"india-news"

Gold and silver prices surged in Mumbai amid geopolitical tensions and a weaker US dollar. MCX gold rose 1.83% to Rs 1,59,749/10g, while silver gained 5.10% to Rs 2,65,836/kg, driven by Iran-US negotiations, US tariff rulings, and safe-haven demand

Indian Youth Congress workers staged a ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, raising slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal. Police arrested four protesters as BJP and Congress traded sharp accusations

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw apologised for crowd management issues at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after overcrowding, connectivity problems and theft complaints marred the opening day, which saw over 70,000 attendees at the global AI event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day event will host global firms, 600 startups, 13 country pavilions, 500 sessions, and over 2.5 lakh visitors, promoting AI collaboration and innovation.

The Defence Ministry has cleared the long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government deal with France, as the DAC approved defence capital acquisitions worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore to boost the combat readiness of the armed forces

Opposition parties have moved a notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct and denying speaking opportunities to Opposition MPs. Around 120 MPs backed the move, which will now be examined as per parliamentary rules

Union Budget 2026 allocates funds for the Dankuni–Surat freight corridor, East Coast Industrial Corridor, tourism under Purvodaya, and 4,000 e-buses, drawing political debate as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections, with TMC dismissing the moves as campaign-driven.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 that interest on compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) will be tax-free and exempt from TDS, effective from April 1, 2026, to ease hardship for victims and families.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a three-pronged approach—Equity, Liquidity, and Professional Support—to help MSMEs become ‘Champions’, with TReDS, GeM, and Corporate Mitras enhancing finance, compliance, and growth.

The Union Budget 2026 proposes Rs 73,990 crore for the Telecom Ministry, driven by capital support for BSNL, rural broadband project BharatNet, and North East development. The move aims to boost connectivity, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen state-run telecom services.

The Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 6,000 crore for Census 2027, delayed due to Covid-19. The two-phase exercise will cover houselisting and population enumeration, including caste enumeration, with digital devices and self-enumeration options for citizens.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes a tax holiday till 2047 for foreign cloud companies using data centres in India to serve global customers. The move aims to attract investment, boost data centre capacity and position India as a global AI and digital infrastructure hub.

India has allocated Rs 7.84 lakh crore for defence in Budget 2026–27, marking a 15% rise over last year. The higher outlay focuses on modernisation, capital expenditure, defence manufacturing and welfare of ex-servicemen amid rising security challenges.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget in a business-like speech marked by symbolism and political reactions. While the BJP hailed the Budget, opposition members alleged neglect of certain states, making the day a mix of policy and parliamentary theatre.

The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated Rs 4,551.94 crore to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, with major funding for Prasar Bharati, media infrastructure, AVGC talent development and community radio. The allocation is lower than last year’s revised estimate.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, saying it lacks policy vision and offers no solutions to key challenges such as jobs, inequality, manufacturing slowdown and federal stress, even as the government raised capital expenditure targets.

The government has allocated Rs 3.09 lakh crore to the Road Transport and Highways Ministry in Budget 2026–27, an 8% rise over the current year. Funding for NHAI has also increased as the authority works to reduce debt.

The Union Budget 2026–27 allocates Rs 1.06 lakh crore to the Health Ministry, marking a 10% increase. The government plans regional medical hubs, expansion of allied healthcare professionals, and higher funding for key health schemes and institutions.

The government has proposed allowing Indian non-residents to invest in domestic equities through the Portfolio Investment Scheme. Announced in Budget 2026–27, the move aims to boost market liquidity, attract stable inflows and support currency stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the Union Budget 2026–27 historic, saying it reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, boosts reforms, supports MSMEs, and lays a strong foundation for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.