الأرشيف السنوي: 2025

America is preparing new sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects the peace deal

America is preparing new sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects the peace deal

The United States is preparing to launch a new round of sanctions against the Russian energy sector, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow if President Vladimir Putin refuses to reach a peace deal with Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the deliberations, said the United States was considering options including targeting ships belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used to transport Russian oil, in addition to the traders who facilitate those transactions. Some people added that these new measures could be announced during the first days of this week. They continued that Finance Minister Scott Besent discussed these plans during his meeting with a group of European ambassadors earlier this week. Trump made the final decision. “President Trump is the president of peace, and I reiterated that under his leadership, the United States will continue to prioritize ending the war in Ukraine,” Besant wrote in a post on the “X” platform after the meeting. The people noted that any final decision rests with President Donald Trump. The U.S. Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment submitted outside official business hours.

The wealth of the founder of the Chinese “MetaX” reaches $ 5.4 billion after the shares jumped by 569%

The wealth of the founder of the Chinese “MetaX” reaches $ 5.4 billion after the shares jumped by 569%

Within days, a new billionaire has emerged from a Chinese chip company, following a familiar path: learn from an industry giant, then start a solo venture, and continue amid geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Five years ago, Chen Weiliang ended a 14-year career and left a senior executive position at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to focus on chip startups. MetaX Integrated Circuits Shanghai, the startup, went public in Shanghai on Wednesday at a valuation of $5.9 billion. After the stock jumped as much as 569% on its first day of trading, the value of Chen’s 55 million shares rose from $824 million to about $5.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. MetaX declined to comment. China’s New Billionaires The story of Chen, 49, rising to the ranks of billionaires takes a path similar to what happened to Moore Threads Technology founder Zhang Jianzhong, a former Nvidia executive whose wealth rose to $4.3 billion after the initial public offering of Moore shares earlier this month. Also Read: China Prepares $70 Billion Incentives To Support Chip Industry Together, the two founders reflect the rise of a new class of billionaires in China, supported by Beijing’s efforts to build a self-sufficient chip supply chain. However, both companies remain vulnerable to geopolitical pressures, significant cash outflows, intense domestic competition and reliance on hardware and equipment, which could quickly put these gains to the test. “In the technology war between China and the US, companies in Beijing’s priority sectors are receiving support well above the usual levels,” said Shen Meng, director of Chanson & Co, a Beijing-based investment bank. “While R&D is an easier issue for founders with experience in the US sector to handle, Chinese companies are still significantly behind large global companies in terms of system, systems and production level performance.” MetaX’s extensive recruitment of top-level engineering talent was a key factor behind its rapid rise, as it allowed Chen to bypass the learning curve typical of startups. Among their first hires were chief technology officers Peng Li, one of China’s first female scientists at Advanced Micro Devices, and Yang Jian. Like Moore, MetaX’s IPO made many people associated with the company rich. The fortunes of Peng and Yang rose to $374.2 million and $369.8 million respectively. Attracting tech talent Chen studied at the China University of Electronic Science and Technology, completed his master’s degree in engineering at Tsinghua University, and attracted a group of former colleagues at Advanced Micro Devices who currently hold key management positions at MetaX, including Chen Yang, Zhou Jun and Wang Ding. Also read: Chips ignite a major power struggle… Who is at the forefront of industry in the world? To maintain this efficiency, Chen used a series of limited partnerships before the IPO, which made a large number of R&D workers rich. In 2024 alone, the company distributed 461 million yuan ($65.5 million) in stock-based compensation to employees, according to the prospectus, the bulk of which went to senior executives. However, more than 80% of the workforce, numbering 870 employees, have indirect stakes through share ownership platforms. According to the offer price, a share that does not exceed 0.017% can be worth one million dollars, making its owner a millionaire. “It’s almost the only way to convince an established candidate to leave an established company,” says Echo Wang, regional director at Hays Shanghai, a technology recruitment company. She added that top talent from large international companies receive top-tier financial packages, and start-ups can usually only compete by offering attractive equity incentives to make up the difference. “Meta Read also: The US artificial intelligence tsar: China rejects NVIDIA H200 chips and supports its domestic chips. Along with giant American chip companies such as NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices, MetaX faces an arena full of domestic competitors, including More, Huawei Technologies, Hygon Information Technology, and Cambricon information technology, and Cambricon matureicon products, and Haigon matureicon products, and Haigon products. relations,” says Matthew Deng, consulting director at BDA China. Meta During the period from 2022 to 2024, the company spent more than 2.2 billion yuan on research and development alone. While revenue jumps strongly and reaches 915 million yuan in the first half of 2025, surpassing the entire previous year’s total, net profitability 1 billion, with a net loss of 1 billion. yuan in 2024. Meta Its position in the face of competing products, such as Huawei’s Ascend chips. A subsidiary of a Beijing-backed group that serves as a main channel for local chips to enter government data centers is another risk that MetaX operates as a chips without factories, but relies on third-party foundries to produce them, as the United States’ ability to tighten pressure on suppliers is subject to trade restrictions, our ability to deliver products could be materially affected,” the prospectus said.

