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Times of India

  • newNew excise duty on tobacco products: Cigarette prices to increase up to Rs 55 per pack
    Cigarette prices have surged by Rs 22-25 per pack of 10 following a new excise duty regime, the first tax hike in seven years. This move aligns India's tobacco taxation with global health standards. Premium cigarettes will see significant price increases, with distributors anticipating new MRPs from Monday. Concerns about smuggling and counterfeit products are rising.
    - 6 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 7:17pm -
  • new‘Miyas will face trouble as long as I am CM’: Himanta Sarma unmoved by backlash
    - 6 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 7:10pm -
  • newRussia-Ukraine war: Fresh round of peace talks rescheduled; Zelenskyy announces new dates
    Ukraine's President Zelenskyy announced a delay in crucial trilateral talks with Russia and the US, now set for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi. This follows surprise US-Russia discussions in Florida, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite unresolved territorial disputes. Both sides remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict.
    - 6 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 7:10pm -
  • newUnion Budget 2026: No big-ticket announcements, but poll-bound states part of new initiatives
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2026 incorporates poll-bound states into ambitious development initiatives like rare earth corridors and high-speed rail networks. While not offering state-specific bonanzas, the budget includes infrastructure, logistics, and tourism boosts for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
    - 7 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 5:55pm -
  • newCarlos Alcaraz finally does it, wins his maiden Australian Open title after outfoxing Djokovic
    Carlos Alcaraz won his first Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to deny him a record 25th Grand Slam. At 22, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam. After losing the first set, he dominated with pace and power, sealed his seventh major, and cemented his world number one status.
    - 7 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 5:44pm -
  • new'Deeply shocked ': IFTDA condemns firing incident at Rohit Shetty's residence
    The IFTFA, while expressed deep safety concerns, also sought personal intervention from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
    - 7 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 5:40pm -
  • newPost Op Sindoor push: Defence budget jumps 15%; what’s in the pipeline for India’s military
    The Union Budget 2026 allocates a record Rs 7.85 lakh crore for defence, a 15% increase, prioritizing military modernization. Key procurements include Rafale jets, six next-generation submarines under Project 75(I), and indigenous unmanned interceptor crafts, bolstering India's air, sea, and land capabilities.
    - 8 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 5:16pm -
  • new'This time, it will be a regional war': Khamenei warns US' Middle East allies
    - 8 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:54pm -
  • newSTT hike after Budget 2026: What does it mean for F&O traders and investors
    Starting April 1, 2026, India will see increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options trading. The Finance Minister announced higher rates for options premium, exercise, and futures, aiming to moderate speculative activity. This change, part of Budget 2026, will slightly raise trading costs for derivatives participants, while equity and mutual fund STT rates remain untouched.
    - 8 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:51pm -
  • newBudget 2026: Central schools get funding boost; KVs see steady rise in allocations
    Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens India’s central school systems with higher allocations for Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Funding for KVS rises to ₹10,129.41 crore, while NVS receives ₹6,025 crore, signalling continued support for urban and rural learners. The increases, part of a wider school education budget expansion, focus on sustaining infrastructure, staffing, and residential facilities amid rising enrolment and operating costs.
    - 8 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:50pm -
  • newBudget 2026: FM outlines NBFCs vision, targets credit and tech; PFC, REC to be restructured
    Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the government's Viksit Bharat vision for Non-Banking Financial Companies, setting clear targets for credit expansion and technology adoption. Key public sector NBFCs like Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation will be restructured to boost efficiency. This initiative, alongside a banking sector review, aims to strengthen India's financial system for sustained reform-led growth.
