The Times of India

India's factory activity saw a slight rebound in January, with the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI rising to 55.4, driven by stronger new orders and increased production. Despite this growth, business confidence among manufacturers weakened significantly, reaching a three-and-a-half-year low, with expectations for future output declining.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts maturing on March 5, 2026, plunged Rs 31,878, or 12 per cent, to settle at Rs 2,33,874 per kilogram. Gold futures for April 2, 2026 delivery also weakened, slipping Rs 8,865, or 6 per cent, to Rs 1,38,888 per 10 grams.

Gold and silver ETFs saw significant losses, prompting the BSE to impose trading limits due to increased volatility. Both metals experienced sharp sell-offs from record highs, driven by profit-taking, leveraged position exits, and global factors like a firm US dollar. Despite some recovery, substantial value has been wiped out.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will continue to be volatile and range bound in the near future, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. He shares his views and recommendations for gold investors and key levels to watch out for in the near term:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Union Budget 2026, simplifying tax filing with revised deadlines and reduced Tax Collected at Source on overseas tour packages to 2%. New rules ease compliance for small taxpayers and foreign asset holders. A one-time foreign asset disclosure scheme offers regularisation options. Global talent visiting India for up to five years will also see income exemptions.

Sweeping US immigration and trade policies, particularly the H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000, are straining the strategic partnership with India. This has disrupted Indian professionals' careers, impacting IT giants and creating anxiety. Critics argue these protectionist measures undermine innovation and alienate a key partner, potentially boosting India's domestic tech sector.

India's free trade agreement with the European Union, dubbed the mother of all deals, is poised to significantly boost exports, granting duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the pact's compassionate nature, benefiting both India and the EU. He urged domestic firms to seize this opportunity for expansion, while consumers anticipate more affordable goods.

On 25.08.2025, a bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra in Ravindra Pratap Shahi vs State of U.P. & Ors. The appeals came as a result of highly protracted proceedings before the Allahabad High Court, in which a criminal appeal pending decision in December 2021 was not decided in an unreasonably long time.

Budget changes are set to impact your wallet, with customs duty hikes making imported electronics like PlayStations and Kindles pricier. However, good news arrives for cancer patients as 17 drugs are now duty-free. Shoppers can also rejoice with increased duty-free jewellery allowances and cheaper microwave ovens.

RIDERS ON THE STORM: Even as it faces Trump-triggered turbulence and geopolitical headwinds across the globe, India remains the fastest-moving major economy, cruising at an impressive 7.4% in 2025-26. With PM Modi in command and FM Sitharaman at the wheel, the govt has steered clear of tilting adventurously in any one direction in these choppy waters, choosing instead to stay the course

The rupee strengthened against the US dollar, recovering from an all-time low as forex reserves hit a record high. Despite a cautious market sentiment post-Union Budget, domestic equities saw gains. Global oil prices eased as US-Iran talks progressed. Foreign investors remained net sellers in the equity market.

The Union Budget 2026 aims to balance growth, stability, and reform, offering compliance-friendly measures and targeted tax tweaks for taxpayers. While easing procedures and extending benefits for investors, it also tightens rules in select areas. Consumers receive relief on essential medical items, and businesses benefit from simplified customs, though some duty exemptions are phasing out.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened flat in trade on Monday, a day after 2% crash on Budgets hike in STT on futures and options. While Nifty50 went below 24,800, BSE Sensex was down over 100 points.

New tax clarifications, effective retrospectively, aim to resolve disputes over reassessment notices and assessment orders lacking a Document Identification Number (DIN). These changes, impacting many taxpayers, seek to prioritize the intent of tax laws over minor technical errors, potentially reducing litigation and offering a pragmatic shift in tax administration.

Asian markets opened February with a downturn, mirroring Wall Street's volatility. Precious metals saw significant losses, with gold and silver experiencing sharp declines. The yen weakened as the dollar strengthened, influenced by shifting expectations of Federal Reserve policy under potential new leadership. Investors await key economic data and central bank decisions globally.

Stock market recommendations: According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the top stock picks for the trading week (starting February 2, 2026) are ICICI Bank, and APL Apollo Tubes. Lets take a look:

Employability In Focus, More Pulp For Orange Eco

Cut In Capex, Higher Than Budgeted Non-Tax Revenue Kept FY '26 Fisc On Track

The days trading was marked by high volatility. The sensex rallied over 400 points as FM started her speech, fell about 1,100 points after the STT hike proposal was announced, partially recovered by mid-session to trade 600 points down on the day and then sold-off to close below the 81K mark for the first time in four months.

Under the proposed Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme, 2026 (FAST-DS 2026), resident taxpayers will get a time-bound opportunity to declare undisclosed foreign income and assets, nearly a decade after the one-time compliance window offered in 2015. A second category covers cases where income was disclosed or tax paid but the foreign asset itself was not declared.