Eternal’s Deepinder Goyal tops Hurun India 2025 self-made billionaire list; check out top 10 entrepreneurs

Eternal’s Deepinder Goyal tops Hurun India 2025 self-made billionaire list; check out top 10 entrepreneurs

Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Eternal – the parent company of Zomato – has become India’s number one self-made entrepreneur in 2025 with a valuation of ₹3.2 lakh crore, overtaking Radhakishan Damani of Avenue Supermarts. IDFC FIRST Private Banking and Hurun India released the third edition of their 2025 list on Wednesday, December 17, ranking India’s top self-made entrepreneurs who started their companies after 2000. The list highlights founders behind the nation’s most valuable new age businesses. Here is the complete list of India’s top 10 self-made entrepreneurs, detailing their valuation and the cities in which they are based. 1. Deepinder Goyal – ₹3.2 lakh crore: The founder of Gurugram-based food delivery platform Eternal has made it to the IDFC FIRST Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Millen200 Self-Made list. first time. 2. Radhakishan Damani – ₹3 lakh crore: The veteran investor behind Avenue Supermarts, ranks second on the list. Damani founded DMart in 2000 and built India’s largest supermarket chain, widely known for its low-cost, high-efficiency model. 3. Rahul Bhatia & Rakesh Gangwal – ₹2.2 lakh crore: The co-founders of InterGlobe Aviation entered the top three this year. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, dominates India’s aviation market with a domestic market share of over 65%. 4. Abhay Soi – ₹1.1 lakh crore: The promoter, chairman and managing director of Max Healthcare Institute climbed to the fourth position on the list. Abhay Soi’s company is headquartered in Gurugram. 5. Sriharsha Majety & Nandan Reddy – ₹1.06 lakh crore: The co-founders of Swiggy are fifth on the list. The Bengaluru-based platform has expanded its business beyond food delivery to fast-paced commerce through Swiggy Instamart, grocery and essentials. 6. Deep Kalra & Rajesh Magow – ₹94,500 crore: The co-founders of MakeMyTrip are sixth on the list. Based in Gurugram, MakeMyTrip continues to lead India’s online travel booking sector, offering flights, hotels, vacations and corporate travel services. 7. Yashish Dahiya and Alok Bansal – ₹80,300 crore: The founders of Policybazaar built the company since its inception in 2008 with a mission to simplify insurance policy comparisons and combat mis-selling. Recently, the Gurugram-based platform has expanded into digital claims settlement and broader financial services, including loans and mutual funds. 8. Vijay Shekhar Sharma – ₹72,900 crore: The founder of Paytm has made a significant jump to the eighth position, marking a growth of 67% from last year. Headquartered in Noida, Paytm is one of India’s leading digital payments and financial services ecosystems. 9. Falguni Nayar, Adwaita Nayar Nykaa – ₹67,500 crore: The founders of Nykaa also retained their position in the top ten this year. The Mumbai-based company has grown into one of the country’s leading beauty and fashion retail platforms, offering more than 2,400 brands across makeup, skin care, hair care and wellness. 10. Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, Neha Bansal & Sumeet Kapahi – ₹67,000 crore: The co-founders of Gurugram-based eyewear retailer Lenskart made a significant leap to secure the 10th position for the first time, with a valuation increase of 60% from last year.

