The Times of India

Punjab's commitment to law and order took a bold step forward with the launch of Operation Prahar-2. In an astounding first-day success, more than 1,200 wanted individuals were apprehended as over 2,000 police teams conducted sweeping raids. This extensive operation serves as a critical component of the states sustained effort to dismantle organized crime networks and combat gang activities.

India will grant duty concessions on automobiles and offer market access for alcoholic beverages under a trade pact with the US. Tariffs on $30.94 billion of Indian exports will be reduced, with reciprocal tariffs on $10.03 billion eliminated, significantly boosting price competitiveness.

Nearly 1,000 Google employees are demanding the company sever ties with the Department of Homeland Security, citing contracts with ICE and CBP. They allege Google's technology fuels state violence and repression. Employees seek transparency on contracts, a Q&A session, and protection for all workers, calling for an end to complicity in government actions.

CM Himanta's remark came after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi lodged an official complaint with Hyderabad City Police seeking criminal action against Sarma over a ow-deleted video allegedly depicting violence against Muslims, describing it as genocidal hate speech. The BJP leader also said he didn't know anything about the video, adding that he would continue to oppose Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Trump has repeatedly argued that his tariff policies have helped rebalance global trade, contributed to international stability, and boosted economic prosperity in the United States through increased revenue from abroad.

The 8th Pay Commission was first announced in January 2025, and it was formally notified later through a Ministry of Finance notification issued on November 3, 2025.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, alongside health minister Pankaj Singh, inaugurated a series of advanced medical facilities at GB Pant Hospital on Monday. The new additions include a state-of-the-art 256-slice CT scanner, a modern cardiac catheterisation lab, and a dedicated neurointensive care unit, all designed to significantly enhance diagnostic and critical care capabilities for cardiac and neurological patients.

Chandigarh witnessed chaos as police turned to water cannons to break up a protest organized by AAP leaders, among them ministers, in response to comments made by Congress figure Partap Singh Bajwa. His remarks, criticized as offensive to minister Harbhajan Singha former band playerignited strong backlash from AAP, who are now demanding a public apology.

On its part the Trump administration has claimed that India has committed to ending both direct and indirect imports of oil from the Russian Federation. The executive order by Trump says that the tariffs on Indian exports to the US could be increased if such crude imports resume.

Public sector banks achieved a record profit of over Rs 52,000 crore in the third quarter. This marks an 18 percent increase year-on-year. State Bank of India led the performance, contributing significantly to the overall earnings. Several other banks also reported strong profit growth. The aggregate profit for the nine months crossed Rs 1.45 lakh crore.

The six new monitoring stations set up by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) are located at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Netaji Subhas University of Technology West Campus (Dwarka), CWD Akshardham, Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Delhi Cantt and the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex at Talkatora Garden.

The recent IndiaUS trade engagement signals deeper agricultural trade integration ahead. As markets open further, Indian farmers will be more exposed to global price movements both opportunities and risks.

Indian IT shares have plummeted, losing Rs 2.5 lakh crore as AI automation threatens traditional outsourcing. New tools from Anthropic and Palantir, capable of rapid SAP migrations, have spooked investors. Analysts predict a significant revenue hit, though historical disruptions have ultimately spurred industry growth. Investors are now cautiously assessing the sector's AI-driven future.

India has adopted a phased tariff reduction approach for select products under the India-US trade deal, allowing duty elimination over 10 years for some items. Highly sensitive agricultural sectors, including meat, dairy, and certain fruits and pulses, remain fully protected. This strategy aims to boost Indian exports to the US while safeguarding domestic farmers.

In line with expectations, the new Income Tax Act 2025, which supersedes the long-standing Act of 1961, will now be effective from 1 April 2026. The new Act was drafted with a valiant attempt at simplification of provisions by reducing jargon and using layman language instead for easier comprehension.

Gold experienced significant gains on Monday, reaching Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams. This surge was driven by a rebound in global markets, a weaker US dollar, and increased demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also saw substantial increases in futures trading, climbing nearly 5%.

Long-duration and gilt categories saw their gains of the past three months wiped out in a single day. Market experts now believe that Indias rate-cutting cycle is over.

The Supreme Court pointed out that, although anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC is not a fundamental right but a statutory right, the delay in dispensing bail applications by the courts constitutes a direct implication of Article 21.

