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Which Indian City is Known as the Footwear City?

India has many cities that are famous for their unique industries, and some of them play a very important role in the country’s economy. Among these, one city stands out because it has a long history of making shoes and supplies footwear to many parts of India and even other countries, giving it a very special identity.

Who do Cities Get Nickname?

Cities in India often receive nicknames because they are known for a particular product, skill, or cultural feature. These nicknames make it easy for people to remember the city’s specialty. They also help in promoting tourism, local industries, and the history behind that place.

Which City is called the Footwear City?

The city known as the Footwear City of India is Agra, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Although Agra is world-famous for the Taj Mahal, it also holds a very important place in India’s footwear industry.

Why is Agra Known as the Footwear City?

Agra has a large number of factories and small workshops where different types of footwear are made.

  • The city is especially known for leather shoes for men and stylish sandals for women.
  • The quality of Agra’s footwear is so good that it is not only sold across India but also exported to many countries.
  • Agra’s skilled workers have deep knowledge of traditional shoe-making techniques.

All these reasons together give Agra the title of the Footwear City.

A Tradition Since the Mughal Era

The footwear industry of Agra is not new. Its roots go back to the Mughal period. During that time, leather work and shoe-making grew rapidly in Agra. The craftsmen who worked in that era passed on their skills from one generation to the next. Even today, many families in Agra continue this traditional craft, keeping the heritage alive.

Other Important Footwear Centres in India

Although Agra is the leading name in footwear production, two more Indian cities also play an important role:

  • Kanpur: Kanpur is known for manufacturing safety shoes, which are used in industries and factories. These shoes are exported worldwide because of their strong quality.
  • Chennai: Chennai is another big centre for leather footwear. It is considered one of the major hubs for producing and exporting shoes from India.

Which Desert is known as the Cold Desert?

Some deserts are extremely hot, but some remain cold throughout the year. These cold deserts receive very little rain, have dry air, and are surrounded by high mountains. Their climate is harsh, with freezing winds and long winters that shape the land, wildlife, and lifestyle of the people living there. Understanding such deserts helps us learn how nature works in difficult environments.

Which Desert is known as the Cold Desert?

The Ladakh Desert in northern India is called the Cold Desert. It is located in the Himalayan region and remains cold even during the summer months. The high altitude and dry air make this desert very different from hot deserts like the Thar.

Why is Ladakh known as the Cold Desert?

Ladakh is known as the Cold Desert for several reasons. Temperatures in winter can fall below –20°C, and even in summer, the air stays cool. The Himalayan mountain ranges stop moisture-filled winds from entering the region, which means Ladakh receives almost no rain. The height of the place also keeps the climate extremely cold.

Location of the Cold Desert in India

The Cold Desert lies in the Ladakh Union Territory. Important areas in this region include:

  • Leh
  • Nubra Valley
  • Diskit
  • Hunder
  • Pangong Lake region

These places have a mix of high sand dunes, rocky landscapes, and dry open valleys.

Climate and Weather of the Cold Desert

The Ladakh Cold Desert has:

  • Very cold winters
  • Cool to mild summers
  • Strong, dry winds
  • Very little rainfall

Snowfall in winter is the main source of moisture. The air is thin, which makes the sunlight appear bright, but the ground stays cold.

Why does the Cold Desert Stay Cold Throughout the Year?

The Cold Desert stays cold because it is located at a very high altitude. The air pressure is low, so heat cannot stay trapped in the atmosphere. After sunset, the temperature drops quickly, making nights extremely cold. The thin air also cannot hold warmth, which keeps the region cold day and night.

Famous Places in the Cold Desert Region

Some well-known tourist places in the Cold Desert include:

  • Nubra Valley
  • Pangong Lake
  • Turtuk village
  • Hunder sand dunes
  • Diskit Monastery
  • High-altitude passes like Khardung La

These spots show the beauty of Ladakh with its blue lakes, wide valleys, and snowy mountains.

Interesting Facts About the Cold Desert

  • High-Altitude Sand Dunes: The Ladakh Desert has sand dunes at very high heights. These dunes are found among cold mountains, which is uncommon in most deserts.
  • Glaciers Provide Water: Glaciers melt to form rivers such as the Indus, Shyok, and Zanskar. These rivers give water to villages, crops, and wildlife.
  • Lies in a Rain-Shadow Zone: The Himalayas block rain clouds from reaching Ladakh. Therefore, the area gets extremely low rainfall—sometimes less than 10 cm a year.
  • Home to Double-Humped Camels: The region is famous for Bactrian camels, which have two humps and thick fur. They can survive the cold weather and are used for travel in Nubra Valley.
  • One of the Highest Deserts in the World: Much of Ladakh is above 3,000 metres, and some parts are even higher than 5,000 metres, making it one of the highest cold deserts on Earth.

