MUMBAI: Crediting the impressive performance of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) in the recent municipal council and municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra with party president and deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Vice-President Saleem Sarang has called him the ‘Master-Blaster’ who, like legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, knows how to respond to his opponents.However, he said, politics, like cricket, is a team sport. “The time has come for the NCP to play as a collective unit rather than relying on individual brilliance alone,” Sarang said. “Internal politics, one-upmanship, and a tendency to prioritise personal gain over organisational interest are causing long-term damage to the party. If the NCP truly aims to grow, the interests of the organisation must take precedence over individual ambitions,”Sarang added.“This victory is not a matter of chance or political coincidence; it is the direct outcome of disciplined organisational planning, relentless groundwork, and decisive leadership. The structured and methodical functioning of the NCP is closely associated with Ajit Pawar’s political style and work ethic,” he said.Sarang also stated that had the same organisational discipline been implemented with equal seriousness at every level of the party, the electoral outcome could have been even more impressive. “The gap between leadership intent and grassroots execution remains a critical concern,” he added.Regions such as Navi Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, and Mira-Bhayandar possess significant political strength for the NCP. Thousands of committed supporters in these areas continue to place their faith in the party. If these regions are approached with seriousness, planning, and collective effort, the party’s growth potential is immense. The reality is simple: if other leaders were to contribute even ten percent of the hard work and sincerity demonstrated by Ajit Pawar, the NCP could very well emerge as the number one political force in Maharashtra.He said that many workers stand firmly with Ajit Pawar, inspired by his performance and commitment, but also warned that concentrating multiple positions in the hands of a few individuals weakens the organisational fabric. Instead, leadership opportunities must be broadened.“True leadership does not emerge from air-conditioned rooms. A real leader is one who travels to villages, communicates ideology at the grassroots, engages personally in local body elections be it gram panchayats, zilla parishads, or market committees and ensures victory through direct involvement,” said Sarang.

England ended a 5,468-day wait for a Test win on Australian soil – their first since Sydney 2011 – by chasing 175 in the chaotic fourth Ashes Test at MCG, where Australia collapsed to 152 and 132 after England’s 110.

Steve Smith reflects on Australia’s first home Test defeat in 5,468 days

Stand-in captain Steve Smith, unbeaten on 24 in the second innings, called it ‘a tricky one’ and admitted the pitch was ‘too much’ in favour of bowlers.

“Tricky one. Quick game. If we’d managed that extra 50 or 60, we probably would’ve been right in the contest at the end,” said Smith in the post-match interview with Isa Guha.

Smith praised England’s performance, noting they played well on Day 2 despite the low-scoring madness with 20 wickets falling on the opening day alone. He highlighted the seaming conditions that triggered Australia’s batting implosion, marking their first home Test loss to England since 2011 and snapping a strong record.

“Credit to England, they came out today and didn’t let us get away. And the way they started with the bat, they were aggressive, got a few away and softened the ball so it didn’t offer as much from that point, so credit to them for the way they played,” added Smith.

Also READ: Records and stats – Least balls faced by Australia across both innings in Tests since 1900

‘A special feeling’: Ben Stokes

On the other hand, England captain Ben Stokes, speaking to TNT Sports, created his team for making a strong comeback after losing the first three Tests of the ongoing series.

“It is a special feeling. Me and Joe [Root] have been on a few tours, and it has not gone particularly well.

“In particular, the couple days build-up to this Test match was a tough time for us as a team. The way in which we were able to keep the focus on the most important thing, which is the cricket that is played out there, was pretty exceptional.

“To come out here and put in a performance like that in the way we did, a lot of credit has got to go to the way not just myself, but how the senior boys handled that situation.”

