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 the same period last year. This segment includes products such as fashion accessories, jewellery, carpets, interior, and toys, with fashion accessories and jewellery continuing to dominate the export mix.The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) defines creative goods as products involving “the cycle of creation, production and distribution of a tangible product with creative content, economic and cultural value and a market objective”. Over half of India’s creative goods exports were shipped to the UAE and the US during the period. UAE emerged as the fastest-growing market, with its share rising to 31% in April–October FY26 from 23.2% a year earlier. In contrast, US share declined to 26.1% from 34% over the same period.“A lot of front loading happened due to the US tariffs and there were Christmas orders which were shipped out which gave a bump up to the exports,” Manu Gupta, chairman of the Toy Association of India, said, ET reported.India’s growing role as a hub for outsourcing work such as game development and game support services has also contributed to the sector’s expansion. Among developing economies, India was the third-largest exporter of creative goods in 2023, after China and Hong Kong, accounting for 3% of global creative goods exports.Trade watchers noted that lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction in fashion jewellery, as affordability, convenience and demand for ethical and sustainable options appeal to younger consumers. The US, Spain, the UK, the UAE and the Netherlands remain the key markets for Indian fashion jewellery exports.

Representational AI photo

Doctors in China have grafted a woman’s torn-off ear onto her foot to keep it alive, before later reattaching it to her head.The woman lost her ear in a workplace accident in April that also caused severe injuries to her scalp, neck and face. According to medical news platform Yixue Jie, also known as Med-J, her ear was completely severed.When the patient was brought to the hospital, the hand, foot and reconstructive microsurgery team first attempted to repair the scalp using standard surgical methods, Qiu Shenqiang, deputy director of the microsurgery unit at Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan, said, reported South China Morning Post.However, the damage to the scalp tissue and blood vessels was too severe, and the procedure failed. Doctors were unable to reattach the ear at that stage, as the skull tissue needed time to heal.To keep the ear alive, the medical team decided to graft it onto the top of the woman’s foot. Qiu said the arteries and veins in the foot were of a suitable size and compatible with those of the ear.He added that the skin and soft tissue on the foot are similar in thinness to those on the head, which reduced the need for major adjustments later.

A long and delicate surgery

The initial operation to graft the ear onto the foot took 10 hours. One of the main challenges was reconnecting the ear’s extremely fine blood vessels, which measured only 0.2 to 0.3 millimetres in diameter.Five days later, doctors noticed problems with blood circulation, known as venous reflux. The ear turned a purplish-black colour, putting it at risk.To save it, the team carried out manual bloodletting around 500 times over five days.While monitoring the ear, doctors also worked to restore the woman’s scalp. Skin taken from her stomach was grafted onto her head to repair the damaged area.After months of recovery and reconstruction, the ear was eventually reattached to its original position.

China’s history of unusual reconstructive surgeries

This is not the first time Chinese doctors have used unconventional methods to rebuild damaged body parts.In 2013, a 17-year-old girl named Xu Jianmei received a pioneering face transplant after doctors grew facial tissue on her chest using skin taken from her leg. She had been badly burned in a fire at the age of five and had lost her chin, eyelids and part of her ear.In 2017, doctors grew an artificial ear on a man’s arm for three months before transplanting it onto his head. The man had lost his ear in a traffic accident, and the surrounding skin and blood vessels were too damaged for a standard implant.

Gold price today: Precious metals continued their strong rally on Friday, with gold and silver scaling fresh record highs in both domestic and international markets, driven by firm global cues and sustained investor demand.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold crossed the Rs 1.39 lakh mark per 10 grams for the first time. Gold futures for February delivery rose for the fourth straight session, gaining Rs 1,119 or 0.81% , to hit a new lifetime high of Rs 1,39,216 per 10 grams.Silver extended its blistering run for a fifth consecutive session. Silver futures for the March 2026 contract surged Rs 8,951, or 4% , to an all-time high of Rs 2,32,741 per kg. The white metal has jumped Rs 29,176, or over 14%, since December 18. Domestic commodity markets were shut on Thursday due to Christmas.Bullion prices also surged overseas. On Comex, silver jumped 3.6% to 74.56 dollars after hitting an all-time high of 75.14 dollars.Spot gold rose 0.6% to 4,504.79 dollars per ounce by 0423 GMT, after touching a record peak of 4,530.60 dollars earlier in the session.

