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Citizens Advice Unveils 2024 Social Policy Focus

Citizens Advice today announced its chosen social policy areas for in-depth analysis this year, aiming to drive impactful change based on real-world client experiences. The selection is informed by the pressing issues encountered by individuals seeking the organization’s support.

• Methodology: Issues are chosen based on frequency and impact on Citizens Advice clients.
• Objective: To identify systemic problems and propose evidence-based solutions.
• Expected Outcome: To influence policy and improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals across the UK.

Details on the specific areas will be released in the coming weeks.

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CleanMax Eyes ₹3,100 Crore in IPO Amid Renewable Energy Push

CleanMax, a leading commercial and industrial renewable energy provider, is set to launch its IPO aiming to raise ₹3,100 crore.

* The IPO includes a fresh issue of ₹1,200 crore and an offer-for-sale of ₹1,900 crore.
* Price band is ₹1,000-1,053 per share, valuing the company at ₹11,882 crore.
* ₹1,123 crore of the proceeds will be used to reduce existing borrowings, which stood at ₹10,121 crore as of September 2025.

The company aims to capitalize on the rising demand for green energy, particularly from data centers, offering solar, wind, and hybrid solutions. While deleveraging is a key focus, successful operational execution remains critical.

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Supreme Court to Hear Meta, WhatsApp Privacy Policy Case

New Delhi – The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Meta and WhatsApp’s appeals against a ₹213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) concerning their privacy policy.

• Hearing Date: Monday
• Bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Bagchi and Pancholi
• CCI Penalty: ₹213.14 crore
• Key Issue: Alleged privacy violations and data sharing practices.

The court previously criticized Meta and WhatsApp for potentially infringing on citizens’ privacy rights through data sharing. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the penalty but partially overturned a ban on data sharing for advertising, a decision also under appeal by the CCI. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is now a party to the appeals.

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Crackdown on Oil Smuggling Intensifies Amid Evasive Tactics

Global efforts to combat illicit oil smuggling are escalating, yet authorities face a persistent challenge: sophisticated concealment methods employed by smugglers. Despite increased surveillance and interdiction efforts, the sheer size and design of oil tankers offer numerous opportunities for clandestine activity.

• Key Challenge: Tanker size enables hidden compartments for illicit cargo.
• Government Response: Heightened maritime patrols and enhanced customs inspections.
• Smuggler Tactics: False documentation, altered vessel identification, and ship-to-ship transfers.
• Economic Impact: Smuggling undermines legitimate trade and fuels criminal networks.
• Future Strategies: Focus on international cooperation and technological solutions.

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Trump Ups Global Tariff to 15% Following Supreme Court Ruling

Washington D.C. – In a swift response to a Supreme Court decision curtailing his tariff authority, former President Donald Trump announced a global tariff increase to 15%, escalating from the previously announced 10%.

• The move follows a Supreme Court ruling against Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs.
• Trump criticized the ruling, calling it “anti-American.”
• He initially introduced a 10% global tariff via executive order to bypass Congress.
• For India, the effective tariff rate is projected to be 18.5%, marginally higher than the recently agreed 18%.
• The tariff is limited to 150 days unless extended through legislation.

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