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The rupee has weakened sharply, touching 92 per US dollar as of 23 January 2026, raising the cost of imports like crude oil and electronics. While exporters may see some benefit, the broader concern is higher inflationary pressure and costlier overseas spending.
Ahead of Budget 2026–27, the gems and jewellery sector has asked the government for GST relief, customs-duty rationalisation and other reforms to boost exports and improve competitiveness amid global headwinds.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, the gems and jewellery industry has asked for GST rationalisation, duty changes and smoother customs procedures to stay competitive amid global trade shifts. Industry bodies flagged costs, compliance frictions and the need for faster clearances, while also pitching measures like a Tourist GST Refund pilot at major airports to boost retail demand.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit ahead of India–EU summit talks scheduled for 27 January 2026. The visit is expected to advance big-ticket initiatives spanning trade, a strategic defence partnership and a mobility framework for Indian professionals.
Walmart-backed fintech PhonePe has received SEBI’s clearance for its proposed IPO, a key step toward one of India’s biggest digital-payments listings. Reports indicate the issue is planned as a pure offer-for-sale, meaning the company will not raise fresh primary capital through the float. The filing of updated draft papers is expected to be the next formal milestone.
Ahead of Union Budget 2026–27, India’s gems and jewellery sector has urged the government to reduce GST and rationalise customs duties to counter global trade headwinds and boost export competitiveness. Industry body GJEPC says reforms could lower costs for exporters and strengthen India’s place in global diamond trade and value discovery.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state’s practice of signing MoUs at the summit, saying each agreement carries a large foreign direct investment component. The discussion gained traction amid political criticism, while data-centre investments were highlighted as part of Maharashtra’s growth narrative.
IKEA India has launched online deliveries across Tamil Nadu, starting January 22, covering cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem. The company says it will serve orders from its Bengaluru facility, offering delivery timelines of three to seven days and pushing sustainability through electric-vehicle logistics.
A market outlook cited by an Invesco report argues India can remain among the fastest-growing large economies, supported by Reserve Bank of India rate cuts and ongoing domestic reforms. The report also notes that global market conditions—such as a softer US dollar environment—could influence emerging-market asset performance, with valuations varying across regions.
With Budget 2026–27 approaching, the gems and jewellery sector is asking for reforms including lower GST and customs duty changes to lift competitiveness and exports. Industry bodies argue policy tweaks are needed to manage global demand volatility and protect jobs.
The Padma Awards 2026 list includes recognition for contributions to industry and public leadership, with reports noting Padma Bhushan for Uday Kotak among the honourees. The announcement highlights how civilian honours are also used to acknowledge long-term institution-building in finance, entrepreneurship and economic life.
Indian stock exchanges will be closed on Monday, 26 January 2026, for Republic Day. The holiday will apply across segments including equities, equity derivatives, currency derivatives and interest rate derivatives, making it a key date for traders planning positions ahead of the new trading week.