India is poised to lead G-20 economic growth, with real GDP projected to expand by 6.4% in fiscal 2026-27. Moody's anticipates a stable banking sector, supported by improving asset quality, strong capital, healthy profits, and ample liquidity. Despite challenges in deposit mobilization, government support will bolster public sector banks.

Gold, silver price today: Gold and silver prices have rebounded on Monday after last weeks crash. The yellow metal and white metal are up both in international and domestic markets.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd recommends the top stock picks for the week starting February 9, 2026. These are: SAIL, and Ventive Hospitality. Heres a detailed analysis:

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to remain volatile this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The expert shares his outlook for gold prices in the near term:

State Bank of India's stock hit a record high following its strongest-ever quarterly profit, driven by robust loan growth and steady margins. The bank reported a significant jump in net profit, exceeding expectations. Analysts remain bullish, citing consistent performance, asset quality, and positive future outlook, with several brokerages reiterating 'Buy' ratings and raising price targets.

In plain sight, found too late

The Indian Rupee strengthened against the US dollar today. This rise followed positive global news and excitement over a new India-US trade agreement. The currency had opened lower but recovered as sentiment improved. The deal aims to boost trade between the two nations. Strong domestic stock markets also supported the Rupee.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in green on Monday, rallying strongly on the back of India-US trade deal joint statement issued over the weekend, and US President Donald Trumps executive order revoking 25% penal tariffs.

Dubai offers a vibrant life but demands a significant income. How much money do single individuals need monthly for comfort? How much money do couples and families require given that rent, education and daily expenses are key cost drivers? Tax-free salaries are offset by high living costs, making careful budgeting crucial for a stress-free life in Dubai.

Asian markets rallied, led by Tokyo, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's election victory and hopes for greater political stability. Wall Street's strong performance also boosted sentiment, with Japan's Nikkei jumping significantly. Investors are optimistic about potential fiscal support and tax reductions, despite concerns over public debt.

Overall, the Budget 202627 has been delivered with clarity, balance, and a longterm vision. It successfully addresses expectations across sectors

Tej Pratap Yadav has denied social media rumors of fathering a child, Anushka Yadav. He accused RJD leaders Sanjay Yadav, Sunil Singh, former MLAs Shakti Singh Yadav and Mukesh Raushan, and Tejashwi Yadav's friend Rameez of hatching a conspiracy against him. Yadav vowed legal action against those he called 'Jaichands' for defamation.

Stock market recommendations: According to Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities, the top stock picks for the week are Bajaj Finance, and Larsen & Toubro. Heres his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for the week starting February 9, 2026:

NEET-PG qualifying standards were drastically lowered, resulting in postgraduate medical seats in government colleges being filled with extremely low scores. Candidates secured spots in high-risk clinical specialties and premier institutions with scores as low as single digits, raising significant concerns within the medical community.

Malaysia joined India in condemning cross-border terrorism, signaling a stronger alignment on the issue. Prime Minister Modi highlighted clear messages against terror with no double standards or compromise. The bilateral meeting saw numerous agreements signed, spanning defense, security, and economic cooperation, including semiconductors and social security for Indian workers.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the nation's strong stance in the US trade deal. The focus was on boosting farm exports and safeguarding sensitive sectors like dairy. The agreement opens new avenues for Indian products such as tea and coffee. Concerns about feed ingredient imports are addressed with a limited quota.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advised Gen Z to be flexible and persevere, emphasizing that life is not linear. He shared insights from an interaction with NRI students, addressing their anxieties about confidence, judgment, and self-expression. Gandhi highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures and labels.

CPM and CPI(ML) Liberation have strongly criticized the Indo-US trade deal, alleging the BJP government has made significant concessions detrimental to India's economy, agriculture, and national sovereignty. Both parties demand the deal's details be made public and presented to Parliament, urging the government to halt any agreement harmful to Indian workers and farmers.

India's electronics manufacturing has surged six-fold in production and eight-fold in exports over 11 years, making it the world's second-largest mobile phone maker. Driven by the production-linked incentive scheme, mobile production alone saw a more than 100-fold export increase, transforming India into a net exporter.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the India-US interim trade deal will empower farmers, with key agricultural products like major grains, fruits, and dairy remaining secure from US imports. He asserted that the agreement protects farmers' interests and will boost Indian exports, particularly in textiles.

US President Trump's threat of a 25% penalty on Indian crude imports casts a shadow over the Nayara refinery, majority-owned by Russia's Rosneft. This situation fuels speculation about a change in ownership, as prospective buyers may be deterred by US sanctions.