According to the World Gold Council, India’s gold demand spikes by 30–40 per cent during the festive quarter, driven by cultural traditions and investment interest. Here’s a look at the top 10 Indian cities where gold buying reaches its peak every festive season

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Looking to start a business without heavy investment? All you need is your talent. From writing and designing to teaching and consulting, here are 15 creative business ideas you can launch with just your skills and grow into profitable ventures.

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A credit score is an indicator of how consistent you are with repaying your debts. When you borrow money from lenders like banks, your repayment information is sent to credit information companies that compute a credit score. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of securing loans with favourable terms. A credit score is also known as a credit rating.


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A Bloomberg report quoting sources showed the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, is foraying into tokenization. BlackRock is exploring how to make exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available as tokens on the blockchain for Wall Street. The firm is working on tokenizing funds tied to real-world assets, such as stocks. But that will depend on regulatory considerations.


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India’s consumer inflation rose in August for the first time in 10 months. It was mostly driven by food prices. The consumer price index rose 2.07% year-on-year, and up from July’s 1.6%.


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Freixe’s removal follows a period of leadership churn at Nestlé. His predecessor, Mark Schneider, also left under ambiguous circumstances in 2024. The current upheaval adds to strategic uncertainty amid cost pressures and sluggish sales.

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PM Modi kicks off a crucial visit to Japan and China today as the U.S. slaps heavy tariffs on Indian goods. The diplomatic tour is seen as a bold response, signaling India’s intent to strengthen regional ties and assert its position on the global stage amid rising trade tensions with Washington.


India stands firm on Russian imports despite high tariffs

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As global economic conditions grow increasingly fragmented, Indian startups are reassessing their strategic direction in response to evolving foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, renewed protectionist trade measures, and a shifting investment climate.
Despite significant growth over the past decade, the Indian startup ecosystem remains heavily reliant on foreign capital, with over 85 per cent of funding originating from international sources. This dependence has exposed several sectors, particularly export-oriented businesses, to external shocks, including the reintroduction of US tariffs, which have disrupted pricing structures and access to overseas markets. In response, many startup founders are shifting focus from rapid international expansion to reinforcing domestic resilience.
Startups are increasingly investing in local supply chains, exploring regional trade linkages, and building intellectual property-driven business models to mitigate exposure to global trade disruptions. The recalibration also includes a stronger emphasis on India&rsquo;s internal market and policy frameworks.
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Changes to FDI norms are impacting how startups structure their operations, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and quick commerce, where compliance hinges on the distinction between marketplace and inventory-led models. In many cases, startups are operating through layered corporate structures, with foreign-funded parent entities adhering to investment rules while domestically capitalised subsidiaries handle inventory and fulfilment functions. While such frameworks remain legally compliant, they have prompted renewed discussions around sector-specific regulations that better reflect the complexities of modern business models.
A significant development in this regulatory landscape is the growing focus on the Indian-Origin Control and Ownership Criteria (IOCC). For startups aiming to list on Indian stock exchanges, meeting IOCC thresholds has become a key requirement. This has led many firms to reconfigure their capitalisation tables by increasing domestic institutional participation or facilitating secondary exits for early-stage foreign investors. Indian public markets, once viewed as secondary to global listings, are now seen as a more stable and capital-efficient route for long-term growth.
While talking to WION, Roma Priya, founder of Burgeon Law, which specialises in handling legal aspects for startups said, "The evolving regulatory landscape and geopolitical shifts present both challenges and opportunities for Indian startups. Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced understanding of legal frameworks and strategic foresight. At Burgeon Law, we have observed that startups adopting proactive compliance measures and aligning their operations with domestic regulations are better positioned to attract investment and scale sustainably."
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She added, "The emphasis on Indian-Origin Control and Ownership Criteria (IOCC) underscores the importance of structuring cap tables thoughtfully to facilitate domestic listings. In this dynamic environment, legal agility and informed decision-making are paramount for startups aiming to thrive."
Investor sentiment is adjusting rather than withdrawing. While foreign capital remains present, it is entering with more caution. In contrast, domestic capital&mdash;from institutional investors, family offices, and retail-linked entities&mdash;is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in late-stage funding rounds and IPO preparations. This shift is gradually changing the funding narrative from one dominated by global investors to a more India-focused capital structure.
Radhika Ghai, founder of kindlife.in, an online marketplace startup for new age beauty and wellness products said, "With over 85 per cent of Indian startup funding still coming from foreign sources, our ecosystem remains vulnerable to global shocks, be it US tariffs, shifting FDI norms, or investor sentiment swings. But this is also a wake-up call. India&rsquo;s real strength lies in our vast domestic market, digital infrastructure, and a rising pool of homegrown capital. In 2025, startups that focus on building for Bharat, leveraging local supply chains, tapping into domestic funds, and aligning with national priorities like Make in India and Digital Public Infrastructure will not just survive, they&rsquo;ll lead. It&rsquo;s time we stop chasing capital abroad and start unlocking the immense potential within."
As 2025 progresses, Indian startups are expected to operate with greater focus on compliance, governance, and domestic market integration. The previous model of growth driven largely by foreign funding is evolving toward one built on internal alignment and strategic autonomy. Startups that adapt to these conditions are more likely to withstand external pressures and contribute to the next phase of India&rsquo;s startup development.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Startups are increasingly investing in local supply chains, exploring regional trade linkages, and building intellectual property-driven business models to mitigate exposure to global trade disruptions.

