The Economic Times

India will be the partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. Over 160 exhibitors from 25 states will present processed foods, frozen products, and pulses. This participation aims to boost India's agri exports. The event aligns with opportunities from the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The government has approved wage revisions for public sector general insurance employees and Nabard staff, with a 12.41% hike for insurers effective August 2022. Pension revisions for RBI and Nabard retirees have also been sanctioned, enhancing benefits for thousands of former employees and their families.

India's private sector activity rebounded in January, with the HSBC Flash Composite Output Index rising to 59.5, driven by faster growth in new orders and output. Business sentiment improved, reaching a three-month high, as both manufacturing and services sectors saw accelerated growth. Hiring resumed, and input prices rose at their fastest pace in four months.

India's economic growth measurement is undergoing a significant overhaul, with the statistics ministry proposing the use of granular data and new benchmark techniques for quarterly GDP estimates. These revisions, set to be implemented alongside the GDP base year rebasing to 2022-23, will also impact sub-national accounts and key economic sectors.

National Small Savings Fund collections have reached 2.17 lakh crore, nearing two-thirds of the fiscal year's budget estimate. Officials anticipate exceeding the target due to year-end tax-saving rushes, providing the government with additional comfort and reducing market borrowing needs.

Global trade is undergoing a major shift due to geopolitical uncertainty. India is strategically positioned to benefit from this transformation over the next ten years. New trade routes are emerging, connecting India with the Middle East, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the European Union.

India and the European Union are nearing a significant Free Trade Agreement. Ambassadors from EU nations, including Italy, Estonia, and Malta, are optimistic about its conclusion. This deal is expected to boost trade and strengthen defense and strategic ties.

Indias states fiscal deficit has widened to 3.3 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2025. This increase stems from states borrowing more under a central government scheme for capital investment. Capital expenditure remains a focus, budgeted at 3.2 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2026.

The price of silver reached $100 in trading Friday, profiting from its safe-haven status amid unrest surrounding the policies of US President Donald Trump. Silver, which has doubled its price in just 3.5 months, reached $100.11 an ounce, also on strong demand for the metal that is used in solar panels and electronics as well as for making jewellery.

Shriram Finance reported a 29% drop in third quarter net profit at Rs 2,522 crore as against Rs 3,570 crore. The company attributed the fall in profit to the exceptional gain of Rs 1489 crore it received for sale of its stake in subsidiary Shriram Housing Finance.

MCX posted a sharp Q3FY26 surge, with profit up 151% and revenue rising 121%, driven by booming derivatives volumes, strong bullion participation, new product launches and expanding options activity, supported by governance focus and readiness.

Intel's shares plunged 14% on Friday after the company struggled to meet strong artificial intelligence-driven demand for data-center chips due to supply constraints, disappointing investors betting on its turnaround.

New EU GSP rules, effective January 1, 2026, will impact only 2.66% of India's exports to the bloc. Agricultural products are excluded, and only leather benefits are reinstated in the non-agricultural sector. India's graduation from GSP is attributed to its increasing export competitiveness.

BPCL posted an 89% surge in Q3FY26 net profit to Rs 7,188 crore on higher refining margins and revenue growth. The oil PSU also declared a Rs 10 interim dividend, while maintaining a stronger balance sheet with lower leverage.

U.S. stocks opened mostly lower on Friday, putting the main indexes on track for a second consecutive weekly drop, as Intel tumbled on a downbeat outlook and lingering geopolitical concerns kept risk appetite in check.

India will be the partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. Over 160 exhibitors from 25 states will showcase Indian agri-exports. This participation aims to boost India's processed foods, frozen products, and pulses trade. The event highlights region-specific agri-products and GI-tagged items. India's presence spans a large exhibition space, doubling last year's footprint.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is expected to post modest Q3FY26 profit growth of 13%, aided by steady loan expansion, stable margins and improving asset quality. Brokerages see resilient earnings, controlled credit costs and moderate NII growth ahead of results on January 24.

