India witnessed several significant developments across business, technology and policy on Thursday, with the country's gold demand declining during the April–June quarter, the Centre acknowledging the impact of E20 fuel on older vehicles, and offline messaging platform BitChat introducing a new app-sharing feature for Android users.

Here are the top business stories of the day.

Gold Demand Declines 6% in April–June Quarter

India's gold demand fell 6 per cent year-on-year during the April–June quarter to 131.4 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

The country's gold consumption stood at 139.7 tonnes during the corresponding period last year.

Industry analysts attribute the decline primarily to higher gold prices and increased customs duty, while the World Gold Council also noted that changing consumer buying patterns and restrained purchases contributed to lower demand.

The report comes at a time when domestic gold prices remain near record highs, prompting consumers to postpone discretionary jewellery purchases.

Government Admits E20 Fuel May Affect Older Vehicles

In a significant policy acknowledgment, the Central Government has stated that E20 petrol, which contains 20 per cent ethanol blending, may affect certain components in older vehicles.

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said some BS-3 vehicles, largely manufactured between 2005 and 2016, may require replacement of rubber components and gaskets after prolonged use of E20 fuel.

However, the minister clarified that the fuel does not require engine replacement, and the affected parts can be changed during routine servicing.

India has been expanding ethanol blending in petrol as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports and promote cleaner fuel usage.

BitChat Introduces Offline App Sharing

Offline messaging platform BitChat, developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has announced a new feature enabling Android users to install the application without internet access.

The update allows users to transfer and install the application directly from one Android device to another using Bluetooth, eliminating the need for Google Play Store, GitHub or an internet connection.

The company announced the feature on social media platform X, positioning the application as a communication tool capable of functioning even during internet shutdowns or limited connectivity.

BitChat recently drew attention after reports suggested it had been used during youth-led demonstrations because of its ability to exchange messages without relying on conventional internet infrastructure.

Loan Against Fixed Deposit Can Reduce Borrowing Cost

Financial experts continue to advise deposit holders to consider taking a loan against a Fixed Deposit (FD) instead of prematurely breaking the investment during emergencies.

A loan against an FD generally carries an interest rate only slightly higher than the FD's earning rate, allowing investors to retain interest income while meeting immediate financial requirements.

Such loans are commonly used for medical emergencies, education expenses, home repairs and other short-term funding needs without disrupting long-term savings.

Patanjali Group Gets IRDAI Approval for Magma General Insurance Acquisition

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved the proposed acquisition of Magma General Insurance by Patanjali Ayurved and the Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group.

According to the company's regulatory filing, the approval was granted on July 28 and will remain valid for three months, during which the transaction is expected to be completed.

Media reports estimate the acquisition value at around ₹4,500 crore. The transaction, originally announced in March 2025, marks Patanjali Group's entry into the general insurance sector, subject to completion of regulatory formalities.

Markets Eye Fresh Cues

Investors will continue to monitor commodity prices, corporate earnings, domestic policy announcements and global market developments for fresh direction. Gold demand trends, fuel policy changes and financial sector consolidation are expected to remain key themes influencing business sentiment in the coming weeks.

The Centre has acknowledged that the use of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol, may require replacement of certain rubber components and gaskets in some older vehicles. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, said some vehicles built to BS3 standards may need such components replaced when using E20 fuel. These vehicles were largely manufactured between 2005 and 2016. Gadkari, however, made it clear that the issue does not mean engines need to be replaced or modified. According to the government's response, the affected rubber parts can generally be checked and replaced during routine servicing. The clarification is significant amid an ongoing debate over the impact of ethanol-blended petrol on older vehicles and concerns among motorists about mileage, maintenance and compatibility.

Gadkari cited studies conducted by Indian Oil, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) on two-wheelers and four-wheelers using E20 fuel. According to him, these studies did not find any major impact on the overall performance or durability of vehicles. He also said fuel economy cannot be attributed to the type of fuel alone, as mileage depends on several factors including driving style, road conditions and vehicle maintenance. The components that could potentially require attention in older vehicles include pipes, O-rings, rubber seals, fuel hoses, gaskets, rubber components in fuel pumps and injector seals. Most of these are part of the fuel delivery system rather than the engine itself. Older rubber materials were not necessarily designed for prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of ethanol, which can over time cause some materials to harden, soften or swell.

Vehicles below Euro 4 standards, including many BS3 two-wheelers and four-wheelers manufactured before 2016, could require greater attention to these components. The actual replacement cost will depend on the vehicle and model. According to the details provided, replacement could cost roughly ₹500 to ₹1,500 for two-wheelers and around ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 for four-wheelers, though premium vehicles may cost more. There is also no fixed period or kilometre interval after which these parts must necessarily be replaced. Instead, owners may need to get them inspected during routine servicing and replace them if signs of wear, leakage or deterioration appear. The information provided also indicates that while rubber components are the main area of concern, some effects on metal components in older Euro 4 and below vehicles may also be possible. The government's position is that vehicles will not suddenly stop functioning simply because E20 petrol is used, but owners of older models may need to pay closer attention to maintenance. For motorists with BS3 vehicles, the key message from the Rajya Sabha response is therefore not that an engine replacement is required, but that certain fuel-system components may need inspection and replacement depending on their condition.