Top-10 News Media Companies in the World, Check the List

In today’s world, news media plays a very important role in sharing information quickly and clearly with people everywhere. Big media companies run televisions, newspapers, websites and radio channels to help us understand what is happening around us. They cover topics like world events, politics, business, sports and entertainment. These companies reach millions of people every day and help them stay updated and aware.

Top-10 News Media Companies in the World

The global news industry is shaped by powerful media companies that deliver information through TV, newspapers, and digital platforms. These organizations have a major influence on how people understand events happening around the world.

Here is the list of top-10 news media companies in the world:

Rank Company  Headquarter
1. Comcast (CMCSA) Philadelphia, U.S.
2. Thomson Reuters (TRI) Toronto, Canada
3. Naspers (NPSNY) South Africa
4. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) New York, U.S.
5. Fox Corporation (FOX) U.S.
6. BCE (BCE) Canada
7. Rogers Communications (RCI) Canada
8. Paramount Skydance (PSKY) U.S.
9. News Corp. (NWS) Global
10. The New York Times Company (NYT) U.S.

Comcast

Comcast is one of the biggest media groups in the world. Based in Philadelphia, it works in cable TV, internet services, and broadcasting. It owns popular news networks like NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and even Sky News in the UK. The company earns huge revenue, although its market performance has faced some challenges recently.

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is a major Canadian company known for financial information and trustworthy global news. It owns Reuters News, which supplies news to thousands of media outlets worldwide. Besides journalism, the company also provides legal, business, and corporate data tools used by professionals everywhere.

Naspers

Naspers is a well-known media and technology company from South Africa. It started with newspapers and magazines but later expanded into digital platforms. The company also holds major global investments, including a large share in Tencent. Its strong growth has helped it remain influential across many countries.

Warner Bros. Discovery

Based in New York, Warner Bros. Discovery runs many well-known entertainment and news platforms. It owns CNN, a leading global news network, along with HBO, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Food Network, and Warner Bros. films. The company has recently improved its performance because of new strategies and strong content.

Fox Corporation

Fox Corporation is famous for its news and sports broadcasting. It owns Fox News Media, one of the most-watched cable news networks in the United States. The company was created after Disney bought most of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment divisions. Today, Fox continues to run several popular TV channels and local stations.

BCE

BCE (Bell Canada Enterprises) is one of Canada’s largest communications and media companies. It operates many news channels, including CTV News, which is one of Canada’s leading broadcasters. BCE also works in internet services, mobile networks, entertainment, and digital media.

Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications is another major Canadian media and telecom company. It runs TV channels, sports networks, radio stations, and digital news platforms. The company is known for its strong communication network and media services across the country.

Paramount Skydance

Paramount Skydance is a large U.S.-based media company created from a major merger. It manages TV networks, movies, streaming services, and news platforms. The company continues to expand its global presence through new content and partnerships.

News Corp.

News Corp. is a global media company with newspapers, digital news websites, and publishing operations in many countries. It owns famous brands such as The Wall Street Journal and The Times. The company focuses on journalism, digital transformation, and global storytelling.

The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company is best known for publishing The New York Times, one of the world’s most respected newspapers. It has successfully expanded into digital news through subscriptions, videos, podcasts, and online stories. The company continues to attract millions of readers globally.

PNB Housing Finance Appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as New MD & CEO

PNB Housing Finance has announced the appointment of Ajai Kumar Shukla as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His appointment marks an important leadership transition for the company also which continues to expand its footprint in India’s competitive housing finance sector. With decades of experience in banking and financial services, Shukla is expected to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth.

About the Appointment

  • Name: Ajai Kumar Shukla
  • Position: Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
  • Effective From: 18 December 2025
  • Tenure: Five years, subject to shareholder approval

The decision was approved by the company’s Board of Directors on 12 December 2025.

About Ajai Kumar Shukla

While detailed profiles often highlight a leader’s prior roles, what is generally known is that Shukla brings,

  • Extensive experience in banking and financial services
  • A strong background in retail lending and credit operations
  • Exposure to governance, compliance, and strategic planning
  • Leadership expertise in guiding teams through operational transformation

His appointment aligns with PNB Housing Finance’s aim of strengthening its management and expanding responsibly.

Significance of the Leadership Change

The appointment of a new MD & CEO is significant for several reasons:

  • It reinforces the company’s long-term strategic direction.
  • Strengthens confidence among investors, customers, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Helps the organisation adapt to changing market conditions and digital disruptions.
  • Supports PNB Housing Finance’s aim of improving customer experience and asset quality.

