ET NEWS

Mumbai: India's home interiors market is expected to witness robust growth over the next few years, with the sector projected to double in size by 2030. Valued at $12.33 billion at present, the market is estimated to reach $24.52 billion, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12%, according to online real estate platform Magicbricks.The expansion is being driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and growing consumer demand for customized and functional living spaces.Magicbricks' research underlined the strong value addition that interiors bring to real estate. A well-designed interior can increase a property's resale value by up to 70% and attract rental premiums of as much as 45%, the report noted.The demand for interiors is concentrated in the 2 and 3 BHK category, which together account for 95% of the market.

New Delhi : US President Donald Trump's choice of his close political aide Sergio Gor as the next US ambassador to India could be a gamechanger amid the current challenges and turbulence that the relationship is facing.Gor is part of Trump's inner circle and he could use his proximity to directly speak to Trump on India's views on the current irritants in the partnership. Gor could turn out to be bridge builder amid the role played by the likes of Trade adviser Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to spoil ties.ET has learnt Gor who handle Trump's personnel matters in the White House enjoy the confidence and trust of the US President. Gor is no stranger to India and is familiar to certain key figures in the Indian establishment. Sources said as decision-making in the USA is largely driven by Trump, appointing an India envoy who's close to him could be a bonus to India-US ties to overcome the challenges. Gor's proximity with Trump could help "breakthrough" the deadlocks as he would be able to convey India's concerns directly to the President unlike a career diplomat who may not have direct access to the President, quipped a source.Gor is also understood to have strong ties with the Trump family, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Donald Trump Jr. Kushner once mentioned that Gor can be trusted.Gor has been interested in Republican politics from his school and college days. In 2008, he became a junior staffer at the Republican National Committee. He worked with several Republican politicians before joining Trump's fundraising team in 2020."For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," Trump had written on his Truth Social platform while announcing the appointment a few weeks back. "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador," he had written.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation in various areas.They also exchanged views on international and regional issues, including efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. The two leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including economics, defence, science, technology, and space.They also reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening of the India-France Strategic Partnership, in line with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, a PMO release said. "They exchanged views on recent efforts towards bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India's consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability," the release added.The Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for accepting the invitation to the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in February 2026, and said he looked forward to welcoming the French President in India. Both leaders agreed to continue to remain in touch and work closely together to promote global peace and stability.In a post on X, PM Modi said India-France Strategic Partnership will continue to play a key role in fostering global peace and stability"Had a very good conversation with President Macron. We reviewed and positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation in various areas. Exchanged views on international and regional issues, including efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. The India-France Strategic Partnership will continue to play a key role in fostering global peace and stability," he said. The talks came two days after the French President, at the Paris summit on Thursday, announced plans to deploy a "reassurance force" in Ukraine."We have today 26 countries who have formally committed -- some others have not yet taken a position -- to deploy as a 'reassurance force' in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air," Macron told reporters, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, France 24 reported.The Paris summit, hosted by Macron, was attended by President Zelensky, while leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer participated remotely, according to France 24.Speaking on the General Assembly Debate at the UN earlier this week concerning the situation in Ukraine, India's Permanent Representative to the UN P Harish said that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to end the conflict in Ukraine."We maintain that the loss of innocent lives is unacceptable, and no solution can be found on the battlefield. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, 'This is not an era of war'. India stands ready to support diplomatic efforts for an early end to the conflict," he said.The envoy also mentioned that PM Modi has remained in touch with President Putin, President Zelensky and European leaders on the evolving situation.