Instant loans for a new year 2026: cover expenses, plan ahead and stay financially confident

Instant loans for a new year 2026: cover expenses, plan ahead and stay financially confident

A new year means new beginnings, and as the new year approaches, many of us are looking forward to a fresh start. It could be learning a new skill, checking that destination off your bucket list, renovating your home or simply organizing our finances. An instant loan can be a tool to help you welcome the year with confidence and clarity to achieve your goals. FIRSTmoney personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank is a direct personal loan that offers convenience and flexibility, making it a suitable choice to manage your New Year needs. Why are the benefits of a direct personal loan for the new year Quick access without complications An Instant Loan gives you quick access to funds with streamlined approval processes. There is also no requirement for collateral as it is an unsecured loan. For emergencies and sudden costs, you don’t have to worry about raising funds and can simply apply online for an instant loan to get the funds within a short span of time without causing any delays. Freedom to use funds your way Another big advantage of an instant personal loan is the flexibility and freedom it offers. Unlike loans associated with specific use, e.g. a vehicle loan or a home loan, you can use a personal loan in any way you want, whether it’s to finance a New Year’s trip or to pay for an emergency. IDFC FIRST Bank’s FIRSTmoney smart personal loan also offers no foreclosure charges and multiple on-demand loans, to ensure it fits your needs and lifestyle. Convenient Repayment at Competitive Rates Manageable and predictable EMIs help you plan your repayments and other expenses well in advance, avoiding huge expenses at once that drain your savings. Personal payday loans often come with flexible terms and competitive interest rates, helping you spread costs in a manageable way. This ensures that the new year begins on a financially secure note. FIRSTmoney smart personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank offers competitive interest rates from just 9.99% p.a. along with no foreclosure costs, making it one of the more accessible personal loan options. Hassle-free online application Gone are the days of sitting at bank counters for hours, and getting a personal loan is simple and fast. With a streamlined personal loan application that is completely online, you only need to fill in the necessary details, upload documents and your loan will be approved in a single step. With IDFC FIRST Bank, you can enjoy fast and easy loan disbursements within 30 minutes so you never have to keep your New Year plans. Smart ways to use your personal loan in the new year When it comes to using an instant personal loan, there are several ways you can use the funds to achieve your goals this new year. Celebrations and festivals The new year is a time for joy, gifts and memorable gatherings. An instant loan allows you to plan celebrations without straining your savings, to ensure that every special moment can be enjoyed comfortably. Home Renovations and Refreshing Spaces As many people start the year with home improvements, an instant personal loan can help finance renovations, upgrades or essential repairs. Whether you’re redesigning your space or improving energy efficiency, this loan can support your vision. Funding Skill Building and Personal Goals The new year is an ideal time to invest in yourself. Whether you want to pursue higher education, join a professional course or start a side business, an instant loan online gives you the financial freedom to pursue these aspirations without delay. Manage year-end expenses If the holiday season has left you with multiple payments, an instant personal loan can help you consolidate expenses into one manageable EMI. This makes budgeting easier as you head into the new year. Travel plans for the year ahead For many, travel is a top priority. An instant loan can help you book early, secure favorable offers and plan trips without waiting months to save. Conclusion Before you finalize your personal loan application, it is advisable to use a personal loan calculator. It helps you estimate EMIs, interest payable and ideal tenure, to ensure complete clarity. With the transparent process and reliable tools offered by FIRSTmoney personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank, calculating your interest and applying becomes smooth and stress-free. It also ensures perks like flexible repayment options and fast payouts with no lockout fees, helping you start the new year financially confident and well prepared. Note to Reader: This article is part of Mint’s promotional consumer connection initiative and is independently created by the brand. Munt assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.

False fire alarm prompts evacuation at WHO traditional medicine summit in Delhi | Video

False fire alarm prompts evacuation at WHO traditional medicine summit in Delhi | Video