    - 8 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:46pm -
  • newUnion Budget 2026: Top 10 winners and losers
    Union Budget 2026, hailed as a "highway of immense opportunities," focuses on economic growth, meeting aspirations, and equitable resource distribution. Key proposals include infrastructure development, tourism promotion, pharmaceutical sector investment, and measures to boost women entrepreneurship and the textile industry. However, markets reacted negatively to increased Securities Transaction Tax, impacting traders and promoters.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:15pm -
  • newNew or Old? Which I-T regime should you choose for FY 2026-27? Tax rates, slabs explained
    Union Budget 2026 maintains the existing income tax framework, with the new regime offering tax-free income up to Rs 12 lakh for individuals. While the old regime continues with its deductions, the new system has been progressively liberalized since 2020, making it increasingly attractive for middle-income taxpayers.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:10pm -
  • newDefence, education, railways, income tax & more: 10 big announcements in Budget
    Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, her ninth consecutive, with major announcements across defence, railways, income tax, and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi hailed it as "historic" and a "high flight toward Viksit Bharat." Key proposals include a significant defence allocation, seven high-speed rail corridors, a simplified Income Tax Act, and support for rare-earth mineral development.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:04pm -
  • newBudget 2026 gives a boost to mental healthcare: North India to get its own NIMHANS
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:02pm -
  • newBorder 2 Box Office day 10: Film crosses Rs 262cr; outpaces Mardaani 3
    'Border 2' continues its strong run in theaters, nearing Rs 262.45 crore after its third week. Despite expected weekday drops, the film saw a solid second weekend. Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji's 'Mardaani' opened to Rs 4 crore, showing promising growth on its second day, indicating audience interest.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 3:53pm -
  • newWhat Budget 2026-27 means for Indian IT industry: 8 Biggest announcements
    Union Budget 2026-27 unveils significant tech sector boosts, including a 20-year tax holiday for foreign cloud service providers operating from India. Key initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and increased outlay for Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme aim to fortify domestic capabilities and attract global investment.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 3:32pm -
  • new'Blind to India’s real crises': How Rahul Gandhi, oppn leaders reacted to the Union Budget
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, increasing capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore. The Rs 53.5 lakh crore budget received mixed reactions, with the BJP hailing it as growth-oriented, while the Congress termed it "disappointing" and lacking specifics for common citizens.
    - 10 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 2:39pm -
  • new'High flight toward Viksit Bharat': PM Modi hails Union Budget 2026 as 'historic'
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Union Budget 2026 as "historic," charting a roadmap for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and boosting India's reform journey. He also highlighted the "mother of all deals" with the EU, aimed at benefiting youth and MSMEs, and praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's record ninth consecutive budget presentation.
    - 10 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 2:35pm -
  • newBudget 2026: Rare earths & Orange Economy - key takeaways and what they mean
    Union Budget 2026-27 prioritizes infrastructure growth and manufacturing, with a significant capital expenditure increase to ₹12.2 lakh crore. Fiscal deficit targets 4.3% of GDP. Key initiatives include a new Income Tax Act, the Biopharma Shakti scheme, and support for semiconductor and rare earth production, aiming to boost economic momentum and self-reliance.
    - 10 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 2:23pm -
  • newBudget 2026: From morning coffee to evening drink - what gets cheaper, what gets costlier
    - 11 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 1:34pm -
  • newWhy Nifty50, BSE Sensex crashed after Budget 2026 speech? Top reasons
    Stock market crash after Budget 2026: Investors reacted negatively to a hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) trades announced by FM Sitharaman.
    - 12 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 1:13pm -
  • newBudget 2026 income tax: Top announcements made by FM Sitharaman - check list
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget 2026. New rules simplify tax filing and reduce burdens. Key changes include extended deadlines for revised returns and staggered filing dates. Tax Collected at Source rates for education, medical purposes, and overseas tours are reduced. Small taxpayers get easier tax deductions. Awards from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal are now tax-exempt.
    - 12 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 12:36pm -
  • newOracle may layoff up to 30,000; & one of big reasons is company's 'commitment' to Sam Altman for ...
    Oracle faces massive job cuts, potentially 20,000-30,000, to fund its costly $300 billion OpenAI partnership. The tech giant has already incurred significant debt for AI data centers, with its stock value plummeting. US banks are hesitant to finance Oracle's projects, forcing the company to seek upfront customer payments and consider selling its Cerner unit.
