Business

Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights Infrastructure Expansion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a significant increase in the government’s capital expenditure outlay, setting the target at ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27. This marks a rise from the ₹11.2 lakh crore allocated for the current financial year, underlining the government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth.Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, the Finance Minister said the higher capex allocation is aimed at accelerating project execution and strengthening economic momentum across sectors.Focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities The government reiterated its commitment to expanding infrastructure development beyond major urban centres...

Self-Reliant India Fund to Be Topped Up in FY27 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹4,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund in 2026-27, reinforcing the government’s focus on strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises.The Self-Reliant India Fund was announced in 2023 with an objective to infuse ₹50,000 crore as equity funding into MSMEs that demonstrate the potential and viability to scale into large enterprises.Integrated Textile Programme Proposed in Budget While presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, the finance minister proposed an integrated textile programme with five sub-parts. The initiative is expected to support the textile sector, which is facing pressure following steep 50 percent tariffs...

Incentive for Large Municipal Bond Issuances Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed an incentive of ₹100 crore for municipal corporations that undertake a single bond issuance exceeding ₹1,000 crore. The move is aimed at encouraging larger and more efficient fund raising by urban local bodies through the bond market.Restructuring of REC and PFC Announced As part of the government’s efforts to strengthen public sector financial institutions, the Finance Minister announced the restructuring of REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation. The restructuring is positioned as a step toward enhancing the role of these institutions in financing infrastructure and power sector development.High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit...

Commitment to a Just and Lasting Peace India and the Arab States have reiterated their collective commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in West Asia in accordance with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The reaffirmation came during the second India Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the meeting alongside Foreign Ministers of Arab States and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between India and the Arab world.Support for Palestine and Regional Stability The Delhi Declaration issued after the meeting called for...

Renaming of Adampur Airport in Honour of Sant Guru Ravidas Narendra Modi will visit Punjab today to commemorate the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas. As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will arrive at Adampur Airport, where he will formally unveil the airport’s new name as Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur.The Prime Minister’s Office said the renaming is a tribute to the revered saint and social reformer, whose teachings on equality, compassion, and human dignity continue to influence India’s social and cultural fabric.Halwara Airport Terminal to Boost Regional Connectivity During the visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Terminal Building at Halwara Airport. The new terminal is expected to serve as...

Budget Presentation in Parliament Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha today. Following the presentation in the Lower House, a copy of the Budget will also be tabled in the Rajya Sabha. This marks the third Budget of the Narendra Modi government in its third term.Extensive Pre-Budget Consultations Ahead of the Budget preparation, the Finance Minister conducted a series of pre-Budget consultation meetings with a wide range of stakeholders. These included representatives from trade unions, education and health sectors, MSMEs, trade and services, industry, the financial sector, capital markets, and economists.In parallel, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held extensive...

Finance Minister to Table Ninth Consecutive Budget on Sunday New Delhi, January 31: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 on Sunday, marking a key event in the government’s annual fiscal calendar.This will be the ninth consecutive Union Budget presented by Sitharaman in her capacity as Finance Minister. Following the Budget speech in Parliament, the full set of budget documents will be made available through the official mobile application and the government’s website.Pre Budget Consultations and Economic Survey Set the Context In the run up to the Budget, the Finance Minister held a series of pre Budget consultation meetings with...

Price Pressures Stay Contained as Policy Headroom Improves As preparations intensify for Budget 2026, the latest inflation data points to a period of relative price stability, offering policymakers additional flexibility. Inflation remained below the lower tolerance limit set by the Reserve Bank of India for the fourth consecutive month in December 2025, even as headline and food inflation edged up marginally from November due to selective price pressures.Headline Inflation Remains Subdued Headline consumer price index inflation stood at 1.33 percent year on year in December 2025. This marked an increase of 62 basis points over November, but still kept inflation comfortably below the lower threshold of the central bank’s tolerance...

UAE Backs Landmark India EU Trade Pact The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the free trade agreement between India and the European Union, describing it as a major step toward strengthening economic openness and supporting sustainable growth.In a statement issued on Friday, the UAE said the agreement reflects a shared commitment by India and the EU to free trade and economic cooperation, while also serving as a model for partnerships that promote long-term prosperity.India and EU Seal Major Trade Deal India and the European Union earlier this week concluded what has been described as a landmark free trade agreement, creating access to a combined market of nearly two billion people. The agreement was unveiled by Prime Minister...

Ahmedabad, January 31, 2026 (Saturday): Adani Green Energy Limited on Saturday issued a clarification addressing recent media reports related to a civil matter involving two of its directors in the United States, stating that the company itself is not involved in the proceedings and faces no charges.Company Not a Party to the Case The company said the matter relates to a civil complaint filed in a US court against directors Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in their individual capacities. Adani Green Energy Limited clarified that it has not been named as a defendant in the case and no allegations have been levelled against the company.According to the update, legal counsel representing the two directors has agreed to accept service on...

