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Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India to defend import curbs on copper in legal tussle with trade associations, sources say
The Indian government is expected to argue that there is sufficient domestic supply of copper cathodes, and an adequate number of suppliers, as it prepares a response to a case on import curbs filed by two trade associations, two sources said. India, the world's second-largest importer of refined copper, relies on imports to address shortfalls and meet robust demand in sectors such as energy, defence, automotives and infrastructure. Copper is among the 30 critical minerals identified by India in 2023. But the government imposed quality control measures on copper cathode imports in December, requiring all suppliers, foreign and domestic, to obtain certification from Indian authorities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Commodity Trading Today with This Free Masterclass By Hiral ! TradeWise Learn More Undo The Bombay Metal Exchange and the Bombay Non-Ferrous Metals Association have submitted a petition, seen by Reuters, to the Bombay High Court claiming that the government action could lead to a monopoly dominated by three domestic suppliers, without naming them. "Where are the shortages?" one of the sources, familiar with government thinking, told Reuters. "The only evidence they (trade bodies) have is that in December and January imports had reduced, which is old data." Live Events The source said that companies had imported large quantities of copper in October and November, which then led to lower imports in the following months. "We will fight the case, their case does not hold," the source said, declining to be identified as the government has not filed a formal response yet. Another source confirmed the government would defend its position. The trade associations and India's mines ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. DEMAND SURGE Copper demand is expected to double by 2030 as India aims to meet the needs of its industries and the energy transition. Domestic companies in the copper industry include Hindalco Industries , Vedanta , Adani, and the state-owned Hindustan Copper . India's refined copper production is estimated at around 555,000 tons per year, and New Delhi imports around 500,000 tons of copper a year to meet the shortfall. Imports have surged since the 2018 closure of Vedanta's domestic Sterlite Copper smelter But in December, the government said that the ramp-up of Adani Enterprises ' smelter would fulfil India's domestic requirement and cut down imports. It is expected to become operational over the next four weeks. Japan accounts for about two-thirds of India's refined copper imports, followed by Tanzania and Mozambique. There are currently 10 certified foreign copper suppliers, both sources said, seven of which are Japanese, and five more domestic certified suppliers.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India conducts maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform
India on Saturday successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of a stratospheric airship platform which is being developed to boost the military's surveillance capabilities. Very few countries in the world have developed such a complex platform, officials said. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Code of war: India and Pakistan take their battle to the (web)front Forex reserves show a pauperised Pakistan, a prospering India Pakistan conducts training launch of surface-to surface ballistic missile The flight trial was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said the prototype flight is a "milestone" towards realisation of lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems that can remain airborne for very long endurance at stratospheric heights. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Commodity Trading Today with This Free Masterclass By Hiral ! TradeWise Learn More The airship platform was launched with an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms, according to the defence ministry. The successful flight trials of the platform came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack . Live Events Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. This system will uniquely enhance India's earth observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities, he said. "The DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform from Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh on May 3," the defence ministry said. Developed by Agra-based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms, it said. "Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights," the ministry said in a statement. "Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. Trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes," it said.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Varun Beverages Q4 results: PAT rises 33% YoY, revenue surges 29%
Pepsico's bottling partner Varun Beverages , on Wednesday, announced their results for the quarter ended March 2025, wherein the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 731.30 crore, which is up by 33.45% YoY. Meanwhile, the revenue from operations rose by 29% YoY. The company's revenue from operations stood at Rs 5,680 crore, up from Rs 4,397.98 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Commodity Trading Today with This Free Masterclass By Hiral ! TradeWise Learn More Undo The company has also announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.50 per share, fixing May 7 as the record date for determining the shareholder eligibility. The same will be paid on and from May 9. EBITDA increased by 27.8% in the said quarter to Rs 1,263.96 crore from Rs 988.76 crore in the year-ago period This is in-line with the net revenue growth. EBITDA margins in India improved by 111 bps on account of operational efficiencies from robust volume growth . Varun Beverages' consolidated sales volume rose 30.1% to 312.4 million cases in Q4, up from 240.2 million cases in the same quarter last year, supported by strong organic volume growth of 15.5% in India and additional in-organic volume contributions from South Africa and the DRC. Live Events Also read: Bajaj Finserv shares slide 6% after Q4 results fail to impress investors Net realization per case increased by 1.8% in India and remained flat in international markets (ex. South Africa). There is a decline of 0.9% in net realization per case at the consolidated level because of lower realization in own brands in the South African market. South Africa recorded 141 million cases over the trailing four quarters, marking a growth of approximately 13% compared to the same period last year. Around 12:15 pm, the shares of Varun Beverages were trading 1.75% lower at Rs 519.70 on the BSE.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
