BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
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.
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.
Reviewing draft fuel efficiency norms, will discuss with members on implementation timeline: SIAM
Auto industry body SIAM is reviewing the draft CAFE III fuel efficiency norms and will discuss manufacturer readiness for the implementation timeline with members. President Shailesh Chandra declined to comment on proposed incentives for small cars, citing differing views among manufacturers. SIAM advocates for an enabling environment for EV adoption rather than mandates.
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.
West Asia War: Govt pushes local induction cooktop output amid LPG concerns
West Asia War: The government is pushing Indian companies to boost local production of commercial induction cooktops. This move aims to prevent potential shortages of LPG for restaurants and hotels. Manufacturers are ready to expand but need help with component sourcing, especially glass from China. Incentives and policy support are sought to build a strong domestic manufacturing base for these appliances.
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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.
Industry seeks duty relief on key chemicals amid supply disruptions
Indian industry bodies are urging the government to temporarily suspend anti-dumping duties on key chemical feedstocks. This move aims to ease supply chain disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. The proposals focus on protecting MSMEs and ensuring the availability of essential raw materials for packaging and consumer goods. Reductions in import duties are also sought to manage rising costs.
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.
Real-time checks to improve discipline in credit cycle
Lenders will now report to credit bureaus weekly, a shift from fortnightly, enhancing real-time borrower risk assessment. This move is expected to improve underwriting standards by enabling continuous monitoring and reassessment of borrower risk throughout the loan lifecycle. Digitised lending products will be crucial for this transition, allowing for almost real-time borrower behavior monitoring and faster response to emerging stress.
Silver prices down today? Check high-purity per kg silver rates (March 27, 2026) on IBJA, MCX, MMTC-PAMP
Silver prices experienced significant fluctuations this week, driven by geopolitical tensions and anticipation of US Fed rate cuts. While MCX rates saw an overall increase from March 23rd to 27th, a notable decline was observed on Thursday. IBJA also reported sharp movements in 999 purity silver prices.
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.
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.
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.
India's ethanol moment has arrived — and the industry says it's ready for more
India has mandated 20% ethanol in petrol from April 2026, a significant policy acceleration. The nation boasts surplus production capacity, offering a strategic energy buffer amidst global oil price volatility. This move bolsters farmer incomes and reduces foreign exchange outgo, with the industry now eyeing further expansion into aviation fuel and cooking gas.
Pune-based scientists develop synthetic gas that can become an alternative to LPG
CSIR-NCL scientists have developed an indigenous technology to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME), a clean-burning fuel that can be blended with LPG. This innovation aims to reduce India's reliance on imported cooking fuel and bolster energy self-reliance. The technology offers a cost-effective way to produce DME, with potential for significant foreign exchange savings.
Quake code: It's about getting the safety-cost balance right
India has reverted to the 2016 seismic code after withdrawing IS 1893 (2025), sparking debate over earthquake safety. While the 2025 draft offered stronger, internationally aligned standards, higher costs and enforceability issues raised concerns. Experts advocate a balanced approach prioritising critical structures, retrofitting vulnerable homes, and improving compliance to enhance safety without overwhelming budgets.
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.
PlayStation 5 Pro India launch soon? Certification surfaces on BIS portal under model CFI-7121 after long delay
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) has finally been spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website under model number CFI-7121, signaling that a domestic launch may be imminent. While the console debuted globally in November 2024, its entry into the Indian market was reportedly stalled due to regulatory conflicts surrounding Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz) spectrum allocation.
Air India plane crash probe report will be out 'very soon': Aviation minister Naidu
The investigation into the Air India plane crash is progressing well, with the report expected soon. Efforts are underway to ensure safe flight operations and assist Indians in West Asia. India's civil aviation sector is set for significant expansion, with plans to open hundreds of new airports and enhance services.
AC makers raise prices by 5–15% ahead of summer as input costs climb
Room air-conditioner prices are rising by 5-15% as manufacturers face higher costs for copper, aluminium, and freight. This price adjustment is happening between February and April, just before the peak summer demand. Companies like Daikin, Voltas, and Blue Star are implementing these hikes. Despite the increase, sales are expected to grow due to forecasts of a hot summer.
BIS scraps new seismic zonation plan after govt flags construction cost surge
India's new earthquake building safety code has been withdrawn. The Bureau of Indian Standards reversed its decision after the Cabinet Secretariat intervened. Concerns were raised about increased construction costs and insufficient consultation with stakeholders. The previous 2016 standard is now back in effect. This move impacts real estate and infrastructure projects across the country.
India mandates sale of 20% ethanol-blended petrol from April
India will soon see petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol and a minimum octane rating of 95. This mandate begins nationwide from April 1, 2026. The move aims to reduce oil imports and emissions. Ethanol is a cleaner, renewable fuel. Most new vehicles are compatible. This initiative supports farmers by increasing demand for agricultural products.
No detours: CAFE III to kick in by April 2027
Indian carmakers face new fuel efficiency rules from April 2027. The government will enforce CAFE III standards, requiring lower carbon dioxide emissions. Carmakers must meet these targets or face penalties. Electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers can earn credits. The industry had sought a delay, but the government insists on the timeline. These regulations aim for cleaner transportation.
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