Govt clears Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with Rs 12,980 crore guarantee for shipping risks

The government has approved a Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with a sovereign guarantee fund of Rs 12,980 crore to support maritime insurance amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday.The scheme aims to address rising insurance premiums and tighter approvals for shipping cover, which are currently being granted…

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ACs, TVs, smartphones to get more expensive? Here’s why consumer electronics may cost more again this month

Prices of consumer electronics such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and smartphones are set to rise again by the end of April, marking the third round of increases in four months amid sustained cost pressures on key inputs.Industry executives, cited by ET, said elevated prices of crude-linked derivatives like plastics, along with a…

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DA hike: Govt approves 2% dearness allowance raise for central govt employees

The Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central government employees, as per sources.This comes amid wider demands from employee bodies for major changes in pay structure under the proposed 8th Pay Commission.In its memorandum, the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has sought a higher fitment factor of…

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Smartphone sales see weakest quarter in 6 years

NEW DELHI: India’s smartphones market has opened 2026 on a weak note, recording its slowest start in six years as shipments slipped 3% year-on-year in the March quarter, according to Counterpoint Research. The decline may appear modest, but the underlying pressures suggest a more persistent demand slowdown.As per the report, smartphones are getting pricier, and…

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