Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Tesco has issued an urgent call for action to millions of its Clubcard users, advising them to update their Tesco Shopping & Clubcard app before Monday, 31 March 2025. The supermarket giant is rolling out an important update to improve data protection and online security, and failure to update the app by the deadline will leave customers unable to access their digital Clubcard benefits.
Update to ensure enhanced security
The upcoming changes are being implemented to enhance the security of customer data and improve overall protection. Tesco has highlighted the importance of this upgrade, as it seeks to safeguard customer information and keep their online shopping experiences secure.
In a message sent to customers, Tesco said: "To increase your data protection and online security, we're updating our Tesco app to a newer version." The retailer has also confirmed that older versions of the app will no longer be supported after the deadline.
This update applies to customers who use the digital version of their Clubcard via the Tesco app, which has become increasingly popular for its convenience and ease of use.
What happens if you don’t update?
From Monday, 1 April, any customers who have not updated the app will be unable to use their digital Clubcard in-store. The update is necessary for the app to continue functioning, meaning shoppers who fail to act may miss out on earning or redeeming points, as well as taking advantage of Clubcard prices and promotions.
Many Tesco customers have shifted from using physical Clubcards to the digital version, which allows them to scan their phone at checkout and access personalised discounts. The digital option has grown in popularity, as it eliminates the need to carry a physical card, reducing the risk of forgetting it and missing out on savings.
With the deadline fast approaching, Tesco is urging customers to update the app as soon as possible to avoid disruption. Those who miss the update could potentially lose access to their Clubcard benefits during their next shopping trip.
How to update the app
Updating the Tesco Shopping & Clubcard app is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps, depending on the type of device used. Tesco reassures customers that they will still be able to enjoy all their Clubcard benefits once the update is complete.
For Android users, including those with Samsung devices, the app can be updated through the Google Play Store. iPhone users can access the latest version of the app via the iOS App Store.
Tesco has made it clear that this update only affects the app itself and will not impact any functionality on the Tesco website, tesco.com. The company said: "This update won’t affect anything you do on tesco.com." However, customers who frequently shop in-store using their digital Clubcard are advised to act promptly to ensure continued access to their savings.
Increased convenience with digital Clubcard
For many shoppers, the digital Clubcard offers convenience and flexibility. It not only allows customers to collect and spend points but also provides personalised offers and discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of their shopping. In some cases, the savings can be substantial, especially for those who regularly make use of the Tesco Clubcard.
As Tesco continues to innovate and streamline its customer experience, the digital Clubcard has become an essential tool for millions of shoppers. By offering seamless integration with the Tesco Shopping & Clubcard app, the supermarket ensures that customers can manage their purchases and rewards in one place.
Protecting against fraud
The update comes amid broader efforts by Tesco to protect its customers from potential fraud. The company has recently faced issues with online fraud involving Clubcard accounts, and the updated app is designed to strengthen security measures and reduce vulnerabilities.
A Tesco spokesperson stated that the update is part of their ongoing commitment to keeping customer data secure and ensuring a smooth shopping experience for all users.
Call to action
With the 31 March deadline just days away, Tesco is reminding customers to take action now to avoid any inconvenience. The retailer has emphasised that updating the app is essential for continued access to all Clubcard benefits, including points collection and discounts.
"Update your Tesco app today to ensure you can continue managing your shop and Clubcard in one place," the company said in its message to customers.
By updating the app, customers can continue to enjoy the full range of Tesco’s services and avoid any disruption to their Clubcard usage, keeping their shopping experience as smooth and secure as possible.
For those who haven’t yet acted, Tesco's final message is clear: ensure your app is updated by Monday, 31 March 2025, to maintain uninterrupted access to your Clubcard benefits.
UK's ECONOMY showed no growth in July, according to official data released on Friday, adding to a difficult week for prime minister Keir Starmer’s government.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product was flat in July, following a 0.4 per cent rise in June.
The government has faced two major setbacks this week. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned over failing to pay a property tax, and on Thursday, Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after new disclosures about his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
While the July GDP figure matched market expectations, limiting the effect on the pound, the government admitted challenges in lifting growth.
"We know there's more to do to boost growth, because, whilst our economy isn't broken, it does feel stuck," a Treasury spokesperson said, as Labour prepared for its budget announcement in late November.
The data showed a 1.3 per cent fall in production, offsetting gains in services and construction.
