CUSTOMS PROCEDURE
Govt tightens duty exemption rules for metallurgical coke imports
The government has tightened conditions for importers seeking exemptions from anti-dumping duty on low ash metallurgical coke, a key input for steelmaking and ferroalloy production. The finance ministry has made compliance with a prescribed customs procedure mandatory for eligible importers.
CBIC allows foreign goods to stay in India beyond four-month limit under ATA Carnet rules
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has introduced flexibility for temporary imports under the ATA Carnet system. Senior customs officials are now allowed to grant extensions beyond the existing four-month limit. This change will help foreign businesses and organisations that need additional time for their goods. Importers must still comply with the validity period stipulated by their ATA Carnet.
How to claim a refund if your train or flight is cancelled: Check rules, online process and refund timelines
Train and flight cancellations can cause significant disruptions for passengers seeking refunds. Passengers can receive refunds depending on whether cancellations are made by railways, airlines, or passengers themselves. For cancelled train tickets, refunds are typically processed automatically by IRCTC following cancellation policies. If an airline cancels a flight, passengers have the option for either a refund or an alternative flight.
91-year-old woman talks to her TV after husband's death as she had nobody else; hires temporary children who visit her home and keep her company
After her husband's death, 91-year-old Yang became so lonely that she started talking to her television for company and even considered voluntary euthanasia. Now, a team of paid companions visits her Beijing home twice a day with hot meals, household help and conversation, as China's companionship industry expands.
Man went abroad after marriage, divorced wife using foreign laws and remarried another woman after becoming a citizen there; now Supreme Court allows criminal case against him
A doctor who married in Andhra Pradesh in 2003 moved to the UK, became a British citizen and obtained a divorce there before marrying again. The Supreme Court refused to quash the bigamy case against him, holding that the foreign divorce did not automatically dissolve his Indian marriage.
Desible.ai raises Rs 32 crore in round led by Prime Venture Partners
Founded in 2025 by Uttam Tiwari and Omkar Raikar, Desible.ai is building an AI-powered workflow orchestration platform that helps financial institutions automate customer engagement, servicing, collections, and compliance-related processes. The company started with voice-based automation and is expanding its platform to channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, and email.
Kazakhstan introduces QazETA travel authorisation for Indians, makes electronic approval mandatory from July 2027
The Embassy of India in Astana has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Kazakhstan, highlighting the country's new QazETA electronic travel authorisation system. Indian travellers are advised to apply for an ETA through the official platform at least 72 hours before arrival. The authorisation will remain recommended rather than mandatory for eligible visa-exempt travellers.
UAE launches digital ATA Carnet system, becoming first country outside Europe to adopt paperless customs process
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the eATA Carnet system, becoming the first country outside Europe to adopt the digital customs facility. Rolled out on November 9, 2026, with support from Dubai Chambers, the system allows businesses to process temporary imports and exports electronically using digital declarations and QR codes.
US extends 178 China tariff exclusions to January 9
The US has extended tariff exemptions on 178 categories of Chinese goods until January 9, 2027, giving businesses more time to import these products without additional duties. The move comes as Washington and Beijing continue trade negotiations, with both sides discussing commitments on agricultural exports, rare earths and critical minerals.
India-US hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Customs and trade facilitation: Govt sources
A US delegation engaged with Indian Commerce Ministry officials to enhance bilateral trade and customs procedures. The discussions took place on November 2-3 and focused on trade facilitation frameworks. Ongoing negotiations are related to the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement aimed at improving market access. Both nations are close to finalizing an interim trade agreement, with few issues left to resolve.
Dubai changes visa rules in 2026, expands visa-on-arrival access and relaxes property visa criteria
Dubai has introduced several visa changes in 2026 that could affect Indian travellers, property owners, foreign professionals and long-term residents. The UAE has introduced new specialist visit visa categories and linked Dubai residence visa transactions with outstanding traffic fines. The proposed GCC unified tourist visa is also awaiting implementation.
Alice in Nvidia CEO's secret world: Jensen Huang's personal affair matters far beyond than what meets the eye
Concerns about national security have emerged regarding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a Chinese businesswoman, Alice Huang. US intelligence suggests Alice may have gathered information for Beijing after forming a close relationship with Jensen. Nvidia's advanced processors play a crucial role in AI and military applications, making them strategically significant in US-China relations. Congressional inquiries are seeking clarity on Nvidia's security protocols regarding foreign espionage risks.
Bengaluru airport declares full emergency after hijack threat on IndiGo flight
A full emergency was declared at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport after a hijack threat was reported. The threat message was found inside the lavatory of an IndiGo flight bound for Lucknow. As a precautionary measure, the pilots returned the aircraft to Bengaluru and initiated safety protocols. Security personnel conducted anti-sabotage checks to ensure passenger safety following the aircraft's landing.
Abhyanga Snan 2026 TODAY: How to Perform the Traditional Choti Diwali Oil Bath, Ritual Steps and Samagri
Abhyanga Snan is a traditional pre-dawn oil bath observed on Naraka Chaturdashi, popularly known as Choti Diwali. The ritual involves applying sesame oil to the body, massaging it gently, using herbal ubtan and bathing before sunrise. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing Abhyanga Snan, including the required ingredients, traditional bathing procedure, mantras and important customs.
Why Do Bihari Households Make Noise Early Morning After Diwali? The Meaning Behind Dalidar Bhagao
Dalidar Bhagao is a lesser-known post-Diwali folk tradition observed in parts of Bihar, in which families symbolically drive away poverty and misfortune from their homes. Performed in the early morning after Diwali, the ritual involves beating a traditional bamboo winnowing basket called a soop while chanting phrases asking Daridra to leave and Goddess Lakshmi to stay. Explore the meaning, traditional rituals, significance of the bamboo soop and regional beliefs associated with this unique Bihar custom.
British Airways parent profit drops on higher fuel costs
IAG, the owner of British Airways and Iberia, said Friday that its net profit dropped more than 12 percent in the third quarter on soaring fuel costs and flight disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The group said its overall flight capacity had been hit "by cancellations due to the conflict in the Middle East, together with aircraft availability linked to engine issues and disruption related to air traffic control disruption".
Budget 2027–28: ASSOCHAM calls for tax reforms to boost investment, manufacturing, ease of doing business and tax certainty
ASSOCHAM has called for a series of Direct and Indirect Tax reforms in the Union Budget 2027–28 to boost investment, strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract foreign capital and improve ease of doing business.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing
In an effort to advance their free trade agreement, India and the European Union held pivotal discussions led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who visited Brussels for dialogues with prominent EU officials. Central to the talks were customs cooperation and trade facilitation, deemed critical for the agreement's efficacy. Additionally, industry stakeholders from the diamond sector were engaged to harness opportunities within India's expanding market.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
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