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The Times of India

Business / The Times of India

PMI profile: Manufacturing sector activity sees marginal recovery in January

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.

2 Feb 2026 2:26 pm
Gold, silver prices continue to crash! MCX Silver, MCX Gold drop - what investors should know

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.

2 Feb 2026 2:13 pm
Gold, silver ETFs recover! After massive wipeoff, funds show stability; claw back 10% losses

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.

2 Feb 2026 1:25 pm
Gold price prediction: Will gold prices continue to crash? Top points to watch out for

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:

2 Feb 2026 12:13 pm
Union Budget 2026: 10 key things individual taxpayers should know

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.

2 Feb 2026 12:12 pm
Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee: Is the US shutting Indian talent out?

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.

2 Feb 2026 11:55 am
'Mother of all deals' neither lenient nor strict: Piyush Goyal assures fruits for both India and EU

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.

2 Feb 2026 11:36 am
Justice delayed is justice denied: When Supreme Court issued fresh directions on delay in pronouncement of judgments by High Courts

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.

2 Feb 2026 10:54 am
Union Budget 2026: 9 things consumers should know

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.

2 Feb 2026 10:50 am
Union Budget 2026: Capt consistent takes the long view, sails for safe harbour

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

2 Feb 2026 10:47 am
Rupee back in green! Currency rises 18 paise to 91.75 against US dollar

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.

2 Feb 2026 10:39 am
Union Budget 2026: Taxpayers, investors, consumers who gains, who hurts?

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.

2 Feb 2026 10:17 am
Stock market today: Nifty50 opens flat; BSE Sensex down over 100 points after Budget day crash

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.

2 Feb 2026 9:19 am
Retrospective clarifications on re-assessment and invalidation of tax orders

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.

2 Feb 2026 9:10 am
Asian stocks today: Markets trade in red as gold tumbles; HSI trims over 500 points, Kospi down 3%

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.

2 Feb 2026 8:54 am
Top stocks to buy: Stock recommendations for the trading week starting February 2, 2026 - check list

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:

2 Feb 2026 8:07 am
Service Charge India Needs: Budget Takes Skill Up A Degree In Jobs Push

Employability In Focus, More Pulp For Orange Eco

2 Feb 2026 7:59 am
Fiscal Deficit Target 2025-26: Govt meets 4.4% goal via capex cuts; future growth outlook dims

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

2 Feb 2026 7:50 am
D-St blues! Sensex sheds 1.5K, biggest drop on a Budget day

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.

2 Feb 2026 5:58 am
Foreign Assets Disclosure Scheme: Budget 2026 offers amnesty for small taxpayers; prosecution norms eased

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.

2 Feb 2026 4:46 am