"The stagnation in real GDP in July shows that the economy is still struggling to gain decent momentum in the face of the drag from previous hikes in taxes and possible further tax rises to come in the budget," said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last week that she would maintain a "tight grip" on public spending, setting November 26 for her budget speech.
The UK economy has faced weak growth since Reeves raised taxes and reduced public spending after Labour’s election win in July last year.
Separate ONS data on Friday showed exports of goods to the United States rose in July but stayed below levels seen before US president Donald Trump’s tariff measures.
Exports to the US increased by £800 million after London and Washington reached a trade deal that eased some tariffs, particularly on UK-made vehicles.
Trump will visit the UK next week for a state visit that includes talks with Starmer and a banquet hosted by King Charles.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
India’s $283 billion IT industry, which contributes more than 7 per cent to the country’s GDP, has for over three decades provided services to major clients including Apple, American Express, Cisco, Citigroup, FedEx and Home Depot.
INDIA’s IT sector is facing uncertainty as US lawmakers consider a 25 per cent tax on companies using foreign outsourcing services.
Analysts and lawyers said the proposal has led to customers delaying or re-negotiating contracts, raising concerns in India, the world’s largest outsourcing hub.
They said the bill is unlikely to pass in its current form but could trigger long-term changes in how American firms purchase IT services. Companies heavily dependent on outsourcing are expected to resist the move, setting up lobbying and possible legal battles.
India’s $283 billion IT industry, which contributes more than 7 per cent to the country’s GDP, has for over three decades provided services to major clients including Apple, American Express, Cisco, Citigroup, FedEx and Home Depot. The industry has also faced criticism abroad over jobs shifting to India.
Last week, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno introduced the HIRE Act, which proposes taxing companies that hire foreign workers instead of Americans. The bill also aims to prevent firms from claiming outsourcing expenses as tax-deductible, with the revenue directed toward US workforce development.
The proposal comes at a difficult time for Indian IT, which is already seeing weak revenue growth in its key US market as clients cut non-essential spending due to inflation and tariff concerns.
“The HIRE Act proposes sweeping changes that could alter the economics of outsourcing and significantly increase the tax liability associated with international service contracts,” said Jignesh Thakkar, EY India’s compliance head.
In some cases, combined federal, state and local taxes could raise the levy on outsourced payments to as much as 60 per cent, Thakkar added.
“While its partisan proposal may seem initially attractive, it’s ultimately an artificial cost which makes organisations less competitive and profitable globally,” said Arun Prabhu, partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
The idea has been gaining traction. This month, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro reposted a call from far-right activist Jack Posobiec for tariffs on services as well as goods.
“When political noise turns into regulatory risk, clients quickly insert contingencies, reopen pricing and demand delivery flexibility,” said Saurabh Gupta, President of HFS Research. “Clients will simply take longer to sign, longer to renew, and longer to commit transformation dollars,” Gupta said.
Backlash expected
Industry watchers said US firms are likely to push back strongly against the bill and challenge it legally if it is enacted.
“A bill like this would probably face a lot of backlash from US companies that rely heavily on outsourcing, who would likely bring litigation to challenge various aspects of the bill, if it were ever to be passed into law,” said Sophie Alcorn, CEO of Alcorn Immigration Law.
Analysts noted that sweeping restrictions are unlikely due to the difficulties of enforcement. “More likely is a diluted version, with narrower provisions or delayed enforcement,” said HFS Research CEO Phil Fersht.
The bill could also affect US firms’ global capability centres (GCCs), which have developed from offshore back offices to high-value hubs for research, finance and operations.
“It will be hard to pull back from existing work, but new set-ups and expansion may get impacted,” said Yugal Joshi, partner at Everest Group.
The proposed tax will affect the cost advantage that drives GCC location decisions, said Bharath Reddy, partner at CAM.
“However, the lack of availability of appropriate human capital in the US will continue as a problem, and which can be addressed in the near future only through outsourcing,” he added.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Keep ReadingShow less
'Our economy isn't broken, but it does feel stuck,' Reeves said, speaking alongside the release of a finance ministry report on business property taxation, known as rates.
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves said on Thursday she is considering changes to business property taxes to support small firms looking to expand, as part of her plans to boost growth.
Reeves’ comments come ahead of her annual budget on November 26, at a time when concerns about possible tax rises and inflation are weighing on businesses and households.
Economists expect Reeves will have to raise tens of billions of pounds in additional revenue, citing higher borrowing costs, weaker growth prospects and parliament’s rejection of welfare cuts.
"Our economy isn't broken, but it does feel stuck," Reeves said, speaking alongside the release of a finance ministry report on business property taxation, known as rates.
