Category: Beyond

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DGCA allows 48‑hour free flight cancellations

Air travel just got a lot more flexible for passengers in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced new rules allowing travellers to cancel or change their flight bookings within 48 hours of purchase without paying any fees. This means if you book a ticket and quickly realise your plans have changed, you can cancel or modify it without worrying about losing money.

Previously, many airlines charged cancellation or change fees even for tickets cancelled soon after booking. Under the new regulation, all domestic airlines must honour this 48‑hour free window, giving passengers a fair chance to adjust their plans, especially if flights were booked in a hurry or prices changed shortly after purchase.

The DGCA has also introduced a clear refund timeline. Airlines are now required to process all refunds within 14 days, whether it’s a cancellation under the 48‑hour rule or other situations like flight delays, schedule changes, or airline-initiated cancellations. This ensures travellers don’t have to wait weeks to get their money back.

Industry experts say the move will make air travel less stressful and boost confidence among passengers, particularly during peak travel periods or when booking last-minute trips. Airlines are updating their systems to comply, and passengers are encouraged to check their airline’s policies and reach out to customer service if there’s any delay in refunds.

For travellers, this change means more control, transparency, and peace of mind. Whether it’s a sudden change in plans, an unexpected work commitment, or a better deal elsewhere, flyers now have the freedom to manage their bookings quickly and easily.

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Chinese smartphone sales in India fall for first time

For the first time in nearly a decade, Chinese smartphone brands have experienced a decline in sales and revenue in India, a market they once dominated. Industry data shows that demand for devices from leading Chinese companies fell during the financial year 2025, while premium brands such as Apple and Samsung gained ground.

Analysts say the slowdown reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward higher-priced, feature-rich phones, while rising prices and competition from non-Chinese brands have also influenced buying choices. This marks a notable change in India’s smartphone landscape, where Chinese brands have long held the largest market share due to their competitive pricing and wide range of models.

According to market trackers, revenue for the nine largest Chinese electronics companies operating in India, including major players like Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, realme and Transsion Holdings, declined compared with the previous year. In contrast, other global brands reported healthy growth.

One key reason for the drop is the premiumisation trend, Indian consumers are increasingly spending on higher-end models. Apple, known for its iPhones, has benefited from this trend, seeing strong demand for its newer models. Samsung has also grown its presence in the mid and high-end segments, gaining users who previously chose budget phones from Chinese makers.

Rising prices have also played a role. As component costs increase globally, Chinese brands have raised smartphone prices, narrowing the cost advantage they once had. This has made the value proposition less compelling for price-sensitive buyers, who are now weighing their options more carefully.

The decline for Chinese brands may prompt them to rethink strategies in India, focusing on innovation, after-sales service and value rather than price alone. Meanwhile, local and global competitors are likely to intensify their efforts to capture emerging opportunities in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.

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India makes E20 petrol mandatory nationwide

Starting April 1, 2026, every petrol pump across India will sell E20 petrol, fuel blended with 20% ethanol. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, marks a major change in the fuel Indians use every day.

For millions of motorists, the shift may go largely unnoticed at the pump. But behind the scenes, it reflects India’s push to cut pollution, reduce crude oil imports and support farmers who produce crops used to make ethanol, such as sugarcane and maize.

Ethanol is a biofuel made from plant-based materials. Blending it with petrol helps lower harmful emissions from vehicles. Officials say the move will help India reduce its carbon footprint while also saving foreign exchange by importing less crude oil.

Under the new rule, all petrol sold must meet a minimum standard of RON 95, which refers to fuel quality and engine performance. Higher RON fuel reduces engine knocking and supports smoother functioning. Most cars manufactured in recent years are already compatible with E20 fuel.

However, owners of older vehicles may have concerns. Experts say while older cars can generally run on E20, there could be a slight drop in fuel efficiency. Automobile companies have gradually upgraded engines to handle higher ethanol blends, and consumers are being advised to check their vehicle manuals for compatibility.

For farmers, the policy offers a potential boost in income. Increased demand for ethanol means higher demand for crops used in its production. For the government, it is also a step toward energy security and reduced dependence on volatile global oil markets.

While drivers may simply notice a new label at fuel stations, the change represents a broader shift in how India balances environmental responsibility, economic growth and everyday mobility.

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Gold around ₹1.60  lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India stayed steady, supported by global uncertainties and demand for safe investments.

In domestic markets, 24‑carat gold traded near ₹1,60,000 per 10 grams, while silver hovered around ₹2.85 lakh per kilogram. These levels are similar to the previous session, showing that prices are holding rather than falling sharply.

