The Times of India

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has vehemently denied allegations of the Indian government's involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, demanding concrete evidence. Patnaik stressed that accusations lack substantiation and that ongoing legal proceedings do not implicate India as a state. He reiterated India's willingness to act if credible proof is provided.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation returned to positive territory in December, rising to 0.83% after two months of deflation. This uptick was primarily driven by increased prices in manufacturing, minerals, and food products, while fuel and power remained in deflation. Retail inflation also climbed, prompting the RBI to maintain its accommodative stance.

Pakistan has reportedly entered into an agreement with a company linked to World Liberty Financial, which is a crypto venture associated with the family of US President Donald Trump, to explore the use of its stablecoin for cross-border payments.

Indian equity benchmarks opened Wednesday's session with uncertainty, fluctuating between gains and losses. Investors remained cautious due to continued foreign fund selling and global tariff concerns. Despite some heavyweight stocks weighing down the indices, gains in Tata Steel, Axis Bank, and NTPC provided support.

The upcoming Union Budget offers a moment to consider how crypto taxation can better align incentives with outcomes. The existing framework is perceived by many participants as relatively stringent.

US President Trump's proposal for a 10% credit card interest rate cap aims to ease affordability, potentially saving consumers billions. However, critics warn this could restrict credit access for those with lower scores and negatively impact the broader economy. The banking industry strongly opposes the move, citing severe consequences for consumers and the economy.

Gold price prediction today: Maneesh Sharma of Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers sees the gold and silver price rally continuing amidst ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, celebrating India's diverse harvest festivals. He highlighted their significance in honoring nature, farmers, and cultural traditions, wishing for prosperity and well-being for all citizens.

China achieved a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, driven by robust exports to global markets that compensated for reduced shipments to the United States. Despite ongoing trade friction, experts predict exports will continue to be a significant growth driver for China's economy in 2026, with the trade surplus expected to remain above $1 trillion.

The Indian rupee opened weaker on Wednesday, continuing its downward trend against the US dollar. This decline is attributed to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and foreign fund outflows. While global risk aversion and weak domestic markets are pressuring the currency, optimism around a potential India-US trade deal and a possible rate cut may offer support.

Chef Gautam Kumar, once feeling like a misfit from rural Bihar, defied expectations to become a celebrated chef. He transformed his perceived disadvantages into strengths, championing ancient Indian culinary wisdom, particularly Ayurveda, in elite kitchens.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the equity benchmark indices, started Wednesday on a negative note, slipping in trade. While Nifty50 was near 25,650, BSE Sensex was down over 120 points.

Asian markets mostly rose, led by Japanese stocks extending a record rally amid a weaker yen. US stocks retreated as banking shares fell after JPMorgan's earnings missed guidance. Investors await a Supreme Court ruling on Trump's tariffs and a heavy bank earnings slate, while inflation data reinforces expectations of a Fed rate pause.

CEO: India Is Attractive For AI Training As Data Centre Costs 30% Cheaper Than West

Budget 2026 for defence: According to FICCI, enhancing defence spending is essential with a higher capital outlay within a steadily rising defence budget and a significant boost in funding for DRDO to accelerate modernisation and indigenous technology development.

The US Commerce Department has signaled a policy shift, approving Nvidia to export its H200 AI chips to China under strict conditions. This move allows for case-by-case licensing reviews instead of automatic rejections for these advanced processors, though the most cutting-edge chips remain off-limits.

Stock market recommendations: Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers recommends buying SJVN, JSW Energy, and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. as top stock picks for today.

Sends case to CJI, P20

Representatives of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA said Tuesday they had appealed the US-forced sale of its prized Houston-based subsidiary Citgo to pay off creditors. Citgo is in the crosshairs of creditors seeking the settlement of debts in excess of $20 billion that cash-strapped Caracas has been unable or unwilling to pay.

'Adopt them', P 8

US President Trump visited a Ford assembly line in Michigan to promote his manufacturing agenda amidst voter concerns about jobs and the cost of living. He highlighted economic accomplishments and tariffs, aiming to counter anxieties despite recent election results suggesting voter skepticism. The visit also coincided with shifts in electric vehicle policies.

Bengaluru-based Liquidnitro Games has secured $19.1 million in Series A funding, led by Northpoint Capital, to boost its AI-driven game development and global expansion. The investment will accelerate their proprietary platform, scale publisher partnerships, and enter new markets like India and Southeast Asia. This funding aims to revolutionize game production and live services.

Deloitte India suggests the upcoming Union Budget should boost domestic manufacturing and exports by rationalizing import duties and increasing budgetary allocations. The consulting firm advocates for a balanced customs duty structure, encouraging domestic value addition and exports. Reforms to SEZ regimes and extended manufacturing programs are also proposed to enhance competitiveness and support Indian exporters in global markets.

A court in Chandausi has ordered an FIR against former Sambhal officials and police personnel following the 2024 violence. The order came after a plea from a man whose son was allegedly shot by police during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Delhi's government has approved a Carbon Credit Monetisation Framework to generate revenue from its environmental initiatives like electric vehicles and urban forestry. This no-financial-liability model will allow the city to sell tradable carbon credits, creating a new funding stream for pollution control and sustainability projects.

West Delhi commuters will soon experience relief as the Delhi government launches a Rs 64.04 crore project to repair roads and upgrade stormwater drains along the Nangloi-Najafgarh corridor. This initiative aims to improve drainage, reconstruct roads, and enhance safety, addressing years of neglect and waterlogging issues.

Indian markets saw a cautious start as Wall Street edged lower amidst a mixed earnings season and expected inflation data. Major indices like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones experienced slight declines. While some companies disappointed, others like Revvity and Cardinal Health boosted outlooks, offering pockets of optimism. Inflation figures remained steady, keeping hopes for interest rate cuts alive.