Key Takeaways

  • PNB Housing Finance appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as its new MD & CEO.
  • The leadership change comes at a time of rising housing demand and sector expansion.
  • Shukla brings extensive experience in banking and financial services.

Department of Posts and BSE Sign MoU to Expand Mutual Fund Access Across India

In a major push towards deepening financial inclusion, the Department of Posts (DoP) and BSE, Asia’s oldest stock exchange, have signed a landmark MoU to expand access to mutual fund services across India. By using India Post’s end to end presence in rural and semi-urban areas, the initiative aims to bring investment opportunities closer to millions of citizens who have limited access to formal financial products.

Key Features of the Partnership

  • Selected postal employees will be trained and certified as mutual fund distributors.
  • Postal staff will assist customers with informed investment decisions and execute transactions.
  • The distribution will happen through BSE StAR MF, India’s largest mutual fund platform.
  • The MoU is valid for three years: from 12 December 2025 to 11 December 2028.
  • Collaboration includes generation of EUINs (Employee Unique Identification Numbers) for authorized personnel.
  • BSE will help postal employees obtain NISM Mutual Fund Distributor Certification.

Once certified, postal employees will be able to support customers with transactions, investor services, and guidance at the last mile.

How This Initiative Enhances Financial Inclusion

Combining India Post’s outreach with BSE’s technology bridges one of the biggest gaps in the financial sector rural access. This collaboration will,

  • Bring investment services to Tier-2, Tier-3, and remote areas
  • Encourage informed financial decision-making through trained officials
  • Reduce dependence on unregulated or informal investment channels
  • Support the broader goal of creating a financially aware and empowered population

Key Static Information

  • Signing date: 12 December 2025
  • MoU validity: 2025–2028 (3 years)
  • Partners: Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications) and BSE
  • Platform used: BSE StAR MF

Retail Inflation Rises Slightly to 0.71% in November 2025

India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased modestly to 0.71% in November from 0.25% in October. The rise was largely driven by a slowdown in food deflation, as seasonal price increases were recorded in several food items. While food prices remain in deflation, the easing of the favourable base effect pushed overall inflation slightly higher.

Key November Trends

  • Food deflation eased to -3.91% from -5.02% in October.
  • Prices of vegetables, eggs, pulses, fruits, and meat & fish increased sequentially.
  • Rural inflation turned positive at 0.10%, reversing the previous month’s -0.25%.
  • Urban inflation rose to 1.4% from 0.88% in October.
  • Food deflation persisted in both rural (-4.05%) and urban (-3.6%) segments.

Additionally, inflation in cereals fell sharply to a 50-month low of 0.1%, reflecting easing supply pressures. Prices of edible oils moderated to 7.87%, though they still remain elevated.

Rural vs. Urban Inflation

A notable shift occurred in rural India, where inflation crept back into positive space.

  • Rural CPI: 0.10% (from -0.25% in October)
  • Urban CPI: 1.4% (up from 0.88%)

Interestingly, food prices remained in deflation in both zones,

  • Rural food inflation: -4.05%
  • Urban food inflation: -3.6%

This indicates that while food prices eased uniformly, non-food components—especially in urban regions played a larger role in driving inflation higher.

About CPI Inflation

  • CPI released by: National Statistics Office (NSO)
  • CPI categories include: Food & beverages, housing, fuel, clothing, miscellaneous services
  • Base element: Comparison of current prices with the same month in the previous year
  • Key contributors: Food (largest weight), fuel, core items
  • Deflation refers to: Negative inflation (prices falling year-on-year)

Key Takeaways

  • CPI retail inflation rose to 0.71% in November from 0.25% in October.
  • Food deflation eased to -3.91%, pushing overall inflation upward.
  • Rural inflation turned positive at 0.10%, while urban inflation rose to 1.4%.
  • Cereal inflation dropped to a 50-month low of 0.1%.
  • Edible oil inflation moderated to 7.87%, though still elevated.

India’s Foreign Reserves Touch $687.26 Billion In December 2025

India’s foreign exchange reserves saw a moderate rise in the week ending December 12, 2025, increasing by USD 1.03 billion to reach USD 687.26 billion. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released this update, noting that the central bank continues to monitor the foreign exchange market closely to ensure stability. The latest rise comes after a decline in the previous week, signalling a balanced recovery supported by gold reserves and SDR gains.

