National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

The Global shortage of semiconductor and chips across the world is impacting Indian vehicles sale as well According to FADA, PV sales stood at 2,94,817 units in January 2020.

World Business Watch: India passenger vehicle retail sales dip 4% in January

Wall Street in the US reached all-time closing highs on Monday as investor optimism was stoked by prospects of a speedier economic recovery from the global health crisis, it was driven by increased stimulus and an accelerated vaccine rollout as well.

World Business Watch: Wall Street sets record closing highs on stimulus hopes

Chinese government officials have met representatives from US electric carmaker Tesla over reports from consumers about battery fires, unexpected acceleration and failures in over-the-air software updates.

World Business Watch: Tesla faces China regulators over consumer complaints

The European Commission’s Vice President for the economy Valdis Dombrovskis said that Europe’s economy is likely to rally in the second quarter as an acceleration in Coronavirus vaccine roll-out allows governments to gradually lift lockdown restrictions.

World Business Watch: EU economy to rally in second-quarter as vaccine roll-out accelerates

Popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin has jumped more than 10% to a record high, this after Tesla said it had invested $1.5billion Bitcoin last month.

World Business Watch: Tesla sends bitcoin to record high with $1.5bn investment

Oil prices rose on Monday, with Brent futures nearing $60 per barrel, leading to supply cuts among major producers and expected US economic stimulus measures to boost demand.

World Business Watch: Brent approaches $60/barrel, boosted by supply cut among key producers

Britain's Rolls-Royce said on Sunday that it is proposing a two-week closure of operations of its civil aerospace unit over the summer as it manages costs due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

World Business Watch: Rolls-Royce Aerospace plans 2-week civil shutdown

Bitcoin hit a record-high above $43,000 on Monday after electric carmaker Tesla invested $1.5 billion in the digital currency. The cryptocurrency has anyway been up around 50 per cent since the start of the year.

Bitcoin hit $43,725.51 around 1300 GMT, before cooling slightly to $42,352.&nbsp;

Tesla's decision came just days after CEO Elon Musk changed his Twitter bio to simply read "#bitcoin." The announcement came in a US Securities and Exchange Commission document.

Tesla said in a filing the decision was part of its broad investment policy as a company and was aimed at diversifying and maximizing its returns on cash. It said it had invested an aggregate $1.5 billion in bitcoin under the changed policy and could "acquire and hold digital assets from time to time or long-term".

It is now expected that Tesla would soon begin accepting payment for its cars and other products with bitcoin in the near future.

Bitcoin hit a record-high above $43,000 on Monday after electric carmaker Tesla invested $1.5 billion in the digital currency. The cryptocurrency has anyway been up around 50 per cent since the start of the year.

Bitcoin hit a record-high above $43,000 on Monday after electric carmaker Tesla invested $1.5 billion in the digital currency. The cryptocurrency has anyway been up around 50 per cent since the start of the year. Bitcoin hit $43,725.51 around 1300 GMT, before cooling slightly to $42,352. Tesla's decision came just days after CEO Elon Musk changed his Twitter bio to simply read "#bitcoin." The announcement came in a US Securities and Exchange Commission document. Tesla said in a filing the decision was part of its broad investment policy as a company and was aimed at diversifying and maximizing its returns on cash. It said it had invested an aggregate $1.5 billion in bitcoin under the changed policy and could "acquire and hold digital assets from time to time or long-term". It is now expected that Tesla would soon begin accepting payment for its cars and other products with bitcoin in the near future.

Bitcoin hits record high after Tesla invests about $1.50 billion in it

India`s central bank kept rates steady at record low levels as expected on Friday and said it would maintain support for the economy`s recovery from the pandemic by ensuring ample liquidity for markets to absorb a massive government borrowing programme.

"Going forward, the Indian economy is poised to move in only one direction and that is upwards. It is our strong conviction, backed by forecasts, that in 2021/22, we would undo the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on the economy," Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said after announcing the rate decision.

The repo rate or RBI`s key lending rate was held at 4% while the reverse repo rate or its borrowing rate was left unchanged at 3.35%.

The repo rate has been cut by a total 115 basis points since March 2020 to cushion the shock from the coronavirus pandemic, following a 135 bps reduction since beginning of 2019.

Das said the six members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) were unanimous in their decision to keep rates on hold.

Expert views:

Rupa Rege-Nitsure, Group Chief Economist, L&amp;T Financial Holdings, Mumbai

"While the MPC didn`t take any rate action, its assurance on retaining the accommodative stance and a few other measures to ease credit are positive from a growth perspective. However, gilt market players were expecting more specific calendar on open market operations and hence were disappointed."

"A decision to normalise the cash reserve ratio also reflects the MPC`s intent that excess liquidity will be absorbed gradually. The RBI`s support to direct credit measures rather is certainly praiseworthy."

Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Emkay Global Financial Services LTD., Mumbai

"Overall, we believe the RBI reiterated the dovish stance on rates and we see policy rates on status quo in FY22. The liquidity stance is unlikely to diverge from the accommodative policy stance in the near term. Meanwhile, we think the RBI will continue to ensure that money market skewness is being tackled, pressure on the longer end of the curve is managed well, and maintain its preference for curve flattening. Actions such as Operation Twist/OMOs will continue to smoothen the distribution of liquidity across the yield curve. We also watch out for introduction of tools like MSS bonds and/or Standing Deposit Facility etc. ahead."

Aurodeep Nandi, India Economist, Nomura. Mumbai

"The RBI clearly communicated that it doesn`t intend to yank away the liquidity carpet in a way that topples the vases of growth recovery and fiscal financing resting on it."

"Be it the extension of HTM dispensation or the unprecedented step of allowing retail investors to invest in government securities, or allaying market fears on the CRR normalization and reassuring that the hike in fact opens up space for further liquidity operations — all have been designed keeping in mind the smooth absorption of the government`s large borrowing programme."

