BIS
20% DME-LPG blend can cut imports by 6.3 MT, save around Rs 34,200 cr yearly: Report
India can significantly cut LPG imports by blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether, derived from coal gasification. This move could save 6.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, translating to over USD 4 billion in foreign exchange. The Bureau of Indian Standards permits this blending. Domestic DME production is currently limited, but a clear policy can unlock investments.
War-led cost surge, price curbs push beer industry into 'major trouble': United Breweries CEO & MD
The Indian beer industry is in significant trouble. Rising costs from the war, supply chain issues, and government pricing controls are impacting businesses. United Breweries CEO Vivek Gupta highlights the need for government support to prevent growth and innovation from stalling. Consumers are also shifting to cheaper options and smaller pack sizes due to financial pressures.
22k gold rate today on Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Check 24k, 22k, 18k gold prices (April 19, 2026) in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other cities
Akshaya Tritiya, April 19, 2026, is here. This auspicious day is ideal for gold purchases and new beginnings. Families traditionally invest in gold and start ventures. Check the latest gold rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The Bureau of Indian Standards app helps verify gold authenticity.
Akshaya Tritiya 2026 date and time: Check city-wise muhurat timings for gold buying
Akshaya Tritiya, a festival believed to bring wealth, sees a surge in gold purchases, with demand often rising a week prior. This year, the auspicious day falls on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with specific muhurat timings varying by city. Consumers are increasingly opting for investment-grade gold like coins and bars, alongside digital gold, while traditional jewellery remains popular.
Layoffs hit tech, GCCs; Startups rewrite summer rules
Happy Wednesday! Tech and GCC talent are facing more layoffs as they move up the value chain and integrate into global operations. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
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Startups spot a cool opening as ACs become everyday need
Air-conditioners are becoming an essential purchase in India, attracting startups like Helium and Optimist into a market long dominated by large brands. New entrants are developing affordable, energy-efficient products for urban living, while government incentives for local manufacturing are lowering barriers in a market long dominated by large players.

Govt should cap charges of product testing under quality control order: GTRI
High testing and certification costs for Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are pushing many MSME importers out of business, according to GTRI. The think tank urged the government to cap testing charges and recognize foreign lab reports to support the 'Make in India' initiative and prevent market domination by large importers.

European alcoholic drinks companies seek India tariff relief as shortages of cans, bottles loom
Indian liquor firms are grappling with rising costs for glass bottles and cans. Supply chain disruptions, linked to the Iran war, are causing shortages. Local manufacturers struggle to meet demand. Companies are seeking government relief, including import duty exemptions, to avoid further price hikes and potential stockouts. This situation impacts India's growing alcohol market.

Electric appliance makers to seek GST cut as LPG crisis lifts demand
Electric cooking appliance makers are urging the government to reduce GST on products like induction cooktops and air fryers, while also seeking relief from component import bottlenecks from China. This comes as the Centre aims to boost production to address household LPG shortages, with a meeting scheduled to discuss urgent measures.

States likely to raise up to Rs 14 lakh crore in FY27, says ICRA
Indian states plan to borrow significantly in the upcoming financial year FY2027. Total borrowings are projected between 13.4 to 14 lakh crore rupees. This represents a growth of 5 to 9 percent. The Reserve Bank of India is introducing a new strategy for borrowing. This aims to create a more structured market for state government securities.

RBI's benchmark issuance strategy to boost transparency, liquidity in SDL market: Experts
The Reserve Bank of India will pilot a new strategy for state bonds from FY27. This plan aims to create larger, more liquid benchmark securities. Experts believe this will improve transparency and predictability in state borrowing. The move is expected to enhance price discovery and investor visibility.

E20 petrol now the main fuel in India from April 1. What this big shift means, and can your car handle ethanol-blended fuel?
India has mandated E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, across the nation from April 1, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce crude oil imports, boost energy security, and support agriculture. While newer vehicles are largely compatible, older models may see minor efficiency drops.

22k gold rate today: Check 22K, 24K gold prices (March 26, 2026) on Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA
Gold prices showed signs of recovery on March 25, 2026, after a mostly down month. Experts anticipate continued volatility due to geopolitical factors and US Fed interest rate uncertainty. Major Indian jewelers like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported 22k gold prices around Rs 13,465 per gram on March 26, 2026.

