Category Archives: Business

Decathlon Launches Kiprun, Powered by 17 New High-Performance Running Shoes: Built for every runner’s journey

September 26, 2026: Decathlon Sports India today brought its running community even closer together with the launch of the new collection from KIPRUN, Decathlon’s expert running sub-brand. Designed for every runner who chases the joy of movement, not just the miles, the lineup features highly technical products engineered specifically for running as a sport. It spans high-performance apparel, essential accessories, targeted nutrition, and post-run recovery gear.

Anchoring the collection are the 17 new high performance running shoes for men and women—highlighted by the race-proven KIPRUN Elite, the speed-focused KIPSTORM ELITE 2, and the ultra-cushioned KIPRIDE MAX. Engineered to adapt to every stride, terrain and milestone, KIPRUN supports the daily rhythm of every runner, delivering the comfort, performance and confidence needed to make every run feel complete.
Collection at a Glance: Key Highlights

Key Highlights of the Collection:

● KIPRUN Elite: Engineered for elite-level marathon efficiency and unmatched comfort. Developed by studying how real runners move and rigorous athlete testing. Built for the Olympic stage, Kiprun Elite shoes were worn by Jimmy Gressier, a French elite long-distance runner, during his European Half Marathon championship victory.

● KIPSTORM ELITE 2: Built for intermediate to expert, performance-focused runners, featuring FASTECH+ Foam and an optimized carbon plate engineered for maximum race-day power and energy return.

● KIPRIDE MAX 3 / KIPRIDE MAX: Engineered to deliver the most cushioned and comfortable ride ever created by the brand. Features ultra-soft SOFTECH+ Foam, high-stack cushioning, a premium upper and exceptional shock absorption for runners prioritizing comfort and protection over long distances.

● KIPRIDE 2: Designed for everyday training, combining FASTECH Foam with a cushioned, responsive ride for consistent daily performance.

● KIPRIDE GRAVEL: Crafted for off-road and mixed-terrain running, equipped with FASTECH Foam, 3 mm lugs, and hybrid grip for reliable traction on gravel and trail surfaces.

● 17 High-Performance running shoes: Introduces advanced technologies tailored to specific biomechanical and training needs.

● 35 Total Styles & Colorways: Offers a perfect pair for every pace, person, and personal best.

Mr. Bruno Araujo, Country Sports Leader- Running, Decathlon Sports India says, “As running across India becomes an integral part of daily health and community culture, performance remains at the heart of KIPRUN by Decathlon. Every innovation in this collection is purposefully engineered to elevate the runner’s journey, whether for personal fitness or race-day goals. Combining our latest foam tech for softer landings, smart shoe shapes, and carbon-plates for that extra race-day bounce from the race-focused KIPSTORM ELITE 2 to the plush KIPRIDE MAX 3, we are proud to deliver high-performance technology that makes running accessible to all, reinforcing Decathlon’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of every individual.”

Bank Strike and Everyday Life: What Customers Need to Know as Branch Services Face Disruption

A bank strike may begin with a dispute over working conditions, but its effects can quickly reach far beyond the banking sector.

For millions of Indians, banks are part of everyday life. Salaries are credited into accounts, businesses deposit collections, families withdraw cash, cheques are processed, loans are serviced and government payments move through the banking system. When employees at bank branches stop work, even temporarily, these routine activities can face delays.

The proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026, therefore comes at a particularly important time for customers and businesses, with the end of the month and half-yearly financial closing approaching.

The immediate impact, however, is unlikely to be the same for everyone.

For customers who increasingly use UPI, mobile banking, internet banking and cards, much of everyday banking can continue digitally. For people who depend on physical branches, the disruption could be considerably more visible.

Why the Bank Strike Matters

The strike has been called by bank employee unions in connection with demands including the implementation of a five-day banking week.

While the dispute concerns employees and the organisation of banking services, customers are ultimately concerned with one question:

Will I be able to access my money and complete my banking work?

The answer depends largely on the type of transaction.