Gold price today: City-wise list

Gold Price Today in Delhi

In Delhi, gold was priced at Rs 14,017 per gram for 24-carat purity, while 22-carat gold stood at Rs 12,850 per gram. The 18-carat variant was selling at Rs 10,517 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, the gold rate for 24-carat gold was Rs 14,002 per gram. The 22-carat variety cost Rs 12,835 per gram, while 18-carat gold was priced at Rs 10,502 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Mumbai

Gold prices in Mumbai were in line with several other metros, with 24-carat gold trading at Rs 14,002 per gram. The 22-carat version was available at Rs 12,835 per gram, and 18-carat gold was priced at Rs 10,502 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Kolkata

In Kolkata, gold rates mirrored those in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The price of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 14,002 per gram, 22-carat gold at Rs 12,835 per gram, and 18-carat gold at Rs 10,502 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Chennai

Chennai saw slightly higher prices, with 24-carat gold trading at Rs 14,062 per gram. The 22-carat gold rate was Rs 12,890 per gram, while 18-carat gold was selling at Rs 10,760 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, 24-carat gold was priced at Rs 14,007 per gram. The 22-carat variant cost Rs 12,840 per gram, and 18-carat gold was available at Rs 10,507 per gram.

Gold Price Today in Bengaluru

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, gold prices were similar to Mumbai and Hyderabad, with 24-carat gold at Rs 14,002 per gram, 22-carat gold at Rs 12,835 per gram, and 18-carat gold retailing at Rs 10,502 per gram.

Foreign investors have sharply pared their exposure to Indian equities in 2025, pulling out close to Rs 2 lakh crore from six key sectors, in what has emerged as one of the harshest bouts of selling seen in recent years. The scale and concentration of the exits have intensified debate on whether the pressure will ease as the year draws to a close or spill into 2026.Data from the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), as reported ET, shows that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have withdrawn Rs 1.6 lakh crore from Indian equities so far this year, signalling a decisive shift in risk appetite after a prolonged period of steady inflows.

Heavy exits concentrated in IT, FMCG and power

The selloff has been led by the information technology sector, which recorded outflows of Rs 79,155 crore. FMCG followed with Rs 32,361 crore, while power stocks saw Rs 25,887 crore exit the segment. Healthcare witnessed withdrawals of Rs 24,324 crore, consumer durables Rs 21,567 crore, and consumer services Rs 19,914 crore, underscoring the breadth of the retreat.“Foreign institutional investors have been net sellers of Indian equities to the tune of US$17.8 billion in CY25, as this liquidity has flowed into other global equity markets such as China, Japan, Europe and the US,” ICICI Securities said, ET quoted. The brokerage added that while Indian markets delivered muted returns, global peers posted gains in the range of 12–61%, with emerging markets returning around 23%.Selling was not limited to the worst-hit sectors. Realty stocks saw outflows of Rs 12,364 crore, financial services Rs 10,894 crore, and automobiles Rs 9,242 crore. In contrast, only a few pockets attracted foreign inflows. Telecom led the list with Rs 47,109 crore, followed by oil and gas at Rs 9,076 crore and services at Rs 8,112 crore.

Will foreign flows turn as 2026 approaches?

Despite the intensity of the exits, some strategists believe the worst of the foreign selling could be nearing an end. Amish Shah, Bank of America’s head of India research, said a reversal in flows is possible, even if inflows take longer to materialise.“We do think that the outflows will at least reverse. Whether that leads to inflows is the debate. But the probability of that $18 billion outflow moving towards zero is quite high,” Shah told ET. He pointed to three potential triggers: expected Nifty returns of around 12%, compared with 4% for the S&P 500, the likelihood of 75 basis points of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a possible weakening of the US dollar, which has historically supported emerging market allocations.Another factor weighing on secondary market flows has been the surge in IPO activity. “FIIs, in CY25, have invested US$7.1 billion in IPOs, which is around 40% of the proceeds they sold in secondary markets,” ICICI Securities noted. At the same time, domestic mutual funds continued to attract strong systematic investment plan (SIP) inflows of Rs 3.2 lakh crore during the year. However, much of this capital was channelled into large-cap stocks and new listings, leaving broader segments exposed to sharper corrections.

Outlook for 2026

Global brokerages remain divided on the outlook. Morgan Stanley said FII positioning is close to cyclical lows but cautioned that sustained buying would depend on a recovery in growth, cooling equity markets elsewhere, or an increase in corporate issuances.Nomura struck a more guarded tone. “We do not anticipate a surge in FII flows, as market valuation at 20.7x one-year forward earnings is close to the recent peak, and earnings growth of 10–15% is not very compelling in our view,” the brokerage said, while adding that sentiment could improve modestly as India’s valuation premium relative to global peers has returned to its historical average.Looking ahead, Axis Securities expects conditions to turn more supportive in the next year. “The year 2026 is expected to be more constructive for Indian equities, transitioning from a period of valuation-led consolidation to an earnings-led market,” it said. The firm advised a ‘buy on dips’ approach with a long-term horizon, favouring financials, domestic consumption plays, selective cyclicals, healthcare and diversified exposure across market capitalisations.ICICI Securities highlighted PSU banks as offering an attractive risk-reward, citing a “revival of credit growth, strong asset quality and valuations at historical means”. It also said IT stocks merit a fresh look after recent corrections, adding that “valuations have hit a floor and CY26E will see growth bouncing back”.Jefferies, meanwhile, maintained an overweight stance on financials, telecom, autos, real estate, cement and utilities, while remaining underweight on IT, consumer staples, industrials and healthcare.

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 incense stick industry, the minister for consumer affairs said in a statement released on National Consumer Day 2025.The ministry released a list of harmful substances. “This includes certain insecticidal chemicals such as alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil, as well as synthetic fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine. Many of these substances are restricted or banned internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality, and ecological safety,” it said.According to the notification, the standard classifies agarbattis into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis, and prescribes norms for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance and chemical parameters. This, the ministry said, will ensure safer products and consistent quality for consumers.Agarbattis are deeply embedded in India’s cultural and religious life and are widely used in homes, places of worship, meditation centres.With rising global demand for incense products growing steadily in India and overseas, the international studies and regulatory developments, “particularly in Europe have raised concerns over the use of certain synthetic chemicals in fragranced products, including incense sticks,” the release stated.Some of these substances have been linked to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, neurological effects and environmental harm when used repeatedly in indoor environments, it added.The standard has been developed by the Fragrance and Flavour Sectional Committee (PCD 18) of BIS after extensive consultations with stakeholders.India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis. The industry is estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore annually, with exports worth nearly Rs 1,200 crore to over 150 countries, including the US, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico.The sector supports a large network of artisans, micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and plays a key role in generating employment, particularly for women.The government said the new standard is “expected to enhance consumer confidence, promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, support traditional artisans, and improve access to global markets. The standard reinforces India’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage while aligning indigenous industries with modern quality and safety expectations. Products complying with this standard can also carry the BIS Standard Mark, helping consumers make informed choices with confidence.“

Whenever global risks rise, investors seek assets that preserve value, and bullion has historically played that role well. (AI image)

Gold and silver dazzled investors in 2025. Gold prices surged close to 80% while silver outshone all asset classes with gains of nearly 150%. Such spectacular returns naturally lead to the question: should one load up on precious metals in 2026?The short answer is yes, but with restraint. The fundamental factors that powered the rally in 2025 are not only intact, but have grown stronger. Geopolitical tensions remain elevated across regions, from prolonged conflicts to renewed strategic rivalries among major powers. The US moves in the Caribbean can put oil on the boil. China’s trade rivalry with the US and the European Union is intensifying. And the Middle East continues to simmer under a fragile ceasefire.In such uncertain times, gold’s role as a safe-haven asset comes to the fore. Whenever global risks rise, investors seek assets that preserve value, and bullion has historically played that role well.Inflation, too, refuses to fade quietly. While headline numbers may moderate in phases, the risk of inflationary flare-ups persists due to supply-chain disruptions, energy shocks and high fiscal spending by governments worldwide. Gold and silver tend to do well when real returns on financial assets are under pressure, acting as a hedge against the erosion of purchasing power.Silver enjoys an additional tailwind. Unlike gold, which is primarily a store of value, silver has significant industrial applications—ranging from electronics to renewable energy and electric vehicles. As the global energy transition gathers pace, demand for silver could remain robust, lending further support to prices.All this suggests that gold and silver can continue to play a useful role in portfolios in 2026. But investors should guard against the mistake of extrapolating recent returns too far into the future. Precious metals rarely move in a straight line. Gold, in particular, is known for long periods of stagnation punctuated by sharp rallies. After a strong run, prices can consolidate for years before the next upswing.That is why allocation matters more than enthusiasm. A prudent approach is to cap combined exposure to gold and silver at around 20–25% of the overall portfolio. This ensures that investors benefit from diversification and downside protection without becoming overly dependent on one asset class.Best ways to investFor most investors, gold and silver ETFs offer the easiest and most cost-effective route. They provide purity, liquidity and transparency, without the hassles of storage or concerns about quality. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are even more attractive for long-term investors. Apart from tracking gold prices, they pay a fixed interest and offer complete capital gains tax exemption if held till maturity, making them tax-efficient.Physical gold still has a place, especially for those who value its universal liquidity. In times of extreme stress, physical gold can be sold almost anywhere in the world. Jewellery, though not the most efficient investment due to making charges, carries its own non-financial returns—emotional satisfaction and social utility—which many households value.The key message for 2026 is balance. Gold and silver remain relevant in a world marked by uncertainty and inflation risks. Maintain your allocation, rebalance if prices run ahead of fundamentals, and use the right investment vehicles. Precious metals work best not as speculative bets, but as steady anchors in a well-diversified portfolio. (Disclaimer: Times of India does not give any personal finance or stock market investment advice. Always consult an expert before taking investment decisions)

One of the most successful exports is the BrahMos missile. (File photo of BrahMos)

By Pawan Khatter For the defence sector, 2025 is the Year of Reforms with various goals, one of which is the focus on new domains such as cyber and space, AI, ML, hypersonics and robotics. 2025 saw several feats in these domains amongst others. DRDO showcased its highly anticipated Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) as part of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. The Indian ecosystem, a dynamic mix of large corporations, MSMEs, start-ups, DPSUs, DRDO, academia and international collaborations with FOEMs, continues to revolutionize defence R&D. Many systems were unveiled this year including various types of unmanned systems, India’s first Generation 5 AI-driven imaging seeker, wing-in ground aircraft, exoskeleton, etc. This growth is driven by the twin goal of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness. The nation’s defence production stands at Rs 1,50,590 crore, ~23% of which has been the private sector’s contribution. There are nearly 16,000 MSMEs integrated into the supply chain of DPSUs and large private defence manufacturers which have emerged as formidable players.Indian defence exports are at a record high of Rs 23,620 crore. One of the most successful exports is the BrahMos missile for which countries like Indonesia, South Africa and from the Middle East are expressing interest. India is amongst the top 5 military spenders in the world with a budget of Rs 6,81,210 crore. Of this, ~Rs 2,67,000 is earmarked for modernization. This modernization is a balance of indigenous acquisitions and meeting immediate requirements through imports where capability is not readily available in the country. In April 2025, India and France signed an ~Rs 63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. Under the FMS route, India shall also import 100 Javelin Missile Systems and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles from the US.In this year of reforms, GoI’s vision also includes enhanced integration. Co-development and international collaborations are therefore vital in the journey towards Atmanirbharta. Towards this end, DRDO will partner with a leading global aerospace major to co-develop a 120 kn aeroengine, a first for India. Further under Project P75I, six submarines will be manufactured in India under a collaborative model.On the policy front, the Ministry of Defence has engaged stakeholders to review and revise the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP). While the industry awaits DAP 2025, the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2009 underwent a comprehensive revision, culminating in the release of DPM 2025 in September 2025. This updated version introduces decentralized decision-making authority aimed at expediting approval processes and minimizing bureaucratic delays. GoI also released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 articulating the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements and offering industry a clear line-of-sight on capability needs over the next 15 years.India’s significant upward trajectory positions the country among the world’s leading military powers. From being a lead importer for decades, India has ranked among the top 25 countries as an exporter of arms. Indigenous production now meets nearly 65% of defence requirements, a remarkable improvement from a decade ago, driven by platforms such as BrahMos, Pinaka, Akash, and Tejas. While the nation has developed cost-effective, battle-proven systems and strong export achieved competitiveness, certain advanced domains—such as next-generation propulsion, stealth technologies, and strategic electronics—remain areas for further development. However, increasing technological sophistication and affordability place India in direct competition with its peers. As the Indian sub-continent aspires to assume the role of a global leader, it is imperative that defence engagement expands beyond arms trade into strategic technology partnerships, joint development, and interoperability initiatives. India has different bilateral agreements that cover emerging technologies and critical mineral security (Australia, Canada, USA, Chile, Congo) to de-risk supply chains, while military diplomacy focuses on co-production ecosystems and multi-domain cooperation—including space, cyber, and AI-driven C4I2 systems. 2026 is on the horizon that builds on the foundation to achieve self-reliance and supply chain resilience, enhanced localisation, integration of legacy systems with emerging technologies, AI-enabled warfare systems, etc. Another dynamic year may be ending, but in this realm of ever-changing global scenarios and technologies, for the Indian Defence Industry, it is yet another beginning.(Pawan Khatter is Partner and National Leader, Aerospace & Defence, EY India. Nayan Nag, Senior Manager, EY India also contributed to the article)

Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ continues its historic box office dominance, crossing Rs. 634.3 crore by Day 22. Despite the Christmas holiday, Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ struggled significantly, earning only Rs. 7.39 crore in two days due to limited screen allocation and the overwhelming popularity of the Ranveer Singh-starrer.

With the Christmas holiday spirit sweeping across theaters, Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ is continuing its historic run at the box office with Day 22. Meanwhile, the new release ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’, a rom-com starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, is struggling to find its footing against the action film.

‘Dhurandhar’ Day 21 collection

On its Day 21 (Thursday), coinciding with the Christmas holiday, ‘Dhurandhar’ saw a massive surge in footfall. The film minted Rs. 26 crore, showing significant growth from its Wednesday collection of Rs. 18 crore. This brings its total domestic net to a staggering Rs. 633.50 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ Day 22 collections

Despite the release of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ last week and ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ this week, the Ranveer Singh-starrer continued to persist as the primary choice for audiences, especially in mass circuits and multiplexes.Day 22 for the film has begun with a collection of Rs. 3.22 crore by afternoon, making its total collection to Rs. 636.72 crore.

‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ Day 1 and Day 2 collections

A rom-com that released on December 25, the Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday starrer opened to Rs. 7.50 crore according to early estimates, reported by Sacnilk. While the film has courted decent reviews, notwithstanding the flak received for its songs, ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ and ‘Sajanji Ghar Aye’, it faced a severe crunch with respect to screen allocations. Projected for major urban markets, the film remained dominated by ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Avatar 3’.Additionally, with advance bookings failing to cross the Rs. 1 crore mark prior to its release, the film now relies heavily on positive word-of-mouth to survive the upcoming weekend.On Day 2, the film has begun by collecting Rs. 0.55 crore by afternoon, taking its total collection to Rs. 7.8 crore.

Day wise collections of ‘Dhurandhar’

Day 1 [1st Friday] Rs. 28 CrDay 2 [1st Saturday] Rs. 32 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday] Rs. 43 CrDay 4 [1st Monday] Rs. 23.25 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday] Rs. 27 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday] Rs. 27 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday] Rs. 27 CrWeek 1 Collection Rs. 207.25 CrDay 8 [2nd Friday] Rs. 32.5 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday] Rs. 53 CrDay 10 [2nd Sunday] Rs. 58 CrDay 11 [2nd Monday] Rs. 30.5 CrDay 12 [2nd Tuesday] Rs. 30.5 CrDay 13 [2nd Wednesday] Rs. 25.5 CrDay 14 [2nd Thursday] Rs. 23.25 CrWeek 2 Collection Rs. 253.25 CrDay 15 [3rd Friday] Rs. 22.5 CrDay 16 [3rd Saturday] Rs. 34.25 CrDay 17 [3rd Sunday] Rs. 38.5 CrDay 18 [3rd Monday] Rs. 16.5 CrDay 19 [3rd Tuesday] Rs. 17.25 CrDay 20 [3rd Wednesday] Rs. 18 CrDay 21 [3rd Thursday] Rs. 26 Cr Week 3 Collection Rs. 173 CrDay 22 [3rd Friday] Rs. 3.22 Cr **Total Rs. 636.72 Cr

Day wise collection of ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’

Day 1 [1st Thursday] Rs. 7.25 Cr Day 2 [1st Friday] Rs. 0.55 Cr **Total Rs. 7.8 CrDISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. While we strive for accuracy, all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned, offering a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.