Union Budget 2026: Education sector bets on skilling, digital infra and teacher upskilling
As the Union Budget 2026–27 nears, education stakeholders are urging focused policy and financial support to boost learning, employability, and workforce readiness. With rising allocations, expectations are high for AI-led learning, climate education, skilling, and teacher development, aiming to solidify India's global talent hub ambitions.from Business News Today: Stock Markets, Financial News, India Business & World Business News https://ift.tt/7tnIrvc
Budget 2026 has an opportunity to build trust by using existing digital systems to create a more transparent, responsive and taxpayer-centric compliance ecosystem.
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget, the document's evolution from a colonial-era English text to an accessible public instrument is highlighted. Key milestones include the introduction of Hindi alongside English in 1955 and the transition to a paperless digital presentation in 2021, reflecting India's changing governance and communication.
The BJP is launching a nationwide outreach campaign from February 1-15 to explain the Union Budget 2026, utilizing both traditional and digital outreach. Ministers and leaders will address press conferences at nearly 150 locations. Meanwhile, MDMK leader Vaiko has accused the BJP government of discriminating against Tamil Nadu and attempting to impose Hindi, vowing strong resistance.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, a Sunday, marking her ninth consecutive presentation. This crucial document will detail the government's financial accounts, economic priorities, and policy direction. The Budget Session commenced on January 28, setting the stage for outlining the nation's growth roadmap and resource allocation strategies.
Indian markets are experiencing their weakest start to the year in a decade, with equities, the rupee, and bonds under pressure. Investors are anticipating the upcoming Union Budget to stimulate growth, boost consumption, and drive domestic manufacturing. Key areas of focus include increased defence spending, divestment in state-owned enterprises, and infrastructure development.
India and the European Union have finalized a Free Trade Agreement. This pact will progressively lower tariffs on most goods. Indian consumers will see lower prices on items like chocolates and cars. Indian exporters will gain duty-free access to the EU market. The agreement also covers services and intellectual property rights.
Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Wednesday, driven by safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar. The rally occurred just before the US Federal Reserve's policy announcement, with investors anticipating potential interest rate changes. Analysts suggest continued volatility but see strong support for both precious metals.
Adani Group and Embraer have partnered to explore setting up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India, boosting the nation's indigenous manufacturing push in civil aviation. This collaboration aims to establish a Final Assembly Line for Embraer's regional jets, addressing growing demand for connectivity to smaller cities and positioning India as a hub for regional aircraft production.
The European Union ranks among India’s largest trading partners. The bilateral trade between the two in goods and services has risen steadily in recent years.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's upcoming Union Budget is anticipated to bring significant tax reforms and a customs duty overhaul. Focus is also on economic growth support amidst global uncertainty and a clear strategy to lower India's debt-to-GDP ratio. Taxpayers hope for income tax relief, while businesses seek clarity on the new tax regime.
Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head of SBI Securities recommends buying Hindustan Unilever, and Ashok Leyland as top stock picks. He shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for the Budget 2026 trading week starting January 27, 2026:
The India-EU free trade agreement is poised to boost trade and lower costs, according to GTRI. The pact leverages the distinct strengths of both economies, with India excelling in labor-intensive production and the EU in capital goods and technology. This synergy is expected to expand trade rather than harm domestic industries, benefiting producers and consumers alike.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with a US Congressional delegation in New Delhi. Discussions covered India-US relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict. The US Ambassador to India also participated. Both sides expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation. This diplomatic outreach occurs amid ongoing trade talks between the two nations.
Paytm shares tumbled nearly 10% amid speculation about the future of the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme, which reportedly contributes significantly to its operating profit. The company clarified its recognition of PIDF incentives and its strategy to offset potential impacts. Meanwhile, Investec initiated coverage with a 'Buy' rating, citing strong fundamentals.
Adani Group stocks tumbled today as the US SEC sought court approval to email summons to Gautam and Sagar Adani. This follows an alleged bribery scheme involving Indian officials for power purchase agreements. The Adani Group had denied the allegations.
Indian silver ETFs experienced a significant sell-off, dropping up to 20% as investors exited amid precious metal volatility. This correction erased previous premiums, with funds trading below net asset values. The sharp decline in ETFs contrasted with more modest price drops in global and domestic silver markets.
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana until FY 2030-31. This decision includes extended government funding for promotional and developmental activities. The move aims to strengthen old-age income security for unorganised sector workers.
Gold prices hit a record high on Wednesday, with silver trading near its all-time peak. Investors flocked to these safe-haven assets amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. The surge was fueled by a US Supreme Court decision and tariff threats, driving domestic and international markets higher. Experts advise a cautious 'buy-on-dips' approach.
