The Economic Times

Delhi Police are in the process of bringing all the suspects from Tamil Nadu to the national capital for further investigation. Upon searching, the police found and seized dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards from the suspects.

US President Donald Trump said he is working with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to send a hospital ship to Greenland, claiming it would help sick people who are not being properly cared for there. The announcement, made on social media before a White House dinner with Republican governors, lacked details, and neither the White House nor Landrys office clarified whether Denmark or Greenland had requested such aid.

State Bank of India is actively investing in startup funds and financial market infrastructure. This is part of its strategy for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. SBI is also participating in schemes like Startup India. The bank has established startup hubs in various cities. This initiative aims to support startups through debt, equity, and government services.

Kerala's final voter list is out with over 2.69 crore electors. The Election Commission of India published the updated roll after a Special Intensive Revision exercise. This revision saw the removal of nearly 9 lakh voters. The new list includes over 1.31 crore male and 1.38 crore female voters. Transgender voters are also listed.

India's government has launched a significant export promotion mission. Seven new measures aim to boost outbound shipments. These include credit assistance for e-commerce exporters and support for alternative trade instruments. The mission focuses on addressing key constraints for MSME export growth. It will simplify processes and enhance access to finance for businesses.

India and the US are set to sign an interim trade deal in March, with implementation expected the following month. This agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. US officials are scheduled to visit New Delhi for the signing. The deal is anticipated to benefit India's labour-intensive sectors and open new business avenues for exporters.

President Donald Trump has confirmed that tariffs on India will stay at 18 percent. This decision comes after a recent legal challenge to his wider tariff policies. India will not see any immediate changes to the current trade terms. Washington aims to keep country-specific tariff arrangements in place. This approach maintains pressure on trading partners while respecting existing agreements.

US Supreme Court has ruled against President Donald Trump's tariffs. This decision allows for refunds on certain duties imposed on goods from Brazil and India. The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the ruling. Businesses that directly paid these tariffs may be eligible for reimbursement. This move is expected to lower costs for families and support economic growth.

India's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the policy rate at 5.25% due to improved economic growth and benign inflation, signalling a potential 'goldilocks' period. Members voted to retain a neutral stance, awaiting new economic data series for GDP and inflation to guide future policy decisions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed three key initiatives in AI, GIFT City, and the health sector to bolster their strategic partnership. The leaders also encouraged UAE sovereign wealth funds, including the new L'Imad fund, to invest further in the Indian economy.

India has committed to the US on Russian oil purchases. Active negotiations are underway for India to buy Venezuelan oil. A trade agreement between India and the US will be signed very soon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India in the coming months. Discussions will cover various initiatives including Quad engagements.

India has updated its merchandise trade indices. The new base year is FY 2022-23, replacing the old FY 2012-13. This change better reflects current trade realities and global commerce patterns. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics announced the revision. It follows expert committee recommendations for international statistical alignment. This will aid policymakers and businesses.

National Highways Authority of India plans to end cash toll payments from April 1, 2026. All payments will be digital via FASTag or UPI. This move aims to boost transparency and efficiency. Commuters will experience faster travel and reduced congestion. Over 98% FASTag penetration already transformed toll collection. This digitisation will improve user experience across over 1,150 fee plazas nationwide.

India's trade deals with the EU and US will boost market access and exports. The economy looks strong for growth ahead. Consumption and investment are key drivers. Reforms will enhance productivity. Foreign investment has returned. The government is committed to fiscal health and capital spending. Inflation remains stable.

India's merchandise trade deficit widened in January 2026 as imports outpaced exports, driven by a surge in gold and silver shipments. Despite external pressures, the domestic economy showed resilience with sustained momentum in industrial and services sectors, supported by strong domestic demand and improved investor sentiment.

India's economy is set for strong growth. Policymakers are watching closely as inflation stays low. This gives them flexibility. Economic momentum is resilient. Growth is projected at 7.4% for FY26. Projections for the first half of FY27 are also strong. Domestic demand and investment are key drivers. Exports and capital inflows are expected to rise.

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $8.66 billion to reach an unprecedented $725.727 billion in the week ending February 13. This significant increase follows the Reserve Bank of India's market interventions, including purchases and sales of foreign currency in recent months.

As India sets the stage for its economic expansion, the country is poised to launch free trade agreements with both the UK and Oman in April. By September, the deal with New Zealand is on the horizon. Enthusiastic negotiations with the European Union, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council are currently making headway, alongside a revival of talks with Canada.

PLI Schemes: The Indian government has disbursed Rs 28,748 crore across 14 sectors under Production-Linked Incentive schemes till December last year. These initiatives aim to boost domestic manufacturing and have attracted significant investment. The schemes have led to increased sales and exports, while also generating substantial employment opportunities for the nation. This has helped India reduce imports and enhance local production capabilities.

HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 59.3 in February from January's 58.4 - the strongest in three months and above a Reuters poll median forecast of 59.0. The 50-mark separates expansion from contraction.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi concluded a visit to Australia. He met with top Australian defence officials, including the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chief of Army. Discussions focused on enhancing joint operational architecture and expanding bilateral engagement. The visit aimed to strengthen defence ties and cooperation between India and Australia.

According to the report, the aggregate top line of the top-14 listed infrastructure companies contracted 4 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of FY26. Profitability also declined during the quarter, with the average EBITDA margin and adjusted profit after tax (PAT) margin falling around 40 basis points year-on-year to 10.1 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively.

IndusInd Bank's top leadership is focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening the bank's operations. Decisions on strategic investors or mergers will be made by the board. The bank is prioritizing growth in affordable housing, gold loans, and MSME lending. Efforts are underway to improve liability generation and reduce costs. Technology and control gaps are being addressed, with completion expected soon.

