Times of India

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala to boost domestic capabilities and reduce import dependence. The initiative, part of the 2026-27 Union Budget, aims to support mining, processing, and manufacturing of critical minerals essential for clean energy and defence.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures to bolster India's financial sector, including a high-level committee to review banking for Viksit Bharat. The sector shows improved health with strong balance sheets and high profitability. Reforms also target NBFCs and aim to deepen the corporate bond market.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, announcing a Rs 12.2 lakh crore capex target and a fiscal deficit of 4.3%. Key highlights include no changes to income tax slabs, relief for accident compensation recipients, and reduced TCS on overseas tour packages. The new Income Tax Act, 2025, takes effect April 1.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, a historic Sunday sitting. Since 2019, her Budgets have marked milestones—from replacing the briefcase with a ‘bahi-khata’ to longest and shortest speeches—focusing on infrastructure, health, reforms, and inclusive growth. Budget 2026 is expected to boost AI, manufacturing, telecom, and shield the economy amid global trade frictions.

Gold and silver prices experienced a significant tumble on Sunday, hitting lower circuits after a historic crash on Friday. Profit-taking, a stronger US dollar, and speculation surrounding the US Federal Reserve's leadership, particularly the nomination of Kevin Warsh, fueled the sharp correction in precious metals.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the Union Budget must translate projected economic growth into job creation, warning that jobless growth offers no benefit to India's youth. He highlighted employment generation as a key expectation, especially with robust growth prospects flagged by the Economic Survey. States, including Kerala facing upcoming elections, are also keenly awaiting central government support.

India face Pakistan in a crucial U-19 World Cup match. The winner secures a semi-final berth. India seeks revenge for a recent Asia Cup loss. Australia, Afghanistan, and England have already qualified. The game's outcome will determine the final semi-finalist. Pakistan needs a significant win to advance. India has a clearer path to qualification.

Benchmark indices tumbled sharply on Sunday as BSE Sensex dropped over 1,000 points and NSE Nifty50 dipped below 25,000. Gold and silver prices also crashed, hitting lower circuit levels ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27 presentation. Trading proceeded as usual on the weekend, a rare occurrence for Indian stock exchanges.

Railway Budget 2026 Live: "In order to promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems, we will develop seven high speed rail corridors between cities as growth collectors," FM Sitharaman announced.

Despite a lean patch, Sanju Samson failed to perform on his home ground in the fifth T20I against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav then dominated, with Kishan scoring a rapid century. Sunil Gavaskar criticized Samson's form, suggesting he might miss out on the T20 World Cup XI.

US President Trump warned Canada of substantial US action if it proceeds with a trade deal with China, stating it would lead to China taking over Canada. Meanwhile, Trump indicated Iran is in talks with the US, despite ongoing military deployments in the region, while Tehran issued warnings against any attack.

India receives a significant fitness boost ahead of the T20 World Cup with positive updates on Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Sundar has resumed batting and bowling during his rehabilitation, while Varma is nearing full fitness after surgery and is expected to join the squad soon.

President Trump said that India is poised to purchase Venezuelan oil, a move aligning with India's strategy to diversify its energy imports. This development follows Venezuela's legal reforms to attract private investment in its oil sector and recent discussions between Indian and Venezuelan leaders to strengthen bilateral ties.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to deliver a Union Budget 2026 with a significant shift, dedicating Part B to outlining India's long-term economic vision for investors. This section will move beyond traditional tax proposals to encompass near-term priorities, structural ambitions, and a strategic roadmap for boosting the nation's global standing amidst geopolitical uncertainties.

A 16-year-old girl was brutally assaulted by eight individuals, including a minor, after being waylaid near a temple in Narsinghpur. The attackers took her to a forest, raped her, and recorded the act.

Pakistan beat Australia by 90 runs in the second T20I in Lahore, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. Salman Agha scored 76 while Usman Khan added 53 as Pakistan posted 198-5. Controversy arose when Cameron Green accused Usman Tariq of chucking after his dismissal. Pakistan’s spinners dominated, bowling Australia out for 108, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan leading the charge.

Police and forensic teams arrived at Director Rohit Shetty's residence and secured the premises for a detailed search of the premises after gunshot sounds were reportedly heard in the area.

Tilak had a modest run in the first five matches of the tournament while batting at one down, managing a strike-rate of 120. The team management then pushed him to No. 6 against Zimbabwe.