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The Times of India

Business / The Times of India

Local audit push: CAG flags capacity gaps, calls for stronger PAIs and tech-led audits

India's top auditor has urged strengthening local government audit bodies to boost transparency and quality at the grassroots. A national workshop highlighted challenges and best practices, focusing on improving audit frameworks, technology adoption, and capacity building for local fund audit directors. The aim is to ensure better oversight and public fund utilization.

21 Jan 2026 10:59 pm
Trump tariff war: What is Europes trade bazooka? How it could hit US

The European Union is considering using its powerful 'trade bazooka' against the US following President Trump's remarks on Greenland. This economic tool, the Anti-Coercion Instrument, allows for retaliation against undue economic pressure. While a significant deterrent, its activation is slow, and EU members are wary of sparking a transatlantic trade war given the massive $2 trillion trade volume.

21 Jan 2026 9:47 pm
US markets today: Wall Street steadies after sharp sell-off, Trump rules out force over Greenland

US stocks steadied after a sharp decline, as investors assessed easing US-Europe tensions over Greenland. While equities saw modest gains, gold prices surged, signaling ongoing risk aversion amid trade uncertainties. Corporate news included Netflix's subscriber slowdown and Kraft Heinz's potential stake sale.

21 Jan 2026 8:34 pm
EUMercosur trade pact: Parliament sends deal to EU court, farmers celebrate while exporters flag risks

The European Parliament has referred the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement to the bloc's top court, casting legal uncertainty over the recently signed pact. This move, celebrated by some farming groups, follows concerns about agricultural imports and environmental standards.

21 Jan 2026 8:09 pm
Investing in a childs name: How mutual fund accounts for minors work, rules to know, and tax impact explained

Parents can invest in mutual funds for minors, with the child as the sole holder, managed by a guardian. Upon turning 18, control fully transfers to the child. While beneficial for disciplined long-term savings, parents lose control post-majority. Tax implications differ before and after the child becomes an adult.

21 Jan 2026 7:19 pm
Budget expectations 2026: Recycling industry seeks open scrap trade; flags tariff risks to circular economy

Recycling industry leaders urged policymakers to prioritize open markets and ease cross-border scrap movement in the Union Budget 2026, deeming it critical for a resilient circular economy. Global market access for recycled materials is seen as the biggest enabler for investment and sustainability amidst rising protectionism.

21 Jan 2026 6:23 pm
Budget 2026 income tax: Will GST-style fewer tax slabs be brought under new income tax regime?

Budget 2026 income tax expectations: Will FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduce the number of tax slabs under the new income tax regime to ease compliance and reduce confusion for taxpayers? Times of India Online asks tax experts:

21 Jan 2026 6:01 pm
Gold price today: How much 22K, 24K gold cost in Delhi, Mumbai & other cities Check rates

Gold futures reached a new all-time high on Wednesday, driven by a sharp rally in global prices as investors sought safe-haven assets amidst escalating trade war tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. Silver also continued its upward trend, scaling fresh record highs on the MCX. International gold prices breached the USD 4,800-per-ounce mark.

21 Jan 2026 5:03 pm
'Drawn to new ideas': Deepinder Goyal resigns as CEO of Zomato parent company Eternal

Zomato's parent company Eternal Limited CEO Deepinder Goyal is stepping down from his role, subject to shareholder approval, to pursue high-risk, experimental ideas outside the public company. He will transition to Vice Chairman on the board, with Albinder Dhindsa named as his successor.

21 Jan 2026 4:33 pm
Dubai gold prices hit record high, surge Dh50 per gram in 2026: Should you buy now or wait?

Gold prices in the UAE are soaring in early 2026, mirroring global rallies driven by geopolitical unease and safe-haven demand. Dubai's gold market sees record highs, with 24-carat gold reaching AED 573.75 per gram. This surge reflects international financial trends, impacting local jewellery souks and attracting investors seeking stability amid market volatility.

21 Jan 2026 4:06 pm
Budget 2026 real estate expectations: Affordability, tax rationalisation & more; here's what the sector wants

The real estate sector is anticipating Budget 2026 to bring policy continuity, targeted fiscal measures, and long-pending reforms. Industry leaders are seeking measures to address housing affordability, boost urban growth, improve capital access, and expedite regulatory approvals to sustain market confidence and long-term investment.

21 Jan 2026 3:53 pm
What is Union Budget? Meaning, importance and process explained

India's Union Budget, a crucial financial blueprint, is set for presentation on February 1. This annual statement, mandated by the Constitution, details government receipts and expenditures. The Lok Sabha holds primary authority over its passage, with the Rajya Sabha offering recommendations. The budget significantly impacts resource allocation, economic direction, and citizen finances.

21 Jan 2026 3:34 pm
Pension boost: Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana till FY31; funding support to continue for outreach & gap needs

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana until FY 2030-31. This decision includes extended government funding for promotional and developmental activities. The move aims to strengthen old-age income security for unorganised sector workers.

21 Jan 2026 3:22 pm
Budget 2026 MSMEs & startups wishlist: Industry bodies seek liquidity relief; call for easier compliance

Industry bodies are urging the Union Budget 2026 to prioritize MSMEs and startups, focusing on liquidity, cost reduction, and export promotion. Key demands include faster refunds, simplified compliance, and improved access to credit to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable growth amid funding and regulatory challenges.

21 Jan 2026 1:57 pm
Gold price skyrocket to new record! Yellow metal surges over Rs 3,200 to cross Rs 1.53 lakh Should you buy or sell?

Gold prices hit a record high on Wednesday, with silver trading near its all-time peak. Investors flocked to these safe-haven assets amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. The surge was fueled by a US Supreme Court decision and tariff threats, driving domestic and international markets higher. Experts advise a cautious 'buy-on-dips' approach.

