India

The Indian rupee weakened to 90.96 against the US dollar, reflecting mounting global currency pressures, sustained dollar strength and cautious investor sentiment. The decline comes amid fluctuating capital flows, elevated crude oil prices and broader macroeconomic uncertainties affecting emerging markets. Currency traders cited external headwinds, including resilient US economic data and firm Treasury yields, as key drivers of the rupee’s depreciation.

India is poised to strengthen its access to critical minerals through strategic cooperation agreements with Germany and Canada, reflecting an urgent push to safeguard supply chains essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. The Union Cabinet is expected to approve the proposed partnerships, which aim to deepen collaboration in mineral exploration, processing technologies and long-term procurement frameworks.

Gold futures retreated to Rs 1.61 lakh per 10 grams, reflecting profit booking and shifting global risk sentiment. The decline follows a period of strong upward momentum driven by geopolitical uncertainty and central bank buying. Analysts attribute the latest correction to a firmer dollar, fluctuating bond yields and short-term liquidation by leveraged traders. While the pullback signals cooling momentum, underlying demand dynamics remain intact, supported by inflation hedging and macroeconomic uncertainty.

India has installed 5.5 crore smart electricity meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, marking a significant step toward digitizing the country’s power distribution network. The rollout aims to reduce transmission losses, enhance billing transparency and improve financial sustainability for distribution companies. Government officials have emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize grid management and consumer services.

India’s benchmark equity indices ended higher on Monday, supported by strong gains in public sector banks, automobile stocks, and financial counters after a key U.S. judicial ruling eased global trade concerns. The BSE Sensex climbed 479.95 points to close at 83,294.66, while the NSE Nifty advanced 141.75 points to settle at 25,713. Intraday momentum pushed both indices to fresh session highs before mild profit-booking capped gains. Improved global risk appetite, coupled with renewed foreign investor interest, strengthened domestic sentiment. Market participants interpreted the U.S.

India’s apparel exports recorded a modest 1.6 percent growth during April–January 2025-26, reflecting resilience in the face of persistent global headwinds and supply chain disruptions. According to industry leadership, shipments to key international markets such as Italy, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Spain posted encouraging gains. Emerging demand from Japan, Iceland, and Australia further supported export momentum.

India’s pharmaceutical export sector is regaining momentum, with industry leaders expressing confidence in achieving double-digit growth in the near term. Strengthening global demand, a shift toward higher-value formulations, and improved supply-chain stability have lifted overseas shipments after a period of moderation. Exporters are increasingly focusing on complex generics, specialty drugs, and regulated markets to drive sustainable value growth rather than relying solely on volumes.

India’s push to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem gathered momentum as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the strategic importance of made-in-India chips. Positioning semiconductors as the foundation of modern economic and technological power, the government has framed self-reliance in chip manufacturing as vital to growth, security, and supply-chain resilience. The renewed focus reflects lessons from global shortages and rising geopolitical competition over critical technologies.

India’s equity markets bounced back strongly, with benchmark indices reversing recent losses amid improved global cues and renewed domestic buying interest. The Sensex and Nifty 50 advanced in tandem, supported by gains in banking, metals and select technology stocks. Investors appeared encouraged by easing volatility, stable macro indicators and selective value buying after the recent correction.

India’s sugar exports have reached 2.01 lakh tonnes in the current marketing cycle, reflecting steady overseas demand despite tighter domestic supply conditions. The export performance comes at a time when policymakers are balancing global trade commitments with local price stability and food security considerations. Industry participants attribute the shipments to previously contracted volumes and calibrated export permissions. While the figure remains modest compared to peak export years, it signals India’s continued relevance in global sugar trade flows.