Digital payments and many automated banking services can continue operating even when employees are away from branches. Transactions requiring direct intervention by bank staff, however, may have to wait until normal operations resume.

That distinction is becoming increasingly important as India’s banking system moves from branch-based banking towards a hybrid model combining physical and digital services.

Branch Banking Could Take the Biggest Hit

The most visible disruption is likely to occur at bank branches.

Customers requiring services such as cash transactions at counters, account documentation, certain loan-related activities, demand drafts, locker access and other employee-assisted services may have to postpone their work.

For someone who simply wants to make a UPI payment, the strike may have little immediate impact.

For a small trader who needs to deposit a large amount of cash at a branch, the situation is very different.

This creates an uneven impact across different sections of society.

UPI and Mobile Banking Offer a Safety Net

India’s digital payment infrastructure has significantly changed the way bank disruptions affect ordinary consumers.

UPI has become an everyday payment method for everything from groceries and restaurant bills to utility payments and person-to-person transfers.

Mobile and internet banking also allow customers to transfer funds, check balances, pay bills and manage many banking requirements without visiting a branch.

As a result, a branch strike does not necessarily mean that banking activity across the country stops.

However, digital banking has its limits.

A mobile application cannot replace every service traditionally delivered by a branch. Documentation, certain account requests, physical instruments and some customer-service requirements may still depend on bank employees.

ATMs May Continue, But Cash Availability Matters

ATMs are another important part of the equation.

Customers can generally continue to use ATMs during periods when bank branches are closed. But ATM availability does not automatically guarantee unlimited access to cash.

Cash machines need to be replenished, particularly in locations where demand is high.

If large numbers of customers withdraw cash simultaneously because of concerns about a strike, some machines could experience temporary shortages.

For this reason, customers who genuinely require cash for essential expenses may want to plan ahead rather than wait until the last minute.

At the same time, unnecessary panic withdrawals can create avoidable pressure on the cash distribution system.

Small Businesses Could Feel the Impact

The effect on businesses could be more significant than on individual consumers.

Small retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, traders and other cash-intensive businesses often depend on regular bank deposits and branch-level services.

A delay in depositing cash can affect working capital. Delays in cheque processing can affect supplier payments. Documentation-related delays can affect business transactions.

For companies approaching month-end financial closing, even relatively short disruptions can require additional planning.

Businesses that have time-sensitive banking requirements should therefore avoid leaving important branch transactions until the final day.

Cheques Could Face Delays

Although digital payments dominate many transactions, cheques remain relevant to businesses, institutions and some individual customers.

A bank strike can create delays in activities connected with cheque processing, particularly where physical or employee-assisted operations are involved.

Customers expecting a payment to clear by a particular date should therefore take the banking calendar into account.

Where an electronic alternative is appropriate and available, businesses may choose to use it instead.

Senior Citizens and Branch-Dependent Customers

The digital transformation of banking has created enormous convenience, but not everyone interacts with banks in the same way.

Many senior citizens continue to prefer branch banking because they value face-to-face assistance.

Customers who are less comfortable with mobile applications, internet banking or digital payment platforms may have fewer alternatives during a branch closure.

The same can apply to customers in areas where digital connectivity is inconsistent.

This means that the impact of a bank strike is not simply a question of technology. It is also a question of accessibility.

Rural Areas Could Face Different Challenges

Urban customers generally have access to multiple digital payment options and a large network of ATMs and bank branches.

The situation can be different in rural and semi-urban areas.

A customer who depends on a nearby bank branch or banking correspondent may have fewer alternatives if physical services are disrupted.

Digital banking can bridge part of this gap, but reliable internet connectivity, smartphone access and digital familiarity remain important factors.

Government Transactions and Institutional Payments

Banks are also critical to government transactions, salaries, pensions and other institutional payments.

When a strike occurs around the end of a month, government departments and other institutions may need to plan transactions earlier to avoid unnecessary delays.

The same principle applies to businesses.

Instead of waiting for a payment deadline that falls during a period of disruption, organisations can process eligible transactions in advance.

This is particularly relevant during financial closing periods, when banks handle large volumes of reconciliation and settlement-related activity.

