Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed amendments to India's insurance laws to increase coverage, improve oversight, and encourage transparency and investment. The bill, approved by Lok Sabha, strengthens regulation and introduces standard procedures and public consultation.
Sakshi, a 28-year-old working professional from Bengaluru, has been using vapes for 1.5 years to quit smoking. Despite the ban in India, she and others continue to rely on them to wean off tobacco. Vapes are easily available through roadside shops and online platforms, with a rapidly growing market.
CBDT releases draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 for the new Income-tax Act, 2025, simplifying language and introducing smart forms and digital trails. The draft rules include provisions for enhanced digital audit requirements, minimum experience and receipts thresholds for accountants and valuers, and consolidated fair market value determination.
Bhajan clubbing, a fusion of traditional devotional music with EDM and modern culture, is the newest trend in India's live events industry. It has become a popular choice among young Indians seeking a spiritual and social experience. This format has also attracted significant capital investment through ticket sales, sponsorships, and brand activations.
Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that the trade deal with the US will eliminate tariffs on $44 billion worth of Indian exports, covering over half of India's merchandise exports. The remaining exports will have reduced tariffs, and India has also secured separate negotiations for tariffs under a US national security law.
India and the US have signed an interim trade deal, with India agreeing to buy $500 billion of American goods over 5 years and reducing tariffs on Indian exports. India will also stop importing Russian oil and instead purchase energy products from the US. The deal also covers technology trade and non-tariff barriers.
Jasprit Bumrah, a key member of the Indian cricket team, was rested for the T20 World Cup match against the USA due to a fever. This was announced by Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who also revealed that Bumrah did not participate in the final net session. Mohammed Siraj, who last played a T20I in 2024, made a comeback after 557 days in place of Bumrah.
India has agreed to lower tariffs on animal feed, tree nuts, and soybean oil, but will protect its farm and dairy sectors from US exports. This includes a boost for the seafood industry, India's top agricultural export to the US. However, genetically modified soybean and maize imports are still not allowed, and some tariffs on products like apples and oranges could harm Indian farmers.
The interim India-US trade agreement, with the lowered tariffs of 18% on textiles, will give Indian exporters an advantage over competitors, particularly China, in the world's largest consumption market. This is expected to lead to a revival in orders and a bigger share of the $113-billion market.
India has committed to buying $500 billion worth of US energy products in the next five years, altering its energy import approach. The country's oil import pattern has changed, with a drop in Russian crude and a rise in imports from the Middle East, West Africa, and the US.
Artists globally are using discarded materials to create thought-provoking works on consumption, waste, and sustainability. These artworks challenge viewers to reflect on labor, community, and hope. Sonal Ambani and Pragati Mathur are bridging personal memories with collective meanings, urging a return to balance and a deeper connection with the world through material experimentation.
Amitabh Bachchan shares a personal story from decades ago, reflecting on how India's perception has changed since the U19 cricket team's World Cup victory. He recalls being treated with a mix of fan frenzy and media scorn during a trip to a foreign country. This experience highlights the progress India has made, as shown by the recent cricket win.
The US and India have agreed to a new trade framework to boost industrial supply chains by reducing tariffs on machinery, automotive components, and aerospace parts. Both countries will benefit, with India committing to buy more American energy and defense products. The removal of tariffs on aircraft and aircraft parts will have long-term benefits for Indian airlines.
Tollywood superstar Prabhas is not just known for his blockbuster films but also for his enviable taste in luxury automobiles. With a car collection valued at over Rs 25 crore, the actor’s garage features everything a car enthusiast can dream of. Here’s a closer look at the high-end machines that power Prabhas’s off-screen life.
"Sustaina India III's "Bitter Nectar," curated by Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra, uses food systems and fruiting cycles to shed light on the urgent issue of climate change. The exhibition at Bikaner House in New Delhi showcases the works of three Fellows, exposing the unequal access to food and the threat to indigenous knowledge systems."
As we increasingly rely on the cloud for storing data, it's important to be aware of its limitations. With storage capacities becoming more limited and the possibility of data loss, it's crucial to learn data recovery failsafes. Thankfully, there are free recovery softwares available for various devices, including hard drives, CDs, and the cloud.
Kanwal Rekhi's The Ground Breaker shares his journey in the tech industry and stresses the need for democracy in entrepreneurship. Christopher Mims' How to AI shows the potential for AI to enhance productivity and creativity. George Newman's How Great Ideas Happen debunks the myth of creativity as magic. Ali Smith's Glyph addresses current issues of war and truth.
