The Times of India

The choice between the old and the new income tax regime is an important one and every year, taxpayers carefully calculate the tax liability under each before deciding on which one to opt for.

Indian visa applicants face significant US processing delays, with increased 221(g) notices for background checks, including social media and old arrest records. This intensified scrutiny, particularly impacting H-1B visa holders, is causing unprecedented delays and even revocations, leaving many stranded. Biometric requests are also up, extending evaluation times.

As the Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, the EV sector anticipates measures to boost adoption. Deloitte India suggests recalibrated PLI schemes, targeted tax breaks for R&D, and incentives for domestic capital goods manufacturing. These steps aim to reduce import reliance and enhance EV affordability.

The Indian rupee has hit a historic low against the US dollar, making imports like crude oil and electronics pricier for consumers. While this impacts overseas education and travel costs, it offers a silver lining for exporters by increasing their earnings. Experts advise a balanced approach to manage growth and inflation.

India's regional air connectivity scheme is set for a major overhaul. The government plans to financially support airlines operating on remote routes to cover potential losses. This revamp aims to make flights to hinterland destinations commercially viable. The proposal awaits Cabinet approval. The scheme has already disbursed significant subsidies and invested in airport development.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with a US Congressional delegation in New Delhi. Discussions covered India-US relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict. The US Ambassador to India also participated. Both sides expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation. This diplomatic outreach occurs amid ongoing trade talks between the two nations.

A new India-EU free trade agreement is poised to boost trade and lower costs, according to GTRI. The pact leverages the distinct strengths of both economies, with India excelling in labor-intensive production and the EU in capital goods and technology. This synergy is expected to expand trade rather than harm domestic industries, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

Union Budget 2026 will be read less as rhetoric and more as reassurance: Can the state reduce the private burden families carry to make education work? Parents and students expect spending that strengthens classroomsteachers, foundational learning, and a credible path towards 6% of GDP. They also look for digital access beyond fibre, advanced learning beyond metros, paid work pathways, and affordability through scholarships and safer loans, with counselling treated as core infrastructure.

India is shifting its crude oil sourcing, reducing Russian imports due to compliance risks while increasing shipments from the Middle East. Despite a decline, Russian crude remains a significant, albeit more selective, part of India's energy mix, driven by its economic advantages and refinery margins.

Railway Budget 2026: Though budgetary support on infrastructure build remains critical, linking these investments to structural reforms will be essential.

A powerful winter storm has caused widespread US air travel disruptions, leading to over 13,000 flight cancellations and impacting major airports. Airlines are waiving change fees and offering rebooking options, but compensation for meals or lodging during weather-related cancellations is not guaranteed.

The US government is investing $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth, acquiring a 10% stake to support a local mine and magnet production facility. This move aims to bolster domestic rare earth production, with the company also securing $1 billion in private funding. The investment includes government shares and warrants, priced near the company's recent trading levels.

India's gems and jewellery industry is pushing for GST cuts, customs reforms, and policy changes in the Union Budget 2026-2027 to boost exports and competitiveness. Key demands include rationalizing GST on gold and silver jewellery to 1.25% and operationalizing the Tourist GST Refund scheme to attract foreign buyers.

The government should definitely make a uniform policy for accredited investors but with fewer norms. And before angel investors, the government should look at F&Os as they are even riskier and more speculative. Angel investing drives capital formation.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump's pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence. - External pressure - The Fed meets eight times a year to consider interest rate levels, and Michael Pearce of Oxford Economics said the dilemma it faces has eased.

Cuba seeks to bolster economic ties with India across various sectors including agro-industry, biotech, healthcare, IT, renewable energy, sports, and tourism. The nation, a pioneer in biopharma, is also transitioning to renewable energy, presenting collaboration opportunities. Cuba offers land use for businesses and electronic visas, alongside significant tourism infrastructure.

India's maritime sector is poised for a massive Rs 80 lakh crore investment, aiming to reclaim nautical supremacy and create over 1.5 crore jobs. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Vizhinjam port's transformation into a global transshipment hub, underscoring unprecedented progress in the sector under PM Modi's leadership.

A draft National Electricity Policy proposes automatic annual electricity bill hikes if state regulators miss tariff order deadlines. This move aims to prevent utility financial strain but consumer advocates argue it undermines statutory duties and due process, potentially leading to unchecked increases.

The Trump administration, through the FHFA, has significantly raised portfolio caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, allowing them to buy substantially more mortgage bonds. This move aims to lower home loan rates but has reignited concerns about financial risk and policy overreach, reversing post-crisis reforms.

Singapore is set to invest over Sg$1 billion in artificial intelligence research until 2030. This significant funding will establish world-class AI research centers. The initiative aims to build capabilities for industrial AI applications and develop talent through global partnerships. Singapore seeks to strengthen its technological edge and global competitiveness.