    - 12 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 12:29pm -
  • Watson baptized in Israel as Shedeur Sanders meets new Browns HC
    Cleveland Browns veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson was baptized in Israel, an experience he described as life changing. Meanwhile, new head coach Todd Monken expressed his past desire to draft Shedeur Sanders, highlighting the quarterback’s significance to the team’s plans. Cybercitizens react to Watson’s baptism and Sanders’ special meet with Monken, with one saying, they can’t wait to see the coach meet Myles Garrett.
    - 1 day ago 31 Jan 26, 8:22pm -
  • Turning Point USA reveals platforms for rival Super Bowl halftime show
    After months of silence, Turning Point USA has finally confirmed how fans can watch its alternative Super Bowl LX halftime show. The broadcast will stream on YouTube, X, Rumble, and several conservative TV networks. While distribution details are now clear, Turning Point USA has not revealed performers or production plans, which still leaves viewers with the question of what they will see when they tune in.
    - 1 day ago 31 Jan 26, 6:00pm -
  • Nvidia H-1B data reveals US pay as Jensen Huang reviews all compensation
    Nvidia's soaring stock has created millionaires among its employees, with H-1B visa filings revealing substantial base salaries for critical roles. While CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes personal involvement in compensation, earlier hires have significantly benefited from equity appreciation. The data offers a glimpse into the pay for engineers, architects, researchers, and product managers, excluding bonuses and equity.
    - 1 day ago 31 Jan 26, 2:18pm -
  • Google cofounder makes biggest-ever public donation to tackle California housing crisis
    Google co-founder Sergey Brin has made his largest public donation, contributing $20 million to a new coalition tackling California's housing crisis. This significant move, backed by other tech leaders, comes as the state's wealthy face a potential wealth tax. Brin's philanthropy has been substantial, with billions donated to various causes, including climate solutions and medical research.
    - 3 days ago 29 Jan 26, 11:45pm -

The Hindu

The Economic Times

  • newBuild, India, Build: Govt assures backing for infrastructure developers
    A new partial credit guarantee fund will support private developers. This will help lenders by reducing risks. Investments will flow into long-gestation and urban infrastructure projects. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the fund aims to boost private sector confidence. This initiative will lower capital costs, making public services more affordable.
    - 27 mins ago 2 Feb 26, 12:25am -
  • newBorrowing to build: Govt bets on capex as fiscal deficit stays on track
    Government borrowing is increasingly financing capital expenditure, boosting economic growth potential as effective capital spending surpasses the fiscal deficit. Conservative tax revenue growth, alongside non-tax receipts and asset sales, provides a cushion. While revenue spending is managed, a slight increase in the budget size is observed, with a focus on easing the debt burden towards targets.
    - 45 mins ago 2 Feb 26, 12:07am -
  • newIndia Budget: Customs overhaul to cut costs, boost manufacturing
    India's Union Budget 2026-27 introduces a comprehensive customs overhaul, featuring duty relief for manufacturing and exports, and a single digital window for faster clearances. Measures aim to boost competitiveness in sectors like textiles and footwear, while rationalizing duties on strategic imports to enhance market access with the US.
    - 1 hour ago 1 Feb 26, 11:37pm -
  • newMission Mausam gets Rs 1342 crore in Union Budget
    India is significantly boosting its weather forecasting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated Rs 1,342 crore for Mission Mausam. This ambitious initiative will use advanced technologies and computing to improve weather monitoring and prediction. The Ministry of Earth Sciences receives a total of Rs 3,789.23 crore. The Deep Ocean Mission also receives funding for exploration and technology development.
    - 3 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 9:31pm -
  • newBudget 2026-27: Over Rs 1300 crore allocated for forensic related schemes under MHA
    The Union Budget 2026-27 earmarks over Rs 1471 crore for upgrading forensic capabilities. Funds will boost safety of women initiatives, modernize Central Forensic Science Laboratories, and establish a National Forensic Data Centre. The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System receives Rs 550 crore for seamless data sharing. Criminology and Forensic Science sees a significant hike, supporting R&D and regional labs.