21 Jan 2026 1:47 pm
Stock market today: Here are the top 10 gainers and losers on NSE, BSE - Check list

Indian stock markets traded mostly lower on Wednesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experiencing significant early declines due to geopolitical tensions and foreign fund outflows. While both indices pared some losses by midday, they remained in the red. Global markets also showed weakness, with Asian equities mostly down and US markets closing sharply lower overnight.

21 Jan 2026 1:11 pm
Husband cannot evade maintenance obligation solely for disobeying restitution decree: Supreme Court - why the ruling is important

The central question before the Supreme Court was whether a wifes failure to cohabit with her husband and comply with a decree for restitution of conjugal rights, without sufficient reason, by itself attracts the disqualification under Section 125(4) CrPC, denying her maintenance.

21 Jan 2026 12:55 pm
AU Small Finance Bank net up 26% to Rs 667 crore

AU Small Finance Bank posted a robust Rs 667.66 crore net profit for the December 2025 quarter, a 26.3% jump year-on-year. This growth was fueled by strong core earnings and reduced credit costs, despite higher operating expenses. The bank also announced key leadership changes, including new director appointments and a deputy CEO continuation.

21 Jan 2026 11:43 am
Gold price prediction today: Where are gold, silver prices headed & will the rally continue? Check outlook

Gold price prediction today: Maneesh Sharma of Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers is of the view that while gold prices may continue to rise in the near term, silver prices are expected to see some volatility.

21 Jan 2026 11:15 am
Asian stocks today: Markets mostly in red ahead of Trump's Davos speech; Nikkei falls 280 points, HSI flat

Asian markets tumbled Wednesday, mirroring a sharp US sell-off and escalating geopolitical tensions. Investors grew anxious as US foreign policy concerns and a Danish pension fund's exit from Treasuries unsettled global bond markets. Gold, however, reached an all-time high amid the growing unease and potential for further market disruptions.

21 Jan 2026 10:44 am
Mark Carney net worth 2026: Truth about Canadian PM's wealth that is turning heads

Mark Carney's net worth: The Canadian PM's wealth stems from his extensive career in global finance and central banking. His financial standing is modest compared to global elites. Carney's transition to Prime Minister of Canada highlights a shift towards public service. Discussions around his wealth focus on transparency and his qualifications.

21 Jan 2026 10:24 am
'Our refineries are robust!': India can process Venezuelean crude oil when available; here's what IOCL chairman said

Indian Oil Corporation is ready to process Venezuelan crude if supplies resume, recalling past imports. The company's robust refineries can handle the oil, according to its chairman. This comes amid geopolitical shifts and India's strong economic growth, which attracts global business interest. IOCL continues to invest in the energy sector.

21 Jan 2026 9:52 am
A new low for rupee! Currency falls 23 paise in early trade; reaches 91.20 against US dollar

The Indian rupee hit a new low of 91.20 against the US dollar on Wednesday, extending its downward trend. This depreciation is attributed to strong dollar demand from metal importers, continued foreign fund outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties. The domestic stock market's sluggish performance also contributed to the rupee's decline.

21 Jan 2026 9:27 am
Stock market today: Nifty50 opens below 25,200; BSE Sensex down over 200 points

Stock market today: Weighed down by weak global cues, Indian equity benchmarks Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red on Wednesday after over 1% declines in the Tuesday session. While Nifty50 was below 25,200, BSE Sensex dropped over 200 points.

21 Jan 2026 9:18 am
Wall Street tumbles! Dow sheds 850 points, S&P 500 slips 2% Here's how Trump's Greenland bid impacted US stocks

Global markets experienced a significant downturn Tuesday, with US indices suffering their worst day in three months following President Trump's new tariff threats against Europe. This sparked a broad sell-off, pushing gold higher and impacting Bitcoin. Indian markets also mirrored the global decline, with both Nifty and Sensex falling over 1%.

21 Jan 2026 8:58 am
Budget 2026 expectations: Next phase of financial growth is affordable, smarter credit - here's why

Budget 2026 expectations: India does not need a larger financial system. It needs a system where liquidity is deeper.

21 Jan 2026 8:30 am
India in Davos: Union minister rules out trade talks at WEF; assures New Delhi's engagement on other fronts

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the World Economic Forum in Davos serves as a platform for idea exchange, not formal trade negotiations. India is actively engaged with global economies on various fronts, and its economic growth and renewable energy initiatives are key discussion points at the event.

21 Jan 2026 7:36 am
Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for January 21, 2026 - check list

Stock market recommendations: Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers recommends buying Bajaj Auto, Balkrishna Industries, and Tata Elxsi as top stock picks for today:

21 Jan 2026 7:30 am
Gold tops 1.5L/10gm, silver above Rs 3L/kg

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Tuesday, both domestically and internationally. This surge was attributed to an uncertain political and economic climate, a weaker dollar, and increasing industrial demand for silver. Analysts suggest that potential interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve could further fuel this upward trend in bullion prices.

21 Jan 2026 2:37 am
Rupee feels geopolitical heat, breaches 91 level against $

The Indian rupee dipped to a one-month low against the dollar on Tuesday, closing at 90.98. This marks the fifth consecutive session of weakening, fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions and a downturn in domestic equity markets. Despite efforts to prevent a record low, persistent dollar demand and global uncertainty continue to pressure the currency.

21 Jan 2026 2:34 am
Chinese Wok owner to take over Burger King operator

Inspira Global, owner of Chinese Wok, is acquiring Restaurant Brands Asia (RBA), the operator of Burger King India. This significant deal sees Everstone Capital exiting RBA with a Rs 460 crore stake sale. Inspira plans substantial capital infusion, aiming to bolster its presence in the fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector and expand its brand portfolio.

21 Jan 2026 2:32 am