The Economic Times

In the years that the government was exiting one business after another, the Budget was a huge event. There was money to be made punting on which these sectors would be and which business would make the most of it. Tax rates were so high that hiding ones income from the taxman was the biggest concern. We are well past the days of such drama.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 88th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how these debt instruments function.

Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various asset classes. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Understanding a stock's true worth beyond its market price is crucial for investors. Valuation helps identify undervalued opportunities, manage risk with a margin of safety, and allocate capital effectively. While short-term prices fluctuate, long-term trends show convergence with intrinsic value. Both absolute and relative valuation methods offer insights, but require careful analysis.

Financial year-end targets fuel aggressive sales tactics in insurance. Customers are being sold policies they do not need, often through cold calls or bank relationships. This mis-selling is a growing concern, with many victims unaware of their rights or how to seek redressal. Regulators face challenges in curbing this pervasive practice.

Defaults at GripInvest and other bond platforms expose how curated and secured labels are masking credit risks in high-yield bonds and loan pools being marketed to retail investors.

SBI Pension Funds is launching the Swasthya Pension Scheme to build medical expenditure funds. Pranay Dwivedi highlights its flexibility and tax benefits. He also addresses the fund's equity performance, noting a strategic shift towards growth. Dwivedi emphasizes safety and consistency for subscribers. The NPS aims to increase adoption through digital channels and improved clarity.

The National Pension System is piloting NPS Swasthya, a scheme to cover medical expenses. Subscribers can contribute to a dedicated account, with partial withdrawals available for medical needs. This initiative aims to provide a financial buffer for healthcare costs, complementing existing health insurance.

India's crypto exchanges are delisting privacy tokens like Zcash and Dash following new AML/CFT rules. This forces investors to rebalance portfolios or face automatic liquidation into stablecoins. The move aims for safer markets and higher compliance, impacting taxation and investor exit strategies.

Data shows that smart beta strategies have been highly volatile and cyclical in the short-to-medium term. These strategies have delivered higher returns and outperformed in a bull market but have also underperformed and incurred severe negative drawdowns in a bear market.

The full benefit of RBIs 125 basis points rate cut last year is yet to flow evenly to non-bank borrowers or those with older benchmark-linked loans. Changing lenders or part prepayment may ease their woes.

Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth budget emphasized continuity, focusing on GDP growth and increased capital expenditure. While fiscal consolidation continues slowly, the budget introduced a securities transaction tax hike on derivatives and taxed buybacks, aiming to curb speculation and tax arbitrage. Asset monetisation is also being prioritized over outright PSU privatization.

The Union Budget is set to transform property demand significantly. By accelerating urbanisation, it will invigorate city economies and foster new property opportunities beyond the traditional hubs. Urban centres stand to become vital growth engines, with real estate gaining from enhanced connectivity and the clustering of jobs.

As per industry officials, the announcement suggests a move toward modernising their business models, which may include better risk management and adoption of market-driven approaches.

The exemptions, which were due to expire in March, will now remain in place for another two years, according to the memorandum to the Finance Bill, 2026. The move removes the risk of near-term price increases that manufacturers had been weighing in case the benefits were to be withdrawn.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026-27 prioritizes stability and resilience. The fiscal deficit remains controlled, while capital expenditure sees a historic rise. Strategic sectors like electronics and biopharma receive a boost. The services sector, a key growth driver, gains renewed emphasis with tax reforms. Direct tax laws are simplified.

The Sixteenth Finance Commission proposes ending revenue deficit grants. States' share in divisible taxes remains 41% from April 1, 2026. A new criterion, states' GDP contribution, is added for fund distribution. Stricter fiscal discipline is advised for states. The Centre has accepted most recommendations, including vertical and horizontal devolution.

A new partial credit guarantee fund will support private developers. This will help lenders by reducing risks. Investments will flow into long-gestation and urban infrastructure projects. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the fund aims to boost private sector confidence. This initiative will lower capital costs, making public services more affordable.

A new committee will review India's banking sector. It aims to create fewer, larger banks. This will help fund big projects for India's growth. The panel will also look at ownership rules for private banks. This could attract more foreign investors. The goal is to align banks with India's vision for a developed nation by 2047.

