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Economic Times
14 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Canada plans to introduce new Express Entry categories for 2026
The Canadian government is planning to add three new occupational categories to its Express Entry immigration system in 2026. The proposed categories target senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel, aiming to simplify permanent residence applications for foreign nationals in these fields, as per a CIC News report. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced these proposals in a public consultation notice on the government's website. The consultation will remain open until September 3, 2025, and the government has not yet shared further details about the implementation timeline. Leadership category for senior managers The proposed Leadership category is aimed at senior managers. IRCC defines senior managers as 'highly skilled workers who oversee the operations of a company or organization and who lead a team of employees.' The government expects this category to 'boost the country's competitiveness and advance economic growth and prosperity' by bringing new perspectives, accelerating digital transformation, and enhancing productivity. Research and innovation category for researchers and scientists The Research and Innovation category focuses on certain researchers and scientists. As per CIC News report, IRCC believes that scientific research and innovation can 'enhance productivity and performance' and 'stimulate economic growth.' However, the consultation did not specify which types of researchers or scientists would be prioritized. National security and defence category for military personnel The National Security and Defence category proposes prioritizing highly skilled military recruits from allied countries. This move aims to support the Canadian Armed Forces and national security objectives. Impact on international students Express Entry categories influence eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) for international students. According to CIC News report, since 2024, 119 fields of study remain eligible, while 178 were removed. Changes to Express Entry categories in 2026 could lead to updates in PGWP field of study requirements, with announcements expected early next year. Continued priorities for 2026 Along with these new categories, IRCC plans to maintain existing priorities in Express Entry. Francophone immigration outside Quebec remains a focus, with targets to increase French-speaking permanent residents to 10% by 2027. The government will also continue prioritizing sectors facing labour shortages, including healthcare, skilled trades, education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and agriculture and agri-food. Introduced in 2023, category-based selection helps fill labour gaps by issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with in-demand skills or language abilities. Category rounds often have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores compared to general draws, giving certain skilled workers an advantage. For instance, a recent healthcare and social service draw had a CRS cut-off of 475, compared to 534 in a general Canadian Experience Class draw.
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Business Standard
16 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Archean Chemical surges 12%, stock hits highest level in CY25; here's why
Archean Chemical Industries share price today Shares of Archean Chemical Industries (ACIL) surged 12 per cent to ₹727.80 on the BSE in Wednesday's intra-day trade amid heavy volumes after the government approved the proposal of SiCSem Private Limited, a subsidiary of the company, under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to setup a Silicon Carbide (SiC) based Compound Semiconductor fab. The stock price of the smallcap specialty chemicals company traded at its highest level in the calendar year 2025. It had hit a 52-week high of ₹831 on August 22, 2024. At 10:38 AM; ACIL was quoting 9 per cent higher at ₹713 on the BSE. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was up 0.27 per cent at 80,453. The average trading volumes at the counter jumped multi-fold; with a combined 1.81 million shares changing hands on the NSE and BSE. Cabinet approves 4 semiconductor manufacturing units with an outlay of ₹ 4,600 crore The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved four more semiconductor projects under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) at an investment of ~₹4600 crore, taking total approved projects to 10 with cumulative investments of about ₹1.60 trillion crore across six states. The newly approved projects include SiCSem (Odisha) - in collaboration with Clas-SiC Wafer Fab (UK), will set up India's first commercial Silicon Carbide (SiC) compound semiconductor fab with annual capacity of 60,000 wafers and 96 million packaged units. The proposed products will have applications in Missiles, Defence equipment, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Railway, Fast Chargers, Data Centre racks, Consumer Appliances, and Solar Power Inverters. Given the growing demand of semiconductors in telecom, automotive, datacentres, consumer electronics and industrial electronics, these four new approved semiconductors projects would significantly contribute to making Atmanirbhar Bharat. Market overview – ACIL The management in Q1FY26 earnings conference call said they are witnessing mixed trends across the chemical industry with early signs of recovery in select segments. Inquiry levels are steadily improving, indicating a more favourable business environment in the coming quarters and years ahead. However, the recent tariff uncertainties have obviously held many global MNCs from making decisions while re-evaluating sourcing and investment strategies. The Indian specialty chemicals industry, nevertheless, is poised for significant long-term growth supported by rising domestic consumption, supply chain diversification and government led incentives, etc. Recently, NITI Aayog has released a report in July 2025 outlining a roadmap for India to become a global chemical powerhouse with potential to reach $1 trillion by 2040, ACIL said. The management said they are confident and seeing consistent demand and expect gradual improvement in volumes over the coming quarters. Company Overview Archean Chemical Industries Limited (ACIL) is a specialty chemicals manufacturing company that produces and supplies marine chemicals. The company is engaged in the production and supply of industrial salt, liquid bromine, sulphate of potash (SOP). ACIL serves a range of industries, including agriculture, pharmaceutical, water treatment, aluminium, glass, and textiles.
Economic Times
16 minutes ago
- Economic Times
'Deport them all': Indians trolled, racially abused after video of group bathing with soap in Canadian lake goes viral
Synopsis A video showing people bathing with soap in a Canadian lake went viral. This incident occurred at a beach in Brampton. Social media users speculated the group's origin, leading to negative comments. Critics cited pollution and disregard for etiquette. Some defended the group, pointing out racist undertones. The incident has reignited debate about respecting traditions and environmental damage. Agencies A screenshot of the viral video A video showing a group bathing with soap in a Canadian lake has gone viral, sparking outrage, environmental concerns, and a wave of racial abuse online. The incident reportedly took place at a beach in Brampton. The clip, shared on Twitter by user Kirk Lubimov, shows several people using soap at the shoreline. Social media users speculated that the group was of Indian origin, triggering a barrage of negative comments and accusations of cultural insensitivity. 'Canada's beaches are turning into baths for foreigners… transformation to a 3rd world country happening daily,' read the caption on the post. Critics condemned the act, citing pollution and disregard for public etiquette. One user wrote: 'Our waters are not your bathtub… This needs full attention, they're destroying clean swimming beaches. Charges need to be laid.' — KirkLubimov (@KirkLubimov) However, others called out the racist undertones in singling out the group's nationality based on appearance—pointing out that a white woman in the video was also being labeled 'Indian.' Some also questioned why other disruptive activities, such as rave parties on beaches involving alcohol, don't attract similar outrage. A few Indians online apologized on behalf of the group, urging newcomers to learn and respect local customs. 'Clearly, some education is important before people come and live with other cultures,' one comment read. Others noted that such practices are uncommon in India, where even religious river dips traditionally avoid soap."You want to hate on them because you're a racist? Fine, own that. But don't dress it up with some fake 'conscious eco-climate warrior' spin. Lol. The west caring about climate. Nature & environment," wrote one X wrote, "This is not the norm in India either, and I agree that this is not acceptable behavior. My request to colleges, companies, immigration consultants helping. Any one to get visas to please hold orientation programs on etiquette and expectations. This goes both ways." The incident has reignited debate about respecting local traditions, cultural stereotyping, and the environmental damage caused by using soap in public waters.
