The Times of India

India and the UAE are forging a powerful AI alliance in 2026, prioritising human-centric development for social welfare and equitable growth. The strategic partnership focuses on shared values. It aims to leverage AI for societal benefit through joint infrastructure, workforce development and ethical governance frameworks to set a global precedent.

Practical constraints limit the scale at which Indian refiners can replace existing supplies with oil from the United States or Venezuela. US crude is typically light and sweet, meaning it has lower sulphur content, while many Indian refineries are configured to process medium-grade crude.

Tax compliance has been eased for resident buyers purchasing immovable property from nonresidents. The removal of the requirement to obtain a TAN, allowing TDS deposits through the buyers PAN, streamlines crossborder transactions and reduces administrative friction.

Bank unions across India have announced a nationwide strike on February 12, protesting the government's new Labour Codes. Customers face uncertainty as major banks warn of potential operational disruptions, though they are making arrangements for smooth functioning. Unions also advocate for improved work-life balance and a five-day work week.

Since the European Union accounts for nearly two-thirds of Bangladeshs garment exports and already provides unconditional duty-free access, the incentive to reorganise supply chains mainly to serve the US market remains limited.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Finance has introduced a new corporate tax exemption for non-commercial sports organisations. This policy aims to boost the UAE's sports sector and strengthen its global standing. Qualifying entities must be officially recognised and strictly non-commercial. The move is expected to encourage investment and growth within the sports ecosystem, supporting talent development and international partnerships.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are extending their rally this week, and remain well supported in the long term, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. The expert lists out the top factors that will decide direction of gold prices in the coming days:

BHEL shares dipped as the government launched an Offer for Sale, aiming to divest up to 5% stake and raise approximately Rs 4,422 crore. The floor price is set at Rs 254 per share. This move follows BHEL's impressive Q3 results, which saw a 206% surge in net profit, driven by enhanced execution and revenue growth.

The Indian rupee opened weaker against the US dollar on Wednesday, trading at 90.62 due to global geopolitical tensions and import demand. Despite a slight dip in the dollar index, rising oil prices are expected to pressure the rupee further. Meanwhile, Indian stock markets showed a positive start, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining points.

Asian markets showed gains Wednesday, with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan trading higher. Investors are weighing weak US consumer data and economic concerns against potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Technology stocks faced pressure globally due to high valuations and AI investment worries, as traders await crucial US jobs and inflation figures.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the main stock market benchmarks, rose in opening trade on Wednesday as global cues remained positive and optimism around the India-US trade deal continued.

Stock market recommendations: IFCI, Swiggy, and Fortis are the top stocks to buy today (February 11, 2026), according toMehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. Heres a detailed outlook:

The US has revised its factsheet on the trade deal with India, notably removing any mention of pulses from the list of agricultural exports. Additionally, the language regarding India's commitment to purchasing American goods has shifted from a firm commitment to an intention to buy, impacting the description of proposed procurements.

Global regulatory complexity is now a central corporate strategy for Indian companies, impacting costs, market access, and competitiveness. Companies are embedding compliance into core business planning, moving from a 'wait and see' to a 'preventive vigilance' model. This shift is driven by increasing scrutiny, mandatory reporting, and the risk of severe penalties, making regulatory navigation a key survival metric.

Bangladesh secured a 19% reciprocal tariff from the US, with some exemptions for textiles using American materials. While Indian exporters are watching closely, they remain unconcerned. The slight tariff difference and limited use of US cotton are unlikely to significantly impact Indian garment competitiveness, especially as buyers seek diversification.

The Dadachanji Group has launched KAIRISH Innotech, venturing into custom-built machines, medical devices, and automation for pharma and healthcare. This new entity aims to be a one-stop engineering partner, offering comprehensive solutions from machinery design to sterilization. The move signifies a significant expansion into advanced technological offerings for various industries.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the India-US deal will be significant for years to come, positioning India as a potential alternative to China for American companies seeking to diversify production. Greer highlighted India's growing role as a trusted partner in global supply chains and its increasing imports of US oil.

The government is divesting approximately 5.3% of its stake in Bhel through an Offer for Sale (OFS), aiming to raise around Rs 4,650 crore. The OFS, with a floor price of Rs 254 per share, will be open for institutional investors on Wednesday and retail investors and employees on Thursday.

Edelweiss Financial Services announced that The Carlyle Group will become the strategic majority investor in its housing finance subsidiary, Nido Home Finance. Carlyle-affiliated funds are committing Rs 2,100 crore, including a Rs 1,500 crore primary equity infusion, to strengthen Nido's capital and governance for affordable housing expansion.

Tata Motors and Stellantis are exploring new manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain collaborations, building on their existing two-decade joint venture. This partnership aims to leverage synergies and navigate evolving automotive megatrends like powertrain shifts and software-defined vehicles. The move signifies a strategic step for both global players in India's growing mobility sector.

India's health insurance sector is experiencing its strongest performance post-pandemic, with the incurred claims ratio dropping to a five-year low of 86.9% in FY25. While overall profitability improved, the group health segment, dominated by public sector insurers, continues to face significant underwriting losses, with claims exceeding premiums.

Gold and silver ETFs saw record inflows last month, surpassing equity funds for the first time. This surge, driven by unprecedented price rallies in precious metals, highlights investor behavior focused on recent performance. Despite a late-month dip, the trend underscores a significant shift in investment preferences.

The Tobacco Board has urged the Finance Minister to reconsider the significant excise duty hike on cigarettes, warning of severe repercussions. This increase, leading to a 60% price jump, risks fueling illicit trade, impacting millions of farmers and workers, and potentially collapsing market prices for tobacco growers.

