Crypto deal: Pakistan, Binance sign MoU on tokenising sovereign assets; plan covers up to $2 bn

Pakistan on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global crypto exchange Binance to explore tokenisation of sovereign and real-world assets of up to $2 billion, marking one of the country’s most significant steps toward adopting blockchain-based financial infrastructure, PTI reported.The MoU was signed at the Finance Division by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and…

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US compliance alert: New York warned of $73M fund loss; federal audit flags improper immigrant commercial licences

The US Transportation Department has warned New York that it could lose $73 million in federal highway funds after an audit found thousands of immigrant commercial driver’s licences (CDLs) were allegedly issued without proper verification, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Friday, AP report.Duffy said federal investigators reviewed 200 non-domiciled commercial licences and found more…

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Stock market holidays 2026: NSE releases holiday calendar; check key dates, weekend closures, Muhurat session & outlook

Leading bourse NSE has published its official trading holiday calendar for 2026, offering traders and investors an early roadmap for days when equity and derivatives markets will remain shut. The circular, as reported ET, issued under exchange bye-laws and F&O regulations, lists 15 full trading holidays—one more than in 2025—and also details festivals falling on…

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SIA-India bats for higher space budget, hybrid manufacturing incentives & more

BENGALURU: The Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) has called for a threefold increase in the national space budget, creation of specialised manufacturing incentives and long-term funding frameworks for connectivity, navigation and earth observation as part of its recommendations submitted to the finance ministry, Department of Space (DoS) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre…

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Cabinet nod for bill to open up civil nuclear power for private players

NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet on Friday approved a bill which seeks to open the highly restricted nuclear power sector to private companies and also crucial for the country’s goal of achieving 100 gigawatt nuclear power capacity by 2047.The approval of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, paves…

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FDI reform push: Cabinet clears bill to raise foreign investment in insurance to 100%; key guardrails, LIC changes included

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a bill to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) cap in the insurance sector to 100 per cent, a major change aimed at deepening insurance penetration and accelerating sectoral growth, PTI reported citing sources.The proposed legislation — the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — is among 13 bills listed…

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Diamond market outlook: Russia’s miner ALROSA CEO says India will adapt to US tariffs; natural stones to stay resilient as synthetic prices plunge

Russia’s diamond miner ALROSA CEO-Chairman Pavel Maryinchev said diamond companies will need time to adjust to the US tariff hike but the long-term impact is unlikely to be severe, adding that India’s cutting and polishing sector should be able to “adapt and minimise the effect”.“According to GJEPC data, the amount of diamonds purchased by Indian…

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Gold price today: How much 22K, 24K costs in your city — Check rates for Delhi, Mumbai & other cities

Gold extended its rally on Friday, with February futures on the MCX trading at Rs 1,33,918 per 10 grams, a rise of more than 1% or Rs 1,449. The metal continued to gain after hitting a seven-and-a-half-week high, supported by the US Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point rate cut. A day earlier, the February gold contract had…

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