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Indian rupee set to find more breathing room after Trump remarks jolt dollar

January 28, 2026 3:08

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee on Wednesday is poised to build on the previous session’s relief after President Donald Trump brushed off the dollar’s recent weakness, accelerating its slide and pushing it to multi-year lows. The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open in the 91.48-91.52 range versus the U.S. dollar, having settled at 91.72 on Tuesday. The rupee found relief on Tuesday after a prolonged spell of near-constant pressure, with a softer dollar tempering one-sided dollar demand that has weighed on the currency in recent weeks. It was enough to allow a 0.2% rise in the currency, a modest move that stood out against the depth and persistence of recent selling pressure, traders said. “The move wasn’t driven by fresh rupee positives, it was more of a pause in aggressive dollar buying,” a senior FX dealer at a private bank said. “For now, you would say this is just a small reset in market dynamics. The underlying trend (on dollar/rupee) remains higher.” [...]

Indian equity benchmarks set to open higher on EU trade deal, positive global cues

January 28, 2026 3:03

BENGALURU: India’s equity benchmarks are likely to open higher on Wednesday, extending gains seen in the previous session after a landmark trade deal with the European Union, while positive global sentiment may also provide support. Gift Nifty futures were trading at 25,441.5, as of 7:56 a.m. IST, indicating that the Nifty 50 could start above Tuesday’s close of 25,175.4. The 50-stock benchmark index rose 0.5% on Tuesday as a trade deal with the EU scrapped all tariffs on 90% of Indian goods. “The potential for growth is substantial,” analysts at HSBC said in a note. “The benefits could eventually go beyond goods trade, including larger FDI flows, more services trade, and strategic diversification.” MSCI’s broadest index for Asia Pacific stocks outside Japan was up 0.9% ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the day, while the U.S. dollar sank to a four-year low. Global markets sentiment was also boosted by easing trade tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and South Korea will work out a solution, after earlier threatening to raise tariffs on imports from the Asian country to 25%. “Improving global risk sentiment is likely to encourage fresh buying from oversold levels (in India) and prompt short-covering across derivative segments,” said Ponmudi R, chief executive officer of Enrich Money. Meanwhile, continued selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and caution ahead of the country’s federal budget presentation on Sunday could keep investors cautious. Foreign investors sold Indian shares worth 30.69 billion rupees ($335.53 million) on Tuesday, as per provisional data. They have offloaded $4.1 billion worth of shares in January, marking the biggest monthly selloff in a year. [...]

Dollar crumbles after Trump remarks; euro, yen, sterling surge

January 28, 2026 2:59

SINGAPORE: The US dollar was grappling with a “crisis of confidence” as it struggled near four-year lows on Wednesday after President Donald Trump brushed off its recent weakness, exacerbating the dollar selling and lifting the yen, euro and sterling. The euro breached past the $1.2 level for the first time since 2021 and was at $1.2015, a tad weaker on the day, while sterling was also near its highest level since 2021 at $1.3823 in early Asian hours. The dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six major rivals, was at 95.964 after dropping over 1% in the previous session when it hit a four-year low of 95.566. Trump said on Tuesday the value of the dollar was “great”, when asked whether he thought it had declined too much. Traders took his comments as a signal to sell the greenback aggressively. Trump’s comments were not exactly new, but they came at a time when the dollar has been under pressure as traders braced for a possible coordinated currency intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities to stabilize the yen. The dollar tumbled over 9% in 2025 and has started the year on the back foot, already down about 2.3% in January as Trump’s erratic approach to trade and international diplomacy, fears over the Federal Reserve’s independence and huge increases in public spending rattled investors. “The weak dollar flies in the face of otherwise strong fundamentals. The U.S. economy remains exceptional and the dollar should be reflecting that,” said Rodda. “But because of Trump’s behaviour, it’s not.” Investors’ focus will be on the Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the day, where the central bank is expected to stand pat in a pause that investors see lasting beyond U.S. central bank chief Jerome Powell’s final meetings in March and April. Yen’s reprieve The frail Japanese yen got a further boost from the dollar selling and was at 152.60 per U.S. dollar after surging over 1% in the previous session. It was hovering near a three-month high on talk of the U.S. and Japan conducting rate checks - often seen as a precursor to official intervention. Japanese authorities said on Monday they have been in close coordination with the U.S. on foreign exchange, without providing further details. Investors remain unconvinced about the impact of an actual intervention, especially because Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is basing her snap election campaign on expanded stimulus measures. Japan’s election is set for February 8. “I think they’ve done what they’ve done now. It will stay in this range. They’ve postponed the 160 by three months at least which is an achievement in itself,” said Vaibhav Loomba, head of FX and rates at financial services firm Klay Group. The Australian dollar rose to $0.70225, its highest level since February 2023 amid the broad dollar weakness and after data showed consumer price inflation rose at a faster annual pace in the December quarter, stoking expectations of a near-term rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia. [...]

Oil prices mixed as US supply worries linger after winter storm

January 28, 2026 2:53

TOKYO: Oil prices were mixed on Wednesday, with Brent down slightly but the U.S. contract edging higher as supply concerns grew after a winter storm disrupted crude output and halted Gulf Coast exports over the weekend. Brent crude futures fell 6 cents, or 0.1%, to $67.51 a barrel by 0122 GMT, but U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 4 cents, or 0.1%, to $62.43 a barrel. Both benchmarks surged about 3% on Tuesday. US producers lost up to 2 million barrels per day or roughly 15% of national output over the weekend, analysts and traders estimated, as the storm strained energy infrastructure and power grids. Crude and liquefied natural gas exports from U.S. Gulf Coast ports tumbled to zero on Sunday, ship tracking service Vortexa said. “The impact of the U.S. cold snap and concerns over supply disruptions in Kazakhstan are supporting prices, but once supply fears ease, selling pressure is likely to return,” said Toshitaka Tazawa, an analyst at Fujitomi Securities. He added the balance between a projected supply surplus this year and geopolitical risks, including Middle East tensions, could keep WTI trading around $60 a barrel for now. Kazakhstan’s biggest oilfield, Tengiz, is likely to restore less than half of its normal production by February 7 as it slowly recovers from a fire and power outage, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Pipeline operator CPC said it has returned to full loading capacity at its Black Sea terminal after completing maintenance at one of its three mooring points. Supply fears remain amid mideast tensions A U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, expanding President Donald Trump’s capabilities to defend U.S. forces, or potentially take military action against Iran. On the supply side, OPEC+, or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus Russia and other allies, is set to keep its pause on oil output increases for March at a meeting on February 1, three OPEC+ delegates told Reuters. U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were expected to have risen in the week ended January 23, while distillate inventories likely fell, an extended Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. But U.S. crude and gasoline stocks fell while distillate inventories rose last week, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. [...]

Gold’s blistering rally continues past $5,200 as dollar plunges to 4-year low

January 28, 2026 2:49

Gold broke through $5,200 for the first time on Wednesday, after rising more than 3% on Tuesday, as the dollar ‌plunged to a near four-year low amid persisting geopolitical concerns, ahead of a US Federal Reserve monetary policy decision. Spot gold rose 0.6% to $5,219.97 per ounce, as of 0153 GMT, after scaling a record high of $5,224.95 earlier, up more than 20% since the start of the year. US gold ‌futures for February delivery surged 2.6% to $5,216.80 per ounce. “(Gold’s rise) is due to the very strong indirect correlation with the dollar and yesterday’s price-rise in gold in the U.S. session was due to Trump’s remark to a casual question about the ‍dollar which implied that (there is) a broad-based consensus within the White House to have a weaker greenback going forward,” said Kelvin Wong, a senior market analyst at OANDA. The U.S. dollar was grappling with a “crisis ⁠of confidence” as it struggled near four-year lows, exacerbating dollar selling, after President Donald Trump ‍said the currency’s value is “great” when asked whether he thought it had declined too much. US consumer confidence, ‌meanwhile, slumped ‌to its lowest level in more than 11-1/2 years in January amid mounting anxiety over a sluggish labor market and high prices. Trump added that he will soon announce his pick to serve as head of the U.S. central bank, and predicted interest rates would decline once ⁠the new chair takes ⁠over. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady at its January monetary policy meeting, currently underway. Wong added that near-term resistance for gold could be seen around $5,240/oz. Deutsche Bank said on Tuesday that gold could climb ‍to $6,000 per ounce in 2026, citing persistent investment demand as central banks and investors increase allocations to non-dollar and tangible assets. Spot silver was up 0.6% at $113.63 an ounce, after hitting a record high of $117.69 on Monday. The white metal has already jumped almost 60% ‍so far this year. Spot platinum gained 1.5% to $2,679.15 per ounce after hitting a record $2,918.80 on Monday, while palladium was up 0.9% at $1,951.93. [...]

Boeing reports 1st annual profit since 2018 on asset sale

January 27, 2026 4:27

NEW YORK: Boeing reported its first annual profit since 2018 Tuesday on gains from an asset sale, as it eyes increased plane production while pointing to progress emerging from a lengthy slump. Full-year 2025 profits were $1.9 billion, Boeing reported, compared with a loss of $11.9 billion in 2024. Boeing has faced heavy regulatory scrutiny following fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes that led to a lengthy grounding of the 737 MAX and intensified scrutiny of its commercial aviation program that has limited output. While Boeing last year delivered the highest number of planes since 2018, the driving factor behind both quarterly and annual profit was completion of a $10.6 billion sale of aviation software assets including Jeppesen to Thoma Bravo. Boeing won approvals in 2025 from the US Federal Aviation Administration to lift production on both the MAX and its other top-selling plane, the 787 Dreamliner. READ MORE: Boeing reports USD5.4bn loss on large hit from 777X aircraft delays The company expects further production increases on both programs in 2026. “As we work together to continue our turnaround, we’re making good progress and there’s a lot to be optimistic about as we start the year,” CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a letter to employees. Ortberg, in an interview with CNBC, said Boeing expects free cash flow of between $1 billion and $3 billion in 2026. Wall Street has been monitoring Boeing’s progress on the benchmark after it previously targeted $10 billion in free cash flow as a medium-term objective. “We’re marching to this $10 billion free cash flow number and it’s going to take us a little bit of time, but we’ve got a methodical plan to get there,” Ortberg told CNBC. [...]