What Customers Should Do

Customers do not need to panic about a bank strike, but some advance planning can prevent unnecessary inconvenience.

Complete branch work early

If you need a service that requires physical interaction with bank staff, try to complete it before the strike begins.

Keep digital banking ready

Make sure your mobile banking and internet banking credentials are working and that your registered mobile number is active.

Use UPI for routine payments

Where appropriate, UPI and other electronic payment methods can help maintain normal household and business transactions.

Plan essential cash requirements

If you require cash for unavoidable expenses, plan your withdrawal in advance rather than waiting until demand rises.

Don’t delay important cheques

Time-sensitive cheque transactions should be planned around the strike period.

Check your bank’s own advisory

Not every banking service is affected in exactly the same way. Customers should follow communications issued by their individual bank.

Will Normal Life Stop?

Probably not.

That is one of the most important distinctions between a modern bank strike and a banking shutdown.

India’s financial system now has multiple layers.

There are physical branches, ATMs, UPI, cards, mobile banking, internet banking, banking correspondents and automated transaction systems.

Because of this infrastructure, many routine financial activities can continue even when branch employees are not working.

But the disruption will still be real for people whose transactions depend on physical banking.

The strike therefore creates friction rather than a complete halt.

The Digital Divide Becomes Visible

There is a broader lesson in the situation.

India’s rapid digitalisation has made the economy more resilient to interruptions in physical banking services. At the same time, it has highlighted the gap between customers who can comfortably operate digitally and those who still depend on traditional banking.

The future of banking is increasingly digital, but physical branches continue to perform functions that cannot simply disappear overnight.

The challenge for banks is therefore not choosing between digital and physical banking.

It is maintaining reliable access to both.

Why the Timing Is Important

The proposed strike falls close to the end of September and the half-yearly financial closing period.

For banks, businesses and financial institutions, this is an important operational window.

Transactions, reconciliations, settlements, accounting processes and other financial activities may need careful scheduling.

For ordinary customers, the simplest lesson is equally practical:

If something important requires a bank employee, don’t wait until the last possible day.

The Changing Meaning of a “Bank Holiday”

A generation ago, a bank holiday could mean a much broader interruption to financial activity.

Today, the meaning has changed.

A customer may find the local branch closed while simultaneously completing a UPI transaction, paying a bill through an app and transferring money through internet banking.

The physical bank may be unavailable, but the digital banking system continues to operate.

That transformation has fundamentally changed how India experiences bank disruptions.

The Bottom Line

A bank union strike can inconvenience normal life, but its impact is likely to vary sharply depending on how people use banking services.

Digital-first customers may be able to carry on with many routine transactions, while customers and businesses dependent on physical branches could face delays.

Small businesses, cash-dependent establishments, senior citizens and customers requiring documentation or employee-assisted services may need more advance planning.

The best response is not panic but preparation.

Complete important branch work before the strike, keep digital payment options available, plan essential cash requirements and allow additional time for transactions that could face delays.

The episode also highlights a larger transformation in India’s financial system: banking is no longer confined to a branch, but the branch remains important for millions of customers.

And until digital services can provide every banking function seamlessly, a bank strike will continue to have an impact—not necessarily by stopping the economy, but by slowing down the parts of everyday financial life that still depend on human interaction.

Kia India Brings ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ to Chennai for HYBE INDIA’s ‘Final Call’ Auditions, Celebrating Creativity and Youth Culture

Rapido Launches Ownly in Hyderabad, Celebrates the City’s Captains with a Biryani Party

Speaking at the launch, Aravind Sanka, Co – Founder, Rapido and Ownly said: “Hyderabad is one of the most passionate food cities in the country, especially when it comes to biryani; and that makes it a natural next home for Ownly. Our model is simple: restaurants keep what they earn, customers pay only for their food and delivery, and nobody pays for anything in between. Bengaluru showed us that people respond to honesty in pricing, and we expect Hyderabad to hold us to it just as closely. It felt right to begin here with our captains, because they are the ones who carry this promise to every doorstep in the city.”