The Labour and Employment Ministry has prepared a list of nearly two dozen compliances for employers under four new labour codes. These reforms aim to increase accountability and minimize legal disputes. The codes, which replaced 29 old laws, mandate foundational, monthly, annual, and event-based compliances. Employers must ensure timely wage payments, social security contributions, and adherence to safety regulations.

India participated as an observer in the first meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza. The Indian Embassy's Charge d'affaires attended the event. India has not joined the board, which aims for Gaza's redevelopment.

India's market regulator Sebi has issued a show cause notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises and its top executives. The notice alleges fund diversion and governance lapses. Zee Entertainment has denied all allegations. The company plans to file a response and take legal steps to protect shareholder interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit. They agreed that the India-EU FTA will boost trade and investment, and discussed strengthening cooperation in new areas. Both leaders also appreciated the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Federal Bank is set to receive a substantial Rs 686 crore tax refund, marking the resolution of a long-standing tax dispute. This significant financial boost, covering assessment years 2012-13 and 2013-14, is expected to positively impact the bank's profitability in the upcoming quarter. The development follows recent orders from the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.

The centre, to be set up as part of the Rs 60,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE), will impart skills training in aeronautics and defence.

India is seeking enhanced collaboration with Switzerland in research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. This move aims to bolster economic relations between the two nations. Swiss investments are also being encouraged in areas of Switzerland's technological expertise.

Consumer inflation in India is set to climb to 4.3 percent in fiscal 2027. This rise follows an estimated 2.5 percent in fiscal 2026. Food inflation will normalize from current low levels. Changes in the Consumer Price Index basket will limit the overall increase. Non-food inflation and core inflation are expected to help restrain the rise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Vellore on March 7. He will address a public meeting organized by the National Democratic Alliance. This visit is ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections in 2026. BJP leaders have inspected potential venues for the rally. Around 1.5 lakh people are expected to attend.

India and Canada are set to finalize terms for free trade agreement talks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India is expected to see this agreement. Talks for a trade pact were paused by Canada in 2023. Both nations are now resuming negotiations to establish a mutually beneficial trade pact. Chief negotiators have been appointed from both sides.

India's oilmeal exports saw a significant drop of 42 percent in January. Shipments of soyabean meal and rapeseed meal plunged, impacting the overall figures. Ricebran extraction, however, showed a surge. This decline affects animal feed supplies. Key buyers include China, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Germany. Processors awaited new crop supplies for rapeseed meal.

The farmers' organisation Samyukt Kisan Morcha has expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal, deeming it harmful to the agricultural community. They are calling for an urgent cancellation of the agreement. As the Budget session approaches, a series of public gatherings will take place across the country to rally support.

Warner Bros. Discovery is again considering an offer from Skydance-owned Paramount. This comes as Warner continues to support its deal with Netflix. Talks with Paramount will last for seven days. Warner's board still recommends shareholders approve the Netflix merger. A vote on the Netflix deal is scheduled for March 20.

Indian banks are moving to fixed-price contracts for ATM management. This change replaces older transaction-based models. Banks seek cost stability and assured service quality. This shift aims for predictable expenses and better performance from vendors. Many new ATM and cash recycler contracts are being awarded under this fixed-fee structure. This ensures consistent service and improved customer convenience.

Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Ramesh Iyer as an additional and independent director. This appointment is effective February 17, 2026. Dr. Ashok Gulati will retire as an independent director on March 5, 2026. DCB Bank has also approved Suhail Nathani's appointment as an independent director. This takes effect from February 18, 2026.

Muthoot Microfin is exploring inorganic growth by acquiring a majority stake in two non-banking financial companies. This move aims to expand its micro loan against property business. The company is diversifying its portfolio following recent RBI policy changes. Muthoot Microfin plans to significantly increase its secured lending. This strategy will reduce reliance on unsecured microfinance loans.

The government is pushing states to quickly approve and implement projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure scheme. Over 1.04 lakh crore has already been released. With the March 31 deadline approaching, the focus is on timely utilization of the remaining funds. This initiative supports infrastructure spending by states.

A significant basmati rice deal has been struck. An Indian Rice Exporters Federation member will supply 5,000 tonnes to the United States. This agreement follows the finalisation of the India-US trade deal. America has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods. This development is a positive step for Indian rice exports.

The amount of cash circulating in the economy has hit an all-time peak of Rs 40 lakh crore in January, after rising 11.1% year-on-year. Yet, interestingly, the cash-to-GDP ratio has dipped, suggesting that digital payments are playing a much bigger role than before.

India is actively engaging with global partners from a strong stance. Recent trade agreements highlight this enhanced international cooperation. These pacts are set to boost commerce and strengthen economic ties. The world is experiencing significant shifts in global order and economic dynamics. India's proactive approach positions it for future growth and influence.

In an important diplomatic move, Darpan Jain, a senior IAS officer, will spearhead India's delegation in Washington next week. This visit will focus on cementing the legal framework of the proposed India-US Interim Trade Agreement as negotiations transition into the drafting phase. The trip is crucial for solidifying a partnership that promises mutual trade benefits and economic collaboration.

National Highways Authority of India has accepted an offer of over Rs 6,200 crore from National Highways Infra Trust. This deal monetises two highway stretches spanning 310 kilometres in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This move unlocks value and attracts private investment for new highway projects. NHAI has now monetised assets worth around Rs 28,000 crore this financial year.

Surging gold and silver imports widened Indias January trade deficit to $34.68 billion. Imports jumped 19% while exports barely grew, with services offering limited relief amid weak global demand.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Securities and Exchange Board of India's approval for the National Stock Exchange's initial public offering. Justice Jasmeet Singh stated the petition aimed to halt the exchange's IPO. The court found no grounds to interfere with Sebi's decision.