"In the midst of this, the status quo in policy rates and dovish policy stance correctly takes into cognizance the current growth-inflation dynamics, and has been in line with our expectations."

Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CIO-Fixed Income, SBI Mutual Fund, Mumbai

"Maintaining status quo on rates and stance was the expected outcome of the policy review. But, lack of specific market intervention measures to ensure smooth absorption of the enhanced market borrowings remains the key disappointment from the fixed-income market perspective."

"Providing retail investors a direct avenue to invest in government securities is a welcome announcement from a longer-term perspective."

"While the promise of additional liquidity infusion post the unwinding of the CRR cut in two phases by Q1 FY22 holds the promise of OMO interventions, the immediate market action is a fair reflection of market absorption capacity."

"In the absence of direct and more specific up-front market intervention through OMO/Twist, near-term concerns remain of a gradual uptick in bond yields and continued uncertainty on the demand side as the borrowing program commences for FY22."

Shashank Mendiratta, Economist, IBM, New Delhi

"The RBI provided an upbeat assessment on the economy, highlighting that the outlook has improved significantly. We concur with this assessment as high frequency indicators also point to a gradual normalisation of activity. The central bank also emphasised on the importance of higher fiscal spending, particularly capex to support recovery. While the RBI was sanguine on the near-term food-price outlook, the assessment on core inflation was cautious amid rise in input prices."

"The normalisation of economic activity, amid a strong fiscal push, have reduced the need for rate-cuts. The RBI is likely to remain on a prolonged pause through 2021. Having said that, the central bank will continue to remain in an accommodative stance to nurture the recovery."

Sakshi Gupta, Senior Economist, HDFC Bank, Gurugram

"With significant government borrowings in the first-half, rising inflation risks, and lower liquidity surplus, bond yields are likely to remain under pressure, going ahead. We expect bond yields to trade between 5.95% and 6.10% in the first half of fiscal 2022."

"On inflation estimates, the RBI did sound some caution in terms of inflation risks in the year ahead and revised up its H1 inflation estimate to 5%-5.2%. We expect inflation to average at 5.3% in H1. Over the medium term, one must keep in mind that an expansionary fiscal policy is structurally inflationary and should be watched out for."

Radhika Rao, Economist, DBS Bank, Singapore

"The RBI`s assessment was nuanced, with FY22 growth estimate set at a firm 10.5% y/y while looking beyond the near-term cool off in inflation and flagging risks that core inflation might prove sticky owing to demand impulses from a revival in economic activity and higher commodity prices. The budget`s investment and social sector orientation were seen as improving the quality of the fiscal math and as a positive for potential growth."

"Bond markets were met with some support, firstly an extension of the HTM enhancement to March 2023 and widening the investor pool by allowing retail investors direct access to gilts through the RBI, but an explicit OMO/OT announcement was absent, leading to a bearish reaction in bond prices. Cost of financing (risk-free rates) is, nonetheless, likely to settle at a slightly higher level as activity normalises."

"On liquidity, the RBI clarified that the overall stance was still accommodative whilst liquidity is likely to be withdrawn in a calibrated pace to prevent a dilution in the policy transmission. CRR normalisation remains on track, with a staggered restoration."

Anagha Deodhar, Chief Economist, ICICI Securities, Mumbai

"We expect inflation to come down in the coming months. The MPC expects real GDP to grow 10.5% in FY22 and inflation to print at 5%-5.2% in the second half of fiscal 2022."

"On the regulatory front, the most important announcements are two-phased normalisation of CRR, extending HTM limit for SLR holdings, deferment of capital conservation buffer and allowing retail investment in gilts. Overall, the MPC`s decision bodes well for growth and financial stability."

Garima Kapoor, Economist - Institutional Equities, Elara Capital, Mumbai

"Dispelling worries of possible hardening of market rates owing to the expected high supply of government bonds in FY22, the RBI today extended its accommodative stance to liquidity and hinted that it would stand pat to support the government`s borrowing program."

"While there was no surprise with respect to the rate decision, we believe the decision to allow a retail investor to have direct access to participate in G-sec market is revolutionary and path-breaking."

"The RBI will have to walk a tight rope in FY22 in balancing growth-inflation dynamics amid a huge supply of government bonds."

Kunal Kundu, India Economist, Societe Generale, Bengaluru

"Given that the monetary policy framework is up for review in March, it made no sense to cut the policy rate in this meeting. For January, we expect the inflation to drop marginally to 4.4% yoy from 4.6%. More importantly though, with inflation heading decisively towards the RBI`s median target of 4%, we are quite comfortable with our call of the next rate-cut during Q2 of 2020."

"Importantly, the RBI talked about supporting growth. We would likely see the RBI coming to the aid of the government, even in the fiscal space either by opting for debt monetization or sharing a portion of their excess reserve so that the fund can be used specifically for infrastructure development."

"This is all the more so given that we see a good possibility that the budgeted public capex for FY22 will fall short of the target unless the RBI gets into the act."

Prithviraj Srinivas, Chief Economist, Axis Capital, Mumbai

"The RBI kept policy rate on hold as expected and reiterated its accommodative stance. The operative word in today`s (Friday) policy was the governor`s reiteration of a previous statement that `orderly evolution of bond markets was a public good`. The bank`s inflation projection at 5% in the coming quarters reflects non-food price pressures currently seen in the economy which should keep the central bank watchful, even as economic recovery speeds up and liquidity remains bountiful on capital inflows as well as a large public borrowing programme."

India`s central bank kept rates steady at record low levels as expected on Friday and said it would maintain support for the economy`s recovery from the pandemic by ensuring ample liquidity for markets to absorb a massive government borrowing programme.