India saw a significant 73 percent jump in foreign investment in 2025, reaching USD 47 billion. This growth was fueled by strong investments in services and manufacturing sectors. Globally, foreign direct investment also increased substantially. India emerged as a top recipient for data centre investments, highlighting its growing appeal for global capital.

Indian stock markets and commodity exchanges will remain closed on January 26 for Republic Day. Trading resumes January 27. The holiday begins a 15-day closure calendar for 2026, as investors navigate markets amid global trade tensions, FII outflows and earnings.

Luxury fashion platform Pernias Pop-Up Shop is heading for the stock market after Sebi cleared parent Purple Style Labs Rs 660 crore IPO. Backed by celebrity investors, the digital-first brand has posted rapid revenue growth and built a strong domestic and global presence.

Indias IPO pipeline gained momentum as Sebi approved 12 offerings across sectors. Sify Infinit Spaces Rs 3,700 crore issue, Indias first pure-play data centre IPO, leads the list, highlighting rising investor appetite for digital infrastructure and diversified growth stories.

UltraTech Cement is expected to post a steady Q3FY26 performance driven by strong volume growth, healthy revenue expansion and improved profitability. Brokerages estimate a QoQ PAT rise of up to 25% and revenue growth of up to 11%, supported by better demand, higher capacity utilisation and easing cost pressures.

Adani Green, Ixigo, Paytm and other major stocks saw sharp moves on Friday as markets slipped amid broad-based selling.

India will be the partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. Over 160 exhibitors from 25 states will showcase processed foods, frozen products, and pulses. This participation aims to boost India's agri-exports. The Indian Pavilion has doubled in size, reflecting growing global demand for Indian products. The event begins on January 26.

Indian government bonds fell on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as traders feared the market may struggle to absorb fresh state debt supply next week.

Seven BSE 200 stocks, including Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta, hit fresh 52-week highs on Friday despite a market slump, extending their strong 1-month rallies of up to 17%.

India's foreign exchange reserves have reached a new high of $701.36 billion. This significant increase was recorded in the week ending January 16, 2026. The boost comes from a rise in foreign currency assets and gold holdings. The Reserve Bank of India manages these reserves to ensure market stability. This development reflects strong economic indicators for the nation.

Urban Company slipped to a Rs 21 crore Q3 loss as heavy investment in InstaHelp hurt earnings, despite 33% revenue growth. Core businesses stayed profitable, margins improved, and management expects continued growth while near-term losses persist from expanding housekeeping services.

Hindustan Zincs market value crossed Rs 3 lakh crore after a threefold surge in silver prices propelled the stock to the top of Indias metals sector. Shares jumped over 6% on Friday, with the company overtaking peers including parent Vedanta. Strong fundamentals and rising silver prices have prompted multiple broker upgrades.

Adani Power raised Rs 7,500 crore through NCDs from major domestic institutions to refinance debt and fund operations. The fundraising comes amid sharp selling in Adani stocks, even as investors cite strong fundamentals, expansion plans, and a relatively conservative balance sheet.

IndusInd Bank Q3 Results: IndusInd Bank's net profit saw a significant drop of 88.5% year-on-year for the December quarter. Despite this, the profit was in line with market expectations. Net interest income decreased, but net interest margins improved. The bank's balance sheet size and advances also saw a decline. Non-performing assets increased, while the provision coverage ratio improved. Capital adequacy ratios remained strong.

JSW Steel Q3 Results: JSW Steel announced a significant 198% year-on-year surge in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 2,139 crore. This impressive growth was accompanied by an 11% year-on-year increase in its Q3FY26 revenue, which stood at Rs 45,991 crore.

India Cements posted a smaller third-quarter loss on Friday compared to a year earlier, helped by a 25% jump in sales volumes as parent UltraTech Cement ramps up capacity to meet an uptick in demand.