ICE agents at some airports begin checking IDs in security lines
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now helping Transportation Security Administration officers at airports. This move aims to reduce lengthy security queues. The TSA faces a worker shortage due to the ongoing government shutdown. ICE agents are performing identification checks and other screening tasks. This deployment is intended to improve travel efficiency for passengers.

Understand private credit: It may be a word you will soon hear more often in the stock markets
It is called “shadow banking” for a reason. Private credit serves a purpose as it caters to borrowers who fall between bank underwriting standards and public market requirements. But it also carries structural weaknesses such as poor borrower quality, limited transparency, and subjective valuations. Despite all this, private credit is only growing. Is it a miracle market or a disguised catastrophe? The answer will be revealed only in times of stress.

Supply woes spur call for easing quality curbs on critical imports
Indian industries are seeking relaxed quality control rules. This move aims to secure vital components from alternative sources like China. Supply chain disruptions due to the West Asia conflict are impacting sectors such as automotive and electronics. The government is considering these requests to ease the current supply squeeze. A decision is expected soon.

The other Ether-blend solution: How DME could ease India’s LPG crisis
India is embarking on an innovative journey by mixing dimethyl ether (DME) with cooking gas to lessen its dependency on imported LPG. This strategy utilizes the current LPG infrastructure, offering a smart and practical solution for enhancing energy independence.

Gold prices crash today; check 22K, 24K gold rates on Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA; Why are silver and gold rates falling?
Gold price today (23 March 2026): Gold and silver prices have plummeted, offering a significant buying opportunity for jewellery shoppers. This sharp decline, attributed to a strengthening US dollar amidst geopolitical fears, has seen substantial drops in bullion rates. Global gold prediction trends remain volatile.

Enhanced role for immigration officers at US airports as shutdown frustrates travels and screeners
President Donald Trump is deploying immigration agents to airports to help the Transportation Security Administration. This move comes amid a budget shutdown affecting homeland security workers. Concerns are rising about increased traveler frustration and anger from screeners over missed paychecks. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will assist with tasks like managing lines and checking IDs.

Gold prices crashing today? Check 22K, 24K gold rates on Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA
Gold Prices Crash Today: Gold prices are experiencing a dip in India. This is happening even as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran continue. Major jewellery brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas are showing lower rates.

'India could become Hettich's biggest market in five years': Andreas Hettich
Hettich, a leading furniture fittings maker, anticipates India will soon become its largest market, surpassing Germany. This growth is driven by India's expanding middle class and a significant shift from informal carpentry to organized manufacturing. The company sees strong potential in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Regulatory changes are also supporting local investment and production in India.

How the Fed and other central banks can bark without biting
Global central banks are meeting this week amid an oil price shock. Policymakers must decide whether to signal higher interest rates to combat inflation. This decision is complicated by past lessons from oil shocks and pandemic-era inflation. The Federal Reserve may signal no rate cuts this year by adjusting its economic projections.

Are gold rates down today? Check latest 22k gold prices on Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA
Amid geopolitical tensions and stock market volatility, gold prices have seen fluctuations. As of March 16, 2026, 22k gold rates at major retailers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers are around Rs 14,590-Rs 14,630 per gram. IBJA rates also show a decline from March 13.

NCL, a central lab, proposes use of DME as indigenous substitute for LPG
India's National Chemical Laboratory is developing dimethyl ether, or DME, as a domestic cooking fuel alternative to LPG. This move aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel and save foreign exchange. DME can be used with existing LPG infrastructure. Scientists have developed a new catalyst and burner technology.

Indigenous alternative to LPG? Central lab looks to scale up DME pilot
Scientists said substituting LPG with DME would not require changes to existing infrastructure, including cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses or burners. DME can also be used independently with stoves specifically designed for it.

Mandatory gold hallmarking expanded to 7 more districts
Gold hallmarking: The seven districts are: Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (Uttar Pradesh), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), Beawar (Rajasthan) and Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), an official statement said.

AI-controlled toys serious threat for safety of children, action being taken: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
During the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the minister said that the government has made provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 to ensure children's safety.

As many as 6,789 recognised startups categorised as 'closed': Minister Jitin Prasada
Over 6,700 recognised startups have been closed. The IT services sector saw the most closures. Business model viability and market demand influence these closures. In January, smartphone exports reached USD 2.56 billion. Maharashtra contributed USD 594 million to exports during April-December 2025. India has notified 142 Quality Control Orders covering 721 products.
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