Rohde & Schwarz Mobile Test Summit 2026 puts the spotlight on 6G – registrations open

This October, Rohde & Schwarz will welcome the wireless community back for the sixth Mobile Test Summit. Under the banner of 6G, the virtual global forum will connect industry leaders, technology experts and testing professionals. Across three online sessions, participants will gain insight into the technologies set to define the next generation of wireless communications.
 

Caption: The Rohde & Schwarz Mobile Test Summit 2026 brings the wireless industry together to explore the future of 6G.

Following the format of last year’s summit, Rohde & Schwarz will host Mobile Test Summit 2026 as a virtual event. The event will be split across three sessions on October 7, 14 and 21. Wireless communications professionals are invited to register for individual sessions on the Rohde & Schwarz website. Each session covers one of three pillars of the emerging 6G standard: (1) AI-native RAN, (2) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) and (3) non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

• The series will open on October 7 with a session on AI-native RAN. This architecture unites network operations and AI computing on a single platform. Participants will learn how this technology improves network performance, along with what it takes to validate and test it.

• On October 14, the focus will shift to integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). This technology puts existing radio infrastructure to double use, simultaneously transmitting data and sensing the surrounding environment. The session will cover the current market outlook, use cases already emerging across industries and the ecosystem’s growing momentum. It will close with a look at what ISAC means for testing.

• The final session, on October 21, will focus on non-terrestrial networks (NTN). NTN combines satellites, high-altitude platforms and drones to extend wireless coverage beyond terrestrial infrastructure, reaching regions that ground-based networks cannot. Attendees can look forward to a discussion of current market trends and deployment opportunities. They can also expect to learn more about the technical challenges still standing in the way of truly ubiquitous, uninterrupted connectivity.

Together, the three sessions will cover both the current state of 6G research and its expected future trajectory. The purpose is to provide participants with a well-rounded perspective on the wireless ecosystem.

Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “Now in its sixth year, the Mobile Test Summit has become a trusted meeting point for the wireless community. This year, we’re turning our attention to 6G, with sessions covering AI-native RAN, ISAC and non-terrestrial networks. Beyond exploring where these technologies are headed, we want to give participants practical, actionable insight into what they mean for testing and validation as the industry moves toward commercial 6G.”
There are three sessions for each topic, and participants can choose the one that best fits their time zone

Delo Group organized its first own China–Russia voyage via the Northern Sea Route

Moscow, Sept 25: Multimodal transport operator Ruscon (part of the Delo Group) has organized its first own voyage from China to Russia via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The Honfu container vessel, which sailed the route, has arrived at Delo Group’s terminal in St. Petersburg.

The shipment was carried out as part of Ruscon’s regular container service between St. Petersburg and Chinese ports. Previously, the service operated via the Suez Canal. Ruscon is now offering seasonal shipments via the NSR, with an expected transit time of 25 days compared to 45 days via the Suez Canal.

The route operated by the Honfu, a container vessel with a capacity of approximately 3,700 TEU, includes direct calls at the ports of Nansha, Taicang and Rizhao. Feeder connections are available for cargo from other regions. NSR shipments are operated during the summer–autumn navigation season. Once the season ends, vessels will resume sailing via the Suez Canal.

As part of the service, Ruscon provides end-to-end delivery, including customs clearance. The service accepts dangerous and oversized cargo, reefer containers, as well as cargo transported on flat rack containers.

“We have successfully tested our own service along the Northern Sea Route. We intend to steadily develop this area, taking into account the needs of our clients, in order to provide the most diversified portfolio of services,” said Mikhail Poluyanov, First Vice‑President of Ruscon.

Arvind Limited Is Set To Take Centre Stage With Ashish N Soni At Lakmē Fashion Week In Partnership With Fashion Design Council Of India

New Delhi, 25 September 2026: Arvind Limited, one of India’s leading textile manufacturers,will showcase its collaboration with acclaimed designer Ashish N Soni at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) on 16th October 2026 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The showcase will present a contemporary menswear collection crafted using Arvind Limited’s diverse range of fabrics, bringing together textile innovation, design excellence and modern craftsmanship through their runway presentation.

