The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Cabinet has approved the Union Budget 2026-27, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present it in the Lok Sabha. This marks Sitharaman's ninth Budget and the third for the current NDA government, presented amidst global economic uncertainties. The Budget will be delivered in a paperless format, continuing the trend initiated in previous years.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday arrived in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, which will be presented today by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Budget 2026 Speech PDF: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026, carrying the documents on a digital tablet inside a bahi-khata pouch, continuing the paperless format. Selected students will witness the presentation live and will also interact with Ministry of Finance officials, giving them valuable exposure to governance and policy-making.

Ram Charan twins baby news: Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela are now parents to three as they welcomed twin baby boy and a girl. Last year, Upsana, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, found herself at the centre of a heated national debate after advising women students at IIT Hyderabad to freeze eggs to prioritise their careers and plan motherhood on their own terms. Upasana is the granddaughter of Prathap C Reddy, founder of Apollo Hospitals, and many accused her of promoting IVF and fe

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 3 release time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The new episode titled The Squire streams on HBO Max and partner platforms worldwide. Here is the full release time, streaming platforms, episode list, and season update.

SynopsisJujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 20 sees an aged, god-tier Yuji Itadori battle the extraterrestrial Simurians in 2086 Tokyo. As Yuka and Tsurugi Okkotsu face abduction threats, Yuji unleashes Black Flash on command to stop Dabura. Experience the ultimate shonen evolution in this high-stakes sequel.

Budget 2026 Key Announcements for Common Man: Union Budget 2026 has arrived, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting her ninth consecutive Budget. Continuing the paperless format, she carried the documents on a digital tablet inside a bahi-khata pouch, symbolising a clear break from colonial traditions. Selected students will witness the presentation live and interact with officials, gaining valuable insights into governance and policy-making.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for FY27 on February 1, focusing on growth, fiscal discipline, and reforms. Key numbers to watch include the fiscal deficit target, capital expenditure, debt reduction roadmap, borrowing program, tax revenue projections, and nominal GDP growth assumptions.

Veteran actress Tabu, known for her powerful performances, once talked about her childhood and identity in an old interview. She revealed growing up with her maternal grandparents and explained her decision not to use her father's surname, Hashmi, stating it never felt essential to her. Read on to know more about it!

Foreign buyers, particularly from South America, are driving demand for upscale apartments in prime districts, making Madrid a top global investment hub.

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao faces questioning by the Telangana SIT today. The inquiry concerns alleged phone tapping during the previous BRS government. Rao will appear at his Hyderabad residence. The BRS has called for peaceful protests against the action. The case involves widespread unauthorized phone surveillance. Rao has raised legal objections regarding the questioning venue.

Hyundai Motor India reported strong sales figures for January. Total sales saw an 11.5 percent increase, reaching 73,137 units. Domestic dispatches to dealers grew by 9 percent to 59,107 units. Exports also showed a significant rise, with 14,030 units shipped.

Senior YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu was arrested in Guntur after allegedly making disparaging remarks about Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The arrest followed high drama and protests. The YSRCP accused the ruling party of a murder attempt on Rambabu and alleged a breakdown of law and order in Andhra Pradesh. They sought intervention from central authorities.

High salaries in Bengaluru and Mumbai appear attractive. However, chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik reveals hidden costs. Long commutes and lifestyle inflation reduce the actual value of compensation. Professionals often sacrifice health and family time. This can lead to a depletion of life's most valuable resources. Jobs with lower pay but fewer hidden costs may offer better net well-being.

Professional athletes are increasingly targeted by burglars who exploit their public schedules and valuable possessions.

Budget 2026 simplified: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026. The budget outlines the government's economic roadmap. Key themes include inclusive development and accelerating growth. The budget focuses on the poor, youth, farmers, and women. It also details fiscal deficit targets and capital expenditure plans. Taxpayer information and MSME support measures are also highlighted.

2026 Budget at a Glance PDF: As Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, focus is on potential tax reforms and regulatory simplification. Last year's budget prioritized infrastructure, employment, MSME support, manufacturing, agriculture, green growth, digital infrastructure, urban development, human capital, and social protection. Taxpayers and industry leaders anticipate further measures to encourage private investment following a year of consolidation-led policymaking.

Gunshots were fired outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai home. Police have increased security and are investigating the incident. Four rounds were discharged near the Juhu building. No one was injured, and Shetty was inside his residence at the time. Read on to know more about it.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu today. She will present her ninth Union Budget. The budget aims to sustain growth and maintain fiscal discipline. Reforms are expected to buffer the economy from global trade frictions. The budget faces global uncertainties and domestic pressures to boost consumption and job creation.

Budget 2026 Key Takeaways: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 today, outlining the government's economic direction for the fiscal year. Key announcements included significant changes to the income tax structure, with no tax up to Rs 12 lakh income in the new regime. The budget also focused on spurring agricultural growth, boosting manufacturing, and supporting MSMEs.

Alia Bhatt breaks her silence on the online speculation about her marriage to Ranbir Kapoor. She explained that social media noise feels disconnected from reality, and they often laugh off comments. For Alia, feeling safe and secure with family is paramount, a feeling that shields them from external opinions. Read on!

Anand Mahindra praised Key Monastery in Spiti as 'Heaven on Earth'. This ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery is a vital spiritual hub. It houses revered reincarnations and maintains strong historical ties. The monastery dazzles with ancient art and preserves sacred scriptures. Approximately 200 monks live and study here. Key Gompa captivates with its architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced major development plans for Dibang Valley district. A feasibility study will assess an Advanced Landing Ground at Anini. Projects include a community hall, a new road and a PWD office. A research center for medicinal plants will be established. Solar streetlights will be installed in Anini township.

