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.
On this India Today special report, Maria Shakil examines the significant crash in precious metal prices as gold and silver hit their lower circuits just ahead of the Union Budget. Maria Shakil noted that there has been a 'sudden increase post 2024 in the last two years and the increase has been rather sharp from 2025 January onward' before the current downturn. The programme explores the factors behind this parabolic rise and subsequent crash, including profit booking, the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) among investors, and global geopolitical uncertainty. Analyst Rajiv Mantri contributes to the discussion, suggesting that the price volatility reflects a larger narrative regarding the status of the US dollar in the international economy and the search for safe-haven alternatives. The report provides a detailed graphic assessment of how prices have moved over the last year, highlighting the impact of global turbulence on Indian commodity markets.
On this special budget broadcast, financial expert Manish Singh discusses the key triggers for market sentiment ahead of the Union Budget announcement. Singh highlights that the 'only statement which the markets would be watching out for carefully would be the taxation part, LTCG, STCG, STT' and suggests a need to lower these to ease market worries. The discussion covers critical fiscal metrics, including a projected fiscal deficit of 4.2% and a nominal GDP growth assumption of 10.5%. Singh anticipates that FY26 capital expenditure numbers might be reduced, potentially leading to elevated capex of approximately 12.5 lakh crore for FY27. The transcript also notes a significant crash in gold and silver prices at the market open, with the Nifty showing nervousness. Other experts point to volatility in the metals index and potential movements in defense, railways, and PSU stocks as the budget speech commences on an unusual Sunday session.
On this broadcast, economist Sanchita Mukherjee analyses the expectations and strategic direction of the Union Budget. Mukherjee highlights the importance of fiscal consolidation and execution, stating, 'The tiger lies low, not in fear. The tiger lies low when it's taking in .' She emphasizes that while India's macroeconomic parameters remain pristine, the challenge lies in attracting FDI and translating education into productive skilling and job creation. The discussion covers the need for public-private partnerships to mitigate regulatory risks and the importance of simplifying execution to cut through red tape. Mukherjee also suggests enhancing agricultural productivity through credit guarantee schemes similar to the MSME sector and proposes aggressive asset and gold monetisation to fund urban infrastructure. The transcript further explores the role of women in the budget drafting team, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur, noting how female participation influences social sector allocations and household budget concerns.
On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a panel of top economists to decode the Economic Survey 2026-27 tabled in Parliament. Joining the discussion are Sajid Chinoy of JP Morgan, Sonal Verma of Nomura, Anubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered, and Tanvi Gupta Jain of UBS Securities. The panel analyzes the 'reform, perform and transform' mantra mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Siddharth Zarabi notes that the survey 'contains a lot of nuggets of information and data that gives us some clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' regarding the upcoming budget. The experts discuss India's 7% GDP growth projection, the necessity of rupee depreciation as a shock absorber against global volatility, and the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing. The conversation also covers fiscal consolidation targets, the surge in gold imports, and the urgent need for rationalising customs duties and enhancing the speed of doing business to maintain India's economic momentum.
This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.
On this India Today special, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran discusses the critical economic challenges and priorities outlined in the Economic Survey. Addressing the issue of Chinese overcapacity, Nageswaran states, 'It is not just only a threat to India, it's a threat to many other countries in the region, but that is something that we need to factor in.' He emphasizes that India must improve its competitiveness by lowering input costs and addressing inverted duty structures. The CEA also provides a unique perspective on rising gold and silver prices, noting a 'latent wealth effect' for Indian households. On the currency front, he argues that a strong and stable Rupee is achieved through manufacturing excellence and export competitiveness rather than just services. Furthermore, Nageswaran explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, suggesting it can complement human resources in sectors like healthcare while stressing the need to respect and develop traditional manual skills to co-exist with evolving technology.
