Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

Sensex down 400 points, Nifty under 25,250

Indian equity markets saw a sharp bout of selling on Thursday as the BSE Sensex slipped over 400 points, while the Nifty 50 dropped below the 25,250 level, reflecting nervous sentiment on Dalal Street after recent gains.

The mood was subdued right from the opening bell, tracking weak global cues. Asian markets traded lower, and GIFT Nifty had already signalled a negative start, setting the tone for the session. Investors chose to pare risk amid uncertainty around global interest rates and lingering geopolitical concerns.

One of the major overhangs was the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. While the move was widely expected, the absence of clear signals on near-term rate cuts dampened risk appetite across global equities, including India. Traders opted for profit-booking after the market’s recent rally.

Adding to the pressure was the Indian rupee slipping to record lows against the US dollar. The weaker currency raised concerns around capital outflows and imported inflation, weighing on overall market confidence. Although a soft rupee typically supports export-oriented stocks, it failed to offset broader selling pressure.

Sectorally, IT and metal stocks were among the laggards, while select FMCG and defensive names offered limited support. Stocks such as ITC and Vedanta remained in focus amid stock-specific developments and earnings-related chatter. Broader markets also mirrored the weakness, with midcap and smallcap stocks trading lower.

In contrast to equities, gold and silver prices moved higher, as investors sought safety amid volatility. The rise in precious metals highlighted the shift towards defensive assets during uncertain market conditions.

Market participants are also staying cautious ahead of important domestic cues, including upcoming economic data, quarterly earnings, and the broader policy outlook as the Union Budget approaches.

Also Read: India’s industrial growth rockets 7.8% in December

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Beyond

India’s industrial growth rockets 7.8% in December

India’s industrial sector showed a strong revival in December 2025, with industrial output rising 7.8% year-on-year, marking the fastest growth in over two years, according to official data released on January 28. This growth rate exceeds analysts’ expectations and signals a broad-based improvement across industry.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures the performance of manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors, revealed that manufacturing led the expansion, growing by 8.1%. Key segments such as computers, electronics, optical products, and motor vehicles contributed significantly to the uptick.

Mining output also improved, rising 6.8%, while electricity production rebounded with a 6.3% increase, reversing the slight decline seen in November. Together, these sectors helped drive overall industrial growth and indicate robust industrial activity across the economy.

On a use-based basis, infrastructure and construction goods led the growth, supported by strong performance in consumer durables, capital goods, and intermediate goods. This indicates healthy domestic demand as well as ongoing investment activity in the industrial space.

Compared to November’s growth of 7.2%, December’s figures show a clear acceleration, underlining the momentum in factory production and industrial output toward the end of 2025. However, cumulative growth for the April–December period remains lower than the same period last year, reflecting uneven activity earlier in 2025.

Economists see December’s strong growth as a positive signal for India’s economic momentum in early 2026. The data suggest that industrial production is rebounding, supported by robust manufacturing and improving infrastructure-related activity, which could further boost employment and investment in the sector.

Also Read: Elon Musk hits back at Vinod Khosla over racism claims

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Corporate

Sensex jumps 487 points and Nifty tops 25,300

Markets surged on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with Sensex gaining 487 points to end strong and Nifty50 closing above 25,300. Investor optimism was fueled by the recently announced India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), positive global cues, and broad buying across metals, energy, and real estate sectors.

Leading the gains were Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, ONGC, and Vodafone Idea, reflecting strong sectoral momentum and positive corporate developments. Metals and energy stocks benefited from rising commodity prices, while Vodafone Idea edged higher after posting a narrower Q3 loss and improved operating metrics. Realty stocks also saw increased buying interest, boosting mid and small-cap indices.

On the other hand, some defensive sectors witnessed profit-taking. IT and FMCG stocks underperformed, as investors rotated funds into cyclical and value-oriented stocks, highlighting a sectoral shift in market sentiment.

Analysts noted that a stronger Indian rupee and favorable global trends further supported the bullish trend. The market rally added significant capitalization and reinforced investor confidence ahead of upcoming corporate earnings.

