The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a historic free trade agreement between India and the European Union, emphasizing a double engine growth approach amid global turmoil. This iggest free trade agreement aims to provide stability and common prosperity, unlocking new opportunities for India's labor-intensive products and service sectors.

India and the European Union have finalized a historic free trade agreement, significantly reducing import duties on European wines, whiskies, and beers. This pact, concluded after 18 years of negotiations, aims to lower retail prices for premium brands and boost trade between the two economic blocs. The deal also grants India preferential access for its labor-intensive exports.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to present the Budget 2026, a comprehensive financial blueprint for the nation. This intricate process, spanning months, involves extensive consultations with ministries, states, and diverse stakeholders. The budget outlines economic performance and future aspirations, guiding the country's fiscal path.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the State Bank of India has proposed tax reforms to boost household savings and ease compliance. Recommendations include aligning bank deposit interest tax with capital gains, reducing fixed deposit lock-in periods, and removing or raising TDS thresholds.

India and the European Union have concluded talks for a free trade agreement. This landmark deal promises expanded market access for Indian exports and lower tariffs for EU goods. The agreement will now undergo legal review and ratification. Formal signing is anticipated later this year, with implementation likely in early 2027.

Adani Group and Embraer have partnered to explore setting up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India, boosting the nation's indigenous manufacturing push in civil aviation. This collaboration aims to establish a Final Assembly Line for Embraer's regional jets, addressing growing demand for connectivity to smaller cities and positioning India as a hub for regional aircraft production.

India-EU FTA: The deal will strengthen economic and political ties between the world's two largest democracies at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges.

India and the European Union finalized a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, set to eliminate tariffs on 96% of exports over time. This deal grants zero-duty access for Indian textiles, marine products, and leather goods to the EU, while strategically phasing market opening for European cars and wine.

The European Union ranks among Indias largest trading partners. The bilateral trade between the two in goods and services has risen steadily in recent years.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh dismissed a writ petition filed by Janshruti (Peoples Voice) under Article 32 of the Constitution, which empowers citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.

Gold and silver futures shattered previous records on Tuesday, driven by a surge in safe-haven demand amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. International markets saw significant gains, with gold surpassing $5,100 per ounce and silver climbing over 6%. This rally is attributed to global uncertainty, a weakening US dollar, and trade disputes impacting currency values.

Public sector banks across India are experiencing widespread disruption due to a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). Employees are demanding the immediate implementation of a five-day work week, a request that remains unformalised by the government. The strike is expected to impact branch services for five consecutive days, compounded by upcoming holidays.

Public sector bank operations face nationwide disruption Tuesday as unions strike for a five-day work week. Conciliation talks failed, leading to the strike after banks were already closed for the weekend and Republic Day. This is expected to impact branch services for three consecutive days.

Stock market recommendations: According to Somil Mehta, Head - Alternate Research, Capital Market Strategy, Mirae Asset Sharekhan, the top stock to buy today on January 27, 2026 is: Coal India. Coforge, and Fortis Healthcare are sell calls. Lets take a look:

India and the European Union are set to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement after nearly two decades of talks, signaling a significant boost to their economic and strategic partnership.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, dropped in opening trade on Tuesday. While Nifty50 was near 25,000, BSE Sensex was down over 170 points.

Stock market recommendations: According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the top stock picks for the trading week (starting January 27, 2026) are ICICI Bank, and Tata Steel. Lets take a look:

Union Budget 2026 has the opportunity to send a strong signal: that bonds are not just institutional instruments, but a core part of Indias household investment landscape.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent targeted the India-EU trade deal, alleging Europe indirectly funds Russia's war by buying refined oil from India, which originates from Russian crude. He pointed out what he called burden-sharing imbalance, contrasting with US tariffs on India for similar trade. The deal aims for broad tariff reductions on goods and services.

Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, sent his resignation by e-mail to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh, the officials told news agency PTI. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.

Republic Day celebrations prominently featured the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram,' with performances and tableaux across states. The national song's significance was highlighted, becoming a focal point for political discourse, particularly between the BJP and TMC ahead of West Bengal's assembly polls. Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, among others, showcased tributes to the patriotic anthem.

Sirhind, once a significant historical hub, now lies neglected with its ancient monuments crumbling and forgotten. Despite its rich past, from the era of Prithviraj Chauhan to Guru Gobind Singh's sons, the town has faded from public consciousness. Archaeological exploration and preservation efforts are minimal, leaving its historical treasures buried and overlooked.

