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Pakistan poised for surge in defence spending over next 2–4 years amid rising India tensions

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 With tensions between India and Pakistan on the rise, defence spending in the region is expected to accelerate, fueling a renewed arms race. A Moneycontrol analysis reveals that while India’s reactions tend to be measured, Pakistan historically ramps up its military expenditures sharply after each major incident — a trend that typically lasts two to four years. According to World Bank data, Pakistan’s annual defence spending growth had slowed to single digits by 2016. However, after India’s Uri surgical strikes in 2016, Pakistan’s military spending surged, doubling to 14.1% in 2017. The following year, 2018, saw an even sharper rise of 17.5% — marking the highest annual jump in seven years. Looking further back, after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan’s defence budget swelled significantly, rising from 13.4% growth in 2008 to 17.1% in 2009. Over the next four years, Pakistan maintained an average annual increase of 17.4% in military spending. A similar pattern emerged du...

US Fed Issues Export Warning, Flags Rising Economic Risks Amid Trump’s Tariff War

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 The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday left interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting but made notable adjustments to its policy statement, reflecting rising concerns over the economic fallout from President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff measures. While maintaining the benchmark rate at 4.25% to 4.5%, the Fed introduced fresh language addressing trade-driven volatility. “Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace,” the statement noted. This marked the first explicit reference to export conditions in the current cycle — a clear acknowledgment of the mounting pressure from the ongoing trade war. Growth Holds Steady, But Tariff Tensions Cast a Shadow The term “solid pace” has appeared in every Fed statement since January 2024 — including this latest one — despite GDP figures last week revealing the first economic contraction in three years. Importantly, the Fed al...

India Proposes Major Tariff Reduction to Fast-Track Trade Deal with Trump: Report

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 India has reportedly offered to slash its tariff gap with the United States by nearly two-thirds—from around 13% to below 4%—in a bid to secure a trade agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the matter. If accepted, the proposal would narrow the average tariff difference between the two nations by 9 percentage points. This change would apply across a broad range of goods and would mark one of the most significant moves by India to reduce trade barriers in its economy—the fifth-largest in the world. The U.S. remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $129 billion in 2024. However, the trade relationship is imbalanced, with India maintaining a $45.7 billion surplus. The news follows Trump’s recent announcement of his administration’s first “breakthrough deal” with the United Kingdom. That deal reduces average British tariffs on U.S. goods while preserving a 10% base tariff on British exports to ...

How to Use Product-Bank to Find the Cheapest Flights for Your Next Trip

  Travelers who want to  find the cheapest flights  need smart tools — and   Product-Bank   delivers exactly that. This platform combines advanced technology with user-friendly features to help you score great flight deals. Product-Bank searches hundreds of airlines and travel sites in seconds, giving you access to the lowest fares available. You can compare prices for different dates and airports, making it easy to find budget-friendly options. One standout feature is Product-Bank’s flexible date calendar. Instead of locking in a specific travel date, you can see fares for a range of days, which helps you pick the cheapest day to fly. Product-Bank also sends fare alerts so you get notified when ticket prices drop on your desired route. This real-time information means you don’t have to keep checking yourself. The platform provides complete price transparency, showing all fees, including baggage and seat selection, upfront. This helps you avoid surprises when bo...

Leather Sofa: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Elegance

 A  leather sofa  is an investment that brings both style and comfort into your living room. Leather furniture has been admired for its luxurious appearance and durability, making it a popular choice among homeowners looking to create a sophisticated and welcoming space. Not only is it a stylish addition to any home, but a leather sofa is also incredibly practical, offering unmatched comfort, ease of maintenance, and long-lasting value. Durability and Longevity One of the most appealing features of a leather sofa is its incredible durability. Leather is a highly resilient material that can withstand heavy use, making it ideal for families, pets, and anyone who wants furniture that stands the test of time. Unlike fabric sofas, which can stain or rip easily, leather remains intact and continues to look great for many years. With proper care, leather only improves with age, developing a rich patina that adds to its charm. Easy to Maintain A leather sofa is also incredibly ...

Is a Free Demat Account Really Free? What to Expect

 Choose financial freedom— Open  online  Demat Account  and enjoy paperless trading with zero opening charges. Start investing in shares, mutual funds, and more with a secure, user-friendly process. Best Practices for Demat Account Opening Research Broker Options Carefully Compare various brokers based on service offerings, trading platforms, fees, and customer reviews to select the right one. Choose the Right Demat Account Type If you’re a beginner or invest occasionally, opt for a basic services demat account (BSDA). For frequent trading, go for a standard account. Understand Fees and Charges Investigate all potential costs such as account opening fees, annual maintenance charges (AMC), and transaction costs to make an informed decision. Ensure Document Accuracy Have your PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of address, and bank details ready to avoid delays in the account opening process. Prioritize Security Features Look for a broker offering strong security measures su...

Defence Stocks Rally Up to 5% After DAC Clears Rs 21,772 Crore Acquisition Proposals

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In a significant boost for India's defence sector, stocks of major defence companies surged by up to 5% following the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) approval of acquisition proposals worth Rs 21,772 crore. The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, greenlit key procurements to strengthen the Indian armed forces. Among the approved proposals, the most notable is the purchase of advanced weapons systems, including helicopters, missile systems, and ammunition, aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This move is seen as a part of the government's ongoing effort to modernize India's defence infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The rally in defence stocks reflects investor optimism about the government's commitment to defence sector reforms and its focus on indigenization. Analysts believe that these acquisitions will create long-term growth opportunities for domestic defence manufacturers, pa...