Budget 2026: Jewellery sector seeks duty rationalisation, reforms and GST cuts

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 at … Read more

Cuba looks to expand economic ties with India across biotech, renewables and tourism, envoy says

Cuba is keen to deepen its economic engagement with India across sectors such as agro-industry, biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, sports and tourism, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera said on Saturday, reported PTI. Addressing a special session on India–Cuba bilateral trade and economic cooperation organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce … Read more

Can Donald Trump’s mortgage bond push lower home loan rates? New Fannie–Freddie limits reignite risk debate

The Trump administration has quietly expanded the scope for government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy far more mortgage bonds than previously allowed, a move aimed at lowering home loan rates but one that has revived concerns about financial risk and policy overreach.According to an internal email obtained by the Associated Press, … Read more

‘Will completely devour it’: Trump threatens 100% tariffs if Canada makes deal with China; warns ‘governor’ Carney

Trump and Carney (File photo) US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Canada and its Prime Minister Mark Carney over making any deals with China. Refering to Carney as “governor”, he said that US will impose 100 per cent tariffs if Canada makes any such deals.“If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada … Read more

Seven years in jail, but no proof of dowry death: Supreme Court corrects trial court error – here’s what the case is about

When Karan Singh (Appellant) found himself standing alone, convicted of dowry death and cruelty under Section 304-B (Dowry Death) and Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, his legal options narrowed significantly. Though tried alongside his parents, who were acquitted, the Sessions Court convicted Karan Singh, sentencing him to seven years rigorous imprisonment for … Read more

Housing market cools after boom year as sales fall 12% in 2025, prices remain resilient: PropTiger report

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% … Read more

Investor connect: NSE takes financial literacy drive to Kolkata Book Fair; sets up 14-day awareness pavilion

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has set up an investor awareness pavilion at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, stepping up its outreach efforts to promote financial literacy and informed investing among the public.The pavilion, which opened on January 22, will remain operational for 14 days at Boimela Prangan in Bidhannagar, NSE said in a … Read more