The Economic Times

As per the BIS guidelines, there are several gold articles on which the Rs 75 gold hallmarking fee is not applied. These include gold watch and fountain pain, among others. Many jewellery pieces also include two or more parts which may be joined together, like in earrings or necklaces. For such articles, buyers should ensure that each article in a pair and all detachable parts should be hallmarked with different HUIDs.

Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. The shift reflects voter dissatisfaction with issues such as high prices, the economy, and the war in Iran. Trump's administration will now face increased scrutiny and potential investigations from the Democratic-controlled Congress. Although Trump retains veto power, his legislative priorities may now be more difficult to achieve.

Democrats' strong performance in the US midterm elections has triggered a wave of memes targeting Donald Trump. From jokes about America trying to deport Trump's majority to comparisons with Rahul Gandhi, social media users are turning the Republican setback into political humour.

Donald Trump faces voter dissatisfaction after initial exit polls from the US Midterm elections show 62% of voters disapprove of his performance. The NBC News Exit Poll shows that 59% of voters felt that Trump was a factor in their decision. Immigration policies, corruption within government and policies enforced by his administration have all played a role in deciding how people voted.

Election day 2026 results from Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Maine will be keenly watched as Donald Trump's Republicans are trying fend off challenges from Democrats.

A book cover has about 8 seconds to engage a potential reader before they make a decision. Different genres require distinct design elements, with business books favoring minimalism and novels needing some intrigue. Feedback from friends can dilute the effectiveness of a cover, leading to a bland design. A successful cover must communicate the book's genre and appeal to its target audience clearly.

India's capital markets have seen significant changes, with millions of households participating in equity investing. The current tax framework needs to evolve to encourage better investment behavior among participants. A predictable and neutral tax system can foster deeper domestic participation in capital markets. Implementing a graduated tax rate could motivate investors to hold their investments longer. Adjusting the capital gains tax structure could align taxation with economic returns for

In a bid to invigorate domestic and foreign mutual fund investments, India's Securities and Exchange Board has put forth recommendations for tax concessions. These proposals are designed to boost post-tax returns, particularly as market performance has been behind that of emerging counterparts. The current capital gains tax rates are seen as a hindrance, leading to demands for a review.

India's investigation into bulk Scotch whisky imports has triggered the first major trade dispute under the India-UK free trade agreement. The government argues bulk Scotch does not qualify for reduced import tariffs, potentially restoring duties to 150% from 75%. The dispute threatens a $65 billion global whisky market, putting Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Indian liquor makers at odds with customs officials.

US midterm election 2026: American voters' sentiments about rising prices could affect Trump's standing in trade discussions. Congressional control will determine the scrutiny over Trump's actions regarding Iran and Ukraine. India will, however, continue navigating uncertainties in trade relations regardless of the election results.

Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields has filed its draft papers with SEBI for an IPO comprising an offer for sale of up to 66.81 crore shares. One of Indias largest coal producers, SECL reported higher revenue and profit and plans to list on the BSE and NSE.

With a focus on preventive healthcare and wellness, India is on the verge of harnessing new technological innovations. Sangita Reddy from Apollo Hospitals stresses the significance of wearable devices in spotting health issues early on. In collaboration with Apollo Hospitals, Garmin Health is targeting rural health efforts and highlighting the event's health technology strides.

India MSME news: India's micro, small and medium enterprises are exploring the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. AI is expected to generate significant economic value for these enterprises in manufacturing and services sectors. Various challenges remain regarding the integration of AI into existing workflows and overcoming cost barriers. Collaborative efforts among industry bodies, technology providers, and the government are essential for facilitating this transition.

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.

Lata Krishnan and Ajay Shah co-founded Smart Modular Technologies and focus on educational initiatives for disadvantaged students. They provide $10,000 scholarships annually to support students pursuing college degrees. Their efforts also include supporting advanced education and the Accion Opportunity Fund for economic mobility. Additionally, they have made significant contributions to the American India Foundation's Fellowship program. The couple actively participates in various educational an

Sai Pallavi is set to light up the silver screen with a series of exciting projects in November 2026, including the much-anticipated Ramayana, where she takes on the role of Sita, and the action-packed film Om, where she portrays an IPS officer. Her father, Senthamarai Kannan, also served the country as a retired Assistant Commissioner and talented footballer. Read on!

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.

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth 53,866.50 crore with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard (GSL) for the construction of eight Next Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy. Under the deal, GRSE will build five warships and GSL the remaining three.

Indian government bonds showed improvement as crude oil prices declined, which is expected to boost market demand. Traders are closely monitoring the upcoming US midterm elections for potential impacts on oil prices and economic policies. The falling crude prices are expected to alleviate inflation concerns and fiscal pressures for India. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India may adjust its interest rate plans based on these developments.

India's manufacturing growth slowed in October, with the HSBC Manufacturing PMI falling to 54.7 from 55.1 in September, as domestic demand and hiring weakened. However, export orders rose at their fastest pace in six months, providing some support to factory activity.

'Excellent progress': Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects India's first bullet train manufacturing at BEML

China is tightening export controls on tunnel-boring machines and other specialised construction equipment, raising concerns that the restrictions could disrupt India's infrastructure projects, particularly along the disputed Himalayan border.

The Centre appears on track to meet the fiscal deficit target set for FY27. Strong corporate tax collections are offsetting some revenue pressures observed in the first half of the fiscal year. The government's fiscal position improved significantly in September compared to August, aided by higher direct tax revenues. Focused expenditure reallocation will be crucial in achieving the deficit goals.

