IBTimes

While Foreign Currency Assets slightly declined by $493 million to $562.39 billion. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and India's reserve position with the IMF also rose.

The government has also signed MoUs with 23 countries to share or adopt India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including platforms like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, CoWIN, and API Setu, to promote global adoption of India Stack solutions. UPI transactions in January 2026 recorded 21.70 billion transactions, a 28% year-on-year growth in count and 21% growth in transaction value at 28.33 lakh

At the closing bell, Sensex gained 266 points, or 0.32 per cent, to settle at 83,580. Nifty surged 50 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close at 25,693. The broader markets showed divergence from benchmark indices, as Nifty Midcap 100 index lost 0.02 per cent, while the NSE Smallcap 100 shed 0.27 per cent.

The RBI also proposed removing the requirement of prior approval for NBFC-ICCs lending against gold to open new branches, and announced a review of lending norms for urban co-operative banks to improve flexibility while maintaining prudential discipline.

Bitcoin saw its sharpest singleday decline since late 2024 on Thursday when it slid 12.6 per cent to roughly $63,300, its lowest level since October 2024, wiping out billions of asset value in dollar terms, multiple reports said.

Malhotra said treasury bill issuance would help manage the yield curve efficiently and assured that ample liquidity has been maintained to ensure effective transmission of past repo rate cuts.

MCX gold February futures fell 0.97 per cent to Rs 1,50,590 per 10 grams around 10.40 am on an intraday basis. Meanwhile, MCX silver March futures plunged 3.71 per cent to Rs 2,34,775 per kg.

Economists said the Reserve Bank of India's decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent reflects a favourable assessment of India's growth and inflation outlook. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its first policy review of 2026, opted for a pause, which analysts expect to continue in the near term amid a positive cyclical upswing and confidence stemming from the conclusion of multiple trade deals.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised upward its real GDP growth projections for the first two quarters of 202627, with growth now expected at 6.9 per cent in Q1 and 7.0 per cent in Q2, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted that while global uncertainties have intensified since the last policy review, recent trade deals signed by the government provide support to India's growth prospects.

As India's leading AMISP (Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider), AESL has a mandate to install 2.5 crore smart meters across five states. At 25,000 per day, its pace of installation is highest in the industry, said the company.

Gold prices slipped around 1 per cent on Thursday after a two-day rally, while silver witnessed a sharp correction of over 8 per cent as prices failed to sustain early gains.

The IndiaUSA trade deal signed in February 2026 is not a conventional tariff reduction treaty. It is a tectonic realignment of economic strategy and geopolitical calculus blending market incentives with energy security, alliance signalling, and industrial competitiveness.

The Union Budget 202627 focuses on long-term, durable growth rather than short-term market appeasement, emphasising fiscal discipline and execution certainty, according to a PL Wealth report. The outlook remains positive for infrastructure, manufacturing, defence and select export sectors, while near-term market volatility and sectoral rotation may persist.

The quarter was marked by key milestones, including the start of operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, completion of two HAM road projects, and the inauguration of a new terminal at Guwahati airport. Strong capital market support through a Rs 24,930 crore rights issue and Rs 1,000 crore NCD issuance further strengthened the company's financial position.

Apple emerged as the biggest winner, recording its highest-ever value share at 28%, with the iPhone 16 becoming the top-shipped model. Vivo led the market in volume with a 20% share, followed by Samsung, which benefited from strong demand for its Galaxy S series. Motorola was the fastest-growing brand by volume, while CMF topped the sub-brand growth chart.

Experts said the Union Budget 2026 maintains macroeconomic stability and supports fiscal consolidation, reducing the need for further monetary easing.

Analysts said the free fall of gold and silver from their record highs started after the US President Donald Trump selected Kevin Warsh as the next US Fed Chairman. Investors reacted negatively because Warsh is considered more aggressive on interest-rate policy than earlier chairs, they added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday rebutted Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Union Budget, saying it focuses on MSMEs, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and rural workers amid global uncertainty. She said political criticism is welcome but must be backed by facts. Gandhi had termed the Budget blind to issues like unemployment, farmers' distress, and falling manufacturing.

According to an official statement from the Ministry, the enhanced allocation including 4,821.21 crore for the Department of Health Research (DHR) reflects a cumulative increase of over 176 per cent compared to FY 2014-15, translating into an additional 63,677.89 crore over the last decade.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet was held at Sansad Bhawan at 10 a.m., and after the Cabinet's approval, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proceeded to Parliament to present the Budget. Earlier, FM Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu and offered her a copy of the digital budget.

MCX gold February futures fell 7.12 per cent to Rs 1,39,000 per 10 grams around 10 am on an intraday basis. Meanwhile, MCX silver March futures dipped 9 per cent to Rs 2,65,652 per kg. CME Group raised margin requirements on Comex gold and silver futures after the metal prices saw steep declines, which raised investor caution.

This move is expected to reduce tax evasion and improve revenue collection. Pan masala manufacturers will now have to take fresh registration under the new health and national security cess law starting February 1.