Economy news

• Sugar output may dip 11%, says govt, rules out ethanol diversion impact on prices

  21-08-2026 22:21 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Says Drop Not Due To Ethanol Diversion
  
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• PM Modi meets 20 space startup CEOs, urges wider use of space tech for public benefit

  21-08-2026 21:49 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India Expecting Growth In Space Sector From $8 bn to $44 bn by 2033: INSPACe head
  
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• ‘Mental age’ of 8 or 9 years cannot automatically mean adult woman lacks sexual capacity: Gauhati HC acquits rape convict

  21-08-2026 17:50 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Justice Sanjeev Kumar Sharma allowed the appeal filed by P. Rohmingsanga and set aside the judgment dated June 18, 2024, by which the Sessions Court, Lunglei Judicial District, had convicted him under Section 376(2)(l) of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3,000.
  
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• Gold, silver shine brighter: Bullion prices hit 3-month highs as weak dollar boosts demand

  21-08-2026 17:50 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Gold and silver prices climbed significantly on Friday, reaching levels not seen in over three months. A weaker US dollar and positive global market trends encouraged buying in both precious metals. Gold of 99.9 percent purity rose by Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,63,500 per 10 grams. Silver posted an even stronger move, increasing by Rs 5,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per kilogram.
  
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• How Venezuela has emerged as a key oil supplier to India amid Hormuz disruptions

  21-08-2026 17:23 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Venezuela has emerged as a much larger supplier to India in August till now, with imports rising sharply and placing the South American producer fourth in India's crude supply rankings, Kpler data showed.
  
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• US stock market today: Wall Street rises as bond market steadies

  21-08-2026 16:45 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Most US companies have delivered stronger-than-expected spring earnings, helping fuel the stock market's recent advance to record levels. Over longer periods, stock prices generally tend to track the direction of corporate profits.
  
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• Chinese stake rules eased: India sees 29 FDI proposals worth Rs 4,895.65 crore; check details

  21-08-2026 16:14 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The 29 investment proposals have come from investors and entities based in several jurisdictions, including Mauritius, the US, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands.
  
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• Middle East, Russia crisis: India new ‘swing supplier’ for refined oil products. Can it sustain?

  21-08-2026 15:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Oil products now account for a much larger share of India's exports to several destinations. India has about 258.1 million tonnes of installed refining capacity across 23 refineries. It is the fourth-largest refining centre globally after the US, China and Russia.
  
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• SBI cash withdrawal rules change from October 1: Rs 15 fee after four free transactions

  21-08-2026 12:32 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  SBI customers will face charges for cash withdrawals exceeding four free monthly transactions.A fee of Rs 15 plus GST applies to Basic Savings Bank Deposit accounts.Digital transactions remain free, and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System transactions are now counted.Interest rates on bulk term deposits were revised earlier this month.SBI reported a profit increase for the first quarter of FY27.
  
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• Why India is betting $1.2 billion on homegrown construction equipment

  21-08-2026 10:27 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India plans a $1.2 billion incentive scheme for advanced equipment manufacturing. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on China for critical machinery. The government expects fresh investment and domestic production growth over seven years. The scheme will cover tunnel boring machines and fire-fighting equipment. This move supports India's growing infrastructure development needs.
  
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• World’s most powerful: Indian Railways eyes 35 hydrogen trains; looks at cheaper green fuel

  21-08-2026 09:31 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India currently has the world's most powerful hydrogen train in operation and has also established a dedicated facility for manufacturing and supplying hydrogen for the train. The initial target is to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage routes.
  
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• Gold price prediction: Gold is rally, but should you buy? Check August 21, 2026 outlook

  21-08-2026 09:04 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  MCX Gold October futures continue to trade with a firm bullish bias, with prices holding near Rs 1,60,900 after extending their recent uptrend. The chart shows a clear sequence of higher highs and higher lows, supported by positive moving-average alignment and sustained buying interest.
  
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• SIM card rules 2026: What changes from Aug 24 & how many connections can you have

  21-08-2026 07:12 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Telecom providers must stop individuals from obtaining more than nine mobile connections.A new system starts August twenty-fourth, initially verifying connections post-facto.Operators will use subscriber photos from the Digital Intelligence Platform for checks.Real-time identification and prevention of excess connections are mandated by November thirtieth.This aims to enforce existing limits across all licensed service areas.
  
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• Rupee continues to rally, opens 9 paise stronger against US dollar

  21-08-2026 07:06 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  On Friday morning, the rupee showed signs of strength against the US dollar. Despite the upward trend, high crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions are pressuring the currency. The Reserve Bank of India anticipates notable foreign currency inflows this year, though these have yet to result in significant rupee gains. Additionally, domestic equities began trading on a slightly weaker note.
  
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• Lip plumpers, collagen and more: How is Ozempic boosting a new beauty market

  21-08-2026 06:57 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Weight-loss drugs are creating new demands in beauty and nutrition sectors. Companies are developing products to address nutritional gaps and emerging beauty concerns. Nestle and Tata Consumer are preparing protein and fiber-rich offerings for these consumers. Beauty brands are promoting makeup alternatives to cosmetic procedures for users. This trend is driven by pharmaceutical advancements and growing patient bases.
  
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• Middle East oil squeeze: How much crude is actually flowing through Hormuz

  21-08-2026 06:00 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  US officials assert that oil is moving through the Strait of Hormuz at a pace far exceeding market projections. External data indicates a drop in oil tanker activity and a decline in global stockpiles. This divergence raises questions about the true amount of crude oil flowing into worldwide markets. Additionally, shadow fleets attempting to mask their locations complicate monitoring efforts, leading to potential volatility in oil prices and supply predictions.
  
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• Top stocks to buy today: Stock market recommendations for August 21, 2026 - check list

  21-08-2026 05:37 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market recommendations: DLF, PG Electroplast Ltd, and Sansera Engineering - these are the top stocks to buy identified by Hitesh Rathi, Technical Analyst (Equity & Derivatives) at Angel One for August 20, 2026. Let’s take a look:
  
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• US vows toughest-ever Iran sanctions, presses China to help reopen Hormuz

  21-08-2026 04:14 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The United States is preparing unprecedented sanctions against Iran. These measures aim to increase economic pressure on Tehran significantly. Washington also seeks cooperation from China regarding Iranian oil trade. China rejects sanctions and advocates for diplomatic solutions to the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point in this ongoing dispute.
  
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• Brent hovers near $94 as US-Iran conflict continues to squeeze energy supply

  21-08-2026 04:11 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  On Friday, oil prices held steady, with Brent crude nearing $94 per barrel amid ongoing supply disruptions triggered by the US-Iran conflict. Both Brent and WTI benchmarks are poised for a second consecutive weekly increase. President Trump earlier issued threats of retaliation against nations backing Iran, as the ongoing war has resulted in significant casualties and interruptions to oil and gas supplies.
  
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• Noel Tata kicks off hunt for next Tata Sons chief

  21-08-2026 01:59 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, Another Trustee Meet HDFC's Ex-Chairman Deepak Parekh
  
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• Government to amend investment treaty to woo global players

  21-08-2026 01:44 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  To Allow International Arbitration In A Year Instead Of 5 Yrs
  
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