Business
US job creation in 2025 slows to weakest since Covid
The number of jobs created in the US grew only modestly in December, as a weak year for the employment market in the world’s largest economy drew to a close.
Employers added 50,000 jobs in the final month of 2025, according to Labor Department data, which was fewer than expected. But the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.
Job gains last year were the smallest since 2020, when the Covid pandemic led to widespread cuts.
Businesses have been operating in an environment marked by US President Donald Trump’s dramatic policy changes, including tariffs, an immigration crackdown and cuts to government spending.
The US economy has held up in the face of these shifts, growing at an annual rate of 4.3% over the three months to September.
But the expansion – driven by steady consumer spending and a growth in exports – has not been accompanied by significant job creation.
On average, the US added just 49,000 roles per month in 2025, down from an estimated gain of two million a month the year before.
The Labor Department said the US also added 76,000 fewer new positions in October and November than previously estimated.
Retailers and manufacturers were among the sectors reporting losses last month, which were offset by hiring at health care employers, bars and restaurants.
The data underscores the mixed dynamics facing job-seekers in the US, where hiring has cooled markedly over the last year but fears of mass layoffs have not materialised.
The US Federal Reserve central bank has responded to the slowdown by cutting its key lending rate in hopes of giving the economy a boost, despite concerns that inflation is still bubbling.
But the central bank is divided about how much lower borrowing costs should go.
Analysts said the latest figures – which showed the jobless rate recovering to the 4.4% level where it stood in September – would do little to resolve those debates.
“Today’s report confirms what we think has been evident for some time—the labor market is no longer working in favour of job seekers,” said Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
But she added: “Until the data provide a clearer direction, a divided Fed is likely to stay that way. Lower rates are likely coming this year, but the markets may have to be patient.”
Changes announced in the Budget mean all energy bills will see some kind of reduction, but it will vary.
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The Indian government has proposed the Income-tax Rules 2026, making PAN cards mandatory for select high-value transactions. Replacing the 1962 rules, these changes aim to simplify and bring transparency to the tax system. After considering suggestions, the rules are expected to be finalized and implemented by April 1, 2026.
Here’s a detailed look about how PAN cards are used in various financial transactions.
Immovable Property Transactions: PAN will be required for property transactions exceeding Rs 20 lakh, which is up from Rs 10 lakh. It will include purchase, sale, gift, or joint development agreements.
Motor Vehicles Purchase: PAN is now required for motor vehicle purchases exceeding Rs 5 lakh, including two-wheelers that have been exempted so far. Additionally, those who buy premium bikes or expensive cars will need to quote PAN. Meanwhile, tractors are still excluded.
Cash Deposits And Withdrawals: PAN will be required for aggregate cash deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs 10 lakh in a financial year. As per the existing rules, it is required for cash deposits of more than Rs 50,000 in a day at a bank or post office.
Hotel And Restaurant Payments: It will be required for cash payments exceeding Rs 1 lakh, which is up from Rs 50,000.
Insurances: PAN will be required to initiate account-based relationship with insurance companies, irrespective of the premium account.
Business
Himadri Speciality Starts Commercial Operations Of 70,000 TPA Carbon Black Line; Details Here
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With the brownfield expansion, the company’s total carbon black capacity has risen to 2,50,000 TPA.
Shares of Himadri Speciality Chemical were trading 0.70% higher at Rs 491.5 apiece on the NSE on Wednesday.
Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd has commenced commercial operations of its newly commissioned 70,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) speciality carbon black line at its Mahistikry manufacturing facility in Hooghly, West Bengal, the company said on Tuesday (February 24).
With the brownfield expansion, the company’s total carbon black capacity has risen to 2,50,000 TPA. Of this, 1,30,000 TPA comprises speciality carbon black capacity at the Mahistikry site, making it the world’s largest single-location speciality carbon black manufacturing facility.
The expansion bolsters Himadri’s speciality portfolio and strengthens its ability to cater to high-value, performance-driven applications across plastics, inks, paints, coatings and other niche segments.
According to the company, the project integrates advanced process technologies, modern quality control systems, energy-efficient operations and scalable infrastructure to ensure consistent production of premium grades for global customers.
Anurag Choudhary, CMD and CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, said, “The commencement of commercial operations of our 70,000 MTPA (metric tonnes per annum) speciality carbon black line at Mahistikry marks the beginning of the next phase of growth in our advanced carbon materials journey. With this expansion, Mahistikry becomes the world’s largest single-location Speciality Carbon Black facility, with a capacity of 1,30,000 MTPA. This positions us strongly to capture rising global demand in premium, application-specific segments such as plastics, inks, paints, coatings, and other specialised industries.”
He added, “The newly-commissioned capacity is expected to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth and strengthen the Company’s margin profile over the medium term. As global demand continues to shift toward high-performance, customised carbon solutions, Himadri’s enhanced scale provides competitive advantages through operational efficiencies, supply reliability, faster market responsiveness, and improved product innovation capabilities.”
Shares of Himadri Speciality Chemical were trading 0.70% higher at Rs 491.5 apiece on the NSE on Wednesday.
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February 25, 2026, 11:25 IST
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