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☆ India, Russia in talks on free trade deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attends a news conference following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, November 8, 2022. Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via REUTERSNEW DELHI, April 17 (Reuters) - India and Russia are discussing a free trade agreement, ministers said on Monday, a move that would further deepen bilateral commercial ties that have flourished since war broke out in Ukraine. Russia, a traditional defence equipment supplier, also displaced Iraq last month to become India's top supplier of crude oil. Moscow was looking to increase machinery imports from India to improve the trade balance, Manturov said. India too aims to narrow its growing trade deficit with Russia, which has been India's largest supplier of military equipment for decades and is the fourth-biggest market for Indian pharmaceuticals.

☆ Russia's Gazprombank deepens ties with Indian banks for bilateral trade
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Nidhi Verma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Trade between India and Russia has surged since the West imposed sanctions against Russia for its invasion last year of Ukraine, which has altered flows of oil and other goods. "Now we have infrastructure, we have payments from banks ... it is much better than it was three months ago," she added. Gazprombank is Russia's third-largest lender by assets and a key conduit of the Russian energy trade. Due to higher purchases of oil, the trade balance is tilted increasingly in favour of Russia. India last year implemented a broader framework to facilitate overseas trade in rupees and since then many foreign banks, including Gazprombank and other Russian institutions, have opened vostro accounts with Indian banks.

☆ Stop worrying about the perfect interview answer and don't send in a ChatGPT cover letter: How to get your next job, according to 3 tech recruiters
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-16 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

About 333,000 tech workers were laid off in 2022 and 2023, according to data compiled by layoffs.fyi. We asked three tech recruiters to share their best tips for finding a job. About 333,000 tech workers got laid off in 2022 and 2023, according to data compiled by layoffs.fyi. Things started unraveling in late 2022 when tech company after tech company started announcing broad layoffs. Julia Pollock, the chief economist at American hiring platform ZipRecruiter, told the Wall Street Journal that in April 2022, there were over 10,000 job openings for tech recruiters.

☆ Bird Flu Keeps Raging. Some Say Vaccines Are Needed to Stop It.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Nidhi Subbaraman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The current bird-flu outbreak has felled 58 million farmed birds in the U.S.To stop the devastating global bird-flu outbreak that has killed over 100 million poultry, the U.S. and Europe are embracing a tactic many countries have long resisted: vaccines. The U.S. and parts of Europe don’t routinely inoculate poultry against bird flu, which emerges every few years and spreads and kills easily, but typically recedes after domestic birds are culled.

☆ China is home to one of the world's biggest luxury markets, and it's starting to make a comeback after the country's 3-year COVID lockdowns
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China is an important luxury market. Bain expects these consumers will account for 46% of the global luxury market by 2025. However, Wu's comments echoed Bain's positive outlook for China's luxury market. China's consumer price index, or CPI — the monthly change in prices paid by consumers — showed bleak data for March. It could be the reason Bank of America's Wu told CNBC that strong recovery across China's consumer sector has not yet been seen.

☆ Gen Z isn't letting the economy keep them from living their most luxurious lives. They're just buying stuff secondhand instead.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

About a third of Gen Z choose secondhand to afford higher-end brands, according to a ThredUp report. And even increasing economic uncertainty is not deterring their pursuit of the good life — they're just buying secondhand instead. About 30% of Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are buying secondhand items to afford higher-end brands, according to an April 5 resale report by ThredUp, an online thrift store and resale platform. Moreover, 64% of the surveyed members of Gen Z look for an item secondhand before buying it new, up four percentage points from 2021, per ThredUp's report. And while Ricci wasn't specifically referencing her habits in relation to buying secondhand items, ThredUp's report states that more than 80% of Gen Z considered the resale value of apparel before making a purchase.

☆ South Korean millennials and Gen Z are raging against the idea of a 69-hour workweek. They are tired, having fewer babies, and are even working themselves to death.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | Reena Koh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The South Korean government wants to increase the workweek to 69 hours. The 69-hour limit relates to a six-day workweek, while the 80.5-hour limit is applicable for a seven-day workweek, according to South Korean outlet Han Kyeo Re. In 2020, 14 delivery couriers in South Korea died of overwork stemming from increased deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reported, citing a union representative. Notably, the culture of long working hours and death linked to overworking is not specific to South Korea. However, the government is trying to disconnect longer working hours from low birth rates.

☆ LVMH boss Bernard Arnault's wealth soared over $200 billion, making him the third person ever after Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to reach the milestone
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

LVMH boss Bernard Arnault's net worth surpassed $200 billion on Tuesday. Arnault is also the first person outside the US to surpass a net worth of $200 billion. His net worth gained $2.4 billion on Tuesday, bringing the Frenchman's fortune to $201 billion, per Bloomberg's index. Shoppers in China are expected to boost the luxury goods sector this year after the country lifted COVID-zero restrictions. The 73-year-old tycoon has not announced who will succeed him as LVMH CEO.