    - 4 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 8:54pm -
  • newProposed share buyback framework aims to benefit small shareholders, not promoters
    To discourage misuse of tax arbitrage, promoters will be subject to an additional buyback tax, raising the effective tax rate to 22 per cent for corporate promoters and 30 per cent for non-corporate promoters, she stated.
    - 4 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 8:33pm -
  • newFM Nirmala Sitharaman explains why 10% nominal GDP growth for FY27 is realistic
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called the 10 percent nominal GDP growth estimate for the financial year beginning April 1, 2026, realistic. This projection is based on current GDP base year and methodology. India's GDP is estimated at Rs 393 lakh crore. The government will soon revise base years for key economic indicators like GDP and CPI.
    - 5 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 8:02pm -
  • newGold recovers Rs 9,500 per 10 gm intraday loss to end volatile Budget 2026 session in green; silver flat
    Gold prices rebounded nearly 7% on MCX after a brutal selloff ahead of Budget 2026. Profit booking, margin pressures and lack of jewellery-sector relief weighed on bullion, while silver stayed flat after historic volatility following record crashes in both metals.
    - 5 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 8:02pm -
  • newBudget 2026: Shankar Sharma cheers derivatives STT hike, calls F&O a ‘poison’ for investors
    Ace investor Shankar Sharma applauds Budget 2026’s STT hike on derivatives, calling F&O trading a “poison.” Experts say it may curb speculation, shift focus to long-term investing, but could unsettle markets and impact hedging.
    - 6 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 7:17pm -
  • newBudget impact: What makes Morgan Stanley's Ridham Desai remain bullish on Indian stocks
    Morgan Stanley maintains a bullish stance on Indian equities post-Budget, citing cyclical growth support, structural reforms, capex push, and long-term policy focus on semiconductors, AI, and data centres to sustain earnings and premium valuations.
    - 6 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 6:25pm -
  • newUnion Budget 2026: SGBs bought from secondary markets to attract capital gains tax, effective April 1
    Budget 2026 proposes capital gains tax exemption for Sovereign Gold Bonds only if purchased directly from RBI and held until maturity. Secondary market SGBs will lose tax benefits, aiming to reward patient investors over speculators, though bond prices fell sharply.
    - 7 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 6:20pm -
  • newYour arbitrage fund returns will fall by about 0.5% next year due to this increased STT: Deepak Shenoy
    The Budget 2026 hike in Securities Transaction Tax is expected to reduce arbitrage fund returns by about 0.5% next year, according to Capitalmind’s Deepak Shenoy. While retail investors may see limited impact, arbitrage funds and foreign portfolio investors could face higher costs in futures trading.
    - 9 hours ago 1 Feb 26, 4:20pm -
  • Bangladesh Jamaat chief compares working women with prostitute; deletes X post
    Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman faced backlash for stating women cannot lead his party, equating modernity for women with prostitution. He later claimed his X account was hacked after deleting the controversial post. Rahman cited biological differences and cultural barriers for the party's lack of female parliamentary candidates.
    - 1 day ago 1 Feb 26, 12:00am -
  • Why a 70:30 India-global portfolio makes sense in a changing world, Subho Moulik decodes
    As global markets outperform India, diversification is gaining urgency. Subho Moulik explains why a 70:30 India global portfolio improves risk adjusted returns, reduces concentration risk, and provides access to long term global growth themes such as AI, defence, and quantum computing.
    - 6 days ago 27 Jan 26, 12:35pm -
  • After Danone & Nestle, French co recalls batches of baby formula
    French food maker Vitagermine has recalled specific batches of its Babybio infant formula due to a toxin contamination scare. This precautionary measure follows similar recalls by major dairy companies like Danone and Nestle. The contamination involves cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.
    - 6 days ago 27 Jan 26, 12:46am -

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