The Economic Times

The government, Anuradha Thakur said, intends to stay on the fiscal consolidation path and reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. This will weigh down the Centre's borrowing costs and free up resources for priority sector spending, Thakur said at a post-budget event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Quote of the day by Ben Bernanke: Former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke clarifies that a gold standard stabilizes gold prices, not everyday goods and services. This distinction is crucial for understanding monetary policy's real-world impact on people's wallets. Bernanke's insights help demystify economic debates by focusing on practical effects rather than theoretical hopes.

State-owned HAL is shifting focus to the commercial aviation market. The company aims for 25% of its revenue from this sector within five years. HAL plans to leverage aircraft like the SJ-100 and Hindustan-228 for this expansion. This move is supported by government incentives for local aircraft manufacturing. HAL is also collaborating with Russian firms for aircraft production and leasing.

ISRO plans another PSLV rocket launch in June. This follows two recent mission failures. Minister Jitendra Singh stated sabotage is not suspected. He assured that reasons for the failures were different. ISRO has set up committees to analyze the issues. Foreign customers and private investors continue to trust ISRO's capabilities.

New initiatives aim to boost credit access for the unbanked. The BAANKNET app and Digital Balance Confirmation Platform were launched to streamline property auctions and audits. The PSB Alliance is encouraged to broaden its services. These steps support financial inclusion and efficiency. India's banking sector shows robust health with declining NPAs and steady credit growth.

The Union Budget proposes changes to provident fund trust rules. These changes aim to simplify business operations and reduce legal disputes. Employer contributions to provident funds will no longer need to match employee contributions. Tax on employer contributions exceeding 12% of wages is also being removed.

Budget 2026: The microfinance sector did not receive budget credit guarantee support. However, it anticipates that proposals aimed at increasing rural incomes will enhance the repayment capacity of its customers. Focus on fisheries, animal husbandry, and high-value agriculture through credit-linked programs is expected to strengthen income diversification.

India's spiritual travel sector is poised for significant growth. The government is investing heavily in temple towns and Buddhist circuits. New high-speed rail corridors will connect major pilgrimage sites. This focus on infrastructure and amenities will attract more travelers, including families and experience seekers, to destinations like Ayodhya and Varanasi.

Home loan demand is set for a significant boost. The Union Budget has sharply increased subsidy allocations for key housing schemes. This move will directly improve affordability and credit uptake, especially for first-time homebuyers and lower-income households. Housing finance companies anticipate a more sustainable demand environment. The schemes will also generate employment during construction.

India's electric passenger vehicle market saw a 51% year-on-year surge in January 2026 sales, reaching 18,059 units. While Tata Motors maintained leadership, its market share declined as Mahindra & Mahindra and newcomer VinFast gained significant ground. This shift highlights intensifying competition driven by new models and improved infrastructure.

A cricket match between India and Pakistan is a highly anticipated event, driving significant advertising revenue due to its large viewership. Brands often align their major advertising campaigns with the Cricket World Cup, specifically targeting the India-Pakistan game. JioStar aims to generate over Rs 2,000 crore in advertising revenue from the tournament across television and digital platforms. The absence of an India-Pakistan match could result in an estimated revenue loss of up to 20%. Subs

India may halt Russian oil imports after a US trade deal, pivoting to US and Venezuelan crude. The shift could reshape global oil flows and prices, as refiners move away from discounted Russian supplies.

Mirchi has secured exclusive rights as the official private FM radio partner for live score updates of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The radio network will provide audio coverage and on-ground reporting from stadiums, bringing fans closer to the tournament's action and atmosphere.

Smaaash Leisure, a popular entertainment operator, has been admitted to insolvency proceedings. The company failed to repay its dues, leading to the application by JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction. The National Company Law Tribunal has appointed an interim resolution professional to manage the process. This development follows a loan default in December 2020.

This marked the fourth straight month of a double-digit growth in domestic car sales. Car sales grew by 17% in October, 19% in November, and 27% in December, as consumers rushed to showrooms to benefit from price cuts on cars and SUVs following a reduction in goods and services tax (GST) with effect from September 22.

English news channel Times Now celebrates 20 years of operations, marking the milestone with curated conversations featuring prominent figures from politics, sport, and entertainment. Launched in 2006 with a focus on accountability-driven journalism, the channel has become a household name, shaping India's modern history.

The UK on Monday sanctioned 10 individuals, including Iran's interior minister and police chiefs, for their roles in ecent brutality against protesters, the British foreign ministry said. The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest, said UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper.

A Reddit user shared how they overcame a six-month employment gap after their startup failed by using a cousin as a fake reference during a background check. They prepped their cousin for twenty minutes on projects and shortcomings, and the HR team never caught the deception. Reddit users discussed similar experiences.

Prices of existing smartphone models have risen by 1,000 to 3,000. Market trackers said new models being rolled out in early 2026 are expected to be priced 2,000-5,000 higher than their predecessors.

Fuel demand saw a positive trend in January, with petrol sales up 5.6% and diesel by 3%, driven by increased personal mobility and goods movement. Aviation fuel and LPG consumption also rose, reflecting a robust economic expansion. This growth continues the upward trajectory seen in the April-January period.

HOOD stock today: Robinhood shares experienced a sharp decline on Monday, extending a losing streak and hitting a multi-month low. Investors are weighing near-term risks like crypto market weakness and softer trading volumes against the company's long-term growth potential. Despite volatility, analysts like Piper Sandler remain bullish on its future prospects.

