For the Union Budget 2026-2027, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government for a mix of GST cuts, customs reforms and policy changes to counter global trade headwinds and improve export competitiveness. In its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) highlighted measures aimed…
The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump’s pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence.The central bank has cut rates three consecutive times since September as the jobs market weakened, bringing them to…
India’s residential real estate market moved into a phase of normalisation in 2025, with housing sales moderating from elevated levels even as prices stayed firm, reflecting a more disciplined and resilient market structure, according to a report by digital real estate transaction and advisory platform PropTiger.Across the top eight cities, all-India residential sales declined 12%…
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Friday, beginning a four-day visit aimed at firming up a series of big-ticket initiatives to expand India–European Union ties, PTI reported.Von der Leyen’s visit comes ahead of summit talks between India and the EU, with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and…
Singapore will invest more than Sg$1 billion ($785 million) in public research on artificial intelligence through 2030, as the city-state looks to strengthen its technological capabilities and sharpen its global competitiveness, the government said on Saturday.The funding will be used to set up “world-class” AI research centres, build capabilities to support industrial applications of artificial…
Scott Bessent (File photo) TOI correspondent from Washington: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a prospective removal of the 25 per cent penalty tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, citing “success” in Washington’s pressure tactics while appearing to disapprove the outreach of the European Union, which is on the verge of concluding…
President Donald Trump arrives aboard Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, after returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos. (AP Photo) TOI correspondent from Washington: US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100 per cent tax on Canada if it strikes a trade deal with China,…
LUCKNOW: The proposal to automatically raise electricity bills every year — even if state regulators fail to issue timely tariff orders — has ignited controversy over India’s new draft National Electricity Policy (NEP), 2026.The Union ministry of power published the draft policy on Jan 20, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days. Among…
India’s maritime sector is projected to attract investments of more than Rs 80 lakh crore in the coming years, helping the country regain its long-lost nautical supremacy and generate over 1.5 crore jobs, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday.Speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of development of Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram,…
The World Bank has approved technical and financial assistance of Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’, aimed at making the state self-reliant in the water sector, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Saturday.Chairing a review meeting on the programme, Saini said the funds will be released in phases between…