Jhanvi Solanki's morning routine became a nightmare when she learned about the harmful effects of microplastics in her beauty products. These tiny synthetic particles can cause skin irritation, breakouts, and even health issues. The beauty industry's use of microplastics is a major contributor to global plastic pollution, and current bans on microbeads are not enough to address the issue.
The Korean wave, known as Hallyu, has taken the world by storm, impacting various aspects of culture like snacks, skincare, music, fashion, and online games. Despite its positive effects, recent events, such as the tragic suicide of three sisters in India, have sparked concerns about the dangers of obsession and digital addiction.
The Indian markets are experiencing a rise in prices, with Sensex being cheaper in terms of gold, showing it is undervalued. Morgan Stanley reports a shift towards equities from physical assets like gold and real estate, as they are undervalued compared to gold. More households are now investing in equities due to improved macro stability and structural changes in balance sheets.
Smriti Mandhana's mother, Smita, shared a viral meme poking fun at her daughter's ex-fiancé, Palash Muchhal, during RCB's WPL victory. The move was praised by fans and verified handles, putting an end to rumors surrounding the couple.
India and the US have signed a trade agreement to lower tariffs and increase trade. The US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, while India will cut import duties on US industrial goods and agricultural products. Industry bodies and industrialists are pleased with the deal, which will enhance economic cooperation and competitiveness.
Akshay Kumar's rise to fame in Indian cinema has been a rollercoaster ride, starting from a small kitchen in Bangkok. Despite facing failures during the pandemic, he almost left the industry to start a cargo business in Canada. However, fate had other plans as he went on to build a Rs 2,700 crore business empire through his unique approach and smart investments.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is underway, with India and Sri Lanka as hosts. Despite political controversy and diplomatic uncertainty, 20 teams are competing in four groups across eight venues, with 55 matches scheduled. Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker.
The new US-India trade deal is out, but it is only a partial step forward, and visas remain a major blind spot. Deepak Shenoy, founder and CEO of Capitalmind, immediately flagged the gaps, particularly regarding work visas that affect millions of Indians.
In January 2026, the domestic production of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers in the country hit a record high of 1.57 MT, indicating a shift towards self-sufficiency in the industry. This success is credited to the successful implementation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy policy and timely payment of subsidies.
The Zebronics Zeb Juke Bar 9010C is a compact and affordable soundbar that offers a strong 140W RMS setup with a dedicated subwoofer and dual soundbar drivers for balanced and impactful sound. It features a clear LED display, remote and onboard controls, and various connectivity options. This well-made soundbar blends in with your decor and provides control over sound for TV shows and music.
The boAt Valour Ring 1 and Pebble Qore are discreet and accurate fitness trackers with durable builds and various sports modes. The Valour Ring 1 boasts a titanium build and water resistance, while the Pebble Qore offers a stylish design, call notifications, and long battery life. Both devices provide accurate health metrics and are ideal for users who prefer a screen-free experience.
RCPL, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has purchased a majority stake in Goodness Group Global, an Australian beverage company. This is RCPL's first international acquisition since entering the FMCG market. With this move, RCPL aims to expand Goodness Group's health-focused brands globally using its strong supply chain and distribution capabilities.
Jammu and Kashmir is, and always has been, an integral part of India. While Pakistan continues its futile debates, the most decisive affirmation comes from an unexpected quarter---its long-time ally and the world’s dominant superpower, the United States
Mardaani 3, with a budget of Rs 60 crore, has completed its second week at the Box Office, maintaining a steady pace despite facing tough competition. The film has surpassed the first-week earnings of the original Mardaani and is close to reaching the lifetime collections of Mardaani 2. It has also performed well in major cities, especially at night.
A major strike by drivers on ride-hailing apps in India caused travel delays for commuters. The protest, organized by unions, aimed to address low fare rates, declining earnings, and safety concerns. It shed light on the need for transparent fares and regulation for app-based workers. In Bengaluru, a six-hour log-out resulted in disruptions in high-demand areas.
US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the 25% tariff on Indian goods, which has now been lifted, could come back if India resumes buying oil from Russia. The warning comes even as Washington acknowledges that New Delhi has taken “significant steps” to align with the United States on national security, foreign policy and economic issues.
Indian markets surged by over 3% this week, despite the Budget and STT hike on F&O weighing on sentiment. Trump's announcement to cut tariffs on India sparked a midweek rally. The RBI rate decision, newsflow, and quarterly earnings also impacted market movement. Top research houses shared their recommendations, with Jefferies reiterating a 'Buy' call on Reliance Industries.
