Latest news with #rejection
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
India, US discuss metals tariff objection
India is bilaterally discussing with the US its claim at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that there is no basis for New Delhi's proposal to retaliate against the American tariffs on steel and aluminium, said an official. The issue will also be taken up in the India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) talks. "The US has said our proposal to retaliate is baseless and we are bilaterally discussing with them at WTO. It's being discussed in the BTA talks also," said the official. In early May, India proposed to levy retaliatory duties on 29 American products including apples, almonds, pears, anti-freezing preparations, boric acid and certain products made of iron and steel under the WTO to counter US tariffs on steel and aluminium. New Delhi told the WTO that these safeguard measures would affect $7.6 billion worth of imports into the US. However, the US refused to discuss the Section 232 tariffs under the Agreement on Safeguards as it does not view the tariffs as a safeguard measure. Section 232 authorises the US president to adjust imports of goods which can threaten to impair US national security. "Given this rejection, India now faces several options including launching a formal WTO dispute under broader GATT rules, challenging the Section 232 tariffs as disguised protectionist actions, arguing that the US is abusing the national security exception," said a Delhi-based trade expert. "This issue will be crucial in the India-US BTA trade talks," said the official. A team of US officials is visiting India this week for discussions on the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries. The two aim to negotiate the first tranche or phase of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector BTA by fall this year and more than double the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 from the current level of $191 billion. The two sides are likely to agree on an interim trade agreement by the end of June, with New Delhi pushing for full exemption from the 26% reciprocal tariff on domestic goods. On March 8, 2018, the US promulgated safeguard measures on certain steel and aluminium products by imposing 25% and 10% ad valorem tariffs respectively, effective March 23, 2018. On February 10, 2025, it revised the measures on imports of steel and aluminium articles, effective March 12. India said the US failed to notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards on taking a decision to apply safeguard measures, and as an affected member with significant export interest, it has requested consultations with Washington. (The correspondent is in Paris at the invitation of the commerce and industry ministry)
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Surviving a sales slump: 4 tactics to keep cash flowing at all times
Sales aren't always predictable. You can forecast away and put forth your best effort year after year. Despite this, sometimes the numbers don't move in the direction you'd hoped. Being a market leader doesn't make you immune to business cycles and unforeseen forces; sales slumps happen to nearly everyone, including those working for top companies. What matters is how you adapt while learning ways to survive these cycles. Below are four tactics I've picked up over the years. 1. SEPARATE YOUR EGO FROM THE GAME You won't get a yes every time you make a pitch. Sales don't usually work that way. But sales pros who excel know rejection is par for the course. They know it's just business and learn not to take it personally. I attended an event last year in St. Louis, MO, where a speaker named Amy Lemire shared helpful sales strategies. Since then, I've connected with her to learn more about a few sales strategies I can implement in my business. One strategy Amy shared really stood out to me. It's called 'Quit Taking It Personally,' or Q.T.I.P. for short. Essentially, the Q.T.I.P. strategy helps sales leaders realize rejection happens even when you do everything right. The strategy offers a perspective I didn't realize existed, and it's also helped me move on more easily when rejection happens. 2. REINVENT THE BRAND It's not easy to admit when the path you're on isn't the right one. Sometimes a sales slump signals a larger opportunity, such as a shift in the market. Consider a company like IBM. When the computing era took off, so did IBM's products because the company was making the computer equipment customers wanted. Yet, by 1993, IBM experienced an $8 billion quarterly loss. This was more than a temporary sales glitch. It was a sign to change direction by reinventing the brand. IBM's sales leaders pulled it off by listening to the market. Summoning their courage, they focused on providing completely different services. By switching to software, research, and IT consulting, IBM's leaders turned the ship around. As of 2023, IBM's brand value is over $87 billion. The company is still a global powerhouse, largely because its leaders weren't afraid to abandon what they knew when it was no longer working. 