Category: Beyond

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Beyond

Gold near ₹1.55 lakh, Silver above ₹2.70 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India recorded a sharp rise on 16 April 2026, tracking firm international trends and renewed safe-haven demand from investors.

In domestic trade, gold prices moved higher, with 24-carat gold hovering near ₹1.55 lakh per 10 grams, reflecting strong gains in both spot and futures markets. Silver also surged sharply, with rates crossing the ₹2.70 lakh per kilogram mark in some MCX-linked trading ranges, marking one of the stronger single-session up-moves in recent weeks.

The rally in bullion was supported by global factors, including a weaker US dollar and easing US Treasury yields, which improved demand for non-yielding assets like gold. Investors also increased exposure to precious metals amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of shifting global interest rate trajectories.

Silver outperformed in percentage terms during parts of the session, supported by both industrial demand expectations and speculative buying in futures contracts. Analysts noted that silver tends to show sharper volatility compared to gold, leading to stronger upside moves during bullish phases.

On the domestic front, demand remained firm ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, a key seasonal buying period in India. Jewellers reported steady retail interest, with customers showing higher engagement in advance bookings and price-lock schemes despite elevated price levels.

On MCX, bullion futures remained firmly in positive territory throughout the session, with traders actively participating in both gold and silver contracts.

Also Read: Sensex jumps over 250 points, Nifty above 24,300

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Beyond

SEBI eases IPO rules, plans checks on trading errors

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken steps to make life easier for companies planning to go public, while also trying to make stock market trading safer.

In a recent move, SEBI has allowed companies to reduce the size of their IPOs by up to 50% without going through a long and complex approval process. Earlier, companies could only make smaller changes without restarting paperwork.

This change comes at a time when global uncertainties, including tensions involving Iran, have made markets unpredictable. Because of this, many companies have been cautious about raising funds, as investor sentiment has weakened.

With the new rule, companies can now adjust their IPO plans more easily if market conditions are not favourable. However, they still need SEBI’s approval, and the purpose of the IPO must remain the same. The relaxation is temporary and applies to companies planning to launch IPOs in the coming months.

At the same time, SEBI is also focusing on making trading more secure. It is looking to reduce “fat finger” errors, mistakes made when traders accidentally enter the wrong price or quantity.

To address this, SEBI may ask stock exchanges to introduce tighter and more flexible price limits in the options trading segment. These limits would help prevent sudden spikes or crashes caused by such errors.

Also Read: Tata invests ₹1,500 cr to expand iPhone production

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Beyond

₹10,000 cr fund 2.0 to boost India startups

The government has rolled out a new ₹10,000 crore fund to support startups, giving a fresh push to India’s growing innovation ecosystem.

The initiative, called Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0, is designed to help startups, especially those in early stages, get better access to funding. Many young companies struggle to raise money in their initial years, and this fund aims to ease that challenge.

Instead of investing directly in startups, the government will route the money through investment funds. These funds will then support promising startups across sectors. This approach is expected to attract more private investors and create a stronger funding network.

A key focus of the new fund will be on deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. These areas often require larger investments and longer time to grow, making funding harder to secure.

The scheme also aims to support startups beyond major cities, helping businesses in smaller towns and emerging hubs. By doing so, the government hopes to spread innovation more evenly across the country.

This is the second phase of the Startup India fund. The first phase, launched in 2016, helped several startups grow by improving access to capital and encouraging investor participation. The new phase builds on that effort with a sharper focus on future-ready technologies.

India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, with thousands of new companies entering the market. However, many still face funding gaps, especially in high-risk or capital-intensive sectors.

Officials believe this fund will help bridge that gap and encourage more investment into innovative ideas. It is also expected to create jobs and support long-term economic growth.

Also Read: Lufthansa strike grounds flights, disrupts travel

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Beyond

Gold at ₹1,53,940 per 10 gm, Silver at ₹2,54,900

Gold and silver prices showed mixed movement in domestic markets on April 15, 2026, as global cues and shifting investor sentiment kept bullion trade volatile.

