Indian chemical companies should transform into global-scale institutions by pivoting from quantity-based metrics to solving chemistry problems for customers, a report said on Thursday.

A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) urged chemical companies to integrate into capex super cycles early to capture returns in the 2030s, along with many other recommendations to improve growth.

Startups can play an important role in building a self-reliant programme nuclear programme by contributing to technology development, said Dr Anil Kakodkar, former chairman, Atomic Energy Commission on Thursday.

Kakodkar told that the country’s nuclear programme has been built on self-reliance.

Despite technology embargoes in the past, India developed advanced reactor systems indigenously, which are now performing extremely well.

India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), is considering whether it should start regulating the country’s unlisted share market, which currently operates largely outside its direct control, chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on Thursday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Association of Investment Bankers of India’s annual convention for 2025–26 here, Pandey said the issue is being discussed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

India is ranked fourth globally in public confidence, and the country is headed in the right direction, with 81 per cent expressing optimism compared with a 48 per cent global average, a report said on Thursday.

The report from SEC Newgate stated that India holds organisations to high standards, with 89 per cent of respondents ranking socially responsible business as highly important versus a global average of 80 per cent.

The Indian stock markets remain closed on Thursday on account of municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra.

In an earlier notification, the BSE said there will be no trading in the equity segment, equity derivatives, commodity derivatives, and electronic gold receipts on that day. It also said that equity derivative contracts originally scheduled to expire on January 15, 2026, expired a day earlier. These revisions will be reflected in the end-of-day contract master files.

The NSE also said that January 15 will be a trading holiday in both the capital market and futures and options segments.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has made it clear that there is no place in the state for gangsterism, crime, and those who spread fear. The Mann government’s policy is absolutely clear—zero tolerance. There will be no compromise with those who break the law, and the safety of the common people will remain the top priority. The Punjab Police have been given full freedom to take strict and immediate action against criminals.

Indian passports jumped five places in global mobility rankings in 2026, offering visa‑free, visa‑on‑arrival or eTA access to 55 destinations, a report said on Wednesday.

The Henley Passport Index placed India at 80th spot sharing this rank with Algeria and Niger. Singapore, which topped the list, has visa-free access to 192 countries. Japan (188 destinations) and South Korea followed closely, highlighting the connection of travel freedom with the economic strength of the country.

Indian travellers enjoy visa free access across parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and island nations. However, advance visas are still required for most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and large parts of East Asia.

India’s inflation rate based on wholesale prices was estimated at 0.83 per cent for December 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year with the positive rate primarily due to the increase in prices of manufactured goods and minerals, according to figures released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Wednesday.

Food inflation was estimated at 0 per cent as there was no increase in the wholesale prices of food in December, compared to the same month of the preceding year.

Indian equity markets are entering 2026 on a firmer footing after a year of consolidation, with improving valuations, realistic earnings expectations and strong domestic fundamentals shaping a more constructive outlook, according to a report released on Wednesday.

While global events could be a source of uncertainty, India’s macro fundamentals remain strong, according to smallcase managers.

Gold hovered near fresh record high while silver touched new peak on Wednesday, as softer US inflation data and elevated geopolitical tensions boosted safe haven demand among investors.

MCX gold February futures rose 0.53 per cent to Rs 1,42,995 per 10 grams around 10.05 am, while MCX silver March futures climbed 4.53 per cent to Rs 2,87,640 per kg.

US core Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for December showed a 0.2 per cent month‑on‑month surge and 2.6 per cent year‑on‑year rise, below forecasts and reinforcing market bets that the Federal Reserve will cut rates in 2026, driving gold prices higher.

The Indian benchmark indices traded flat with a mild negative bias on Wednesday amid fears of disruption to Iranian crude exports and sustained FII outflows.

As of 9.25 am, Sensex slipped 74 points, or 0.09 per cent to 83,552 and Nifty eased 12 points, or 0.05 per cent to 25,719.

Main broad-cap indices showed slight divergence with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 unchanged, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 added 0.48 per cent.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said strict and exemplary action was being taken against corrupt officials in the Finance Department, underlining that no one would be spared, irrespective of rank or position.

Gold and silver prices eased on Tuesday amid profit booking, after they surged to record high levels over worries of the US Justice Department's action against the Federal Reserve Chair.

