Shutdown strain: US economy reels under layoffs and lost pay; food banks, small firms struggle to cope

Washington’s economy is facing deepening distress as the longest-ever US government shutdown, mass layoffs of federal workers, and cuts to food assistance converge to hit households and small businesses across the capital region, AP reported.The Capital Area Food Bank, which supports more than 400 pantries and aid organisations across the District of Columbia, northern Virginia,…

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Investor alert: Sebi flags digital gold risks; should you trust unregulated platforms?

Markets regulator Sebi has warned investors against putting money into digital or e-gold products, cautioning that such instruments fall outside its regulatory framework and carry significant risks, PTI reported.The advisory follows Sebi’s observation that several online platforms have been promoting “digital gold” or “e-gold” as a convenient alternative to physical gold, without disclosing that these…

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Trade ties: India, Australia review CECA talks; reaffirm push for early deal to boost economic partnership

India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the second phase of their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest, as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with his Australian counterpart Don Farrell to review the progress of negotiations, PTI reported.According to an official statement, both sides agreed to work “constructively…

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Gold market trends: Prices drop for third week as dollar stays firm; Fed tone and China move weigh on sentiment

Gold prices extended their decline for the third straight week, pressured by a stronger US dollar and cautious remarks from Federal Reserve officials that curbed investor appetite for safe-haven assets, analysts said.The sustained firmness in the greenback and the US central bank’s wait-and-watch stance have kept bullion trading in a narrow range through the holiday-shortened…

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The Scent of Purpose: Blossom Kochhar’s Journey from Kitchen Table to Factory Floor

In this CXO Connect conversation with Prasad Sanyal, beauty pioneer Dr Blossom Kochhar looks back at four decades of building India’s aromatherapy movement—from hand-blending creams on her kitchen table to shaping the country’s wellness education ecosystem. When your name is Blossom, destiny doesn’t really do nuance. It arrives in full bloom. Her father, a coffee…

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Sustainability push: Tea Board urges strict food safety compliance; new code promotes eco-friendly pest control and worker welfare

The Tea Board has called on the industry to adopt food safety standards more effectively, saying compliance will be critical for long-term sustainability and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.Releasing its new Plant Protection Code (PPC), the Board said adherence to food safety norms would not only protect the plantation ecosystem but also ensure…

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