Gold prices rose marginally by ₹10 to trade around ₹1,53,940 per 10 grams in the physical market, reflecting mild buying interest. On the other hand, silver prices declined by ₹100, slipping to around ₹2,54,900 per kilogram, indicating some weakness after recent gains.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), both metals witnessed fluctuating trends throughout the session. Gold traded in a narrow range as investors remained cautious, while silver showed slight downward pressure after opening higher earlier in the day.

The mixed trend in bullion prices was largely influenced by global developments. Hopes of easing geopolitical tensions, particularly linked to possible US–Iran talks, reduced the appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset. At the same time, softer crude oil prices helped ease inflatio concerns, limiting strong upward momentum in precious metals.

Internationally, gold prices remained under pressure after touching recent highs, as improving global risk appetite prompted investors to shift towards equities. A stronger US dollar also weighed on gold prices, making it more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Silver, which has both industrial and investment demand, showed relative volatility. While global industrial demand continues to provide support, profit booking at higher levels led to a slight decline in domestic prices.

In major retail markets across India, gold rates remained largely stable with minor variations depending on local demand and taxes. Prices of 22-carat and 24-carat gold continued to hover near recent levels, reflecting steady consumer demand.

Market experts noted that bullion prices are currently moving within a limited range, tracking global economic signals, currency movements, and geopolitical developments. Investors are also closely watching interest rate cues from major central banks, which could influence future price direction.

Also Read: Sensex jumps over 1,300 points, Nifty surges past 24,200 on global cues

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Travel platform data breach exposes user details

Booking.com has reported a data breach that may have exposed personal information of some of its customers, raising fresh concerns about online safety.

The company said it detected unauthorised access to part of its system, where booking-related data was stored. While the issue has now been controlled, some customer details may have been viewed by unknown individuals.

The information potentially exposed includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, and booking details. In some cases, messages exchanged between customers and hotels may also have been accessed. However, the company has clarified that financial information, such as credit card details, was not affected.

After identifying the problem, Booking.com took steps to secure its systems and began informing affected users. It also reset certain security details, such as reservation PINs, to prevent further misuse.

Users have been advised to stay alert, especially for suspicious emails or messages related to their bookings. Experts warn that attackers could use the leaked information to send phishing messages, pretending to be hotels or the platform itself, in an attempt to trick users.

The company has not shared how many customers were impacted, and investigations are still ongoing.

This incident highlights the growing risk of cyberattacks on online platforms that handle large amounts of personal data. For users, it serves as a reminder to be cautious while sharing information online and to verify any unexpected communication.

Also Read: Adani cargo shift plan draws US scrutiny

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Beyond

Fuel, fertiliser prices to stay high

Global prices of fuel and fertilisers are likely to stay high for a longer period, according to a joint warning by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and International Energy Agency (IEA).

The agencies said recent tensions in the Middle East have disrupted energy supplies, pushing up the cost of oil, gas, and fertilisers. These increases are already affecting economies around the world, especially countries that rely heavily on imports.

They cautioned that even if key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz return to normal, prices may not fall quickly. Supply chains take time to stabilise, and any damage to infrastructure or delays in production could keep costs elevated.

The impact is likely to be felt more in developing and low-income countries, where higher fuel prices can strain budgets and increase the cost of living. Rising fertiliser prices are also a concern, as they can make farming more expensive and affect food production.

This could lead to higher food prices, adding to the financial pressure on households. Businesses that depend on fuel and fertilisers may also face rising costs, which could slow down economic growth.

The agencies said they are working with governments to manage the situation, offering support and guidance where needed. However, they also stressed that uncertainty remains high, and global markets are still adjusting to the disruptions.

Also Read: Adani cargo shift plan draws US scrutiny

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Beyond

PPF plan builds ₹1 crore, ₹61,000 income

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) continues to be one of the most trusted savings options in India, especially for those looking for safe and steady returns. A disciplined investment strategy in PPF can potentially help investors build a corpus of over ₹1 crore and generate a monthly income of around ₹61,000 in the long run.