As global economic conditions grow increasingly fragmented, Indian startups are reassessing their strategic direction in response to evolving foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, renewed protectionist trade measures, and a shifting investment climate. Despite significant growth over the past decade, the Indian startup ecosystem remains heavily reliant on foreign capital, with over 85 per cent of funding originating from international sources. This dependence has exposed several sectors, particularly export-oriented businesses, to external shocks, including the reintroduction of US tariffs, which have disrupted pricing structures and access to overseas markets. In response, many startup founders are shifting focus from rapid international expansion to reinforcing domestic resilience. Startups are increasingly investing in local supply chains, exploring regional trade linkages, and building intellectual property-driven business models to mitigate exposure to global trade disruptions. The recalibration also includes a stronger emphasis on India’s internal market and policy frameworks. Also read: Trump, Saudi Crown Prince sign major business deals in Riyadh Changes to FDI norms are impacting how startups structure their operations, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and quick commerce, where compliance hinges on the distinction between marketplace and inventory-led models. In many cases, startups are operating through layered corporate structures, with foreign-funded parent entities adhering to investment rules while domestically capitalised subsidiaries handle inventory and fulfilment functions. While such frameworks remain legally compliant, they have prompted renewed discussions around sector-specific regulations that better reflect the complexities of modern business models. A significant development in this regulatory landscape is the growing focus on the Indian-Origin Control and Ownership Criteria (IOCC). For startups aiming to list on Indian stock exchanges, meeting IOCC thresholds has become a key requirement. This has led many firms to reconfigure their capitalisation tables by increasing domestic institutional participation or facilitating secondary exits for early-stage foreign investors. Indian public markets, once viewed as secondary to global listings, are now seen as a more stable and capital-efficient route for long-term growth. While talking to WION, Roma Priya, founder of Burgeon Law, which specialises in handling legal aspects for startups said, "The evolving regulatory landscape and geopolitical shifts present both challenges and opportunities for Indian startups. Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced understanding of legal frameworks and strategic foresight. At Burgeon Law, we have observed that startups adopting proactive compliance measures and aligning their operations with domestic regulations are better positioned to attract investment and scale sustainably." Also read: Kim Kardashian testifies in Paris multi-million-dollar robbery trial She added, "The emphasis on Indian-Origin Control and Ownership Criteria (IOCC) underscores the importance of structuring cap tables thoughtfully to facilitate domestic listings. In this dynamic environment, legal agility and informed decision-making are paramount for startups aiming to thrive." Investor sentiment is adjusting rather than withdrawing. While foreign capital remains present, it is entering with more caution. In contrast, domestic capital—from institutional investors, family offices, and retail-linked entities—is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in late-stage funding rounds and IPO preparations. This shift is gradually changing the funding narrative from one dominated by global investors to a more India-focused capital structure. Radhika Ghai, founder of kindlife.in, an online marketplace startup for new age beauty and wellness products said, "With over 85 per cent of Indian startup funding still coming from foreign sources, our ecosystem remains vulnerable to global shocks, be it US tariffs, shifting FDI norms, or investor sentiment swings. But this is also a wake-up call. India’s real strength lies in our vast domestic market, digital infrastructure, and a rising pool of homegrown capital. In 2025, startups that focus on building for Bharat, leveraging local supply chains, tapping into domestic funds, and aligning with national priorities like Make in India and Digital Public Infrastructure will not just survive, they’ll lead. It’s time we stop chasing capital abroad and start unlocking the immense potential within." As 2025 progresses, Indian startups are expected to operate with greater focus on compliance, governance, and domestic market integration. The previous model of growth driven largely by foreign funding is evolving toward one built on internal alignment and strategic autonomy. Startups that adapt to these conditions are more likely to withstand external pressures and contribute to the next phase of India’s startup development. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

