Market & Commodity
Multiple commodities witnessed fluctuating trends. Aluminium futures saw a 0.39% rise to Rs 324.50/kg, driven by fresh investment. Conversely, cottonseed
oil cake futures declined because of weak demand. Guar gum futures, however, experienced an increase due to solid spot demand. Copper futures also increased on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on the back of rising demand, with February contracts up by 0.93% to Rs 1,340.60/kg. Meanwhile, zinc futures edged up slightly on limited buying interest, and coriander prices decreased in futures trading because of diminished demand. Crude oil futures also declined due to weak global cues, with the February delivery at Rs 5,507 per barrel. Finally, both silver and gold futures surged to record highs, prompted by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and geopolitical tensions.
Policy & Finance
Several policy and financial developments were also in the news. The Committee on Advancing Consumption and Investments (CEA) highlighted that economic expansion represents the strongest form of financial inclusion, stressing that inclusive finance amplifies economic activity. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is proposing to resume licenses for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after two decades, requiring a minimum capital of Rs 300 crore. Moreover, the Goa government introduced a VAT amendment bill to simplify tax rules for smaller dealers, aiming to decrease paperwork and set deadlines for settlements. Furthermore, the FinMin has urged insurers to expedite grievance resolution, process claims efficiently, and focus on sustainable business growth. The government of Himachal Pradesh is also addressing apple import duty concerns with the Union government. Additionally, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) proposed adopting a chain-based method for compiling the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), with a deadline of January 25, 2026.
Corporate News
In corporate news, there were several notable announcements. IHCL announced the opening of a 100-key Ginger hotel in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, reflecting expansion plans. Indo SMC's IPO of Rs 91.9 crore was fully subscribed on the first day. Alliance Insurance Brokers appointed Aatur Thakkar as CEO. The Uday Kotak family office, USK Capital, acquired Go Raw, a US-based healthy snack brand. Piramal Finance aims to raise up to USD 1 billion annually in foreign loans. Moreover, PayU Payments reported a narrowed loss of Rs 248 crore in FY25, with revenue up 23%. Samsung foresees a positive outlook for India in 2026, driven by economic growth and AI integration. Shadowfax's IPO launched on January 22, with a price range of Rs 118-124 per share.
Real Estate & Trade
The real estate sector and trade also saw significant developments. The real estate sector saw a record USD 14.25 billion equity inflow in 2025, which represents a 25% increase. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat emerged as top states in NITI Aayog's Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024. Kolkata realtors are seeking tax relief and an increase in the affordable housing cap in the Union Budget. India-US discussions between Jaishankar and Rubio focused on trade, defense, critical minerals, and nuclear energy cooperation. In trade, China warned of retaliation against potential Iran tariffs proposed by Trump, which could affect cheap oil imports.
Digital & Tech
The digital and technological sectors are also witnessing developments. The RBI anticipates that the UPI user base could more than double to 1 billion, reflecting the expansion of digital payments. Discussions about AI education call for rethinking learning systems, emphasizing equitable and scalable AI learning outcomes. Furthermore, the Seattle Consulate held an event highlighting India's AI ecosystem ahead of the Delhi Summit. In other news, the government of Uttarakhand plans to ban summer paddy cultivation in Terai to combat groundwater decline, which is a cause for concern for local farmers.
