Gold prices surged on Tuesday, driven by increasing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in December following dovish comments from officials. This optimism pushed bullion higher for the third consecutive session, with traders increasing bets on easier monetary policy. City-wise prices also saw an uptick across major Indian cities.

India faces tighter finances as tax cuts reduce revenue. Moody’s Ratings notes this limits government economic support. Lower tax collections are impacting fiscal goals. Easing inflation and monetary policy are expected to boost household spending. Domestic demand and infrastructure spending remain key growth drivers for India’s economy.

Air India is undertaking a significant fleet and cabin refresh, aiming to restore passenger confidence following a tragic June crash. Visible improvements across aircraft, including upgraded seats and interiors, will begin rolling out from 2026, with a focus on international flights. New lounges are also planned in key global cities.

The commerce ministry is mapping global non-tariff measures to boost export quality and technical compliance. The DGFT is compiling a database of regulatory requirements, urging exporters to submit information within seven days. This initiative aims to support the Export Promotion Mission and address challenges posed by NTMs, which can increase costs and cause shipment delays.

Alibaba’s September quarter saw a revenue surge, exceeding expectations, driven by its popular new AI app, Qwen, which garnered over 10 million downloads in its first week. Despite a dip in net profit due to heavy AI investments, the company’s cloud computing revenue also jumped significantly, highlighting its strong push into artificial intelligence and infrastructure.

Gold is poised for continued strength, acting as a safe haven against global turmoil. HSBC highlights robust demand from central banks and retail investors, driven by economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite a recent dip from record highs, the precious metal has stabilized, with expectations of further gains fueled by potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts

India and Israel are restarting Free Trade Agreement negotiations after a decade-long pause, with a focus on tariff reductions and future cooperation in technology and defense. While merchandise trade remains modest, the real opportunity lies in strategic collaborations in areas like defense manufacturing and precision agriculture.

Afghanistan has invited Indian companies to invest in its vast, untapped mineral resources, including gold and lithium, estimated to be worth $1 trillion. While Indian industry leaders acknowledge the potential, they stress the need for thorough geological surveys and infrastructure development before committing to projects.

The Indian rupee faced renewed pressure, nearing a record low of 90 against the US dollar due to portfolio outflows and trade deal doubts. While the rupee rebounded slightly on Monday following central bank intervention and dipping crude prices, key economic data releases this week will be closely watched.