Coal policy change: Govt eases approval process for opening coal, lignite mines; boards get more authority

The government has amended rules to streamline approvals for opening coal and lignite mines, a move aimed at cutting procedural delays and speeding up mine operationalisation while retaining regulatory oversight, PTI reported .Under the earlier framework, Rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 required mine owners to obtain prior approval from the Coal Controller’s…

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Mobility infra shift: RRTS can reshape urban travel and spur decentralised growth; Knight Frank flags investment, housing opportunities

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has the potential to fundamentally change urban mobility patterns while acting as a catalyst for decentralised economic growth along transit corridors, real estate consultant Knight Frank said in a new report, PTI reported.According to a Knight Frank India study released on Friday, titled ‘Regional Rapid Transit System: Testing the…

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Jewellery, rugs & toys power growth! India’s creative goods exports rise in FY26; UAE emerges top market

India’s exports of creative goods rose in the first seven months of FY26, driven by strong demand for fashion accessories, jewellery, carpets and toys, with the UAE emerging as the largest destination, according to an ET analysis.The exports of creative goods increased 7.3% year-on-year to $12.5 billion during April–October FY26, up from $11.7 billion in…

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New BIS standard for incense sticks: Govt bans certain substances; flags ‘potential impact on human health’

NEW DELHI: The government issued a notification announcing a new Indian Standard for incense sticks (agarbatti), laying down quality norms and specifying a list of substances prohibited for use in their manufacture.The standard has been developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure safer products and promote responsible and sustainable practices in the…

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‘Santa Claus rally’: Asian markets edge higher amid thinned holiday trade; silver hits record high

Asian markets inched higher on Friday amid holiday-thinned trading, with several exchanges remaining closed for the Boxing Day holiday. Regional stocks extended gains after Wall Street ended the week at record highs, while most global markets were shut on Thursday for Christmas.Markets in Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei all posted gains. Japan’s Topix climbed to…

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