India`s central bank kept rates steady at record low levels as expected on Friday and said it would maintain support for the economy`s recovery from the pandemic by ensuring ample liquidity for markets to absorb a massive government borrowing programme. "Going forward, the Indian economy is poised to move in only one direction and that is upwards. It is our strong conviction, backed by forecasts, that in 2021/22, we would undo the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on the economy," Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said after announcing the rate decision. The repo rate or RBI`s key lending rate was held at 4% while the reverse repo rate or its borrowing rate was left unchanged at 3.35%. The repo rate has been cut by a total 115 basis points since March 2020 to cushion the shock from the coronavirus pandemic, following a 135 bps reduction since beginning of 2019. Das said the six members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) were unanimous in their decision to keep rates on hold. Expert views: Rupa Rege-Nitsure, Group Chief Economist, L&T Financial Holdings, Mumbai "While the MPC didn`t take any rate action, its assurance on retaining the accommodative stance and a few other measures to ease credit are positive from a growth perspective. However, gilt market players were expecting more specific calendar on open market operations and hence were disappointed." "A decision to normalise the cash reserve ratio also reflects the MPC`s intent that excess liquidity will be absorbed gradually. The RBI`s support to direct credit measures rather is certainly praiseworthy." Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Emkay Global Financial Services LTD., Mumbai "Overall, we believe the RBI reiterated the dovish stance on rates and we see policy rates on status quo in FY22. The liquidity stance is unlikely to diverge from the accommodative policy stance in the near term. Meanwhile, we think the RBI will continue to ensure that money market skewness is being tackled, pressure on the longer end of the curve is managed well, and maintain its preference for curve flattening. Actions such as Operation Twist/OMOs will continue to smoothen the distribution of liquidity across the yield curve. We also watch out for introduction of tools like MSS bonds and/or Standing Deposit Facility etc. ahead." Aurodeep Nandi, India Economist, Nomura. Mumbai "The RBI clearly communicated that it doesn`t intend to yank away the liquidity carpet in a way that topples the vases of growth recovery and fiscal financing resting on it." "Be it the extension of HTM dispensation or the unprecedented step of allowing retail investors to invest in government securities, or allaying market fears on the CRR normalization and reassuring that the hike in fact opens up space for further liquidity operations — all have been designed keeping in mind the smooth absorption of the government`s large borrowing programme." "In the midst of this, the status quo in policy rates and dovish policy stance correctly takes into cognizance the current growth-inflation dynamics, and has been in line with our expectations." Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CIO-Fixed Income, SBI Mutual Fund, Mumbai "Maintaining status quo on rates and stance was the expected outcome of the policy review. But, lack of specific market intervention measures to ensure smooth absorption of the enhanced market borrowings remains the key disappointment from the fixed-income market perspective." "Providing retail investors a direct avenue to invest in government securities is a welcome announcement from a longer-term perspective." "While the promise of additional liquidity infusion post the unwinding of the CRR cut in two phases by Q1 FY22 holds the promise of OMO interventions, the immediate market action is a fair reflection of market absorption capacity." "In the absence of direct and more specific up-front market intervention through OMO/Twist, near-term concerns remain of a gradual uptick in bond yields and continued uncertainty on the demand side as the borrowing program commences for FY22." Shashank Mendiratta, Economist, IBM, New Delhi "The RBI provided an upbeat assessment on the economy, highlighting that the outlook has improved significantly. We concur with this assessment as high frequency indicators also point to a gradual normalisation of activity. The central bank also emphasised on the importance of higher fiscal spending, particularly capex to support recovery. While the RBI was sanguine on the near-term food-price outlook, the assessment on core inflation was cautious amid rise in input prices." "The normalisation of economic activity, amid a strong fiscal push, have reduced the need for rate-cuts. The RBI is likely to remain on a prolonged pause through 2021. Having said that, the central bank will continue to remain in an accommodative stance to nurture the recovery." Sakshi Gupta, Senior Economist, HDFC Bank, Gurugram "With significant government borrowings in the first-half, rising inflation risks, and lower liquidity surplus, bond yields are likely to remain under pressure, going ahead. We expect bond yields to trade between 5.95% and 6.10% in the first half of fiscal 2022." "On inflation estimates, the RBI did sound some caution in terms of inflation risks in the year ahead and revised up its H1 inflation estimate to 5%-5.2%. We expect inflation to average at 5.3% in H1. Over the medium term, one must keep in mind that an expansionary fiscal policy is structurally inflationary and should be watched out for." Radhika Rao, Economist, DBS Bank, Singapore "The RBI`s assessment was nuanced, with FY22 growth estimate set at a firm 10.5% y/y while looking beyond the near-term cool off in inflation and flagging risks that core inflation might prove sticky owing to demand impulses from a revival in economic activity and higher commodity prices. The budget`s investment and social sector orientation were seen as improving the quality of the fiscal math and as a positive for potential growth." "Bond markets were met with some support, firstly an extension of the HTM enhancement to March 2023 and widening the investor pool by allowing retail investors direct access to gilts through the RBI, but an explicit OMO/OT announcement was absent, leading to a bearish reaction in bond prices. Cost of financing (risk-free rates) is, nonetheless, likely to settle at a slightly higher level as activity normalises." "On liquidity, the RBI clarified that the overall stance was still accommodative whilst liquidity is likely to be withdrawn in a calibrated pace to prevent a dilution in the policy transmission. CRR normalisation remains on track, with a staggered restoration." Anagha Deodhar, Chief Economist, ICICI Securities, Mumbai "We expect inflation to come down in the coming months. The MPC expects real GDP to grow 10.5% in FY22 and inflation to print at 5%-5.2% in the second half of fiscal 2022." "On the regulatory front, the most important announcements are two-phased normalisation of CRR, extending HTM limit for SLR holdings, deferment of capital conservation buffer and allowing retail investment in gilts. Overall, the MPC`s decision bodes well for growth and financial stability." Garima Kapoor, Economist - Institutional Equities, Elara Capital, Mumbai "Dispelling worries of possible hardening of market rates owing to the expected high supply of government bonds in FY22, the RBI today extended its accommodative stance to liquidity and hinted that it would stand pat to support the government`s borrowing program." "While there was no surprise with respect to the rate decision, we believe the decision to allow a retail investor to have direct access to participate in G-sec market is revolutionary and path-breaking." "The RBI will have to walk a tight rope in FY22 in balancing growth-inflation dynamics amid a huge supply of government bonds." Kunal Kundu, India Economist, Societe Generale, Bengaluru "Given that the monetary policy framework is up for review in March, it made no sense to cut the policy rate in this meeting. For January, we expect the inflation to drop marginally to 4.4% yoy from 4.6%. More importantly though, with inflation heading decisively towards the RBI`s median target of 4%, we are quite comfortable with our call of the next rate-cut during Q2 of 2020." "Importantly, the RBI talked about supporting growth. We would likely see the RBI coming to the aid of the government, even in the fiscal space either by opting for debt monetization or sharing a portion of their excess reserve so that the fund can be used specifically for infrastructure development." "This is all the more so given that we see a good possibility that the budgeted public capex for FY22 will fall short of the target unless the RBI gets into the act." Prithviraj Srinivas, Chief Economist, Axis Capital, Mumbai "The RBI kept policy rate on hold as expected and reiterated its accommodative stance. The operative word in today`s (Friday) policy was the governor`s reiteration of a previous statement that `orderly evolution of bond markets was a public good`. The bank`s inflation projection at 5% in the coming quarters reflects non-food price pressures currently seen in the economy which should keep the central bank watchful, even as economic recovery speeds up and liquidity remains bountiful on capital inflows as well as a large public borrowing programme."

