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Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran summons UK diplomat to protest detention of a national
AI Image TEHRAN: Iran has summoned a British diplomat to protest what it described as the "illegal and unjustified" detention of an Iranian in the UK, Iran's state-run news agency reported. IRNA reported Sunday that the Foreign Ministry summoned the UK charge d'affaires and called the detention of its national, who was not identified, a violation of international law and expressed strong dissatisfaction over what it characterized as politically motivated judicial actions. The ministry warned the UK against further "unconstructive behavior" that could damage diplomatic relations, IRNA said. Iran's protest comes as ties between Tehran and London deteriorate. Three men accused of being Iranian spies faced charges in a London court Saturday that they conducted surveillance on and plotted violence against UK-based journalists for an Iranian news outlet. On the day they were arrested two weeks ago, U.K. police took four other Iranian nationals into custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act in a separate investigation. They were released from custody Saturday, though counterterror police said that their investigation continues.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
Suit up for bigger threats: Advanced bullet-resistant equipment for Delhi cops
AI Image NEW DELHI: Amid a higher threat perception, Delhi Police is procuring advanced protective gear to bolster its frontline deployment and enhance personnel safety. A substantial quantity of bullet-resistant equipment is being acquired, police sources said. The force is procuring around 7,900 bullet-resistant vests and helmets that will offer 3A-level protection from handguns and similar weapons. Another 7,930 jackets offering advance level 5 protection are also being acquired for protection against threats from assault rifles and weapons of that grade. Also being bought are 1,493 bullet-resistant patkas for use by some cops, including those of the Sikh faith, a senior officer revealed. The patka includes a steel band covered with expandable polyethylene sheet or EVA foam sheet for added protection. "The patka also features a suitable disruptive cover with strapping harness and arrangement for air circulation besides a high-density foam trauma pad with a water-resistant cover to minimise shot impacts," the officer said. Delhi Police has also set in motion the procurement of 1,000 bullet-proof visors for face protection. To ensure seamless connectivity, 2,000 multi-accessory connectors are also being procured. The cops need advanced bulletproof vests and jackets to protect against high-velocity rifle rounds, which are increasingly common in terrorist attacks and violent crimes. Enhanced safety in urban warfare scenarios is also crucial, as Delhi is a densely populated urban space where police operations may involve complex scenarios. "These advanced protective gear will significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of Delhi Police personnel, enabling them to respond more confidently to threats from criminals and terrorists," said an office at Police HQ. "The force is committed to modernising its capabilities and staying ahead of emerging threats." Police commissioner Sanjay Arora is learnt to have given his nod for the proposals. Officers said that the vests would not only be worn by cops going on raids but also by the front ranks during riots and agitations. Police sources said that the jackets being acquired would comply with the American National Institute of Justice standards, considered to be the world standard for bullet proof jackets. The level 3+ armour also has the ability to resist bullets of .357 bore and soft armour piercing rounds including 7.62x39mm steel core bullets used in AK series rifles and 7.62x51mm battle rifle rounds used in sniper rifles. Jackets of level 3A and beyond will protect the cops from bullets fired from a range of weapons like AK rifles, sten machine guns, M and carbines, etc. Apart from bullets, the jackets will also be able to stop stabs made with knives or ice-picks. The new vests are assumed to cost around Rs 1 lakh each, which is more than double the price of the older vests that cost Rs 40,000. However, the actual cost is yet to be confirmed. Sources said that before procurement, the jackets had to clear the test parameters fixed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development and the police modernisation division of the Union home ministry. The jackets are made of several layers of Kevlar sheets and metallic plates. They will protect the chest, back, ribs, groin and neck and will weigh less than 2.5kg, a standard for all kinds of armour. Explaining the features of the new jackets, an officer said that the vests would be abrasion proof, water and fire proof and treated for protection against ultraviolet ray exposure. The jackets are available in large and standard sizes, besides in the 'extra large' size. There has been a longstanding demand from police personnel for additional, higher safety jackets. Many of the jackets Delhi Police had till a few years ago were not just outdated but also heavy, weighing 11-13kg apiece, an officer recalled, adding that it was extremely difficult to wear these jackets for hours. A few years ago, a Delhi court expressed concerns at the city's ill-equipped policemen, after which the city police force had begun efforts to procure bulletproof jackets for senior field officers and personnel engaged in patrolling and on law-and-order duty as well as for commandos handling riots and terror attacks. The absence of bulletproof jackets or their poor quality has been known to have resulted in the deaths of several cops in the country. While top Mumbai policeman Hemant Karkare was a victim during the 26/11 terrorist attack, Delhi cop Mohan Chand Sharma died during the 2008 encounter at Batla House.