In this special report, Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Ananta Nageshwaran discusses the Economic Survey 2025-2026 following its tabling in Parliament. Speaking with Siddharth Zarrabi, Neha Batam, and Maria Shakeel, Dr. Nageshwaran highlights the 'reform yatra' and the synergy between Union and state governments in deregulation. He notes, 'We are prepared and that's it' regarding global geopolitical turbulence, emphasizing that preparation is an ongoing process. The discussion covers the impact of trade deals with the European Union, the potential for job creation in labour-intensive sectors, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in India's growth. Dr. Nageshwaran also addresses the Indian rupee's competitiveness, suggesting that a weaker currency currently benefits manufacturing exports. He provides insights into the upcoming overhaul of macro statistics and the reliability of India's statistical systems amidst international scrutiny. The programme explores the priorities of the Indian economy as it moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
In this India Today exclusive, Chief Economic Advisor Dr V Ananta Nageshwaran discusses the Economic Survey 2025-2026 following its tabling in Parliament. Speaking during an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Dr Nageshwaran highlights the 'reform yatra' and the synergy between Union and state governments in deregulation. He notes, 'We are prepared and that's it' regarding global geopolitical turbulence, emphasising that preparation is an ongoing process.
This news report examines the critical economic and political landscape ahead of the Union Budget 2026. The speaker highlights that the Indian rupee has hit a 'new low for the rupee' by crossing the 91 mark per dollar, exacerbated by global uncertainties and a 50% US tariff imposition on India. The transcript details how these tariffs include a 25% additional levy linked to Russian oil purchases. Beyond economic volatility and the surge in gold and silver prices, the report outlines the opposition's strategy to challenge the government during the budget session. Key flashpoints include the G. Ramji law, the scrapping of MGNREGA, and new UGC 2026 norms regarding caste tensions. Additionally, the opposition plans to raise concerns over India-China bilateral ties and the alleged misuse of central agencies. With upcoming elections in four states and Puducherry, the bulletin underscores the high stakes of the fiscal announcements amidst ongoing trade talks with the United States and recent free trade agreements with the European Union.
On this report, India Today correspondent Sagayraj provides details on a chilling armed robbery at a jewellery store on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The incident occurred at Ramdev Jewels in Dasanapura near Nelamangala at approximately 6:30 PM, where gun-toting men decamped with gold jewellery worth ₹3 lakh and ₹50,000 in cash. Sagayraj noted that 'police have identified them and the investigation is underway' after the suspects' faces were captured clearly on CCTV. The transcript highlights the brazen nature of the crime, where the robbers threatened employees with firearms before looting the counter. This follows a similar recent heist in Karnataka's Vijaypura district, where criminals fired shots in the air. The recurring incidents have raised significant concerns regarding the law and order situation in the state capital and surrounding regions, prompting calls for increased vigilance by the authorities.
This edition of The News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai focuses on the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Finalised after nearly two decades of negotiations, the pact seeks to open up a combined market of two billion people by cutting import duties on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and textiles.
On this India Today report, Shibli Malki discusses the escalating political war over the Sabarimala gold loot case in Kerala. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a sensational charge, alleging a link between the accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Shibli Malki notes that 'the BJP and the CPM have multiple times in the last few months have raised this allegation regarding, I questioned the Congress regarding pictures with Sonia Gandhi'. The report highlights that the Kerala BJP chief released images of the accused with Gandhi, allegedly facilitated by two Congress MPs. Furthermore, allegations have been leveled against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for purported links to the same individual. While the Congress dismisses these claims as routine interactions related to temple activities, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues to expand its probe. The controversy gains momentum as elections approach, with political parties trading serious allegations over the corruption scandal.
In this special report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches a scathing attack on the Congress and the CPI(M) during a rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Addressing the political landscape, Narendra Modi stated that the Congress 'has adopted positions that are more communist than those of the Maoists and more communal than that of the Muslim League.' The Prime Minister branded the opposition as the 'Muslim League Maoist Congress,' accusing them of engaging in appeasement politics and lacking a clear development agenda for the state. The report highlights the BJP's strategy to position the NDA as a viable third alternative in Kerala, traditionally dominated by the LDF and UDF. Narendra Modi further raised issues of alleged corruption, citing the Sabarimala gold theft and irregularities in co-operative banks, promising accountability if the BJP is voted to power. While the Left dismissed the remarks, the Prime Minister's speech signals the BJP's intent to breach the southern barrier and challenge the established political order in Kerala.