Latest Data

According to RBI’s weekly statistical supplement, the components of the reserves moved as follows,

Key Movements Category Wise

  • Total forex reserves: Up by USD 1.03 billion, now at USD 687.26 billion
  • Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): Fell by USD 151 million to USD 556.88 billion
  • Gold reserves: Increased notably by USD 1.188 billion to USD 106.984 billion
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): Rose by USD 93 million to USD 18.721 billion

FCA remains the largest segment of India’s forex basket, and its movement reflects changes in the valuation of currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen against the US dollar.

What is Forex Resrves?

Forex reserves are crucial for maintaining confidence in the economy, stabilising the currency, and meeting external obligations. India’s reserves include,

  1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)
  2. Gold reserves
  3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
  4. RBI’s reserve position with the IMF

In the previous week, reserves had fallen by USD 1.877 billion, making this week’s uptick an important reversal. These fluctuations typically reflect changes in global currency movements, foreign investment flows, and RBI’s market interventions.

Factor Behind Rise

  • The latest rise in reserves comes at a time of ongoing volatility in global currency markets.
  • Gold prices have remained strong internationally, contributing significantly to the increase in India’s gold reserves valuation.
  • SDRs also rised during the week, reflecting India’s strengthened position in the IMF’s special reserve system.
  • Despite the fall in FCA, the overall reserve position improved due to gains in other components.

Key Takeaways

  • Forex reserves increased by $1.03 billion to $687.26 billion.
  • FCA declined by $151 million, but gold reserves rose by $1.188 billion.
  • SDRs increased by $93 million, adding to the overall rise.
  • Previous week saw a drop of $1.877 billion in reserves.
  • RBI continues to monitor market movements to ensure stability.

Cabinet Nod to Atomic Energy Bill Unlocks Opportunities for Private Nuclear Projects

The Union Cabinet has approved the Atomic Energy Bill, marking a major shift in India’s civil nuclear policy. The Bill aims to amend existing laws to allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation which is currently restricted under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. This move will supports India’s long-term vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, encouraging investment, technology partnerships, and faster project development.

Background

  • India’s civil nuclear sector has traditionally been under complete government control.
  • The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 restricts nuclear plant operation and fuel cycle activities to central government-owned entities.
  • Similarly, provisions under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 have made private firms hesitant due to concerns over liability.
  • A high-level panel report in June highlighted that India would require substantial technical and financial resources to meet its 100 GW nuclear goal.

Context of the Amendments

The Cabinet-approved Bill proposes changes to two key laws,

  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – to permit private companies and potentially even state governments to participate in setting up and operating nuclear plants.
  • CLND Act, 2010 – to address liability concerns that deter suppliers and investors, particularly foreign technology providers.

Why This Reform are Needed?

1. Current Restrictions

The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 restricts nuclear plant construction and fuel-cycle activities exclusively to the Central government or its PSUs.

This has slowed capacity expansion due to,

  • High capital requirements
  • Complex technology demands
  • Limited number of operators (mainly NPCIL)

2. CLND Act: Major Barrier for Private Firms

Private suppliers—domestic and foreign—are deterred by,

  • Ambiguity around liability exposure, particularly the “right of recourse” clause.
  • Lack of parity with global nuclear liability norms, which most countries align with the CSC (Convention on Supplementary Compensation).

Significance of Opening the Sector to Private Players

Allowing private participation in civil nuclear power is expected to bring multiple advantages,

  • Greater capital availability for large nuclear projects
  • Faster construction and efficiency through private sector expertise
  • Entry of global technology suppliers into India’s nuclear market
  • Boost to India’s target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047
  • Expansion of related sectors, including mining of critical minerals and nuclear fuel fabrication

Economic experts believe that aligning India’s nuclear liability rules with international standards is crucial to attract global firms.

Key Takeaways

  • Cabinet approves Atomic Energy Bill to open civil nuclear sector to private players.
  • Amends the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLND Act, 2010.
  • Supports India’s goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
  • Addresses liability concerns to attract foreign suppliers and investors.
  • Encourages development of small modular reactors and advanced technologies.
  • Enables private companies to operate nuclear plants under licence.

Meta India Appoints Aman Jain as Head of Public Policy

Meta India has announced the appointment of Aman Jain as its new Head of Public Policy, marking an important leadership move as the company strengthens its engagement with India’s digital and regulatory landscape. Jain will take charge early next year and is expected to play a key role in shaping Meta’s policy approach in one of its most important global markets.

Background

India has emerged as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital economies, with rapid expansion in areas such as social media, digital advertising, artificial intelligence, and the creator economy. For global technology companies like Meta, navigating India’s evolving regulatory environment has become increasingly critical.