Real-time digital payments have reached a national-level risk due to infrastructure failures, with UPI handling over 228 billion transactions in 2025. To ensure secure transactions and protect against cyber threats, banks must prioritize resilient and intelligent infrastructure. This includes embedding trust, designing core IT infrastructure, and being AI-native.
Starting April 1, 2026, financially stable banks in India will experience a 33% decrease in their deposit insurance premium as the country shifts to a risk-based model. This new system will classify banks into four categories based on their risk profile and ratings, with stronger banks paying lower premiums and weaker ones paying up to 12 paise per Rs 100 of deposits.
US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order removing the extra 25 per cent tariff that had been imposed on all imports from India. The tariff was added earlier because India continued to buy oil from Russia, something the US administration had strongly objected to.
Valentine's Week 2026 will start with Rose Day on February 7, followed by a week-long celebration with Teddy Day and Chocolate Day. Couples can be spotted carrying beautiful bouquets of roses in various colors in public spaces. It is essential to choose the right color as each has a unique significance.
Men face challenges in finding their identity and purpose in the second half of life due to societal expectations of equating self-worth with money and job titles. To find fulfillment, they must shift their focus from earning to managing money and from chasing work to choosing work. Building relationships and pursuing passions can bring purpose in retirement.
Governor Abbott's order to freeze new H-1B visa applications in Texas has caused controversy and anti-India sentiment. At a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised about an "Indian takeover" and visa fraud, but others spoke in support of diversity and inclusion. The meeting also highlighted the growing Indian population in Frisco.
Ravi Kapoor, a former IRS officer, left his job in 2023 and found that true happiness and success come from within. He now mentors UPSC aspirants and believes in the importance of four key chemicals - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - in our pursuit of happiness and success.
The Big Three in tennis, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, may be past their prime, but their influence remains unmatched. Similarly, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, a powerful and stylish seven-seater SUV, is ready to make its mark in India. It offers a spacious cabin, impressive handling, and advanced safety features, but faces tough competition from Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has received approval for its IPO through an offer for sale (OFS) worth $2.5 billion. Existing shareholders, including Temasek Holdings and Life Insurance Corporation of India, are expected to sell 4-4.5% of their stake. The exchange's current market capitalization in the unlisted market is Rs 5.26 lakh crore.
Multi-asset funds offer a dynamic investment option for uncertain times, allocating funds in equities, debt, and gold for higher risk-adjusted returns. These funds have shown resilience and outperformed large-cap funds in challenging market phases. However, careful evaluation of asset allocation, rebalancing, and costs is necessary as not all funds manage allocations effectively.
The Union Budget 2026 proposes to disallow the deduction of interest on borrowings used for leveraged investments, including shares and mutual fund units. This change brings dividends and mutual fund income under the tax net, but interest on borrowings for business or on-lending activities will still be deductible.
Chaitali Dutta is considering taking a sabbatical to pursue an MBA and is wondering if she can get an education loan of `20 lakh for three years. Gopal Kishore confirms that she can, but may require a co-borrower. Vivek Sharma asks about pledging mutual fund units or taking a personal loan, while Arun Handa wants to repay his home loan without penalty.
The budget offers a six-month window for voluntary disclosure of foreign income and assets, with a 30% tax rate for up to Rs 1 crore and a one-time fee of Rs 1 lakh for up to Rs 5 crore. This scheme is particularly beneficial for those with ESOPs from foreign employers and provides immunity from further tax, penalty, and prosecution.
India U-19 cricket team becomes world champions by defeating England by 100 runs in the final. Although ICC does not offer prize money for this tournament, BCCI has a tradition of rewarding the winning team. The last India U-19 team received Rs 40 lakh per player and Rs 25 lakh per support staff. Expectations for similar rewards for the current team are high and an announcement is expected soon.
The projected capital expenditure by CPSEs for FY27 is estimated at Rs 4.8 lakh crore, a 12% increase from FY26. The energy sector, led by Power Grid Corporation, will have the highest share in the capex cycle. Despite a flat investment forecast, CPSEs under the petroleum ministry will have the largest share in total CPSE capex.
The India Energy Stack, a common digital framework, aims to improve data flow and coordination among utilities, system operators, market participants, and consumers in India's evolving electricity sector. It is being developed in phases to support a more reliable and flexible electricity system, addressing fragmentation and promoting consumer participation.
Air India's CEO and managing director, Campbell Wilson, says the airline's transformation is almost complete and now focuses on execution and refinement. The airline has revamped its fleet of 190 aircraft and plans to deliver or refit 20 more this year. However, it continues to face challenges such as airspace closures and policy changes in overseas markets.