CHINA CONSUMER NATIONALISM
Jewellers report brisk Dhanteras sales as gold price drop lures buyers; volumes seen flat
Volumes, however, are likely to remain roughly flat from a year earlier because prices are still well above last year's levels, said Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC).
E30 petrol being sold as E20? Karnataka minister claims oil companies are supplying petrol exceeding the 20% ethanol limit
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad has flagged alleged over-blending of ethanol in petrol after tests found concentrations of up to 31.2% in samples from major oil companies. The state has warned of possible damage to vehicle fuel systems, questioned laboratory disclosures and demanded action, consumer compensation and mandatory display of ethanol percentages at petrol pumps.
In a divided world, COP31 aims for agreement on electrification
COP31, kicking off November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, is all set to spotlight the global push for electrification. With a target to raise electricity's contribution to final energy demand to 35% by 2035, nations are keenly examining how electrification can effectively curb fossil fuel use.
'Gold’s rally is not just about wars, it’s fundamentally linked to $40 tn US debt': WGC India CEO Sachin Jain
World Gold Council India CEO Sachin Jain said gold’s rally is driven by rising US debt, de-dollarisation and central bank purchases, rather than geopolitics alone. He expects strong Indian demand during Diwali and recommends allocating 10-15% of financial assets to gold. Over the next five years, technology, tokenisation and blockchain could make gold more accessible, transparent and easier to trade.
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla has marketed Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to prospective buyers in South Korea for years, often collecting lump-sum payments of 9.043 million won ($6,726).
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla is facing a consumer complaint in South Korea over allegedly misleading customers by selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to buyers whose vehicles cannot legally use it. The software, which was sold for a one-time payment of 9.043 million won ($6,726), is compatible with only about 20% of Tesla cars registered in the country, mainly US-made models.
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India-New Zealand FTA: Expanding India’s footprint in Oceania
More than a trade deal, the India-New Zealand FTA is a strategic gateway to new markets, fresh investment and stronger capabilities, positioning India to compete, connect, and grow across the Asia-Pacific.

Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears
Businesses are divided over whether Washington should propose new tariffs on Vietnamese goods this month, with Tesla and Samsung not in favour, while others have called for penalties, submissions to the US government show.

Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears
A trade investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property practices is nearing a conclusion with a November 29 deadline. Various industries have conflicting views on whether new tariffs should be imposed on Vietnamese goods. Tesla and Samsung are against additional tariffs, while steel and wood sectors advocate for penalties. Vietnam has faced escalating exports to the US, surpassing its previous trade standings.

Washington set to cut wire connecting Chinese companies to US phone numbers
The US Federal Communications Commission intends to vote on banning Chinese telecom firms from accessing US phone numbers. Concerns around national security have led to this potential decision against companies like China Mobile and China Telecom. The measure aims to prevent illegal robocalls and protect US telecommunications. China has opposed this likely ban, asserting it undermines legitimate business practices.

See data centres less as energy-sucking private warehouses, and more as quasi-public utilities
We need data centres. They run far more than ChatGPT. Search, banking, streaming, social networks, cloud software, government services, hospitals and almost every company's digital operations depend on them. AI simply raises the requirement dramatically. Google says its Vizag hub will provide new subsea connectivity for India. IEA says electricity use by AI-focused data centres jumped 50% in 2025. A country without serious compute infrastructure risks becoming a consumer, rather than a producer, of the AI revolution.

Petrol price in India cheaper than US, UAE, China, Canada: Global average petrol rate is Rs 150, diesel Rs 159, data shows
Petrol rate in India are lower than in the US, UAE, China, Canada and several other countries, according to global fuel price data. While the average global petrol price is around ₹150 per litre, India's rate is approximately ₹109. The comparison also shows huge differences across countries, with Hong Kong among the most expensive markets at over ₹421 per litre.
US plans to ban Chinese telecom firms from direct access to US phone numbers
The United States will soon prohibit Chinese telecom companies from having direct access to American phone numbers. This action aims to enhance national security and curb illegal robocalls. The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on this proposal. The FCC may also revoke number authorizations for firms posing security risks. Concerns about espionage linked to Chinese firms have significantly increased in recent years.

Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga face long road to redemption in China
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga have apologised after the footballer sparked outrage in China with comments about former leader Mao Zedong. The controversy has led major Chinese brands to cut ties with the French striker, while La Liga matches have been pulled from state broadcaster CCTV. Experts warn that the apologies may not be enough to repair the damage to their reputation and commercial interests in the country.

TRAI’s internet TV proposal raises concerns over wider OTT regulation, say legal experts
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a new framework for internet-based linear television distribution. This recommendation could broaden the interpretation of the Telecommunications Act and affect other digital content. Legal experts express concerns over TRAI's jurisdiction regarding OTT services and the implications for freedom of speech. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must decide whether to adopt these recommendations.

Global Market: China, Hong Kong stocks rebound as SK Hynix earnings lift AI optimism
Chinese and Hong Kong stocks rebounded after two sessions of losses, led by technology shares amid renewed optimism over artificial intelligence demand following SK Hynix’s stronger-than-expected earnings. However, weak consumption and disappointing results from liquor maker Wuliangye continued to weigh on sentiment.