India will host the second edition of the WHO World Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners and indigenous knowledge holders from around the world to deliberate on the future of holistic health and wellness. Screenshot from the video. Scores of people, including delegates, were evacuated from Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the World Health Organization (WHO) World Summit on Traditional Medicine was underway. A video shared by news agency PTI shows delegates leaving the convention center. India is hosting the second edition of the WHO World Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners and indigenous knowledge holders from around the world to deliberate on the future of holistic health and wellness, according to DD News. ‘Restoring Balance’ The three-day event is jointly organized by the WHO and the Ministry of Ayush and is being held in New Delhi under the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellness.” The summit follows the first edition held in 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The government noted that the summit comes at a time when health systems worldwide are under increasing pressure due to unequal access to health care, environmental pressures and the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Discussions focused on reaffirming the role of Traditional Medicine, while anchoring it in scientific evidence, ethical management and validated practices. In line with WHO’s Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine 2025–2034, the summit explores how traditional medicine can contribute to human-centred healthcare and planetary health. Policymakers and experts discuss policy pathways, emerging scientific research and innovations to support the safe and effective integration of Traditional Medicine into national health systems. The program opened with a high-level plenary session on restoring balance, addressing gaps in governance, knowledge, access and environmental sustainability, while exploring pathways to more resilient and inclusive global health systems. Subsequent sessions focus on research, innovation, investment and regulatory frameworks to strengthen Traditional Medicine as an evidence-based contributor to sustainable development and universal health coverage. A key theme of the summit is the integration of Traditional Medicine into primary health care systems, drawing on experiences from regions such as Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Speakers emphasize the importance of quality assurance, strong governance mechanisms and international regulatory cooperation. The summit also addresses issues related to accountability, standards and data governance, including the ethical and responsible use of digital technology and artificial intelligence. Emphasis is placed on respect for indigenous and traditional knowledge, the protection of biodiversity, the safeguarding of intellectual property rights and ensuring the ethical use of medicinal resources. More than 170 expert speakers participate in more than 25 sessions, with 21 selected innovations from different regions on display. The event attracted participation from over 100 countries, including government leaders, scientists, traditional medicine practitioners, indigenous community representatives, industry stakeholders and civil society organisations. Held in a hybrid format, the summit allows for both in-person and virtual participation. Key outcomes are expected to include the announcement of new initiatives, collaborations and engagements aimed at strengthening global collaboration and expanding the evidence base for traditional medicine. According to the government, the 2025 summit aims to promote a shared global vision for balanced, inclusive and sustainable health systems by bringing together diverse knowledge systems at a critical moment for global health.

India vs South Africa 4th T20I STRAIGHT SCORE: No clarity on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability; Men in Blue eye series win

India vs South Africa 4th T20I STRAIGHT SCORE: No clarity on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability; Men in Blue eye series win

India vs South Africa 4th T20I STRAIGHT SCORE: After a satisfying win in Dharamsala, India will take on South Africa in the fourth T20I, looking to seal the series. The India vs South Africa 4th T20I starts from 19:00 IST. India vs South Africa 4th T20I STRAIGHT SCORE: India lead the series 2-1. After an action-packed day in Abu Dhabi for the IPL auction, it’s time to refocus on India vs South Africa T20I series as both teams square off in the penultimate match at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. After winning in Dharamsala, India lead the series 2-1 and a win today will seal the deal for Suryakumar Yadav’s men. For India, the Men in Blue will have some changes after Axar Patel has been ruled out for the rest of the series. There was also no official communication about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability after he missed the third match. Shivam Dube said that he ‘thinks’ Bumrah is likely to play. How to watch India vs South Africa 4th T20I? The India vs South Africa 4th T20I will be telecast live on Star Sports channels. Live streaming of India vs South Africa 4th T20I will be available on JioStar app and website. India vs South Africa 4th T20I probable XIs India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana/ Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy de Kstan, Varun Chakaravarthy, South Africa, A Quintiden Markstan, A Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman 17 Dec 2025, 16:16:33 IST India vs South Africa 4th T20I LIVE: What happened in 3rd match? India lead the series 2-1. After being locked at 1-1, the Indians dished out a superb bowling performance to bowl out the opposition for just 117 runs. India went home easily. A win on Wednesday would seal the series for India. 17 Dec 2025, 16:09:21 IST India vs South Africa 4th T20I LIVE: Hello Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

