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First Post
19 minutes ago
- First Post
Trump opens probe into Brazil's 'unfair' trade practices days after imposing 50% tariffs
A statement from the US trade representative noted that the probe will focus on the Brazilian government's policies 'related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference' read more The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Brazil's 'unfair' trading practices, a week after the US slapped 50 per cent tariffs on the nation. A statement from the US trade representative noted that the probe will focus on the Brazilian government's policies 'related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference'. The US and Brazil are engaged in a trade dispute after President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Brasilia, accusing the country of unfair trade practices and running a 'witch trial' against former president Jair Bolsonaro. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Refresh for updates.


Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mumbai, Delhi among world's best in QS student cities rankings
AI image NEW DELHI: Mumbai and Delhi have posted impressive gains in QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, reinforcing India's growing profile in global higher education. Mumbai has re-entered the coveted global top 100, climbing 15 places to secure the 98th position, while Delhi advanced seven spots to 104th. Delhi stood out in the affordability category, being ranked as most affordable student city in the world. Mumbai and Bengaluru also performed strongly on this parameter, being placed within the global top 15. The QS ranking report noted that this is an indication of National Education Policy-2020's (NEP) focus on global engagement and student-centric learning. These gains reflect a strengthening momentum in India's education ecosystem, with its metropolises emerging as increasingly attractive destinations for both domestic and international students. Four Indian metro cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai - featured in the rankings and have improved their positions this year. Bengaluru saw the most dramatic leap, soaring 22 places to rank 108th, while Chennai moved up 12 spots to 128th. In the employer activity indicator, Delhi and Mumbai broke into the world's top 50, underscoring the strong employment prospects for graduates from these cities. Bengaluru made a remarkable 41-place leap in this category to 59th, and Chennai advanced 29 spots, reflecting a growing global recognition of Indian graduates' skill set. CEO of QS Jessica Turner said India's ascent in the rankings was "more than a statistical bump" and pointed to a deeper transformation. "As we approach the fifth anniversary of NEP-2020, its focus on global engagement, quality enhancement and student-centric learning is starting to bear fruit on the international stage," she said. "If this momentum continues, backed by reform and rising global visibility, we're likely to witness an even sharper upward trajectory before the decade is out," Turner said. The QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking assessed 150 cities worldwide. This year's edition highlights a notable shift in the global education landscape - Seoul displaced London to claim the top spot for the first time, while Tokyo held its second position. London, which had dominated the rankings for six consecutive years, slipped to third, largely due to a steep decline in affordability, where it dropped 11 places to rank 137th globally. Where Indian cities scored low was in student mix indicator (number of international students, and how inclusive the city and country is), with Mumbai at the bottom (150), Bengaluru at 148, Chennai at 146 and Delhi at 147. Asia's rise is equally striking in this edition. Alongside Seoul's triumph, Kuala Lumpur entered the global top 15 for the first time at 12th, while Beijing 13th and Taipei 14th achieved their highest-ever positions. Hong Kong also climbed five places to 17th. Over the past decade, India has recorded a 390% increase in number of universities featured in QS World University Rankings. That upward trajectory is now mirrored at the city level, with Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai establishing themselves as globally connected and opportunity-rich destinations for students.


Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Oil prices gain on demand expectations amid improving economy
Oil prices rose on Wednesday on expectations of steady demand in the U.S. and China, the world's two largest oil users, amid an improving economic outlook. Brent crude futures rose 29 cents, or 0.42%, to $69 a barrel by 0105 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 40 cents, or 0.6%, at $66.92. That reversed two days of declines as the market downplayed the potential for supply disruptions after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on purchases of Russian oil. Prices have seesawed in a fairly tight range as signs of steady demand from an increase in travel during the Northern Hemisphere summer has competed with concerns U.S. tariffs on its trading partners will slow economic growth and fuel consumption. However, major oil producers are pointing to improvement in economic growth for the second half of the year and Chinese data showed growth there remained consistent. Live Events "Strong seasonal demand is currently providing upward momentum to oil prices, as summer travel and industrial activity peak," LSEG analysts said in a note. "Increased gasoline consumption - especially in the U.S. during the Fourth of July holiday period - has signaled robust fuel demand, helping offset bearish pressures from rising inventories and tariff concerns." China data showed growth slowed in the second quarter, but not by as much as previously feared, in part because of frontloading to beat U.S. tariffs. That eased some concerns about the economy of the world's largest crude importer. The data also showed that China's crude oil throughput in June jumped 8.5% from a year earlier, indicating stronger fuel demand. That was the highest since September 2023, as state-owned refineries increased operations and saw a recovery in profit, consultants said. Additionally, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecast in a monthly report on Tuesday that the global economy would do better in the second half of the year, boosting the oil demand outlook. India, China and Brazil are outperforming expectations while the U.S. and EU are recovering from last year, the report said.