Europe typically imported an average of 154,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel and jet fuel from India before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That increased to 200,000 bpd after the European Union banned Russian oil products imports from Feb. 5, Kpler data showed. OIL PRODUCTSAs Europe's ban kept Russian products out, India's diesel exports to the continent rose 12-16% to 150,000-167,000 bpd in the last fiscal year, the Kpler and Vortexa data showed. The key European buyers of Indian diesel are France, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands, the Kpler data showed. Indian oil products exportsBesides increasing exports to Europe, India has also boosted vacuum gas oil (VGO) shipments to the U.S.

☆ Exclusive: India's Bank of Baroda stops clearing payment for above-cap Russian oil - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Nidhi Verma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"Bank of Baroda is extremely cautious in settling payments for Russian oil bought (at levels) above the price cap," one of the sources said. After Western sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, Indian refiners have been gorging on discounted Russian oil. Russia has replaced Iraq as the top oil supplier to India in the last few months, data from trade sources showed. It was not clear if Axis Bank had also stopped settling trades for Russian oil sold above the price cap. India does not recognise the Western price cap on Russian oil, a senior oil ministry source said last month.

☆ Exclusive: Russia shifts to Dubai benchmark in Indian oil deal - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Nidhi Verma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationNEW DELHI, April 3 (Reuters) - Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft (ROSN.MM) and India's top refiner Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS) agreed to use the Asia-focused Dubai oil price benchmark in their latest deal to deliver Russian oil to India, three sources familiar with the deal said. Rosneft's chief executive Igor Sechin said in February that the price of Russian oil would be determined outside of Europe as Asia has emerged as largest buyer of Russian oil since the West imposed progressively tighter sanctions on the export. Under the new deal, announced on March 29, Rosneft will nearly double oil sales to Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), two of the sources told Reuters. The European Union nations stopped buying Russian oil from Dec. 5 and the Group of Seven (G7) countries joined the EU in imposing a price cap on Russian crude of $60 per barrel. The move was aimed at cutting Russia's oil revenue while maintaining stability on the global oil market.

☆ India extends export curbs on gasoline, diesel - government
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MUMBAI, April 2 (Reuters) - India has extended restrictions on the export of diesel and gasoline, the government said in a notification, as New Delhi tries to ensure the availability of refined fuels for the domestic market. The government had imposed the curbs on gasoline and gasoil exports through Friday's end of the financial year. The extension may discourage some Indian refiners, mainly private companies, from buying Russian fuel for re-exports to countries including those in Europe that have stopped purchases of refined products from Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. Reporting by Nidhi Verma and Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ India keeps domestic gas prices on hold for now
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW DELHI, March 31 (Reuters) - India will provisionally keep the price of locally produced gas from old fields at $8.57 per million metric British thermal units (mmBtu), the government said on Friday, while it considers a potential change to the pricing formula. Keeping gas prices at the current level could hit the earnings of producers such as government-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) (ONGC.NS) and Oil India Ltd (OILI.NS). Over 80% of India's yearly gas output of 91 billion cubic metres comes from old fields owned by ONGC and Oil India. India currently links prices of locally produced gas from old fields to a formula tied to global benchmarks, including Henry Hub, Alberta gas, NBP and Russian gas. However, it added it had lowered the ceiling price of domestic natural gas from difficult fields for April-September to $12.12 per mmBtu from $12.46 per mmBtu.

☆ India to cut gas prices from April 1 after review panel report - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Nidhi Verma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW DELHI, March 27 (Reuters) - India's cabinet is set to adopt a gas panel report this week, which has recommended capping the price for most local gas at $6.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) in April, two sources said on Monday. India last year set up the panel, led by energy expert Kirit Parikh, to review India's gas pricing formula to ensure fair prices to consumers after state-set prices of gas from old fields and a ceiling price for output from hard-to-access, difficult blocks rose to record highs. The current price of gas from old blocks is set at $8.57 and is valid from October to end-March. Oman and Dubai crudes make up on average 75.6% of India's crude basket, with 24.5% coming from dated Brent. India's current local gas prices are linked to global benchmarks and are revised twice a year in April and October.

☆ Wall Street says TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew had a 'disaster' day in Congress — but the internet is loving him
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Reena Koh | Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

On Thursday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appeared before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Wall Street slammed Chew's testimony, dubbing it a "disaster moment" for TikTok. The video has over 1.2 million views, over 215,000 likes, and a range of comments expressing their approval for Chew. Two days before the Congressional hearing, TikTok's official account shared a rare video of Chew casually introducing himself to people. In the video, Chew gave context about the hearing and asked viewers to tell him what they enjoyed about the app.

☆ Gen Z is chalking up credit card debt and falling behind on their payments faster than any other generation, new report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Gen Z is chalking up credit card debt faster than any other generation, a Credit Karma report says. Those in Generation Z — born between 1997 and 2012 — are racking up credit card debt faster than any other generation, according to a March 16 report from Credit Karma, a California-based personal finance company. Millennials, meanwhile, had average credit card debt of $5,898 in the last quarter of 2022. This includes credit card, mortgage, student loans, medical loans, auto lease, or auto loan accounts that are overdue by more than 30 days, per Credit Karma. Credit Karma's report comes as the luxury market looks to tap Gen Z spenders as more in the cohort gain spending power amid high inflation.