US manufacturing saw growth in January, the first in a year. New orders and production improved, boosting the ISM index. However, businesses express caution. Holiday reordering and anticipation of price hikes influenced activity. Tariffs continue to create uncertainty and slow supply chain shifts. Despite some positive signs, firms remain hesitant about expansion.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will launch a six-month rapid survey in April to assess the economic contribution of functional cooperatives across India. This initiative aims to estimate their gross value added, gross value of output, and employment generation for financial years 2020-21 and 2023-24, addressing existing data gaps.

Gold and silver prices saw significant swings on Monday. Prices dropped in the morning but recovered later in the day. These fluctuations confused consumers and impacted sales. However, some investors bought gold and silver at lower prices, supporting the market. This comes after gold and silver prices fell from their all-time highs earlier this year.

West Bengal Special Task Force has seized a massive haul of Ganja. Approximately 296 kilograms of the contraband, valued at 80 lakh Indian Rupees, was recovered. Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with this significant seizure. The Ganja was reportedly transported from North Bengal. The arrests and recovery took place in Moyna, North 24 Parganas district.

US-India trade deal news: The Trump administration is removing a 25% tariff on Indian imports previously imposed due to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. This action follows India's agreement to cease buying Russian oil, with a country-specific tariff also being reduced to 18%.

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield hit 4.27% this week. The 30-year yield climbed near 4.90%. Investors are ditching safe-havens for growth. This shift follows President Trump nominating Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh may shrink the Feds $6.6 trillion balance sheet rapidly. High bond yields are now competing with stocks. This ear steepening creates a volatile, data-driven market for global debt.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stressed the urgent necessity of deploying additional troops to Balochistan, citing the province's vast territory and a troubling spike in militant activity. He drew attention to the intertwined nature of criminality and terrorism, alleging that certain factions in Balochistan receive backing from India.

FanCode has secured exclusive broadcast rights for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, partnering with KPS Studios for production. The acquisition signifies FanCode's commitment to digital-first experiences for mobile audiences, aiming to enhance fan engagement and expand the league's reach across India.

XRP price crash today: XRP experienced a significant price drop in early February, reaching its lowest point since December 2024. This decline occurred as a widespread cryptocurrency sell-off intensified, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. XRP's market capitalization fell below $97 billion, with many other altcoins also facing substantial losses.

Quote of the day by Tiger Woods, You want to win? Then stay obsessed with improvement. Stay disciplined when others relax. Stay focused when pressure rises Fifteen strokes defined it. That is how Tiger Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open, the largest margin in major history. That moment reset elite sports standards. Golf shifted from leisure to high-performance athletics. Fitness became mandatory. Data replaced instinct. Mental resilience outweighed tradition. Todays athletes train for domination, not

The United States will lower its import tariff on Indian goods to 18 percent. This follows a phone call between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India is expected to reciprocate by removing its own tariffs and trade barriers on US products. This development comes after a period of trade disputes between the two nations.

A Reddit post detailing a job seekers frustration with AI-driven interview processes has sparked debate over the growing use of automated screening in hiring. The candidate criticised multi-step assessments that rely on video interviews, personality tests and technical tasks before any human interaction, arguing that such systems reduce applicants to data points and discourage fair negotiation.

A job seeker shared how a simple reply to a rejection email led to an interview call. Instead of staying silent, they sent a polite and respectful message. The recruiter noticed the good attitude and shared the resume with another team. The story shows that kindness and professionalism can sometimes open new doors in a tough job search.

Mumbai residents face new fines for cleanliness breaches. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has introduced penalties for 21 offenses. Fines range from Rs 200 to Rs 25,000. These rules aim to improve city hygiene. Spitting, littering, and improper waste disposal will now incur significant charges. Stricter enforcement is in effect for all citizens.

Joe Bidens quote, Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable, shows a philosophy transformed by decades of public service and personal challenges. The statement separates failure from quitting, making setbacks as unavoidable and even necessary, while featuring perseverance as a responsibility to oneself. Bidens life, marked by both tragedy and recovery, offers the quote added authenticity.

India's aviation regulator DGCA has supplied the Competition Commission with detailed airline data, including route information, market share, and average airfares. This information is being used to assess whether IndiGo engaged in unfair business practices following significant flight disruptions in early December 2025. The government remains committed to reviewing regulatory frameworks to ensure fair market practices and consumer welfare.

BJP's C Sadanandan Master initiated the debate on the President's Address by accusing Kerala's Left of violence and intolerance, recounting his own leg amputation. The Opposition countered, alleging a societal rift, attacks on minorities, and rising economic disparity, questioning the government's development claims and inclusive growth.

India plans 40 km of underground railway tracks along the strategic Chicken's Neck corridor connecting West Bengal and the Northeast. This development comes amid concerns over Chinese involvement in a WWII airbase near the Indian border. The government has allocated a record Rs 11,486 crore for railway projects in Assam and the Northeast.

Hrithik Roshan revealed his post-workout meal, which he calls his Indian mishmash. The plate features jowar rotis, a mix of vegetables like bhindi, beetroot, baingan, papdi, and lauki, along with egg whites and daal, providing a balanced combination of protein, fibre, and nutrients. The actors choice highlights that traditional Indian food can be both nourishing and satisfying after exercise, reflecting his playful and mindful approach to fitness and diet.

MSTR stock today: Strategy's stock tumbled as Bitcoin dipped below the company's average purchase price of $76,052, sparking concerns about its crypto strategy. Despite holding over 713,000 Bitcoin, the firm's equity premium has vanished, impacting its ability to fund further acquisitions. The company recently bought more Bitcoin, even as its holdings' value decreased.