PB Fintech: Insurance bill concerns add to risk posed by GST changes

PB Fintech: Insurance bill concerns add to risk posed by GST changes

Copyright © HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. Manish Joshi 2 min read 17 Dec 2025, 16:03 IST Shares of PB Fintech Ltd have fallen over 7% over the past two trading sessions. (Bloomberg) Summary After barely recovering from GST-related disruptions, PB Fintech faces fresh uncertainty from the Insurance Amendment Bill 2025, which could pressure commissions, earnings visibility and valuations. Shares of PB Fintech Ltd have fallen more than 7% over the past two trading sessions as the Insurance Amendment Bill 2025 emerges as a potential headwind. The stock has only just started to recover from recent changes in the goods and services tax (GST). Before diving into the insurance bill, it’s worth understanding the impact of GST. PB Fintech’s online insurance broking business, policybazaar.com, earns commissions from insurance companies. Since 22 September, collection of insurance premiums has been exempt from GST, meaning that the GST paid on commission is no longer available as an input tax credit. This has increased costs for insurers, some of whom may offset the impact by reducing commissions paid to brokers. The exact extent of commission reductions due to GST changes, if any, is likely to be reflected in Q3FY26 results, or at the latest, in Q4FY26. In the midst of this, the implementation of the insurance bill may present a new challenge. The bill was introduced to empower the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) to limit the commission costs of insurance companies. Here is a more relevant concern about front loading of commissions that needs to be addressed by Irdai. Front-loading is the practice of paying the agent higher commission in the first year after landing a new client, which decreases in subsequent years. There is a need to equalize the commission paid over the term of the policy to incentivize agents to ensure that the customer stays with the policy throughout the term. Any such move could hit policybazaar.com, PB Fintech’s key cash cow that funds other loss-making ventures. Policybazaar.com contributed nearly 89% of Q2FY26 core online business revenue at ₹852 crore, with the remaining coming from paisabazaar.com. Policybazaar.com’s revenue grew 37% year-on-year, while paisabazaar.com’s fell 22%. The receipt rate for policybazaar.com or percentage of commission earned from blended premium (fresh plus renewal) was largely unchanged year-on-year at 16% in Q2FY26. If policybazaar.com grows its FY26 premium collection by 35%, based on H1 growth rate, to ₹22,000 crore, but the average commission rate of 16% falls by 100 basis points, the revenue impact could be ₹220 crore. This entire revenue loss flows through to Ebitda as there is no corresponding drop in costs. Consequently, the FY27 Bloomberg consensus estimate of ₹1,187 crore is at risk of being lowered. Investors will start discounting concerns about the long-term effect of Irdai’s commission cap move. But if commission rates are indeed reduced by Irdai, it is unlikely that insurance companies will be allowed to retain the benefit. This will be passed on to customers in the form of lower insurance premium, which should boost PB Fintech’s commission income through higher premium collection. Overall, the earnings picture remains fluid as there could be a double whammy if insurance companies opt to reduce commission rate due to the GST changes and a regulatory push from Irdai. This is all the more reason for investors to be cautious about already inflated valuations. PB Fintech is quoted at a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 1.6x based on Motilal Oswal Financial Services’ FY27 estimates, which is higher than fintech company One 97 Communications Ltd’s (Paytm) 1.3x valuation. Get all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download the Mint News app to get daily market updates. more topics #market to maket #PB Fintech #market #stock market #stock #news Read next story

CEA calls for state-led reforms in higher education to reap demographic dividends

CEA calls for state-led reforms in higher education to reap demographic dividends