Oman's motor insurance sector is undergoing a major reform, mandating insurers to compensate drivers for delayed car repairs beyond a 30-day deadline. This groundbreaking move, a first in the Gulf, also introduces staged payments for workshops and expanded coverage for natural disasters. Policyholders now have more protection and flexibility, potentially setting a new regional standard.
Budget 2026 income tax expectations: Salaried taxpayers are looking at FM Nirmala Sitharaman to provide further relief under the new income tax regime, especially in the form of higher standard deduction limit.
The IMF has upgraded India's 2025 growth outlook to 7.3%, citing strong corporate earnings and economic momentum. Global growth is projected to hold steady at 3.3% this year, with resilience driven by AI investment and easing trade tensions. However, risks remain from AI sector valuations and escalating geopolitical uncertainties.
Despite a flat broader market, State Bank of India and Infosys propelled a Rs 75,855 crore gain in the market capitalisation of three top Indian firms. While Reliance Industries and Larsen & Toubro saw significant drops, Infosys's boosted guidance offered a positive outlook for IT stocks. The top ten companies' rankings remained unchanged.
Foreign investors have withdrawn over Rs 22,530 crore from Indian stocks this month, continuing a trend from last year. Factors like rising US bond yields, a strong dollar, and geopolitical uncertainties are making developed markets more attractive. Concerns over a US-India trade deal and rich valuations are also contributing to the outflows, impacting returns for dollar-based investors.
Under current SEBI takeover regulations, the term ‘immediate relatives’ is limited to spouses, parents, siblings, and children. Notably, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law are excluded from this definition
Asian markets saw a mixed close Thursday, influenced by US President Trump's comments on Iran and a sharp drop in oil prices. While Hong Kong and South Korea's indices rose, Japan's Nikkei plunged. US futures remained steady after Wall Street's decline, with Big Tech and bank stocks leading losses, while energy shares offered support.
India's western fashion market shows a split performance post-pandemic. While some global brands like Adidas and Marks & Spencer face declining sales, Uniqlo and Nike are experiencing significant growth. Experts point to a shift towards functional clothing, especially among Gen Z, influencing brand success and market dynamics.
India's highway network has surged, becoming the world's second-largest with over 61% expansion in a decade. Future plans emphasize access-controlled highways, technology, and sustainability. Significant public-private partnerships and a new infrastructure trust are set to fund ambitious development, despite ongoing challenges with approvals and execution.
Reliance Industries experienced a weak start to 2026, losing significant market capitalization due to concerns over Russian crude exposure and slowing retail growth. Despite near-term pressures, brokerages remain positive, anticipating strong performance in the energy business and multiple catalysts for stock outperformance throughout the year.
Quick commerce platforms have agreed to remove '10-minute delivery' services after Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya intervened, prioritizing the safety of delivery partners. Companies assured the government they would cease advertising strict delivery time limits, with Blinkit already removing the promise from its branding.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, Indian startups are urging for policy shifts favouring early-stage survival, simplified regulations, and accessible finance. Founders highlight challenges with credit access, compliance, and taxation, emphasizing the need for outcome-based support and clearer lending guidelines to foster innovation and sustainable growth.
Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Merz met in Ahmedabad, highlighting robust economic and strategic ties. Bilateral trade has surpassed $50 billion, with over 2,000 German companies operating in India. The leaders also agreed to establish an India-Germany Centre of Excellence to boost technology and clean energy collaboration.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to adopt a faster, demand-driven privatisation strategy for public sector enterprises in the Union Budget 2026-27. CII proposes a rolling three-year privatisation pipeline and a phased reduction of government stakes.
Tax experts are advising the government against increasing income tax surcharges or reintroducing a wealth tax in the upcoming budget. They warn that such measures could lead wealthy individuals to relocate to low-tax jurisdictions, negatively impacting investment and job creation in India.
India and the European Union are pushing to finalize their free trade agreement. Officials met in Brussels to review progress and resolve outstanding issues. Both sides have expressed strong political will to conclude the negotiations soon.
India and the European Union advanced their Free Trade Agreement discussions during Minister Piyush Goyal's Brussels visit. Both sides committed to resolving outstanding issues to expedite a balanced agreement protecting farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries into global supply chains. Goyal also visited Liechtenstein to discuss the India-EFTA TEPA, encouraging investment and collaboration.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that the government's long-term energy planning is translating into tangible benefits for citizens, stating that the real test of policy lies in how seamlessly it supports daily life rather than in announcements alone.
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