The collection features materials across categories including Cotton, Wool, Linen, Tencel, Bamboo and more, highlighting the versatility, innovation and craftsmanship that define Arvind Limited’s textile capabilities. Through Ashish N Soni’s contemporary menswear lens, these fabrics are transformed into a collection that celebrates the intersection of material innovation and design.

“We are elated to partner with Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI this season and to collaborate with Ashish N Soni on this showcase. Ashish has a distinctive ability to translate the character and potential of a fabric into stylish, wearable design. Through this collaboration, we want to demonstrate the versatility of our textiles and the possibilities they offer, from the loom to the runway.” said Kulin Lalbhai, Vice Chairman, Arvind Limited.

Through Ashish N Soni’s distinctive design language, the collection will explore the relationship between fabric, form and contemporary menswear. Known for his refined approach to tailoring and modern silhouettes, Ashish N Soni will translate Arvind Limited’s fabrics into a runway presentation that celebrates craftsmanship, functionality and evolving expressions of Indian fashion.

Commenting on the collaboration Ashish N Soni, Design Director at Ashish N Soni, Ikos Designs Pvt. Ltd said, “Working with Arvind has been a truly exciting and rewarding experience for me. The collaboration brings together my years of experience and design perspective with Arvind’s exceptional skill and deep expertise in textiles. I have always had a great appreciation for fine, high-end textiles, and the quality, sophistication and finish of Arvind’s fabrics make them particularly inspiring to work with. It has been a wonderful creative dialogue, and I’m very pleased with what we have created together. I look forward to sharing it soon”

Select looks from the showcase will be made available at The Arvind Stores shortly after the Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI presentation, creating a direct connection between fashion creation and consumer access. The initiative aims to make the journey from textile to runway to retail, real for the consumer.

The association reinforces the evolving role of textile innovation in shaping contemporary fashion, where material expertise becomes an integral part of the creative process. By bringing together Arvind Limited’s heritage in textiles, Ashish N Soni’s design perspective and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI’s influential platform, the collaboration celebrates the complete fashion ecosystem, from fabric development to design and retail.

The collection will debut on 16th October 2026 at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI at Taj Palace, New Delhi, before selected looks become available at The Arvind Stores nationwide.

GCCs Could Become the Biggest Driver of India’s Next Office Real Estate Cycle as 75 percent Plan Expansion

India’s commercial real estate market is entering a new growth phase, with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) emerging as one of the strongest drivers of office demand. According to CBRE’s India Office Occupier Survey 2026, 75% of GCC occupiers expect their India office portfolios to grow over the next two years, signalling continued expansion in both the scale and quality of commercial real estate demand.

The broader occupier market is showing a similar expansionary outlook, with 77% of occupiers planning to expand their India office portfolios over the next two years. Notably, 30% plan to increase their office footprint by more than 30%, almost double the 18% recorded in the 2025 survey.

The scale of GCC activity is already significant. GCCs leased more than 123 million sq ft of office space between 2022 and H1 2026, accounting for 36% of total office leasing during the period. India’s GCC ecosystem has also expanded to more than 2,117 firms and 2.36 million professionals, while GCC revenues reached nearly US$100 billion in FY2026.

This momentum is also visible in the wider office market. The first half of 2026 saw office absorption reach a record 45.5 million sq ft, the highest for any half-year, with 24.6 million sq ft taken up in the second quarter alone, according to CBRE. New supply also reached a record 32 million sq ft in H1, pointing to the scale at which developers and occupiers are now operating.

GCCs remain one of the strongest demand drivers. They accounted for 46% of Grade A office leasing in H1 2026, with 16.6 million sq ft leased, according to Colliers.

