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Indians buy 30% more gold after recent price correction
Indians showed a significant increase in gold and silver purchases during Dhanteras-Diwali this year. Gold buying rose by 30% while silver demand increased by 10% compared to last year. Consumers bought 52 tonnes of gold valued at ₹72,000 crore and 300 tonnes of silver worth ₹5,400 crore. The rise in purchases was fueled by lower prices and upcoming wedding season. Jewellers expressed optimism about continued consumer interest in precious metals.
'My heart was in my mouth, I was trembling when I called Karunanidhi': Sonia Gandhi on how UPA was formed
Sonia Gandhi details her efforts to create an inclusive United Progressive Alliance in 2004 against the BJP. She faced challenges, particularly in cooperating with the DMK due to past conflicts. Gandhi recounts initial meetings with various leaders to secure alliances, including one with M. Karunanidhi. The formal alliance was established on May 4, 2004, leading to a successful election outcome.
DGTR recommends imposition of quantitative restrictions on soda ash imports for 2 years
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies has signaled its intention to introduce protective measures to curb the influx of soda ash imports. This action responds to an appeal from the Alkali Manufacturers Association of India due to a troubling spike in imports. The proposed two-year quantitative restrictions will allocate specific quotas per country, distributing these annual restrictions in quarterly segments to ensure domestic manufacturers are protected.
Gold gets its festive groove back in India as prices cool from record highs
India’s gold jewellery demand is picking up in the October-December quarter as lower prices and the wedding season draw buyers back to stores, with footfalls and purchase conversions improving, according to Crisil Ratings. However, consumers are favouring smaller purchases, including coins and bars.
American midterm results will not have an impact on India-US interim trade deal: Sources
The Democrats' sweeping victory in the US midterm elections is unlikely to affect the India-US interim trade agreement, as the pact does not require formal Congressional ratification, sources said. However, ongoing Section 301 investigations into forced labour and excess industrial capacity could influence Washington's tariff structure and the finalisation of the agreement.
US tariffs squeeze Canadian cabinet makers facing doubling of Trump duty
As US tariffs on Canadian kitchen cabinets are set to double to 50%, the industry faces significant challenges. Companies like Cabico are considering relocating production to the US to mitigate costs. Many cabinet manufacturers have experienced reduced shipment volumes and workforce cuts due to tariffs. The Canadian government has proposed a provisional 25% surtax, but manufacturers want stronger measures.
Will India's gold jewellery retailers maintain credit strength amid soaring gold prices?
India's organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to maintain strong credit profiles in FY27 despite elevated gold prices and affordability pressures, according to Crisil Ratings. Volumes may decline 4-6%, but revenues are projected to rise 21-23% as higher gold prices lift sales values. Healthy cash accruals, prudent inventory management and measured store expansion will cushion rising working capital needs, even as operating margins moderate.
Gold retailers' revenue to rise up to 23% as volume decline moderates this fiscal: Crisil
India's organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to see a slower decline in sales volumes this fiscal, with revenue projected to grow 21-23 per cent despite elevated gold prices, while their credit profiles are likely to remain resilient on the back of healthy cash flows and controlled expansion, according to Crisil Ratings.
Government prepares draft sustainable aviation fuels policy; moots mandatory blending in ATF from 2027
The civil aviation ministry has circulated the draft National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuels which mandates use of only indigenously manufactured SAF to be blended with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
Prices of premium Scotch set to fall in Delhi after customs duty cut on British spirits
Prices for premium Scotch whiskies in Delhi are expected to decline shortly due to changes in customs duty. The reduction in import duty follows the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between India and the UK. Initially, the duty on British spirits will decrease from 150 to 75 percent, further dropping to 40 percent over the next ten years.
Scotch whisky in Delhi may get cheaper after Diwali as excise department begins price revision
Scotch whisky prices in Delhi could drop by around 7% due to changes in import duties. The new rates will likely affect popular brands like Johnnie Walker and Glenfiddich. Price revisions will be implemented initially in hotels, clubs, and restaurants, followed by retail outlets. Existing inventories must be cleared before new stocks can be sold under revised rates. The anticipated price changes are expected to occur before the wedding season.
Trump's midterm setback may put India under pressure for quick trade deal on US terms: GTRI
Amid electoral challenges, US President Donald Trump is likely to ramp up pressure on India to seal a trade deal. This potential agreement would require India to decrease import tariffs on US goods while the US keeps its tariffs intact. Analysts caution that such an arrangement may breach WTO MFN principles, undermining India's trade credibility. Additionally, compromising energy security and development aspirations could have serious implications.
India's palm oil imports hit 14-month high, soyoil purchases set record
In October, India experienced a surge in palm oil imports to 866,000 metric tons. Soyoil imports reached a record high of 653,000 tons, reflecting increased demand. The overall edible oil imports rose by 13%, reaching 1.74 million tons during the festive season. This demand is driven by concerns about limited domestic supplies and El Nino-related crop damage.
Gold smuggling jumps to 50 tonnes as 15% import duty widens gap for unofficial supply
Gold smuggling in India is estimated to have surged to 50 tonnes in the September quarter from three tonnes a year earlier after import duty rose to 15% from 6%, according to the World Gold Council. Meanwhile, demand remained 29% lower year-on-year as record-high prices weighed on purchases.
India’s illegal gold imports surge 1,500% after tax hike
India's illegal gold imports surged dramatically in the third quarter of 2023, reaching 50 metric tons. This rise is attributed to the government's recent duty hike on gold and silver imports. The increase in informal shipments is linked to previous tax increases that incentivized smuggling and cash sales. Gold demand typically rises during major festivals, though year-on-year metrics indicate a decline.
Indians refuse to cash in on gold in their lockers hoping for a better price
India’s gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).
India's gold bar game is next only to China despite 40% investment plunge
India’s gold investment demand rose 12% quarter-on-quarter to around 60 tonnes in the September quarter, although it remained below year-ago levels as easing price momentum and higher import duties weighed on buying, the World Gold Council said.
India's 2026 gold demand seen falling to six-year low on price rise: World Gold Council
India's gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record-high prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment demand, the World Gold Council (WGC) said.
India extends cotton import duty exemption till December 31
The Indian government has extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports to December 31. This decision aims to support the textile industry by ensuring adequate raw material availability. The waiver allows greater flexibility for manufacturers to source inputs at reduced costs. Domestic cotton prices have remained firm due to production concerns, prompting this extension. The move is expected to strengthen Indian textiles in both domestic and international markets.
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