The Indian Air Force released a video showcasing its fighter jets armed with advanced missiles like Meteor and BrahMos, silencing critics who doubted India's possession of the beyond-visual-range Meteor missile. The footage featured Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas jets, confirming the missile's presence and capabilities for air-to-air combat.

India's military might, including lethal weapon systems and fighter jets from Operation Sindoor, captivated crowds on Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade. The event showcased advanced missile systems, air defence capabilities, and a unique 'Battle Array Format' with an aerial component, highlighting India's defence prowess to European dignitaries.

Nine individuals from the farm and allied sectors, including prominent agricultural scientists Ashok Kumar Singh and Gopal Ji Trivedi, have been honored with the Padma Shri. Their contributions range from developing numerous rice varieties and genome-edited crops to promoting makhana cultivation and innovative farming techniques, significantly boosting farm growth and farmer livelihoods across India.

Following a proposal to restrict non-Hindus at Haridwar's Kumbh ghats, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee is considering a similar move at its shrines. Citing tradition and constitutional rights, the committee chairman stated the decision aims to preserve religious practices, welcoming those who respect their faith.

A former MHA officer, RVS Mani, instrumental in exposing contradictory affidavits in the Ishrat Jahan case, has been honored with the Padma Shri. Mani claimed political interference led to the revision of the initial affidavit, which cited intelligence reports confirming Jahan's terror links. The second affidavit downplayed the intelligence, a move later confirmed by then Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Highway construction agencies are facing a challenge as contractors aggressively bid up to 48% below estimated project costs, raising concerns about work quality. This trend, driven by fewer projects and increased competition, forces contractors to quote low to keep resources engaged, potentially impacting the sector's long-term health and project standards.

Congress has questioned the Modi government's intent regarding the caste enumeration in Census 2027, citing that the 'houselisting' questionnaire omits 'OBC' as an option. The party demands immediate consultations with political parties, states, and civil society before finalizing the caste census details.

Congress leadership is planning to meet senior leader Shashi Tharoor following his absence from a crucial Kerala election strategy meeting. Tharoor, who cited personal issues and unhappiness with the party, will be invited for discussions to address his grievances. The party aims to ensure unity for the upcoming state elections, recognizing Tharoor's electoral influence.

Delhi High Court has adopted gender-neutral terminology in court documents, replacing father's/husband's name with parent's/spouse's name. This change, inspired by a district judge's suggestion, aims to empower women and reflect modern family structures. The move will impact judicial officers' personal files, staff ID cards, and various official forms.

A devastating fire engulfed a Kolkata warehouse complex early Monday, claiming at least seven lives and leaving 21 workers missing. Trapped inside units laden with combustible decoration materials and food supplies, the victims were sleeping when the blaze erupted. Firefighters battled for hours, but the inferno's intensity and smoldering debris continue to hinder rescue efforts.

PVR INOX is divesting its premium snacking business, 4700BC, to FMCG major Marico for Rs 226.8 crore in an all-cash deal. This strategic move aims to reduce debt and sharpen the company's focus on its core cinema operations. The transaction is expected to be finalized within 30 days.

Axis Bank reported a 3% year-on-year net profit increase to Rs 6,490 crore in the December quarter, driven by robust loan growth and higher fee income. Net interest income rose 5% to Rs 14,287 crore, fueled by a 14% surge in advances, particularly in corporate and SME segments.

India's startup ecosystem faces challenges with ESOP taxation, creating liquidity issues for employees. While a 2020 tax deferral aimed to help, it's limited to a small fraction of eligible startups. Expanding this benefit to all recognized startups and unlisted companies is crucial for making ESOPs a true wealth-creation tool.

Technology reigns supreme as the top paymaster in 2026, with AI and digitisation driving demand for tech roles. Software development, product management, and data engineering are leading the charge. Interestingly, senior-level salaries are surging in Tier-2 cities, challenging metro dominance. Overall salary growth is projected at 9% this year.

Wealthy Indians are increasingly diversifying into dollar-denominated assets, with GIFT City emerging as a preferred route to hedge against rupee depreciation. While equities remain popular, real assets, boosted by AIFs, REITs, and InvITs, form the largest investment bucket. Despite global headwinds, HNIs and UHNIs remain bullish on India's growth, though GDP growth expectations have moderated.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is set for a significant overhaul with a new base year of 2022-23 and a shift to a chain-based series. This update will increase the weight of electricity and manufacturing sectors while decreasing mining's share, reflecting evolving production patterns. The new methodology aims to better capture dynamic economic changes.

Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce for the first time, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and a flight from traditional assets. Dollar weakness and concerns over US monetary policy further fueled demand for the precious metal, which has seen a significant rally this year.