India jewellers hold off gold buying, betting prices will drop
Indian jewellers are delaying gold purchases ahead of the festive season, betting that prices will fall further after dropping below $4,000 an ounce. MMTC-PAMP India says large jewellery chains remain cautious, while higher import duties, subdued rural demand and tighter import rules are expected to weigh on gold demand and imports during the October-December quarter.

China is back in the bull semen market, but only the best will do
China has resumed imports of bull semen from Australia and Canada as it seeks to improve cattle genetics, increase beef production and boost dairy yields. Under stricter rules, imports must come from bulls ranked among the top 10% in their country of origin. The move follows years of trade restrictions that disrupted supplies and pushed some Chinese producers towards smuggled livestock genetics.

India's gold import route changing course for a benefit all jewellers want
India is diversifying its gold import sources as expanding domestic refining capacity, tax incentives and the India-UAE trade pact reshape supply chains. Switzerland’s share of India’s bullion imports fell to 21.9% in FY26 from 42.4% five years earlier, while the UAE’s share rose to 16.5% from 10.8%, according to Crisil Intelligence.

Research: Navigating the Business Risks of Changing Pro-America Sentiment
U.S. firms increasingly operate in a marketplace where “Made in USA” is no longer a neutral provenance claim but a charged political signal. A new study analyzing 5,355 companies over twenty years found that pro-America marketing has increasingly shifted from pride-based patriotism to grievance-fueled, us‑versus‑them nationalism. While this can create upsides—new customers, loyalty, pricing power—it also exposes companies to narrative capture, boycotts, and legal scrutiny. To avoid risk, companies must examine their exposure along two axes: domestic embeddedness and symbolic intensity. Leaders must align operations and symbolism, set clear guardrails, and proactively manage meaning drift before others define their loyalties.

Government needs to incentivise domestic solar production as China eyes curbs on tech exports: Solex Chairman
The government needs to incentivize domestic production of solar equipment, as China's proposed export restrictions may create supply issues. Chetan Shah, from Solex Energy, emphasized India's limited cell capacity compared to module manufacturing. He proposed extending the ALMM-II framework to support local manufacturers in meeting their demands. Collaborating with other nations could also reduce reliance on Chinese solar equipment.

Sri Lanka seeks faster green energy shift after oil shocks
Sri Lanka is facing significant challenges in its transition to renewable energy due to rising oil prices. The government plans to increase electricity generation from renewable sources to 70 percent by 2030. Communities have expressed concerns about the impact of wind turbines, leading to a reassessment of project locations. Additionally, changes in solar power pricing are necessary to maintain economic viability and fairness for consumers.

Charting the global economy: Euro area business activity cools
The euro area’s private sector slowed more than expected in October, weighed down by France as the region’s No. 2 economy grapples with fiscal and political tensions.

Climbing down the Moutai: Is the prestigious Moutai brand crumbling under China's anti-extravagance campaign and economic turmoil?
Moutai, a prominent baijiu brand in China, has experienced significant fluctuations in demand and prices. The brand's popularity is affected by economic changes and government regulations aimed at curbing extravagance. After a golden age, Moutai faced declining profits and revenue for the first time in decades. Many distilleries deregistered recently, indicating a broader market struggle within the sector.

Sat Sovereign, Not Satrapi: Why India can't get locked in with one side in satcom battle
Elon Musk argues that Starlink can benefit underserved rural areas of India through improved connectivity. The ongoing debate surrounding satellite communications in India is focused on pricing and market control. Countries are competing for access to low-Earth orbit frequencies and altitudes, which are limited resources. India has an opportunity to create a non-aligned satcom policy to ensure equitable access.

China blue-chip index confirms bear market as AI stocks slump
The CSI300 Index dropped 1.8% to close at 4,036.30, its lowest level since July 2025. It is now 20.2% below its most recent closing peak on June 22, crossing the 20% threshold that typically defines a bear market.

China blue-chip index confirms bear market as AI stocks slump
China's CSI300 Index fell by 1.8% to reach a 15-month low, confirming a bear market status. The Shanghai Composite Index similarly decreased by 1.5%, reflecting similar investor concerns. A significant selloff in tech shares contributed to the market decline, highlighting the impact of tepid stimulus expectations. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index also fell by 3%, driven by tax liabilities affecting local companies.

Global Market: Hong Kong stocks slump to four-month low as China stimulus hopes fade
Hong Kong stocks plunged to a four-month low, while mainland Chinese blue-chip shares approached bear-market territory as technology stocks sold off. Weak stimulus expectations, concerns over economic imbalances and broader AI-related market losses weighed on investor sentiment.

US sanctions have India cornered. BRICS charts an escape route
US sanctions have significant implications on international trade, especially concerning countries like India. As BRICS countries explore alternative payment systems, the renminbi could become an attractive option. This change might reduce reliance on the US dollar and offer nations more strategic autonomy. The recent discussions emphasize the importance of cross-border interoperability and local-currency settlements among BRICS members. These developments highlight a potential shift in global economic power dynamics.
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