Category: Beyond

Categories
Beyond

Nepal lifts 10-year ban on Indian high-value notes

Nepal has finally lifted a decade-old restriction on high-value Indian currency notes, making life easier for travellers, traders, and migrant workers. From now on, people can carry ₹200 and ₹500 notes into Nepal, as long as the total does not exceed ₹25,000 per person.

The move comes after a recent cabinet decision, and the Nepal Rastra Bank will soon issue official guidelines to implement it. For many Nepalis working in India, this change means they no longer have to carry their earnings in countless smaller notes. Indian tourists will also find shopping, dining, and hotel payments much more convenient.

For the past ten years, only smaller notes of ₹100 or below were allowed in Nepal. The ban had made everyday transactions complicated, especially along busy border towns where trade and tourism are vital. With the new rules in place, cross-border business and travel are expected to flow more smoothly, benefiting both countries’ economies and easing daily life for those crossing the border.

Also Read: RBI clears HDFC Group to buy 9.5% in IndusInd

Categories
Beyond

Gold down ₹450, Silver slides ₹2,100

Gold and silver prices in India declined on Tuesday after reaching record highs in the previous session. The fall came as investors booked profits and stayed cautious ahead of important global economic updates.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures fell by about ₹450 per 10 grams, easing from an all-time high hit a day earlier. Silver prices dropped more sharply, falling nearly ₹2,100 per kilogram, after briefly crossing the ₹2 lakh level. The decline marks a pause following a strong rally seen over recent weeks.

Market experts said such a correction was expected after the sharp rise in prices. Investors are now waiting for key economic data from the United States and policy decisions from major central banks, including the Bank of Japan. These developments are expected to influence interest rate expectations and currency movements, both of which impact gold and silver prices.

A slightly stronger US dollar and higher bond yields also put pressure on precious metals. When interest rates rise, gold and silver become less attractive compared to interest-bearing assets, leading to short-term selling.

Despite the dip, analysts believe the overall outlook for bullion remains supportive. Gold continues to attract buyers as a safe-haven asset during periods of global uncertainty. Silver, meanwhile, is benefiting from strong industrial demand and limited supply, which has helped it outperform gold in recent months.

In physical markets across Indian cities, gold and silver prices softened in line with futures markets, though buying interest remained mixed. Jewellers and retail buyers are closely tracking price movements, waiting for stable levels before making fresh purchases.

Also Read: Sensex slips over 350 pts at open, Nifty below 25,950

Categories
Beyond

Seven launches put ISRO on fast track for March 2026

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for one of its most demanding operational phases in recent years, with seven space missions planned up to March 2026. The ambitious launch schedule reflects India’s expanding role in space science, commercial launches, and advanced technology development.

The campaign is expected to begin shortly with the launch of Bluebird-6, a large communication satellite built for US-based company AST SpaceMobile. The satellite will be carried aboard India’s heavy-lift LVM3 rocket, marking another milestone for ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), which is managing the international contract.

A key focus during this period will be the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission early next year. The flight will carry a humanoid robot, Vyommitra, and will test crucial systems such as launch performance, on-orbit operations, and safe re-entry and recovery of the crew module. A second uncrewed test mission is also planned before India aims to send astronauts into space by 2027.

Another major development is the growing role of Indian industry in rocket manufacturing. For the first time, a PSLV built by private industry will be launched. This mission will place Oceansat, an earth observation satellite, into orbit along with the Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite and LEAP-2, developed by space startup Dhruva Space. The move follows a contract awarded to a consortium led by HAL and Larsen & Toubro to manufacture multiple PSLV rockets.

ISRO will also conduct additional PSLV and GSLV-Mk II missions during this period. These include launching EOS-N1, carrying several small satellites for Indian and foreign customers, and placing EOS-5 (GISAT-1A) into orbit, replacing a satellite lost due to a launch failure in 2021.

Technology demonstration will remain a priority. The PSLV-63 mission will test high-thrust electric propulsion, quantum communication techniques, and indigenous satellite components. ISRO also plans a mission using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), strengthening India’s ability to serve the growing small-satellite market.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea may get 4–5 years to pay AGR dues

Categories
Beyond

Rupee slides to ₹90.75 due to market pressure

The Indian rupee fell to a fresh all-time low on Monday, trading above ₹90 against the US dollar, continuing a downward trend that has been building over recent sessions. In early trade, the currency slipped past ₹90.55 and later touched around ₹90.75 per dollar, reflecting persistent pressure from both global and domestic factors.

Market analysts attribute the slide to several key reasons. Uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations with the United States has unsettled investor sentiment, contributing to a cautious approach by both domestic and foreign investors. Foreign capital outflows have accelerated, as investors pull money from Indian equities and bonds, increasing demand for dollars and reducing support for the rupee.

Another factor adding to the rupee’s weakness is the country’s widening trade deficit. India imports more goods than it exports, which increases the need for foreign currency and puts additional downward pressure on the domestic currency. Despite the Reserve Bank of India occasionally intervening to stabilize the rupee, these measures have not been enough to reverse the trend amid sustained selling of the currency in global markets.

