consumer confidence

China's economic recovery is facing headwinds as factories slow and consumer spending falters, with April data revealing a significant slowdown. Weak domestic demand, coupled with a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical conflicts and rising energy costs, is squeezing growth. While exports remain strong, they are insufficient to offset internal weaknesses, prompting concerns about the need for further policy support.

Panic buying of fuel is causing a short-term slowdown in Odisha's automobile sector, with dealers reporting a significant drop in enquiries and bookings. Uncertainty over fuel availability is making potential buyers, especially first-time owners, hesitant to make purchases, impacting both car and two-wheeler sales.

Quaker Oats is refreshing its packaging to highlight protein and fiber benefits, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking clearer nutritional choices. This move aims to strengthen loyalty with existing customers and attract new ones actively searching for balanced nutrition. PepsiCo India believes this refresh will make Quaker more relevant to evolving consumer mindsets.

Fortnite is back on the Apple App Store globally after a six-year legal fight. Epic Games vows to continue challenging Apple's "anticompetitive" App Store rules, citing ongoing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. Despite new laws in regions like the EU, Epic claims Apple evades them. They await a court decision for Australia's App Store return.

As workplaces race to adapt to artificial intelligence and economic disruption, a deeper crisis is quietly unfolding among younger generations. A new global report reveals rising burnout, loneliness, financial insecurity and fading belief in traditional life milestones among young professionals. From delayed home ownership to emotional exhaustion at work, the story explores why many workers today feel they are constantly enduring rather than progressing.

Fuel stations in Odisha are experiencing a rush due to panic buying, but the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association anticipates normalization by Sunday evening if supply remains uninterrupted. The association met with the food supplies minister to discuss the crisis, assuring that seamless supply would alleviate shortages in both urban and interior areas.

Mindy Kaling reveals her significant weight loss was driven by a desire for better health and to be present for her three children. She prioritizes longevity over vanity, aiming to prevent conditions like diabetes. While acknowledging public scrutiny, Kaling emphasizes her focus on fitness, including running and strength training, leading to newfound body confidence.

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US inflation surged in April, reaching a three-year high driven by escalating fuel costs linked to the Iran-US conflict. This rise complicates the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, as petrol prices have significantly increased, impacting household budgets and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.

Jefferies raised Bharti Airtel's target price to Rs 2,350 on strong Q4FY26 performance, while JP Morgan upgraded Cipla to overweight citing improved earnings visibility and attractive valuations. Morgan Stanley maintained an underweight rating on Dixon Technologies due to revenue and EBITDA misses, and HDFC Securities upgraded Hyundai Motor India to add, noting management's renewed focus on domestic growth and exports.

Asian markets rallied Friday, buoyed by hopes of US-Iran peace talks, though volatile oil prices and Strait of Hormuz concerns fueled inflation worries. Tokyo led gains as investor sentiment improved. Despite diplomatic optimism, rising crude prices prompted reassessment of global interest rate expectations, with the US Federal Reserve potentially hiking rates later this year.

‘Explore Opportunities In Non-Anglophone Countries’

Defence analysts warn the issue is not just the quantity of weapons today but the speed at which industry can regenerate what has been used. A single week of heavy combat in either theatre can consume months of production output for certain precision munitions and interceptors. This has transformed a temporary logistical challenge into a broader strategic concern.

Mark Zuckerberg's famous quote, 'the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks,' underscores the necessity of embracing change and adaptability in our rapidly evolving world. Fear of failure often paralyzes individuals and businesses, hindering innovation and personal growth.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, believed in the power of childhood dreams. He revealed that his early fantasies of being a hero in comic books and movies fueled his journey to becoming an iconic figure. Presley's perspective, honed since youth, inspired him to achieve his aspirations, proving that persistent dreaming can lead to extraordinary success.

Financial comfort and home harmony are highlighted for Aries, while Taurus sees steady investment growth and potential property gains. Gemini anticipates a rewarding career move and successful health efforts, with Cancer enjoying a peaceful home and potential property deals. Leo's investments yield stronger returns, and Virgo secures excellent deals and new income streams.

Navigating baby-led weaning versus traditional spoon-feeding in India requires a balanced approach. The author advocates for a 'Baby-Led Approach,' emphasizing self-feeding of purees and finger foods to foster appetite control and motor skills, while respecting Indian culinary traditions and prioritizing safety over strict adherence to one method.

Travellers are increasingly seeking memorable experiences over passive leisure, driving adventure tourism's mainstream appeal. This shift stems from a desire to break routine, build confidence through challenges, and feel truly present. India's diverse geography offers immense opportunities for this growing demand, promising economic benefits beyond just tourism numbers.

Andhra Pradesh's handloom sector is experiencing a significant revival and expansion under the TDP-led NDA government's initiatives. Focusing on welfare, modernization, and market access, the state is restoring confidence among weavers through schemes like free power and subsidies, aiming for economic sustainability and global competitiveness.

Screens are impacting family connections, but tech-free evenings can foster stronger bonds. Implementing a device-free hour, shared meals without phones, evening strolls, and family reading time can significantly improve interaction. Engaging in simple games and ending the day with gratitude further cultivates closeness and a sense of shared joy, helping families reconnect.

Despite urban interest in millets, Tamil Nadu farmers are abandoning the grain due to uncertain markets and fluctuating prices, unlike rice and maize with guaranteed buyers. Lack of processing units and institutional support discourages cultivation, though initiatives like the Pudukottai FPO show promise with guaranteed procurement and value-added products.