Govt spent only 5% of funds for job, skilling schemes in FY 2026

NEW DELHI: The Centre spent 5% of the funds allocated under the flagship package for employment and skilling in FY 2025-26, raising concerns over the incentive structure, targeting and implementation of the programme.The special package announced by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in budget 2024-25 consisted of the internship scheme, upgradation of 1,000 govt run … Read more

Cheer for exports: Textiles, carpets, leather set to gain after India-US deal

NEW DELHI: While details are still trickling in, the announcement of the India-US trade deal couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Having just dispatched containers for the summer season, garment and leather and footwear makers were worried about orders for the next season.The smaller players had virtually stopped shipments over the last few … Read more

India-US trade deal: 25% penal tariffs linked to Russian oil gone? Here’s what we know

India and the US have announced a trade deal, with the Trump administration lowering the tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. (AI image for representative purpose) US President Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to remove the 25% tariff America imposed on India for its crude oil imports from Russia. A New Delhi–based source quoted in … Read more

SEZ domestic sales at concessional duty will boost import substitution and jobs, says commerce secretary

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal (Photo-PTI) The Budget FY27 proposal to allow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units to sell goods in the domestic market at concessional duty rates is expected to boost import substitution and generate employment, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, adding that detailed operational guidelines will be rolled out in the next two to … Read more

Finance ministry mulls raising FDI limit in public sector banks to 49%

The Finance Ministry is considering raising the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in public sector banks (PSBs) to 49 per cent from the current 20 per cent to strengthen their capital base, PTI reported.“We are still considering, and inter-ministerial consultation is on for raising FDI cap to 49 per cent,” Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju … Read more

Union Budget 2026: Can PROIs save Indian stock market from FII sell-offs?

Global investors pulled out more than $3 billion in January, following withdrawals of over $18 billion in 2025. (AI image) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 has sought to enhance stability in India’s stock market by increasing the investment limits for NRIs. The government is seeking to draw more money from NRIs in the … Read more

Govt weighs LIC FPO next financial year to meet 10% public shareholding rule

The government is considering further dilution of its holding in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) through a follow-on public offering in the next financial year, as it moves towards meeting minimum public shareholding norms, PTI reported.Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said the process will be gradual and linked to market conditions, with the Department of Investment … Read more

Budget eases PF, ESI deduction rules for employers, allows relief for delayed deposits

In a move expected to bring relief to employers and reduce routine tax disallowances, the finance bill has proposed a key change to the treatment of employees’ provident fund (PF), ESI and similar contributions, allowing deductions even where there is a delay in deposit, provided the amount is deposited by the employer entity with the … Read more

Top 10 stocks to buy post Budget 2026

Budget 2026: Top stocks to buy (AI image) Budget 2026 stock market picks: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2026. Post the Union Budget, investors are wondering which stocks should they bet on. Motilal Oswal Financial Services shares its top 10 stock picks that investors can consider buying. … Read more