Also READ: Winless streak snapped – Fans react as Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue drive England to Ashes Test success in Australia

The UAE is gradually moving toward structured wage regulation, with benchmark salaries and mandatory payment systems shaping worker protections despite the absence of a national minimum wage/Image: Pexels

As of 2025, the UAE has not enacted a formal nationwide minimum wage for all private-sector workers. The current labor framework, outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, provides the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) with the legal authority to establish a national wage floor but no binding law has yet been implemented.Instead, salaries are regulated through employment contracts and visa-related requirements. Employers must pay wages via the Wage Protection System (WPS); a government-monitored payroll platform. Failure to comply can result in suspension of new work permits, fines, and company blacklisting.Recent reforms have expanded WPS coverage to include domestic and semi-professional workers like private teachers, caregivers, nannies, and farm technicians. This shift reflects a broader move toward labor standardization and income protection across job categories.

What workers typically earn: A benchmark view

Although no legally enforced floor exists, salary benchmarks function as de facto minimums in many professions. These reflect industry standards, cost of living, and immigration thresholds.

Domestic workers:

Housemaids, nannies, and drivers employed in homes now fall under stricter payment rules, with most salaries ranging from AED 1,200 to AED 1,800/month (₹28,044–₹42,066), depending on experience and nationality. WPS compliance is mandatory for these roles, ensuring regular wage transfers and legal accountability for employers.

Construction and skilled trades:

Labourers and tradesmen form the backbone of the UAE’s infrastructure sector. While base pay for unskilled labourers often starts at AED 1,200–1,500/month (₹28,044–₹35,055), skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and masons can earn between AED 2,000 and AED 4,500/month(₹46,740–₹105,165). Many of these roles are protected under labour laws that mandate written contracts, paid leave, and access to dispute resolution.

Retail and service staff:

Workers in retail outlets, supermarkets, cafes, and delivery platforms typically earn AED 2,500 to AED 4,000/month (₹58,425–₹93,480). In these sectors, wage variability is influenced by location (Dubai salaries often exceed those in Sharjah or Ajman), nationality, and employer size.

Office and administrative roles:

Clerical staff, receptionists, and data entry assistants generally receive AED 3,000 to AED 5,000/month (₹70,110–₹116,850), with larger companies or public sector institutions offering higher packages. For visa eligibility especially family sponsorship—employees must earn a minimum of AED 4,000/month (₹93,480), or AED 3,000 (₹70,110) plus housing.

University graduates and skilled technicians:

For professionals with technical or university qualifications, MoHRE guidelines recommend salaries of at least AED 5,000 to AED 12,000/month (₹116,850–₹280,440), depending on the nature of the role. Engineers, IT professionals, and finance specialists typically command salaries within or well above this range.

Visa rules and wage enforcement

Though no national wage law exists, immigration requirements act as an indirect filter. For example:

The Wage Protection System ensures salaries are paid into local bank accounts within 10 days of the due date. Any delay beyond 15 days triggers automatic alerts, and repeated violations can lead to bans on new hiring.

Rising costs and reform pressures

Over the past few years, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have seen substantial increases in rent, school fees, and healthcare costs. As a result, there is growing pressure on authorities to formalise wage protections and align pay standards with inflation.While some companies voluntarily adjust salaries to retain talent, many low-income workers remain vulnerable to economic shocks. Calls for an indexed minimum wage system adjusted annually to match living costs, growing louder, particularly from labour advocates, unions in labour-sending countries, and international observers.

The road ahead: Formal minimum wage in sight?

Although the UAE has avoided a one-size-fits-all national wage model, change is on the horizon:

MoHRE has already hinted at “exploring mechanisms” to address income disparities. If implemented, a flexible minimum wage varying by sector or emirate which could strike a balance between labour protection and economic competitiveness.

Verdict

While there is no official minimum wage in the UAE today, the country is moving toward greater wage transparency, stronger payment enforcement, and benchmark-based income protection. Domestic workers, skilled labourers, and administrative staff now operate under more structured payment conditions—backed by technology and labour law.As the UAE positions itself as a global employment hub, expectations for formal wage regulation will continue to rise. A future where salaries are legally anchored to fair benchmarks seems not only possible but likely.

