India’s Air Force Now Stronger Than China’s

India has officially overtaken China to become the third most powerful air force in the world, according to the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA).

Global Air Power Rankings:

* United States - TVR 242.9

* Russia - TVR 114.2

* India - TVR 69.4

* China - TVR 63.8

The WDMMA report credited India’s rise to its strong pilot training, diverse fighter fleet, and advanced operational readiness.

Key aircraft like the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, and Mirage-2000 have given India a balanced mix of speed, power, and versatility. The report also mentioned Operation Sindoor, which showcased India’s high level of tactical coordination and logistical strength, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable air power in Asia.

Gold and Silver Demand Skyrockets Before Diwali

In the run-up to Diwali and Dhanteras, gold and silver prices soared amid strong festive buying and safe-haven demand.

* Gold: ₹1,28,395 per 10 grams

* Silver: ₹1,64,660 per kilogram

Experts attribute this rally to central bank buying, heavy ETF inflows, and rising global uncertainty, which have driven investors towards precious metals. Some local markets are even reporting shortages of physical silver, reflecting the surge in demand. However, on Dhanteras day (October 18, 2025), prices eased slightly, offering some relief to buyers. Gold now stands at around ₹13,086 per gram (₹1,30,860 for 10 grams), while silver is priced near ₹1,72,000 per kilogram. Despite the drop, gold futures on the MCX touched a new lifetime high of ₹1,32,294 per 10 grams, showing strong investor appetite. Silver futures too hit a record of ₹1,70,415 per kilogram before cooling off slightly.

GST Reforms Spark Festive Consumption Boom

Nearly a month after the new GST 2.0 rates came into effect, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and IT & Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Indians are already benefiting from the tax cuts. Out of 54 essential daily-use items monitored by the government, Sitharaman confirmed that all tax benefits have been passed on to consumers.

The result : a massive surge in sales during the Navratri season.

* Passenger vehicle dispatches: 3.72 lakh units

* Two-wheeler sales: 21.6 lakh units

* Three-wheeler sales: Up 5.5% YoY

Electronics also saw record demand - air conditioner sales doubled, and TV sales rose 30–35% on day one of the new GST rates. According to Vaishnaw, consumption may rise by over 10% this year, adding nearly ₹20 lakh crore in extra spending. He also revealed that India has surpassed China in exporting smartphones to the U.S., showing how domestic reforms are translating into global competitiveness.

The Bigger Picture

This week captured India’s growing strength on two fronts - military and economic. The Air Force’s global rise reflects years of modernization and readiness. The GST-driven consumption boom highlights rising confidence among Indian consumers. And amid global uncertainty, the love for gold and silver continues to shine bright this festive season. Whether in the skies or in the markets, India’s power story is clearly taking off.

Sources

The Economics Times

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