Business Mayor
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Gold nears Rs 1 lakh: Jewellers cautiously hopeful of Akshaya Tritiya demand
Representative AI Image New Delhi: Even as gold prices hover at record highs, jewellers and retailers are cautiously optimistic about consumer turnout during Akshaya Tritiya. Consumer sentiment around gold remains buoyant despite volatility in the global economy and persistent inflationary pressures. Gold is currently priced at around ₹98,000 per 10 grams for 24K in many markets. Despite this, jewellers say sentiment remains positive, with both investment and occasion-led buying expected today. 'This Akshaya Tritiya is seeing strong interest despite high prices,' said Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, CMD of PNG Jewellers. 'While prices are at an all-time high, investor confidence in gold remains intact. The upcoming festival, positioned at the heart of the wedding season, is expected to draw both investment-led and occasion-driven purchases.' Jewellers are witnessing a shift in demand patterns, with rising interest in lightweight and studded jewellery, as consumers seek value and versatility. 'The high price points are accelerating consumer interest in natural diamonds, polki and coloured gemstones,' Gadgil added. 'There's also consistent demand for coins and bars, as consumers continue to view gold as a long-term, safe asset.' Retailers expect festive demand to remain resilient, but customer budgets are under pressure. In his recent interview with ETRetail, Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan Company's Jewellery Division, noted a clear divide in consumer behaviour. 'Gold is being perceived as a safe haven amid global uncertainties, but rising prices are creating anxiety. Consumers are torn between the urgency to buy during the festive period and concerns over whether prices will correct later.' Read More Luxury sector outlook clouded by China's slow recovery He added that Titan expects double-digit growth during Akshaya Tritiya, though largely led by higher ticket sizes. 'Buyer growth may be marginal. We're seeing more value-led transactions than volume-led ones.' Despite the cautious mood, companies are gearing up to drive in-store footfall and conversions. At Aditya Birla's Indriya stores, foot traffic is expected to increase, buoyed by new design launches and promotional offers. 'Jewellery buying during Akshaya Tritiya continues to be deeply rooted in Indian tradition,' said Sandeep Kohli, CEO of Indriya. 'While price sensitivity is real, customers are engaging with fresh designs and exploring flexible exchange policies.' Meanwhile, retailers are also leveraging new formats to meet changing consumer habits. Quick commerce platform Instamart has tied up with Kalyan Jewellers to deliver gold and silver coins in over 100 cities. The move marks Kalyan's debut on a fast-commerce platform, reflecting the evolving ways in which consumers are looking to make last-minute festive purchases. The initiative is aimed at tapping into impulse and convenience-led buying patterns. 'This partnership allows us to blend tradition with speed,' said Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director at Kalyan Jewellers. 'The option to order certified coins in minutes aligns with changing lifestyles and last-mile demand surges.' While demand for Akshaya Tritiya is expected to hold, jewellers say future trends will depend on gold price movements and broader economic conditions.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cheap parcels from China will no longer be duty-free. Here's what it means for buyers and sellers
AI Image NEW YORK: Consumers can expect higher prices and delivery delays when the Trump administration ends a duty-free exemption on low-value imports from China Friday. The expiration of the so-called de minimis rule that has allowed as many as 4 million low-value parcels to come into the US every day - mostly from China - is also forcing businesses that have built their models on sourcing production in China to rethink their practices in order to keep their costs down. But some might actually benefit from the termination of the duty exemption. For instance, companies that make their goods in the US may feel relief from the competition of cheap Chinese imports, and likely experience a brighter sales outlook. The move, which applies to goods originating from mainland China and Hong Kong, comes on top of President Donald Trump 's new tariffs totaling 145% on China. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on the US, fueling a trade war between the world's two largest economies. Sellers are already seeing cautious consumers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2, 3 & 4 BHKs at ₹88 L+* in Dosti™ Greenscapes in Pune Dosti Greenscapes Learn More Undo On Wednesday, Trump called the de minimis exemption "a big scam going on against our country, against really small businesses." "We put an end to it," he said. What's the de minimis provision? Introduced in 1938, the de minimis exception was intended to facilitate the flow of small packages valued at no more than $5, the equivalent of about $109 today. The threshold rose to $800 in 2016. But the rapid rise of cross-border e-commerce, driven by China, has challenged the intent of the decades-old customs exception rule. Chinese exports of low-value packages soared to $66 billion in 2023, up from $5.3 billion in 2018, according to a February report by the Congressional Research Service. And the US market has been a major destination. Former President Joe Biden proposed a rule last year that said foreign companies can't avoid tariffs simply by shipping goods that they claim to be worth $800 or less. Trump tried in February to end the exception but his initial order was called off within days when it appeared the US was not prepared to process and collect tariffs on the deluge of parcels coming in. What's the impact on shoppers? Consumers will face higher prices and delivery delays now that parcels will go through a more complicated customs process to enter the US involving declaration and duty payment. Businesses could factor tariffs into the final price, or they can list them separately in the same way as sales taxes. For instance, Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, now lists " import charges " that have reportedly doubled many items' prices. (The retailer also has a "local warehouse" option for some products, which are shipped from within the US and therefore avoids the import charge.) Meanwhile, Shein, now based in Singapore, has a checkout banner that reads, "Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You'll never have to pay extra