The GBS for Indian Railways might remain broadly unchanged in the upcoming union budget 2026-27, as the current funds are sufficient for the infrastructure upgrade. The GBS or the gross budgetary support for FY26 stands at Rs 2.52 lakh crore, with an additional Rs 10,000 crore permitted for spending through Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR), including public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Officials said the railways has already utilised a substantial portion of the allocation. “Indian Railways has utilised 77% of total GBS till now. The required pace of infrastructure upgrade is being met,” a senior official told ET, adding that Rs 1.95 lakh crore has been spent on capital expenditure since April 1, this year.Another official said that a sharp increase in budgetary support may not be necessary, given that major network upgrades are nearing completion. “A significantly higher GBS may not be needed,” the official said, noting that railway electrification has crossed 99.2% and is close to covering the entire 69,400 route kilometre network. Indian railways uses budgetary grants to fund its capital expenditure, including the laying of new tracks, multi-tracking of existing routes, and completion of electrification across the broad-gauge network. The same allocation is also used for procuring rolling stock such as wagons, coaches, and locomotives. While overall GBS may remain steady, allocations within the rail budget are expected to be adjusted. “GBS allocation will be rejigged to reflect updated priorities,” the second official said, pointing to the possibility of higher funding for the bullet train project, track safety works, and decongestion initiatives.At the same time, next fiscal’s budget will allocate more funds for newer Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, aimed at improving passenger experience as well as enhancing train speed and punctuality.The railway board also expects some relief on the revenue expenditure front, which is currently met through freight earnings that subsidise passenger fares. Second official told ET that the electrifying the whole network will cut costs on diesel purchases, adding that allocations for have already fallen below Rs 10,000 crore in fiscal 2025-26.In Budget 2025-26, Rs 6,150 crore were set aside specifically for track electrification projects, according to ET. An official status report shows that 726 route kilometres were electrified until the end of November in the current fiscal.Meanwhile, Rs 19,000 crore were reserved for the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, which is developing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. Expenditure on safety-related works, including both revenue and capital spending, is projected at Rs 1.17 lakh crore in fiscal 2025-26.

England’s previous Test win in Australia had come at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2011. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: England finally exorcised their Australian demons, ending an 18-match winless streak Down Under with a dramatic four-wicket victory in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. The result not only restored pride after a bruising tour but also rewrote several entries in Ashes history, with the contest finishing inside two days in extraordinary fashion.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Having lost the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, England had already conceded the Ashes in just 11 days of cricket. Questions over preparation, form and direction surrounded the visitors as they arrived in Melbourne. Yet, against the odds, England produced a defiant performance to halt a barren run that had stretched nearly 15 years.

England’s previous Test win in Australia had come at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2011. Since then, they had endured 18 Tests without victory, losing 16 and drawing two. That sequence placed England alongside New Zealand for the most consecutive Tests without a win in Australia, a dubious record that now stands corrected. The victory also carried personal significance for key figures, with Joe Root registering his first Test win in Australia after 18 matches, while Ben Stokes tasted success for the first time in his 13th Test on Australian soil.The Melbourne Test was notable not just for the result, but for its sheer brevity. Completed in 852 balls, it became the fourth-shortest Ashes Test in history. Only three matches from the late 19th century were shorter: Old Trafford (1888), Lord’s (1888), and the Perth Test earlier in this series, which ended in 847 balls. Melbourne 2025 now sits alongside those games as one of the quickest finishes the rivalry has ever seen.It also joined a rare list of Ashes Tests to conclude inside two days. Before this series, the most recent such occurrence had been Nottingham in 1921 (excluding a rest day). Remarkably, the 2025 Ashes has now produced two Tests ending within two days — Perth and Melbourne — underlining the extreme conditions and relentless pace that have defined the contest.From Australia’s perspective, the defeat marked only their third loss in Boxing Day Tests since 2011. Across 15 matches at the MCG during this period, Australia have won 10, drawn two and lost just three — twice to India and now to England. That context makes England’s triumph even more striking.

Shortest completed Ashes Tests (by balls)

Ashes Tests ending inside two days

England’s last Test win in Australia was at the SCG in January 2011. This is the first Test win for Joe Root in 18 Tests in Australia, and the first for Ben Stokes in 13 games.

