Gold has captivated humankind for thousands of years. From ancient civilization to the modern world, gold has been a symbol of wealth, power, and stability. Unlike most metals that can stain and corrode, gold does not easily do so, making it an ideal metal for jewelry, coins, and artifacts that may last for centuries.
Culturally, gold has significant emotional and historical meaning for people in India. Gold is not only a valuable metal, but it is also a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Gold is purchased during nearly every festival, including Dhanteras (one of the nights of Diwali) and Akshaya Tritiya, because families believe that gold somehow helps guarantee stability and good fortune. One does not feel that a wedding is complete without gold ornaments and jewelry, if not by the bride, then from her parents as family heirlooms.
Economically, gold is also a very important global asset. Central bankers store the country’s gold in reserves to protect the many values of their country and nations, especially against inflation and currency value changes. Investors look to gold in economic uncertainty, which is frequently referred to as a “safe haven” asset, especially during uncertain equity market times.
Digital gold and sovereign gold bonds have allowed individuals to wrestle with some idea of purchasing gold in quantitative small investments electronically for several years now, without having to lift or think about where to store or how to physically secure something of value on your own or the headache of finding a way to do so. Gold recycling options for those who want a more responsible option for affordable gold alternatives are also regularly seen lately responsible mining continues to be on the minds of more and more gold consumers as sustainability issues increase.
This episode of So Sorry is a hilarious take on PM Modi's appeal to Indians to avoid buying gold for weddings for one year, reduce petrol consumption amid growing fears of a fuel price surge due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and how this has made husbands happy as they have now got an excuse to not buy gold jewellery for their spouses or to gift it to someone on their marriage.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics at Harvard University, discusses the impact of the West Asia conflict and rising oil prices on the Indian economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Italy on the last leg of a five-nation tour, held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on defence cooperation, maritime security, and technological advancements.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by about 90 paise per litre on Tuesday, marking the second increase in fuel rates within a week.
In this edition of India Today Roundtable Special, the focus is on the fuel price hike and the state of the Indian economy, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, renowned economist Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman, Finance Commission, decodes PM Modi's austerity push amid the West Asia conflict.
The Congress party has selected VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, following the United Democratic Front's assembly election victory. The six-time MLA will take the oath of office on May 18.
The edition of India First covers significant global and domestic developments. At the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and criticised unilateral sanctions.
This edition of Democratic Newsroom focusses on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to citizens to reduce spending, conserve fuel, avoid buying gold, and limit foreign travel amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
In this episode of Newstrack, watch the exclusive interview of Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri as he decodes PM Modi's austerity push amid the escalating crisis in West Asia.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the NEET paper leak, arresting five individuals and tracing distribution networks across several states.
Addressing the Prime Minister's appeals to citizens to reduce consumption of foreign travel, gold, and cooking oil, Dr. Shamika Ravi said it's time now for us to also think of a wartime fuel policy.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) undergraduate examination has been cancelled following a widespread paper leak, prompting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company and a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, addressed the recent market downturn and the Prime Minister's call for austerity.
The Prime Minister has urged citizens to adopt austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption and limiting gold purchases, as escalating West Asia tensions drive global crude oil prices higher. State-owned oil firms face significant financial losses while the national currency weakens against the dollar. During a televised debate, the ruling party defended these measures as necessary for economic stability, while the opposition criticised the government for placing the burden on citizens. In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK faces a potential split as thirty rebel lawmakers met the pro-tem speaker ahead of a crucial floor test. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a Union Minister's son has been booked under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual harassment, leading to accusations of delayed investigations. In Kerala, the national leadership has yet to finalise a Chief Minister candidate a week after election victory. Additionally, a film producer addressed censor board delays and a lead actor's political transition. These developments highlight significant political and economic shifts across India, from energy policy to regional leadership transitions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to the public for the adoption of several austerity measures to mitigate the economic impact of the West Asia crisis has sparked a political confrontation. He urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, utilise public transport, and limit gold purchases to preserve foreign exchange reserves. Opposition leaders criticised the appeal, questioning the continuation of large-scale political roadshows and demanding a special parliament session to address inflation and fuel taxes. During televised debates, ruling party representatives defended the nation's economic stability, while analysts highlighted structural financial strains. Simultaneously, West Bengal announced an administrative reshuffle, appointing the former Chief Electoral Officer as Chief Secretary and the Special Observer as Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister. In Kerala, the Congress high command continues deliberations over the next Chief Minister. Key contenders include the former leader of the opposition and a prominent organisational strategist. Former state party presidents have been summoned to the national capital for consultations as the party evaluates legislative support and ally preferences before making a final announcement.
Amid escalating West Asia tensions and surging global crude oil prices, the government has issued a ten-point advisory urging economic discipline to stabilise the currency. Citizens are requested to reduce fuel consumption, postpone non-essential international travel, and halt gold purchases for one year to prevent foreign exchange outflow. Recommendations include adopting electric vehicles, utilising public transport, and promoting domestically manufactured goods. Economic experts analyse these measures, emphasising the need for government austerity and policies to boost exports. Concurrently, the United States has rejected an Iranian peace proposal, heightening geopolitical concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear sanctions. In a separate development, the Prime Minister marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Somnath Temple Prana Pratishtha, releasing a commemorative stamp and coin. This visit coincided with the anniversary of the 1998 nuclear tests, linking spiritual heritage with national security and scientific progress. The broadcast highlights the intersection of civilisational significance, strategic military strength, and the urgent need for renewable energy adoption during this global crisis.
The new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has initiated an outreach to opposition leaders on his first day in office, ahead of a floor test in the state assembly. The Chief Minister visited the residences of the former Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other political rivals to exchange greetings. This gesture marks a departure from the traditional political rivalries in the state. Meanwhile, the assembly session witnessed a split within the AIADMK, with two separate factions arriving independently for the oath-taking ceremony. A majority of the party's legislators are reportedly backing a new legislative party head, demanding the current general secretary step down. In other news, the Prime Minister has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid purchasing gold for a year to save foreign exchange amid the escalating war in West Asia. Additionally, suspense continues over the selection of the new Chief Minister in neighbouring Kerala.
The Prime Minister has issued an urgent austerity appeal, advising citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid gold purchases, and limit foreign travel due to rising crude oil prices and global economic pressures. This announcement triggered a sharp domestic stock market sell-off and drew criticism from opposition parties. Tensions escalated after a Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh used objectionable language against the Prime Minister, leading to demands for accountability. Simultaneously, a global health alert was issued following a deadly Hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship off the coast of Spain. The vessel reported multiple fatalities linked to the Andes strain, with two Indian crew members currently under quarantine. While health agencies have activated emergency containment protocols, medical experts clarify that the virus primarily spreads through rodents and human-to-human transmission remains limited. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction persists as Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed mistrust regarding international negotiation proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing West Asia crisis and threats to the Strait of Hormuz.
In our Good News segment, watch the inspiring story of 18-year-old quadruple amputee Payal Nag, who has achieved global glory by becoming a world champion in para archery. Competing at the World Archery Para Series Final in Bangkok, the Odisha-born archer defeated her own idol and reigning world champion, Sheetal Devi, in a high-stakes final.