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group, said, “Global Capability Centres are fast becoming the defining demand driver of India’s next commercial real estate cycle. With India’s GCC count projected to grow by 41% by 2030, and GCCs already accounting for nearly 35% of Grade-A office leasing across top cities, the numbers tell a clear story. Gurugram is firmly at the centre of this shift in NCR, the city’s combination of superior connectivity, mature infrastructure, established corporate ecosystem and deep talent access makes it one of the most compelling GCC destinations in the country. As mandates grow more sophisticated, location decisions are increasingly being made through the lens of the broader business ecosystem: talent availability, infrastructure quality and long-term liveability. The next phase of commercial real estate will be defined not by volume alone, but by the quality and adaptability of environments built for businesses and their people.”

GCC expansion is changing what occupiers demand

The GCC story is also evolving beyond traditional back-office operations. CBRE notes that GCCs are increasingly taking on higher-value mandates across R&D, engineering, product development, AI, analytics, cybersecurity and enterprise transformation. This is creating demand not just for more office space, but for high-quality, technology-enabled and well-connected workplaces.

More than one-third of occupiers expect AI and automation trends to directly influence leasing decisions over the next 12-24 months. At the same time, 93% of occupiers surveyed are already deploying AI in some capacity, indicating that technology is becoming an increasingly important consideration in workplace strategy.

This expansion, however, is not limited to established business centres. Emerging corridors across Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway are also gaining momentum as technology infrastructure and new investments reshape the region’s commercial landscape.

Connectivity increasingly determines where GCCs expand

The NCR numbers show how this landscape is changing. Delhi-NCR recorded 2.8 million sq ft of gross leasing in Q1 2026, with Gurugram accounting for 60% and Noida 37%. Noida Expressway was the largest micro-market, while Udyog Vihar and NH-8 Prime also recorded significant activity. GCC leasing in NCR stood at 0.9 million sq ft during the quarter.

The emphasis on connectivity is becoming particularly important as occupiers look beyond the availability of space. CBRE’s survey found that 70% of occupiers consider access to commute infrastructure a crucial criterion while selecting office space, while 95% view traffic congestion and commute as a threat to operations and employee experience. Further, 18% of occupiers said they would be willing to pay a premium for public transport access.

Retail leasing reached 3.9 million sq ft in H1 2026, up 20% year-on-year, according to CBRE. Delhi-NCR led the major markets, while fashion and apparel accounted for around 40% of leasing. D2C retailers accounted for about 28%, giving high streets and organised retail destinations another source of occupier demand.

The flight to quality is strengthening

As GCCs expand and take on more specialised functions, the quality and location of office assets are becoming increasingly important. CBRE found that 40% of occupiers are concerned about the availability of high-quality, well-located office space through 2028. At the same time, 41% of leasing during 2025 and H1 2026 occurred in investment-grade assets.

Dr Amish Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said, “Occupiers are becoming more selective about what makes a commercial location work over the long term. Demand will increasingly be driven by factors such as connectivity, accessibility, quality of infrastructure, surrounding development and the availability of well-planned commercial spaces. As emerging NCR corridors improve their connectivity and infrastructure, they will become more attractive for businesses seeking efficient and future-ready locations. The growing availability of quality office and retail spaces in these corridors will further strengthen demand for commercial real estate.”

Investor interest is providing another indication of the depth of the cycle. Institutional real estate investment reached $4.5 billion in H1 2026, up 50% year-on-year, with office assets accounting for more than 40% of the inflows, according to Colliers.

Karan Malik, Regional Director, Realistic Realtors, said, “The expansion of data centres is also opening up a longer development landscape for NCR. Noida and Greater Noida have the existing ecosystem, while the Yamuna Expressway region offers larger parcels and the potential to accommodate infrastructure at scale. The upcoming data centre parks across Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway show that this is becoming a wider regional strategy rather than a single-location story. Real estate will increasingly follow the infrastructure that enables the digital economy.”

The next phase of India’s commercial real estate growth is therefore likely to be shaped by the convergence of GCC expansion, technology adoption, talent requirements, connectivity and institutional capital. With 75% of GCC occupiers planning to expand their India office portfolios, the demand story is moving beyond simply adding more office space. It is increasingly about where businesses locate, the quality of the workplace they choose and the infrastructure that enables their workforce to operate effectively.

