trade negotiations: A quiet and strategic deal beyond tariffs
India and Chile are progressing with negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to enhance trade relations. The agreement will focus on sectors such as digital services, critical minerals, and investment. Both nations seek to diversify their trade partnerships and reduce reliance on single markets, particularly in mineral exports.
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What new US crypto oversight rules mean for the market
Proposed US CFTC regulations could establish a global template for digital asset oversight. Bitget CEO Gracy Chen explains how clear federal rules can drive institutional adoption, protect investors, and spur innovation across stablecoins, tokenised real-world assets, and international markets including India.

ETSA champions show the great Indian dream is all home-brewed and visa-free: Union Minister Piyush Goyal
In a candid conversation with ET’s Deepshikha Sikarwar, he spoke about India’s trade deals, India-US relations, foreign investment, and how Indian businesses will benefit from the restrictions on the green card programme.

Microsoft stock (MSFT) falls as US targets green card filings for H-1B workers and Italy probes gaming business
Microsoft stock fell nearly 2% as the US targeted Microsoft’s green card filings for H-1B workers, while Italy opened an investigation into Microsoft-owned gaming companies over virtual currencies, consumer protection and gaming practices.

Italy launches EU-backed probe into Microsoft-owned gaming companies
Italy's probe is aimed at Activision Blizzard, among other companies of the Microsoft group, the antitrust authority said in a statement, without naming the others

Tesla is browbeating the EU to approve its 'Full Self-Driving' tech. The pressure is working
Tesla is involved in a campaign to secure EU approval for its Full Self-Driving technology. The automaker faces criticism regarding the validity of its safety research and claims. European regulators are examining the methodology behind Tesla's assertions of crash reduction performance. Tesla officials have engaged in discussions with various regulators to alleviate concerns over the technology. The outcome of this push could significantly impact Tesla's market presence in Europe.

Polish regulator suspects Google abused dominant position in publisher payment talks
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, known by its Polish abbreviation UOKiK, said the charges relate to how Google negotiates remuneration for displaying articles and snippets in its search results, Google News and Discover services.

Trump’s diesel squeeze may put Indian refiners in a sweet spot, and a bind
A potential US diesel export ban could worsen an already tight global fuel market by removing about 1.2 million barrels a day of supply at a time when Middle Eastern, Russian and Chinese exports are constrained. Europe would be particularly exposed, while India could gain export opportunities for its refiners but also face higher crude and domestic fuel costs as global buyers compete for scarce diesel.

Climate change Is making these grocery items more expensive this year
Global grocery prices are increasing as a result of climate change impacting food production. Recent research highlights that extreme weather is contributing to rising costs of essential items. Analysts predict that these trends will continue into 2027 and beyond, affecting food inflation rates. Additionally, countries previously self-sufficient in staple commodities might experience inflation due to disrupted yields.

Mexico, Brazil, UK see rising medical device imports, opening export opportunities for India: Report
Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Poland and Canada have emerged as high-growth markets for Indian medical equipment exports, India Exim Bank said. The study flagged modest Indian export shares despite rising import demand, and recommended regulatory alignment, stronger R&D, component manufacturing, skills development and trade promotion to expand global market presence.
Irish privacy regulator fines Google €403 million over location data processing
The lead European Union data privacy regulator for most of the biggest internet companies fined Alphabet's Google search engine €403 following an inquiry into its processing of location data, Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) said on Monday.

UPI MDR explained; AI leaders split on slowing down
UPI’s new MDR framework will change how large merchant payments are charged. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

EU chief to unveil social media, gaming curbs for under-15s
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will on Wednesday unveil long-awaited plans to protect children from online harm by curbing access to social media, video-sharing platforms, games and AI chatbots for under-15s. Von der Leyen will use her annual keynote speech to the European Parliament to outline new EU legislation, which according to a draft document will set strict limits on access to social media, AI chatbots and online gaming for under-15s.

EU Parliament votes to scrap carbon border tax's emergency brake, setting up clash with member states
European Union lawmakers voted to remove a clause allowing suspension of the carbon border levy. This move sets up a disagreement with EU member states who want an emergency brake. The carbon border levy imposes CO2 emissions fees on certain imported goods. Lawmakers propose using collected revenue to compensate industries if costs increase. Negotiations will now occur to finalize the rules for the border fee.

What’s in a word? For India's FMCG brands, it's increasingly everything
Indian regulators are intensifying scrutiny over misleading food product claims. Companies now face legal challenges for unsubstantiated marketing statements. New front-of-pack warning labels are proposed for unhealthy packaged foods. This regulatory push aims to provide consumers with clearer product information. Companies are consequently allocating more resources towards compliance and quality checks.

California governor signs law to limit children's social media risks
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed more than a dozen new laws on Thursday that address various aspects of children's safety online, including one that prohibits social media companies from serving addictive features to users under 16 years old. Instead, it defines "addictive" features as ones that are "psychologically exploitative" and prohibits social media companies from providing children with features such as infinite scroll, algorithmic recommendations and autoplay.

EU-India FTA: European Commission sends landmark trade deal to council for signature, paving way for ratification
The European Commission has asked EU member states for approval to sign and conclude its landmark Free Trade Agreement with India, a deal that would eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports and save exporters an estimated €4 billion a year. Once cleared by the Council, the pact still needs European Parliament consent and India's own ratification before it can enter into force.

'Bold leap for two economic powerhouses': EU Ambassador designate hails India FTA moving one step closer to finish line
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has moved closer to final approval. The European Commission presented the agreement for approval to the EU Council. This pact will remove or reduce tariffs on ninety-six percent of EU goods. Bilateral trade in goods and services currently exceeds one hundred eighty billion euros annually. The agreement is expected to come into force by late this year or early next.

Emma Bonino, Italian politician who fought for abortion access, dies aged 78
Emma Bonino, a prominent Italian politician, has died at the age of seventy-eight. Her political career began with a fight for abortion rights, which she championed throughout her life. Bonino served in both Italian and European parliaments, advocating for social justice and gender equality. She also held significant roles as a foreign minister and European Commissioner in Brussels.

With Shein, Temu rising, EU to overhaul consumer protection rules
The EU plans to update consumer protection rules amid rapid growth of platforms like Shein and Temu, aiming to curb manipulative practices and address concerns over cheap, non-compliant imports.

Shein hit with complaint from EU consumer group over 'dark patterns'
The BEUC filed a complaint against Shein with the European Commission, accusing the fast-fashion giant of using “dark patterns” to push excessive buying. These include pop-ups, countdowns, and gamification tactics. BEUC says such strategies fuel mass consumption. Shein claims compliance efforts are underway, but faces broader EU scrutiny and potential fines over consumer and digital regulation breaches.

Trade war escalates as US, EU target Chinese imports
The EU executive also said it would coordinate a joint investigation by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network of national consumer authorities into Shein based on suspicions that the company infringes EU consumer protection rules.

PayPal amends terms and conditions to comply with EU law
PayPal users will be notiofied of the changes via a policy update in February and they will take affect in May.

EU opens probe into Amazon's consumer protection measures
The European Commission on Wednesday announced a probe into online retail giant Amazon to see how its consumer protection measures stack up against a new EU internet regulation law.
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