The big focus of this episode of Super 6 is on two poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi on Friday sounded NDA's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly elections.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sharp critique of the political landscape in Kerala. Addressing a gathering, Modi accused the Left and Congress of looting the savings of the middle class through cooperative bank scams, stating, 'Aap ek baar BJP ko mauka dijiye jisne aapko loota hai usse ek ek rupaya vasool aayega.' He introduced the acronym 'MMC'—standing for Muslim League, Maoist, and Congress—to describe the current state of the opposition, alleging they have no agenda for development. The Prime Minister further highlighted concerns regarding the Sabarimala Temple and reported thefts of gold, promising a thorough investigation and jail time for the guilty under a BJP government. Emphasizing his 'Modi ki guarantee,' he called upon the people of Kerala to provide a decisive mandate to the BJP to transform the state into a developed region over the next 25 years, marking the beginning of a new era of progress.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, technology pioneer and Vianai Systems CEO Vishal Sikka discusses the transformative potential of human-centered artificial intelligence. Sikka, the former CEO of Infosys, emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool designed to amplify human abilities rather than replace them. Addressing the risks of the technology, he notes that 'AI systems hallucinate all the time' and stresses the urgent need for robust ethical standards and regulation. Sikka praises the Indian government's proactive stance on AI governance and expresses excitement for the upcoming AI summit in February 2024. He highlights education as the most critical global challenge AI can solve, sharing his vision of creating a 'billion entrepreneurs' in India who are AI-literate. The conversation also touches upon the 'AI gold rush' and the importance of building systems that serve genuine human needs and improve lives across the globe.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the sharp sell-off in the Indian equity markets where the Nifty dropped over 1.2% in a single session. Ashu Madan, MD of JM Financial, describes the current market state as an 'unfortunate panic reaction' driven by global geopolitical shocks and expiry-related volatility. While equities faced intense selling pressure, particularly in the real estate and auto sectors, bullion reached record highs with gold crossing the Rs 1.5 lakh mark. Madan advises retail investors against 'catching a falling knife' and suggests that the current period is one of long-term consolidation. He identifies PSU banks, led by SBI, and the metals sector as the only remaining safe havens. The programme also features insights from HCL Tech CEO C Vijay Kumar on AI's impact on IT services and Prahlad Joshi on India's renewable energy goals, providing a comprehensive overview of the shifting global economic landscape.
On this India Today special report, journalist Shibimol provides the latest updates on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) extensive raids regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case. The central agency is conducting searches at 21 locations across Kerala, Chennai, and Karnataka, including the Travancore Devaswom Board's office in Thiruvananthapuram and the residence of prime accused Unnikrishnan. Shibimol notes, 'They are looking into the financial angle of this entire theft because, you know, what we know is that they are specifically looking into the asset details of all these accused.' The investigation, which dates back to 2019, involves the alleged theft of gold-laden copper plates. Two former board presidents have already been arrested. The ED is scrutinizing bank accounts and financial transactions to trace the money trail, while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its scientific analysis. The report highlights the growing pressure on the Travancore Devaswom Board as the investigation expands to include more individuals and potential arrests.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the controversy surrounding Karnataka DGP-rank officer K Ramachandra Rao. A video allegedly showing the officer in compromising acts inside his office with women in uniform has gone viral, leading to widespread criticism regarding conduct in a government workspace. K Ramachandra Rao, who is also the father of gold smuggling accused Ranya Rao, has strongly refuted the claims, stating, 'It's all fabricated. This is a lie.' The officer maintains that the footage is morphed and that he is being deliberately targeted. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his anger over the incident, seeking a formal briefing and demanding an explanation from the concerned department. Meanwhile, Rao has met with the Home Minister to insist on a thorough inquiry into the circulation of what he terms false information. The programme examines the administrative pressure and the ongoing investigation into the authenticity of the viral visuals.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Nagarjun Dwarkarnath discusses the controversy surrounding Karnataka DGP Ramchandra Rao following the leak of a viral video. The footage allegedly shows the senior IPS officer in a compromising position with a woman inside his chambers while in uniform. Addressing the allegations, Rao stated, 'These are morphed videos and people are trying to target me.' The report highlights that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been briefed and is reportedly 'fuming' over the incident. The discussion also touches upon Rao's previous controversies, including his suspension and his stepdaughter Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case. As the Director General of Police for Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), Rao’s conduct has raised serious questions about bureaucracy and power dynamics. The Karnataka government is currently reviewing the situation to determine the necessary disciplinary action against the high-ranking officer.