Most consecutive Tests without a win in Australia

Australia in Boxing Day Tests since 2011

MAGA is caught in the crosshairs after far-right activist Nick Fuentes announced that he will be campaigning against Indian-origin Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming Ohio governor election. Fuentes is not mainstream but his strong anti-India stand has found many takers in MAGA who are now determined to stop Ramaswamy in Ohio after what MAGA is calling as Ramaswamy’s second Christmas crashout. This section of MAGA has now tilted towards Casey Putsch who announced his run for the Republican nomination for Governor of Ohio, throwing a challenge to Ramaswamy. On Christmas Day, Ramaswamy’s polymarket prediction apparently saw a dip from 72% to 54% and trend observers noted that Ohioans will be voting for Caset Putsch in the primary.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2nd Christmas crashout

In 2024, Ramaswamy stirred up Christmas chaos as he condemned American culture for valuing mediocrity, while pushing for the H-1B visa program that allows companies to hire skilled employees from foreign countries. As he pitched for a reform in the visa program, he said Americans are not interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and that’s why the IT sector needs to hire from foreign countries. This sidelined him in the Republican Party as he exited DOGE and limited his political ambition to Ohio. All of 2025, he was bombarded with racial attacks, asking him to go back to India. Come this Christmas, Vivek Ramaswamy penned an opinion piece for the NYT where he expressed his opinion about what America is. He said America is not Nick Fuentes openly calling Second Lady Usha Vance ‘jeet’ — a racial slur targeting Indian-origin people. Ramaswamy also wrote how he’s always asked to go back to India while he was born and brought up in Ohio. The NYT piece served as Ramaswamy’s second ‘Christmas meltdown’ as Nick Fuentes provoked MAGA youths against him and said the only election in 2026 that Fuentes cares about is the Ohio Governor election. Fuentes told his followers that if Ramaswamy wins the election, there will be no Christmas in the Governor’s Palace and there will be Diwali instead.

Who is anti-H-1B Casey Putsch?

An automotive YouTuber who shows how he builds and restores cars, Casey Putsch, has announced his run for the GOP ticket for the Governor election, throwing a challenge to Ramaswamy, who has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Casey Putsch said H-1B visas and AI data centers are the two major problems for Ohioans. He said H-1B visas are destroying the job market for young Ohioans and are only helping big corporations. Conventional MAGA is, however, cautious about throwing its weight behind Putsch and they believe Putsch is not a Trump supporter.

Is Vivek Ramaswamy an anchor baby?

While Nick Fuentes repeatedly calls Vivek Ramaswamy an anchor baby, Vivek Ramaswamy is not an anchor baby, as his parents legally migrated to the US from India, and he was born in the US. He could have been called an anchor baby had his parents been in the US illegally and had his birth anchored them to the US.

