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The Economic Times

Top News / The Economic Times

Husky's desi tantrums go viral: Dog refuses to eat food without ghee; netizens say 'Yeh pakka Punjabi tha pichle janam'

A video has gone viral on social media which shows a Siberian Husky refusing to eat food unless ghee is added to the bowl. Once the owner adds ghee to the food, the husky walks up, goes to the bowl and starts eating the food eagerly. The video has garnered more than 6 lakh views, with netizens saying he must be a Punjabi in its previous birth.

1 Feb 2026 3:25 pm
Union Budget display of step-motherly attitude of BJP towards poll-bound Bengal: Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has strongly criticized the Union Budget. He stated the budget shows the BJP's unfair approach towards West Bengal. Banerjee believes the BJP will lose the upcoming Assembly elections. He alleged the central government has withheld funds for welfare schemes in Bengal. Banerjee challenged the BJP to prove otherwise, vowing to quit politics if they could.

1 Feb 2026 3:19 pm
Budget 2026: Who gains or loses in India infrastructure push, derivatives tax?

India's federal budget unveils a massive $133 billion investment for infrastructure and manufacturing. The plan aims to boost sectors from textiles to electronics. Taxes on equity futures are increased to curb speculation. The budget focuses on economic resilience amid global uncertainty. Key sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics are set to benefit from new initiatives.

1 Feb 2026 3:17 pm
Budget 2026 slashes customs duties on 17 cancer drugs, eases baggage rules

The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces significant customs reforms. Exemptions are being rationalised, and customs duty on 17 cancer drugs is waived. Rules for personal baggage are eased, and the duty on goods for personal use is reduced to 10 percent. A trust-based customs regime with a single window system and AI integration is planned.

1 Feb 2026 3:13 pm
Budget 2026: CCUS push with Rs 20,000 crore outlay to help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors

India's Union Budget allocates Rs 20,000 crore for carbon capture technology. This initiative will boost decarbonization in key industries like power, steel, cement, and chemicals. The goal is to scale up this technology to reduce emissions. This move supports India's climate goals and export competitiveness. The program aims to balance energy security with environmental targets.

1 Feb 2026 3:13 pm
Break and batting tweak help Suryakumar Yadav rediscover form before T20 World Cup

Indian T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav rediscovered his batting touch after a break and a change in approach. This led India to a dominant series win against New Zealand. Yadav is confident about the team's preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He highlighted the fine-tuned team combination and encouraged fearless batting. Final selections for key positions are pending.

1 Feb 2026 3:10 pm
What is STT tax? Why just a 0.03% hike news spooked investors and caused a market bloodbath?

What is STT Tax? Budget 2026 has sparked widespread investor anxiety by hiking the STT on futures to 0.05% and options to 0.15%. Investors are worried that these friction costs will kill market liquidity and erase profits for retail traders, effectively signaling a government crackdown on speculative F&O activity.

1 Feb 2026 3:10 pm
Budget 2026 PDF in Hindi and English: Direct links to download the FM Sitharaman's speech and highlights

Budget 2026 in Hindi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026, maintaining unchanged income tax rates and slabs. Key announcements include extended deadlines for revising returns, staggered filing timelines, and targeted tax relief for individuals, NRIs, and small taxpayers. The budget also introduced lower TCS on foreign spending and higher STT on futures and options.

1 Feb 2026 3:06 pm
Budget 2026 lacks policy vision, offers no solutions: Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has criticised the Union Budget for 2026-27. He stated the Modi government has run out of ideas. The budget offers no solutions for India's economic, social, and political issues. Kharge highlighted a lack of policy vision and political will.

1 Feb 2026 3:06 pm
FM proposes one-time measure to facilitate sales from SEZs to domestic market at concessional duty

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a special measure for SEZ manufacturing units. Eligible units can now sell products to the domestic market at reduced duty rates. This aims to address capacity utilisation issues due to global trade disruptions.

