India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by a sharp $8.053 billion to touch a new all-time high of $709.413 billion in the week ended January 23, extending the recent rebound after months of pressure from rupee volatility, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.The latest rise follows a jump of $14.167 billion in…
Smokers will have to pay more for cigarettes from February 1, as the Centre rolls out a new excise duty regime based on cigarette length, along with a health cess on pan masala and tobacco products. The move marks the first major tax increase on cigarettes in nearly seven years and aligns India’s tobacco taxation…
Several banking and card-related changes will come into effect from February 2026, affecting everyday transactions, credit card benefits and compliance requirements for customers of State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Punjab National Bank, according to ET.Among the key changes, SBI will revise service charges on certain IMPS transactions from February 15, 2026….
As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, education stakeholders across schools, higher education, skilling, and edtech are calling for focused policy measures and financial support to strengthen learning outcomes, employability, and workforce readiness. These expectations come amid a steady rise in education allocations over the past few years and an increased emphasis on execution and infrastructure.The…
Over the last few years, personal taxation has seen meaningful changes, particularly in the form of revised slabs By Sureshkumar SIndia enters the Union Budget 2026 on relatively strong economic footing, supported by steady growth, resilient domestic demand and continued investment in digital public infrastructure. Over the last few years, personal taxation has seen meaningful…
A determined farmer integrates solar power into his rural Indian landscape, balancing tradition with a sustainable future. NEW DELHI: Relatively slow growth in electricity demand in 2025–26, surplus power availability during solar hours leading to weak demand, and assured power availability for discoms after 2028–29 are among the reasons why renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs)…
With Budget 2026 just a day away, focus has returned to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s red bahi khaata and what it could hold for different sectors. First introduced in 2019, the traditional red ledger has since een representing not just a functional item, but a conscious shift away from colonial-era customs, towards a more…
UAE and Scotland Sign Investment MoU: What Does This Mean for Global Business? In a significant development for global investment flows, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral investment cooperation, broaden economic ties and unlock new opportunities for businesses in both nations. The agreement,…
India-US trade deal: Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal has said that India is not disappointed over delays in the India–US trade agreement as every country will prioritise its interests. Goyal said that India remains focused on safeguarding its interests. “Not at all. Every country looks after its own interests. We have to protect…
Union Budget 2026–27 is just a day away and investors are seeking clarity on whether stock markets will operate or remain shut. The Budget is scheduled to be presented on February 1, which falls on a Sunday, raising questions over market activity as stock exchanges typically remain closed on weekends. Will stock market remain closed…