RBI holds interest rates steady at record lows as economic outlook improves

Royal Dutch Shell's profit last year dropped to its lowest in at least two decades as the coronavirus pandemic hit energy demand worldwide though the company's retail network and trading business helped cushion the blow.

Shell's profit slumps in 2020 as the pandemic bites

PayPal is set to wind down domestic payments business in India in a few months. In a statement on Friday, PayPal said that it plans to wind down domestic business by April 1 this year. PayPal will now focus on cross-border payment business.

This means that global customers will be able to pay Indian merchants using the service.

"From 1 April 2021, we will focus all our attention on enabling more international sales for Indian businesses, and shift focus away from our domestic products in India," the company said.

"This means we will no longer offer domestic payment services within India from 1 April."

PayPal has been one of the pioneering payment solutions started by Elon Musk decades ago. However, with number of payment solutions coming up over years, PayPal has seen its primacy in the markets go away.

(With Reuters inputs)

PayPal is set to wind down domestic payments business in India in a few months. In a statement on Friday, PayPal said that it plans to wind down domestic business by April 1 this year.

PayPal is set to wind down domestic payments business in India in a few months. In a statement on Friday, PayPal said that it plans to wind down domestic business by April 1 this year. PayPal will now focus on cross-border payment business. This means that global customers will be able to pay Indian merchants using the service. "From 1 April 2021, we will focus all our attention on enabling more international sales for Indian businesses, and shift focus away from our domestic products in India," the company said. "This means we will no longer offer domestic payment services within India from 1 April." PayPal has been one of the pioneering payment solutions started by Elon Musk decades ago. However, with number of payment solutions coming up over years, PayPal has seen its primacy in the markets go away. (With Reuters inputs)

PayPal to wind down domestic business in India

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is considering Austin, Texas, as one of the sites for a new $17 billion chip plant that the South Korean firm said could create 1,800 jobs, according to documents filed with Texas state officials.

Samsung considers Austin for $17 billion chip plant, eyes tax breaks of at least $806 million

The BSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-ends-above-50600-mark-for-the-first-time-nifty-nears-15000-361379">Sensex</a> surged 216.47 points to reach 50,830.76 in early trade on Friday with the Nifty rose 73.30 points to 14,968.95 after closing at a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.51 on Thursday.

The 30-share BSE Sensex briefly touched the 51,000-level.

The top gainers on Friday were IndusInd Bank, &nbsp;Kotak Bank, SBI, HDFC, ONGC and Axis Bank with 22 shares trading in the green.

The Reserve Bank is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy decision in a short.

The Nifty had ended at 14,896 eyeing the 15,000 mark, the index had hit a lifetime high of 14,914 in the intra-day trade on Thursday. ITC was the top gainer in the Sensex jumping over 6 per cent with UltraTech Cement, SBI, &nbsp;Kotak Bank, Bajaj Finserv, NTPC, Bajaj Finance.

SBI stocks had climbed 5.73 per cent on Thursday, however, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, Titan and Infosys were the losers on the day.

The BSE Sensex surged 216.47 points to reach 50,830.76 in early trade on Friday with the Nifty rose 73.30 points to 14,968.95 after closing at a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.

The BSE Sensex surged 216.47 points to reach 50,830.76 in early trade on Friday with the Nifty rose 73.30 points to 14,968.95 after closing at a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.51 on Thursday. The 30-share BSE Sensex briefly touched the 51,000-level. The top gainers on Friday were IndusInd Bank, Kotak Bank, SBI, HDFC, ONGC and Axis Bank with 22 shares trading in the green. The Reserve Bank is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy decision in a short. The Nifty had ended at 14,896 eyeing the 15,000 mark, the index had hit a lifetime high of 14,914 in the intra-day trade on Thursday. ITC was the top gainer in the Sensex jumping over 6 per cent with UltraTech Cement, SBI, Kotak Bank, Bajaj Finserv, NTPC, Bajaj Finance. SBI stocks had climbed 5.73 per cent on Thursday, however, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, Titan and Infosys were the losers on the day.

