The Times of India

Top Indian firms saw over Rs 3 lakh crore wiped off their market value last week, with IT giants TCS and Infosys leading the decline. A broad market selloff, fueled by global cues and AI disruption fears impacting tech stocks, dragged down valuations. However, select banking and financial stocks like SBI managed to gain.

A new rural employment scheme, VB-G RAM G, has secured the largest budget share, overshadowing MGNREGA with a significant allocation. While MGNREGA faces a sharp funding cut, other key rural development projects like PMAY-G and PMGSY have seen substantial increases. The shift in fund-sharing for VB-G RAM G could impact state government spending.

India's economic growth is expanding beyond major cities, with northern and eastern districts emerging as new activity hubs. While established metros like Ahmedabad and Bengaluru lead, districts such as Gurugram, Hooghly, and Moradabad show significant rank improvements. This decentralised growth, driven by infrastructure and connectivity, signals a reshaping of local economies beyond traditional urban centres.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Union Budget's focus on productive spending and record infrastructure outlays, steering clear of populism for sustainable growth. He emphasized plugging structural gaps, pursuing reforms, and laying foundations for a developed India, marking the 'next level' of the nation's journey. The Budget prioritizes long-term assets over short-term gains.

Precious metal prices are set for continued volatility and consolidation as investors await crucial US economic data, including inflation and GDP figures. Market watchers are closely observing Federal Reserve signals for potential rate cut timelines. Gold experienced a sharp correction in February, influenced by stronger US employment data, while silver futures saw a decline.

India and the UK's free trade agreement, signed last year, is slated for implementation by April 2026. This pact promises 99% duty-free access for Indian exports to Britain, while India will lower tariffs on cars and whisky. Parliamentary approval is currently underway in the UK, paving the way for enhanced bilateral trade.

Stock markets are poised for a volatile week, driven by US economic data, the Federal Reserve's policy outlook, and growing AI disruption fears. Analysts anticipate a cautious sentiment as investors monitor global geopolitical events and currency movements. Domestic sectors like banking and automobiles may gain traction, while broader indices are expected to trade sideways awaiting clearer economic signals.

India and the US aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, with energy imports like crude oil and LNG forming a key part. This interim trade agreement will help India secure competitive energy prices and diversify suppliers. The pact also focuses on increasing steel, coking coal, and IT exports, enhancing market access for Indian goods.

The railway ministry has launched a new onboard cleaning initiative for long-distance trains, deploying professional teams to clean coaches and toilets at hourly intervals or as needed. This tech-enabled reform aims to enhance passenger experience through real-time monitoring and accountability. Additionally, the ministry will permit cargo facilities on spare railway land to boost freight operations.

Foreign investors injected Rs 19,675 crore into Indian stocks in early February, reversing months of outflows. This surge, driven by a US-India trade deal and easing global economic worries, signals renewed optimism. Despite this, overall 2025 flows remain weak, with significant net outflows recorded year-to-date.

UAE's property market is seeing a surge in first-time homebuyers in 2026, driven by government support and a shift towards long-term value. Buyers now prioritise build quality, practical design and community infrastructure over speculation. Affordability and tech-driven mortgage solutions are making ownership more accessible, fostering a generation committed to homeownership as a lifestyle choice.

Contrary to fears, generative AI isn't causing mass layoffs in India's IT sector. A new ICRIER-OpenAI study reveals AI is boosting productivity and transforming roles, not replacing workers. While entry-level hiring has seen a slight dip, mid and senior positions remain stable, indicating a shift towards skill enhancement rather than job elimination.

Young Indians, across Gen Z and Millennials, overwhelmingly favor gold as their top investment choice, with 62% preferring it over mutual funds, stocks, and crypto. Even with modern options available, gold is seen as the safest bet, especially during uncertain economic times. Purchases are increasingly personal and smaller, driven by income and investment goals rather than just tradition.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed India committed to halting additional Russian oil purchases, amidst ongoing US sanctions. However, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized strategic autonomy and decisions guided by ational interest and market dynamics. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov disputed claims of India stopping oil buys, accusing the US of coercion.

The Centre has greenlit over Rs 11,000 crore in highway projects across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. These crucial upgrades, including road widening and new four-lane stretches, aim to significantly boost freight movement and regional connectivity. Projects on NH-160A in Maharashtra, NH-56 in Gujarat, and NH-167 in Telangana are set to enhance industrial links and slash travel times.

India has significantly boosted climate action spending, now at nearly 5.6% of GDP, up from 3.7% six years ago, demonstrating strong domestic commitment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for adaptation alongside emission cuts and advocated for a polluter pays principle in global climate finance, highlighting India's own substantial investments in renewables and carbon capture.

The Union Cabinet has greenlit the Urban Challenge Fund, allocating Rs 1 lakh crore to spur market-linked urban infrastructure over five years. This initiative aims to attract Rs 4 lakh crore in investments, focusing on reform-driven development and citizen-centric projects. A Rs 5,000 crore credit support aims to boost market access for smaller cities.

Delhi is set to revolutionize electricity consumption with a new framework enabling peer-to-peer energy trading. Prosumers with rooftop solar can now sell surplus power directly to other users, transforming homes into mini power plants. This pilot project, launching soon, aims to create a consumer-centric, digitally governed energy ecosystem.

Valentine's Day is driving a significant sales surge for quick commerce platforms and digital-first brands, with categories like sexual wellness, jewelry, and fashion experiencing substantial year-on-year growth. Companies are activating special features and curated lists to capture increased demand, noting a shift towards planned, thoughtful gifting throughout Valentine's week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a Rs 5,450 crore infrastructure drive in Assam, inaugurating the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a vital six-lane bridge, and the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region. He also inaugurated the Indian Institute of Management Guwahati and flagged off 225 electric buses, boosting connectivity, digital infrastructure, and higher education across the Northeast.

India's largest airline, IndiGo, is hiring over 1,000 pilots to address operational disruptions caused by pilot shortages. The recruitment drive follows a December incident where over 5,000 flights were cancelled. The airline is also adjusting network planning and increasing standby crew to manage its rapid fleet expansion.