EU ONLINE CONTENT RULES
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.
Who is Surekha Vani? Telugu actress' Instagram account hacked, issues warning over circulation of private content
Actress Surekha Vani has taken to social media to announce that her Instagram account has been compromised, leading to the unauthorised distribution of her private content. She has called upon users and media outlets to cease sharing this content. To protect her privacy, Vani is prepared to initiate legal proceedings against anyone who continues to circulate these materials.
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.
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.
India may lower shipbuilding subsidy localisation threshold to 20% to attract foreign investors
The government is considering lowering the minimum domestic-content threshold for shipbuilding incentives from 30% to 20%, with a full subsidy payout linked to 40% localisation. The proposed relaxation, conditional on firm investment milestones, could benefit South Korea's HD Hyundai, which plans a $4 billion greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu.
Trump's grand arch project hits legal roadblock
A major point of contention is the proposed location of the 250-foot (76-metre) structure, next to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of American service members. The giant arch would be considerably taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which inspired the design.
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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.

Vaishnaw puts onus on social media platforms to curb online harm, stops short of safe-harbour clarity
Vaishnaw said social media companies could no longer remain passive intermediaries as the digital ecosystem evolved and must take responsibility for the harmful consequences of content circulated through their platforms, including cyber fraud and so-called digital arrest scams.

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

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishanaw emphasises social media's role in child safety, algorithmic transparency
Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that social media platforms must prioritise children's safety and accountability. He highlighted the courts and police as the current recourse for citizens facing online harms. The Supreme Court declared internet access a fundamental right for children, establishing the need for a national database against abusive content. Vaishnaw reinforced the importance of giving citizens a voice on these platforms for addressing grievances.

India's Karnataka finds fuel samples exceeding 20% ethanol limit, state minister says
Surveys indicate that 80% of petrol stations in Karnataka are breaching the 20% ethanol limit in petrol sales. To address this, officials gathered 63 samples for testing after oil companies neglected to reveal ethanol percentages. The introduction of E20 petrol aligns with India's objectives to cut crude imports while boosting ethanol production.

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.

SAP must continue software support to Nayara: Delhi HC
Delhi High Court's division bench refused to stay a single judge's order for SAP India to continue software services. Nayara Energy requires access to SAP's support system for its operations, as denied access could incur high costs. SAP suspended its services after the European Union imposed sanctions against Nayara Energy for its links to Russia.

Google, Meta, TikTok sue to block California youth social media law
The law, known as Assembly Bill 1709, prohibits such platforms from offering underage children "psychologically exploitative features" that could lead to compulsive use, such as providing personal recommendations and sending videos through autoplay features. It also requires the deletion of children's accounts with those features.

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.

Delhi HC protects personality rights of actor Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon has gained interim relief from the Delhi High Court, which has ruled against the infringement of her personality rights. The court has ordered third parties to stop disseminating morphed or explicit content and impersonating her online. Additionally, online vendors must remove any merchandise that features her image or attributes. This legal action comes after her lawsuit, highlighting potential irreparable harm.

Delhi Police files FIR against Meta India over child sexual abuse material on its platforms
In response to directives from the National Human Rights Commission, Delhi Police has launched an FIR against Meta India, concerning the alarming presence of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material on its platforms. This follows previous summons from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. As a proactive measure, Meta India is now coordinating with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to report child safety violations.

Emomee calls for stronger regulation of children’s digital content
Emomee, a children's entertainment company, emphasises the need for better regulation of digital content for young viewers. The company's founders, motivated by their children's viewing experiences, focus on creating quality educational programming. Recently, Emomee launched a series on Netflix and is exploring global partnerships for distribution. They are also developing physical products and considering live events to engage audiences.

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.

How businesses are using generative AI to create content at scale
The integration of generative AI into creative workflows is revolutionizing content production and innovation. Many Indian creators are witnessing enhanced business success and operational efficiency through these tools. Nonetheless, human intervention is vital to uphold brand consistency and quality in the final results. At the ET AI Awards 2027, outstanding organizations leveraging generative AI in their creative practices will be celebrated.

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.

Google's use of press by AI chatbot may infringe copyright rules, EU court adviser says
A recent advisory from a leading legal authority in Europe highlights that press publications can sometimes violate copyright laws. The Advocate General emphasized that while copyright covers unique expressions, using such material for the development of large language models may fall under the text and data mining exception. This advisory is part of a legal challenge brought by Like Company against Google.

How to book Tatkal train tickets faster on IRCTC: Follow these easy steps, check booking timings and tips to get a confirmed seat
Tatkal ticket booking is an ideal choice for immediate train travel via the IRCTC platform. Passengers can secure their seats a day in advance, with distinct timings for AC and Non-AC classes. To ensure a smooth process, verifying accounts and entering passenger details ahead of time is advised. Additionally, adherence to Aadhaar authentication during booking is crucial. Refunds on confirmed Tatkal tickets are limited to certain conditions.

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.

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.

France moves to make rioters pay through family welfare benefit
France's Senate has approved a law to hold families accountable for damages caused by riots and unrest. This legislation allows authorities to recover compensation from family benefits like housing aid and allowances. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable families and discourage peaceful protests. Similar accountability measures are being considered in other European countries amid concerns over riots.

Out of Europe? India's steel MSMEs battle data gaps, rising cost and EU's carbon wall
Smaller Indian steel exporters say they are struggling to obtain emissions data from raw-material suppliers and bear the cost of carbon accounting and verification under the EU’s carbon border rules.

New GST registration route allows online sellers to expand using ecommerce warehouses as local bases
Starting November 1, small online sellers will have a new option for GST registration. They can use ecommerce warehouses as local bases in other states, promoting nationwide sales. This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify regulations and reduce expansion costs for small traders. Eligible sellers must meet specific conditions, including tax liability limits and operator consent.
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