1 Feb 2026 3:01 pm
Budget 2026: Over Rs 95,000 crore allocated for VB-G RAM G, MGNREGA gets Rs 30,000 crore

A significant financial boost is coming for rural development. The new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) or VB-G RAM G scheme receives Rs 95,692.31 crore. This initiative promises 125 days of work annually. It will succeed the long-standing MGNREGA program. The government is investing heavily in rural employment and infrastructure.

1 Feb 2026 2:57 pm
Word of the Day: Perendinate

As a Word of the Day, perendinate gives language to a shared experience that often goes unnamed. It reframes delay not as a character flaw, but as a behavioural loop, one that can be recognised, examined and, perhaps, broken.

1 Feb 2026 2:56 pm
Rahul Gandhi says Modi govt's Budget 2026 is 'blind'

Union Budget 2026: Rahul Gandhi criticizes the India Budget. He states the budget ignores key issues like unemployment and farm distress. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a higher capital expenditure target for infrastructure development. The budget was presented amidst global economic challenges. This is the third budget of the current government's term.

1 Feb 2026 2:55 pm
India trashes Pakistan's allegations of Indian hand in disturbing peace in Balochistan

India has strongly denied Pakistan's claims of Indian interference in Balochistan. New Delhi stated these allegations are a tactic to divert attention from Pakistan's internal problems. India highlighted Pakistan's history of human rights violations in the region. Recent counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

1 Feb 2026 2:29 pm
Cool change brings relief across South-east Australia after record-breaking heatwave

A powerful cool change is sweeping across Australia's south-east. This brings relief to millions after a brutal heatwave shattered temperature records. Power networks were strained and emergency services pushed to the brink. Milder conditions are expected to continue into next week for parts of the country. Record-breaking heat scorched Victoria and South Australia.

1 Feb 2026 2:21 pm
PM Modi terms Union Budget 2026-27 'highway of opportunities', says it reflects empowered presence of nation's feminine strength

Budget 2026-27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Union Budget 2026-27 as historic and a roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted its focus on cutting inflation and fiscal deficit, boosting MSMEs, the bio-pharma sector, and tourism, particularly in the Northeast. The budget is seen as a 'Yuva Shakti Budget' and a mission for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

1 Feb 2026 2:15 pm
Budget 2026: Community-owned SHE Marts to be set up for women SHG entrepreneurs, says FM Sitharaman

Budget 2026: New retail outlets called 'SHE Marts' will be established for women entrepreneurs. These community-owned shops are a progression from the successful Lakhpati Didi program. The initiative aims to empower women from self-help groups to become owners of their own enterprises. This move signifies a significant step in their economic journey.

1 Feb 2026 2:14 pm
Sitharaman extends tax sops to cooperative societies

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced tax benefits for cooperatives, extending profit deductions to cattle feed and cotton seed supply. Inter-cooperative dividend income will now be deductible under the new tax regime if further distributed to members. An exemption is also provided for dividend income received by national cooperative federations on investments made up to January 31, 2026.

1 Feb 2026 2:10 pm
Budget 2025 vs 2026: How far has India come since the last money manual

Budget 2026 sets a transformative blueprint, prioritizing robust public investment and forward-thinking reforms. This marks a clear departure from merely stabilizing the economy to fostering sustainable growth. Key areas of focus include enhancing infrastructure, supporting manufacturing industries, and elevating service exports. Agriculture undergoes subtle refinements, keeping productivity at the forefront.

1 Feb 2026 2:04 pm
The Night Manager Season 2 Finale Episode 6 release time, schedule and how to watch: Global streaming timings for all regions and what to expect

The Night Manager Season 2 Finale Episode 6 release time, schedule and how to watch details when the final episode airs in the US and UK, where to stream it, what the story covers, full episode schedule, cast list, and what viewers can expect from the season-ending chapter.