Despite a difficult funding climate, this year emerged as a comparatively stable year for India’s startup ecosystem, with shutdowns falling sharply from last year’s highs. Around 730 startups ended operations in 2025, a major decline from the 3,903 closures recorded in 2024. According to the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), India, at present, has over 2.06 lakh registered startups. Though the number of closures was lower, it included several prominent names, spanning electric mobility, hyperlocal delivery, consumer internet and ecommerce. Here are some of the startups that said good byes in 2025:BluSmartElectric ride-hailing startup BluSmart was among the most notable exits. Launched in 2019, the company offered fully electric vehicles, assured rides and salaried drivers. The firm had gained roughly 9% market share in Delhi. Soon the ride company expanded its fleet to more than 8,000 electric vehicles across the country and raised around $168 million from investors, including BP Ventures and celebrity backers. However, according to ET, operations were suspended in April after Sebi detected large-scale financial misconduct at Gensol Engineering, a listed solar EPC firm promoted by BluSmart’s founders, the Jaggi brothers. While Gensol did not hold equity in BluSmart, it owned a substantial share of the startup’s EV fleet, resulting in close financial ties. Sebi said the promoters had siphoned off at least Rs. 262 crore from EV loans, forged lender documents, manipulated share prices, misled investors through false disclosures, and diverted funds towards stock trading and personal luxury purchases. Following the revelations, BluSmart faced internal disruptions, including delayed salary payments, declining ride volumes and leadership exits, before suspending services and transferring its fleet to Uber.Dunzo Hyperlocal delivery platform Dunzo also shut down after years of financial strain. Once a pioneer in the category, the startup drew widespread attention in 2022 when it secured $240 million from Reliance Retail. However, the platform struggled to compete with fast-scaling quick-commerce rivals such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart and BlinkIt. The company failed to raise additional capital to support operations and expansion, while expenses, including those linked to its IPL sponsorship, added to financial stress. By September, Dunzo’s sole remaining co-founder, Kabeer Biswas, exited to build Flipkart’s quick-commerce arm Minutes, bringing the company’s prolonged downturn to a close.Hike Messaging app Hike, founded in 2012 by Kavin Mittal, was once viewed as India’s answer to global platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Backed by investors including Tiger Global, SoftBank and Tencent, the company raised over $250 million within four years, with Mittal asserting, ‘we’re here to stay.’ At its peak, Hike had more than 100 million registered users and handled over 40 billion messages each month. However, the platform began winding down in 2021, when it shut its core messaging service, citing the challenge of competing with global network effects, ET reported. Hike later pivoted to Rush, a real-money gaming platform, following earlier attempts to reposition its messaging product, including its 2019 rebrand as Hike Sticker Chat. The company’s remaining operations ended in September after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act imposed a blanket ban on real-money gaming apps.Good Glamm Group The Good Glamm Group, once valued close to unicorn status, also scaled back significantly. With a portfolio of over a dozen brands, the company aimed to replicate the roll-up ecommerce model by acquiring and integrating digital-first consumer brands. Over time, weaknesses in this approach became apparent. Heavy acquisition-related debt, slowing growth and limited access to fresh funding weighed on the business. Several acquired brands, including Sirona and The Mom’s Co, were wound down as anticipated efficiencies from shared marketing and supply chains failed to materialise. The group’s troubles reflected the broader challenges facing roll-up ecommerce models in India.Otipy Grocery delivery startup Otipy, launched during the pandemic by former Blinkit CTO Varun Khurana, also shut operations this year. The NCR-based B2B2C firm differentiated itself through a subscription-led, farm-to-fork model, connecting consumers with farmers via community resellers handling last-mile delivery in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. The startup raised $44.2 million during its early years but struggled as ultra-fast delivery became the industry standard. Financial pressures mounted, leading to delayed salary payments and pending vendor dues. In May, the Crofarm India subsidiary ceased operations, affecting around 300 employees and delivery partners. Industry-wide data reflects a broader easing in shutdowns. Tracxn data cited by ET shows that startup closures fell nearly 80% this year, compared with the peak period of 2021–22, when more than 11,000 startups wound down. Over the past five years, enterprise applications have accounted for the largest share of closures, followed by retail and edtech, with healthtech, entertainment and media also seeing significant exits. Maharashtra and Karnataka have recorded the highest number of shutdowns among states during this period.

The SA20, South Africa’s explosive T20 cricket league, has returned for its fourth season, and the organisers have unveiled the complete list of commentators and presenters to match the on-field spectacle. Featuring former international captains, modern-day greats and seasoned broadcasters, the SA20 2026 broadcast team promises deep insight, entertainment and global appeal.

With the league continuing to grow as one of the world’s most-watched T20 tournaments, the announcement underlines SA20’s ambition to deliver world-class coverage alongside elite cricketing action till January 25.

The SA20 2026 commentary panel blends international star power with strong South African representation, offering a mix of tactical analysis, player perspectives and storytelling. Leading the list are former World Cup winners and captains such as Robin Uthappa and Eoin Morgan, both of whom bring experience from the highest level of white-ball cricket.

South African icons AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn headline the local contingent, offering unmatched insight into batting innovation and fast-bowling excellence. Their presence ensures fans gain a deeper understanding of match situations, pressure moments and player mindset.

Adding an international flavour are respected broadcasters and former players such as Kevin Pietersen and Mark Nicholas, whose voices are synonymous with major global tournaments. Mark Butcher also joins the panel, bringing analytical balance and a batter’s perspective.