at delivery." Amazon says it's not planning to display added tariff costs next to product prices on its site - despite a report that sparked speculation the e-commerce giant would soon show the new import charges, and the White House has made fiery comments denouncing the purported change. What about sellers and carriers? Parcel carriers will be burdened with collecting duties, and the paperwork to comply with the new rule could result not only in higher prices but also delays and even disruptions to delivery, said Ram Ben Tzion of the vetting platform Publican. Major commercial carriers such as UPS and FedEx have said they are well-equipped and prepared to collect duties on international parcels in compliance with local laws, including the new US rule. Commercial carriers will be collecting 145% tariffs on declared values. The US Postal Service, a government agency that offers international mail service, can choose either to charge a 120% tariff on low-value packages or a flat fee of $100 per shipment, which is set to rise to $200 on June 1. The US Customs and Border Protection says it "stands ready to fully implement the restrictions on de minimis shipments and collect all revenue owed for these shipments on May 2, 2025." However, experts have expressed concerns that the surge in the workload could be a serious challenge. In January and February, more than 70% of the 216 million packages coming into the US were originating from China, according to CBP. What's the impact on businesses? Those that relied on the de minimis exemption are now having to adjust. John Curry, owner and chief executive officer of HAPARI International, an Arizona-based swimwear business, had switched from bulk shipping to de minimis shipping about six months ago to improve cash flow, speed up delivery, and eventually eliminate US-based warehousing. His company makes its products in China and sells them directly to US customers via its own online storefront. Curry said he planned to stay the course and pay the additional 145% duty - one parcel at a time - while waiting for the US and China to work out a more sustainable approach. "There has to be a solution because both countries cannot survive this way," Curry said. Izzy Rosenzweig, founder and CEO of the logistic company Portless, helps businesses like HAPARI to ship goods from its China-based warehouse using the de minimis exemption. He says US businesses are likely to stay in China for now given the competitiveness of the manufacturing base and of the supply chain in China but can be expected to raise prices. And while businesses with good profit margins probably will continue to ship from China, those that run on razor-thin profit margins are likely to "go local", setting up more US-based warehouses to defray tariff costs, he said. Who benefits? Trade groups representing flag manufacturers and bike dealers said they expect to benefit from the end of the duty exemption. In written comments on the US Trade Representative portal, for instance, the Flag Manufacturers Association of America said its members have been bombarded by an onslaught of American flag imports mostly made in China that are falsely marketed and significantly discounted. The group cited a drop of 25% to 35% in industrywide sales of American-made US flags last year. Larry Severini, CEO of Embroidery Solutions Manufacturing LLC, which makes the star fields for US flag manufacturers, had to shutter one of his two plants in South Carolina earlier this year because of stiff competition from cheap imports. He noted sales have fallen 20% since 2021 in part because of the de minimis exemption. "We need duties to level the playing field to make it fair," Severini said. The National Bike Dealers' Association's Heather Mason said shoppers often check out $2,000 bike from a trusted brand like Trek and then they find a lookalike online for $1,200 - often with lower quality parts, no warranty, no service, and safety risks. "Reputable brands follow strict safety, labor, and warranty standards," she said in an email to The Associated Press. "De minimis allowed bad actors to dodge these."
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Russian drones batter Ukraine's Odesa as peace talks come to a crux
AI Image KYIV, UKRAINE: Russian drones battered the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in a nighttime attack, local authorities said Tuesday, less than 24 hours after a purported Easter ceasefire unilaterally declared by Moscow ended and just over a day before Ukrainian, British, French and US officials are due to meet in London to discuss the war. Anticipation is building over whether diplomatic efforts can stop more than three years of fighting since Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. Trump said last week negotiations were "coming to a head" and insisted that neither side is "playing" him in his push to end the grinding war. This came after secretary of state Marco Rubio suggested last week the US might soon back away from negotiations altogether if they don't progress. He spoke in Paris after talks among US, Ukrainian and European officials produced outlines for steps toward peace and appeared to make some long-awaited progress. A new meeting is expected Wednesday in London, and Rubio suggested it could be decisive in determining whether the Trump administration continues its involvement. Odesa came under a "massive attack" by Russian drones overnight, injuring at least three people, the head of Odesa regional administration, Oleh Kiper, wrote on his Telegram page Tuesday. A residential building in a densely populated urban area, civilian infrastructure and an educational facility were hit, he said. The Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 54 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine overnight, marking a resumption of long-range attacks that have blasted civilian areas and sown terror throughout the war. Russia has stepped up in the past months its use of Shahed drones, expanding its production of the weapon and refining its tactics, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said in a recently published analysis. After Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire on Saturday, Ukraine said it was ready to reciprocate but said Russian attacks were continuing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia violated the ceasefire more than 2,900 times. The Associated Press was unable to verify whether a ceasefire was in place along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by imposing far-reaching conditions. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for the spring-summer military campaign, Ukrainian and Western officials say.