Also Read: Sensex up 300+ points, Nifty crosses 25,250

Categories
Technology

WhatsApp adds ‘Strict Account Settings’ for user safety

Scrolling through WhatsApp, most of us expect a safe space to chat with friends and family. But in today’s world, even messaging apps can expose users to scams, spam, and cyberattacks. To address this, WhatsApp has introduced Strict Account Settings, a new feature that gives users more control over who can contact them and what content reaches their chats. The update is gradually rolling out on Android and iOS.

When enabled, the feature applies the strictest privacy settings automatically. Messages, media, and calls from unknown contacts are restricted, while suspicious links and previews are blocked. This means fewer chances of encountering scams or harmful content. While it’s optional, WhatsApp says the mode is especially useful for high-risk users such as journalists, activists, or public figures, but anyone concerned about privacy can turn it on.

To activate it, users can go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Strict Account Settings. WhatsApp reassures users that all chats remain end-to-end encrypted; the feature simply adds an extra layer of protection by limiting interactions with unknown contacts and potentially harmful content.

Experts believe this feature is a step in the right direction. They believe that giving people more control over their accounts helps reduce risks from cyberattacks and harassment.

Also Read: Meta to test paid perks on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp

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1 Minute-Read

Air India hints at ordering more Boeing Dreamliners

Air India is considering ordering additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners to expand its long‑haul fleet, CEO Campbell Wilson said.

The first custom 787‑9 is set to begin commercial operations on February 1, flying the Mumbai–Frankfurt route. By 2027–28, the airline expects a major upgrade, with at least 20 Dreamliners joining its fleet.

One 787‑9 has already been inducted, while older 787‑8s are being retrofitted with new interiors. Since privatisation, Air India has placed orders for 570 aircraft, reflecting its ambitions for global growth and modernisation.

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Corporate

Reliance, ONGC partner to share offshore energy assets

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have entered into a strategic partnership to share offshore oil and gas resources, marking a major step towards improving efficiency and boosting India’s domestic energy production. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during India Energy Week 2026.

The agreement focuses on sharing infrastructure, services and expertise across offshore exploration and production projects, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas. Key regions covered under the pact include the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin on the east coast and the Andaman offshore blocks, where both RIL and ONGC operate adjoining or nearby fields.

As part of the collaboration, the companies will jointly use high-value assets such as drilling rigs, offshore platforms, processing facilities, pipelines, power systems, and marine infrastructure including platform supply vessels and multi-support vessels. The arrangement also covers specialised services such as well logging, project execution support and other technical operations required in offshore fields.

The primary objective of the partnership is to reduce operational costs, avoid duplication of infrastructure and improve asset utilisation in capital-intensive offshore projects. By sharing resources, both companies expect faster project execution, better logistical coordination and improved safety standards in challenging offshore environments.

ONGC said the MoU is in line with recent policy reforms, including the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, which allows greater flexibility for operators to share facilities and infrastructure. The regulatory changes are aimed at encouraging collaboration, attracting investment and accelerating exploration and production activity in India’s oil and gas sector.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and operational resilience by enabling quicker access to vessels, equipment and technical support during critical situations.

Also Read: Hindalco to invest ₹21,000 cr in Odisha expansion

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Corporate

Tata Consumer Q3 profit jumps 38% to ₹385 cr

Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), the Tata Group’s flagship consumer goods company, reported a strong third-quarter performance for December 2025, with net profit rising 38% year-on-year to ₹385 crore from ₹279 crore in the same period last year.

Revenue from operations grew about 15% to ₹5,112 crore, compared with ₹4,444 crore a year ago, reflecting healthy consumer demand across beverages and foods segments. The company said volume-led growth in key product categories drove the topline expansion.

The beverages portfolio, which includes tea, coffee, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, performed particularly well. Coffee sales surged around 40%, while RTD products saw a 26% increase, marking the second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Tata Consumer’s tea segment also maintained steady growth across both domestic and international markets.

The foods business, including Tata Sampann staples like salt and pulses, also showed robust growth. New product launches and continued innovation in the portfolio helped sustain demand, with key categories recording double-digit expansion.

On the cost front, expenses rose moderately, but operating margins improved, supported by better efficiency and scale advantages. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) saw a healthy increase, reflecting strong operational performance.