The Union Budget emphasizes fiscal discipline and growth. It supports ease of doing business and living, boosting employment. Key initiatives target sunrise sectors and MSMEs. Investments in digital infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare are highlighted. Banking reforms and infrastructure project support are also planned. Public capital expenditure remains a priority for infrastructure creation.

The Union Budget 2026-27 is set to transform India's real estate market. It will boost urbanisation and extend economic opportunities to cities beyond the largest metros. This budget focuses on developing regional economic hubs, integrating tier-2 and tier-3 cities. An allocation of 5,000 crore will improve urban infrastructure. This will support housing, retail, and hospitality sectors in smaller urban centers.

India's latest budget prioritizes fiscal consolidation with a gentle approach, focusing on capital expenditure to counter elusive private investment and geopolitical risks. The industrial strategy aims to boost electronics, support labor-intensive sectors against rising tariffs, and derisk critical supply chains. However, risks include state fiscal wobbles, potential disruption in rural employment schemes, and neglect of mega-city livability.

India plans to significantly boost its global services sector share to ten percent by 2047. A new panel will identify growth areas and assess technology's impact on jobs. The government is emphasizing digital services, health, education, and tourism. Tax holidays are offered for cloud services using Indian data centers.

India's 2026 budget focuses on predictable growth. It aims to attract global investment with clear tax rules for technology and data centers. Manufacturing in critical areas like defense and advanced electronics is also a priority. Reforms simplify business operations. This strategy positions India for long-term growth and a key role in global supply chains.

India's new budget champions manufacturing, aiming to significantly increase its contribution to the nation's GDP. Key sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and textiles receive substantial funding. Initiatives like the Biopharma SHAKTI program and production-linked incentives are designed to build domestic capacity and reduce reliance on imports. This strategic focus supports job creation and economic growth.

India is set to become a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated 10,000 crore program over five years. This initiative focuses on biosimilars and biologics, crucial for treating non-communicable diseases. The move aims to boost manufacturing, regulation, and clinical trials, positioning India for future global competition.

Budget 2026: India's nuclear power ambitions receive a boost. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has extended customs duty exemptions on imports for nuclear projects until 2035. This move supports the nation's goal of increasing nuclear capacity significantly. Both large and small reactors will benefit from this policy. This encourages a cleaner energy future for India.

India's minimum alternate tax rules are changing significantly from April 1, 2026. The MAT rate will drop to 14%. New MAT credits will not be allowed. Companies can use old MAT credits, but only a quarter of their tax bill each year. This aims to simplify taxes and guide businesses to a lower 22% corporate tax rate.

In an exciting move, the government is unveiling a comprehensive plan aimed at rejuvenating 200 historic industrial clusters across the nation. With a substantial 3,000 crore budget earmarked for state-of-the-art plug-and-play industrial parks, this initiative promises to elevate infrastructure and technology, enhancing their competitive edge.

The Indian budget has eliminated basic customs duty on civilian aircraft components, significantly boosting plans by Adani Group and HAL to manufacture passenger planes domestically. HAL aims to partner with Russia's Sukhoi for the SJ-100, while Adani will assemble Embraer aircraft. A scheme to support local seaplane manufacturing was also announced.

India Budget: The Finance Bill 2026 introduces significant changes to the Income Tax Act. Minor and technical tax offenses will no longer lead to criminal proceedings. Instead, these will be resolved through fines and penalties. This move aims to streamline tax processes and ease the compliance burden for businesses.

In an effort to support its economy, India is slashing import duties on marine products and footwear, seeking to counterbalance tariffs imposed by the US. Additionally, the government is extending the timelines for exporters in the leather and textile sectors, allowing for improved financial management and reduced uncertainties.

India's Union Budget 2026-27 introduces a comprehensive customs overhaul, featuring duty relief for manufacturing and exports, and a single digital window for faster clearances. Measures aim to boost competitiveness in sectors like textiles and footwear, while rationalizing duties on strategic imports to enhance market access with the US.

