Business News: Economy & Markets

Institutions must collectively contribute towards Viksit Bharat goal: IICA

IANS | January 31, 2026 2:48 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) India’s leadership has articulated a clear vision for the future, and institutions must collectively contribute — both individually and collaboratively — towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat, said Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), it was announced on Saturday.

IIFT playing an important role in shaping future leaders: Piyush Goyal

IANS | January 31, 2026 2:22 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is playing an important role in shaping future leaders and further strengthening India’s presence in the global trading landscape, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said on Saturday.

Budget 2026 to focus on defence, capex, infrastructure, fiscal discipline

IANS | January 31, 2026 1:59 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to table the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, economists say the emphasis this year will be on defence, infrastructure, capex, power, and higher growth in affordable housing, apart from balancing social welfare with fiscal prudence.

India's smartphone purchase pattern changes as iPhone 16 tops sales chart

IANS | January 31, 2026 1:42 PM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) Indian consumers’ smartphone buying patterns showed a marked shift moving away from the traditional budget‑segment dominance, as Apple Inc.’s iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the top‑selling smartphone model in 2025, a report has said.

Central govt employees keen on cues for faster implementation of 8th Pay Commission

IANS | January 31, 2026 12:21 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners look for cues from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026-27 speech on Sunday, for any sign of an accelerated rollout of the 8th Pay Commission.

Silver, gold prices plummet amid aggressive profit booking

IANS | January 31, 2026 11:47 AM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) Gold and silver prices saw a meltdown this week, amid dollar strengthening and aggressive profit booking from investors after an unprecedented rally in metal.

Centre cracks down to curb diversion, misuse of fertilisers in crop season

IANS | January 31, 2026 11:30 AM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) The government has issued 14,692 show-cause notices, suspended or cancelled 6,373 licenses and registered 766 first information reports (FIRs) to curb the diversion and misuse of fertilisers during the Kharif and the ongoing Rabi season 2025–26 (April–Mid January 2026), to safeguard farmer interests and ensure the integrity of the national fertiliser supply chain, an official statement said on Saturday.

American Express investors question growth costs

IANS | January 31, 2026 11:17 AM

Washington, Jan 31 (IANS) Investors on Friday pressed American Express executives on slowing net card additions, rising growth costs, and signs of middle-market softness, even as the payments company defended its push into premium cardholders and heavy investment.

BSE, NSE to conduct regular trading session on Budget Day

IANS | January 31, 2026 10:34 AM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) India’s stock exchanges will hold a regular live trading session on the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, despite being a Sunday.

Indian stock markets gain this week ahead of Budget 2026

IANS | January 31, 2026 10:01 AM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) The Indian equity benchmarks gained around 1 per cent during the week, though the trading sessions were volatile but with a cautiously constructive tone amid mixed global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.