The weakness of the rupee also affected domestic equity markets. Key stock indices recorded losses as foreign investors continued to offload holdings, reflecting broader caution in the market. Economic experts note that while India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, including GDP growth, remain relatively strong, the currency market often reacts to short-term factors such as capital flows, trade developments, and global dollar strength.

For the general public and businesses, the falling rupee has practical implications. Imports, including fuel, electronics, and other goods, become more expensive, leading to potential increases in prices for consumers. On the other hand, exporters may benefit as a weaker rupee makes Indian products more competitive in international markets.

Overall, the rupee’s slide underscores the challenges facing India’s currency in a volatile global economic environment. Investors and policymakers will continue to monitor foreign investment flows, trade negotiations, and macroeconomic indicators closely to gauge the currency’s direction in the coming months.

Also Read: China to limit silver exports from Jan 1

Categories
Beyond

China to limit silver exports from Jan 1

China, the world’s largest silver producer, will introduce tighter export controls on silver starting January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, only companies with special licences will be allowed to export silver, effectively limiting the amount of metal available to global buyers. Analysts say this move could further tighten global supply, which is already under pressure due to rising industrial demand.

China accounts for a significant portion of the world’s refined silver supply. The metal is widely used in electronics, solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles, and other industrial applications. Exchange-traded silver inventories in China are reported to be at their lowest levels since 2015, indicating a supply crunch that could be aggravated by the new export regulations.

Global demand for silver has been growing steadily. Industrial demand alone is estimated to exceed global annual production by hundreds of millions of ounces, creating persistent supply deficits. At the same time, investors have been buying silver as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty, further increasing competition for the limited available supply.

Silver prices have already shown strong gains in response to supply concerns. On global exchanges, silver recently traded near $60 per ounce, while Indian domestic prices reached record levels above ₹80,000 per kilogram. Analysts predict that tighter Chinese exports could support further price increases, as fewer shipments enter international markets.

The policy does not impose a complete ban on exports but introduces stricter licence requirements. The ultimate impact will depend on how many licences are issued and how effectively the rules are enforced. Still, the move is expected to create a tighter market for both industrial buyers and investors, boosting silver’s value in the near term.

China’s licence-based silver export restrictions applicable from January 1, 2026, are likely to reduce global supply, intensify competition, and push silver prices higher.

Also Read: SpaceX hits $800 billion valuation ahead of 2026 IPO

Categories
Beyond

Gold slips ₹10 to ₹1,33,900, Silver falls ₹100

Gold and silver prices in the domestic market moved marginally lower on Monday, reflecting a mild correction after recent strong gains. According to market data, the price of 24-carat gold dipped by ₹10, with ten grams trading at ₹1,33,900. At the same time, silver prices declined by ₹100, with one kilogram quoted at ₹1,97,900.

The slight fall was seen across major cities. In Mumbai and Kolkata, 24-carat gold was priced at around ₹1,33,900 per ten grams, while Chennai recorded a slightly higher rate of ₹1,34,940. In the national capital Delhi, gold was selling at approximately ₹1,34,060 per ten grams. Prices of 22-carat gold also eased by ₹10 and were trading at about ₹1,22,740 per ten grams in most markets.

Silver prices followed a similar trend, with the metal trading lower in key urban centres. Despite the dip, silver continues to remain near elevated levels compared to the start of the year, supported by both investment interest and industrial demand.

Market experts said the modest decline is largely due to profit-booking at higher levels, as gold and silver have rallied sharply in recent weeks. Precious metals have benefited from global uncertainty, central bank policy expectations, and movements in the U.S. dollar and bond yields.

Internationally, gold prices have remained firm despite short-term fluctuations, supported by safe-haven demand. However, traders remain cautious ahead of key global economic data and central bank signals, which could influence near-term price direction.

Analysts note that while daily price movements may remain volatile, the broader outlook for gold continues to be positive in the medium term, especially amid ongoing geopolitical risks and expectations of easier monetary conditions. Silver, meanwhile, is expected to stay sensitive to global growth signals and industrial demand trends.

Also Read: Sensex down 260 points, Nifty slips near 25,950 in weak start

Categories
Beyond

Venezuela oil exports drop after US tanker seizure

Venezuela’s oil exports have fallen sharply after the United States seized an oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, triggering fresh tensions between the two countries.

The tanker, named Skipper, was taken over by US authorities earlier this week in what Washington described as an enforcement action linked to sanctions on Venezuela. Following the seizure, several ships waiting to load or transport Venezuelan oil have either halted operations or remained anchored, fearing similar action.

As a result, millions of barrels of crude and fuel are now stuck at sea, and daily oil exports from Venezuela have dropped significantly. At present, only shipments handled by U.S. energy major Chevron—operating under a special licence from Washington—are continuing normally.

Venezuela’s government strongly criticised the move, calling it illegal and accusing the US of “stealing” its oil. Officials said they would raise the issue with international bodies and warned that the action would worsen already strained relations between the two nations.