MCX gold February futures eased 0.44 per cent to Rs 1,41,400 per 10 grams around 1.15 pm, while MCX silver March futures traded flat with a negative bias down 0.01 per cent at Rs 2,68,926 per kg.

The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold was at Rs 1,40,482 down from Rs 1,40,499 of previous day's close, according to data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said India can be satisfied with the progress made in the field of security in 2025, while mentioning that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's readiness, precision and strategic clarity.

He mentioned that India's resolute response to the Pahalgam terror attack served as an example of the current reality of the world that "nations that stay prepared, prevail".

India appears to be in a Goldilocks phase of high growth and low inflation, a report said on Tuesday, with economists urging a shift towards a near‑neutral policy.

The report from HSBC Global Investment Research said that a near‑neutral policy, combining fiscal restraint with continued monetary ease, would best support markets and the broader economy in 2026.

Following a sharp recovery from lower levels, Indian benchmark indices traded flat with a negative bias on Tuesday amid rising geopolitical tensions and sustained foreign institutional outflows.

As of 9.29 am, Sensex slipped 85 points, or 0.10 per cent to 83,792 and Nifty eased 22 points, or 0.08 per cent to 25,768.

Main broad-cap indices showed slight divergence with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.11 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 added 0.38 per cent.

India’s inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was estimated at 1.33 per cent for December 2025, which is marginally higher than the corresponding figure of 0.71 per cent for November.

Food inflation remained in the negative zone during December at -2.71 per cent, as prices of food goods fell compared to the same month of the previous year. Food inflation has now stayed negative for the seventh month in a row, easing the burden on household budgets. However, the figure for December was a tad higher than the -3.91 per cent recorded for November.

Rising enrolments and fee hikes will help educational institutions in India log an 11–13 per cent increase in total income in FY26 and the next fiscal year, a report said on Monday.

The report from Crisil Ratings said that this fiscal will mark the sector’s fifth straight year of double‑digit growth, driven largely by higher spending on education by households as incomes improve, the report said.

Deposits and advances in Indian banks almost tripled from FY15 to FY25, signalling deepening of the banking system and renewed credit intermediation, a report said on Monday.

The report from SBI Research said that deposits rose from Rs 85.3 lakh crore to Rs 241.5 lakh crore and advances climbed from Rs 67.4 lakh crore to Rs 191.2 lakh crore during FY15–FY25.

The bank asset growth rebounded from 77 per cent of GDP to 94 per cent by FY25, reflecting renewed financial deepening, the report added.

Gold and silver prices touched record highs on Monday as markets reacted to the US Justice Department's escalation of tensions with the Federal Reserve and intensifying protests in Iran that heightened geopolitical risks.

MCX gold February futures surged 1.46 per cent to Rs 1,40,838 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures rose 3.66 per cent to Rs 2,61,977 per kg.

Spot gold price surged 1.45 per cent at $4,575.82 an ounce, after hitting a fresh record high of $4,601.17 level. Silver prices gained 4.85 per cent to touch $83.19, after hitting a record high of $83.88.

The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) on Monday made the first launch of 2026 with the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite aboard its PSLV-C62 rocket.

The EOS-N1, also called the Anwesha, took off on the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at 10:17 am IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

"Liftoff! PSLV-C62 launches the EOS-N1 Mission from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota," ISRO shared in a post on the social media platform X.

The Indian benchmark indices continued their decline on Monday amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the India-US trade deal.

As of 9.22 am, Sensex slipped 95 points, or 0.44 per cent to 83,212 and Nifty eased by 95 points, or 0.37 per cent to 25,588.

Main broad-cap indices were in line with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 down 0.33 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 lost 0.57 per cent.

Realty firm Signature Global on Sunday reported a sharp decline in its sales bookings for the December quarter, even as the housing market usually sees strong demand during the festive season.

The Gurugram-based company said its sales bookings fell 27 per cent to Rs 2,020 crore in the October–December quarter, compared to Rs 2,770 crore in the same period last financial year, according to its stock exchange filing.

The company sold 408 housing units during the quarter, a steep drop from 1,518 units sold a year ago.

Analysts on Sunday said that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) will turn buyers in India with positive developments on the US-India trade agreement and uptick in earnings growth, which will improve investor sentiment.