Exports Continue to Expand Despite Global Headwinds India’s goods and services exports have recorded positive growth so far in the current year up to January 21, even as the global economy faces uncertainty. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the resilience of the country’s export performance while addressing an event in Greater Noida.While specific figures were not disclosed, the minister said India’s export momentum remains intact and expressed confidence that sustained efforts will help the country continue setting new records in the coming years.December Merchandise Trade Performance India’s merchandise exports rose by 1.87 percent to USD 38.5 billion in December last year. During the same month, imports...

Longest Continuous Tenure as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday, marking an unprecedented milestone in India’s parliamentary history. With this, she becomes the longest serving Finance Minister to hold the office continuously.Sitharaman assumed charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has remained at the helm through a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical disruptions. Her tenure has coincided with India emerging as the fastest growing major economy in the world.By January 31, 2026, Sitharaman completes six years and eight months in office. The upcoming Union Budget will be her ninth in a row, a record not previously achieved by any...

Pune, January 30, 2026: Bharat Forge Limited (NSE: BHARATFORG, BSE: 500493) has infused €10 million (₹1,100.45 million) into its wholly owned subsidiary Bharat Forge Global Holding GmbH through a capital reserve contribution, reinforcing its overseas investment platform and balance sheet. The investment, completed as a cash infusion, maintains Bharat Forge’s 100 percent ownership in the Germany-based holding company and is aimed at supporting the group’s international manufacturing and investment footprint across Europe. Key Investment DetailsParticularsDetailsInvestee EntityBharat Forge Global Holding GmbHNature of TransactionCapital reserve contributionInvestment Amount€10 millionRupee Equivalent₹1,100.45 millionMode...

Mumbai, January 30, 2026: Godrej Properties Limited (GODREJPROP) on Friday announced the acquisition of an approximately 8.5-acre land parcel in Mahalunge, Pune, through an outright purchase, strengthening its presence in one of the city’s fastest-growing residential micro-markets.The proposed development is expected to primarily comprise group housing, with a total developable potential of around 2.1 million square feet. The project carries an estimated revenue potential of nearly ₹2,000 crore, based on current business assumptions.Strategic Location and Development Potential The acquired land parcel is located in the Mahalunge–Maan–Nande belt and forms part of the broader Mahalunge–Hinjewadi micro-market. The location benefits...

Overview of the Economic Survey Presentation Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to table the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament today, marking a key milestone ahead of the Union Budget. The document has been prepared by the Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor.The Economic Survey offers a comprehensive assessment of the country’s current economic conditions along with an outlook for the period ahead. It traditionally sets the context for policy priorities and fiscal strategy that follow in the Budget.Union Budget and Budget Session Schedule The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented on Sunday. The Budget Session of Parliament is scheduled to be held in two...

India Positions Itself as a Key Partner in Global Energy Supply Chain Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with Chief Executive Officers of the global energy sector at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi, as part of the ongoing India Energy Week 2026.India’s Economic Momentum and Energy Ambitions Highlighting India’s strong economic momentum, the Prime Minister said the country is advancing rapidly towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy and is set to play a decisive role in shaping the global energy demand and supply balance.During the interaction, he drew attention to significant investment opportunities in India’s energy sector. The Prime Minister highlighted an investment potential of around...

Report Submitted Ahead of New Devolution Cycle The forthcoming Union Budget is set to incorporate the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which has already submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. The recommendations are expected to guide the sharing of taxes between the Centre and states for the next five years starting 2026-27.The Finance Commission, constituted under the Constitution, lays down the formula for tax devolution between the Union and the states. Cesses and surcharges levied by the Centre do not form part of the divisible pool.Composition and Timeline of the 16th Finance Commission The 16th Finance Commission was constituted on December 31, 2023, and is headed by former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman...

Mumbai, January 28, 2026 Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL) announced the deployment of five new enterprise-level artificial intelligence solutions as part of its broader AI-first transformation strategy, aimed at strengthening decision-making, execution efficiency, and scalability across the organisation.The latest rollout expands the use of AI across competitive intelligence, customer onboarding, data quality management, customer experience analytics, and application development. The initiatives align with the company’s long-term vision of building a digitally fluent, data-driven financial services platform.Five AI Solutions Strengthening Core Operations Poonawalla Fincorp has introduced the following AI-led capabilities...

Incentive Discontinuation Triggers Estimate Revisions Paytm continues to deliver strong core business momentum despite a near-term earnings impact from the non-renewal of the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund scheme, according to a report by Jefferies.The report notes that the discontinuation of PIDF incentives has led to a reduction in adjusted EBITDA estimates and a cut in the price target.PIDF Income Removed From Forward Projections During FY25 and the first half of FY26, Paytm earned meaningful incentive income under the scheme, including Rs 1.28 billion in 1HFY26, which contributed materially to adjusted EBITDA. With the scheme not extended beyond December 2025, Jefferies has removed this incentive income from its...

Discussions Focus on Strengthening India-EU Partnership Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27 held delegation-level talks with senior leaders of the European Union at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking a key moment in India-EU diplomatic engagement.The meeting was attended by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, President of the European Council. The discussions centred on strengthening bilateral ties between India and the European Union across strategic and economic dimensions.High-Level Delegations from Both Sides The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National...