How Indian startups are realigning their strategies amid global uncertainty and regulatory shifts

As discussions on the India–U.S. Trade deal gain momentum with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Delhi... Indian exporters face a critical reality: understanding and complying with U.S. Non-preferential rules of origin is essential to benefit from the new trade dynamics.

U.S.- India trade talks gain momentum

As big tech tightens belts around the world, from layoffs to hiring freezes, one thing hasn’t shrunk—CEO paychecks. And in India, Infosys boss Salil Parekh is making headlines for all the right reasons—at least if you're on his payroll.

Infosys CEO gets fat payday in FY24

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has issued a cautionary warning on the impact of tariffs. Speaking on the risks posed by President Trump’s trade policies, Powell stated that tariffs could push inflation and employment further away from the Fed’s target goals.

Powell: ‘Crypto has gone mainstream, now it needs rules’

Shares of precious metals miners in South Africa surged as gold hit new all-time high. The South African benchmark stock index soared to a record close on Wednesday after the yellow metal surged past $3,300 for the first time. The South African gauge is now up more than 7% this year, compared with declines of 1.4% for the MSCI emerging market stock index and 8.3% for the S&P 500.

Gold's rally powers South African stocks to record

The global oil market is facing fresh uncertainty as escalating trade tensions take a toll on economic sentiment. The International Energy Agency has cut its demand forecast, warning that slowing global growth is now weighing on energy consumption. Concerns that a broader trade war could stoke inflation and dampen industrial activity are adding to the pressure on oil markets already grappling with weak momentum.

Crude down 13% in 2025 amid trade war fears

In recent developments, both Goldman Sachs and China are reacting to the evolving landscape of US tariff policies which have created significant uncertainty in the global markets. Goldman Sachs initially predicted a 65% chance of a US recession due to the tariffs, but quickly retracted this forecast after Trump announced a pause in reciprocal tariffs on April 9.

Goldman Sachs cuts China growth projection  to 4%

US import activity surged to near-record levels in recent weeks as companies rushed to beat President Trump’s threatened tariffs. But that momentum collapsed quickly. According to Vision, container import bookings plunged 64% in the first week of april after Trump announced sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs. The sharp drop reflects widespread uncertainty, with retailers now pausing shipments and holding back on new orders.

US retailers delay orders as tariff uncertainty grows

Europe’s steel sector is facing severe headwinds. Demand has slumped amid persistent geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy costs.

Global headwinds blamed for deepening crisis in the UK

The global tariff war has entered a new phase. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of over 125% on Chinese imports, sharply escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies. Watch this report to know more!

Global growth at risk as economic giants clash

To see how investors assessed Donald Trump’s tariff onslaught, let’s look at the swinging directions in which the US Treasury yields moved. A treasury yield is the return an investor earns by holding a U.S. government bond. Think of it as the interest rate the government pays when it borrows money from investors.