3. REVAMP DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS Your website and social media presence are usually a lead's introduction to your business. Everything from product descriptions to the company's response to an online question speaks volumes. While it's tempting to think your words work in your favor, they may not have the powerful punch you want them to. When sales are slow, it's an opportune time to revisit your website copy, social media pages, and digital content. Does its organic traffic match your goals? Is the content bringing in a good number of qualified leads? Even if you're close to or crushing your goals for the year, complacency is never a good idea. If an entire re-do of your website feels too ambitious, start small. Look at your product descriptions. When was the last time you changed the copy? If it's getting stale, A/B test different versions to see which one gets better results. Maybe there are new ways to say the same thing, but in a way that drives more traffic to your site. You can also look at some of the design elements, or get outside feedback about page navigation, look, feel, and functionality. You might be surprised to learn that something you thought was insignificant can make a considerable difference. I suggest also trying different strategies with social media, such as interactive giveaways and online scavenger hunts, to stir up interest. 4. SHIFT YOUR FOCUS Are you focused more on acquiring new customers or strengthening relationships with existing ones? I don't need to tell you it's easier to sell to someone already familiar with your product than someone who isn't. Adopting a positive mindset may be key. But this approach only goes so far when the obstacles to your goals seem to multiply. Shifting your focus to existing clients can be beneficial in many ways. For instance, you don't have to psyche yourself up for another cold call. Instead, you can lead with a follow-up to the last conversation you had or how the customer's business is going. Probe for opportunities to add value, such as introducing an upgrade or an add-on to fill a gap. Even if the timing isn't right, you've at least sown the seed for a potential future sale. Plus, by reaching out, you reminded the client of what you bring to the table. Outreach can also prevent churn, which is just as crucial for maintaining cash flow.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Virgin Island fans horrified as sexpert abruptly ends session with Zac after he makes shock comment
VIRGIN Island fans were left shocked this evening as Zac appeared to become irritated when he was rejected for sex. The delivery driver was very keen to go all the way with Kat in tonight's episode, but was told to put his clothes back on after confronting her. 5 5 The session started with them both getting naked, but when they started doing a trust exercise things became tense quite quickly. He told her: 'I want to move forward… I want to touch you and be touched by you.' Kat pointed out he was primarily focused on touch element. Clearly taken back by her reaction, Zac told her: 'I came in here confident and excited, and I don't know if you're as used to that in this line of work and I don't know if you find that intimidating.' His remarks did not go down well and Kat quickly stopped the session, telling him to get dressed. Those watching at home were surprised by the interaction, with one person commenting: 'Zac needs a lesson on boundaries and the fact that sex isn't guaranteed- def needs talks about rejection.' A second said: 'Zac he's acting very creepy, he's definitely not there for the right reasons.' While a third added: 'I think the therapist wants Zac to leave the course.' And a fourth questioned: 'Desperate to know what Zac did to make the sex therapist say it's time to get dressed.' Speaking a year on from filming Zac has revealed the process has given him more confidence but admits: 'The bulk of the practical and physical skills that were explored have eluded me. "Being able to express my thoughts and feelings is a work in progress.' Watch excruciating moment Virgin Island contestant smacks experts bum while recreating sex positions 5 5
Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Amid boycott Turkey calls, PM Modi claims surge in ‘vocal for local,' ‘wed in India' trend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, during is 122nd episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat' highlighted a renewed wave of enthusiasm among Indians for initiatives like 'Vocal for Local' and 'Wed in India' in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Notably, PM Modi's statement comes amid a rising surge of calls across India to boycott Turkey, following Ankara's overt support for Pakistan. During the Mann ki Baat episode, PM Modi also mentioned, 'Some families pledged we will spend our next vacation at a beautiful place in the country itself'. Amid India's allegations of Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism, Turkey condemned Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack in India. Furthermore, Turkey provided Pakistan with drones, which were later used against India to target civilian areas and military installations during Operation Sindoor. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. The precision airstrikes on nine terror camps killed at least 100 terrorists in Pakistan and PoK. Pakistan escalated the situation and attempted to strike Indian civilian areas and military installations. Indian forces also destroyed 11 Pakistani air bases, inflicting major damage to Pakistan's misadventure plans. The boycott of Turkey in India has led to bans and widespread rejection of Turkish products and services across multiple sectors due to Turkey's support for Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan conflicts. Key elements of the boycott include: Indian small grocery shops and major online fashion retailers have stopped selling Turkish products such as chocolates, coffee, biscuits, jams, cosmetics, and clothing brands like Trendyol, LC Waikiki, Koton, and Mavi. The All India Products Distribution Federation (AICPDF), representing millions of small shops, declared an indefinite boycott of Turkish food products worth around ₹ 2,000 crore. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has advocated banning Turkish apple imports, valued at about $60 million annually. The Udaipur Marble Processors Association banned Turkish marble imports, which previously accounted for 70% of India's supply. Major Indian travel companies such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cox & Kings have suspended or paused bookings and promotions for travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Flipkart halted bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday packages to Turkey as an act of solidarity with India's national sovereignty, reported Reuters. India revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company Celebi Aviation, which operated at major Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, citing national security concerns. Air India urged Indian authorities to prevent IndiGo from leasing aircraft from Turkish Airlines due to security and business concerns linked to Turkey's support for Pakistan. Indian universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University suspended academic collaborations and MoUs with Turkish universities. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a complete boycott of Turkey for film shoots and cultural collaborations, banning Indian film projects from shooting in Turkey or working with Turkish artists. India canceled a $2.3 billion shipbuilding consultancy contract with Turkey's Anadolu Shipyard, reported Deutsche Welle. The deal involved constructing five Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy at India's Hindustan Shipyard, with technology and engineering support from Anadolu. However, the report added that the cancellation was done before the recent spat, in order to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat. 'Officially, India cited its policy to boost local shipbuilding capacity as the reason for the termination', the German media house quoted an National Security Council Secretariat official. Turkish contractors and firms operating in India are being phased out or replaced by local or other international partners. Approximately 3.3 lakh (330,000) Indian tourists visited Turkey in 2024. These tourists collectively spent an estimated $350–400 million (around ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 4,300 crore), according to several media reports. To break down the figures, mentioned by Cox & Kings to HT Lifestyle : Number of Indian tourists to Turkey in 2024: about 3.3 lakh (330,000). Estimated spending by Indian tourists in Turkey in 2024: between $350 million and $400 million (approximately ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 4,300 crore).
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How one gay kiss on 'Dawson's Creek' changed television forever
Picture it: May 24, 2000. The millennium had just dawned, Britney Spears was still a girl, not yet a woman, and the world of teen television was about to serve us an iconic queer pop culture moment we'd never forget. Dawson's Creek, notorious for angsty teens discussing existential dilemmas with a vocabulary beyond their years, showed the first passionate kiss between two men on primetime network television. to get a candid take on what's fresh and fun in + culture this week! Jack McPhee, the charming, gay heartthrob played by Kerr Smith, made history when he shared a heartfelt and unabashed kiss with Ethan, portrayed by Adam Kaufman. The brief scene was filled with courage and vulnerability, full of real and raw energy. For many queer teens watching, it was the first time we'd seen ourselves genuinely reflected, without caricature or comedic sidekick status, in a scene that mirrored our deepest hopes and fears. Jack wasn't comic relief; he wasn't a cautionary tale. He was a teenage boy navigating love, rejection, and self-discovery in the season finale, just like every other character on the show. Of course, the Creek was a primetime soap that didn't entirely reflect the real world. In a 2001 Entertainment Weekly article, Kerr Smith admitted that, while proud of helping to "break TV taboos," he drew the line at same-sex snogging once a year. "That's as far as I'm going to take it," Smith said, "I don't think teenagers need to see two guys kissing on a weekly basis." But that kiss proved that queer teen romance deserved space, visibility, and validation on mainstream television. The CW From that moment forward, the landscape shifted. TV execs realized queer stories weren't just groundbreaking—they were necessary. That brief kiss opened the closet doors of queer teen storylines we see today. Unlike Dawson's Creek, Ryan Murphy's Glee presented queer romance with exuberance, complete with show-stopping musical numbers and dazzling theatrically. However, the essence of that groundbreaking moment in the fictional Massachusetts town has been woven into every storyline since then. Netflix's hit series, Heartstopper, captured the innocence of first love. The power of Jack's kiss has even rippled through genres beyond teen drama. Most recently, in HBO's gritty, post-apocalyptic series, The Last of Us, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina's (Isabella Merced) relationship is central to the second season's storyline as showcased in the video game. Ellie's moment of romance amid a desolate world still shared that Dawson's Creek essence, full of vulnerability and unflinching honesty. Netflix Nick and Charlie kiss in 'Heartstopper' With one groundbreaking scene, Dawson's Creek established a legacy that enabled queer teen love stories to flourish boldly in mainstream media. But even more importantly, the show taught us that queer teens deserve to see their experiences woven seamlessly into the fabric of pop culture. Today's viewers, steeped and versed in diverse queer representation, might see Jack and Ethan's kiss as tame, perhaps even quaint, by compasrsion. But let's never underestimate the power of the "first." That kiss permitted countless other stories to bloom. - YouTube
