The Times of India

Maharashtra is mourning Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's passing in a plane crash with three days of state mourning. Banks are not officially closed due to this.

The real estate sector currently contributes nearly 8% to national GDP and is expected to contribute 15% to 16% to national GDP by 2047 towards our vision of Viksit Bharat.

India's booming crypto market, awaits clarity in Union Budget 2026. Following stringent measures in Budget 2025, including a 30% flat tax and 1% TDS, experts urge for nuanced rules on loss set-offs and asset classification. While some anticipate reforms, others foresee continued aggressive taxation, emphasizing compliance.

India's defence budget is set for a steady rise in FY26, projected at Rs 6.81 lakh crore, continuing a five-year upward trend. The focus is shifting towards modernization and capital expenditure, with a significant portion earmarked for domestic procurement.

The Economic Survey is a very comprehensive annual economic review which is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance.

Indian businesses are optimistic about economic growth, with nearly 80% expecting expansion despite global headwinds. Industry leaders are urging the government to prioritize job creation, infrastructure, and export promotion in the upcoming budget. Key proposals include boosting domestic manufacturing, enhancing defence capabilities, and simplifying customs procedures to bolster international trade and investor confidence.

While India remains a top global producer, yields have flatlined amidst escalating pest and climate pressures. The defining crisis is the absence of new technology - earlier scientific gains have faded.

India and the European Union have finalized a Free Trade Agreement. This pact will progressively lower tariffs on most goods. Indian consumers will see lower prices on items like chocolates and cars. Indian exporters will gain duty-free access to the EU market. The agreement also covers services and intellectual property rights.

The Supreme Court reversed the decision of Punjab and Haryana High Court and reinstated the order of Family Court authorizing the recordings to be recorded.

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Wednesday, driven by safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar. The rally occurred just before the US Federal Reserve's policy announcement, with investors anticipating potential interest rate changes. Analysts suggest continued volatility but see strong support for both precious metals.

Asian markets showed a mixed performance today, with South Korea's Kospi hitting a record high driven by tech stocks. Japan's Nikkei, however, dipped due to exporter losses and yen fluctuations. Investors are keenly awaiting the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, anticipating no immediate changes but seeking clues on future rate cuts.

Gold price prediction today: Gold and silver prices are likely to hit fresh highs in the coming days, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. He shares his outlook for gold and silver prices in the coming days:

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened in green on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 25,300, BSE Sensex was up over 500 points.

Stock market recommendations: According to Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, the top stocks to buy today (January 28, 2026) are Chennai Petroleum, Oil India, and Punjab National Bank (PNB). Lets take a look:

India has inked its eighth Free Trade Agreement since 2021 with the European Union, a landmark deal hailed as the 'mother of all deals'. This pact, finalized during the Republic Day celebrations, significantly expands market access for Indian exports across numerous sectors to 27 EU nations, promising enhanced trade and economic ties.

Once operational, around 93% of Indias exports are set to gain duty-free entry into European markets, while Indian consumers are likely to see lower prices on premium European imports such as luxury automobiles and wines. With the US as one of the largest trading partners of India, Trumps 50% tariffs have dented its exports.

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a landmark free trade agreement, described as the mother of all deals. Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal dismissed any US role in the pact, emphasising its independent nature. The agreement, expected to be implemented by 2026, aims to boost trade and investment between the two economic powerhouses.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman initiated the final preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27 with the traditional Halwa Ceremony. This event signifies the commencement of a strict lock-in period for officials involved in budget compilation, ensuring utmost confidentiality. The budget will be presented on February 1st, with digital access available via a mobile app.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a historic free trade agreement between India and the European Union, emphasizing a double engine growth approach amid global turmoil. This iggest free trade agreement aims to provide stability and common prosperity, unlocking new opportunities for India's labor-intensive products and service sectors.

India and the European Union have finalized a historic free trade agreement, significantly reducing import duties on European wines, whiskies, and beers. This pact, concluded after 18 years of negotiations, aims to lower retail prices for premium brands and boost trade between the two economic blocs. The deal also grants India preferential access for its labor-intensive exports.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to present the Budget 2026, a comprehensive financial blueprint for the nation. This intricate process, spanning months, involves extensive consultations with ministries, states, and diverse stakeholders. The budget outlines economic performance and future aspirations, guiding the country's fiscal path.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the State Bank of India has proposed tax reforms to boost household savings and ease compliance. Recommendations include aligning bank deposit interest tax with capital gains, reducing fixed deposit lock-in periods, and removing or raising TDS thresholds.