Sensex jumps over 200 points, touches 51,000 level for first time

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.

Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want...we would like to see a free trade agreement with India because our economy is based on free competition.... You don't have to worry about Israel. We are not such a big country, you are a big country".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/extracting-potable-water-from-air-this-israeli-firm-in-gaza-is-turning-air-into-drinking-water-354882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

FICC, more than 100 years old was formed in 1919 is the country's largest business organization. &nbsp;"Many many Israeli countries would like to invest in India, you are a big market", Uriel Lynn pointing out to sectors like agriculture, cyber, water resources where Israel has a strong footprint.

India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Bilateral trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security.

Even as high-level political engagement increased between the 2 countries, the focus is increasingly on business and investment. During PM Modi’s famous visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place. The second meeting of the forum took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India. 
&nbsp;

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want.

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want...we would like to see a free trade agreement with India because our economy is based on free competition.... You don't have to worry about Israel. We are not such a big country, you are a big country". Watch | FICC, more than 100 years old was formed in 1919 is the country's largest business organization. "Many many Israeli countries would like to invest in India, you are a big market", Uriel Lynn pointing out to sectors like agriculture, cyber, water resources where Israel has a strong footprint. India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Bilateral trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security. Even as high-level political engagement increased between the 2 countries, the focus is increasingly on business and investment. During PM Modi’s famous visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place. The second meeting of the forum took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India.

Israel's top business chamber bats for FTA with India

The central bank had slashed the repo rate by 115 basis points since late March 2020 to support growth

India's central bank to keep repo rate unchanged at 4%

Indian equities managed to eke out modest gains, ending higher for the fifth straight session after hitting record highs in early trade. &nbsp;

The S&amp;P BSE Sensex ended 0.2% higher at 50,731 after crossing the 51,000 mark earlier in the day. &nbsp;

The NSE Nifty 50 too briefly traded above the 15,000 mark, making an intraday high of 15,014. The index ended 0.2% higher at 14,924. &nbsp;

For the week, both the benchmark indices were up 9.5% - their best weekly advance since April last year.&nbsp;

Among stocks, government-owned State Bank of India moved up by 11.3 per cent to Rs 395.30 per share. &nbsp;

Kotak Mahindra Bank ticked up by 4.1 per cent and HDFC Bank by 1.1 per cent. The other major gainers were Tata Steel, Dr Reddy, Cipla, ITC and Hindustan Unilever. However, Bharti Airtel dipped by 2.7 per cent to Rs 584.40 per share and Tata Motors skidded by 2.3 per cent. &nbsp;

Axis Bank dropped by 3 per cent, ICICI Bank by 1.7 per cent, Tata Motors by 2.3 per cent, Maruti Suzuki by 1.8 per cent and GAIL by 1.4 per cent.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Asian shares were in the green with Japan`s Nikkei gaining by 1.54 per cent. Hong Kong stocks saw the best weekly show in three months on mainland demand with Hang Seng index up by 0.6 per cent and South Korea`s Kospi by 1.07 per cent. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian equities managed to eke out modest gains, ending higher for the fifth straight session after hitting record highs in early trade. The S&P BSE Sensex ended 0.

Indian equities managed to eke out modest gains, ending higher for the fifth straight session after hitting record highs in early trade. The S&P BSE Sensex ended 0.2% higher at 50,731 after crossing the 51,000 mark earlier in the day. The NSE Nifty 50 too briefly traded above the 15,000 mark, making an intraday high of 15,014. The index ended 0.2% higher at 14,924. For the week, both the benchmark indices were up 9.5% - their best weekly advance since April last year. Among stocks, government-owned State Bank of India moved up by 11.3 per cent to Rs 395.30 per share. Kotak Mahindra Bank ticked up by 4.1 per cent and HDFC Bank by 1.1 per cent. The other major gainers were Tata Steel, Dr Reddy, Cipla, ITC and Hindustan Unilever. However, Bharti Airtel dipped by 2.7 per cent to Rs 584.40 per share and Tata Motors skidded by 2.3 per cent. Axis Bank dropped by 3 per cent, ICICI Bank by 1.7 per cent, Tata Motors by 2.3 per cent, Maruti Suzuki by 1.8 per cent and GAIL by 1.4 per cent. Meanwhile, Asian shares were in the green with Japan`s Nikkei gaining by 1.54 per cent. Hong Kong stocks saw the best weekly show in three months on mainland demand with Hang Seng index up by 0.6 per cent and South Korea`s Kospi by 1.07 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Sensex ends above 50,700 for the first time, Nifty tops 14900, indices log record closing 

General Motors Co became the latest automaker hit by the global shortage of semiconductor chips as the U.S. automaker said on Wednesday it will take down production next week at four assembly plants.

GM hit by chip shortage, to cut production at four plants

Companies in the UK that had directly been selling their produce to customers within the EU are not facing the brunt. Brexit has created many unforced hurdles for them and a British based cheese company is considering shifting a large chunk of its investments to France.

British companies facing hurdles post Brexit

Denmark approved a plan on Thursday to build the world`s first energy island in the North Sea that will produce and store enough green energy to cover the electricity needs of 3 million European households. 
 
The artificial island, which in its initial phase will be the size of 18 football fields, will be linked to hundreds of offshore wind turbines and will supply both power to households and green hydrogen for use in shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport. 
 
The move came as the European Union unveiled plans to transform its electricity system to rely mostly on renewable energy within a decade and increase its offshore wind energy capacity 25-fold by 2050. 
 
"This is truly a great moment for Denmark and for the global green transition," Energy Minister Dan Jorgensen told a press briefing. 
 
"(The island) will make a big contribution to the realisation of the enormous potential for European offshore wind," he said. 
 