1 Feb 2026 2:03 pm
Budget 2026: 10 key announcements for India Inc

Budget 2026 Key Announcements: The Union Budget 2026-27 reshapes Corporate India with ten key moves. Infrastructure spending rises significantly. Manufacturing receives ecosystem capital, not just incentives. MSMEs get a substantial push for scale. Corporate tax architecture is rewritten with MAT becoming final. IT and digital services gain predictable taxation. Customs rationalisation lowers input costs. Trade logistics see faster clearances. Capital markets deepen.

1 Feb 2026 1:58 pm
Anand Mahindra wonders why the world is not flocking to this The Dalai Lama-linked Key Monastery: Check how to reach, best time to visit

Anand Mahindra Sunday Wanderer: Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently shared details about the stunning Key Monastery in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti and called it 'Heaven on Earth'. Key Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. The 14th Dalai Lama dedicated a new, much larger assembly hall in Key Gompa in the year 2000. Hundreds of lamas receive their religious training in the monastery.

1 Feb 2026 1:50 pm
Budget 2026: Heres all that India Inc gets from Sitharamans budget

Union Budget: India's General Budget 2026-27 offers significant policy packages for Indian industry. FM Sitharaman has proposed relief and long-term incentives to companies. Key areas include tax clarity for IT services and capital markets. Industrial policy focuses on semiconductors, green technologies and manufacturing. These measures aim to boost exports, supply-chain resilience and global competitiveness for India Inc.

1 Feb 2026 1:48 pm
6 Times John Abrahams Shirtless Moments Broke the Internet

Across films, photoshoots, and vacations, John Abrahams shirtless moments became cultural events, proving discipline, confidence, and charisma never go out of style.

1 Feb 2026 1:44 pm
FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes duty-free imports of certain specified inputs for leather exports sector

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures to boost exports. Duty-free imports for leather inputs will be allowed. Parts for microwave ovens will be exempt from customs duty. Fifteen archaeological sites will be developed. Exporters will get an extended period for final product exports. The government will also support the manufacturing of assistive devices.

1 Feb 2026 1:14 pm
Budget 2026: Check what gets cheaper in Union Budget this year

Union Budget 2026 Cheaper List: The Budget announced a series of duty cuts and tax rationalisations aimed at easing costs for consumers, exporters and strategic sectors.

1 Feb 2026 1:13 pm
Ashes of Creation future in jeopardy: CEO of Intrepid Studios Steven Sharif steps down, boards WARN Act sends video game in cold storage; heres what you need to know

Ambitious MMORPG Ashes of Creation faces an uncertain future after its lead designer resigned over ethical disagreements with the board. This triggered a mass layoff of over 200 developers, effectively halting the game's progress. The founder cited board actions he couldn't ethically support, leading to widespread departures and the studio's drastic decision.

1 Feb 2026 1:12 pm
Budget 2026 redraws education roadmap with girls hostels, AI and skills focus

Education Budget 2026: The Union Budget 2026-27 prioritizes education and skills for India's future growth. A new committee will connect education with jobs and business. Artificial intelligence will be integrated into learning. Medical education and healthcare jobs will receive a boost. Girls' hostels will be built in every district. Overseas education costs will see reduced taxes.

1 Feb 2026 1:07 pm
When Calls the Heart Season 13 Episode 5 release time, schedule, what to expect and how to watch: Global streaming timings for all regions, Episode 4 recap

When Calls the Heart Season 13 Episode 5 release time, schedule, what to expect and how to watch explains when the new episode airs, where to stream it, what happens next in Hope Valley, and how fans can follow the full Season 13 schedule.

1 Feb 2026 1:06 pm
Budget 2026: Check what gets cheaper and costlier in Union Budget this year

Union Budget 2026 Cheaper Costlier List: Several items will become cheaper due to duty cuts. These include overseas tourism packages and energy transition equipment. However, penalties for income tax misreporting have increased. Securities Transaction Tax on stock options also saw a rise. This budget aims to boost growth and household sentiment.

1 Feb 2026 1:04 pm
Nirmala Sitharaman budget day sarees: The hidden political and cultural meaning behind the finance minister's fashion choice for B-days

A visual journey through nine Union Budgets, each marked by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's thoughtfully curated sarees that celebrate India's diverse handloom heritage and weaving traditions.