Major fund houses cut US asset exposure

Oil prices are facing a turbulent future, with Goldman Sachs predicting Brent crude could plunge below $40 a barrel in an extreme scenario. As global economic uncertainties and US-China trade tensions intensify, the oil market is bracing for more volatility. Could this be the beginning of a deeper slump?

Goldman Sachs warns oil could drop below $40

Wall Street roared back after President Trump reversed course on tariffs, easing tensions with global partners. The Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq all soared, marking their biggest single-day gains in years, fueled by strong airline earnings, tech rallies, and a well-received treasury auction.

Markets rebound: Nvidia, Tesla, Apple jump in double-digit gains

Asian stocks drop after a rout on Wall Street shattered the calm in markets. US Stocks nosedived, with the S&P 500 dropping below the 5,000 mark for the first time in nearly a year and the Nasdaq tumbling 2%. Investor optimism faded after President Trump’s tariff stance remained firm.

Global stocks drop further on tariff deadline

The stampede in global markets gathered momentum Monday, and investors piled into safe-haven assets as the fallout from US President Donald Trump's tariffs deepened. The carnage in financial markets has analysts betting on five Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, up from just two last month

Traders increase fed rate cut bets to five

Oil prices recovered on Tuesday, but took a hit on Monday along with broader global markets. On Monday crude prices dropped 3 percent to their lowest in four years, as trade tensions between the US and China spark recession fears. Copper prices fell sharply, while gold saw a volatile session. Investors are concerned about global demand and its impact on commodity markets.

Oil prices recover from 4-year low

Will Trump budge on tariffs? According to the betting app Polymarket, the chances are pretty bleak, unless it's Israel. The platform also sees a 65 percent chance of a US Recession in 2025. This marks a sharp increase from just 38 percent last week.

Global retaliation raises US recession odds

Asian stocks rebound after their worst day on record, but Chinese shares look set for another rough start due to the ongoing trade spat.
On 'black monday', waves of volatility shook markets anew.
Stocks, bonds and commodities were whipsawed by another deluge of headlines around President Trump's trade war that only reinforced the clouds hanging over the outlook for investors.

Markets: the second worst chart for President Trump

Markets flash eerie echoes of 1987's 'black monday' crash.
The mayhem is already signalling another 'black monday. '
The carnage in financial markets unleashed by President Trump's tariffs is continuing unabated as equities get pummeled.
US Stock futures show the over 11 trillion Dollar wipeout since Trump's first day in office isn't over.

Markets flash eerie echoes of 1987's 'black monday' crash

India&rsquo;s middle class is heading toward a serious financial crisis, said Delhi based Chartered Accountant Ayussh Sanghi in a social media post In a viral X post, he warned that people are no longer saving for the future, instead they are borrowing just to get through the present.
&ldquo;Middle class lifestyle today is built on credit,&rdquo; Sanghi wrote. &ldquo;The culture of savings is gone. We are not spending aspirationally anymore; we are spending out of desperation.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m977i6ac-azg3mfwy-nwmo5730">
▪️&ldquo;Swipe Now, Worry Later.&rdquo; - Instagram, influencer culture, instant delivery apps, they&rsquo;re selling dreams we can&rsquo;t afford. "Middle-class lifestyle" now means credit-fueled consumption. The culture of savings is dead now. We are not just buying more; we're buying more to be&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/43EGTzoMYI">pic.twitter.com/43EGTzoMYI</a>
&mdash; Ayussh Sanghi (@ayusshsanghi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ayusshsanghi/status/1909114331137990953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-class-10-results-2025-expected-shortly-class-12-updates-also-awaited-8929753">CBSE class 10 results 2025 expected shortly, class 12 updates also awaited</a>
Sanghi points out how people are using EMIs to buy luxury items, swiping credit cards for everyday needs, and using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for basic expenses. From iPhones to dinners to clothing, credit is replacing income.
<h2 dir="ltr">Credit replacing income as savings culture fades</h2>
&ldquo;We are not just buying more we are buying to be seen,&rdquo; he said, blaming the rise of social media, influencer culture, and instant delivery apps for pushing people into a cycle of constant spending.
The numbers reflect the seriousness of the issue. Credit card defaults in India jumped by 28 percent in 2024. Non-performing assets (NPAs) in the credit card sector reached Rs 6,742 crore, up from Rs 5,250 crore in 2023 and just Rs 1,108 crore in 2020. That&rsquo;s a more than 500 percent increase in five years.
<h2 dir="ltr">Sharp rise in defaults and unsecured debt sparks concern</h2>
At the same time, outstanding credit card debt in India has doubled&mdash;from Rs 1.4 lakh crore in 2020 to Rs 2.92 lakh crore in 2024. Annual credit card transactions also rose sharply, from Rs 6.3 lakh crore in FY21 to Rs 18.31 lakh crore in FY24.
Sanghi added that the number of active credit cards has grown to 10.88 crore as of January 2025, compared to 6.1 crore in 2021. Most of this debt is unsecured, and missed payments attract very high interest rates ranging from 42 to 46 percent annually. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/story-of-noodle-king-how-an-idea-from-thailand-made-this-man-nepals-sole-billionaire-8935624">Story of noodle king, how an idea from Thailand made THIS man Nepal's sole billionaire</a>
In response, the Reserve Bank of India raised the risk weight on unsecured loans by 25 percent in November 2023, highlighting the growing pressure on household debt.
&ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t about people being careless with money,&rdquo; Sanghi said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about a system that rewards quick spending but punishes those who try to plan for the long term.&rdquo;

