India

Gold and silver prices are expected to face selling pressure in the coming holiday-shortened trading week as global investors closely monitor geopolitical developments and macroeconomic signals. Market participants are tracking ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, movements in crude oil prices and the upcoming policy decision by the US Federal Reserve. These factors are likely to influence investor sentiment and safe-haven demand for precious metals.

India’s residential real estate market is witnessing a structural shift, with affordable housing sales declining sharply in early 2026 even as premium segments continue to gain traction. Data indicates a 23 percent year-on-year drop in homes priced below Rs 50 lakh across major urban centers, driven largely by constrained supply and rising input costs. Mid-income housing has also softened, signaling broader demand recalibration. 

India and South Korea have initiated fresh discussions to modernize their existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to unlock new avenues of bilateral trade and investment. The dialogue, led by senior trade officials from both countries, reflects a strategic effort to deepen economic integration across sectors such as manufacturing, green energy, and digital trade. As global supply chains undergo realignment, both nations are seeking to enhance market access, streamline trade barriers, and promote industrial collaboration.

India’s renewable energy sector received a significant boost as SAEL Industries commissioned a 600-megawatt solar power plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The large-scale project, spread across more than 2,400 acres, is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India, ensuring long-term revenue visibility. Developed through two subsidiary units, the facility is expected to contribute substantially to the national grid while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 11 lakh tonnes annually.

German automaker BMW Group is aiming to significantly scale up its premium small-car brand MINI in India, targeting a doubling of sales in 2026. The strategy is anchored in a broader product portfolio, increased localisation, and an expanded retail footprint. Following a strong start to the year, with 42 per cent growth in the first quarter, the company plans to introduce a locally manufactured MINI Countryman.

Nipha Group has launched its new agricultural machinery brand OneHorn, marking a strategic push to expand operations across 20 Indian states and 10 international markets, including the United States and Europe. The move reflects the company’s ambition to capitalize on India’s evolving agricultural landscape, where mechanization and entrepreneurship are gaining momentum. With a legacy dating back to 1988, Nipha aims to build a partner-driven ecosystem that empowers agripreneurs while promoting domestically manufactured equipment under a “Make in India” framework.

India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market is gradually returning to equilibrium after a period of intense demand triggered by global supply disruptions and domestic panic buying. A senior official indicated that with the onset of summer and improved supply conditions, demand for cooking gas is normalizing. At the height of the crisis, daily refill bookings surged to over 88 lakh, nearly double the usual 45 lakh.

Samsung Electronics is increasingly drawing on its India-based research capabilities to shape global smartphone innovation, with several widely used features originating from its Noida R&D hub. Senior leadership from Samsung Research Institute in Noida confirmed that functionalities such as backup calling and direct voicemail were conceptualized in India and later deployed across global devices.

India’s foreign exchange reserves have staged a strong recovery, rising above the USD 700 billion mark after weeks of volatility triggered by global geopolitical tensions. According to the Reserve Bank of India, reserves increased by USD 3.825 billion to USD 700.946 billion for the week ended April 10. The rebound follows earlier declines linked to currency pressures and market interventions.

India’s equity markets staged a strong rally, with benchmark indices gaining nearly 1 percent as easing geopolitical tensions and declining crude oil prices improved global sentiment. The BSE Sensex rose 504.86 points to close at 78,493.54, while the Nifty 50 advanced 156.80 points to settle at 24,353.55. Renewed diplomatic optimism in global hotspots and increased foreign capital inflows supported the upward momentum.