India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of specialised rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening India’s critical minerals capabilities

CII welcomed the Union Budget proposal to establish dedicated rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, strengthening India’s leadership in rare earth magnets and critical minerals

  Yuvan Shankar Raja met actor Ajith at the Dubai Autodrome as the latter prepares for the Asian Le Mans Series. The visit coincides with the re-release of Ajith’s film Mankatha, whose music was scored by Yuvan 

Around 1.5 crore devotees took ritual baths at the Ganga and Sangam in Prayagraj on Magh Purnima, braving cold conditions. Authorities ensured safety, sanitation, and traffic management, marking the conclusion of month-long kalpvas observances for thousands of pilgrims

India’s Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 7.84 lakh crore for defence, including Rs 2.19 lakh crore for capital expenditure and Rs 5.53 lakh crore for revenue. Customs duty exemptions on aircraft components aim to boost the defence aerospace sector

In Jharkhand’s Palamu, a couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspected witchcraft, while their minor daughter was injured. Police have launched a manhunt, and the bodies were sent for post-mortem in Medininagar

Congress criticised Union Budget 2026-27 as “lacklustre” and “non-transparent,” saying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech omitted key allocations. While capex rises to Rs 12.2 lakh crore and infrastructure plans were outlined, critics say the budget falls short of expectations

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a Rs 12.2 lakh crore infrastructure push in Union Budget 2026-27, focusing on Tier-2/Tier-3 cities, east-west freight corridors, inland waterways, and an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to boost investment, connectivity, and regional development

Indian markets saw sharp intra-day falls after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. Sensex dropped over 2,300 points, Nifty over 600, as investors remained cautious amid limited tax relief and awaited sectoral and fiscal policy announcements 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a high-level Banking Committee for Viksit Bharat, restructuring key financial institutions, reviewing FEMA rules, promoting corporate and municipal bonds, and easing foreign investment limits to strengthen India’s banking sector and boost ease of doing business

The Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into force from April 1, replacing the 1961 law. The revenue-neutral legislation simplifies tax rules, reduces litigation, introduces a single tax-year system, and eases compliance through redesigned return forms.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed a Rs 10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti scheme to boost biologics and biosimilars, alongside allied health job creation, caregiver training, healthcare infrastructure expansion and continued reforms to support growth and inclusion.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up five regional medical hubs to promote medical tourism, alongside new Ayurveda institutes, upgraded Ayush facilities and expanded allied health training, while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27.

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.

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

Fresh snowfall hit higher reaches of Kashmir while rains lashed plains as night temperatures rose above freezing in several areas, including Srinagar. Gulmarg remained coldest. Weather to stay cloudy with more rain or snow likely during Chillai Khurd period 

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 

Unidentified assailants fired multiple rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence early Sunday. No injuries were reported. Mumbai police and crime branch teams are probing the incident, examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence.

Three Army soldiers were injured during a fresh encounter in Dolgam village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, as joint forces resumed Operation Trashi-I against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants. Authorities confirmed that two to three terrorists are trapped inside the cordon.

Delhi Capitals face UP Warriorz in a must-win Women’s Premier League clash in Vadodara. A victory will secure them an Eliminator spot against Gujarat Giants, while a Warriorz win could bring Mumbai Indians back into contention through net run rate