Government doubles duty on imports of gold, silver

The Centre has doubled the effective tax paid on the import of gold and silver to a total of 18.4% from the previous 9.2%. The changes, which came into effect on Wednesday, were made through two separate notifications issued late on Tuesday night. 

MSP for kharif crops hiked; farm groups flag trade deal impact

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday announced the minimum support price (MSP) for kharif crops for the 2026-27 season, with the MSP for paddy increased by ₹72 per quintal to 2,441 for the common variety.

Protection to religion not just for 'essential practices, has wider ambit, Centre tells SC

The Constitution presumes that every religious practice is protected unless it violates public order, morality, and health, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Just war, power balance and modern conflict

Modern geopolitics challenges traditional notions of lawful and just wars. 

The Xi-Trump summit - shadow boxing on Iran

China is Iran's largest economic partner, buying over 80% of its oil exports, estimated at up to $45 billion in 2025. The additional non-oil bilateral trade is estimated to be over $9 billion and is suspected to include many of the crucially needed Chinese war materials. Pakistan, an 'ironclad' friend, keeps China informed about the U.S.-Iran negotiations.

What has the IMD announced ahead of this year's monsoon?

The IMD has launched a new block-level monsoon forecast system using Al-based analysis, meteorological data and global weather models to provide hyper-local forecasts for farmers in the monsoon core zone.

The 2026 monsoon will test the new blended forecasting framework as India faces the possibility of below-normal and erratic rainfall linked to a developing El Niño. 

Nicobarese oppose proposal for three wildlife sanctuaries

Even as the Calcutta High Court is set to hear challenges to the Centre's Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project over allegations that the Forest Rights Act was violated while obtaining locals' consent for it, the tribal council in Nicobar has now flagged further violations of the law in the government's notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in the Little Nicobar, Menchal, and Meroe islands.

PCOS gets a new name; change seeks to aid faster diagnosis and treatment

The Endocrine Society, a global organisation of scientists and physicians devoted to hormone-related conditions, has decided to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

In an article published in The Lancet, the authors Helena J. Teede et al, argue that the term PCOS is inaccurate as it refers to cysts in the ovaries and, if diagnosis is based on this, contributes to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and stigma.

'Learn from Sri Lanka's experience on impact of fertilizer supply chains'

As the West Asia crisis impacts fertilizer supply globally, India should shift its long-term focus to gradually move away from the older model of fertilizer-dependent agricultural practices while not forgetting lessons learnt from the Sri Lankan experience, according to Sudha Meiyappan, Member, Economic Affairs Committee, Southern India Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (SICCI). 

Cabinet approves 37,500 cr. package to boost coal gasification

Providing a fillip to India's pursuit of coal gasification, the Union Cabinet Wednesday approved a ₹37,500-crore package to boost the sustainable alternate mining method.

India-Sri Lanka forum identifies logistics, pharma among six areas for cooperation

The India-Sri Lanka Business Forum, organised by the CII in partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai, has identified six areas for collaboration: ports, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals, online payments, travel, and the existing free trade agreement (FTA).

West Asia conflict hits lubricant industry, 30% cost hike passed on to consumers

The lubricant industry has seen the cost of production rising by 50% since the out-break of the West Asia conflict, making it imperative to pass on part of the extra burden on to consumers, according to an industry leader.

Revving up immune cells might help fight HIV: study

Researchers have long hunted an elusive cure, pursuing such clues as a rare gene mutation that makes some people naturally resistant to HIV.