India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says

January 27, 2026 3:40

NEW DELHI: India and the European Union have finalised a landmark trade deal that will represent a quarter of the world’s economy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, as the two sides seek to hedge against fickle ties with the US. After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market, the world’s largest, to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner. “Yesterday, a big agreement was signed between the European Union and India,” Modi said. “People around the world are calling this the mother of all deals. This agreement will bring major opportunities for the 1.4 billion people of India and the millions of people in Europe,” he said. He added that the agreement represents 25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade. Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to make a joint announcement at an India–EU summit in New Delhi, along with the details of the deal, later on Tuesday. India fetes EU at Republic Day parade ahead of trade deal Trade between India and the EU stood at $136.5 billion in the fiscal year through March 2025. The agreement comes days after the EU signed a pivotal pact with the South American bloc Mercosur, following deals last year with Indonesia, Mexico and Switzerland. During the same period, New Delhi finalised pacts with Britain, New Zealand and Oman. The spate of deals underscores global efforts to hedge against the United States as President Donald Trump’s bid to take over Greenland and tariff threats on European nations test longstanding alliances among Western nations. Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on goods from India and an India-US trade deal collapsed last year after a breakdown in communication between the two governments. India to slash tariffs on cars to 40% in trade deal with EU, sources say The formal signing of the India-EU deal would take place after legal vetting expected to last five to six months, an Indian government official aware of the matter has said. “We expect the deal to be implemented within a year,” the official added. [...]

Rupee secures gain against US dollar

January 27, 2026 3:14

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279.82 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal improvement, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Tuesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.82, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. On Monday, the local unit closed at 279.85. Pakistan’s inflation was projected to remain within the range of 5-6% in January 2026, the Finance Division said on Tuesday. In its Monthly Economic Update & Outlook January 2026, it said Pakistan’s economy was well positioned to sustain its growth momentum in FY2026, “supported by the encouraging performance of LSM [large-scale manufacturing] and other high-frequency indicators”. Internationally, the US dollar edged higher on Tuesday but struggled to gain momentum, while traders remained on the alert for potential coordinated currency intervention by authorities in the United States ‌and Japan and looked to Wednesday’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Much of the recent focus in the foreign exchange market has been on the yen, which has rallied as much as 3% over the past two sessions on talk of the US and Japan conducting rate checks - often seen as a precursor to official intervention. That has helped the yen steady around 153 to 154 per dollar, some distance away from Friday’s low of 159.23. It was last trading at 154.75, with ‌the dollar gaining around 0.4% against the yen. The US dollar has been under intense pressure from a range of factors, including Washington’s desire for a weaker currency and uncertainty over US President Donald Trump’s policymaking. The dollar rose for the first time in four days against a basket of currencies, climbing 0.2% to 97.27. It has fallen around 1% since the start of the year, and hit a four-month low of 96.808 on Monday. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, jumped over 1% on Tuesday as a massive winter storm hit crude production and affected ‌refineries on the US Gulf Coast, with the market also finding support from the slow restart of output from the Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan. Brent crude futures were up 90 cents or 1.4%, at $66.49 a barrel by 1415 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 87 cents or 1.4%, at $61.50 a barrel. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 279.82 OFFER Rs 280.02 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 3 paise for buying and gained 6 paise for selling against USD, closing at 280.28 and 280.90, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR lost 55 paise for buying and 44 paise for selling, closing at 332.52 and 335.59, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 2 paise for buying and 1 paisa for selling, closing at 76.55 and 77.30, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 1 paisa for buying and 3 paise for selling, closing at 74.82 and 75.43, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 280.28 OFFER Rs 280.90 [...]

US stocks mixed amid earnings deluge

January 27, 2026 3:06

NEW YORK: Major US stock indices moved in opposite directions early Tuesday as markets digested a heavy calendar of mixed earnings and looked ahead to a Federal Reserve decision. Shares of General Motors and Northrop Grumman advanced while Boeing and American Airlines were among the companies to fall after reporting quarterly results. Analysts are especially keen for earnings releases from Apple, Microsoft and other tech giants in the coming days. About 10 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.8 percent at 49,023.98. The broad-based S&P 500 added 0.2 percent at 6,966.08, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.6 percent to 23,733.99. READ MORE: US stocks higher to open heavy week of earnings, Fed meeting Besides earnings, markets are focused on Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision. The Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but the central bank’s tone about future monetary policy actions will be a focal point. Shares of health insurers fell sharply early Tuesday, with Dow component UnitedHealth Group down almost 20 percent and Humana and CVS Health also sharply lower. The selloff follows an announcement of a lower than expected pay increase related to a leading US government Medicare program. “The market doesn’t like big surprises like that and tends to take a sector specific reaction to them,” said Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management. “So the health care providers are certainly coming under pressure.” [...]

S&P’s projections for Pakistan ‘broadly align’ with SBP’s outlook, says Khurram Schehzad

January 27, 2026 2:56

Khurram Schehzad, Adviser to the Finance Minister, on Tuesday said that S&P Global Market Intelligence (S&P )’s latest macroeconomic forecasts for Pakistan broadly align with projections from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). In a statement, Schehzad shared that S&P projects inflation at 5.1% in 2026, rising slightly to 5.6% in 2027, indicating a “slight increase”. The SBP, meanwhile, has forecast a range of 5%–7% over the next two years. “S&P’s point forecasts, i.e. 5.1–5.6%, sit within SBP’s 5–7% band, and imply stable-to-slightly higher inflation from 2026 to 2027,” said Schehzad. On the external front, S&P anticipates Pakistan’s current account deficit at 0.5% of GDP in 2026, expected to increase to 1.3% in 2027. Meanwhile, the SBP projects that the FY26 current account deficit is expected to remain between 0% and 1% of GDP. “For FY26, S&P’s 0.5% deficit aligns with SBP’s 0–1% range. S&P’s other-year projection, i.e. 1.3% is slightly above SBP’s FY26 band,” Schehzad commented. Moreover, S&P expects Pakistan’s real GDP growth to be 3.5% in FY26, strengthening to 4.4% in FY27. In comparison, the SBP projects 3.75%–4.75% growth for FY26. “S&P expects growth to pick up in FY27 to 4.4%, which is within SBP’s FY26 range. “Overall, S&P’s projections broadly align with SBP’s outlook, with slight differences on growth and the current account but a shared assessment of easing inflation and gradual economic improvement,” said Schehzad. On Monday, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed presented an upbeat outlook for the economy, revising the GDP growth forecast upward, ranging 3.75-4.75% for FY26, and indicated that SBP’s foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach an all-time high of $20.2 billion by the end of December 2026. Addressing a press conference following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Ahmed informed that Pakistan’s real GDP grew by 3.7% y/y in Q1 of FY26 as compared to 1.6% in the corresponding period last year (FY25), indicating a notable pickup in economic activity, mainly led by the industry and agriculture sectors. [...]

Most Gulf markets gain as earnings season advances

January 27, 2026 2:37

Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Tuesday, with investors focused on corporate earnings. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index advanced 1%, led by a 2% rise in Al Rajhi Bank. The bank reported annual net profit of 24.79 billion riyals ($6.61 billion), up from 19.72 billion riyals a year earlier. Al Rajhi also announced a cash dividend of 1.75 riyals per share for the second half, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the same period last year. Among other gainers, Saudi National Bank - the country’s biggest lender by assets - jumped 3.4% following a sharp rise in 2025 net profit. The market is also gaining support from expectations of increased foreign investor access to the Saudi market starting February 1, said Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB MENA. Oil prices continue to provide stability after recovering last week, though geopolitical developments pose an underlying risk that could affect the market should regional tensions intensify, added Azar. In Abu Dhabi, the index rose 0.9%. Meanwhile, crude prices were little changed as resumption in supply from Kazakhstan offset the price increase caused by a storm impacting crude production and refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The head of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said global oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels per day through 2040, while demand for both liquefied natural gas and electricity will grow by 50% or more. Dubai’s main share index added 0.3%, with blue-chip developer Emaar Properties rising 1.4%. The Qatari index, however, eased 0.3%, with Qatar Islamic Bank losing 1.3%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index rose 0.7%, closing at its highest, with Commercial International Bank rising 1.4%. Saudi Arabia advanced 1% to 11,382Abu Dhabi climbed 0.9% to 10,355Dubai was up 0.3% to 6,466Qatar eased 0.3% to 11,285Egypt gained 0.7% to 47,835Bahrain lost 0.2% to 2,050Oman rose 1.2% to 6,271Kuwait added 0.9% to 9,384 [...]

Sri Lankan shares little changed; industrial stocks rise

January 27, 2026 1:15

Sri Lankan shares closed little changed on Tuesday, with losses in utilities and materials stocks chipping into gains made by industrials and healthcare stocks. The CSE All-Share index rose 0.03% to 23,960.16. On Monday, the index closed marginally lower to snap a four-session winning run. Radiant Gems International Plc was the biggest drag on the CSE All-Share index, falling about 10.90%, while the biggest boost, Kerner Haus Global Solutions Plc, rose 25%. Trading volume rose to 272.5 million shares from 195 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover dropped to 5.21 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($16.8 million), compared with 5.5 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers of shares worth 192.6 million rupees in the equity market, while domestic investors were net buyers of shares worth 5.14 billion rupees, data showed. [...]

