The Times of India

Crop protection innovation is science-intensive, capital-heavy and inherently long-term. Developing a new molecule can take more than a decade, demanding sustained investment and regulatory certainty.

Indian markets mirrored global trends as US stocks traded near record highs amidst mixed tech earnings. Microsoft dipped despite strong results, while Meta surged. Gold continued its extraordinary rally, driven by safe-haven demand amid global uncertainties. Overseas markets saw gains, with South Korea's Kospi hitting a new peak.

Ports in the country handled 1,593.04 million tonne per annum traffic in fiscal 2025, clocking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~4% over last five fiscals. Meanwhile, port capacity increased to 2,762 million tonne.

Silver prices in Delhi surged past Rs 4 lakh per kg, while gold hit a record Rs 1.83 lakh per 10 grams. This rally, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, saw silver outperform gold due to strong industrial demand and a weakening US dollar. Global gold demand also reached a record high, fueled by investment.

Fundamentally, factors that shape the trade policy are changing. It is now majorly about security and political considerations rather than efficiency or multilateral rules.

India has declared coking coal a critical and strategic mineral. This move aims to cut reliance on imports for steel production. Faster approvals and improved ease of doing business are expected. The government seeks to boost domestic exploration and mining. This reform supports the National Steel Policy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. It encourages private investment and job creation.

Global payments giant Visa is restructuring its Middle East operations, creating dual hubs in Dubai and Riyadh. This strategic shift acknowledges Saudi Arabia's new 'regional headquarters' policy, which mandates local HQs for government contracts. The move reflects intensifying competition among Gulf states for foreign investment and economic influence, with Riyadh emerging as a significant corporate center.

Gold futures surged close to Rs 1.8 lakh per 10 grams, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and a weaker dollar. MCX gold and silver contracts saw significant gains, with international gold prices reaching a new record near $5,600. Local prices vary across major Indian cities.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, a Sunday, marking her ninth consecutive presentation. This crucial document will detail the government's financial accounts, economic priorities, and policy direction. The Budget Session commenced on January 28, setting the stage for outlining the nation's growth roadmap and resource allocation strategies.

Indian markets are experiencing their weakest start to the year in a decade, with equities, the rupee, and bonds under pressure. Investors are anticipating the upcoming Union Budget to stimulate growth, boost consumption, and drive domestic manufacturing. Key areas of focus include increased defence spending, divestment in state-owned enterprises, and infrastructure development.

India's trade talks with the US are nearing completion this year, potentially easing external uncertainties, according to the Economic Survey 2026. While progress has been slow, concluding these negotiations could boost investor sentiment. The survey also emphasizes India's need to enhance manufacturing competitiveness to fully leverage trade agreements amidst global economic headwinds.

The Economic Survey says that it does not hurt to have an undervalued rupee in these times, as it offsets to some extent the impact of higher American tariffs on Indian goods

The Economic Survey has been tabled days ahead of FM Sitharamans Budget speech which will be delivered on February 1, 2026. India is the worlds fastest growing major economy, on the way to become the third largest in the coming years, as per International Monetary Fund (IMFs) estimates.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers addressed recent flight disruptions. He stated the airline failed customers for three days but stressed this should not overshadow 20 years of legacy. Operations stabilized within nine days. The DGCA imposed penalties following widespread cancellations and delays affecting over three lakh passengers. IndiGo carried 124 million passengers last year, operating over 2,200 flights daily.

The rupee hit a record low of 92.00 against the US dollar on Thursday morning due to sustained greenback demand and a cautious global market. Heightened geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices, exacerbated by US warnings to Iran, are pressuring emerging market currencies. Domestic equities also opened lower, reflecting investor caution.

The FTA demonstrates Indias willingness to move beyond its comfort zone by committing to deep market access, predictable rules, and modern trade disciplines, while still protecting sensitive sectors such as dairy and select agricultural products.

Dismissing a batch of appeals filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its concessionaire, a Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria, upheld the Kerala High Courts decision to suspend toll collection for four weeks on a congested stretch of National Highway between Ernakulam and Mannuthy.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened in red on Thursday on weak global cues. While Nifty50 went below 25,300, BSE Sensex was down almost 300 points.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal fiercely defended the India-EU free trade agreement, calling it a landmark win-win deal. He dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's criticisms as politically motivated and disconnected from economic realities, highlighting the pact's potential for growth and employment. Goyal emphasized proactive engagement on sensitive issues like CBAM and intellectual property.

Turkiye cannot leverage tariff concessions under the new India-EU free trade agreement for its exports to India. Officials clarified that the pact strictly applies to goods originating within the EU, meaning Turkish products, even if shipped via EU ports, do not qualify for preferential treatment.

Top stock market recommendations: According to Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research, Nuvama Professional Clients Group, the top buy calls for today are: Coal India, Jindal Steel, and HCL Technologies. Heres his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty, and the top stock picks for January 29, 2026:

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said that India still needs to address outstanding US concerns over its continued purchases of Russian crude if it hopes to obtain relief from US tariffs.

The India-US trade deal aims to more than double two way trade from the current level of $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. Initial discussions on the agreement were announced during Prime Minister Modis visit to Washington in February 2025.

Indian markets are buzzing as the S&P 500 crossed 7,000 for the first time, fueled by AI optimism and strong tech earnings. Investors are betting on future monetary easing, with Nvidia leading the charge. Gold prices also hit new highs, while overseas markets showed mixed performance.

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.