Amid the vibrant festive season in India, consumer demand is soaring, prompting businesses to boost sales and raise prices accordingly. However, rising costs are pressuring profit margins, causing a decline in investor confidence. The stock market struggles to reflect the upbeat consumer activity, signaling a potential need for a resolution to the Iran war and governmental intervention to promote stability.

India and France are advancing their defence relationship with proposals for new fighter aircraft and submarines. The two nations are collaborating on advanced technologies and strategic partnerships essential for regional security. As the global security landscape evolves, India aims to enhance ties with trusted allies like France. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap outlines a vision for future cooperation across various sectors.

Jailer 2 was released on October 15 and has been performing remarkably well at the box office. After 18 days, the film has crossed the Rs 800 crore mark globally. The movie's domestic gross collection has reached Rs 533.75 crore, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film in India. Read on to know how much it earned on day 18 in India.

Indian households are re-evaluating their asset allocations as gold holdings rise and equity investments remain stable. Recent data reveals a significant increase in household wealth, particularly in gold and real estate. Households are moving from traditional savings to market investments, notably through systematic investment plans. Meanwhile, financial behaviors are changing, with more monthly contributions being made to equities.

A recent study reveals that India's $900-billion asset management sector lacks climate scenario analysis disclosures. Twelve mutual funds, representing over 80% of assets, scored zero in stress testing. This gap contrasts with findings from Asian peers who share some level of climate analysis. Rising climate risks in India could threaten up to $250 billion in annual output by 2030.

The INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi concluded without any noticeable law and order issues. Over 4,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of participants throughout the event. Surveillance was enhanced through 200 CCTV cameras and the usage of drones to monitor the gathering. Police implemented traffic regulations and ensured ambulances could access local hospitals without interruption.

Ferrero sees India as a key market, expecting its growth in the premium chocolate segment. The company aims for sustainable growth, expanding its brand portfolio, strengthening distribution and building a sustainable growth trajectory. The company plans to enhance its presence in smaller cities, through wider retail distribution and e-commerce platforms. They are tapping into the Indian traditions and consumer aspirations through targeted campaigns.

Bharat Bullet Train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, emphasizing indigenous technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed various production processes at BEML's Aditya manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The train will offer advanced passenger amenities and adhere to stringent safety standards during its operation. It is designed to accommodate about 557 passengers, including special provisions for persons with disabilities.

Who gets to set Indias clock? From railway crashes to Bombays rebellion,standardising time meant more than synchronising watches. Vikram Doctor delves into the tock of the town to find what made India tick

In India, Millennials are leading the adoption of artificial intelligence for shopping, with 84 percent using AI tools. Gen Z follows closely at 74 percent, showcasing a growing trend across age groups. The report reveals that India ranks second globally for AI shopping adoption, with 76 percent of consumers utilizing such tools. Trust in AI-powered shopping is notably high in India, with 87 percent expressing confidence in AI tools.

Vinod, an Indian man living in Norway, highlights the differences in child development and education between India and Norway. Norwegian children learn through exploration and problem-solving, enjoying outdoor activities without pressure. In contrast, Indian children face early academic demands and competitive pressures. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on their self-worth and happiness. Vinod suggests the need to balance educational goals with children's natural curiosity and dev

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded its highest-ever monthly sales of 82,299 units in October, registering a year-on-year growth of 17.7 per cent, driven by strong festive demand and increased sales in both domestic and export markets.

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc raised serious concerns about the integrity of electoral processes during their rally. Allegations include the government obstructing march participants from reaching the event venue using various pretexts. Prominent leaders highlighted issues of voter fraud and demanded accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They argued that these actions threaten fundamental democratic rights, especially the right to vote.

Around 2.5 lakh shops near Ramlila Maidan may remain closed due to the upcoming INDIA bloc rally. The Chamber of Trade and Industry expressed concerns over economic losses and transport disruptions during Diwali. Traders fear that the anticipated crowd will deter shoppers from visiting local markets. Rahul Gandhi urged rally participants to support Delhi's traders by shopping during the event.

Cordelia Cruises intends to expand its fleet to enhance domestic cruise tourism and increase capacity. The company currently operates two ships and plans to introduce a third earlier than expected. It emphasizes the potential of the Indian market, noting significant opportunities due to the coastline. The impact of rising fuel prices has affected operating costs, yet the company remains profitable.

Indias Gen Z population is sizeable, but its electoral influence will depend on voter eligibility, registration, turnout and constituency-level preferences. Experts explain why young Indians may not vote as a unified bloc, what Tamil Nadus 2026 election reveals about youth mobilisation, and why predicting their impact in 2029 remains difficult.

Govt has told Supreme Court that hospitals overcharging patients for medicines and medical consumables is a malpractice. Its affidavit cites margins of 170% to 700% or more on anti-cancer drugs and 100% to 1,000% or more on hospital supplies, while saying it is examining possible interventions.

Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional trade with India. He advocated for deeper cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and aerospace between the two countries. Tusk also highlighted Bengaluru's significant role as a global technology and innovation hub. He called for translating declarations of strategic partnerships into joint ventures to strengthen economies. These initiatives aim to enhance access to global markets and foster eco

How Congress is undermining healthy democracy in India, PM Modi slams India Bloc

Anahat Singh school name: Anahat Singh, a student of The British School in New Delhi, has made headlines after defeating eight-time world champion Nour ElSherbini at the Silicon Valley Open in the US. The 18-year-old Indian squash player won in straight games to reach the quarter-finals. From becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Asian Games squash singles final to winning the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships title, Anahat has continued to break records on the international circuit.