On the Multicommodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures were around ₹1,57,900 per 10 grams, up slightly by 0.2%, and silver futures were near ₹2,59,700 per kilogram. Internationally, spot gold remained above $5,200 an ounce and silver around $90 an ounce, keeping domestic prices supported.

City-wise, 24‑carat gold was quoted at about ₹1,60,460–₹1,60,690 per 10 grams in major cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Silver prices ranged between ₹2,65,930 and ₹2,66,320 per kilogram depending on the city and dealer.

Experts say that safe-haven demand is keeping prices stable. Investors often buy gold and silver during uncertain times, such as global political tensions or weak stock markets. At the same time, some short-term traders are booking profits, which keeps prices from rising sharply.

While local prices can vary slightly because of taxes, making charges, and dealer margins, the overall trend is steady. Gold and silver remain attractive for people who want a safe investment or to protect their savings from market ups and downs.

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Japan plans missile deployment near Taiwan

Japan has announced plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on its westernmost island, Yonaguni, a small but strategically important location just over 100 km from Taiwan. The deployment is expected to be completed by 2031 and is part of Tokyo’s broader effort to strengthen its defence in the face of growing regional tensions.

Japanese officials say the move is purely defensive and meant to protect the country’s remote islands, which lie close to potential conflict zones. The government has been increasing its military presence in the southwest in recent years, citing concerns over China’s expanding military activity and the possibility of a crisis involving Taiwan.

Yonaguni, which has a population of around 1,700, has already seen the arrival of troops, radar systems and other military facilities. The planned missile unit will add another layer of protection, allowing Japan to respond more quickly to aerial threats in the area.

Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said strengthening the island’s security is essential because of its location and the changing security environment around Japan. Officials believe that better defences will act as a deterrent and reduce the risk of conflict.

China has repeatedly criticised Japan’s military build-up in the region, saying it increases tensions. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of it, while Taiwan rejects those claims.

However, the announcement has also drawn mixed reactions from Yonaguni residents.

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NSE IX opens global investing route for Indians

In a significant step towards globalising investment opportunities for Indians, NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has launched a new platform at GIFT City that allows individuals to directly invest in overseas markets.

The Global Access platform has started with US stocks and will gradually expand to more than 30 markets across regions such as Europe, the UK and Japan over the coming months. The facility is available to both resident investors and non-resident Indians, giving them a regulated and streamlined route to diversify beyond domestic equities.

Investments will be made under the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits individuals to remit up to $2.5 lakh abroad in a financial year. The funds will be transferred in rupees and converted into foreign currency for trading in international securities.

A major highlight of the platform is the option of fractional ownership, enabling investors to buy a portion of high-value global stocks instead of purchasing an entire share. The onboarding process has been designed to be fully digital, using PAN, Aadhaar and DigiLocker, and does not require a separate demat account.

The platform operates within the regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and currently offers access to equities, exchange-traded funds and selected debt instruments. Derivatives and cryptocurrency products are not part of the offering.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at meeting the rising interest among Indian investors in global assets while strengthening GIFT City’s role as an international financial hub. It is also expected to make participation easier for NRIs who often face procedural hurdles in accessing Indian market infrastructure.

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Gold steady at ₹1,61,900, Silver dips to ₹2,84,900

Precious metals in India showed a mixed trend on Thursday, with gold inching up slightly and silver easing after a recent rally.

The price of 24‑carat gold rose by about ₹10, with ten grams trading at ₹1,61,900 in major cities, while 22‑carat gold hovered around ₹1,48,410 per ten grams. On the other hand, silver saw a small decline of roughly ₹100, with one kilogram priced near ₹2,84,900.

Analysts say gold’s stability reflects continued safe-haven demand amid global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and trade-policy pressures. Although there has been some profit-taking after recent gains, gold prices remain comfortably above key support levels. Globally, bullion prices have slightly retraced from recent highs but continue to be supported by macroeconomic factors such as currency movements and risk sentiment.

Silver’s slight fall is seen as a normal post-rally consolidation after a period of volatility. Unlike gold, silver has significant industrial demand, which can amplify price swings. Traders noted that investors are booking profits after the metal’s recent sharp rise, contributing to the modest decline.

For investors, these levels serve as indicators for market sentiment. While gold remains relatively stable, silver may continue to see short-term swings depending on global economic news, currency fluctuations, and industrial demand.