FII investment in early 2026 has begun with the continuation of the trend of the previous year.

In 2025, FIIs had net sold equity for Rs 166,283 crore, impacting the performance of the Indian market and also weakening the rupee by about 5 per cent.

Indian stock markets are expected to remain volatile in the coming week as investors brace for a mix of key domestic and global triggers, including the start of the December quarter earnings season, the release of crucial inflation data, and continued uncertainty over US trade policies.

Benchmark indices ended the past week on a weak note, extending their losing streak to five sessions, as caution ahead of corporate results and persistent foreign fund outflows kept sentiment subdued.

The focus will now shift to how companies perform in the December quarter and whether macroeconomic numbers provide any relief to markets.

Gold and silver continued their structural bull run into the start of 2026 on the back of enhanced safe haven demand and industrial demand, analysts said on Saturday.

Gold futures with February expiry gained significantly during the week touching Rs 1,38,875 per 10 grams, up from Rs 1,35,752 at last week's close. The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold closed the week at Rs 1,37,122 up from Rs 1,34,782 of the prior week, according to data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

The Nifty delivered a strong annual return of 10.51 per cent, even as broader markets remained largely flat in December, a new report said on Saturday.

The data compiled by latest Global Market Snapshot report by Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund showed that while short-term market movement was mixed, select sectors such as metals and automobiles continued to outperform over longer periods.

The government should consider enhancing standard deduction for salaried employees, allowing more time for belated tax returns and several measures to improve ease of doing business in the upcoming Union Budget, a report has said.

Markets regulator Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of trading‑related rules at stock exchanges to consolidate overlapping provisions and ease compliance for market participants.

The consultation paper recommended merging overlapping provisions on trading, price bands, circuit breakers, bulk and block deal disclosures, call auctions and liquidity enhancement schemes, according to an official statement.

The Indian equity benchmarks closed this week down around 2.5 per cent, continuing decline through five sessions amid persistent uncertainty over the US-India tariff talks and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Profit-booking in autos, metals, and oil and gas weighed on indices during the week, while selective buying in consumer durables, on hopes of a demand revival, offered brief respite.

Nifty dipped 2.45 per cent this week and 0.75 per cent on the last trading day to end at 25,638. At close, Sensex was down 604 points or 0.72 per cent at 83,576. It dipped 2.55 per cent during the week.

The Indian equity markets slipped for the fifth consecutive session on Friday, weighed down by sustained foreign outflows and increasing uncertainties about the trade deal between India and the US and fresh tariff threats.

At the closing bell, the Sensex lost 605 points, or 0.72 per cent, and settled at 83,576. The Nifty had edged down by 193.5 points, or 0.75 per cent, to close at 25,683.

The Indian economy is in good shape with an expected growth of 7.5 per cent or higher in the current financial year and jobs are being created at a fast pace, so the Budget for 2026-27 must keep up the "focus on jobs, jobs, and jobs", business leader and former Infosys board member TV Mohandas Pai said.

Pai pointed out that 1.2 to 1.4 crore new people are joining EPFO, paying money with Aadhaar. "Don't believe all these leftist JNU people who say there are no jobs. The jobs are happening," he remarked.

Equity mutual fund (MF) inflows stood at Rs 28,054 crore in the month of December as systematic investment plans (SIPs) scaled a fresh record high last month, according to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data released on Friday.

The monthly mutual fund SIP inflows reached a new record high in December at Rs 31,002 crore, compared to Rs 29,445 crore in November. The SIP investments rose by 5 per cent and 17 per cent on a monthly and yearly basis, respectively.

The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) is in ongoing discussions with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) to launch an Indian Natural Gas Futures contract, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s natural gas market ecosystem, according to an official statement on Friday.

The proposed futures product aims to offer market participants a transparent, efficient risk‑management tool aligned with India’s evolving natural gas pricing framework, the exchange said.

The Indian benchmark indices posted mild losses early on Friday amid rising geopolitical tensions and renewed threats of 500 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods under the provisions of the Russia Sanctioning Act.

As of 9.29 am, Sensex slipped 107 points, or 0.13 per cent to 84,073 and Nifty eased 26 points, or 0.10 per cent to 26,850.