Over Rs 72,000 crore in unclaimed bank deposits, untouched for a decade, have been transferred to the RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness Fund. Public sector banks hold the largest portion. The government has launched UDGAM to help people trace their money and introduced measures to prevent further accumulation, aiming to boost financial literacy.

Aarvee Engineering Consultants has secured SEBI's nod for its IPO, aiming to raise Rs 202.5 crore via fresh issue and Rs 67.5 lakh shares through an offer for sale. Proceeds will fund debt repayment, bolster Indian and overseas subsidiaries for tech development, and general corporate needs. The infrastructure consultancy boasts a strong project portfolio.

India will prioritize competitive pricing and suitable quality for crude oil imports, while carefully navigating geopolitical landscapes and avoiding sanctioned sources. Discussions also centered on the India-US interim trade agreement and the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, with officials highlighting progress and upcoming developments.

Dr Bruce Levine of the University of Pennsylvania will receive the Genome Valley Excellence Award 2026 at BioAsia for his groundbreaking work in cell and gene therapy, particularly CAR T-cell treatments for cancer. His innovations have significantly advanced personalized medicine and cancer immunotherapy, setting new benchmarks for translational research and global healthcare.

Chinese giant Hisense has launched its first Indian manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, a significant step in its 'Make in India' localization strategy. The over $30 million plant, set up by Epack Durable, will initially produce 7.5 lakh room air conditioners annually.

Goldman Sachs has boosted India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.9% and reduced its current account deficit estimate to 0.8% of GDP. This positive revision follows the India-US trade deal, which lowers US tariffs on Indian exports. The brokerage also noted the Indian Rupee's recent strength, though further appreciation is unlikely, and expects interest rates to remain stable.

The India-US trade framework was being seen as an important breakthrough that could improve access to Americas $118 billion textile and apparel import market. The US is already Indias largest destination for textile exports.

IndiGo assures stable operations as DGCA's temporary pilot duty norm relaxations end. Following significant flight disruptions and cancellations in early December, the airline faced regulatory scrutiny. The DGCA had granted exemptions until February 10 to aid stabilization, but pilot bodies emphasize safety over fatigue concerns.

India needs a massive $14.23 trillion investment in its power sector by 2070 for a net-zero future, with renewables dominating generation. Electricity's role in consumption will surge, requiring a 14-fold increase in installed capacity. Decarbonizing transport and securing critical mineral supplies are also vital for achieving climate goals.

Silver prices plummeted by nearly 3% to Rs 2.64 lakh per kg in Delhi on Tuesday, while gold saw a Rs 2,200 gain per 10 grams, reaching Rs 1.60 lakh. This divergence occurred amidst a firm US dollar and anticipation of key US economic data. Traders are observing a consolidation phase in precious metals.

India is actively pursuing agreements with Brazil, Canada, France, and the Netherlands to jointly explore, extract, and process critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. This strategic move aims to secure vital raw materials for the nation's energy transition and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains for these essential resources.

Indian equity markets extended their winning streak for a third day, buoyed by positive global sentiment and hopes of a US-India trade deal. While the Sensex and Nifty both closed higher, profit-booking limited further gains. Investors are now keenly awaiting quarterly earnings reports for market direction.

A recent Morgan Stanley report in October 2025 even pegs the total amount of household gold with Indians stands at 34,600 tonnes! However, it is important to understand that the two concepts - value of household gold and Indias GDP - differ fundamentally in terms of stock and flow concepts.

Indian exporters anticipate $1 trillion in goods and services outflows by 2026-27, fueled by new trade agreements with the US and EU. US tariff cuts from 50% to 18% on Indian products are already boosting orders in sectors like chemicals and footwear. Exporters are optimistic about increased market share, though capacity and implementation clarity remain key discussion points.

Indian travelers are increasingly opting for rail passes to explore Europe and East Asia, driven by rising travel costs and a desire for predictable expenses. This trend sees India becoming a significant market for passes like Eurail and the Swiss Travel Pass, with families also embracing train travel for multi-country adventures.

Dubai is revolutionising its property market with a new resale rule for tokenised real estate, set to launch in February 2026. This initiative aims to boost liquidity and accessibility for residents and expats by allowing fractional ownership trading, much like stocks. The move enhances transparency and investor protection, building on Dubai's digital transformation efforts.

In an executive order issued on February 6, the Trump administration said that Indian goods entering the US for consumption, or released from warehouses for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 7, 2026, would no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem duty previously imposed.

The Supreme Court thoroughly reviewed the notion of obscenity, legislative framework involved in the application of the Sections 67 and 67A in the Information Technology Act and the judicial standards that were established in the application of Section 292 in the Indian Penal Code.

Gold price prediction today: Praveen Singh, Senior Fundamental Research Analyst- Currencies and Commodities at Mirae Asset Sharekhan is of the view that the gold price rally looks overextended. Whats the outlook for gold prices in the coming days? Heres what he has to say:

India and the United States have reached a new interim trade agreement. Washington is withdrawing additional duties on Indian imports. India will lower duties on American industrial and agricultural goods. New Delhi also pledges to significantly increase imports from the US. Negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal will continue.

The Indian rupee opened weaker against the US dollar, falling 11 paise to 90.77. Traders adopted a cautious stance following the interim trade framework announcement, reassessing initial optimism due to ongoing US oversight on energy imports. Near-term movement will depend on key support levels holding, with the RBI expected to intervene on dips.

GCC economies are rapidly embracing digital transformation, creating a surge in demand for tech-savvy professionals. Skills in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and cloud computing are paramount. Alongside these, strong soft skills like leadership and adaptability, coupled with a commitment to lifelong learning and understanding localisation policies, are crucial for career success in the region's evolving job market.