Weathering the storm: From 50% Trump tariffs to new FTAs – how India steered through turbulent trade waters in 2025

2025 has cemented itself as the year of the “Tariff Wall.” With India now facing a new landscape of protectionism from the West, and complicated energy issues developing in the global energy market, India’s economic relationship with the world has been defined by a series of flashpoints.Although government officials say that India’s external sector remains…

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Coal policy change: Govt eases approval process for opening coal, lignite mines; boards get more authority

The government has amended rules to streamline approvals for opening coal and lignite mines, a move aimed at cutting procedural delays and speeding up mine operationalisation while retaining regulatory oversight, PTI reported .Under the earlier framework, Rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 required mine owners to obtain prior approval from the Coal Controller’s…

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Steel inputs squeeze: Curbs on low-ash coke raise costs for makers; GTRI highlights input-side challenges

India’s steel capacity expansion is coming under pressure from a policy mismatch that raises input costs even as the government seeks to protect domestic producers, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).“Protecting domestic metcoke producers is valid, but stacking quotas and duties on a non-substitutable input risks over-correction and macroeconomic consequences,”…

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Mobility infra shift: RRTS can reshape urban travel and spur decentralised growth; Knight Frank flags investment, housing opportunities

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has the potential to fundamentally change urban mobility patterns while acting as a catalyst for decentralised economic growth along transit corridors, real estate consultant Knight Frank said in a new report, PTI reported.According to a Knight Frank India study released on Friday, titled ‘Regional Rapid Transit System: Testing the…

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Gold price today: How much 18K, 22K, 24K gold costs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru — check today’s city-wise rates

Gold price today: Precious metals continued their strong rally on Friday, with gold and silver scaling fresh record highs in both domestic and international markets, driven by firm global cues and sustained investor demand.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold crossed the Rs 1.39 lakh mark per 10 grams for the first time. Gold futures…

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Jewellery, rugs & toys power growth! India’s creative goods exports rise in FY26; UAE emerges top market

India’s exports of creative goods rose in the first seven months of FY26, driven by strong demand for fashion accessories, jewellery, carpets and toys, with the UAE emerging as the largest destination, according to an ET analysis.The exports of creative goods increased 7.3% year-on-year to $12.5 billion during April–October FY26, up from $11.7 billion in…

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New BIS standard for incense sticks: Govt bans certain substances; flags ‘potential impact on human health’

NEW DELHI: The government issued a notification announcing a new Indian Standard for incense sticks (agarbatti), laying down quality norms and specifying a list of substances prohibited for use in their manufacture.The standard has been developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure safer products and promote responsible and sustainable practices in the…

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