India's goods trade deficit at 42-month low following dip in gold, crude imports

India's goods trade deficit was down to a 42-month low of $14.05 billion as imports of gold, silver and crude dipped in February, show data from the Commerce and Industries Ministry. The difference between import and export of goods was $22.9 billion in January. In February 2024, the merchandise trade deficit stood at $19.5 billion. 

Trade discussions with U.S. 'positive', says official

India has 'proactively engaged with the U.S. to boost trade, says Commerce Secretary; he says talks are being held on multi-sectoral deal and to raise trade between the countries to $500 bn. 

SCs in Telangana to be placed in 3 groups to provide 15% quota

The Telangana government on Monday decided to provide reservations for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) on the basis of three major groups within the community. 

The State government has decided to provide 1% reservation from the existing total of 15% quota to 15 SC communities categorised as most socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged/overlooked, which form 3.29% of the total SC population in the State. 

Telangana Assembly passes Bills enhancing BC reservation to 42%

The Telangana government on Monday set in motion the process to enhance reservation to the Backward Classes (BCs) to 42% in education, jobs, and polls to local bodies.

The Assembly passed two Bills the Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of seats in educational institutions and of appointments or posts in services under the State) Bill, 2025 and the Telangana Backward Classes (Reservation of seats in rural and urban local bodies) Bill, 2025. 

A jab in time

India must push for vaccination against the flu for the elderly

With recent reports indicating a rise in the seasonal influenza cases in the Delhi-NCR area, it is once again time to issue a cautionary note and make a renewed effort to push adult vaccination in the country. The predominant strains involved this season are Influenza A and Influenza B, many treating physicians and pulmonologists have reported. 

H-1B workers with master's degree doubled in 2020s from 2000s

The landscape of H-1B visa approvals has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, according to data collated by the Pew Research Survey.

Why are electoral reforms necessary?

The Election Commission (EC) has invited political parties to discuss strengthening the election process. This is in wake of the allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls during the recently concluded assembly elections and issues raised with respect to duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers in different States.

SC to examine petition on CAG appointment process

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to examine a plea challenging the sole prerogative of the Centre, acting through the President, to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. 

Manufactured items hasten Feb. WPI inflation to 2.38%

Wholesale price inflation hastened to 2.38% as cost of manufactured food products, among others, increased in February, from 2.31% in the previous month, according to data from Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Prices of manufactured products rose to a two-year high of 2.86% in the reporting month.

India to gain in an uncertain world of tariffs: SBI report

Even as tariff action by U.S. President Donald Trump looms large, the SBI said India would stand to gain in an increasingly uncertain world of tariffs.