The energy island, which will cost around 210 billion Danish crowns ($33.9 billion) to build, is an important part of Denmark`s legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels, one of the world`s most ambitious. 
 
The Nordic country, home to wind turbine maker Vestas and offshore wind farm developer Orsted, was with its favourable wind speeds a pioneer in both onshore and offshore wind, building the world`s first offshore wind farm almost 30 years ago. 
 
In December, it decided to halt the search for oil and gas in the Danish part of the North Sea and hopes instead to make it a hub for renewable energy and carbon storage. 
 
The island, to be located 80 kilometres off Denmark`s west coast, and its surrounding wind turbines will have an initial capacity of 3 gigawatt and be operational around 2033. 
 
Denmark also has plans for an energy island in the Baltic Sea. The state will hold a controlling stake in both islands.

Denmark approved a plan on Thursday to build the world`s first energy island in the North Sea that will produce and store enough green energy to cover the electricity needs of 3 million European households.

Denmark approved a plan on Thursday to build the world`s first energy island in the North Sea that will produce and store enough green energy to cover the electricity needs of 3 million European households. The artificial island, which in its initial phase will be the size of 18 football fields, will be linked to hundreds of offshore wind turbines and will supply both power to households and green hydrogen for use in shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport. The move came as the European Union unveiled plans to transform its electricity system to rely mostly on renewable energy within a decade and increase its offshore wind energy capacity 25-fold by 2050. "This is truly a great moment for Denmark and for the global green transition," Energy Minister Dan Jorgensen told a press briefing. "(The island) will make a big contribution to the realisation of the enormous potential for European offshore wind," he said. The energy island, which will cost around 210 billion Danish crowns ($33.9 billion) to build, is an important part of Denmark`s legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels, one of the world`s most ambitious. The Nordic country, home to wind turbine maker Vestas and offshore wind farm developer Orsted, was with its favourable wind speeds a pioneer in both onshore and offshore wind, building the world`s first offshore wind farm almost 30 years ago. In December, it decided to halt the search for oil and gas in the Danish part of the North Sea and hopes instead to make it a hub for renewable energy and carbon storage. The island, to be located 80 kilometres off Denmark`s west coast, and its surrounding wind turbines will have an initial capacity of 3 gigawatt and be operational around 2033. Denmark also has plans for an energy island in the Baltic Sea. The state will hold a controlling stake in both islands.

Denmark to create world's first energy island in the North Sea

Robust buying in shares of ITC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, and M&amp;M helped the benchmark S&amp;P BSE Sensex scale a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.51 level. At close, the index was 358.54 points, or 0.71 per cent, up at 50,614 levels.

The broader Nifty50, on the other hand, continued its march towards the crucial 15,000-mark and ended at a new closing high of 14,896 levels, up 106 points or 0.7 per cent. The index hit a lifetime high of 14,914 in the intra-day trade today.

Global cues

Stocks dipped on Thursday as a spike in short-term Chinese interest rates fanned worries about policy tightening in the world’s second-largest economy.&nbsp;

MSCI's ex-Japan Asian-Pacific index fell 1.2 per cent, led by drops in South Korea and China, while Japan's Nikkei lost 1.1 per cent.

In Europe, shares paused after a three-day rally. The STOXX 600 index was flat in early trading, while Milan's FTSE MIB index fell 0.2 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Robust buying in shares of ITC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, and M&M helped the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex scale a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.

Robust buying in shares of ITC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, and M&M helped the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex scale a fresh lifetime peak of 50,687.51 level. At close, the index was 358.54 points, or 0.71 per cent, up at 50,614 levels. The broader Nifty50, on the other hand, continued its march towards the crucial 15,000-mark and ended at a new closing high of 14,896 levels, up 106 points or 0.7 per cent. The index hit a lifetime high of 14,914 in the intra-day trade today. Global cues Stocks dipped on Thursday as a spike in short-term Chinese interest rates fanned worries about policy tightening in the world’s second-largest economy. MSCI's ex-Japan Asian-Pacific index fell 1.2 per cent, led by drops in South Korea and China, while Japan's Nikkei lost 1.1 per cent. In Europe, shares paused after a three-day rally. The STOXX 600 index was flat in early trading, while Milan's FTSE MIB index fell 0.2 per cent. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sensex ends above 50,600-mark for the first time, Nifty nears 15,000

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy.

In 2019, the Anglo-Dutch company had registered a net profit of USD 1.8 billion. Shell's result is similar to British rival BP, which on Tuesday reported a 2020 &nbsp;net loss of $20.3 billion.

Both companies are cutting jobs to tackle the economic fallout from the pandemic.

After governments worldwide closed their doors and airlines grounded planes towards the end of last year's first quarter, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative.

Prices then rebounded sharply however -- and they soared Tuesday to pre-pandemic levels on the brightening economic outlook as more progress was reported on vaccines.

(With AFP inputs)

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy.

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy. In 2019, the Anglo-Dutch company had registered a net profit of USD 1.8 billion. Shell's result is similar to British rival BP, which on Tuesday reported a 2020 net loss of $20.3 billion. Both companies are cutting jobs to tackle the economic fallout from the pandemic. After governments worldwide closed their doors and airlines grounded planes towards the end of last year's first quarter, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative. Prices then rebounded sharply however -- and they soared Tuesday to pre-pandemic levels on the brightening economic outlook as more progress was reported on vaccines. (With AFP inputs)

Oil giant Shell suffered loss of $21 billion in 2020

Ant Group Co has agreed a restructuring plan with Chinese regulators under which the fintech giant will become a financial holding company, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said, potentially easing founder Jack Ma`s regulatory woes. 
 
The plan calls for putting all of Ant`s businesses into the holding company, including its payment processing and technology offerings in areas like blockchain and food delivery, the person said, declining to be named due to confidentiality constraints. 
 