Gold Imports Slide Sharply, Raising Questions Over FY27 Outlook

Sep 25: India’s gold import outlook for the current financial year is facing fresh uncertainty after a sharp fall in monthly imports, according to a recent report.

Gold imports declined significantly in August, raising questions over whether the slowdown reflects weaker domestic demand, consumers delaying purchases or a shift towards unofficial channels.

According to the report, India’s gold imports during the first five months of FY27 stood at around $17.5 billion, compared with $16.9 billion during the same period last year. However, the latest monthly trend has raised concerns over the overall import estimate for the financial year.

Gold imports fell 57.75 per cent year-on-year to around $2.3 billion in August, compared with $4.16 billion in July. Despite the August decline, imports during April-August remained higher than the corresponding period of the previous year.

The report said the decline could be linked partly to the increase in gold import duties, which raised the overall import duty to 15 per cent from May 13, 2026. Higher domestic prices may have encouraged some consumers to postpone jewellery purchases.

Another possibility highlighted in the report is that consumers may be waiting for any future changes in import duties before making purchases. It also pointed to the possibility of greater activity through unofficial channels, although this does not necessarily mean that overall gold demand has fallen by the same extent.

The decline comes ahead of India’s major festive and wedding season, when gold and jewellery purchases generally increase. A recovery in seasonal demand could therefore influence import volumes in the coming months.

From a broader economic perspective, lower gold imports could help reduce pressure on India’s import bill and support the country’s external balances. At the same time, a shift towards unofficial channels could affect government revenue from customs and taxes.

The report had earlier assumed India’s gold imports at around $88 billion for FY27, but the recent decline has created downside risks to that estimate.

The coming festive and wedding season is expected to provide a clearer indication of whether the recent fall represents a sustained change in gold demand or a temporary slowdown in purchases.

Enso Powers Tokenized Stock Execution for ether.fi’s New Consumer App

Integration marks Enso’s largest consumer-facing deployment to date, giving ether.fi Cash users cross-chain access to tokenized equities and metals in a single transaction

ZURICH, Switzerland, Sept 25 — Enso, the execution infrastructure platform for on-chain finance, has announced it is powering execution for tokenized stocks and metals inside ether.fi’s new consumer app. The integration makes Enso the exclusive minting and redemption provider for xStocks-based tokenized assets within ether.fi Cash, and represents Enso’s largest consumer-facing deployment to date.

The integration underpins tokenized-asset access introduced as part of ether.fi’s broader Summer 2026 release, which added tokenized stock and metals trading, portfolio-backed borrowing and expanded fiat on-ramps to its self-custodial app. Enso operates as the execution layer underneath ether.fi Cash, handling routing, minting, redemption and settlement in a single route interface. 

With the integration live, ether.fi Cash users can buy and redeem tokenized stocks and ETFs, as well as tokenized metals, directly from their Cash balance in a single transaction, without manually bridging, selecting a chain or holding an intermediate asset. 

The integration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies: Enso already powers one-click, cross-chain deposits into ether.fi’s liquid vaults, live since 2025. This expands that infrastructure into ether.fi’s largest and most consumer-facing product to date, and extends Enso’s broader real-world asset execution track record, which includes serving as an approved minter for Ondo Finance andas a dApp recommended by Porto, Anchorage Digital’s institutional self-custody wallet.

“Tokenized assets have lived in a DeFi niche for too long,” said Connor Howe, Co-Founder and CEO of Enso. “This integration puts them inside a product hundreds of thousands of people already use every day, without asking any of them to think about routing, liquidity or which chain an asset happens to live on. It’s the clearest proof yet that execution infrastructure built for DeFi is ready for mainstream consumer finance.”

“What stood out about Enso was how they work. From the first conversation they focused on the outcome we needed, then built the execution around our architecture rather than asking us to bend to theirs” said Charles Mountain, Head of Ecosystem, ether.fi. 

Access to tokenized stocks and metals through ether.fi is gated at the issuer level and subject to eligibility and jurisdictional restrictions; the feature is not available to users in the United States.