The seizure comes amid tighter US pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government, including new sanctions on shipping companies and vessels linked to Venezuelan oil trade. The United States has said the measures are meant to push for democratic reforms in Venezuela.

Political tensions have also intensified after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado travelled abroad to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. From overseas, she renewed calls for political change in Venezuela, while the Maduro government accused foreign powers of backing efforts to destabilise the country.

Together, the tanker seizure and diplomatic fallout have dealt a fresh blow to Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy and deepened its standoff with Washington.

Also Read: OpenAI introduces GPT‑5.2 to stay ahead of AI rivals

Categories
Beyond

3 US lawmakers move to end 50% India tariffs

Three members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution seeking to end steep tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration. The lawmakers, Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, called the tariffs “illegal” and harmful to both American consumers and workers.

The tariffs were initially imposed under a national emergency declaration, with Trump citing concerns over India’s trade policies and purchases of Russian oil. These duties affected a wide range of Indian-made goods, raising their cost significantly in the US market. In August 2025, a secondary 25 percent duty was added, increasing the total tariff burden on imports from India to as high as 50 percent.

The resolution introduced by the three lawmakers aims to repeal these tariffs and cancel the national emergency powers used to justify them. It highlights the economic and strategic importance of the US-India relationship, including trade, investment, and supply chain links that benefit American industries and consumers.

Representative Deborah Ross noted that states such as North Carolina gain from trade and investment with India, which supports jobs and economic growth. She said the tariffs undermine these benefits, adding unnecessary costs for American families. Congressman Marc Veasey called India a key partner in culture, economics, and security, warning that the tariffs act as an extra tax on ordinary Americans already facing rising prices. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized that ending the duties would strengthen bilateral economic and security cooperation.

The lawmakers’ resolution also reflects a broader push by Congressional Democrats to challenge Trump-era use of emergency powers in trade matters. By restoring Congress’s authority over trade decisions, they hope to ensure that future trade policies are transparent, fair, and legally grounded.

If passed, the resolution would not only lift tariffs on Indian goods but also send a signal that the US is committed to maintaining strong trade and strategic ties with India, while protecting the interests of American workers and consumers.

Also Read: November inflation at 0.71%, still under RBI band

Categories
Beyond

November inflation at 0.71%, still under RBI band

India’s retail inflation rose to 0.71 percent in November, up from a record low of 0.25 percent in October, according to official data released on Thursday. Despite the increase, price pressures remain well below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) comfort range of 2–6 percent, continuing a rare phase of subdued inflation.

The rise was mainly driven by food and fuel prices, which saw a slower decline compared to the previous month. While overall food prices are still lower than a year ago, the pace at which prices were falling moderated in November, leading to a slight uptick in headline inflation.

Food inflation stayed in negative territory at around minus 3.9 percent, indicating that food items, on average, were cheaper than last year. However, prices of vegetables, eggs, meat, fish and cereals showed some firming compared to October. Fuel and light inflation also edged higher, adding to the increase in the overall consumer price index.

Core inflation, which excludes food and fuel and reflects broader demand conditions, remained largely stable. This suggests that underlying price pressures in the economy are still muted, even as certain categories show early signs of recovery.

Economists say the low inflation reading gives the RBI greater flexibility on monetary policy, especially at a time when growth concerns persist. With inflation consistently staying below the lower end of the target band for several months, expectations of further interest rate cuts have strengthened.

However, experts caution that inflation may gradually rise in the coming months as the favourable base effect fades and demand improves. Seasonal changes, global commodity prices and domestic food supply conditions will play a key role in determining the inflation trajectory.

For now, November’s data reinforces the view that price stability remains intact, offering relief to consumers and policymakers alike. The RBI is expected to closely monitor inflation trends while balancing the need to support economic growth in the months ahead.

Also Read: SEBI clears Pranav Adani in Adani Green insider trading case

Categories
Beyond

Rupee falls 9 paise, hits record low of ₹90.41

The Indian rupee slipped further on Friday, closing at a record low of ₹90.41 against the US dollar, down 9 paise from the previous session. This marks another milestone in the rupee’s ongoing depreciation trend.

Traders said the fall was mainly due to high demand for dollars from importers who needed to pay for overseas goods and services. At the same time, foreign investors have been pulling money out of Indian stocks and bonds, adding to pressure on the currency.

Global factors also played a role. A stronger dollar abroad and uncertainty in financial markets made investors cautious, keeping the rupee under stress. Analysts said that while the Reserve Bank of India can step in to stabilize the currency, its ability to stop the decline is limited when import demand and capital outflows are high.

The rupee’s slide reflects wider economic challenges, including a trade gap, where India imports more than it exports, increasing the need for foreign currency. Experts expect the rupee to face continued pressure in the coming weeks as global market volatility and domestic economic factors play out.

Despite the fall, some believe the rupee may find temporary support if global dollar strength eases or if capital inflows improve. For now, businesses and consumers may feel the pinch as imports become more expensive and foreign travel or overseas education costs rise.

Also Read: IndiGo moves court for ₹900 crore refund