**💹 Economy/Policy**
– SBI economists say a **25-bps RBI rate cut** is the best option to support growth.
– Govt to fast-track a **GCC policy** to deepen ties amid H-1B visa tightening.
– Centre to sell **minority stakes in six PSUs**, says Divestment Secretary Arunish Chawla.
– **H-1B visa fee hike** may slow India’s IT export growth to **below 4%**, warns Emkay Global.
**📈 Equity Markets**
– **Nifty closed at 23,890 (–0.4%)**; Sensex slipped 160 pts.
– **GIFT Nifty indicates a soft start** with –40 pts in early trade.
– **IT stocks drop the most in 6 months**, hit by H-1B visa concerns.
– **Gold surges** to a record ₹1,16,200 amid global uncertainty.
– Asian equities buoyed by **AI rally**; US tech shares hold steady despite visa fee shock.
**🏦 Companies**
– **Maruti & Hyundai report record festive bookings**, signaling strong auto demand.
**🌍 Global/World**
– Trump’s **\$100,000 H-1B visa fee** strains India–US ties, clouds trade talks.
– **Nvidia to invest \$100 billion in OpenAI**, cementing a massive AI partnership.
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