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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the private sector's crucial role in India's economic future, urging bold investments in innovation and capacity. He highlighted his government's commitment to reforms and decisive governance, while also stressing the need for the private sector to share productivity gains with workers and invest in R&D and quality.

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.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Lok Sabha will debate and vote on a no-confidence motion against the Speaker on March 9. This follows a submission by 118 Congress MPs alleging partisan conduct. Historically, such motions against Speakers are rare, with past instances including those against GV Mavalankar, Sardar Hukum Singh, and Balram Jakhar.

Jammu and Kashmir security agencies have frozen over 8,000 mule accounts in three years, identifying them as crucial for global scam networks and potential funding of anti-national activities. These accounts facilitate the conversion of stolen money into untraceable cryptocurrency, with authorities urging banks and law enforcement to curb their rise and identify mulers who manage them.

Isha Yoga Center's Mahashivratri, themed 'Ganga', will be a global livestream event on February 15-16, featuring sign language interpretation and broadcasts in 23 languages. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest. The program includes guided meditations by Sadhguru, musical performances, and for the first time, Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam.

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.

Asaduddin Owaisi alleged the BJP-led government is trying to snatch citizenship rights through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming it will be conducted in Telangana and Maharashtra. He also condemned the alleged harassment of a Muslim bun vendor by YouTubers, demanding action against them.

At the heart of the row is Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government-owned company that manufactures Mysuru Sandal Soap. Founded during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the brand is not merely a commercial product. For many Kannadigas, it is an aromatic symbol of heritage. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K Sudhakar accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of displaying what he called an anti-Kannada mindset.

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.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's PM-elect Tarique Rahman, following the BNP's landslide victory. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany Birla. This event marks a significant diplomatic shift for Dhaka, especially after former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent exile in India. The new BNP government's stance will be closely observed.

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.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of betraying farmers through the India-US trade deal, raising concerns about GM maize imports and potential pressure on Indian crops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted these claims, calling them lies and asserting that farmers' interests are protected in trade agreements with the US, EU, and UK.

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.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged deep inner reflection and devotion this Mahashivratri, emphasizing meditation and chanting to elevate spiritual practice. Prime Minister Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings, praying for well-being and prosperity. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed with reverence across India.

According to the Pew Research Centers global demographic study How the Global Religious Landscape Changed From 2010 to 2020, the actual Hindu rate of growth today turns out to be strikingly literal. The worlds Hindu population has been expanding almost exactly in line with the growth of humanity itself. Neither surging dramatically nor shrinking in relative terms, Hinduisms demographic story is one of stability in a century defined by rapid religious change.

Kedarnath Temple will welcome devotees from April 22, concluding its winter hiatus. The auspicious reopening date was fixed on Mahashivratri at the shrine's winter seat. This marks the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra, with Badrinath opening on April 23, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19. Thousands are expected to participate in the pilgrimage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be debated and voted on March 9. The second part of the Budget session, starting the same day, is expected to be interesting with crucial legislation. Rijiju warned that continued opposition protests could be detrimental to them and suggested potential cracks in opposition unity.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has courted controversy by comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. His remarks have led to a police case against him. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the comparison. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of double standards and a polarization agenda, citing past BJP endorsements of Tipu Sultan.

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.