India plans to launch 20 inland waterways and boost local container manufacturing. A new scheme will support coastal cargo movement. This aims to reduce empty container imports and promote domestic production. Initiatives will also incentivize shifting cargo from road and rail to waterways.

India is set to develop seven new high-speed rail corridors spanning 4,000 km, aiming to significantly reduce travel times and promote sustainable transport. These ambitious projects, expected to attract 16 lakh crore in investments, will build upon existing bullet train experiences. The government also announced an East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor to enhance cargo movement.

On budget day, investors and savers will notice that life goes on as usual. Despite some tweaks in tax regulations and the investment arena, there are no dramatic upheavals. The updates include slight modifications to the securities transaction tax affecting equity derivatives and capital gains on sovereign gold bonds. Meanwhile, the emphasis on nurturing a vibrant corporate bond market persists.

The Indian budget aims for long-term economic growth, competitiveness, and future readiness. It focuses on strategic sectors like nuclear power, data centers, and semiconductors. Incentives are provided for manufacturing and global capability centers. The budget also supports MSMEs with a new growth fund. This plan offers a credible path to boost the economy.

A Russian drone strike on Dnipro killed 15 mineworkers, hours after peace talks were rescheduled. The attack, targeting energy sector workers, injured seven others. Meanwhile, Russian drones also hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia. Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are now set for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi.

Twitter down: There were more than 19,281 reports of issues with the social media platform 'X'.

Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, is gearing up for its digital premiere after a mixed theatrical run during the Christmas 2025 period. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the romantic comedy revolves around a modern wedding planner whose practical approach to relationships is challenged when he crosses paths with a writer who believes in old-school romance. The film explores contrasting ideas of love, personal responsibility, and family commitments as their

The Union Budget has allocated significant funds for Parliament's operations. The Lok Sabha will receive Rs 1,009 crore, covering staff, MPs' facilities, and Sansad TV. The Rajya Sabha is allocated Rs 482.99 crore for its secretariat, chairman, deputy chairman, and leader of the opposition. The Vice President's secretariat also receives funds for staff and expenses.

From elegant swordplay and meditative samurai combat to WWII tank warfare, buddy-cop chaos, and hard-edged revenge, these five action films offer a wide range of thrills. Spanning historical epics, war dramas, action comedies, and gritty modern shootouts, each pick delivers standout performances, striking visuals, and high-stakes storytellingmaking them strong streaming choices for viewers craving adrenaline in different forms.

The Union Budget for 2026-27 earmarks Rs 3,400 crore for the Ministry of Minority Affairs. This represents an increase from the previous year's estimate. A significant portion, Rs 831.7 crore, is dedicated to educational empowerment for minority students. Central sector schemes and projects receive Rs 1,197.97 crore.

The Union Budget 2026-27 is set to boost economic growth. Morgan Stanley reports the budget balances fiscal consolidation with growth support. Capital expenditure remains a focus, aiding near-term expansion and future capacity. The budget signals a strategic shift towards manufacturing, particularly in high-value sectors like semiconductors. Support for services exports aims to increase India's global trade share.

The Union Budget 2026-27 boosts funding for pollution control initiatives. Allocations for schemes like the National Clean Air Programme and the Central Pollution Control Board have seen increases. The budget also earmarks funds for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage projects. This move signals a commitment to environmental protection and a green transition.

India is significantly boosting its weather forecasting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated Rs 1,342 crore for Mission Mausam. This ambitious initiative will use advanced technologies and computing to improve weather monitoring and prediction. The Ministry of Earth Sciences receives a total of Rs 3,789.23 crore. The Deep Ocean Mission also receives funding for exploration and technology development.

A Reddit post has sparked debate after a restaurant manager claimed upper management pressured employees to report to work during severe winter storms, even suggesting they walk to work when roads were unsafe. With blizzard conditions disrupting travel and business sharply down, workers questioned the lack of empathy and safety considerations.

Iran has warned of regional conflict if the United States attacks. This comes amid heightened tensions and increased U.S. naval presence in the Middle East. Iran also designated European Union armies as terrorist groups. This move is a direct response to the EU's earlier decision to label Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.