The report suggested reducing sudden tax increases for small businesses when they expand.
"Tax reforms such as tackling cliff-edges in business rates and making reliefs fairer are vital to driving growth," Reeves said in a statement.
Other options under review include changes to how the tax is calculated and additional reliefs when a property’s value rises after improvements. Further details will be set out in the budget, the ministry said.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, welcomed the proposals but said the government should provide clarity on a promised reduction in rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
"Until we get clarity on these changes, which isn’t expected until the budget, many local investments in jobs and stores are being held back," she said.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Reeves pledged to keep a tight hold on spending to reduce inflation and borrowing costs amid concerns over Britain’s fiscal outlook.
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has said the government must support the Bank of England in bringing down inflation while also focusing on growth, ahead of a budget later this year that is expected to include tax rises.
Last week, Reeves said the economy was not “broken” as she announced November 26 as the date for her annual budget.
She pledged to keep a tight hold on spending to reduce inflation and borrowing costs amid concerns over Britain’s fiscal outlook.
Inflation in Britain was the highest among the Group of Seven economies at 3.8 per cent in July. The Bank of England expects it to peak at 4 per cent this month before gradually falling back to its 2 per cent target by the second quarter of 2027.
Prime minister Keir Starmer has said Labour inherited a difficult economic situation from the Conservatives after last year’s election.
Tax increases on businesses, efforts to cut welfare spending, and ongoing arrivals of migrants on small boats have hurt the government’s standing.
Starmer reshuffled his ministerial team last week in an effort to reset his government, though Reeves remained in place. At the first meeting of the new team, Reeves said that controlling inflation was a key priority.
“The government was focused on going further to support the Bank of England in reducing inflation, controlling public spending and driving growth,” a Downing Street spokesperson said after the meeting.
British 20- and 30-year gilt yields reached their highest levels since 1998 last week, with investors watching Britain’s fiscal situation and worried Reeves’ budget could slow growth without generating much tax revenue.
Economists have also warned that some possible tax measures in the budget, such as higher fuel duties and other levies, could add to inflation in the short term.
Previous government decisions on energy policy, as well as increases in employers’ national insurance contributions and the minimum wage, have also been linked to Britain’s high inflation rate.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.
Trump says he will speak to Modi in the coming weeks amid trade talks
Modi calls US and India "close friends and natural partners"
Trade officials from both countries may restart meetings in September
US-India trade reached $129 billion in 2024 with a $45.8 billion US deficit
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration is continuing negotiations to address trade barriers with India and that he would speak to prime minister Narendra Modi, indicating a possible reset after recent friction.
Trump said he looked forward to speaking to Modi in the "upcoming weeks" and expressed confidence that the two sides could reach an agreement.
"I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries," he said in a post on social media.
Modi responds with optimism
On Wednesday, Modi said Washington and New Delhi "are close friends and natural partners." He added that teams from both sides were working to conclude the trade discussions soon.
"I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people," Modi said in a social media post.
India's shares rose over 0.5 per cent after the remarks from both leaders.
Trade deal uncertainty
Trump had said for months that a trade deal was close, but later doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, raising doubts about the future of the U.S.-India relationship.
In recent weeks, Trump and top US officials criticised India for buying oil from Russia, saying New Delhi was funding the war in Ukraine, a charge India denies.
At the same time, Modi has engaged with China and Russia. He visited China last month for a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and was also seen with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Analysts cautious
"While the social media statements by Trump and Modi signal a potential rapprochement between the U.S. and India, it is still premature to assume that a resolution will arrive swiftly," Madhavi Arora, economist at Emkay Global, said.
"With Trump, we will need to wait for more concrete signals that a deal is in the offing."
Meetings to restart in September
Trade officials from India and the US may meet in September to restart in-person discussions, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing sources. A US trade negotiators’ visit to New Delhi scheduled for August 25-29 was cancelled after talks stalled.
India's trade ministry declined to comment on reports of new meetings.
According to US Census Bureau data, two-way goods trade between the US and India reached $129 billion in 2024, with a $45.8 billion US trade deficit.
Tariffs and EU pressure
Trump recently said India had offered to reduce tariffs on US goods to zero but described the offer as late, saying the country should have acted earlier.
Reuters reported that Trump urged the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on China and India as part of pressure tactics against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Indian officials in New Delhi said they do not expect the EU to take measures against India and that assurances had been given that EU trade talks would not be disrupted.