US President Donald Trump delivered a pointed ultimatum to Canada, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods should Prime Minister Mark Carney pursue partnerships with China. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, said Trump on Truth Social.

The court, while considering the submissions reiterated that only when all four ingredients are established can a death be termed as dowry death under Section 304-B of the IPC. It emphasized that the prosecution must strictly prove the essential ingredients to attract the provision.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India-EU ties. The trip precedes summit talks where a free trade agreement, a defense partnership, and a mobility framework for professionals are expected to be finalized. The visit underscores the deepening engagement between the two major democracies.

The National Stock Exchange has launched an investor awareness pavilion at the International Kolkata Book Fair, aiming to boost financial literacy. This initiative features interactive tools and workshops to educate the public about securities markets.

EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi for her first official visit, aiming to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. The visit precedes the 16th India-EU Summit and coincides with advanced negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, highlighting deepening cooperation in security, defense, and trade.

India's capital markets regulator, Sebi, has greenlit IPO plans for twelve companies, including Infra.Market's parent, Hella Infra Market, and luxury fashion platform Pernia's Pop-Up Shop. These firms, which filed draft papers between June and October, received Sebi's nod between January 19-23, paving the way for their public offerings.

India's precious metal refiners are urging the government to address duty disparities that disadvantage local operations compared to imported refined bullion. MMTC-PAMP highlights a mismatch in import duties, particularly through the SEPA route, impacting domestic refiners' competitiveness. The industry seeks policy support, including input-related benefits and wider duty differentials, to bolster India's refining capacity and global standing.

India's first final assembly line for commercial fixed-wing aircraft is being considered for Gujarat's Dholera or Andhra's Bhogapuram. Adani Group's joint venture with Embraer is being courted by both states, with a formal announcement expected soon. This facility, similar to the Airbus-Tata venture, could be operational in 4-5 years.

Mphasis CEO Nitin Rakesh assured investors that Blackstone's stake sale is a standard part of its investment cycle, not a reflection of poor performance. Blackstone, holding over 60% since 2016, plans to sell up to 1.8 crore shares via open market transactions, subject to market conditions. This move signals a natural exit strategy for the private equity firm.

Ashok Leyland's MD highlights the urgent need for a robust vehicle scrappage policy to modernize India's truck fleet. This initiative is crucial for reducing pollution and logistics expenses, as the average age of trucks has significantly increased, impacting operational efficiency and costs.

Textile Minister Giriraj Singh anticipates a trade deal with the EU within four days, highlighting stable garment export growth despite global economic challenges. He attributed this resilience to market diversification, with exports reaching Rs 1,01,000 crore in April-December 2025. Singh also refuted claims by Rahul Gandhi regarding US tariffs crippling the sector.

Indian apparel exporters face US tariff challenges, with some like Shishir Kapoor unaffected due to their premium clientele. Others, however, are pivoting to Europe and the UK, seeking new trade agreements and diversifying markets. Despite geopolitical hurdles, companies are adapting by focusing on new product lines and exploring emerging markets like Russia and Australia.

The Centre has approved a Rs 11,640-crore payout for employees of public sector general insurers, RBI, and Nabard, covering wage and pension resets. State-owned general insurers will receive the largest share of Rs 8,170 crore. This comes as three PSU insurers face solvency concerns, potentially leading to budgetary capital infusion and speculation about consolidation or stake sales.

Mumbai-based payments infrastructure startup Juspay has achieved unicorn status, securing $50 million from WestBridge Capital at a $1.2 billion valuation. This funding round, including a secondary component for early investors and employees, marks the company's significant growth. Juspay, powering global merchants and banks, processes over 300 million daily transactions, underscoring its robust business model and market traction.

Market watchdog Sebi is probing alleged insider trading in Yes Bank shares during a $1.1 billion deal in July 2022. Notices have been issued to executives from PwC, EY, Carlyle Group, and Advent International, along with their relatives and a former Yes Bank board member. Investigations reveal potential misuse of unpublished price-sensitive information for illegal gains.

The rupee hit a new low against the dollar, prompting the RBI to intervene by selling dollars. Simultaneously, the central bank injected liquidity into the banking system and conducted a dollar-rupee swap, which boosted forex reserves to over $700 billion. These actions demonstrate a delicate balancing act by policymakers.

Dalal Street witnessed a significant downturn on Friday as the Sensex plunged 770 points and the Nifty slid 241 points. Investor sentiment was dampened by a weakening rupee and substantial foreign fund selling, driven by geopolitical concerns. This selling pressure resulted in a loss of Rs 6.9 lakh crore for investors.

Silver reached an unprecedented $100 per ounce for the first time, while gold neared $5,000 per ounce. This surge is driven by geopolitical uncertainties, a declining dollar, and strong industrial demand for silver, particularly from EV, semiconductor, and solar sectors. Analysts also cite a historic short squeeze in silver and China's export controls as contributing factors.