The Times of India

Latest budget data released Sunday shows that govt spent nearly Rs 1,730 crore on the three components of the programme in FY26, out of a total of Rs 33,830 crore allocated in the 2024-25 budget. With the internship scheme having seen only two pilots, the Centre spent Rs 526 crore of Rs 10,800 crore allocated during FY26.

With the trade deal announced, Indian goods are suddenly looking more competitive. This means that a product will face 18% additional tariff over the MFN or product-specific rate. At 18%, the levy on Indian garments will be marginally lower than the 20% faced by those made in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

While PM Narendra Modi, in a post on X, which followed US President Donald Trumps announcement on Truth Social, said he had a wonderful conversation with dear friend Trump and thanked him on behalf of 1.4 billion people for the reduced tariff of 18% on Indian goods, he did not mention the trade deal at all in his post on X that followed Trumps wonderful announcement.

GTRI says that several important questions related to the India-US trade deal remain unanswered. In a note post post Trump and PM Narendra Modis posts on social media platforms, Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI said: Caution, not celebration, is warranted.

GIFT Nifty surged by nearly 800 points before paring some gains, indicating a widespread relief-driven rally across markets. The rise followed remarks by US President Donald Trump that Washington would lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.

With this deal, India bags a place among countries facing one of the lowest tariff rates from the Donald Trump administration. Incidentally, the 18% tariff rate is lower than Pakistans 19%, Indonesias 19%.

Donald Trump has claimed that the trade deal has been agreed after India has agreed to reduce tariffs on US goods to zero, committed to stop buying Russian crude and step up oil purchases from America, and potentially Venezuela.

In her Union Budget speech, Sitharaman announced that the investment cap for persons resident outside India (PROI), has been raised to 10% of a companys paid-up capital from the earlier level.

Budget 2026 stock market picks: Motilal Oswal Financial Services shares its top 10 stock picks that investors can consider buying. Heres what the brokerage has to say:

Union Budget 2026-27 is hailed as infrastructure-led and growth-oriented by realty leaders. Increased capital expenditure, asset monetisation, and risk-sharing mechanisms are expected to boost project execution and financing. While positive for overall real estate, a lack of direct support for affordable housing was noted as a disappointment.

Precious metals experienced intense selling pressure on Monday, with gold and silver hitting lower circuit limits on the MCX due to aggressive profit-booking. Gold prices slumped 6%, while silver saw a sharper 12% correction, extending recent losses after a strong rally.

India's factory activity saw a slight rebound in January, with the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI rising to 55.4, driven by stronger new orders and increased production. Despite this growth, business confidence among manufacturers weakened significantly, reaching a three-and-a-half-year low, with expectations for future output declining.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts maturing on March 5, 2026, plunged Rs 31,878, or 12 per cent, to settle at Rs 2,33,874 per kilogram. Gold futures for April 2, 2026 delivery also weakened, slipping Rs 8,865, or 6 per cent, to Rs 1,38,888 per 10 grams.

Gold and silver ETFs saw significant losses, prompting the BSE to impose trading limits due to increased volatility. Both metals experienced sharp sell-offs from record highs, driven by profit-taking, leveraged position exits, and global factors like a firm US dollar. Despite some recovery, substantial value has been wiped out.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will continue to be volatile and range bound in the near future, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. He shares his views and recommendations for gold investors and key levels to watch out for in the near term:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Union Budget 2026, simplifying tax filing with revised deadlines and reduced Tax Collected at Source on overseas tour packages to 2%. New rules ease compliance for small taxpayers and foreign asset holders. A one-time foreign asset disclosure scheme offers regularisation options. Global talent visiting India for up to five years will also see income exemptions.

Sweeping US immigration and trade policies, particularly the H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000, are straining the strategic partnership with India. This has disrupted Indian professionals' careers, impacting IT giants and creating anxiety. Critics argue these protectionist measures undermine innovation and alienate a key partner, potentially boosting India's domestic tech sector.

India's free trade agreement with the European Union, dubbed the mother of all deals, is poised to significantly boost exports, granting duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the pact's compassionate nature, benefiting both India and the EU. He urged domestic firms to seize this opportunity for expansion, while consumers anticipate more affordable goods.

On 25.08.2025, a bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra in Ravindra Pratap Shahi vs State of U.P. & Ors. The appeals came as a result of highly protracted proceedings before the Allahabad High Court, in which a criminal appeal pending decision in December 2021 was not decided in an unreasonably long time.

Budget changes are set to impact your wallet, with customs duty hikes making imported electronics like PlayStations and Kindles pricier. However, good news arrives for cancer patients as 17 drugs are now duty-free. Shoppers can also rejoice with increased duty-free jewellery allowances and cheaper microwave ovens.

RIDERS ON THE STORM: Even as it faces Trump-triggered turbulence and geopolitical headwinds across the globe, India remains the fastest-moving major economy, cruising at an impressive 7.4% in 2025-26. With PM Modi in command and FM Sitharaman at the wheel, the govt has steered clear of tilting adventurously in any one direction in these choppy waters, choosing instead to stay the course

The rupee strengthened against the US dollar, recovering from an all-time low as forex reserves hit a record high. Despite a cautious market sentiment post-Union Budget, domestic equities saw gains. Global oil prices eased as US-Iran talks progressed. Foreign investors remained net sellers in the equity market.

The Union Budget 2026 aims to balance growth, stability, and reform, offering compliance-friendly measures and targeted tax tweaks for taxpayers. While easing procedures and extending benefits for investors, it also tightens rules in select areas. Consumers receive relief on essential medical items, and businesses benefit from simplified customs, though some duty exemptions are phasing out.