Category: Beyond

Categories
Beyond

ARAI report flags E20 risks for older vehicles

An unpublished study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has raised concerns over the use of E20 petrol in older vehicles, warning that the higher ethanol blend could gradually damage certain rubber components in fuel systems designed for E10 fuel.

The report says prolonged use of E20 may affect rubber parts such as hoses, seals, gaskets and O-rings in older four-wheelers, potentially increasing maintenance requirements over time. However, it found no evidence of damage to metallic fuel-system components.

The study also examined engine durability in passenger vehicles. While one BS-IV engine completed testing without major issues, a BS-VI turbocharged engine developed problems after around 265 hours of operation. Another manufacturer reported no abnormalities after 400 hours, whereas a separate test recorded an exhaust valve failure after nearly 809 hours. The report noted that standard durability tests usually continue for about 2,000 hours, making it difficult to directly link the failure to E20 fuel alone.

Two-wheelers performed better during the evaluation. Tests conducted by three manufacturers found no significant durability or performance issues, suggesting existing motorcycles and scooters are less likely to face compatibility concerns with E20 petrol.

The report also estimates that vehicles running on E20 could experience a fuel efficiency drop of around 2% to 6% compared with E10, depending on the vehicle and engine type.

The findings have sparked fresh discussion as India accelerates the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol. Owners of older vehicles have expressed concerns over possible repair costs and reduced mileage, while the automobile industry has defended the transition.

Leading manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto, have said extensive laboratory tests, field trials and real-world data have not shown widespread damage in vehicles currently on the road. They also maintain that newer E20-compatible models have undergone comprehensive validation before being introduced.

Also Read: Trent reports 19% revenue growth in first quarter

Categories
Beyond

Telecom tariffs may rise up to 15% soon

Mobile phone users may have to brace for another increase in their monthly bills, with telecom operators reportedly preparing to raise tariffs by 12–15% over the next three to four months. Industry reports suggest that the country’s leading telecom companies—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—are considering another round of price revisions as they look to improve revenues and support network expansion.

If implemented, the proposed hike would come after the tariff increases introduced in mid-2025, which had already pushed up the cost of prepaid and postpaid plans. Analysts believe telecom companies are now focusing on improving the average revenue per user (ARPU), a key metric that reflects earnings from each subscriber.

The expected price increase is also linked to the industry’s growing investment needs. Telecom operators continue to spend heavily on expanding 5G services, strengthening network infrastructure and improving service quality across urban and rural markets. Higher tariffs are expected to help companies recover these investments while maintaining profitability.

The impact on subscribers could vary depending on the plan they use. Customers on entry-level prepaid plans may see relatively smaller increases, while users of premium plans could face higher monthly bills. However, telecom companies are also expected to continue offering bundled benefits such as increased data limits, OTT subscriptions and additional calling features to retain customers.

Among the major players, Bharti Airtel has consistently advocated for higher tariffs to improve the financial health of the telecom sector. Industry observers expect other operators to follow a similar pricing strategy to maintain competitive parity.

Despite the expected increase, analysts note that India’s mobile tariffs remain among the lowest globally. They believe gradual price hikes are necessary to support continued investment in digital infrastructure and meet the rising demand for high-speed data services.

No telecom operator has officially announced a fresh tariff revision so far. However, reports indicate that a decision could be taken in the coming months, depending on market conditions and competitive developments.

Also Read: Cochin Shipyard OFS opens today, shares slip 4%

Categories
Beyond

Rupee gains 15 paise to 95.28

The Indian rupee strengthened by 15 paise to 95.28 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, supported by a weaker greenback in global markets, easing crude oil prices and positive sentiment in domestic equities.

Forex traders said the local currency benefited from a decline in the US dollar index after investors turned cautious ahead of key economic data and central bank commentary. Softer crude oil prices also boosted sentiment, as lower energy costs are favourable for India, one of the world’s largest crude importers.

The rupee opened on a firm note and extended its gains during the morning session, recovering from losses recorded in the previous trading session. A positive opening in the domestic stock market further supported the currency, with the Sensex rising more than 300 points and the Nifty trading above the 24,500 mark. Improved risk appetite among investors also encouraged buying in emerging market currencies.

Market participants noted that sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows into Indian equities continued to provide underlying support to the rupee. However, they cautioned that persistent demand for dollars from importers and uncertainty surrounding global trade developments could limit further appreciation in the near term.

The dollar index, which measures the US currency against a basket of major global currencies, remained under pressure, making emerging market currencies relatively more attractive. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices traded lower, easing concerns over inflation and India’s import bill.

Currency analysts expect the rupee to remain range-bound in the coming sessions as investors await fresh cues from global economic indicators and monetary policy signals from major central banks. Any sharp movement in crude oil prices, overseas fund flows or geopolitical developments could influence the currency’s direction.