Bloomberg News first reported Ant had reached an agreement with Chinese regulators about the proposed restructuring. 
 
An announcement about the restructuring, which will result in the company being subject to capital requirements similar to those for banks, could come before the start of China`s Lunar New Year holiday on Feb. 11, the Bloomberg report said. 
 
An agreement on the restructuring of Ant, an affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, would ease investor concerns about a regulatory crackdown on billionaire Ma`s business empire. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-state-media-omits-jack-mas-name-from-list-of-entrepreneurial-leaders-360782" hreflang="en">Chinese state media omits Jack Ma's name from list of entrepreneurial leaders</a> 
 
The catalyst for Ma`s current woes was an Oct. 24 speech in which he blasted China`s regulatory system, leading to the suspension of Ant`s $37 billion initial public offering just days before its dual-listing in Hong Kong and Shanghai. 
 
Regulators have since launched an anti-trust probe into the tech sector with Alibaba taking much of the heat, besides pushing Ant to revamp its business structure to bring it under tighter regulatory supervision. 
 
Ma, who is not known for shying away from the limelight, subsequently disappeared from the public eye for about three months, triggering frenzied speculation about his whereabouts. He re-emerged last month with a 50-second video appearance. 
 
Despite the agreement with the regulator on revamping Ant, whose businesses include consumer lending and insurance products distribution, the anti-trust probe into Alibaba would continue to cloud the outlook for Ma`s empire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/alibabas-jack-ma-makes-first-public-appearance-after-months-via-video-link-357945" hreflang="en">Alibaba's Jack Ma makes first public appearance after months via video link</a> 
 
Bloomberg`s report said that Ant was still exploring opportunities to revive its stock market listing, citing one person familiar with the matter. It said it was unclear how long authorities would need to sign off on a listing. 
 
Ant`s financial holding structure is expected to weigh on its valuation, as the fintech firm was valued as a technology firm in its previous fundraising rounds. Typically, valuations are much higher on technology firms than on financial companies. 
 
Ant, which earlier on Wednesday declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, also declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. China`s central bank did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. 
 
Alibaba`s Hong Kong-listed shares closed 0.4% higher on Wednesday. They had tumbled early in the session after the company reported third-quarter results and warned it faced a near-term challenge from changing regulations. 
 
It also warned that Ant`s business prospects and IPO plans "are subject to substantial uncertainties". 
 
"Currently, we are unable to make a complete and fair assessment of the impact that these changes and uncertainties will have on Alibaba Group," it said.

Ant Group Co has agreed a restructuring plan with Chinese regulators under which the fintech giant will become a financial holding company, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said, potentially easing founder Jack Ma`s regulatory woes.

Ant Group Co has agreed a restructuring plan with Chinese regulators under which the fintech giant will become a financial holding company, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said, potentially easing founder Jack Ma`s regulatory woes. The plan calls for putting all of Ant`s businesses into the holding company, including its payment processing and technology offerings in areas like blockchain and food delivery, the person said, declining to be named due to confidentiality constraints. Bloomberg News first reported Ant had reached an agreement with Chinese regulators about the proposed restructuring. An announcement about the restructuring, which will result in the company being subject to capital requirements similar to those for banks, could come before the start of China`s Lunar New Year holiday on Feb. 11, the Bloomberg report said. An agreement on the restructuring of Ant, an affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, would ease investor concerns about a regulatory crackdown on billionaire Ma`s business empire. Also read: Chinese state media omits Jack Ma's name from list of entrepreneurial leaders The catalyst for Ma`s current woes was an Oct. 24 speech in which he blasted China`s regulatory system, leading to the suspension of Ant`s $37 billion initial public offering just days before its dual-listing in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Regulators have since launched an anti-trust probe into the tech sector with Alibaba taking much of the heat, besides pushing Ant to revamp its business structure to bring it under tighter regulatory supervision. Ma, who is not known for shying away from the limelight, subsequently disappeared from the public eye for about three months, triggering frenzied speculation about his whereabouts. He re-emerged last month with a 50-second video appearance. Despite the agreement with the regulator on revamping Ant, whose businesses include consumer lending and insurance products distribution, the anti-trust probe into Alibaba would continue to cloud the outlook for Ma`s empire. Also read: Alibaba's Jack Ma makes first public appearance after months via video link Bloomberg`s report said that Ant was still exploring opportunities to revive its stock market listing, citing one person familiar with the matter. It said it was unclear how long authorities would need to sign off on a listing. Ant`s financial holding structure is expected to weigh on its valuation, as the fintech firm was valued as a technology firm in its previous fundraising rounds. Typically, valuations are much higher on technology firms than on financial companies. Ant, which earlier on Wednesday declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, also declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. China`s central bank did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Alibaba`s Hong Kong-listed shares closed 0.4% higher on Wednesday. They had tumbled early in the session after the company reported third-quarter results and warned it faced a near-term challenge from changing regulations. It also warned that Ant`s business prospects and IPO plans "are subject to substantial uncertainties". "Currently, we are unable to make a complete and fair assessment of the impact that these changes and uncertainties will have on Alibaba Group," it said.

Ant Group reportedly reaches deal with China regulators on restructuring

The bulls are back once again in the Indian stock markets. If there were any fears among investors before the Budget 2021, they have been clearly put to rest by India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech on February 1.&nbsp;

Clearly, absence of any 'Robinhood' tax has cheered the investor community and the unbridled growth in the markets has resumed.&nbsp;

Today also both major indices in India Sensex and Nifty closed at record highs of 50255.75 and 14789.45 respectively, extending their post-budget gains for the third straight day.&nbsp;

Why are Indian stock markets at record high?

Budget proposals and the absence of any negative news globally have given another booster dose of optimism to investors. While the Budget proposal to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance from 49 per cent to 74 per cent has led to rise in prices of insurance stocks today, scrappage policy for vehicles is leading to rise in prices of auto stocks as well.&nbsp;

Absence of the much-feared COVID cess and any surcharge on Income Tax has also delivered much needed respite to investors. Fearing these taxes, Indian markets closed in red in some days prior to Budget 2021.&nbsp;

Sensex had lost over 3,500 points in the six sessions before the Budget. Also, proposal for privatization of 2 nationalized banks has put to rest speculations regarding government going slow on disinvestment process. This coupled with announcement on LIC's IPO gave a message to investors that government's financial priorities are clear.

Indian markets are also in line with the rally in major global markets that started at the beginning of this week with major corporate earnings meeting expectations.&nbsp;

So the 5 per cent gain in Sensex on the Budget day showed that markets have taken the annual exercise as a reform and growth-orientation Budget, supportive of the right economic policies in the country and will bring economic change in India that came after the 1991 Budget that supported liberalization.&nbsp;

Analysts also expect these gains in the markets to continue. However another factor that will impact markets this week will be the central bank RBI's decision on interest rates in its monetary policy meet on February 5.

The bulls are back once again in the Indian stock markets. If there were any fears among investors before the Budget 2021, they have been clearly put to rest by India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech on February 1.

The bulls are back once again in the Indian stock markets. If there were any fears among investors before the Budget 2021, they have been clearly put to rest by India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech on February 1. Clearly, absence of any 'Robinhood' tax has cheered the investor community and the unbridled growth in the markets has resumed. Today also both major indices in India Sensex and Nifty closed at record highs of 50255.75 and 14789.45 respectively, extending their post-budget gains for the third straight day. Why are Indian stock markets at record high? Budget proposals and the absence of any negative news globally have given another booster dose of optimism to investors. While the Budget proposal to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance from 49 per cent to 74 per cent has led to rise in prices of insurance stocks today, scrappage policy for vehicles is leading to rise in prices of auto stocks as well. Absence of the much-feared COVID cess and any surcharge on Income Tax has also delivered much needed respite to investors. Fearing these taxes, Indian markets closed in red in some days prior to Budget 2021. Sensex had lost over 3,500 points in the six sessions before the Budget. Also, proposal for privatization of 2 nationalized banks has put to rest speculations regarding government going slow on disinvestment process. This coupled with announcement on LIC's IPO gave a message to investors that government's financial priorities are clear. Indian markets are also in line with the rally in major global markets that started at the beginning of this week with major corporate earnings meeting expectations. So the 5 per cent gain in Sensex on the Budget day showed that markets have taken the annual exercise as a reform and growth-orientation Budget, supportive of the right economic policies in the country and will bring economic change in India that came after the 1991 Budget that supported liberalization. Analysts also expect these gains in the markets to continue. However another factor that will impact markets this week will be the central bank RBI's decision on interest rates in its monetary policy meet on February 5.

Budget rejuvenates the bulls, stock markets at record high

Domestic stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty ended at record high levels Wednesday extending gains for the third straight session led by gains in banking, metal and pharma indices.&nbsp;

Broader markets also surged for the day with the midcap and smallcap indices up over 1 percent each.&nbsp;

At close, the Sensex was up 458.03 points or 0.92% at 50,255.75, while the Nifty rose 142.10 points or 0.97% to 14,790.

IndusInd Bank, Power Grid Corp, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Labs and Divis Lab were among major gainers on the Nifty, while losers were Shree Cements, UltraTech Cement, Maruti Suzuki, ITC and UPL.

Global markets marched higher following renewed hopes for the passage of the USD 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in the US.

In rest of Asia, bourses in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo ended with gains, while Shanghai was in the red.

Stock exchanges in Europe were also trading on a positive note in early deals.

Meanwhile, the global oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.36 per cent higher at USD 58.01 per barrel.

The Indian rupee ended on a flat note and settled 1 paisa higher at 72.95 (provisional) against the US dollar.

Stepping up their purchase of domestic shares, foreign institutional investors were net buyers to the tune of Rs 6,181.56 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Domestic stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty ended at record high levels Wednesday extending gains for the third straight session led by gains in banking, metal and pharma indices.

Domestic stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty ended at record high levels Wednesday extending gains for the third straight session led by gains in banking, metal and pharma indices. Broader markets also surged for the day with the midcap and smallcap indices up over 1 percent each. At close, the Sensex was up 458.03 points or 0.92% at 50,255.75, while the Nifty rose 142.10 points or 0.97% to 14,790. IndusInd Bank, Power Grid Corp, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Labs and Divis Lab were among major gainers on the Nifty, while losers were Shree Cements, UltraTech Cement, Maruti Suzuki, ITC and UPL. Global markets marched higher following renewed hopes for the passage of the USD 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in the US. In rest of Asia, bourses in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo ended with gains, while Shanghai was in the red. Stock exchanges in Europe were also trading on a positive note in early deals. Meanwhile, the global oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.36 per cent higher at USD 58.01 per barrel. The Indian rupee ended on a flat note and settled 1 paisa higher at 72.95 (provisional) against the US dollar. Stepping up their purchase of domestic shares, foreign institutional investors were net buyers to the tune of Rs 6,181.56 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data. (With inputs from agencies)

Sensex closes above 50,000, Nifty near 14,800

There is a container shortage across the world that has resulted from China's massive export. It is now threatening industries and businesses worldwide, from India's sugar and the auto industry to America's agricultural exports.

World Business Watch: Global shipping-container shortage is hampering exports

Oil prices were up two per cent (2%) on Tuesday (February 02) after major producers showed that they were reining in output roughly in line with their commitments.

World Business Watch: Oil prices hit highest in a year as producers limit supply