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Venezuela oil flows to India despite US crackdown

Venezuela is sending large volumes of crude oil to India again, with multiple supertankers heading towards Indian refineries, even as the United States steps up action against ships linked to the sanctioned trade.

The renewed flow signals a comeback for Venezuelan oil in India after years of disruption caused by US sanctions. Indian refiners, which had earlier reduced purchases, are now receiving cargoes through long-haul shipments routed via complex logistics networks. These cargoes are typically transported by very large crude carriers (VLCCs), allowing suppliers to move substantial volumes in a single voyage.

However, the trade faces growing scrutiny. In a recent enforcement move, US forces boarded a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as part of Washington’s wider crackdown on what it calls illicit oil shipments. The operation reflects tighter monitoring of vessels suspected of helping Caracas bypass sanctions through opaque ownership structures, ship-to-ship transfers and disabled tracking systems.

The US has been targeting such networks since late 2025, warning that even international waters will not shield sanctioned cargoes from action. The move highlights the geopolitical risks surrounding the revived oil trade and could complicate logistics, insurance and payments for buyers.

For India, the return of Venezuelan crude offers an opportunity to diversify supplies and access heavier grades that are well-suited for complex refineries. It also helps processors optimise costs at a time of volatile global prices. But refiners remain cautious, as any tightening of enforcement could disrupt deliveries or raise compliance risks.

Venezuela, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, has been trying to rebuild exports despite sanctions that have sharply curtailed its output and market access. India was once among its biggest customers, and the latest shipments suggest both sides are testing ways to restore that trade.

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US hits Indian solar imports with 126% duty

The United States has imposed a preliminary countervailing duty of up to 126% on solar cell imports from India, alleging that Indian manufacturers benefited from government subsidies that gave them an unfair pricing advantage in the American market.

The decision follows an investigation by the US Department of Commerce into whether Indian solar producers received financial support that allowed them to sell their products at lower prices than domestic manufacturers in the US. The probe found that multiple subsidy programmes, including incentives linked to manufacturing and export promotion, enabled Indian firms to undercut American competitors.

The duties are provisional and will be reviewed before a final determination is made. However, the move is expected to significantly impact Indian solar exports to the US, one of the key overseas markets for the country’s renewable energy equipment.

The tariff varies by company, with some exporters facing the full 126% levy. If confirmed in the final ruling, the measure could sharply reduce the price competitiveness of Indian solar cells and modules in the US market.

The development comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in negotiations to deepen trade ties, and it could become a contentious issue in bilateral discussions. Industry observers say the decision may disrupt supply chains and slow the growth of India’s solar manufacturing sector, which has been expanding under government-backed production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.

Indian exporters have argued that the support they receive is aimed at building domestic manufacturing capacity and is consistent with global clean energy goals. They also point out that India is an important player in the global transition to renewable energy and that trade restrictions could raise costs for solar deployment.

The US International Trade Commission will now examine whether the imports have caused material injury to American manufacturers. A final decision on the duties is expected later this year.

Also Read: Rupee stands flat at 90.94 vs dollar

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Rupee stands flat at 90.94 vs dollar

Indian rupee moved in a narrow range and ended nearly unchanged at 90.94 against the US dollar on Wednesday, as early gains supported by a weaker greenback faded due to importer demand and caution in the market.

The local currency opened slightly higher in early trade, tracking a soft dollar and lower global crude oil prices. A fall in oil, a major component of India’s import bill,  typically supports the rupee by reducing demand for the US currency. However, dollar buying by importers, especially oil companies, erased most of the initial gains and kept the unit confined to a tight band.

Forex dealers said market participants are also factoring in the global uncertainty linked to the US tariff environment, which has been influencing currency movements worldwide. Concerns over trade measures and their impact on capital flows have kept traders from taking aggressive positions in emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Another key factor limiting sharp movement is the expectation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention. The central bank has been actively managing volatility in the foreign exchange market, and its presence near crucial levels has prevented the rupee from strengthening or weakening sharply. This has led to a phase of consolidation over the past few sessions.

Foreign fund inflows and positive cues from other Asian currencies offered some support to the rupee, but mixed trends in domestic equities restricted further upside. Analysts said the currency is currently driven by balanced demand and supply for the dollar, resulting in range-bound trading.

Going ahead, the rupee’s direction will depend on the movement of the US dollar, crude oil prices, global trade developments, particularly tariff-related news, and the trend in foreign portfolio investments.

For now, the currency continues to hover near the 91 mark, reflecting a cautious market as traders await fresh global and domestic triggers while keeping a close watch on the RBI’s actions.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1.61 lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh