He said the austerity measures would reduce India’s fuel use and help save foreign exchange.
Modi urges Indians to work from home and limit foreign travel as Iran war continues
Jewellery stocks today: Share prices sink up to 9% after PM Modi calls to cut gold purchases
Jewellery segment shares fell sharply on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to cut gold purchases. Share prices of Senco Gold and Kalyan Jewellerys tumbled over 8% while Titan was down over 6%.Speaking in a rally earlier on Sunday, PM Modi called citizens to help preserve foreign exchange reserves. His appeal included avoiding unnecessary foreign travel, overseas vacations and weddings abroad, while favouring domestic tourism. He also called on people to avoid non-essential gold purchases for the next year to reduce pressure on foreign exchange outflows.The statement triggered a sharp sell-off in jewellery stocks, as investors racted to the potential impact on demand. Senco Gold was down 8.69% or 31 points to 333 on the BSE, Titan lost 6.45% or 291 points to trade at 4,222 as of 11:11 am. Kalyan Jewellers trimmed 8.3% to 389, and PC Jeweller declined 3.26% to 9.Meanwhile, Dalal Street also traded in red, with benchmark indices sliding amid a mix of geopolitical uncertainty, climbing oil prices, and renewed worries over foreign exchange conservation following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks.The BSE Sensex fell to 76,400.71, declining 927.48 points or 1.20% while the Nifty 50 was down to 23,916.35, shedding 259.80 points or 1.07%.Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market expert, said, “India is a different story and the PM in a public gathering spoke of the energy supply and price challenges for the Indian economy and the need to take measures to reduce energy dependence and imports while conserving foreign exchange. Indian markets are pointing to a weak open. Expectations of petrol and diesel price hikes this week are high as OMC losses are running at Rs 30,000 crores per month.“Bagga also flagged global geopolitical developments as a critical overhang for markets, particularly around the US-Iran situation. He said, “Markets are focusing on the AI/Big Tech momentum and ignoring the tail risks from a re-escalation from US- Iran. Netanyahu in an interview yesterday, said that he sees the Iran war as not over till Iran’s nuclear facilities are obliterated. The second-order conclusion is that China, which controls Iran, has not deemed it fit to help the Trump-Xi Summit by pressurising Iran to agree to at least a temporary truce.“On the implications for upcoming diplomatic developments, the expert added that this may temper hopes from the Trump-Xi Summit, saying, “expect Trump to transactionally try to blind side Xi, while the Chinese will come well prepared with countermeasures to keep the narrative in control.”Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist, Anand Rathi, said in a report that despite broader optimism, crude-related risks continued to shape investor caution. “Markets stayed optimistic, but nerves around crude never really left the room. Indian equities still ended higher, with broader markets outperforming as midcaps and smallcaps extended their strong rally. Autos and IT supported sentiment, while banks and metals struggled under earnings disappointments and rising global uncertainty.“He said India’s economic fundamentals remained firm, with stronger PMI trends and domestic demand offering support, but warned that elevated oil prices, logistical disruptions and tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz were keeping inflation concerns in focus.“Central banks globally remained cautious on rate cuts as energy-led price pressures continued to complicate the outlook. Growth is holding up, but global risks are beginning to make resilience more expensive,” Hajra said.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
Mother’s Day 2026 Special: 5 Delicious Yet Healthy Sweets With Summer Fruits That Will Show Your Mom You Care
Mother’s Day is a celebration of love, gratitude and the countless ways in which mothers nourish us and what better way to honor them than with nourishing food in return? As the scorching Indian summer begins, it brings with it an abundance of vibrant fruits, cool flavors and natural sweetness making it the perfect season to explore sweets that are as good for the body as they are for the soul.
Why eat healthy sweets?
Dessert is about indulgence by default, right, so it’s fair to wonder why we would bother with the concept of a ‘healthy’ version? But eating healthy is about more than just losing weight. Emerging research continues to highlight the powerful connection between diet and mental well-being. a milestone 2018Review The study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats are strongly linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Feeding people we love food made from such ingredients is not only delicious, but it is an act of genuine caring.
Refined sugars and ultra-processed sweets, in contrast, have been linked to inflammatory reactions and energy crashes. A2019 group studyThe BMJ found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Swapping these out, think avocado, mango, coconut, blueberries, and dates for naturally sweet, whole-food options that allow everyone at the table to enjoy without the guilt.
This Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up five summer-ready sweets that are in the lap of nature. From silky blueberry ricotta tart to cooling lime panna cotta, each recipe is crafted to be indulgent without compromise. Many are dairy-free, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free and they’re all made with love. Because mother deserves this.
Lemon Ricotta and Blueberry Tart
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-dense fruits available, and a 2013 study The European Journal of Nutrition found that regular consumption is associated with improvements in cardiovascular markers. With the light protein profile of spelled flour and the probiotic potential of ricotta, this tart is truly a nutritional feast.
Material
crust
240 grams white flour (or wheat flour)
¼ tsp fine sea salt
170 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
peel of 1 orange
45 ml ice-cold water
30 ml cream
to fill
240 ml double cream
250 grams full-fat ricotta
1½ tbsp runny honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
peel of 1 lemon
280 grams fresh blueberries
Method
crust
Heat the oven to 190°C. Grind the flour, salt, butter and orange peel in a food processor until it resembles fine crumbs. Add ice water and cream; Beat until the dough comes together.
Shape into a disk, wrap tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out on a floured surface to fit the tart tin. Press, trim the edges and punch a hole at the base. And refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Line with foil and baking beans. Bake for 20 minutes, remove foil, and bake for another 8 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to cool completely.
to fill
Whip the cream until stiff peaks. Mix the ricotta, honey, vanilla and lemon peel until smooth and airy.
Spoon the filling into the cooled tart case and level the surface. Arrange blueberries generously on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Avocado and Lime Raw Chocolate Tart
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and folate. A 2022 study The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating two or more servings of avocado per week reduced the risk of heart disease. Raw pecan crusts have a boost of magnesium and healthy fats without requiring a single degree of baking.
Material
crust
120 grams walnuts
45 grams dry coconut
35 grams cocoa nibs or 50 grams raw cocoa powder
110 g soft Medjool dates, pitted
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
to fill
450 grams ripe avocado pulp (about 4-5 avocados)
120 ml full-fat coconut cream
Peel and juice of 4 lemons
100 ml maple syrup
60 ml coconut oil, melted
Zest of 2 extra lemons for finishing
Method
crust
Line a baking tin with baking parchment. Roast the walnuts and desiccated coconut on a lined tray at 175°C for 4 minutes, while watching carefully. Leave to cool a little.
Transfer to a food processor with the cacao nibs, cocoa powder, dates and coconut oil. Blitz until crumbly but easily pressed together – add an additional date if necessary.
Press firmly into the prepared tin base. Keep it in the fridge while you make the stuffing.
to fill
Mix avocado, coconut cream, lime peel, lime juice, maple syrup and coconut oil until completely smooth. Taste and adjust lemon or sweetness.
Pour over cooled crust and smooth. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
Run a hot knife around the edges, remove the tin, and grate the lemon peel over the top before cutting. Best consumed within 2 days.
Mango and Saffron Kulfi with Crushed Pistachios
Kulfi is one of India’s most beloved frozen desserts, and its main ingredients – milk and dry fruits – have real nutritional value. Mango, the star of this recipe, is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene; A Review Extensive reviews in food science and food safety have highlighted the polyphenol content of mangoes and their potential anti-inflammatory properties. Saffron adds its own gentle antioxidant profile, making it a delicious treat that deserves its place on the guilt-free table.
Material
500 ml milk, well chilled
200 grams sweetened condensed milk
150 ml double cream
2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped (about 300 grams pulp)
2 tbsp caster sugar (adjust to taste)
Soak a pinch of saffron threads in 1 tablespoon warm milk
½ tsp ground cardamom
For serving 40 grams mixed dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, cashews), finely chopped
Method
Mix cold milk, condensed milk, sugar and mango pieces until completely smooth and no fibrous pulp is left.
Add cream, saffron milk and cardamom. Blend briefly to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness.
Pour into kulfi molds or small freezer-safe cups. Seal with a lid or cling film and insert the lolly sticks when partially set (about 45 minutes).
Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
To open the mold, place the mold under hot water for a while. Roll each kulfi in chopped dry fruits and serve immediately.
Pineapple, Mango and Lime Ice Lollies
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been studied for potential anti-inflammatory effects. A 2016 review Bromelain’s promising role in reducing markers of inflammation has been noted in evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Combined with vitamin-C-rich lemon, these lollies are as refreshing as they are healthy – and with a simple light sugar syrup, they keep the sophisticated sweetness strong.
Material
110 grams golden caster sugar
380 grams frozen pineapple pieces
380 grams frozen mango pieces
Peel and juice of 2 lemons
a small pinch of flaky sea salt
Method
Gently heat 200ml water with the caster sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.
Add frozen pineapple, frozen mango, lemon juice, lemon peel, sea salt and cooled sugar syrup to a blender. Pulse in short bursts – you want a slightly textured, sticky consistency rather than a smooth puree.
Pour into ice lolly mould. Fix the lids and insert the sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
To release, dip each mold in hot water for a while and take out gently. Serve immediately.
Coconut and Oat Milk Panna Cotta with Fresh Mango
This beautiful panna cotta swaps out traditional cream for a combination of coconut milk and oat milk – a change that brings both a lower saturated fat profile and, in the case of oat milk, a source of beta-glucan. A 2022 review The well-established role of beta-glucan in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels was confirmed. Light, wobbly, and topped with jewel-like mango – this is one dessert that feels special without being heavy.
Material
400 ml canned coconut milk (full fat is fine)
170 ml oat milk (or any plant milk)
2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
20 grams caster sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped
1 lemon, peeled
1 teaspoon neutral oil, for lubrication
Method
Lightly rub a little neutral oil to grease the insides of four ramekins, small mugs, or any heatproof cups you have. Set them on a tray.
Add canned coconut milk and oat milk to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle powdered gelatin and beat well until no lumps remain. It’s easier if you do it before the heat rises.
Add 20 grams of caster sugar (or sweetener of your choice) and place the pan on medium flame. Stir regularly for about 5 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble at the edges. Immediately remove it from the flame and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to it.
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared mold. Leave to cool on the counter for 3 hours, then cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Trump calls Iran response “totally unacceptable” | Show Types
Al Jazeera’s Rosalind Jordan and Almigdad Alruhaid report on the latest developments after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to the US peace proposal, as negotiations increasingly focus on sanctions, ceasefire guarantees, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Published On 11 May 2026
Dua Lipa says Samsung used her image to sell TVs without consent, files $15 million lawsuit
British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics seeking at least $15 million in damages, accusing the South Korean tech giant of using her image without permission to market its television sets. The lawsuit alleges that Samsung featured a copyrighted image of the pop star on the front of cardboard boxes containing televisions for retail sale, enabling the company to benefit from what seemed like her endorsement of the product. The image alleged to have been used on the TV boxes is titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” and Lipa is the owner of all rights, title and interest in the image, the lawsuit said. The suit was filed on Friday in the California federal court.
A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics declined to comment, saying it was unable to comment on pending litigation, while Dua Lipa‘s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the case. Besides copyright and trademark infringement, Dua Lipa has accused Samsung Electronics of breaching publicity rights.
Lipa’s lawyers have attached screenshots of social media postings and comments in the filing claiming that the pop star’s image on the front of the boxes pushed potential customers to purchase the product. One of these screenshots shows a fan commenting that they would get the TV “just because Dua is on it.” The “Levitating” singer became aware of Samsung’s alleged infringement in June last year and demanded that Samsung stop using her image, but the electronics manufacturer repeatedly refused to do so, her lawyers said.
Samsung’s alleged unauthorised use of Dua Lipa’s image has “caused and continues to cause dilution” of the pop star’s “brand identity and commercial goodwill by falsely conveying to the consuming public that she approves of and endorses” the products in question, they added.
French national shows symptoms on return from hantavirus-hit ship
Five passengers of the MV Hondius will be quarantined in Paris “until further notice”, France’s prime minister says.
Oil prices today: Crude jumps after Trump rejects Iran’s latest offer; Strait of Hormuz remains shut
Oil prices surged sharply on Monday after tensions in the Middle East intensified and the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz continues to stay shut, with disruptions now having crossed 70 days. Meanwhile, the Middle East conflict has continued to intensify as US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal and Iran issued fresh threats of violence in the Strait of Hormuz, reigniting fears over global energy supply routes.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, climbed 2.69% to $104.01 a barrel for July delivery. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 2.54% to $97.84 a barrel.The rally came as hopes of an imminent end to the 10-week-long US-Iran conflict faded. Trump on Sunday described Iran’s response to a US-backed peace proposal as “unacceptable”, effectively dampening expectations of breakthrough talks that could have restored stability to oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Attention has now shifted to Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing on Wednesday, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. US officials said discussions are expected to focus on trade ties between the two nations and the Iran situation.“Market attention now shifts squarely to President Trump’s visit to China this week,” IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note. “There is hope he can persuade Beijing to leverage its influence over Iran to push for a comprehensive ceasefire and a resolution to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.”Adding to supply concerns, Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser warned on Sunday that the global market has already lost around one billion barrels of oil over the past two months. He cautioned that even if supply normalises, energy markets would take time to stabilise.Meanwhile, shipping data from Kpler indicated that at least two crude-laden tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz last week with their tracking systems switched off, a growing tactic aimed at avoiding potential Iranian attacks and keeping Middle East oil exports moving despite heightened risks.Oil prices have continued to be volatile since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. After the attack, Tehran retaliated by tightening its noose on the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, world’s oil pipeline that carries 20% of global energy supplies.
From airlines to gold: PM Modi’s speech has put 5 sectors on alert. explainer news
Last updated:
The repeated mention of WFH, reducing imports, avoiding sleep, cutting fuel usage and “living responsibly during difficult times” shows that the government is preparing citizens.
The sectors that are likely to have the biggest impact of the economic shock are the same sectors that PM Modi has repeatedly mentioned in his speech. (AI-generated image)
Prime Minister Narendra ModiHis speech in Telangana on Sunday seemed less like a routine conservation appeal and more like a sign of economic caution from the government at a time of growing stress on global energy markets and India’s foreign exchange reserves.
In the backdrop of prolonged conflict in West Asia and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, PM Modi urges Indians to revive Work-from-home practices in the COVID-eraPostpone non-essential foreign travel, Reduce use of petrol and dieselAvoid buying gold for a year, cut down on edible oil consumption and reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilizers.
“Today, the need of the hour is that we resume those practices,” the Prime Minister said, referring to WFH, online meetings and video conferences. He also said, “Gold purchasing is another area where foreign exchange is used extensively,” and appealed to citizens to avoid buying gold for weddings for a year.
Read this also PM Modi wants Indians to avoid buying gold for a year, but why is this yellow metal the focus in weddings?
The comments came as crude oil prices reportedly rose from around $70 a barrel to around $126 amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions, according to the Times of India. India imports about 90 percent of its crude oil needs, making the economy particularly vulnerable to oil shocks and dollar outflows.
The sectors that are likely to have the biggest impact of the economic shock are the same sectors that PM Modi has repeatedly mentioned in his speech.
1. Aviation, tourism and outbound travel
PM Modi’s call to suspend “unnecessary foreign travel” and resume work from home directly points to pressure building in aviation and travel.
Airlines are the first casualties of any oil shock as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) accounts for about 35–45 percent of operating costs. Indian airlines also pay aircraft lease rentals, maintenance contracts and insurance in dollars. According to Reuters report, this means that a weak rupee and expensive crude oil combine to create severe cost pressures.
The government’s messaging shows it expects further increases in ATF prices, higher ticket fares, lower discretionary travel demand and a decline in corporate travel.
Read this also WFH push, avoid foreign travel and gold buying: Is PM’s appeal a sign of bigger steps?
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on online meetings, video conferences, working from home and reducing travel effectively signals that demand destruction could form part of India’s economic adjustment strategy, The Times of India reports.
India’s outbound tourism sector has gained momentum after the pandemic. But foreign travel is foreign exchange-intensive as Indians spend heavily on hotels, shopping, airline tickets, education and luxury consumption abroad. If the government informally discourages foreign travel, the impact could spill over to airlines, travel portals, luxury tourism, foreign exchange companies, airport retail, visa services and premium hospitality. This signal becomes stronger because PM Modi has directly linked foreign travel with conservation of foreign exchange.
2. Oil Marketing, Transportation and Logistics
This is the central tension point behind PM Modi’s entire speech.
India consumes about 5.5 million barrels of oil per day and imports most of it. Every sustained rise in crude oil prices increases the import bill rapidly and puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
PM Modi repeatedly stressed: “We should use imported petroleum products only as per requirement.”
He also urged metro use, carpooling, EV adoption and rail freight movement. They are not random lifestyle suggestions. They are targeted efforts to reduce oil demand in transportation, India’s largest fuel-consuming sector.
According to India Today, oil companies are incurring losses of around Rs 30,000 crore every month. The under-recovery of petrol is around Rs 24 per litre, while the under-recovery of diesel is around Rs 30 per litre. This means oil marketing companies may soon be forced to raise prices, suffer losses or seek government support. Each of these options harms development.