Non-performing assets (NPAs) in the credit card sector reached Rs 6,742 crore in 2024, up from Rs 5,250 crore in 2023 and just Rs 1,108 crore in 2020.

India’s middle class is heading toward a serious financial crisis, said Delhi based Chartered Accountant Ayussh Sanghi in a social media post In a viral X post, he warned that people are no longer saving for the future, instead they are borrowing just to get through the present. “Middle class lifestyle today is built on credit,” Sanghi wrote. “The culture of savings is gone. We are not spending aspirationally anymore; we are spending out of desperation.” ▪️“Swipe Now, Worry Later.” - Instagram, influencer culture, instant delivery apps, they’re selling dreams we can’t afford. "Middle-class lifestyle" now means credit-fueled consumption. The culture of savings is dead now. We are not just buying more; we're buying more to be… pic.twitter.com/43EGTzoMYI — Ayussh Sanghi (@ayusshsanghi) April 7, 2025 Also Read: CBSE class 10 results 2025 expected shortly, class 12 updates also awaited Sanghi points out how people are using EMIs to buy luxury items, swiping credit cards for everyday needs, and using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for basic expenses. From iPhones to dinners to clothing, credit is replacing income. Credit replacing income as savings culture fades “We are not just buying more we are buying to be seen,” he said, blaming the rise of social media, influencer culture, and instant delivery apps for pushing people into a cycle of constant spending. The numbers reflect the seriousness of the issue. Credit card defaults in India jumped by 28 percent in 2024. Non-performing assets (NPAs) in the credit card sector reached Rs 6,742 crore, up from Rs 5,250 crore in 2023 and just Rs 1,108 crore in 2020. That’s a more than 500 percent increase in five years. Sharp rise in defaults and unsecured debt sparks concern At the same time, outstanding credit card debt in India has doubled—from Rs 1.4 lakh crore in 2020 to Rs 2.92 lakh crore in 2024. Annual credit card transactions also rose sharply, from Rs 6.3 lakh crore in FY21 to Rs 18.31 lakh crore in FY24. Sanghi added that the number of active credit cards has grown to 10.88 crore as of January 2025, compared to 6.1 crore in 2021. Most of this debt is unsecured, and missed payments attract very high interest rates ranging from 42 to 46 percent annually. Also Read: Story of noodle king, how an idea from Thailand made THIS man Nepal's sole billionaire In response, the Reserve Bank of India raised the risk weight on unsecured loans by 25 percent in November 2023, highlighting the growing pressure on household debt. “This isn’t about people being careless with money,” Sanghi said. “It’s about a system that rewards quick spending but punishes those who try to plan for the long term.”

Delhi-based CA flags credit card overuse by India's middle class as defaults jump by 28%

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