Business

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed seven high-speed rail corridors linking major Indian cities, promoting regional growth, faster travel, and lower emissions. She also outlined banking reforms, foreign investment modernization, and an integrated textile programme under the Union Budget 2026-27

Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined three ‘Kartavyas’ aimed at accelerating economic growth, fulfilling people’s aspirations and ensuring inclusive access to resources, while signalling continued reforms and higher capital expenditure.

US President Donald Trump claimed India will buy Venezuelan oil instead of Iranian supplies, suggesting a shift in global energy flows and inviting China to participate. New Delhi has not confirmed the deal, and details on timelines or volumes remain unclear

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission report in Lok Sabha, outlining tax devolution between Centre and states for 2026–2031. Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the panel proposes formulas guiding Centre–state fiscal relations

Sensex and Nifty traded higher in early deals ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27. Sensex rose over 272 points and Nifty gained nearly 67 points amid volatility expectations, stock-specific action, and strong foreign institutional investor inflows

Gold and silver prices plunged sharply as investors booked profits after a historic rally. MCX gold fell over 7% and silver 9%, pressured by higher CME margins, a stronger dollar, and Budget-related expectations, triggering panic unwinding and short-term bearish trends

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman carried Union Budget documents on a digital tablet in a red bahi-khata, symbolising tradition and technology. Continuing the paperless Budget, she reaffirmed the shift from colonial symbols while engaging students during Budget 2026–27 presentation

Commercial LPG cylinder prices rose Rs 49 from February 1, lifting 19-kg rates across metros. Delhi hits Rs 1,740.50; Chennai costliest. Domestic LPG unchanged. Monthly revision may raise business costs, impacting food, hospitality, and consumer prices nationwide overall operations soon 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth straight Union Budget on February 1. Key focus areas include fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, borrowing, tax revenue, GST collections, and nominal GDP growth, which will guide market expectations

From February 1, the government will introduce a new tax structure for cigarettes, tobacco products, and pan masala. The move includes additional excise duty, a new cess, and MRP-based valuation to curb evasion and improve revenue

Gold and silver prices fell sharply this week on profit booking and a strengthening US dollar after a historic rally. Analysts view the correction as a healthy reset, with long-term bullish trends supported by industrial demand and central bank gold accumulation.

Amid global slowdown and erosion of the rules-based international order, the Economic Survey 2025-26 offers a note of tempered hope

Ola Electric has announced plans to lay off around 5 per cent of its workforce as part of a structural transformation. The move comes amid falling market share, rising operational challenges and continued financial losses in the electric two-wheeler segment

The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011

Gold and silver prices fell in early trade after hitting record highs, as profit booking emerged and the dollar strengthened. MCX silver slid sharply while gold eased, though analysts say the broader trend remains bullish despite short-term overheating concerns persist

The rupee rebounded from record lows to gain 9 paise against the US dollar in early trade, aided by falling crude oil prices, though gains were capped by a stronger dollar, foreign fund outflows and weak domestic equity markets

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty fell sharply in early trade, snapping a three-day rally, as IT stocks dragged markets amid foreign fund outflows, weak global cues and investor caution ahead of the Union Budget on February 1

Young investors are entering financial markets at record levels, driven by digital platforms that prioritise speed over judgment

Sakthi Aviation and Defence Systems Private Limited has signed a MoU with OMNIPOL Group to bring the Czech-made L410 NG 19-seater aircraft to India. The agreement, formalised at Wings India 2026, includes plans to explore a final assembly line in India, enabling Transfer of Technology and strengthening the domestic aviation ecosystem.

Boeing India has partnered with Wilton Weavers to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem through inclusive workforce development. The collaboration merges Boeing’s Kaushal initiative with Wilton Weavers’ Ameyaa programme, which trains and employs women with disabilities.

Air India has ordered 30 additional Boeing 737 Max jets during Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, expanding its Boeing order book to nearly 200 aircraft. The airline recently finalized the purchase of 20 737-8 jets and 10 737-10 jets, exercising existing options to meet growing travel demand.

India’s active internet users reached 958 million in 2025, driven by rapid rural connectivity growth. Rural users form 57% of the base. Short-video consumption, AI adoption, quick commerce and multi-device usage are accelerating, underscoring India’s fast-evolving digital economy nationwide trends 

WhiteOak Capital advises investors to book profits on silver, now overvalued relative to historical levels, and reduce precious metals allocation. Funds recommend reallocating into diversified Indian equity funds or blue-chip stocks for better long-term growth and liquidity

Airbus will deliver the first Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft in Q3 2026, marking a major milestone in domestic aerospace manufacturing. The company projects India’s commercial aircraft fleet to triple to 2,250 aircraft over the next decade.