Producer Shailendra Singh makes serious allegations regarding a film he developed. He claims Amitabh Bachchan was paid Rs 4 crore for a project titled Johnny Walker. The producer alleges Big B wanted to produce it under AB Corp, leading to Singh losing control. Read on to know what happens next.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares the Union Budget for FY2026-27, a core team of senior bureaucrats is shaping its fiscal strategy. Anuradha Thakur, Arvind Shrivastava, Vumlunmang Vualnam, M Nagaraju, Arunish Chawla, K Moses Chalai, and V Anantha Nageswaran are key figures. Their work involves taxation, expenditure, disinvestment, and financial sector policy.

Tariff: Trump last week said he would impose a 100% tariffs on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China.

Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget today, February 1, 2026. Taxpayers, businesses, and markets await announcements for FY27. Expectations are high for tax relief, spending priorities, and growth measures. The budget follows last year's focus on middle-class tax relief, capital spending, manufacturing, and jobs.

A Bengaluru CA's first hire quit within three months due to a lack of clarity and shifting goals, highlighting the critical need for structure in early-stage startups. Realizing enthusiasm isn't enough, she implemented detailed role descriptions, measurable goals, and regular check-ins for her next recruit, leading to significantly improved retention and performance.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that India is likely to source its oil from Venezuela rather than Iran, as Washington continues to push its partners to cut ties with Tehran.

Commercial LPG cylinder prices have increased by 49 from February 1, impacting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. The 19-kg cylinder now costs 1,740.50 in Delhi. Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged, offering relief to households.

A Sydney man has been charged with multiple offences, including stalking and procuring a child for prostitution, after allegedly impersonating a Disney casting agent. He is accused of offering fake film and TV roles in exchange for sexual favours to young actors. The accused, Gerard Vamadevan, was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Weather Today: Delhi is under a yellow alert for Sunday with forecasts of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds due to a western disturbance. Minimum temperatures dipped on Saturday, and while cloud cover may raise night temperatures on Sunday, they are expected to fall again by Thursday. Air quality has worsened to 'very poor'.

Tollywood star Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela have welcomed twins, a baby boy and a baby girl. The joyous news was confirmed by megastar Chiranjeevi, who expressed immense gratitude as a proud grandfather. Both babies and Upasana are reported to be healthy, marking a significant new chapter for the family.

Unidentified individuals fired four rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence in Juhu early Sunday. Police and crime branch teams are investigating the incident, which led to intensified security and a forensic team collecting evidence. No injuries were reported.

Venezuela: Less than a month after the United States ousted leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, his former vice president Delcy Rodriguez has gone further than expected by critics toward restoring the rule of law, as sought by Washington.

The final global treaty restricting nuclear weapon deployment, New START, is set to expire on Thursday, leaving the US and Russia without limitations. Despite Russian President Putin's suggestion for a one-year extension, President Trump has remained largely silent, reportedly seeking to involve China in future arms control talks.

NASA is conducting a practice countdown for its new moon rocket. This test is crucial for the upcoming lunar flyby mission. Four astronauts will be the first to travel to the moon since 1972. The mission will see them orbit the moon and return to Earth. The earliest launch date is now February 8.

A vast release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations has revealed interactions between the financier and numerous powerful men, including Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson. Many individuals have denied close ties or involvement in Epstein's alleged crimes, though some maintained friendships even after his notoriety as a predator.

CA Abhishek Walia argues that an excessive pursuit of stability early in a career can hinder long-term growth. This over-emphasis on safety can lead to skill stagnation, reduced options, and a fear of necessary risks, ultimately resulting in a plateaued career. He suggests that some early-career instability can actually foster faster learning and adaptability, building valuable momentum.

Starting financial investments early in your 20s is crucial for wealth creation. A small sum invested at 25 can grow significantly by age 60 due to compounding. Delaying investments until 40 requires a much larger initial amount to achieve similar results. Income growth later cannot compensate for lost compounding time.

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey stressed the need for professional conscience over mere technical compliance in the financial sector. Corporate failures occur even with existing rules, highlighting a lack of courage. Pandey noted the growing IPOs signal trust in Indian markets. He emphasized that ethical judgment, not just regulations, guides financial governance. Chartered accountants must act as custodians of trust.

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make parliamentary history with her ninth consecutive Budget presentation. This year's Budget acts as a bridge, focusing on smoother implementation of tax laws and addressing business friction points rather than major announcements.

A Reddit post shared about a new employee being put on a Performance Improvement Plan after just two weeks has sparked discussions about workplace norms. The employee fell seriously ill early, missed days, then got a short, vague PIP without proper metrics. Recruited by a former colleague, they felt blindsided after declining another offer.

Many people on Reddit say plumbing is one of the best jobs for young people. It gives steady income, job security, and chances to start your own business. Plumbing cannot be replaced by computers and is needed everywhere. This makes it a future-safe and reliable career compared to stressful office jobs in tech or finance.

A Reddit worker says he is underpaid despite long hours and heavy work. He claims his boss earns much more but refuses a raise. The worker compares his pay to the bosss childs school fees, making people angry online. The post spreads fast as users discuss low salaries, work pressure, and fairness at jobs.

Asked about the strategic priorities in the US, he added: Not only the US, but we have interest in selling innovative medicines globally... for emerging markets we are looking at tuck-ins or smaller acquisitions which we can look at integrating with our existing business to get scale in the emerging markets. Shanghvi added.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had seen eports of an email message from the so-called Epstein files that contained a eference to the Prime Minister and his visit to Israel. Beyond the fact of the prime minister's official visit to Israel in July 2017, the rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt, Jaiswal said.