Purbalee Dutta

Gold has re-emerged as a central element in India’s economic framework, serving not only as a traditional safe asset but also as a key stabilising force amid growing global uncertainty. The Economic Survey notes that the sharp rise in gold prices is not simply part of a normal market cycle, but reflects deeper shifts in global risk sentiment, real interest rate expectations, and declining confidence in conventional financial instruments. The Survey points out that global markets are already reacting to increasing fragility. Throughout 2025, gold prices climbed dramatically from $2,607 per ounce to $4,315 per ounce, supported by a weakening…

The initial public offering of Kanishk Aluminium India opened for subscription on Wednesday, January 28, and will remain open until Friday, January 30. This fixed-price SME IPO is valued at ₹29.20 crore and consists entirely of a fresh issue of 0.40 crore equity shares, each priced at ₹73. Investors can apply in a lot size of 1,600 shares. Retail investors are required to apply for a minimum of two lots, translating into a minimum investment of ₹2,33,600. The company plans to utilise the funds raised to repay certain outstanding loans, strengthen brand promotion activities, and meet general corporate requirements. As…

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the North-East was inaugurated on Sunday at Gauhati University, bringing together young participants from all eight North-Eastern states to compete across 26 skill categories. The event was inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who said that the youth of the North-East are prepared to take a leading role in India’s skilled workforce. Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the National Skill Development Corporation as the implementation partner, the competition is being held in the region for the first time. A total of…

Anthropic PBC has named former Microsoft executive Irina Ghose as Managing Director for its India operations, marking a key step in strengthening its presence in one of its most important global markets. The San Francisco–based AI company, backed by Amazon and Google, is preparing to open its first office in India as it ramps up efforts to tap into the country’s growing enterprise demand for AI solutions. Ghose, who previously served as Managing Director of Microsoft India, brings over 30 years of experience in expanding technology businesses and advancing AI adoption across sectors such as banking, manufacturing and healthcare. Her…

In India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, the promise of “10-minute delivery” came to represent extreme convenience driven by nearby dark stores and streamlined logistics. However, as Blinkit drops this claim following intervention by the Labour Ministry, the focus is shifting amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of gig workers. A delivery rider, who participated in a nationwide strike, said strict time expectations often led to customer harassment and risky behaviour on the road. He recalled being pressured during delays and even meeting with an accident due to constant calls from customers. The government’s intervention, he said, has brought…

Shares of National Aluminium Company (NALCO) jumped over 4% to ₹344.85 apiece, a fresh 52-week high, on the NSE in Tuesday's trading session after global aluminium prices rallied to a new record level. Aluminium prices surged past $3,000-per-tonne at LME amid constrained supply, with limits on smelting capacity in China and output curbs in Europe stemming from high power costs, tightening global inventories. Meanwhile, demand remains resilient, underpinned by steady consumption from the construction and renewable energy sectors, according to a Bloomberg report. Since NALCO is a major aluminium producer in India, a rise in prices can improve the topline of the company.…