October 12, 2026: India’s retail inflation rose to 5.54% in September, exceeding the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% target for the fourth consecutive month this year. Domestic equity markets ended lower, while Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called for doubling India-UK bilateral trade by 2030.
Top India Headlines
- Retail Inflation Rises to 5.54% in September 2026, Exceeding RBI’s 4% Target
India’s retail inflation accelerated to 5.54% in September, compared with 4.83% in August. Inflation remained above the RBI’s 4% target for the fourth consecutive month this year.
- Sensex Falls 548 Points, Nifty Drops 157 Points on October 12, 2026
Benchmark equity indices closed in negative territory. The Sensex declined 548 points, or nearly 0.8%, to 71,925, while the Nifty fell 157 points, or 0.7%, to 22,363.
- Piyush Goyal Calls for Doubling India-UK Bilateral Trade by 2030
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called for doubling bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom while addressing the JETCO Business Plenary in New Delhi on October 12, 2026. He highlighted the opportunities created by economic cooperation between the two countries.
- Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Doubts Over Russia-Ukraine Energy Ceasefire
Global crude oil prices moved higher on October 12 amid scepticism over US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Brent crude rose 1.2% to $105.99 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude also traded higher.
- Gold Falls 0.9% to ₹1,48,061 per 10 Grams; Silver Slips to ₹2,20,295 per Kg
Indian bullion prices declined on October 12. The price of 24-carat gold fell 0.9% to ₹1,48,061 per 10 grams, while silver dropped nearly 0.4% to ₹2,20,295 per kilogram.
- Rupee Appreciates 96 Paise to Close at ₹95.78 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee gained 96 paise against the US dollar to close at ₹95.78 on October 12, 2026. The dollar index, which measures the US currency against a basket of six major currencies, stood at 102.43 during intraday trade.
- Equity Mutual Fund Inflows Rise 31% to ₹38,306 Crore in September 2026
Inflows into Indian equity mutual funds increased nearly 31% month-on-month to ₹38,306 crore in September, according to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India. Contributions through systematic investment plans reached a record ₹32,490 crore during the month.
- Draft National Steel Policy Sets Vision 2047 for Globally Competitive Steel Sector
The government’s draft National Steel Policy – Vision 2047 outlines a long-term framework to strengthen India’s position in the global steel industry. It aims to develop a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient sector capable of meeting the country’s growing steel demand.
- RBI Tightens Rupee Derivatives Rules, Cuts Dollar Transaction Limit to $5 Million
The Reserve Bank of India has introduced tighter restrictions on rupee derivatives to curb currency speculation and maintain an orderly foreign exchange market. The revised rules reduce the threshold for foreign exchange derivative transactions without underlying exposure from $100 million to $5 million.
- Asian Markets Mixed as South Korea’s Kospi Falls Over 3.6% on October 12, 2026
Asian stock markets recorded mixed trends, with South Korea’s Kospi plunging more than 3.6%, China’s Shanghai Composite declining over 0.4% and Taiwan’s Taiex edging lower. The report also indicated gains across some European indices, although its accompanying description contains conflicting details about regional market movements.