Higher diesel prices also affect trucking, delivery companies, e-commerce logistics, bus operators, cab services, shipping and FMCG distribution. Transport inflation then spreads to food prices, retail inflation, manufacturing costs and household budgets.
This explains why PM Modi saw fuel conservation as a “national interest” rather than just individual savings.
3. Fertilizer, Agriculture and Rural Economy
One of the strongest warnings in the Prime Minister’s speech concerned fertilizersAs he said: “We must halve the consumption of chemical fertilizers.”
This is politically significant as fertilizer is one of India’s most sensitive subsidy sectors.
India imports large quantities of urea, DAP, potash and fertilizer raw materials. Fertilizer production is closely linked to natural gas prices, global energy markets, and shipping costs. As energy prices rise, fertilizer subsidies increase.
PM Modi clearly linked fertilizer imports to forex tensions, saying: “Another sector that consumes forex is our agriculture.”
If fertilizer prices rise or subsidies become unsustainable, farming costs increase, agricultural margins decline, food inflation increases and rural demand weakens. Farmers also face high diesel costs, expensive transportation and rising input prices for irrigation. This may affect tractor demand, agri-equipment sales, rural FMCG and two-wheeler markets.
The PM’s emphasis on natural farming is also an economic hedge. Reducing imported fertilizer dependence reduces foreign exchange outflow, reduces the subsidy burden and protects agriculture from global commodity volatility. This is why the government is increasingly framing natural farming as both an environmental and economic policy.
4. Gold, luxury consumption and imported consumer goods
Perhaps the most special part of PM Modi’s speech was his appeal to Indians. don’t want to buy gold For weddings for one year. In India, this is an extraordinary request as purchasing gold is culturally ingrained.
India is one of the world’s largest gold importers. Gold imports cost billions of dollars, increase the current account deficit and put pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Unlike industrial imports, gold does not directly boost productive capacity.
If households cut discretionary imports, jewelery retail, luxury fashion, imported electronics, premium appliances, high-end cars and luxury malls could come under pressure. Many consumer electronics sectors are highly import dependent due to semiconductors, batteries, display panels and components sourced from abroad.
Reuters says the weak rupee makes their land costs rise sharply.
The government is concerned that higher oil imports, rising gold imports and slowing exports could widen India’s trade deficit. That is why PM Modi also emphasized on “Make in India” products during the same speech.
5. Manufacturing, MSME and Industrial Production
The broader manufacturing economy may face prolonged stress as almost every industrial sector depends on imported energy.
Higher oil and gas prices affect electricity, freight, chemicals, plastics, packaging, metals and industrial transportation.
MSMEs are particularly vulnerable. Small manufacturers typically operate on low margins, limited pricing power, and expensive working capital. Therefore rising fuel costs, logistics costs, imported raw material prices and interest rates can rapidly reduce profitability.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is also disrupting shipping routes and freight costs globally. This poses a risk to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, auto components, engineering goods and textiles.
Even if shipping costs rise, crude oil-related inputs increase, and supply chains remain unstable, exporters may not fully benefit from the weak rupee.
The Prime Minister’s appeal to businesses to move goods by rail rather than by road was another signal that the government expects transportation fuel costs to remain high for longer.
coordinated push
Overall, PM Modi’s comments resemble a pre-emptive economic mobilization message.
India has so far shielded consumers from the full impact of the oil shock through tax cuts and price controls, but the speech strongly suggests that the government expects continued pressure on crude prices, a strain on foreign exchange reserves, imported inflation and potentially higher fuel prices soon.
Repeated mentions of working from home, reducing imports, avoiding sleep, cutting fuel use, natural farming and “living responsibly during difficult times” show that the government is preparing citizens for potentially longer-term external economic shocks rather than short-term disruption.
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Gaza documentary dropped by the BBC wins BAFTA | Gaza
A documentary exposing Israel’s attacks on Gaza’s hospitals and the killing of 1,700 Palestinian medics won Best Current Affairs at the BAFTAs. During the acceptance speech, filmmakers criticised the BBC for initially funding the film but dropping it, accusing the broadcaster of censorship.
Published On 11 May 2026
Thailand's divisive ex-PM is out of jail, but is the Thaksin era over?
Thaksin seems incapable of taking a back seat. This time, it really could be different.