Also Read: Gold ₹1.46 lakh, Silver ₹2.33 lakh ease today

Categories
Beyond

Gold ₹1.46 lakh, Silver ₹2.33 lakh ease today

Gold and silver prices edged lower across India on Tuesday, offering slight relief to jewellery buyers after recent volatility in the bullion market. Softer international prices, coupled with a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields, weighed on sentiment, keeping domestic bullion rates under pressure.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold in Delhi was priced at ₹1,46,160 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,33,980. In Mumbai, 24-carat gold was retailing at ₹1,46,410, with 22-carat gold at ₹1,34,209. Kolkata reported 24-carat gold at ₹1,46,210 and 22-carat gold at ₹1,34,026. Chennai recorded the highest among major metros, with 24-carat gold at ₹1,46,720 and 22-carat gold at ₹1,34,493 per 10 grams.

Silver prices also softened. The 999-purity metal was quoted at ₹2,33,100 per kg in Delhi, ₹2,33,500 in Mumbai, ₹2,33,190 in Kolkata and ₹2,33,700 in Chennai. The decline reflected weakness in international precious metal markets as investors turned cautious ahead of key US Federal Reserve policy signals.

On the futures market, MCX gold traded about 0.52% lower at ₹1,46,640 per 10 grams, while MCX silver futures fell around 1.3% to ₹2,33,340 per kg during morning trade. Analysts attributed the decline to a stronger dollar, which makes gold more expensive for overseas buyers, and higher US bond yields that reduce the appeal of non-interest-bearing assets such as gold.

Also Read: Sensex climbs 300 points, Nifty trades above 24,500

Categories
Beyond

Standard Chartered trims India branches

Standard Chartered has reduced its branch network in India from nearly 100 to 80 over the past year as it sharpens its focus on wealth management and premium banking services. The move is part of the bank’s plan to serve affluent customers more effectively while strengthening its advisory-led business.

The bank has closed or merged branches located close to each other to improve efficiency. However, it has retained the branch licences, allowing it to reopen them in other locations if required. Despite the reduction, Standard Chartered still has one of the largest branch networks among foreign banks operating in India.

As part of its growth strategy, the bank plans to increase the number of priority banking centres from 20 to around 30 by the end of 2026. It is also investing in larger wealth centres, digital banking services and additional relationship managers to provide better support to high-net-worth customers.

The latest move follows a series of changes in the bank’s retail business. Last year, it sold its personal loan portfolio to Kotak Mahindra Bank. Earlier this year, it also agreed to transfer around 4.5 lakh credit card accounts to Federal Bank while continuing to serve customers who have wider banking relationships with Standard Chartered.

Also Read: OPEC+ approves higher August oil output increase

Categories
Beyond

OPEC+ approves higher August oil output increase

The OPEC and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, have agreed to increase oil production in August as the group looks to balance global supply with growing demand and ease concerns over market stability.

The alliance approved an output increase of 548,000 barrels per day (bpd) for August, continuing its gradual rollback of earlier production cuts. The decision comes after oil markets showed signs of stability following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global crude exports, after recent geopolitical tensions in the region.

The production hike is expected to improve crude oil availability in international markets and help meet seasonal demand, particularly during the summer months when fuel consumption typically rises. OPEC+ said the move reflects healthy market fundamentals and aims to maintain a balanced oil market while ensuring reliable energy supplies.

Global oil prices have experienced significant volatility in recent weeks due to geopolitical uncertainties, supply disruptions and changing demand expectations. The easing of tensions in the Middle East has helped calm investor concerns, allowing producers to proceed with a planned increase in output.

Energy analysts believe the additional supply could help moderate crude prices if demand remains steady. However, they caution that prices will continue to depend on global economic growth, inflation trends and developments in major consuming countries such as the United States, China and India.

For India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, higher production from OPEC+ could provide some relief by supporting stable oil prices and reducing pressure on import costs. Lower or stable crude prices can also help contain inflation and benefit sectors such as transportation, manufacturing and aviation.

The latest decision highlights OPEC+’s continued efforts to carefully manage global oil supplies while responding to changing market conditions. The producer group has indicated it will continue monitoring demand, inventories and geopolitical developments before deciding on future production levels.

Also Read: Kerala moves SEBI over Vizhinjam port stake sale

Categories
Beyond

Maharashtra bans 3 toxic beauty products

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale and distribution of three cosmetic products after laboratory tests detected dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals, including mercury and lead. Officials said the products were being sold illegally and posed a serious health risk to consumers.

Among the banned products is a Pakistan-made fairness cream, which was found to contain high levels of mercury, a toxic substance that can cause severe health complications with prolonged use. The FDA also detected unsafe levels of lead in two other beauty products during routine testing.

The action follows an inspection and sampling drive carried out by the state regulator to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products available in the market. Officials said the products were not authorised for sale in Maharashtra and had entered the market through illegal channels.

According to the FDA, prolonged exposure to mercury through cosmetic products can damage the skin, kidneys and nervous system. Lead exposure, meanwhile, may affect the brain, liver and other vital organs, particularly in children and pregnant women. Health experts warn that repeated use of products containing these toxic metals can lead to long-term health problems.