☆ Swiss banking, known for its secrecy, gets put in the spotlight
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Credit Suisse stock plummeted on Wednesday during the bank's largest one-day selloff to date. UBS begrudgingly agreeing to acquire rival Credit Suisse has put Swiss banking on center stage. Credit Suisse has stumbled through its fair share of crises in recent years. The sale of Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion begs the question: What the hell are neobanks worth? If a long-established, albeit beleaguered, investment bank was sold at such a discount, then what could a digital-only consumer bank really go for?

NEW DELHI, March 20 (Reuters) - India plans to extend restrictions on the export of diesel and gasoline after the current fiscal year ends this month to ensure the availability of refined fuels for the domestic market, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. That forced state refiners to fill the void and meet demand at home by selling fuels at government-capped lower prices. "We would like to extend it ... we want private companies to sell diesel and petrol in the Indian market. Why should only state-run companies suffer when all Indian refiners are buying discounted Russian oil," the official said. Reporting by Nidhi Verma and Nikunj Ohri; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

One recruiter told Insider they'd seen an influx of resumès of a similar scale to the 2008 financial crisis. Executives looked 'very downbeat' at an all-company meetingHeadquartered in Zurich, Credit Suisse has a large presence in Europe. A European-based headhunter told Insider they'd "heard there were some tears" from Credit Suisse veterans about the prospect of the bank's takeover. As Credit Suisse's outflows accelerated over recent months, it appears its employees have hunted for other postings. One industry headhunter in the UK said their desk has piled up with job applications from Credit Suisse workers for around a month.

☆ Inside the world of high-end crypto rehab centers, where a 4-week stay can cost you $320,000 and no luxury is spared
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Crypto addiction is like a "casino in your pocket" says the founder and CEO of The Balance, a crypto rehab center. Enter: luxury crypto rehab centers. It calls itself the "world's best luxury rehab center and mental health clinic" and a "safe haven where you can find recovery, peace, rest, and happiness." The Diamond rehab center, ThailandAnd then there's the property's luxury offerings: a spa, golfing, boat trips, and sporting activities. The Diamond rehab center, ThailandThe Diamond started offering crypto rehab services at the beginning of 2021.

☆ India says situation with China fragile, dangerous in the Himalayan front
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW DELHI, March 18 (Reuters) - The situation between India and China in the western Himalayan region of Ladakh is fragile and dangerous, with military forces deployed very close to each other in some parts, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. At least 24 soldiers were killed when the two sides clashed in the region in mid-2020, but the situation has been calmed through rounds of diplomatic and military talks. "The situation to my mind still remains very fragile because there are places where our deployments are very close up and in military assessment therefore quite dangerous," Jaishankar said at an India Today conclave. Jaishankar said he discussed the situation with China's new foreign minister, Qin Gang, on the sidelines of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the G20 nations hosted by India this month. Two G20 ministerial meetings in India in the last three weeks have been overshadowed by Russia's 13-month invasion of Ukraine.

☆ PM Modi: India's econmic, banking systems are strong
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

NEW DELHI, March 18 (Reuters) - India's economic and banking system are strong even amid the turmoil currently rocking global markets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. "Amidst a global crisis, today India’s economic system is strong, the banking system is strong. This is the power of our institutions," Modi said at an India Today gathering. While authorities have rescued lenders on the edge, the turmoil has spurred worries about what may be lurking in the wider global financial system. Reporting by Nidhi Verma and Krishn Kaushik Editing by Gareth JonesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ What to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Your Health
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Nidhi Subbaraman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

In the eight decades since they were created, so-called forever chemicals have reached remote corners of the Arctic and been detected in the open ocean and the tissue of animal species as diverse as polar bears and pilot whales. Also known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, they can stay in the environment for years without breaking down.

India's oil trade, in response to the turmoil of sanctions and the Ukraine war, provides the strongest evidence so far of a shift into other currencies that could prove lasting. MTS had facilitated some Indian oil non-dollar payments, the trade sources said. An Indian refining source said most Russian banks have faced sanctions since the war but Indian customers and Russian suppliers are determined to keep trading Russian oil. "As it is, the government is not asking us to stop buying Russian oil, so we are hopeful that an alternative payment mechanism will be found in case the current system is blocked." Similarly, many banks from Russia have opened accounts with Indian banks to facilitate trade.

☆ The oldest members of Gen Z are only 26 years old, but the generation is already changing what it means to shop, live, and work in America in 6 key ways
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Gen Z is already changing what it means to live, work, and shop in America in six key ways. We Are / Getty ImagesGeneration Z is the most diverse generation in US history in terms of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. They are vocal about their likes, dislikes, dreams, feelings, and ideals. All of which is to say: They may be young, but they have clout. Keep reading for a look at six ways in which this generation is changing life in the US.

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