Against this backdrop, Meta’s decision to appoint a seasoned public policy professional reflects its focus on building constructive relationships with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Role and Responsibilities

As Head of Public Policy for India, Aman Jain will lead Meta’s overall policy strategy and government engagement in the country. His responsibilities will include managing interactions with central and state governments, regulatory authorities, and industry bodies.

In his new role:

  • He will report to Simon Milner, Vice President of Policy for the Asia Pacific region.
  • He will also become part of Meta’s India leadership team.
  • He will guide policy discussions around key areas such as digital safety, data governance, competition, artificial intelligence, and platform accountability.

The position places Jain at the centre of Meta’s efforts to align business objectives with India’s regulatory expectations.

Professional Experience

Aman Jain brings over two decades of experience across public policy, technology, and business strategy. His career spans both the public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded understanding of policy-making and corporate engagement.

Some key highlights of his professional journey include:

  • Senior leadership roles at Google India, where he served as Country Head for Government Affairs and Public Policy.
  • Experience working with the Government of India and international organisations, providing him insight into policy formulation and governance.
  • Most recently, he was Director of Public Policy at Amazon, where he handled policy strategy across marketplace regulation, operations, competition policy, and emerging technologies.

This diverse background positions him well to handle complex regulatory and policy challenges.

Strategic Importance for Meta India

Meta has repeatedly highlighted India as a strategic market, given its large user base and growing influence in the global digital economy. The company sees major opportunities in areas such as:

  • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
  • Digital creators and small businesses
  • Online safety and responsible platform use

According to Meta’s Asia Pacific policy leadership, Jain’s appointment strengthens the company’s ability to engage effectively with regulators while supporting the development of a balanced and future-ready policy environment.

Why the Appointment Matters

The appointment is significant for several reasons:

  • It signals Meta’s intent to deepen policy engagement in India.
  • It reflects the growing importance of regulatory compliance and trust-building for digital platforms.
  • It brings experienced leadership at a time when data protection, competition policy, and AI regulation are high on the policy agenda.
  • It supports Meta’s long-term growth strategy in India through constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

Brookfield to Invest $1 Billion to Build Asia’s Largest GCC in Maharashtra

Brookfield Asset Management has announced a major investment of $1 billion to develop Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Mumbai’s Powai. The project will cover 2 million square feet also support a multinational bank for a long-term 20-year period. It will expected to create over 30,000 jobs by 2029. This development strengthens Mumbai’s position as a leading GCC hub and reflects the confidence global companies have in Maharashtra’s business environment ecosystem.

Project Overview

  • Brookfield’s infrastructure arm will develop the project across 6 acres, delivering 2 million sq ft of Grade-A workspace.
  • The campus has already secured a 20-year lease from a leading multinational bank, underscoring strong global confidence in India’s GCC capabilities.
  • Built under an agreement between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and a Brookfield-led venture with partner B. S. Sharma, the project will follow market-leading sustainability norms, committing to 100% green power sourcing.
  • Once operational, it will be Asia’s largest single GCC development, enhancing Mumbai’s appeal as a deep-talent, high-value services destination.

Maharashtra Government Vision

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the investment, highlighting the state’s focus on talent, infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. In 2025, the state introduced a dedicated GCC Policy (valid till 2029–30), targeting,

  • 400 new GCCs
  • Over 400,000 high-skilled jobs
  • ₹50,600 crore in incremental investment

Incentives under the policy include land allotment support, capital subsidies, and operational reimbursements. Brookfield’s decision aligns with this strategy, reinforcing Maharashtra’s ambition to attract large-scale, innovation-driven global operations.

Why Mumbai Chosen?

  • Mumbai has rapidly evolved as a strategic GCC centre, particularly for the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector.
  • According to Savills India, from 2020–2024, Mumbai accounted for 8% of GCC office leasing, with Pune adding another 14%, together contributing 22% of national GCC absorption.
  • Mumbai led the country in BFSI GCC leasing, despite Bengaluru having a larger BFSI talent pool.

What Its Strengthens

For Maharashtra, the campus strengthens,

  • Job creation in data science, financial services, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies
  • The state’s visibility as a global hub for enterprise transformation
  • Mumbai’s competitive edge against Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune

Key Takeaways

  • Brookfield to invest $1 billion in Powai to develop Asia’s largest GCC.
  • 2 million sq ft campus across 6 acres, leased to a multinational bank for 20 years.
  • Project to create over 30,000 jobs and complete by 2029.
  • Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2029-30 targets 400 GCCs and 400,000 high-skilled jobs.
  • Brookfield aims to expand India investments to $100 billion within 5 years.

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