The regulator has directed manufacturers, distributors and retailers to immediately stop selling the identified products and remove existing stocks from the market. Enforcement teams have also intensified inspections to identify shops and suppliers dealing in unauthorised cosmetics.

Consumers have been advised to avoid purchasing fairness creams and other beauty products from unverified sources or without proper labelling. Officials urged buyers to check whether products carry valid manufacturing details and regulatory approvals before use.

The FDA said it will continue market surveillance and testing to prevent the circulation of unsafe cosmetic products. Authorities have also appealed to the public to report suspicious or unlabelled beauty products being sold in local markets.

Also Read: Sanand emerges with ₹7,600-cr chip plant

Categories
Beyond

Sanand emerges with ₹7,600-cr chip plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the commercial production of CG Semi’s ₹7,600-crore Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a major step in India’s efforts to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

The advanced facility will undertake semiconductor assembly, packaging and testing—critical stages before chips are integrated into products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom equipment and industrial devices. The launch is expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor supply chain and reduce dependence on overseas packaging and testing services.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said the inauguration marks another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced technology. He highlighted that Sanand has now achieved a “semiconductor hat-trick”, with three major chip-related projects coming up in the region, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a preferred destination for high-tech manufacturing investments.

The Prime Minister said the facility reflects growing confidence among global and domestic companies in India’s semiconductor ecosystem. He added that the Centre’s semiconductor policy, coupled with world-class infrastructure and skilled talent, is attracting large investments into the country.

The state-of-the-art OSAT plant is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies and is expected to produce high-quality semiconductor packages for both domestic and international markets. Besides strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing capabilities, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and support the growth of ancillary industries, including logistics, precision engineering and component manufacturing.

With commercial production now underway, the Sanand facility is expected to play a key role in meeting the rising demand for semiconductor components across sectors such as automotive, artificial intelligence, consumer electronics and telecommunications.

Also Read: Gold holds at ₹1,47,830, Silver near ₹2,37,250

Categories
Beyond

Gold holds at ₹1,47,830, Silver near ₹2,37,250

MCX gold futures were down 0.01% at ₹1,47,830 per 10 grams, while MCX silver futures slipped 0.19% to ₹2,37,250 per kilogram. The marginal decline reflects cautious trading as investors await fresh global economic cues before taking fresh positions.

In the retail market, gold prices remained largely unchanged. The 22K gold was available at ₹1,34,490 per 10 grams. Eighteen-carat (18K) gold was retailing at ₹1,10,040 per 10 grams, offering buyers a relatively affordable option compared with higher-purity variants.

Retail silver prices also remained broadly stable across major markets, although prices varied slightly from one city to another depending on local taxes and logistics costs.

Bullion prices continue to be influenced by global economic developments, including expectations surrounding interest rate decisions by major central banks, movements in the US dollar and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. While gold remains a preferred safe-haven asset during periods of market volatility, a stronger dollar and higher bond yields have capped sharp gains in recent sessions.

Jewellers say customer enquiries have remained steady despite elevated prices. While some buyers are delaying large purchases in anticipation of a price correction, demand for lightweight jewellery and investment-grade coins continues to remain healthy. The upcoming festive and wedding season is also expected to provide further support to physical demand.

Also Read: Sensex gains over 300 points, Nifty tops 24,300

Categories
Beyond

Centre plans new Gold Scheme to cut imports

The Centre is preparing to roll out a revamped Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) in a fresh attempt to bring idle household gold into the formal financial system and reduce India’s dependence on costly imports.

India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, with households estimated to hold thousands of tonnes of the precious metal in the form of jewellery, coins and bars. Much of this gold remains unused, while the country continues to import large quantities every year, adding pressure on the trade deficit and foreign exchange reserves.

The proposed overhaul seeks to make the scheme more attractive for households by simplifying procedures and improving participation. The government is also exploring ways to strengthen the role of banks and other financial institutions in collecting, storing and monetising deposited gold.

Under the existing Gold Monetisation Scheme, individuals can deposit their gold with authorised institutions and earn returns instead of keeping it locked away at home. The deposited gold can then be refined and reused, reducing the need for fresh imports.

Officials believe the revised scheme could address some of the shortcomings of the earlier programme, which saw limited public participation despite its potential benefits. Complex procedures, lower awareness and concerns over parting with family jewellery were among the reasons many people stayed away.

The government hopes a simpler and more flexible framework will encourage more households to participate, helping mobilise idle gold while supporting domestic demand through recycled supplies.

A successful revamp could also benefit the economy by lowering import bills, improving resource utilisation and strengthening the country’s external finances. It is believed that wider participation would create a more sustainable gold ecosystem while giving households an opportunity to earn returns on assets that otherwise remain unused.

The revised scheme is expected to be announced soon, with policymakers aiming to strike a balance between preserving the emotional value of gold ownership and encouraging greater financial participation.

Also Read: Centre summons Meta over Instagram Ads