India’s central bank advances 1 trillion Indian rupee bond purchases

January 27, 2026 1:11

India’s central bank on Tuesday advanced plans to buy 1 trillion rupees ($10.9 billion) of bonds in two tranches by January 29 and February 5, instead of the previously announced February 5 and 12. The move follows a surge in Indian government bond yields earlier in the day, which pushed the benchmark yield to a near 11-month high, pressured by heavy state borrowing and tight system liquidity. The two open market bond purchase auctions of 500 billion Indian rupees each are part of a broader set of measures unveiled by the Reserve Bank of India last week to inject more than $23 billion of liquidity into the banking system. The bank plans to do this through a combination of bond purchases, buy/sell FX swaps and repo operations. India’s RBI taps $2 billion-plus FX swaps to blunt liquidity hit from spot intervention, bankers say The RBI bought 3 trillion Indian rupees of bonds during December-January, boosting the note-purchase tally for the fiscal year to a record 5.7 trillion Indian rupees. Under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI has stepped up liquidity injections over the past year to reinforce its rate cuts and to manage the impact RBI’s market interventions to support the rupee have on banking system liquidity. [...]

India benchmark bond yield climbs to nearly 11-month high on deepening supply woes

January 27, 2026 1:08

MUMBAI: India’s government bonds yields surged on Tuesday, sending the benchmark yield to a nearly 11-month high, pressured by heavy state borrowing, tight system liquidity and subdued risk appetite. The benchmark 10-year 6.48% 2035 bond yield settled at 6.7194%, its highest level since March 4, versus Friday’s close at 6.6635%. Indian financial markets were closed on Monday due to a local holiday. Rising supply worries eclipsed the central bank’s fresh plans to inject liquidity into the banking system. The Reserve Bank of India said after market hours on Friday that it would inject more than $23 billion of liquidity into the banking system. However, the market was hit by a large supply of state debt during the day, with the states selling 398 billion rupees of bonds at slightly elevated yields. States have announced a record borrowing of 5 trillion rupees for the January-March period. The government is also expected to announce a record gross borrowing plan for the next fiscal year, ranging between 16 trillion rupees to 17.5 trillion rupees, a supply glut that traders fear will weigh on bonds further. Indian bond yields have risen in recent weeks despite record RBI bond purchases and 100 basis points of rate cuts already delivered this year, reflecting unfavourable demand–supply dynamics for debt, exacerbated by news of the deferral of index inclusion. “Despite the RBI resuming its rate cutting cycle in December, the rate transmission has stalled meaningfully thanks to tight liquidity conditions,” economists at BofA Securities wrote in a note. India’s average bank liquidity surplus stayed at 0.2% of bank deposits in January, with the daily average at 569 billion rupees, even as Governor Sanjay Malhotra had said the RBI wants to keep surplus within the 0.6%-1% range of deposits. RATES India’s overnight index swap curve steepened further, driven by tight liquidity. The one-year OIS was slightly down at 5.5925%, while the two-year rate was up 3.25 bps at 5.76%. The five-year OIS rate 4.25 bps to 6.18%. [...]

Indian refiners say offers of Venezuelan oil limited, most going to US

January 27, 2026 11:54

SOUTH GOA: Indian oil refiners are only being offered small volumes of Venezuelan crude as most supply is heading to the United States, four refining executives said on Tuesday, slowing the return of the South American supply to the world’s third-largest importer. Trading houses Trafigura and Vitol began marketing Venezuelan oil this month after an agreement between Caracas and Washington for the U.S. to control 50 million barrels following its capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro on January 3, with proceeds going to a U.S.-supervised fund. Since then, Indian refiners - Reliance Industries Ltd , Indian Oil Corp Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd have been looking to buy Venezuelan crude. “Offers are not there. Traders are looking to meet their commitment to the U.S. market,” one executive said, referring to Vitol and Trafigura. The executives declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak to media. Vitol and Trafigura did not immediately respond to requests for comment. India’s Reliance Industries will consider buying Venezuelan oil Indian refiners have also previously said that discounts on Venezuelan crude are not wide enough to make it attractive for them to purchase. The trading firms have sold Venezuelan crude to U.S. and European refiners including Valero, Phillips 66, Repsol and Vitol’s Saras refinery in Italy. A Bharat Petroleum Corp executive said it plans to tie up with another firm to buy Venezuelan oil as the quantity it needs is small at about 200,000 barrels. [...]

Federal Constitutional Court upholds super tax

January 27, 2026 5:20

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) upheld on Tuesday the Super Tax under Sections 4b and 4c of the Income Tax Ordinance (ITO), 2001 intra vires to the Constitution. A three-judge FCC bench, headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and comprising Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Arshad Hussain Shah after hearing the arguments of the counsel of taxpayers from Karachi Makhdoom Ali Khan, reserved the judgment and at 2 o’clock passed the short order. Key points: Parliament has exclusive authority to determine taxation Courts cannot re-determine tax slabs, rates, thresholds, or fiscal policy The Parliament has exclusive authority to determine taxation under Sections 4(b) and 4(c); courts’ role is limited to interpretation, the FCC declared. It set aside the High Courts’ judgments striking down or reading down Section 4C. It held that courts cannot re-determine tax slabs, rates, thresholds, or fiscal policy, and that the High Courts committed judicial overreach, violating the doctrine of separation of powers. Read more: Lawyer submits before FCC: Super tax falls under parliament’s exclusive taxing authority All appeals filed by the Secretary, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Commissioner Inland Revenue were confirmed as maintainable. According to the FBR, the decision would help fetch revenue to the tune of Rs300 billion to the public exchequer through super tax. The court rejected the appeals filed by taxpayers against the judgments of High Courts relating to Section 4b. It held that Section 4b would applicable from 2015 and Section 4c from 2022 when they were respectively enacted. Section 4B was inserted in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 through the Finance Act, 2015 during the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government had introduced Super Tax on rich individuals, association of persons and companies earning income above Rs500 million in the tax year 2015 at rate of 4% of income of banking companies and 3% on other categories for rehabilitation of temporarily displaced persons through Finance Bill (2015-16). The government inserted Section 4C in the Income Tax Ordinance through Finance Act 2022 to charge the super tax from 13 specific sectors that according to it made windfall gains, taking their total income tax rate to 39%. The government had imposed the super tax on banks; cement; iron and steel; sugar; oil and gas; fertilisers; LNG terminals; textile; automobile; cigarettes; beverages; chemicals; and airlines. The super tax under Section 4C was imposed on profits of wealthy corporations whose earnings exceeded Rs150 million, to ease the impact of the rising inflation on the poor. Several companies then approached all the provincial High Courts and the Islamabad High Court, challenging the super tax. [...]

Finance ministry sees January inflation in Pakistan at 5–6%

January 27, 2026 5:16

Pakistan’s inflation is projected to remain within the range of 5-6% in January 2026, the Finance Division said on Tuesday. In its Monthly Economic Update & Outlook January 2026 released today, the Ministry of Finance said that Pakistan’s economy was well positioned to sustain its growth momentum in FY2026, “supported by the encouraging performance of LSM and other high-frequency indicators”. The report said that the positive trajectory reflects the impact of prudent policies, ongoing structural reforms, and easing of monetary conditions due to subsiding inflationary pressures. The report comes after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) projected Pakistan’s inflation to be above 7% in some months of the current fiscal year’s second half. This was announced by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad following the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2026 on Monday. The SBP decided to keep its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 10.5%, saying that economic activity continues to gain momentum faster than anticipated, mainly led by domestic-oriented sectors. Moreover, the SBP governor presented an upbeat outlook for the economy, revising the GDP growth forecast upward, ranging 3.75-4.75% for FY26, and indicated that SBP’s foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach an all-time high of USD 20.2 billion by the end of December 2026. As per the figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the CPI in December decreased by 0.4% on a month-on-month (MoM) basis and decreased by 0.1% on a YoY basis. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance report continued that on the external front, the current account is projected to remain in a deficit; “however, robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures”. The improved fiscal management is also expected to continue supporting the macroeconomic stability, it said. [...]

Boeing reports 1st annual profit since 2018 on asset sale

January 27, 2026 4:27

India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says

January 27, 2026 3:40

US Fed expected to keep rates steady as it opens key meeting

January 27, 2026 3:30

WASHINGTON: The US Federal Reserve opened its two-day policy meeting Tuesday, poised to keep interest rates unchanged as officials gauge the health of the jobs market and try to manage stubborn inflation. The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) started its gathering at 10 am Eastern Time (1500 GMT) as scheduled, a central bank spokesperson said. The meeting comes as the Fed faces sharp challenges from President Donald Trump’s administration, sparking worries that its independence from politics could be threatened. But economists expect policymakers to hold firm as they assess the effects of three recent consecutive rate cuts that brought the benchmark lending rate to a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent. “The outcome is all-but a foregone conclusion,” said a JPMorgan research note. READ MORE: Fed set to keep rates steady “Fed officials across the spectrum have indicated that after three 25-basis-point ‘risk management’ rate cuts, now is a good time to pause and take stock of developments,” JPMorgan analysts added. But despite the central bank’s signals, Trump has continued attacking Fed Chair Jerome Powell for keeping rates “high” and urged more cuts to boost the economy. The Fed has a dual mandate of maintaining stable prices and keeping unemployment low, and it does so by adjusting interest rates. Lower rates stimulate the economy and jobs market while higher levels help dampen inflation – which remains above the Fed’s two-percent target. At his scheduled press briefing Wednesday, Powell will likely emphasize that the Fed’s cuts should help to stabilize the labor market, leaving officials well positioned for now to assess their impact, said Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle. “Further cuts will be less urgent if the labor market stabilizes, as we expect, and it will likely take a while for inflation to fall enough to create a strong consensus on the FOMC to cut again,” he added in a note. [...]

Rupee secures gain against US dollar

January 27, 2026 3:14

S&P’s projections for Pakistan ‘broadly align’ with SBP’s outlook, says Khurram Schehzad

January 27, 2026 2:56

Most Gulf markets gain as earnings season advances

January 27, 2026 2:37

Electric vehicle sales overtake petrol in EU for first time

January 27, 2026 2:30

Sales of fully electric cars surpassed those of petrol vehicles in the European Union for the first time in December, even as policymakers proposed to loosen emissions regulations, data from the auto industry group ACEA showed on Tuesday. Battery-electric registrations, a proxy for sales, also overtook those of petrol cars in the broader European market, which includes Britain and Norway, as car sales in the continent logged a sixth month of year-on-year growth. Competition from Chinese brands such as BYD, Changan and Geely is intensifying the race for the European market, even as domestic carmakers like Volkswagen and BMW roll out new EV models. The EU unveiled a plan in December to abandon an effective 2035 ban on combustion engine cars, bowing to pressure from carmakers as they fend off challenges from Chinese rivals, U.S. import tariffs and difficulties in selling EVs profitably. EVs still set to boost share in Europe Yet, experts expect EVs to keep increasing their share of the European market. E-Mobility Europe’s Secretary General Chris Heron said European brands have started to adapt by introducing new and affordable EVs, while individual countries offer new incentive schemes. China’s BYD, Exxon Mobil to deepen hybrid technology partnership “We’re seeing consumer buy-in to this,” Heron said. “We’re confident that sales across Europe will continue to grow in 2026.” Overall registrations in Europe, Britain and the European Free Trade Association for Volkswagen and Stellantis rose 10.2% and 4.5%, respectively, in December, while they fell 2.2% at Renault. Tesla’s registrations fell 20.2% in the month, while those of BYD surged 229.7%. Total EU car sales jump nearly 6% in December Sales in the EU, Britain and the European Free Trade Association rose 7.6% to 1.2 million cars in December and by 2.4% to 13.3 million overall in 2025, hitting their highest volumes in five years though they remained well below pre-pandemic levels, ACEA data showed. Total EU car sales rose 5.8% to almost one million vehicles in December, and by 1.8% to 10.8 million in the year. December registrations of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric cars were up 51%, 36.7% and 5.8%, respectively, to account collectively for 67% of the bloc’s registrations. Independent automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt said fewer petrol sales partly reflect reclassification of some as “mild hybrids” which only modestly contribute to lowering emissions. “It will still take around half a decade before pure electric cars genuinely overtake combustion-engine models across the region, but this is nonetheless a start,” he said. [...]

Pakistan, Australia agree to boost cooperation in mining, gemstones sectors

January 27, 2026 1:54

Pakistan and Australia on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors, with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik saying the Reko Diq project would serve as a standard-setter for the country’s mineral industry and open new avenues for collaboration between the two countries. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, in which both sides discussed prospects for enhancing long-term cooperation in mining and gemstones. Welcoming the growing interest of Australian companies in Pakistan’s mineral sector, Malik highlighted the country’s vast untapped mineral potential, particularly along the Tethyan Belt. He also proposed the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Pakistan and Australia to ensure structured and sustained cooperation in the mining industry. The minister underscored the government’s efforts to develop and formalise the gemstones sector, noting its strong potential for value addition, export growth, and employment generation. Read More: Reko-Diq: PM welcomes Australian interest in mining sector High Commissioner Kane said Australian companies were already actively involved in the Reko Diq project, while several others had expressed keen interest in participating. He added that Australian firms would be encouraged to take part in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), expressing hope for a strong Australian presence at the event. Referring to rising global demand for copper and gold amid the ongoing energy transition, the envoy noted that Pakistan’s mining sector had attracted considerable international attention. He also expressed optimism about collaboration in the gemstones sector through knowledge-sharing, training programmes, and technical assistance. Malik appreciated Australia’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to formalise its mineral sector, calling the cooperation timely and reassuring. He also recalled his recent visit to Australia for the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), where he held discussions with leading and junior Australian mining companies on investment opportunities in Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Australia cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors for mutual economic benefit. [...]

Sri Lankan shares little changed; industrial stocks rise

January 27, 2026 1:15

India’s central bank advances 1 trillion Indian rupee bond purchases

January 27, 2026 1:11

India benchmark bond yield climbs to nearly 11-month high on deepening supply woes

January 27, 2026 1:08

Indian refiners say offers of Venezuelan oil limited, most going to US

January 27, 2026 11:54

Closer India-EU ties will reinforce Renault’s decision to invest in both regions

January 27, 2026 11:47

CHENNAI/PARIS: Closer trade ties between India and the European Union will reinforce French carmaker Renault’s decision to invest in both regions, chief growth officer Fabrice Cambolive said on Tuesday, hours before the two sides finalised a landmark free trade deal. Under the deal, tariffs on cars imported from the EU will be slashed immediately to about 30-35% from as high as 110% and then reduced to 10% over time. While the immediate effect is still being assessed, it is expected to benefit European carmakers like Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW over time. “Strategically, it shows the direction and this capacity to work closer between Europe and India is for us, a good news, because we are a company which has bet on these two continents on a very high level,” Cambolive told Reuters in the southern Indian city of Chennai. India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says “It will reinforce our willingness to invest on both continents because we are kind of Indian and European company,” he added. Apart from cars, tariffs on imported car parts from Europe will be abolished after five to 10 years, making it easier for companies to streamline supply chains as well. Cambolive said while it is important to be able to export from Europe to India, it is also important to see what role India can play in the development of the European automotive industry in terms of parts and cars. Europe and India seek closer ties with ‘mother of all deals’ “India was perhaps not in the top one priority (for Renault) in the last four years, but will become because of this getting closer strategy, the strength of our people there, the potential of market growth, and of course, the FTA,” he added. On Monday, Renault relaunched its most popular nameplate in India, the Duster SUV, leaning on the world’s third-largest car market for growth outside Europe. [...]

Search for 32 people missing in Indonesia landslide hampered by rain as death toll rises to 34

January 28, 2026 3:11

JAKARTA: Search operations for the 32 people still missing after a landslide in Indonesia’s West Java were hampered by rain on Wednesday morning, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said, as it raised the death toll to 34. The landslide hit Pasir Langu village in Bandung Barat region early on Saturday, triggered by heavy rains starting a day earlier. The village was located in a hilly area of the province about 100 km (62.14 miles) southeast of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “It’s raining in the landslide site this morning but all the rescuers are ready to continue the search, waiting for the right timing,” the agency’s spokesperson Abdul Muhari told Reuters. Death toll from landslide in Indonesia’s West Java rises to 17 The death toll rose to 34 from the previous count of 20. Another 23 people survived the disaster. Twenty-three soldiers were killed while conducting border patrol training, the Indonesian Navy said on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether the latest death toll included those soldiers, Muhari said. A team is currently working at the scene to identify the bodies found by rescuers, Muhari added. At least 800 rescuers, military and police personnel along with nine excavators have been deployed to find the remaining missing people. Nearly 700 residents of the stricken village have been evacuated to local government buildings, the agency said earlier. [...]

Indian rupee set to find more breathing room after Trump remarks jolt dollar

January 28, 2026 3:08

Indian equity benchmarks set to open higher on EU trade deal, positive global cues

January 28, 2026 3:03

Dollar crumbles after Trump remarks; euro, yen, sterling surge

January 28, 2026 2:59

Alleged code of conduct violation in NA-18 Haripur by-poll: ECP adjourns proceedings against KP CM indefinitely

January 28, 2026 2:54

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has adjourned the proceedings against Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi indefinitely, following a stay order issued by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in the related case. A five-member full bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Tuesday, heard the case against the CM KP over alleged code of conduct violation related to by-election on the National Assembly’s seat NA-18 Haripur that was held on November 23 last year. During the proceedings, CM KP’s counsel Ali Bukhari informed the ECP bench that PHC issued a stay order barring the ECP from proceeding further in this case. The ECP officials informed the bench that the PHC did not issue any written order restricting the ECP to hold proceedings of this case. However, the CEC was of the view that the bench should wait till receiving the PHC’s formal stay order. Any further action, he said, would be taken in accordance with the PHC order. The ECP bench then adjourned the case indefinitely. On November 20, last year, the ECP took notice of CM KP’s public speech in Havelian, a tehsil of district Abbottabad, delivered a day earlier on November 19. The poll entity accused CM Afridi of threatening the district administration, police, and electoral officials assigned to hold the NA-18 by-election in the said speech. The electoral body then fixed this case for regular hearing. Separately, the proceedings of a reference against Sohail Sultan, a lawmaker linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also stand halted indefinitely, following the order of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to the ECP to not proceed further on the matter. The reference, moved by one Nasrullah Khan, seeks disqualification of PTI-linked Member National Assembly (MNA) Sohail Sultan. Sultan is accused of violating Article 63(1)(K) of the Constitution that bars public office-holders from being elected or chosen to the Parliament for two years after their retirement or resignation from the service. Sultan was elected to NA-4 Swat in the 2024 general election, in alleged violation of the aforesaid article, when he was reportedly the advocate general of KP. The reference against him is sent to the ECP by Speaker NA Ayaz Sadiq under Article 63(2). This law provides that if any question of disqualification of a parliamentarian arises, the speaker NA is empowered to refer the matter to the ECP within 30 days. A three-member ECP bench, headed by the CEC, is hearing the reference. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Russia withdraws forces from airport in northeast Syria

January 28, 2026 2:54

QAMISHLI (Syria): Russia withdrew troops and equipment on Tuesday from an airport in Kurdish-held northeast Syria where its forces were based, as an AFP correspondent saw the base devoid of Russian flags and aircraft spotted the previous day. The departure comes as Kurdish forces who once controlled swathes of territory in the country’s north and east have withdrawn in the face of military pressure, as the country’s new Islamist authorities seek to extend control across the country. Russian forces, which backed former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad until his ouster in 2024, took over the Qamishli airport as a military base in November 2019 following a large-scale Turkish offensive against Kurdish fighters. A Syrian military official in Hasakeh province in the country’s northeast told AFP that “Russian forces are withdrawing heavy equipment and weapons from Qamishli airport via aircraft to the Hmeimim base”, Russia’s airbase on the Mediterranean coast. An AFP correspondent saw a cargo plane bearing the Russian flag taking off from the airport in the Kurdish-majority city earlier on Tuesday. “The last Russian plane has departed,” a member of the Kurdish security forces guarding the facility told AFP. The correspondent on Monday had seen Russian flags, cargo, helicopters and equipment such as radars inside the base, all of which were absent the following day. Kurdish authorities and the Syrian government did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment. In 2019, US President Donald Trump, whose country had long supported the Kurds in their fight against the Islamic State group, said he would withdraw US troops from northeastern Syria. The Kurds then started talks with Assad and his main ally Russia, which subsequently began to conduct patrols in the area and acted as a buffer between the Kurds and Turkish forces. Both Russia and Syria’s new Islamist authorities have been looking to reset ties, and Moscow is particularly keen to build good relations with Damascus to secure agreements over the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval base on the Mediterranean coast — its only official military outposts outside the former Soviet Union. The Kurds this month agreed to integrate their administration in the northeast into Syria’s new Islamist government and the two sides are largely observing a two-week ceasefire, which expires early next month, to enable further talks on the merger. [...]

Russia kills 6 in Ukraine, hits energy sites

January 28, 2026 2:53

ODESA (Ukraine): Russian forces killed six people and wounded dozens of others, including two children and a pregnant woman, in attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, Kyiv announced Tuesday. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the latest bombardment undermined peace efforts and urged allies to step up pressure on Moscow to end the war, which is grinding towards its fourth anniversary. “Every such Russian strike erodes the diplomacy that is still ongoing and undermines the efforts of partners who are helping to end this war,” he wrote on social media. A Russian drone barrage killed two people whose bodies were retrieved from rubble and wounded nearly three dozen people in the southern city of Odesa, regional officials said. [...]

China vows ‘support’ for Cuba after US threats

January 28, 2026 2:53

BEIJING: China promised on Tuesday to provide Cuba with “support and assistance” in the face of repeated threats from the United State, which weeks ago removed Havana’s ally in Venezuela Nicolas Maduro. Beijing and Havana are longtime socialist allies, and Chinese authorities have consistently opposed the economic blockade imposed on the island for decades by the United States. Tensions have intensified this month as US President Donald Trump warned that Cuba “is ready to fall”. Trump has told Havana to “make a deal” or pay a price similar to Venezuela, whose former leader Maduro was captured in a US bombing raid on January 3 that killed dozens of people. “China expresses its deep concern and opposition to the United States’ actions” on Cuba, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Tuesday at a regular press conference. “We urge the United States... to stop undermining regional peace and stability,” said Guo, also calling on Washington to “immediately lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba”. “China will continue to provide Cuba with as much support and assistance as possible,” he said. Politico reported last week that the Trump administration is considering a naval blockade to halt all imports of oil into Cuba. The report cited a person familiar with the plan as saying: “Energy is the chokehold to kill the regime.” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday supervised military exercises, describing them as a deterrent against potential aggression from the United States. [...]

Oil prices mixed as US supply worries linger after winter storm

January 28, 2026 2:53

Trump shakes up Minneapolis immigration operation as White House seeks damage control

January 28, 2026 2:53

WASHINGTON/MINNEAPOLIS: Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, was set to take over the president’s sweeping immigration operation in Minneapolis on Tuesday, as the White House tries to tamp down national outrage over the second fatal shooting of a US citizen this month by federal agents. The move to install Homan in place of top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who sources said is leaving after having led most of Trump’s crackdowns in Democratic-led cities, is part of a broader reset by the president amid some advisers’ concerns that the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents could derail his immigration agenda. Trump spent the weekend huddling with senior advisers to reassess the administration’s response to Pretti’s death on Saturday, according to a White House official and a source familiar with the talks. The discussions included reducing the number of federal agents deployed to Minnesota, recalibrating the ICE mission in the state to focus more narrowly on deportations rather than broad enforcement operations and exploring greater coordination with state authorities. Trump also weighed whether immigration officers should be required to have body-worn cameras, as many police officers do, according to the White House official. The killing of Pretti, an ICU nurse shot multiple times by Border Patrol agents on Saturday during protests, has become a full-blown political crisis for Trump, with even some Republicans in Congress calling for investigations. Coupled with the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good earlier this month by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Pretti’s shooting prompted renewed anger over the aggressive tactics of some 3,000 federal agents who have been roving the streets of Minneapolis for weeks. Late on Monday, Minnesota’s chief federal judge ordered the acting head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, to appear for a contempt hearing on Friday after the judge said the agency failed to comply with court orders that some detainees receive bond hearings. “The court’s patience is at an end,” US District Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote. Bystander video of Pretti’s killing was widely shared, contradicting some Trump officials’ initial claims that Pretti, who was legally carrying a concealed gun but never touched it prior to being shot, posed a threat to law enforcement. Public support for Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics appeared to be waning both before and after the Pretti shooting, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed. Some Republicans have voiced concern that absent a shift in tactics, Trump’s mass deportation push could cost the party its congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections. [...]

Saudi Arabia suspends work on massive Mukaab mega project

January 28, 2026 2:53

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has suspended planned construction of a colossal cube-shaped skyscraper at the center of a downtown development in Riyadh while it reassesses the project’s financing and feasibility, four people familiar with the matter said. The Mukaab, at the center of Riyadh’s New Murabba development, is the latest fantastical gigaproject linked to Saudi’s Vision 2030 to be curtailed or delayed as the kingdom’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund scales back ambitions to manage costs and prioritize spending. The kingdom is pivoting from heavy expenditure on futuristic projects that have dominated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, such as NEOM’s The Line, to initiatives seen as more pressing and potentially profitable. Projects in focus now include infrastructure for World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, the sprawling $60 billion Diriyah mixed-use cultural zone and the Qiddiya tourism megaproject, five people familiar with the matter said. The repositioning also reflects mounting fiscal pressures as oil prices remain well below levels needed to fund the ambitious transformation agenda. The Mukaab was planned as a 400-metre by 400-metre metal cube containing a dome with an AI-powered display, the largest on the planet, that visitors could observe from a more than 300-metre-tall ziggurat - or terraced structure - inside it. “When you enter Mukaab, you enter another world,” CEO Michael Dyke told attendees at a Riyadh conference in December, acknowledging difficulties realizing the project. “Trying to solve for something that doesn’t exist today, that’s quite challenging,” he said. Its future is now unclear, with work beyond soil excavation and pilings suspended, three of the people said. Development of the surrounding real estate is set to continue, five people familiar with the plans said. The sources include people familiar with the project’s development and people privy to internal deliberations at the PIF. Officials from PIF, the Saudi government and the New Murabba project did not respond to requests for comment. [...]

French aircraft carrier heads to North Atlantic amid Greenland tensions

January 28, 2026 2:52

PARIS: The flagship of the French Navy, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, on Tuesday set course for the Atlantic, the defence ministry said, after the United States and Europe butted heads over Greenland. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron is to meet the leaders of Denmark and Greenland in Paris, his office said. European powers rallied together when US President Donald Trump this month undermined the transatlantic alliance by threatening to seize the autonomous Danish territory. Greenland is strategically located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. The French defence ministry did not specify where the Charles de Gaulle was being deployed. But sources familiar with the matter told AFP that the aircraft carrier was heading to the North Atlantic, which has been at the heart of the geopolitical tensions. [...]

KATI lauds CM for inaugurating Korangi Bridge

January 28, 2026 2:52

KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya have extended heartfelt congratulations to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on the inauguration of the Korangi Causeway Bridge, completed at a cost of Rs6.135 billion, terming it a major milestone towards public convenience and industrial development. The KATI leadership said the completion of the project would significantly ease commuting for citizens, reduce traffic congestion and provide a boost to economic activities in the city. They described the bridge as a vital infrastructure initiative that would benefit both industrial zones and the general public in the long run. President KATI Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the construction of the Korangi Causeway Bridge is a positive and sustainable step not only for industrial areas but also for ordinary citizens. “The project will greatly improve traffic flow and facilitate industrial and commercial activities,” he said, adding that the bridge holds particular importance for the development of Korangi, Landhi and surrounding areas. He noted that the bridge had been a long-standing demand of industrialists and local residents, which has finally been fulfilled through the serious and committed efforts of the Sindh government. Rajput pointed out that millions of people commute daily through Korangi, Landhi and adjoining localities, and the new bridge will help reduce traffic pressure while saving time, fuel and other resources for commuters and businesses alike. He further said that improved connectivity of industrial areas with major arteries of the city would play a key role in accelerating economic activity and enhancing overall productivity. Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said the Korangi Causeway Bridge would make daily life easier for residents of Korangi and nearby areas by significantly reducing travel-related difficulties. He appreciated the Sindh government’s efforts in ensuring the effective and timely completion of development projects across the city and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue with the same momentum in the future.. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Punjab enters ‘new digital era’: CM leads AI training for provincial ministers

January 28, 2026 2:52

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led the province’s first ever artificial intelligence (AI) training session for provincial ministers, marking what she described as the beginning of a new digital era in Punjab. The chief minister, along with members of the provincial cabinet, participated in an official workshop titled “Empowering Punjab with AI”, where experts from Google for Education briefed participants on the practical use of AI tools in governance and policymaking. During the session, the chief minister declared the use of AI mandatory in Punjab’s schools and approved the establishment of a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board in the province. Addressing the workshop, Ms Sharif said digital technology had the potential to transform thinking and working methods, adding that AI support had become indispensable for reforms and effective policymaking. She emphasised the responsible use of AI tools to bring positive and sustainable change. The training included briefings on the use of AI in governance, policy frameworks, operational policymaking, sectoral reforms, and policy summary analysis. Cabinet members were also introduced to the effective use of Google tools, including Gemini, for official work. The meeting was informed that under Google for Education’s Tech Valley initiative, a master training programme for 3,000 teachers would be launched in Punjab. It was further shared that more than 300,000 student IDs would be established in the School Education Department, while 200,000 students and 2,000 teachers affiliated with the Punjab Education Foundation would also receive training. In addition, 1,000 scholarships will be provided to 10 organisations to promote digital journalism in the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Commercial, multi-storey buildings: CM orders strict enforcement of fire safety regulations

January 28, 2026 2:52

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a series of wide-ranging measures to prevent fire incidents across the province, directing strict enforcement of safety regulations in commercial and multi-storey buildings. The decisions were taken during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, who addressed commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link. The meeting approved the installation of 1157 water hydrants across nine divisions and the establishment of a new Fire Inspectorate Unit within Rescue 1122. The chief minister also approved the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to control fires and ordered the installation of smoke detectors and CCTV cameras in large buildings. First-aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were declared mandatory in major commercial structures. Specialised training programmes were approved for markets dealing in chemicals, cardboard, fabric and gas cylinders to improve preparedness against fire emergencies. The chief minister further ordered that every multi-storey building must be equipped with water hydrants, while externally ventilated staircases were made mandatory to ensure safe emergency evacuation. Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Punjab stood in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the bereaved families, and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief minister said around 300 people were present in a 25-storey hotel building at the time. “We are thankful that a major tragedy was averted due to timely SOPs and response,” she said, adding that 300 people meant 300 families. She praised Rescue 1122 teams, noting that Director General Rescue Dr Rizwan reached the site within five minutes. “The response time was commendable and should be replicated across Punjab,” she said. The meeting was informed that damage at the hotel was prevented due to an operational nearby fire hydrant and the use of advanced high-expansion foam technology. The chief minister expressed concern over the misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and directed strict action against violations. She also instructed development authorities to ensure the enforcement of safety regulations during building construction and ordered that fire safety equipment must not only be installed but also remain functional. She directed regular checks of expiry dates of firefighting equipment and fire alarms, and warned that dangling and unsafe electrical wiring posed serious fire and rain-related hazards. The chief minister ordered province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and directed the sealing of companies manufacturing or selling substandard cylinders. Automatic sprinkler systems were made mandatory in all buildings. She further ordered the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested markets, including Lahore’s Shah Alam Market, and directed that monthly mock fire drills be conducted in all districts. Compliance with fire safety drills was included in the key performance indicators of commissioners and deputy commissioners. Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that fire safety measures should not remain cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution. We will provide the required equipment, capacity-building and training resources,” she said. She also directed that boilers and flammable materials should not be stored in basements of multi-storey buildings, stating that the loss of a worker due to negligence was unacceptable. “No worker being burned or killed can be tolerated,” she said. The chief minister directed that commercial buildings be given one month to install fire hydrants, warning that strict action would follow non-compliance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct

November 21, 2025 1:33

This collage of pictures show Federal Minister of Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman. —APP/NA website/FileShow-cause notices have been issued to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the... [...]

27th Amendment empowers FCC to hear all constitutional cases: minister

November 20, 2025 7:59

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik addressing an event on December 21, 2024. — Facebook@BarristerAqeelMalikState Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said on Thursday that the 27th Amendment has vested authority to hear constitutional matters in the Federal Constitutional... [...]

JF-17 attracts strong attention at Dubai Airshow as friendly country inks procurement MoU

November 20, 2025 5:25

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during World Defence Air Show 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 7, 2024. — PPI Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder garnered significant attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a... [...]

US lawmakers laud Punjab govt's initiative to modernise brick-kiln

November 20, 2025 4:39

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attends ceremony in this undated image. — Facebook/@MaryamNSharifISLAMABAD: The Congressional Pakistan Caucus has applauded Punjab’s drive to modernise its brick-kiln sector, saying the reforms could serve as a pilot for eliminating bonded labour and... [...]

Security forces gun down 30 terrorists in multiple IBOs in KP: ISPR

November 20, 2025 4:38

Frontier Constabulary and army personnel gather stand guard in Kurram, January 17, 2025. — AFPSecurity forces killed 30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during multiple intelligence-based operations carried out by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , the military's media wing... [...]

MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

November 20, 2025 3:56

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi, November 20, 2025. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo NewsKARACHI: With discussions on the 28th Amendment gaining momentum, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan has once again... [...]

US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

November 20, 2025 3:55

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses ceremony in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on November 20, 2025. — X/@GovtofPakistanPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said a recent US report endorsing Pakistan’s downing of Indian aircraft stands as formal validation of the country’s... [...]

Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

November 20, 2025 10:24

Denmark’s Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations and chair of UNSC's ISIL, Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee Sandra Jensen Landi. — Screengrab via UN WebTV websiteThe chair of the United Nations Security Council's Daesh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee has cautioned that the... [...]

CM Afridi clarifies remarks on by-poll after ECP requests army deployment

November 20, 2025 10:01

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi addresses a gathering at Havelian, Abbottabad on November 19, 2025. — Facbook@ImMuhammadSohailAfridiISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday issued a clarification concerning his remarks on the NA-18 by-poll,... [...]

Dubai sees 3.2m Pakistani passengers in 2025 as airport sets new milestone

November 20, 2025 6:16

People sit at a coffee shop as they wait for their flight at the Dubai International Airport, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. — ReutersDUBAI: Dubai International Airport handled 3.2 million passengers travelling from Pakistan in the first nine months of 2025, making the... [...]

Security forces kill 23 Indian proxy terrorists in KP's Kurram

November 20, 2025 5:08

Security forces are seen taking position during an operation. — ISPR/FileRAWALPINDI: Amid country's ongoing fight against the menace of terrorism, security forces have neutralised 23 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram... [...]

Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

November 19, 2025 6:26

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas United States. — Reuters/FilePakistan's state-owned energy company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited , has announced plans for an artificial island to boost its oil exploration efforts.Islamabad has intensified its... [...]

Russia ready to mediate Pakistan's issues with India, Afghanistan: envoy

November 19, 2025 6:14

Russia's ambassador to Pakistan has extended his country's offer to mediate Islamabad's conflicts with India and Afghanistan, amid strained relations with its neighbouring countries.Islamabad's relations with India have remained tense since the four-day war in May, while the Afghan Taliban regime... [...]

Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

November 19, 2025 5:12

Soldiers ride on a Pakistan Army vehicle in this undated image. — AFP/FileFour terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 17 to 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Wednesday.An... [...]

Reclassification of 41 candidates on reserved seats goes beyond SC mandate: Justice Mandokhail

November 19, 2025 4:38

Supreme Court's Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail addresses an event related to Labour Day in Islamabad on May 1, 2025. — Screengrab/YouTube/Geo NewsISLAMABAD: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail has released a detailed dissent in the reserved seats case, stating that the ruling on 41 candidates... [...]

Ilhan Omar incident did not happen in a vacuum, Muslim advocates say

January 28, 2026 3:49

A Muslim civil rights organization says an attack on Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall event reflects a broader pattern of hate and rhetoric directed at the congresswoman.The Council on American-Islamic Relations said Omar was targeted by a man who sprayed an unknown substance at her... [...]

Woman dies after 'one punch' as teen charged with manslaughter

January 27, 2026 6:28

Woman dies after ‘one punch’ as teen charged with manslaughterA 19-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter after a woman died following what police allege was a ‘single punch’ outside a pub in Northumberland, United Kingdom.40-year-old Lisa Denton suffered a serious... [...]

Six-year-old killed shocking San Diego bicycle crash

January 27, 2026 4:21

Six-year-old killed shocking San Diego bicycle crashA six-year-old boy has died after being struck and killed in a car crash while riding his bicycle in a quiet San Diego neighbourhood, a case that has left a family devastated.Hudson Stephen O’Loughlin was hit on Saturday as he crossed an... [...]

'Sorry for this': Masked gunman carjacks woman to 'see his grandmother'

January 27, 2026 2:18

'Sorry for this': Masked gunman carjacks woman to 'see his grandmother'A masked man who claimed he urgently needed to visit his grandmother has landed himself in prison after carjacking a woman at gunpoint in Florida.According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as... [...]

Europe takes on Starlink: EU's IRIS2 satellite network set for 2029

January 27, 2026 1:02

Europe takes on Starlink: EU’s IRIS2 satellite network set for 2029Europe is set to compete with Elon Musk-owned satellite network Starlink by rolling out a multi-orbit array of 290 satellites, known as IRIS2.As reported by the EU defence and space commissioner, the IRIS2 would begin initial... [...]

Virginia steakhouse hit with $5m lawsuit after diners allege racial discrimination

January 27, 2026 12:50

Virginia steakhouse hit with $5m lawsuit after diners allege racial discriminationA group of nine women have filed a $5 million lawsuit against an upscale Virginia steakhouse, claiming they were wrongly thrown out after a fight broke out nearby.The lawsuit centres on an incident last November at... [...]

New poll finds Tump's approval on immigration falls to record low

January 27, 2026 11:56

New poll finds Tump’s approval on immigration falls to record lowAmerican approval of President Donald Trump's immigration policy dropped to its lowest level since his return to the White House.A new poll found that Trump’s approval rating on immigration has dropped to a record low... [...]

Whitney Cummings apologizes after targeting children's YouTuber Ms Rachel

January 27, 2026 10:38

Whitney Cummings forced to apologize after coming for YouTuber Ms RachelComedian Whitney Cummings has appologized after sparking huge backlash over her comments making fun of YouTube star Ms. Rachel.Whitney, 43, saw Ms Rachel’s content with her son Henry, two, and took to X to share a... [...]

EV sales in Europe overtake petrol cars for first time: Why its matters?

January 27, 2026 8:54

EU pushes new trade deals: Diversification or hedge against rising tariff threats?

January 27, 2026 8:18

EU pushes new trade deals: Diversification or hedge against rising tariff threats? The international community is witnessing a seismic shift in world order characterized by absolute hegemony of great powers, weaponization of the world economy, rising threats of tariffs, and global... [...]

US-Japan tech deal: Scaling synthetic diamond production for chips, high-precision manufacturing

January 27, 2026 7:57

US-Japan tech deal:Scaling synthetic diamond production for chips, high-precision manufacturingThe United States and Japan are reportedly collaborating to build a synthetic diamond plant in the US, a significant move that is part of Japan's broader $550-billion investment package. The announcement... [...]

Trump raises US tariff on South Korea imports to 25%: Global economic fallout

January 27, 2026 6:47

Trump raises US tariff on South Korea imports to 25%: Global economic falloutUS President Donald Trump has reportedly announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25%. This move marks a significant reversal of a previous agreement reached in late 2025 and targets... [...]

French lawmakers approve social media ban for under-15s

January 27, 2026 6:17

French lawmakers approve social media ban for under-15sIt has been under consideration whether France should also move forward after Australia’s bold initiative for completely banning social media access for under 16s.France's National Assembly on Monday January 26,2026 also backed... [...]

How to watch the new 'Melania' movie as Trump calls the documentary a must see

January 27, 2026 6:01

President Donald Trump is publicly backing a new documentary focused on First Lady Melania Trump, calling the project a “must watch” as it prepares for a global theatrical release.The president promoted the film on X on Monday, sharing a link to Amazon, where advance tickets for the... [...]

Deadly Nipah virus outbreak: How it spreads, and symptoms to watch out for

January 27, 2026 5:17

India is working to contain a nipah virus outbreak in the eastern state of West Bengal after five confirmed cases, including infections among doctors and nurses. Local media report that nearly 100 people have been asked to quarantine at home, while patients are being treated in hospitals in and... [...]

کراچی: لاہور کے رہائشی 3 بچے کورنگی عوامی کالونی پولیس کو مل گئے

January 27, 2026 7:01

کراچی میں کورنگی عوامی کالونی پولیس کو تین بچے ملے ہیں، بچے اپنا پتہ لاہور کا بتاتے ہیں، بچوں کی عمریں تین سے آٹھ سال کے قریب... [...]

پاکستان و متحدہ عرب امارات کا تجارتی روابط مضبوط بنانے کا عزم

January 27, 2026 7:01

متحدہ عرب امارات کے دورے میں صدر زرداری سے ابوظہبی پورٹس گروپ کی ملاقات میں دونوں ممالک میں تجارتی روابط مزید مضبوط بنانے کا پر اتفاق... [...]

صدر زرداری کی امارات کے وزیرِ رواداری اور بقائے باہمی شیخ نہیان بن مبارک النہیان سے ملاقات

January 27, 2026 7:01

صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری سے متحدہ عرب امارات کے وزیرِ رواداری اور بقائے باہمی شیخ نہیان بن مبارک النہیان کی ملاقات، دونوں رہنماؤں... [...]

پارلیمانی وفد کی سرکاری خرچ پر روضہ رسولﷺ پر حاضری، سفارشات وزارت مذہبی امور کو ارسال

January 27, 2026 6:01

فائل فوٹوپارلیمانی وفد کے سرکاری خرچ پر روضہ رسول صلی اللّٰہ علیہ وسلم پر حاضری کے معاملے میں قائمہ کمیٹی نے سفارشات وزارت مذہبی... [...]

ایم کیو ایم کا متاثرین گل پلازا کے لیے بھرپور آواز اٹھانے کا فیصلہ

January 27, 2026 6:01

فوٹو: جنگ۔شعیب احمدمتحدہ قومی موومنٹ نے متاثرین گل پلازا کے حقوق کے لیے بھرپور آواز اٹھانے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ایم کیو ایم اعلامیہ کے... [...]

پاکستان اور متحدہ عرب امارات کا دو طرفہ تعلقات کو مزید مضبوط بنانے پر اتفاق

January 27, 2026 6:01

فوٹو: سوشل میڈیا۔PresOfPakistan@صدر آصف زرداری نے متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر شیخ محمد بن زاید النہیان سے ملاقات کی، جس میں دوطرفہ تعلقات کو... [...]

سانحہ گل پلازا، سندھ حکومت سے تعاون کیلئے تیار ہیں، مریم نواز

January 27, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹووزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز نے کہا ہے کہ گل پلازا سانحے میں سندھ حکومت کو مدد چاہیے تو تعاون کے لیے تیار ہیں۔بلڈنگ سیفٹی اجلاس... [...]

اتوار کو خیبر میں بسنے والی اقوام کا جرگہ بلا رہا ہوں: سہیل آفریدی

January 27, 2026 5:01

سہیل آفریدی—فائل فوٹوخیبر پختونخوا کے وزیرِ اعلیٰ سہیل آفریدی کا کہنا ہے کہ اتوار کو 2 بجے پورے خیبر میں بسنے والی اقوام کا جرگہ... [...]

پاکستان نے اقتصادی تعاون تنظیم کی دو سالہ چیئرمین شپ سنبھال لی

January 27, 2026 5:01

فوٹو: فائلپاکستان نے اقتصادی تعاون تنظیم کی دو سالہ چیئرمین شپ سنبھال لی، پاکستان 2026 اور2027 کیلیے ای سی او کی چیئرمین شپ سنبھالے... [...]

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف سے چیئرمین نیب کی ملاقات

January 27, 2026 5:01

—فوٹو: پی آئی ڈیوزیرِاعظم شہباز شریف سے چیئرمین نیب لیفٹیننٹ جنرل نذیر احمد نے ملاقات کی اور وزیرِاعظم کو نیب کی سالانہ رپورٹ... [...]

صدر آصف زرداری کی اماراتی وزیر شیخ نہیان بن مبارک النہیان سے ملاقات

January 27, 2026 5:01

—تصویر بشکریہ ایکسابوظبی میں صدرِ مملکت آصف زرداری نے یو اے ای کے وزیرِ رواداری و بقائے باہمی شیخ نہیان بن مبارک النہیان سے ملاقات... [...]

سندھ میں سال کی پہلی ریبیز ہلاکت، 8 سالہ بچی انتقال کرگئی

January 27, 2026 4:01

سندھ میں رواں برس ریبیز سے پہلی ہلاکت رپورٹ ہوگئی، سانگھڑ کے نواحی علاقے جھول میں کتے کے کاٹے سے 8 سالہ بچی انتقال کرگئی۔ انچارج... [...]

پولیس اور ہائیکورٹ بار کا تنازع حل، اسلام آباد پولیس حکام نے نامناسب رویے پر معذرت کرلی

January 27, 2026 4:01

تصویر بشکریہ، اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ بار ایسوسی ایشن، فیس بکاسلام آباد پولیس اور ہائیکورٹ بار کے درمیان تنازع حل ہوگیا، پولیس حکام... [...]

بلوچستان حکومت نے محکمہ مذہبی امور ختم کرنے کی منظوری دیدی

January 27, 2026 4:01

بلوچستان حکومت نے صوبائی محکمہ مذہبی امور کو ختم کرنے کی منظوری دے دی۔بلوچستان میں محکمہ مذہبی امور ختم کر کے زکوۃ فنڈ میں... [...]

جو لوگ قائد کے کہنے پر شہر بند کرواتے تھے اُن کے کہنے پر استعفیٰ نہیں دوں گا، شرجیل میمن

January 27, 2026 3:01

فائل فوٹو سینئر وزیر سندھ شرجیل انعام میمن نے کہا ہے کہ جو لوگ اپنے قائد کے کہنے پر شہر بند کرواتے تھے، اُن کے کہنے پر استعفیٰ نہیں دوں... [...]

ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان کا سعودی ولی عہد شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان سے ٹیلیفون پر رابطہ

January 27, 2026 4:01

فوٹو: سوشل میڈیاایران کے صدر مسعود پزشکیان نے سعودی عرب کے ولی عہد شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان سے ٹیلیفون پر گفتگو کی۔ اس حوالے سے تہران سے... [...]

باکو میں اسرائیلی سفارتخانے پر مبینہ حملے کا منصوبہ ناکام، 3 افراد زیر حراست

January 27, 2026 3:01

فوٹو: فائلآذربائیجان کے دارالحکومت باکو میں اسرائیلی سفارتخانے پر مبینہ حملے کا منصوبہ ناکام بنا دیا گیا۔ اسرائیلی میڈیا کے مطابق... [...]

ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں ریکارڈ کمی ہوگئی

January 27, 2026 3:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں ریکارڈ کمی ہوگئی، ایرانی کرنسی ٹریکنگ ویب سائٹس کا کہنا ہے کہ ایک ڈالر کے مقابلے میں ایرانی... [...]

میرے والدین جیسے افراد برطانیہ نہ آئیں، ساجد جاوید کے بیان پر تنازع کھڑا ہوگیا

January 27, 2026 2:01

اے ایف پیبرطانیہ کے سابق چانسلر ساجد جاوید نے اپنے والدین جیسے افراد کی برطانیہ آمد کی مخالفت کرکے تنازع کھڑا کر دیا۔برطانیہ کے... [...]

مصری دار الافتاء نے قرآن مجید کی تفسیر کیلئے اے آئی کے استعمال کو ممنوع قرار دیدیا

January 27, 2026 2:01

مصری دارالافتا میں جاری ایک لیکچر کا منظر۔مصری دار الافتاء نے قرآن مجید کی تفسیر کیلئے مصنوعی ذہانت اپلیکیشنز کے استعمال کو ممنوع... [...]

دنیا کے کئی ممالک میں سردی، آسٹریلیا شدید گرمی کی لپیٹ میں

January 27, 2026 1:01

آسٹریلوی میڈیادنیا کے بیشتر ممالک سردی جبکہ آسٹریلیا شدید گرمی کی لپیٹ میں ہے، جہاں درجہ حرارت تقریباً 49 ڈگری تک پہنچ گیا۔گزشتہ... [...]

افغان عوام اور عالمی برادری نے افغان طالبان کے تعزیری ضابطہ کو مسترد کردیا

January 27, 2026 9:01

فائل فوٹوافغان طالبان کے تعزیری ضابطہ کو افغان عوام اور عالمی برادری نے سخت مسترد کر دیا ہے۔ اس قانون کو انسانی حقوق اور شہری... [...]

ٹرمپ کا جنوبی کوریا پر 25 فیصد ٹیرف بڑھانے کا اعلان

January 27, 2026 8:01

---فائل فوٹو امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے جنوبی کوریا کی مصنوعات پر ٹیرف 15 فیصد سے بڑھا کر 25 فیصد کرنے کا اعلان کیا ہے۔ ان کا کہنا ہے کہ... [...]

جنگ بندی کے باوجود بیت حانون کی مسماری: عرب میڈیا نے اسرائیلی مہم بے نقاب کردی

January 27, 2026 8:01

فوٹو بشکریہ بین الاقوامی میڈیا عرب میڈیا کی جانب سے کی گئی ایک تحقیق میں انکشاف ہوا ہے کہ اسرائیلی فوج نے جنگ بندی کے باوجود شمالی... [...]

امریکا میں برفانی طوفان: مختلف حادثات میں ہلاکتیں 30 ہوگئیں

January 27, 2026 7:01

فوٹو: بشکریہ امریکی میڈیاامریکا میں شدید برفانی طوفان کے باعث مختلف حادثات میں ہلاکتوں کی تعداد بڑھ کر 30 ہوگئی ہے۔امریکی میڈیا کے... [...]

ایران پر حملہ ہوا تو ’مکمل جنگ‘ ہوگی: عراقی حزب اللّٰہ کی دھمکی

January 27, 2026 7:01

---فائل فوٹوعراق میں ایرانی حمایتی تنظیم، کتائب حزب اللّٰہ نے خبردار کیا ہے کہ اگر ایران پر حملہ کیا گیا تو خطے میں مکمل جنگ چھڑ جائے... [...]

میئر نیویارک ظہران ممدانی کا امیگریشن اینڈ کسٹمز انفورسمنٹ فورس ختم کرنے کا مطالبہ

January 27, 2026 6:01

فائل فوٹوامریکی شہر نیویارک سٹی کے میئر ظہران ممدانی نے امیگریشن اینڈ کسٹمز انفورسمنٹ فورس ختم کرنے کا مطالبہ کر دیا۔امریکی میڈیا... [...]

بھارت: جہیز کے مطالبات سے تنگ 24 سالہ لڑکی کی خودکشی

January 27, 2026 6:01

---فائل فوٹو بھارتی شہر بنگلورو میں جہیز کے مطالبات، ذہنی دباؤ اور ہراسانی سے تنگ آ کر 24 سالہ لڑکی نے پھانسی لگا کر خودکشی کر... [...]

یورپ بھارت سے تجارتی معاہدے کے ذریعے اپنی ہی جنگ کو فنڈ کر رہا ہے: امریکا

January 27, 2026 5:01

---فائل فوٹوامریکا نے یورپی یونین پر الزام عائد کیا ہے کہ وہ بھارت کے ساتھ آزاد تجارتی معاہدہ کر کے بالواسطہ طور پر روس یوکرین جنگ کو... [...]

یورپ امریکا کے بغیر اپنا دفاع کر سکتا ہے تو یہ اس کا خواب ہے: نیٹو چیف

January 27, 2026 4:01

---فائل فوٹو نیٹو کے سیکریٹری جنرل مارک روٹے نے کہا ہے کہ یورپ امریکا کے بغیر اپنا دفاع کرنے کے قابل نہیں۔مارک روٹے نے یورپی قانون... [...]

جنوری میں مہنگائی کی شرح 5 سے 6 فیصد رہنے کی توقع، آؤٹ لک رپورٹ جاری

January 27, 2026 4:01

—فائل فوٹووزارتِ خزانہ نے جنوری تک معاشی آؤٹ لک رپورٹ جاری کر دی۔وزارتِ خزانہ کی آؤٹ لک رپورٹ کے مطابق جنوری میں مہنگائی کی شرح 5... [...]

ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں ریکارڈ کمی ہوگئی

January 27, 2026 3:01

حکومت کی آئی ایم ایف سے کچھ شعبوں میں رعایتیں لینے کی تیاری

January 27, 2026 12:01

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اور انٹرنیشنل مانیٹری فنڈ کے درمیان آئندہ مذاکرات کے معاملے پر نئی حکمتِ عملی طے پائی ہے۔وزارتِ خزانہ کے ذرائع... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت 1500 روپے کم ہوگئی

January 27, 2026 10:01

ملک میں آج سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت 1500 جبکہ 10 گرام سونے کی قیمت 1286 روپے کم ہوگئی۔قیمتوں میں کمی کے بعد فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت 5 لاکھ 30 ہزار 562... [...]

اسٹیٹ بینک کا شرح سود برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ

January 26, 2026 11:01

فائل فوٹواسٹیٹ بینک نے مانیٹری پالیسی کا اعلان کردیا۔ مرکزی بینک کی جانب سے شرح سود برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا... [...]

سونے کی قیمت میں 10 ہزار روپے سے زائد کا اضافہ ہوگیا

January 26, 2026 7:01

فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں یکمشت 10 ہزار 900 روپے کا اضافہ ہوگیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق... [...]

پی ایس ایکس میں مثبت رجحان، 100 انڈیکس ایک لاکھ 90 ہزار سے تجاوز کرگیا

January 26, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے روز آج مثبت رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔ بازار حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

پولیٹیکل اکانومی اصل مسئلہ ہے: بلال اظہر کیانی

January 25, 2026 3:01

وفاقی وزیرِ مملکت بلال اظہر کیانی—فائل فوٹووفاقی وزیرِ مملکت بلال اظہر کیانی نے کہا ہے کہ پولیٹیکل اکانومی اصل مسئلہ ہے، حکومت 5 سال... [...]

چند لوگوں نے معاشرے سے امید چھین لی: مصدق ملک

January 25, 2026 3:01

مصق ملک—فائل فوٹووفاقی وزیر برائے موسمیاتی تبدیلی مصدق ملک نے کہا ہے کہ چند لوگوں نے معاشرے سے امید چھین لی ہے۔انہوں نے یہ بات... [...]

پاکستان میں غربت کے خاتمے کیلئے مفتاح اسماعیل نے تجاویز پیش کر دیں

January 25, 2026 3:01

مفتاح اسماعیل— فائل فوٹوسابق وفاقی وزیرِ خزانہ مفتاح اسماعیل نے تجویز دی ہے کہ نیشنل فنانس کمیشن کم کریں، لوکل گورنمنٹ یا پھر نئے... [...]

اسٹیٹ بینک مانیٹری پالیسی میں شرح سود سنگل ڈیجٹ پر لائے، صدر لاہور چیمبر

January 25, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹو صدر لاہور ایوان صنعت و تجارت فہیم الرحمٰن سہگل کا کہنا ہے کہ اسٹیٹ بینک کل مانیٹری پالیسی میں شرح سود سنگل ڈیجٹ پر... [...]

ایم ڈی آئی ایم ایف کرسٹالینا جارجیوا شہباز شریف حکومت کی معترف

January 23, 2026 6:01

عالمی مالیاتی ادارے کی مینیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کرسٹالینا جارجیوا نے وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کی معاشی اصلاحات کی تعریف کی ہے۔کرسٹالینا... [...]

پاکستان میں 4 بڑے برانڈز کے 62 ماڈلز سستے ہوں گے

January 23, 2026 3:01

فائل فوٹوپاکستان میں 4 بڑے برانڈز کے 62 موبائل فونز ماڈلز سستے ہوں گے، فیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو کسٹمز ویلیوایشن نے نئے اور کم ریٹس مقرر... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں آج 9100 روپے کا اضافہ

January 23, 2026 10:01

---فائل فوٹو ملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں یکمشت 9 ہزار 100 روپے کا اضافہ ہو گیا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی

January 22, 2026 5:01

— فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے چوتھے روز آج مثبت رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔ بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

Here’s how Amazon is looking to take on Walmart at its own game

January 27, 2026 10:13

Amazon is looking into opening a supercenter retail location, while closing its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores. [...]

Why shares of UnitedHealth, Humana and other insurers tanked — and took the Dow with them

January 27, 2026 10:12

Shares of UnitedHealth, Humana and other health insurers were clobbered Tuesday after a preliminary payment proposal for Medicare Advantage fell way short of analyst expectations. [...]

‘I have been living in mattress hell’: I bought a dud — twice. How can I get my money back?

January 27, 2026 10:04