Davos WEF meeting: The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to help ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits for society while minimising risks. It was launched by the WEF in 2017.

Cipla shares dropped 5% after reporting a 57% year-on-year decline in net profit to Rs 676 crore, impacted by a fall in gRevlimid sales. Revenue remained flat at Rs 7,074 crore, with EBITDA also declining. The company plans upcoming launches to offset revenue decline and drive future growth.

Strong December quarter results highlight a powerful smallcap rally, with many firms posting over 25% profit growth. Several stocks delivered 50150% returns, including multibaggers, underscoring how earnings momentum, scale, and execution are translating into sustained shareholder wealth creation.

JM Financials Venkatesh Balasubramaniam says Indian equity valuations remain stretched despite recent correction, with real opportunities emerging gradually in smallcaps and microcaps. He advises staggered investing over 612 months, expects limited upside from largecaps in 2026, sees Budget as non-market-moving, and prefers consumer, auto, NBFC, hotel and real estate stocks while staying cautious on banks, IT, utilities and pharma.

Facing global trade shifts and tariff pressures, India is urging its embassies to boost outreach in all markets, emphasizing that every country matters. The PMO has directed missions to diversify exports by engaging with even smaller economies, recognizing their potential for future growth and integration into global supply chains.

As anticipation mounts for Budget 2026, Indians are rallying for bold initiatives aimed at fortifying our economy against global disruptions. A recent survey reveals a vigorous push for self-sufficiency, alongside calls to enhance local manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, aspirations to diversify exports and intensify competition with Chinese markets are gaining traction.

Adani Green Q3 Results: Adani Green reported a net loss of Rs 41 crore in the December quarter, a shift from last year's profit. Despite this, total income climbed 8% year-on-year to Rs 2,837 crore. The company's power supply segment saw robust growth, with revenue up 21% and EBITDA by 23%, fueled by significant greenfield capacity additions and new project commissioning.

The selloff follows management commentary on resilient operating performance during December, a month marked by industry-wide disruptions after large-scale IndiGo flight cancellations and rescheduling across the country.

Shares of Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd rallied as much as 3% to their fresh 52-week high of Rs 699 on the BSE on Friday after copper prices bounced back to inch closer to its fresh high of $13,407 on the London Metal Exchange. Zinc prices also edged higher by about a percent.

Shriram Finance Q3 results: Shriram Finance reported a 29% YoY fall in its December quarter standalone net profit at Rs 2,522 crore compared to Rs 3,570 crore reported in the year ago period.

The Indian rupee plunged to a fresh all-time low on Friday, as dollar demand from corporates and importers outweighed early moves and compounded existing pressure on the currency.

Union Budget 2026: India plans to triple its exports by 2035. The government will focus on structural changes and modest infrastructure spending. Fifteen key manufacturing sectors are prioritized. This initiative aims to boost national growth and annual goods exports significantly. The strategy emphasizes easing regulatory burdens over subsidies. A new panel will oversee these efforts.

Indian equities experienced a sharp decline on Friday, with the Sensex and Nifty erasing early gains due to persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) selling. FIIs offloaded equities worth Rs 2,550 crore on Thursday, marking the 13th consecutive session of net selling in January, significantly impacting market sentiment and capitalization.

Union Budget 2026: India's demographic dividend offers a unique advantage, but job creation remains a critical challenge. The upcoming budget must focus on sustainable employment generation, particularly by shifting workers from agriculture to manufacturing and high-growth service sectors. Targeted interventions in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and IT, alongside MSME support, are crucial for unlocking India's growth potential and achieving Viksit Bharat.

Cipla Q3 Results: Cipla reported a 57% YoY drop in net profit to Rs 676 crore, impacted by lower gRevlimid sales in North America. Despite this, the company's One India business saw double-digit growth in branded prescriptions, and upcoming launches are expected to offset future revenue declines.