Business

Government capital expenditure may cross Rs 12 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026-27, according to an SBI report. The study projects higher infrastructure spending, modest revenue growth and a fiscal deficit of around 4.2 per cent of GDP

Gold and silver prices scaled record highs on Wednesday, driven by strong buying, a weakening US dollar and rising geopolitical tensions. MCX gold rose to Rs 1,62,387 per 10 grams, while silver surged over 6 per cent amid robust global demand.

The Union Health Ministry has eased pharmaceutical regulations, allowing companies to start drug development and low-risk clinical studies via online intimation to CDSCO, cutting approval timelines, reducing regulatory burden, and boosting research and innovation in the Indian pharma sector

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India emerged on top in the India-EU free trade agreement, gaining greater market access and mobility benefits. He noted EU’s globalization push amid US protectionism and highlighted ongoing concerns over India’s Russian oil purchases

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade on Wednesday, extending the previous session’s rally, as optimism over the landmark India–EU free trade agreement boosted investor sentiment despite continued foreign fund outflows.

The rupee strengthened by 11 paise to 91.57 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, aided by a softer dollar index and optimism following the landmark India–EU free trade agreement, forex traders said.

Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, extending gains on optimism over the landmark India-EU free trade agreement. Banking, energy and defence stocks led advances, while Asian Paints slid on weak earnings. FIIs sold, DIIs bought heavily amid global cues

Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer says FTA will strongly drive technological innovation within the Indian automotive sector

India has safeguarded sensitive sectors, including dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, certain fruits and vegetables, balancing export growth with domestic priorities

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement underscores stability and rules-based cooperation at a time of global uncertainty

India and the European Union signed a landmark free trade agreement, described as the “mother of all deals,” aiming to create a market of two billion people. The pact will cut tariffs on most goods, boost key sectors, and deepen strategic cooperation, alongside defence and mobility agreements

Traditional ritual marks the lock-in of Budget officials as Finance Minister prepares to present her ninth consecutive Budget amid 7.6% GDP growth expectations and global headwinds

PM Narendra Modi invited global investors to India’s energy sector, highlighting a USD 500 billion opportunity. He outlined plans to expand refining capacity, LNG infrastructure, city gas distribution, and oil exploration, aiming for USD 100 billion investment by 2030

Gold and silver surged to record highs on Tuesday amid a weaker dollar, geopolitical tensions and expectations of US Fed rate cuts. Safe-haven demand and central-bank buying lifted MCX gold and silver, while analysts see further upside despite possible near-term consolidation

Sensex and Nifty rebounded from early losses to trade higher Tuesday, aided by firm global cues and buying in bank stocks. Axis Bank surged after Q3 results, while Kotak Bank fell; investors tracked FII-DII flows and crude prices overseas markets

Rupee rebounded 10 paise to 91.80 per dollar Tuesday after retreat in dollar index. Recovery followed record lows amid global uncertainty, FII outflows and weak equities, while traders cited undervaluation, rising reserves and pending US trade deal as stabilising factors

A Cisco report revealed that 97 per cent of Indian firms have expanded privacy frameworks to support responsible AI use. While businesses see benefits like innovation and customer trust, challenges remain in data governance and cross-border data flows

India and the European Union have concluded official-level negotiations for a long-pending free trade agreement, paving the way for expanded trade, duty-free access for key sectors and deeper economic integration, with a formal announcement expected at the India-EU Summit

PVR INOX will divest its premium snacking brand 4700BC to Marico Ltd for Rs 226.8 crore in an all-cash deal. The move will help the multiplex operator reduce debt and focus on its core cinema exhibition business

Reliance Industries has not bought Russian crude oil in January so far, while state-run refiners increased imports amid heavy discounts, according to data. Overall Russian oil imports into India dipped slightly due to the impact of US and EU sanctions

The proposed India-EU free trade agreement, set to be announced on January 27, is expected to include import duty cuts on labour-intensive sectors, automobiles and wines, along with liberalised norms in services, sources said

Reliance Industries halted Russian crude purchases in January as Indian state refiners boosted imports amid steep discounts. IOC and BPCL raised intake, while Nayara Energy continued heavy buying, reflecting shifts driven by sanctions, pricing and evolving supply channels

President Droupadi Murmu and Republic Day Chief Guests arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy as India showcased military strength, cultural diversity and 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ during a grand parade marked by advanced defence platforms and a spectacular flypast.

MMTC-PAMP plans to start silver recycling at select stores within three months to meet rising demand and supply constraints. The company will expand minting, digital commerce, and silver offerings, citing record silver prices and growing investor interest