South Africa’s cricketing depth is further reflected through voices like JP Duminy, Ashwell Prince, Chris Morris and Vernon Philander, all of whom bring recent playing experience and tactical awareness.

Also READ: SA20 2026 – TV channels, live streaming details | When and where to watch in India, Australia, Pakistan, USA, UK & other countries

Trusted presenters lit up SA20 2026

Renowned presenters and commentators Natalie Germanos, Mpumelelo Mbangwa and Kass Naidoo round out a lineup designed to appeal to both seasoned cricket followers and new audiences.

Their familiarity with South African conditions, players and fan culture have added authenticity and local flavour to the broadcasting channels.

The presentation team for SA20 2026 includes Nikhil Uttamchandani, Lesego Pooe, Motshidisi Mohono and Kriya Gangiah.

Tasked with anchoring pre-match build-ups, mid-innings discussions and post-match analysis, the presenters play a key role in connecting fans to the action and amplifying the league’s storytelling.

Also READ: SA20 2026 Squads – Players list and captains of all six teams

The win was England’s first Test success in Australia since January 2011, ending a run of 16 losses and two draws. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Staring at a clean sweep, England finally found a way to fight back, winning their first Test on Australian soil in 15 years with a gutsy four-wicket victory in a chaotic fourth Ashes clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. The contest was wrapped up inside two days, restoring some pride for the beleaguered tourists.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!After 20 wickets fell on the opening day, England bowled Australia out for 132 shortly after lunch in front of a bumper crowd of 92,045, leaving themselves a target of 175 for victory. Harry Brook (18*) and Jamie Smith (3*) guided England home amid deafening roars from the travelling “Barmy Army”, with the visitors finishing the chase after losing six wickets. Jacob Bethell made a vital 40, while Zak Crawley chipped in with 37.

England arrived in Melbourne under immense pressure after crashing in the first three Tests, amid questions over their preparation and criticism surrounding a mid-series beach break. But the visitors finally delivered when it mattered and will head to Sydney for the fifth and final Test with renewed confidence.The win was England’s first Test success in Australia since January 2011, ending a run of 16 losses and two draws. Openers Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone with an ultra-aggressive “Bazball” approach. Duckett struck a boundary off Mitchell Starc in his first over, while Crawley followed up by smashing Michael Neser for a six and a four in successive deliveries.The pair raced to a brisk 50-run opening stand before Duckett was bowled by a searing Starc yorker for 34. England then rolled the dice by sending fast bowler Brydon Carse in at No. 3, but the experiment backfired as he lasted just eight balls before lofting Jhye Richardson to Cameron Green.Crawley was trapped lbw by Scott Boland after a gritty innings, and Bethell was caught by Usman Khawaja off the same bowler. Richardson dismissed Joe Root (15) lbw and Starc removed Ben Stokes (2), but with only 10 runs required, Brook and Smith calmly completed the job.– Atkinson injury –Australia resumed on 4-0 in their second innings after an explosive opening day of searing pace saw 20 wickets fall with the hosts dismissed for 152 and England just 110.It was the most wickets to tumble on the first day of an Ashes Test since 1909, and eclipsed the 19 on day one of the series opener in Perth.With 10 millimetres of grass on the track it was a bowler’s dream, but a host of former greats criticised the pitch for “doing too much” and being “unfair for the batters”.Nightwatchman Boland added two to his overnight four, but his time was always going to be limited and he edged Gus Atkinson to wicketkeeper Smith.Atkinson left the field soon after clutching what appeared to be his left hamstring.Josh Tongue came into the attack on a hat-trick after bagging the last two Australia wickets on day one, but Jake Weatherald whipped his full ball for three.Weatherald needed a decent knock to cement his spot at the top of the order, but he failed again, bowled by Stokes for five leaving a delivery that nipped back.Travis Head was joined by Marnus Labuschagne but he only made eight, caught by Root in the slips off Tongue.Head was in good touch before being bowled on 46 by a peach of a delivery from Carse that beat the outside edge, and when Khawaja (0) and Alex Carey (4) departed in the space of nine balls the momentum was back with England.After reaching lunch at 98-6, Green (19) became the seventh wicket to fall with the score on 119, edging a rising Stokes ball to Harry Brook at slip.Carse bagged Neser and Starc without scoring and Richardson fell to Stokes with the last four wickets tumbling for 13 runs, leaving Steve Smith unbeaten on 24.(With inputs from AFP)