PPF is backed by the government, making it a low-risk option. It currently offers an interest rate of 7.1% per year. While the returns may not be very high compared to market-linked investments, the real strength of PPF lies in consistency and compounding over time.

If an investor contributes the maximum allowed ₹1.5 lakh every year, the savings can grow significantly. After the initial 15-year lock-in period, the corpus can reach around ₹40 lakh. By extending the account in blocks of five years and continuing the same yearly investment, the total amount can grow to about ₹1 crore in 25 years.

Once this milestone is reached, the strategy shifts from saving to income generation. Instead of withdrawing the full amount, investors can keep the ₹1 crore in the account. At a 7.1% interest rate, this amount can generate roughly ₹7.3 lakh annually. This works out to nearly ₹61,000 per month, offering a steady income stream while keeping the main investment intact.

However, it’s important to understand that PPF does not provide monthly payouts. Withdrawals are allowed only once a year, so investors need to plan how they manage this income for monthly expenses.

Another major advantage of PPF is its tax benefits. Investments, interest earned, and maturity proceeds are all tax-free, making it especially attractive for conservative investors planning their retirement.

While future interest rates may change and inflation can affect real returns, PPF remains a reliable option for those who prefer stability over risk. With patience and regular contributions, it can serve as a strong foundation for long-term financial security.

Also Read: Gold at ₹93,400, Silver near ₹2.5 lakh

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Gold at ₹93,400, Silver near ₹2.5 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India saw a mild rise on April 14, with rates firming up ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya festival. The occasion, known for gold buying, is already boosting demand in markets across the country.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold is priced at around ₹93,300–₹93,400 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold is trading between ₹85,500 and ₹85,700 per 10 grams in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. Silver prices are also holding strong, staying close to ₹2.5 lakh per kilogram.

The slight increase in prices is being seen across most major markets, although small variations exist due to local taxes and demand conditions. Overall, the trend remains steady with a gradual upward bias.

Experts say global factors are continuing to support gold prices. Economic uncertainties and movements in international currencies have kept gold attractive as a safe-haven investment. At the same time, domestic demand is picking up due to the upcoming festival and ongoing wedding season.

Silver is also witnessing consistent interest, supported not just by investment demand but also by its industrial uses.

Also Read: RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

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Beyond

RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed new measures to reduce digital payment fraud, including a “kill switch” and a short delay for higher-value transactions.

Under the plan, payments above ₹10,000 made via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, wallets, and net banking could be delayed by up to one hour. This cooling period would allow banks or users to detect suspicious activity and stop fraudulent transfers before they are completed.

The RBI has also suggested a “kill switch” feature that would let customers instantly disable all digital payment services linked to their bank account. This would block transactions across cards, UPI, and internet banking until reactivated through strict verification.

The measures aim to address rising cases of online fraud, especially scams where users are tricked into authorising payments themselves. The central bank says the speed of digital transactions, while convenient, has made it harder to prevent fraud in real time.

The proposals are part of wider efforts to strengthen safeguards across India’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem while balancing speed with security.

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Beyond

GE–HAL F414 jet engine deal nears final stage

GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have wrapped up key technical discussions on the F414 fighter jet engine programme, bringing the long-pending deal a step closer to final approval.

The agreement is expected to support production of engines for India’s Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft. Officials say the technical groundwork is now largely done, and both sides will next focus on pricing, approvals, and signing the final contract, which is likely later this year.

The deal is expected to involve co-production of around 99 F414 engines in India. A major part of the agreement is technology transfer, allowing HAL to manufacture several critical components locally, including advanced engine parts that are usually difficult to produce.

The programme is seen as a boost for India’s “Make in India” push in defence manufacturing. Jet engines are among the most complex technologies in aerospace, and local production is considered a significant step toward reducing dependence on imports.

The engines will power the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced version of India’s light combat aircraft designed to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s fleet. The aircraft is seen as important for closing gaps in squadron strength as older fighters are phased out.

Officials view the completion of technical talks as a key milestone that removes one of the main hurdles in the project. The focus now shifts to finalising commercial terms and securing government clearances.

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