1 Feb 2026 12:57 pm
Income tax law comes into force from April 1: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Income Tax Act, 2025, will be implemented from April 1, 2026, replacing the existing six-decade-old law. This new legislation simplifies tax rules and forms, making compliance easier for ordinary citizens. The revenue-neutral act aims to reduce litigation by simplifying direct tax laws and removing ambiguities.

1 Feb 2026 12:56 pm
'4 guna lagaan dena hoga': STT hike budget memes storm internet as Nirmala Sitharaman moots changes for F&O. Check hilarious reactions

Budget STT hike memes: As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an increase in the securities transaction tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) trading to 0.05%, the internet was quick to react to the tax changes. Netizens flooded the internet with hilarious memes with users saying 'aur mango STT removal, char guna lagaan dena hoga'.

1 Feb 2026 12:54 pm
India's Counterstrike: Budget 2026 arms India with plans to blunt out Trump's tariff attack

Budget 2026 targets export growth and domestic manufacturing. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures to simplify customs, reduce red tape, and provide sector-specific support. Key areas like marine, leather, textiles, and electronics will see duty exemptions and incentives. The budget also aims to ease personal imports and streamline trade processes. These reforms are designed to boost India's global market competitiveness.

1 Feb 2026 12:53 pm
Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman proposes to make your foreign goods orders cheaper

The Union Budget 2026-27 brings good news for individuals importing goods. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant reduction in customs duty. The tariff rate on all dutiable goods imported for personal use will now be 10%, down from 20%. This move aims to simplify the duty structure and ease the financial burden on citizens.

1 Feb 2026 12:43 pm
Budget 2026 sees big West Bengal announcement as state heads for an intense poll battle

Budget announcements for West Bengal: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant infrastructure development plans for West Bengal, including new dedicated freight corridors connecting Dangkuni to Surat and operationalizing 20 new national waterways within five years. These initiatives aim to boost regional development and promote energy-efficient cargo movement.

1 Feb 2026 12:32 pm
Word of the day: Fiduciary

Today's word of the day 'fiduciary' describes relationships built on legal and ethical trust, where one party must act in anothers best interest. Fiduciary refers to a duty or relationship grounded in trust, requiring one party to prioritise anothers welfare.

1 Feb 2026 12:28 pm
Union Budget 2026: Govt targets lower debt, backs city regions and social initiatives

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the India Budget. The Centre's debt-to-GDP ratio will decrease. Rs 5,000 crore is allocated for urban-led growth over five years. A scheme will develop the Buddhist circuit in the Northeast. Support will also be provided for manufacturing assistive devices.

1 Feb 2026 12:21 pm
India Budget 2026-27: Sitharaman unveils initiative for high-quality sports manufacturing

The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces dedicated initiatives for high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research. A scheme will revive 200 industrial clusters. The textile sector will see an integrated program focusing on fibre self-reliance, modernization, and handloom support. Samarth 2.0 aims to upgrade textile skilling. Mega textile parks will be established to boost production and value addition, particularly in technical textiles.

1 Feb 2026 12:21 pm
Budget 2026: India to borrow 17.2 lakh crore in 2026-27

Union Budget of India 2026: The Indian government is poised to embark on a significant borrowing spree in the 2026-27 fiscal year, as highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent announcement. With gross borrowings projected at a staggering 17.2 lakh crore and net borrowings estimated at 11.7 lakh crore, the government aims to navigate the complexities of a rising bond yield environment.

1 Feb 2026 12:18 pm
Budget 2026: Finance Minister proposes Rs 40,000-crore Electronics PLI

Budget 2026 key announcements for electronics manufacturing: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 40,000 crore outlay in FY 2026-27. This initiative aims to strengthen India's electronics ecosystem. The government will also establish high-tech tool rooms for capital goods manufacturing. Electronics production has seen significant growth, with exports also rising substantially over the past decade.

1 Feb 2026 12:05 pm