Connect with us

Business

Trump tariff: Will wait and watch how trade talks pan out, says officials – The Times of India

Published

on

Trump tariff: Will wait and watch how trade talks pan out, says officials – The Times of India



NEW DELHI: While the recent social media exchanges between PM Modi and President Donald Trump are being seen as signs of a possible recovery in India-US ties, Indian govt believes not enough attention has been paid to the “positive steps” in the relationship since Trump took charge.These measures, according to govt sources, have led to a strong momentum in cooperation across political, defence, strategic, economic, technological, and people-to-people domains.According to sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the next or sixth round of negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) is likely to commence soon.On the contentious issue of trade, on which India is facing 50% tariff for its purchase of oil from Russia, the announcement of Mission 500 to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 and finalisation of terms of reference for BTA negotiations announced in April are seen as constructive steps.Govt sources also sounded a word of caution about the “thaw” as they said India will wait to see how the trade negotiations turn out. The govt is also closely following reports that Trump, while backing trade negotiations with India, has asked the EU to impose 100% tariffs on India and China to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war.While both leaders have agreed to have a conversation soon, a bilateral meeting might be possible only next month in Malaysia on the margins of the Asean summit and East Asia summit, if Trump chooses to participate.According to Indian authorities, despite the differences over trade, bilateral cooperation has continued in areas like defence and security, energy security and technology. Officials point to the ongoing talks for the finalisation of a framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century and also negotiations underway for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) Agreement.However, whether the Quad summit can take place in Nov will still depend on how soon the two countries can resolve their differences to reach a trade agreement. Trump may not want to visit India if that doesn’t happen. Despite the suspense over the summit, sources said, Quad has continued to work towards strengthening its agenda, including through the launch of Quad Critical Minerals Initiative.There’s focus now on upcoming Quad Initiatives like: Counter-terrorism workshops in Sept, Quad Ports of the Future Partnership Conference in Mumbai next month and also the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network Field Training Exercise (FTX) under Operation Christmas Drop (Dec 2025).On counterterrorism, extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the US to India, US designation of The Resistance Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and the facilitation of the return of FBI fugitive Cindy Rodriguez Singh to US by India are cited as examples of ongoing cooperation.“Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in trust, mutual respect, and common interests,” said a source on the condition of anonymity.





Source link

Business

Without Rera data, real estate reform risks losing credibility: Homebuyers’ body – The Times of India

Published

on

Without Rera data, real estate reform risks losing credibility: Homebuyers’ body – The Times of India


New Delhi: More than 75% of state real estate regulators, Reras, have either never published annual reports, discontinued their publication or not updated them despite statutory obligation and directions from the housing and urban affairs ministry, claimed homebuyers’ body FPCE on Friday. It released status report of 21 Reras as of Feb 13.The availability of updated annual reports is crucial as these contain details of data on performance of Reras, including project completion status categorised by timely completion, completion with extensions, and incomplete projects. The ministry’s format for publishing these reports also specifies providing details such as actual execution status of refund, possession and compensation orders as well as recovery warrant execution details with values and list of defaulting builders.FPCE said annual report data is not only vital for homebuyers to assess system credibility, but is equally necessary for both state and central govts to frame effective policies, design incentivisation schemes, and develop tax policy frameworks.“Unless we have credible data proving that after Rera the real estate sector has improved in terms of delivery, fairness, and keeping its promises, we are merely firing in the air,” said FPCE president Abhay Upadhyay, who is also a member of the govt’s Central Advisory Council on Rera.As per details shared by the entity, seven states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Goa — have never published a single annual report since Rera’s implementation, and nine states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, which initially published reports, have discontinued the practice.Upadhyay said when regulators themselves don’t follow the law, they lose the legal right to demand compliance from other stakeholders. “Their failure emboldens builders and weakens the very system they are meant to safeguard,” he said.



Source link

Continue Reading

Business

Infosys Rolls Out 85% Average Performance Bonus In Q3FY26, Best In Over 3 Years

Published

on

Infosys Rolls Out 85% Average Performance Bonus In Q3FY26, Best In Over 3 Years


Last Updated:

Over recent quarters, payouts had gradually improved from roughly 65 percent to 80 percent and now to an average of about 85 percent in Q3FY26.

Infosys logo is seen.

Infosys logo is seen.

IT major Infosys rolled out performance bonus payouts averaging around 85 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), marking the strongest variable pay outcome for eligible employees in at least the past three-and-a-half years, Moneycontrol reported citing people in the know.

The bonus payout for mid- to junior-level employees ranges between 75 percent and 100 percent, with most employees clustering around the organisation-wide average of 85 percent, the report said. The development signals a steady recovery in variable compensation at the Bengaluru-headquartered IT services firm. Over recent quarters, payouts had gradually improved from roughly 65 percent to 80 percent and now to an average of about 85 percent in Q3FY26.

Employees are expected to receive their bonus letters over the next few days, with the payout scheduled to be credited along with their February salary.

One employee told the outlet that it is the strongest bonus outcome seen in recent years. The payout is also among the rare instances since the Covid-19 period when variable pay has approached the upper end of the eligible range.

Infosys last paid out 100 percent variable compensation during the pandemic. In the quarters that followed, payouts were lower amid macroeconomic uncertainty and a broader slowdown in client spending across global markets.

The higher payout comes at a time when global IT stocks have faced renewed pressure, driven by concerns over rapid advances in artificial intelligence and their potential impact on traditional IT services models.

Shares of global IT firms have seen sharp sell-offs in recent weeks amid heightened investor focus on AI leaders such as Anthropic. Investors fear that generative AI tools could compress pricing, automate routine services work and reduce demand for legacy outsourcing models.

Against that backdrop, the improved bonus payout at Infosys is being viewed as a signal of operational resilience and near-term performance strength, even as sentiment around the broader IT sector remains cautious.

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google.

Follow News18 on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. To Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.
News business markets Infosys Rolls Out 85% Average Performance Bonus In Q3FY26, Best In Over 3 Years
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Read More



Source link

Continue Reading

Business

Why you should consider switching bank accounts

Published

on

Why you should consider switching bank accounts



Martin Lewis explains why now might be a good time to think about changing your bank account.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending