Indian Passport Ranks 82nd in Global Power Index

Pi Network Coin has officially launched, allowing users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their mobile phones. Now tradable on exchanges like OKX, CoinDCX, Pi Coin brings crypto access to millions.

Founded by Stanford graduates in 2019, Pi’s unique model requires no expensive hardware. With over 110 million downloads, it’s gaining massive traction. As of February 20, Pi traded at $0.91 with a $811M volume. The mobile-friendly, energy-efficient approach makes Pi a game-changer in the crypto world.

Tesla is set to enter the Indian market with new showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi. The Mumbai showroom will be located in the Bandra Kurla Complex, a major business and retail hub near the city's airport.

In New Delhi, the showroom will be situated in Aerocity, close to the international airport. Both locations are approximately 5,000 square feet in size. While opening dates have not been announced, these showrooms will sell imported electric vehicles but will not serve as service centers.

Gold prices in India touched an all-time high of ₹89,450 per 10 grams, rising ₹50 from the previous close, driven by global market trends. On MCX, April gold futures climbed ₹500 to ₹86,410 per 10 gm, while silver surged ₹700 to ₹1,00,300 per kg. US President Donald Trump's tariff hike announcement on key imports like semiconductors and vehicles sparked market fears, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets. Globally, Comex gold reached a record $2,972.91 per ounce. Experts link the price surge to economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

The Indian government is set to introduce new credit cards with a limit of Rs 5 lakh starting in April 2025. These cards aim to provide financial support to small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them easier access to credit. Eligible applicants include individuals with a proven business track record and a good credit history. This initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to boost economic growth by empowering small businesses with the necessary financial tools.

India is preparing to launch a new incentive scheme for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, allowing global automakers like Tesla to test demand before committing to local production. The Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC) will open applications for at least 120 days and may reopen multiple times. Tesla is exploring showroom locations and hiring staff but has not confirmed local manufacturing. The scheme will also benefit existing automakers by allowing EV assembly within current factories. The government expects applications from next month.

Suzlon Energy's stock price saw a strong rise today, increasing by 2.17% to ₹56.04 from the previous close of ₹54.85. The stock is performing well, surpassing its first resistance level of ₹55.72, signaling a bullish trend. Investors are watching closely for a potential breakout beyond ₹56.58, which could lead to further gains. Over the past year, Suzlon's share price has jumped by 22.64%, significantly outperforming the Nifty index’s 8.84% rise. Suzlon's 52-week high stands at ₹86.04, while its low is ₹35.49.

Indian stock markets may open on a weaker note today as GIFT Nifty fell by 37.50 points to 22,870.50, signaling a cautious start for Dalal Street. Analysts suggest that Nifty is likely to remain between 22,800-22,900 as investors wait for fresh triggers. Foreign portfolio investors sold stocks worth ₹3,311 crore, while DIIs bought shares of ₹3,908 crore. Global cues remain weak after US markets saw a sell-off, with the Dow dropping 1.01% and the S&P 500 ending lower. India’s manufacturing and services PMI data will be key to market movement today.

Gold prices are set to rise for the seventh straight week, marking the longest winning streak since the COVID-19 rally. The MCX gold rate opened lower today at ₹85,715 per 10 grams but rebounded to ₹85,890. In global markets, spot gold hit a record high of $2,954 per ounce. Investors are shifting to gold due to economic uncertainty, trade war tensions, and inflation concerns. Analysts have raised price forecasts, with Goldman Sachs predicting gold to reach $3,100 per ounce by year-end. Experts suggest a buy-on-dips strategy as demand remains strong.

• HDFC Bank: Declined by 2.35%, closing at ₹1,686.40.

• Maruti Suzuki: Declined by 1.91%, closing at ₹12,437.45.

• Tech Mahindra: Declined by 1.69%, closing at ₹1,657.55.

• HCL Tech: Declined by 1.33%, closing at ₹1,688.20.

• ITC: Declined by 1.06%, closing at ₹402.20.

• Shriram Finance: Gained by 4.13%, closing at ₹580.85.

• NTPC: Gained by 3.29%, closing at ₹325.15.

• M&M: Gained by 2.98%, closing at ₹2,839.45.

• Bharat Electronics: Gained by 2.70%, closing at ₹260.25.

• Adani Ports: Gained by 2.66%, closing at ₹1,111.70.

Pharma stocks are falling fast, with some dropping up to 10%! This happened after the U.S. talked about adding a 25% tax on imported medicines.

Indian pharma companies send nearly 40% of their medicines to the U.S., so this could hurt their profits. Big companies like Dr. Reddy’s and Aurobindo Pharma lost 6% and 10% in share value. Higher costs and tough competition may cause more trouble for these companies. Investors are also worried about stock prices being too high, leading to more selling.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will announce new tariffs on cars, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber next month or even sooner. Speaking at a conference in Miami, Trump reiterated his tough trade stance, emphasizing that he is pushing for tariffs to protect American industries. Since returning to the White House for a second term, he has introduced multiple trade measures, aiming to restructure global commerce in favor of the U.S. Trump also warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi about imposing reciprocal tariffs on India, stating that the U.S. would match India's import duties.

Tata Motors stock price saw a small rise today, trading at ₹681.30, up 0.07% from the previous close of ₹680.85. The stock hit a high of ₹690.90 and a low of ₹675.50. Trading volume is 2.33% higher than yesterday, with 475,916 shares traded on BSE. Investors are monitoring resistance at ₹689.05 and support at ₹681.70. The stock remains below its 52-week high of ₹1,179.05 but is above its lowest point of ₹667. Higher trading volume suggests strong market interest, indicating potential price movements.

Gold prices jumped after the US dollar weakened, pushing MCX gold to ₹86,487 per 10 gm early Thursday. Investors are closely watching the US Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting minutes, set for release today, which could impact expectations for a rate cut in 2025. Experts believe gold will stay strong above ₹85,500, with safe-haven demand rising due to global economic uncertainty and Trump's tariff policies. Analysts predict gold will trade between ₹84,500 and ₹87,500 in the coming days as markets react to key economic developments.

Indian drug and auto exporters believe that US President Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on imports will have a limited impact on their businesses. Industry leaders say competitors from other Asian countries would also be affected, keeping India’s position strong. Generic drug exports, which make up 40% of US prescriptions, are unlikely to suffer major setbacks. Auto component manufacturers, like Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd., also predict minimal impact, as India exports $6.69 billion worth of auto parts to the US. Experts suggest policy changes to reduce risks, including trade deals and tariff adjustments.

Indian stock markets opened lower today, with the Sensex falling 200 points to 75,688 and Nifty slipping to 22,900. The Nifty Bank index dropped 0.58%, making it the worst-performing sector, while PSU banks gained 1.06%. Top gainers include Hindalco, Shriram Finance, and NTPC, while major losers are Maruti Suzuki, HDFC Bank, and ITC. Midcap stocks like Linde India and APL Apollo saw strong gains. Investors are also watching Patanjali Foods as the Supreme Court canceled a ₹186 crore tax demand. Market sentiment remains cautious as investors track sectoral trends.

Planning for retirement in India often involves deciding between the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). While NPS is available to all, EPF is typically for full-time employees. Some employers allow contributions to both, making it vital to understand the benefits. Contributions to NPS can be adjusted, and employer contributions are tax-deductible, while EPF has a mandatory employee contribution but offers tax exemptions. Switching jobs is easier with NPS, allowing continuous contributions without employer approval. NPS returns are higher, and it offers flexibility in asset allocation. Withdrawals differ: NPS allows tax-free withdrawals post-retirement, whereas EPF requires five years of service for tax-free access.