VFS Global launches CSP assistance service for Germany visa applicants in Bengaluru and Kochi
VFS Global has introduced an optional Consular Services Portal (CSP) Assistance Service for Germany for student and vocational training visa applicants in Bengaluru and Kochi, as per the official statement by the company. The new service is designed to provide applicants with step-by-step support in registering, completing forms, and submitting documents through the Consular Services Portal. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats This service is aimed at making the visa application process more efficient by guiding applicants through the CSP registration, form filling, and document upload process in a single visit to the Visa Application Centre (VAC). VFS Global staff will assist applicants in completing the application form and uploading the necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and eliminating the need for multiple visits. The service is available only to student and vocational training visa applicants in Bengaluru and Kochi. It provides an affordable and secure alternative to unauthorised third-party agencies that often overcharge for similar services. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Commodity Trading Today with This Free Masterclass By Hiral ! TradeWise Learn More Undo Achim Burkart, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bengaluru, emphasised the importance of the service in improving the visa application experience. "With the introduction of VFS Global's new optional Consular Services Portal (CSP) Assistance service, applicants now have the option to receive personalised support throughout their visa journey. This service is designed to enhance convenience and ensure a seamless experience for long-term visa applicants," he said in the official statement. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer for South Asia at VFS Global, explained that many applicants often rely on unauthorised third parties to complete tasks such as form filling and document scanning. Talwar added in the official statement, "To ensure a secure, affordable, and accessible alternative, VFS Global is introducing an optional assistance service at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) designed to assist applicants in navigating the CSP platform with ease." Live Events To access the service, applicants can book an appointment online. Once the appointment is confirmed, they will visit the VAC, where VFS Global staff will guide them through the process, ensuring that they retain full control of their application. While the CSP Assistance Service is optional and comes at an additional cost, it does not affect the processing time or the likelihood of a favourable visa decision.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Korean ‘Switch-on diet' promises rapid fat loss and muscle retention in 4 weeks. But does it really work?
Imagine losing fat, keeping muscle, and gaining mental clarity — all in just four weeks. That's the promise of the Switch-On Diet , a Korean health regimen developed by obesity researcher Dr. Park Yong-Woo . First detailed in his book over seven years ago, the diet has resurfaced and gone viral on social media, drawing in fitness enthusiasts and weight-loss warriors alike with its claim to reset your metabolism and change your body from the inside out. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India pulled the plug on IWT when Pakistanis are fighting over water Pakistan alleges terror charge on India in its statement What makes this India-Pakistan standoff more dangerous than past ones According to a report by New York Post , the diet eliminates sugar, alcohol, and processed foods. Backed by testimonials, including one from a gut-health blogger who claimed to have lost 4.5 pounds of body fat while gaining energy and clarity, the diet has sparked curiosity and debate worldwide. But how exactly does it work — and is it really the miracle it claims to be? Inside the Switch-On Diet: A Four-Phase Metabolic Makeover The diet is structured across four weeks, each designed to target a specific stage of metabolic reset . At its core, it relies on high-protein meals, intermittent fasting , and gut health optimization. Processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and flour are off-limits, while carbs are allowed — but only in moderation. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Commodity Trading Today with This Free Masterclass By Hiral ! TradeWise Learn More Undo The first week focuses on detoxing and gut resetting. For the first three days, dieters are encouraged to consume four protein shakes daily, paired with probiotics and an hour of walking. If hunger strikes, small amounts of plain yogurt, tofu, and fibrous vegetables like cabbage or cucumbers are allowed. From day four, a high-protein, low-carb lunch is introduced to the regimen. In Week Two, intermittent fasting is brought into play, with a recommended 24-hour fast once a week. Meals include protein shakes, low-carb lunches, and no-carb dinners. Foods like rice, legumes, nuts, and black coffee make limited appearances — but participants are warned to avoid strenuous workouts during fast days to support muscle recovery. Weeks Three and Four ramp up fat burning, increasing the fasting frequency to two and then three 24-hour periods a week. While the core routine remains similar, the menu opens up slightly with the addition of fruits like berries and tomatoes, as well as starchy carbs like sweet potatoes — but only post-exercise. Is It the Real Deal — or Just Another Diet Fad? While the Switch-On Diet shows promise in terms of short-term fat loss and improved digestion, not everyone is sold. A TikTok user recently quit after just five days, citing fatigue and boredom from the repetitive meals and protein shakes. Others have reported caffeine withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and irritability due to the diet's strict no-coffee policy early on. Medical professionals also urge caution. The diet's intermittent fasting component is still under scientific scrutiny. A 2024 study raised red flags by suggesting that eating within an ultra-restricted time frame — fewer than eight hours a day — may increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality when compared to more moderate fasting windows. The Switch-On Diet certainly offers a structured and results-driven approach, but it's not without its challenges or risks. If you're considering jumping on this viral bandwagon, consult a doctor first — especially if you have underlying health conditions or are sensitive to dietary restrictions. Ultimately, while it might help kickstart fat loss and mental clarity for some, others may find the plan too restrictive or difficult to sustain. Whether it becomes a long-term lifestyle or just another fleeting diet trend depends on how your body — and your willpower — responds.