Copyright © HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran addresses the 15th CII Global Higher Education Summit in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: PTI Summary The CEA’s remarks come against the backdrop of the government’s move to overhaul higher education regulation through the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025. India’s Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran has called for states to play a bigger role in driving the next phase of higher education reform in India Long-term growth will depend on how quickly universities respond to changing economic conditions and adapt to technological realities. Speaking at the CII Global Higher Education Summit in New Delhi, Nageswaran said states must move away from a high-control approach to stewardship, address faculty shortages through flexible mechanisms such as professorships, and shift the focus of regulations from inputs to outcomes. A Professor of Practice is a specialized faculty position designed to bring industry experts, practitioners, and professionals directly into the classroom. He also emphasized the need for a more entrepreneurial approach to public administration, and that financing of higher education institutions should be based on differentiated roles and measurable outcomes rather than uniform rules. Regulatory review The CEA’s comments come against the backdrop of the government’s move to review higher education regulation through the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, which aims to reduce regulatory control, strengthen accreditation and shift oversight to outcomes, while giving institutions greater autonomy. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15 and referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider scrutiny. The bill seeks to replace the existing regulator-heavy framework by creating a single overarching body for higher education and doing away with multiple layers of control. Its focus areas include reducing regulatory oversight, shifting from input-based to outcome-based regulation, improving institutional autonomy, promoting multidisciplinary education and research, and improving transparency and accountability in line with the National Education Policy, 2020. Experts divided on new bill Some educators and start-up founders welcomed the central criticism while others welcomed the central criticism. Dr Sanjeet Singh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Marwadi University, a private university in Rajkot, said: “The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill is a decisive step in repositioning Indian higher education from degree-focused learning to capability-led nation-building. It empowers universities to transform research into real global patent impact. ethical innovators and globally competitive talent for India’s future.” Arjun Mohan, founder of startup consultancy EdStart, said: “The UGC’s role as both an awarding authority and a regulator has been somewhat complicated. Moving towards a clearer, cleaner regulatory structure is a positive step as it brings more transparency and clarity in oversight and registration.” He added that the bill seeks to replace the UGC-led model by clearly separating regulation, accreditation and funding functions under a streamlined institutional framework. However, Dr Shyma Jose, assistant professor of economics at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, said: “The new bill represents an excessive centralization of higher education, stripping existing bodies like the UGC, AICTE and NCTE of their regulatory powers. By separating funding from regulation, it risks turning financial support into a tool to reward or penetrate the party’s ruling institutions.” She added: “Such a centralized framework could lead to punitive annual audits, increased job insecurity, steep fee increases and further privatization of higher education. Moreover, the commission’s governance structure appears to be dominated by bureaucrats rather than academics, with no clear provisions to ensure representation of marginalized groups.” Demographic window The CEA emphasized that higher education reform is becoming increasingly urgent as India approaches a demographic inflection point, with millions of young people expected to enter the workforce over the next two decades. “The quality, relevance and adaptability of universities will determine whether this demographic dividend translates into sustained economic growth or becomes a missed opportunity,” he said. Nageswaran also called for deeper industry involvement in curriculum design, research and management, pointing out that closer collaboration could help education align with the needs of the labor market. “Industry can co-design curricula, offer credit-bearing internships, support applied research, share infrastructure and participate meaningfully in governance,” he said, adding that collaboration between the union government, states, industry and citizens can help India position itself as a global hub for learning and ideas. The CEA said the global higher education landscape is undergoing a structural shift, with traditional destination countries facing demographic, fiscal and political constraints, and Asia emerging as a new center for learning, research and innovation. This, he said, gave India the opportunity to attract international students, provided domestic institutions were equipped to compete on quality and outcomes. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a body of the commerce ministry, India’s education market is growing rapidly and is projected to touch $313 billion by FY30, up from $117 billion in FY23. Higher education alone was valued at $68.06 billion in 2024, and is expected to nearly double to $134.84 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The K-12 segment, valued at $48.9 billion in 2023, is also growing rapidly and is estimated to reach $125.8 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.7%. One nation, one regulator Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the National Education Technology Forum, speaking on the occasion said recent reforms lay the foundation for a more student-centric and future-ready higher education ecosystem. He said the proposed regulatory framework aimed to bring all higher education regulators under a single umbrella with single-window approval, enabling institutions to offer multidisciplinary programs with greater ease. Emphasizing the role of the National Education Policy, 2020, Sahasrabudhe said initiatives like the National Credit Framework and digital enablers like APAR ID give students greater flexibility through modular learning paths and verifiable, paperless academic credentials. While emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and digital platforms are powerful tools, he said human intelligence, ethics and values ​​must remain central to education. Naushad Forbes, former president of CII and chairman of the CII National Higher Education, R&D, Technology and Innovation Council, said the most durable source of resilience for any economy is the quality of its human capital. Forbes, who also spoke at the event, argued that economic transformation depends not only on generating knowledge but on helping skilled individuals transform ideas into practical outcomes. He also called for a significant increase in public research funding within universities and greater institutional autonomy. Corporate participation grows The emphasis on state-led reforms and outcome-based regulation in higher education is consistent with the evolution of corporate participation in education. A CII study on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in education, released at the CII summit on Wednesday, noted that education has emerged as the single largest area of ​​corporate social spending in India, accounting for nearly a third of total CSR expenditure, or around ₹12,000 crore in FY24. The study said most CSR-funded education programs are closely aligned with national priorities such as basic literacy and numeracy, skills development and rural inclusion, areas in which state governments play a crucial role in implementation. However, the report also highlighted structural gaps that reinforced the CEA’s call for institutional reform, notably faculty shortages, uneven regulatory capacity and poor sustainability once funding cycles ended. Corporates report that while learning outcomes and access have improved, long-term continuity depends heavily on stronger public institutions and clearer governance frameworks, particularly at the state level, it said. The report said that although CSR in education is entering a more mature phase, with rising year-on-year investments and better monitoring systems, it has limited influence on systemic reform. Get all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download the Mint News app to get daily market updates. more topics #chief economic advisor Read next story

MK arranges event organizers to pay royalties, Armand Maulana confident of ending chaos

MK arranges event organizers to pay royalties, Armand Maulana confident of ending chaos