International operations contributed positively as well. Markets such as the U.S. and Canada showed strong growth in coffee, helping branded revenues outside India.

While the quarterly results highlight resilient demand and effective execution of growth strategies, some investors remained cautious, leading to mixed market reactions after the earnings announcement.

Also Read: Asian Paints Q3 profit ₹1,060 cr, shares drop 7%

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Beyond

Rupee rises 11 paise to ₹91.57 against dollar

Indian rupee showed a positive sign as it rose by 11 paise to ₹91.57 per US dollar in early trade on Wednesday. This came as the US dollar weakened slightly and optimism grew after India and the EU agreed on a new trade deal. The rupee opened around ₹91.60 and recovered a little to ₹91.57. Stock markets also reacted positively in early trade.

However, the rupee’s overall trend remains weak and unstable. In recent days, it has hit record lows near ₹91–₹92 per dollar because of global uncertainties and foreign investors pulling out money from India.

Trade tensions with the United States are adding pressure. Threats of tariffs have made investors cautious, leading them to prefer the US dollar over emerging market currencies like the rupee.

Foreign investment flows also play a big role. Continuous selling by foreign investors increases demand for dollars, which weakens the rupee. Analysts warn that unless more foreign money comes in or global conditions improve, the rupee may continue to struggle.

High demand for dollars for imports like oil and capital goods is another factor keeping the rupee under pressure. A slight weakening of the US dollar gives only short-term relief.

Investors are now watching key factors, such as global interest rates, foreign investments, and trade talks with the US, to see where the rupee will go next. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to step in if the currency becomes too volatile.

Also Read: Gold falls to ₹1,61,940, Silver rises to ₹3,70,100

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Beyond

Gold falls to ₹1,61,940, Silver rises to ₹3,70,100

Gold prices in India saw a slight dip on Wednesday, reflecting short-term profit booking after recent gains. The price of 24‑carat gold fell by ₹10 to ₹1,61,940 per 10 grams, while 22‑carat gold also dropped by ₹10, trading at ₹1,48,440 per 10 grams.

City-wise, Mumbai and Kolkata recorded 24‑carat gold at ₹1,61,940, while Chennai’s rate was marginally higher. For 22‑carat gold, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad matched the national benchmark, with Chennai and Delhi slightly above it.

Silver bucked the trend, rising by ₹100 to trade at ₹3,70,100 per kilogram in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with other cities recording slightly higher prices. Analysts say silver’s gains are driven by sustained industrial demand and strong investor interest, even as gold consolidates.

On the international front, US gold prices eased slightly after hitting recent peaks, reflecting a phase of profit-taking and market consolidation. Analysts note that minor fluctuations in bullion prices are influenced by global economic conditions, currency movements, and safe-haven demand amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Also Read: Sensex up 300+ points, Nifty crosses 25,250

Categories
Corporate

Sensex up 300+ points, Nifty crosses 25,250

Today as the markets opened, BSE Sensex rose over 300 points, while the Nifty 50 moved above the 25,250 level, reflecting improved investor sentiment.

Buying interest was seen mainly in banking, energy, and metal stocks, which helped lift the indices. Heavyweights such as Axis Bank and Reliance Industries supported the uptrend, while metal stocks gained on expectations of stable global demand. The broader market also showed strength, with select mid-cap and small-cap stocks trading in the green.

Among individual stocks, Vodafone Idea was in focus as investors reacted to developments around its financial performance and business outlook. Vedanta and related stocks also saw active trading following updates linked to stake sale plans. Energy stocks such as ONGC gained amid firm crude oil prices.

However, the rally was capped by weakness in parts of the FMCG and auto sectors, where some stocks witnessed profit-booking after recent gains. Asian Paints, Tata Consumer Products, Maruti Suzuki, Eicher Motors, and Bajaj Auto traded lower, weighing slightly on the benchmarks.

Market participants remain cautious ahead of global cues, including movements in overseas markets and commodity prices. Analysts said near-term direction will depend on global trends, corporate earnings updates, and stock-specific news, while overall sentiment continues to remain positive.

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