The Times of India

After an exhilarating rally in the recent sessions, gold and silver futures took a nosedive on Friday as traders took the opportunity to cash in on their gains. The drop, spurred by a robust US dollar and shifting global market sentiments, led to notable declines across both domestic and international exchanges.

The Supreme Court further took care to explain that abuse of Section 498A does not in any way erode its constitutionality or social utility. At the same time, it acknowledged a growing tendency where criminal law is deployed as a pressure tactic in matrimonial disputes, often without regard to proportionality or truth.

Dubai magnate Hussain Sajwani warns at WEF 2026 that AI is a job-market revolution, posing a significant threat to economies reliant on outsourced work, particularly India's vast IT and BPO sectors. While some jobs may be automated, experts highlight the creation of new roles and the enduring value of human soft skills, creativity and adaptability.

US State Department records reveal gifts exchanged between Indian officials and American leaders. Prime Minister Modi presented items like a Sterling Silver Train Set valued at $7,750 to former President Biden. Other notable gifts included a Pashmina Shawl for Jill Biden and a Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue for Lloyd Austin, with most items transferred to the National Archives.

DMK MP Kanimozhi has voiced strong opposition to the prominent use of Hindi on a Chennai railway station signboard, calling it an imposition. This move by the BJP-led Centre reignites the long-standing language dispute between the ruling party and the Tamil Nadu government, with language politics expected to be a key factor in upcoming assembly elections.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened in red on Friday. While Nifty50 went below 25,300, BSE Sensex was down over 500 points.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, highlighting his ideals of Swadeshi and self-reliance. India observes Martyrs' Day today, January 30, to honor the Father of the Nation. Security is heightened in central Delhi for the commemorative event at Rajghat, with potential traffic diversions.

Stock market recommendations: According to Bajaj Broking Research, the top stock picks for January 30, 2026 are State Bank of India (SBI), and Jayaswal Neco Industries. Heres its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:

Make Up 50% Of Rural Monthly Consumption

The government has declared coking coal a critical mineral. This move aims to boost exploration and mining activities. India imports most of its coking coal despite having large domestic reserves. This reform seeks to reduce import dependence. It will strengthen the steel sector's supply chain. The policy also encourages private investment and advanced mining technologies.

India is piloting a digital food currency, a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), for its free ration scheme in select regions. Beneficiaries will receive digital food coupons in an RBI-enabled wallet, redeemable at ration shops by scanning QR codes. This aims to enhance transparency and prevent leakage in the food security program.

World Bank President Ajay Banga advised India to prioritize trade expansion over tariffs. He highlighted India's extensive trade agreements, including the recent India-European Union free trade deal. Global trade has grown significantly, with emerging markets like India playing a crucial role. This new pact will create a vast market connecting India and the EU.

Crop protection innovation is science-intensive, capital-heavy and inherently long-term. Developing a new molecule can take more than a decade, demanding sustained investment and regulatory certainty.

Indian markets mirrored global trends as US stocks traded near record highs amidst mixed tech earnings. Microsoft dipped despite strong results, while Meta surged. Gold continued its extraordinary rally, driven by safe-haven demand amid global uncertainties. Overseas markets saw gains, with South Korea's Kospi hitting a new peak.