Consumer goods companies across the country are finally seeing operations stabilising, months after changes to the GST structure were announced. Supply chains and inventory levels have returned to normal following the adjustment period after the reforms, making way for a recovery in demand from the next quarter. Executives from major FMCG and consumer-facing firms said that production levels, which had been curtailed during the tax transition, have now returned to normal. Companies including Dabur, Emami, AWL Agri Business, Zydus Wellness, Godrej Consumer Products and Parle Products are operating manufacturing units at full capacity as they rebuild stock to meet expected demand, according to an ET report.

Why FMCG engine slowed after GST cuts?

The sector faced disruption after GST rates were revised from September 22, with lower taxes introduced on a range of everyday items such as soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and food products. While the move was aimed at supporting consumption, companies and their trade partners had slowed operations during the transition due to repricing requirements, packaging changes and uncertainty among distributors and retailers. Retailers had reduced orders during the GST transition to avoid blocking working capital, as price adjustments were still being worked out. This led to a temporary production slowdown across the FMCG sector. With revised pricing now in place, inventories are being replenishedHowever, the sector is getting back on track. Parle Products vice-president Mayank Shah said stock levels are moving back to normal as new packs reflecting the revised prices reach the market. “We expect the full benefit of GST rationalisation on demand and sales will be visible from the January-March quarter,” he said.Emami’s vice chairman Mohan Goenka told ET that inventory conditions have now fully stabilised. “Stock levels have normalised, supply flows are smooth and there are no disruptions to availability. Overall, operations are back to business as usual,” he said. Zydus Wellness chief executive Tarun Arora also said that challenges linked to old pricing and packaging have largely been resolved. There was initial reluctance among channel partners to accept products carrying old prices, followed by confusion caused by packs printed with both old and revised prices. “These issues are mostly streamlined now,” he said. During the transition, several companies had to temporarily move away from standard price points such as Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 15 and Rs 20, opting instead for odd pricing like Rs 4.70, Rs 9.80 and Rs 14.20 to accommodate the tax changes on existing stock. This created difficulties for kirana stores. Current inventories, however, are priced at familiar levels, with companies increasing pack sizes to pass on the GST benefit.

What’s next — Navigating after GST rate cuts

Dabur India expects performance to improve in the second half of the financial year. Rehan Hasan, sales head at the company, said Dabur is aiming for mid-to-high single-digit growth in the remaining months. “The trade disruptions due to GST have settled now and we are already seeing an uptick in demand. Rural demand continues to grow ahead of urban India. That said, the demand growth in urban markets is being primarily driven by modern trade and ecommerce,” he told ET. Godrej Consumer Products managing director Sudhir Sitapati said industry sentiment has turned positive following the stabilisation. “The entire industry is mostly bullish on the demand growth post GST 2.0. It’s a little early to say, but within a couple of months, by Jan-Feb, we should start seeing strong demand,” he said. Higher production levels are also being reflected in input demand. AWL Agri Business, a major edible oil supplier, said consumption from food companies has returned to normal levels. “Oil consumption by the companies is back to normal and growing, be it biscuits or namkeen,” said Angshu Mallick, executive deputy chairman at AWL Agri Business. Inventory correction is also visible in consumer durables. Air-conditioner makers, which faced weak sales earlier this year due to an unfavourable summer, are cutting excess stock after GST on ACs was reduced from 28% to 18%. “The industry had 90 days of inventory, which is almost double of the usual. It has come down, like in the case of Blue Star it’s now 50 days,” Blue Star managing director B Thiagarajan told ET. With supply chains back on track and production running at normal levels, companies expect the benefits of the GST rate cuts to begin reflecting in sales over the coming quarters.