Jakarta – The Constitutional Court (KC) granted part of the lawsuit against Law Number 28 of 2014 on copyright. One of the petitioners, Armand Maulana, said that the Constitutional Court’s decision ended the confusion about royalties among musicians. “The Judge of the Constitutional Court (has) explained that now, God willing, there will no longer be such chaos in the field. Because earlier it was very, very clear that it is not the singer who pays, but the organizer who brings the economy, economic rights there,” Armand said after attending the decision hearing at the Constitutional Court Building, Central Jakarta/512, on Wednesday (202/202). Scroll to continue CONTENT According to him, this decision provides legal certainty and ends public confusion. Armand admitted that he welcomed the constitutional court’s decision. He also highlighted the constitutional court’s confirmation of the application of criminal sanctions as a last resort. According to him, this provides a sense of security for musicians who were worried about facing criminal threats because of the royal controversy. “Because up to this moment there is a singer, I won’t say who, but he is still being sued and wants to be punished like that. So that’s it, it’s definitely done first in civil terms and so on, it’s really the last, really the last,” he said. Commissioner of the National Collective Management Institute (LMKN) and musician, Marcell Siahaan, said the constitutional court’s decision is an important basis for organizing the national music ecosystem. He said royalty arrangements must strike a balance. “I think it’s important for us to understand that copyright law is about building equilibrium, a balance of everything in this ecosystem,” he said. “The copyright law is mainly to build balance, so that Indonesia’s macro-creativity can run smoothly,” he continued. He said what needs to be done next is for stakeholders to sit together to formulate copyright regulations. He stressed that there was no need for more fuss about royalties. “What we do now is how we actually sit together without making such a fuss, we determine what kind of management is neat, clean,” he explained. The following is the Constitutional Court’s decision: 1. Granting the petitioners’ petition in part 2. Declaring the phrase every person in the norm of article 23 paragraph 5 of the Copyright Act is contrary to the 1945 Constitution and does not have conditionally binding legal force as long as it is not interpreted as ‘including the commercial performance organisers’ which is ‘including the commercial performance organisers’. in the norm of Article 87 paragraph (1) of the Copyright Act is inconsistent with the 1945 Constitution and has no conditionally binding legal force as long as it is not interpreted as ‘reasonable compensation, in accordance with mechanisms and rates based on statutory regulations’ 4. Declare that the phrase letter f in the norms of Article 113 paragraph 12) is not inconsistent with the Constitution of the Act and does not have Copyright (5) conditionally binding legal force as long as it is not interpreted as ‘in the application of criminal sanctions it is carried out by first applying the principles of restorative justice’. 5. Ordered that this decision be published in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia as appropriate. 6. Reject the applicant’s application for other things and the rest. (amw/haf)

Role of 5 abortion clinic suspects in East Jakarta flats: ‘Doctor’ for patient

Role of 5 abortion clinic suspects in East Jakarta flats: ‘Doctor’ for patient

Jakarta – The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of Polda Metro Jaya has dismantled an illegal abortion clinic operating in an apartment on Jalan Basuki Rahmat, East Jakarta (Jaktim). In this case, the police named five people as suspects. “We have detained five people and are currently in the process,” Dirkrimsus Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Edy Suranta Sitepu said at a press conference at Polda Metro Jaya, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/12/2025). Edy explained that among the suspects, one of them was a woman, NS, who played the role of performing abortions on patients. He appears to be an ob-gyn (obstetrics and gynecology) doctor who understands the abortion process. Scroll to continue content “Sister NS, this has the role of executor, or doctor, like an ob-gyn doctor,” he said. Apart from that, there are RH women whose role is to help NS in the abortion process. There is also wife M, who plays the role of picking up, dropping off, as well as admin who communicates with patients. “M has the role of picking up and dropping off patients, both when they pick them up and when they return after having an abortion,” he said. Furthermore, there is also a LN man, whose role is to rent the apartment where the abortion is performed and a YH man who manages the website. For your information, the site promotes the practice of illegal abortion. Two patients with the initials KWM and R are also suspects in this case. Both of them were in room 28A on the 28th floor of the apartment when the police carried out the raid. The five main suspects who are managers of illegal abortion clinics were detained at the Polda Metro Jaya Detention Centre. For their actions, they were charged with Article 428 paragraph 1 together with Article 60 paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law Number 17 of 2023 regarding Health with the threat of a sentence of 12 years in prison. (wnv/mea)