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In a volatile trading session, India's benchmark indices closed lower ahead of the much-anticipated Union Budget 2026 presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The SENSEX fell by 296.59 points to settle at 82,269.78, while the NIFTY dropped 98.25 points, ending at 25,320.65. In contrast, crude oil prices saw a slight increase, rising by 3.00 to reach 5,933.00. Gold prices, however, plummeted by 20,328.00, now priced at 149,075.00, while silver dipped by 3.00 to 291,922.00. The Budget, which will be Sitharaman's ninth consecutive presentation, is expected to focus on key economic indicators such as fiscal deficit and capital expenditure, with the Economic Survey projecting a GDP growth rate of 6.8% to 7.2% for FY2026-27. The live presentation is set to begin at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast across various platforms. 
Published: Feb 01 2026, 5 ameznews.inIndian shares are poised for a positive opening in a special trading session ahead of the Union Budget presentation on Sunday, as investors anticipate government measures to bolster growth through capital spending and support for export-oriented sectors affected by US tariffs. GIFT Nifty futures closed at 25,443, suggesting the NSE Nifty 50 will open above its previous close of 25,320.65. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the 2026-27 budget at 11 a.m. IST. Despite a 7.8% gain in the benchmark Nifty 50 since the last budget, it has lagged behind emerging market peers due to significant foreign outflows and weak corporate earnings. Analysts expect the budget to balance public capital expenditure with fiscal consolidation, with potential boosts for industrials, infrastructure, and rural demand. Additionally, an extension of production-linked incentives could benefit electronics manufacturers, while insurers may see gains from increased tax deductions on life insurance products.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe demand for pump installations among Indian farmers is on the rise, driven by a combination of policy initiatives, groundwater stress, and the need for reliable irrigation, with a notable shift towards solar-powered systems, according to Vivek Gupta, CMD of Oswal Pumps. While traditional electric and diesel pumps remain in use, government-backed programs like PM-KUSUM are accelerating the adoption of solar pumps, which now account for 25-30% of installations. Farmers are increasingly opting for energy-efficient, durable systems that support micro-irrigation, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainable water usage. However, challenges persist, including deeper groundwater levels and unreliable power supply, which have intensified over the past decade. The shift towards solar pumps not only alleviates these issues but also fosters a service-led rural economy, allowing local entrepreneurs to provide irrigation services, thereby enhancing access and affordability for marginal farmers.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIndian stock markets are poised for a firmer opening in a special trading session ahead of the Union Budget, with the SENSEX currently at 82,269.78, down 296.59 points, and the NIFTY at 25,320.65, down 98.25 points. Investors are keenly awaiting cues on government capital spending and potential relief for export-oriented sectors affected by US tariffs. GIFT Nifty futures suggest a possible opening above the previous close. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2026-27 budget at 11 a.m. IST, with discussions circulating about potential tax reforms, including the removal of Securities Transaction Tax and adjustments to income tax slabs. Meanwhile, NALCO reported a net income of 16.01 billion rupees for Q3, surpassing analyst expectations, driven by a significant increase in aluminum revenue. The debt and foreign exchange markets remain closed today.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 8 ameznews.inStarting from FY27, India will shift its fiscal consolidation strategy from focusing on the fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio to the debt-to-GDP ratio. As Finance Minister prepares to unveil the FY27 Budget, India's fiscal discipline stands in contrast to many major economies that have increased their deficits post-COVID-19. While India's fiscal deficit has decreased from 4.6% of GDP in FY20 to a projected 4.4% for FY26, developed nations like Germany have transitioned from surpluses to deficits. The government's debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to be around 55% for FY26, with a target of reducing it to 50% by FY31. Despite a modest rise in debt levels, India's stable sovereign yields and improved credit ratings reflect its responsible fiscal governance. This positions India favorably for future economic shocks, unlike advanced economies burdened by high debt and rising bond yields.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced that a newly concluded trade agreement with the European Union (EU) is expected to double India's exports to Europe within five years. The pact, described as the "mother of all deals," will create a free market encompassing 2 billion people across India and 27 EU nations, with 99% of Indian exports receiving duty-free access from day one. Goyal emphasized the importance of this agreement for various sectors, including leather goods and marine products, while addressing concerns about the EU's stringent safety standards, asserting that Indian exporters are well-equipped to meet these requirements. The agreement also includes safeguards against the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, ensuring fair treatment for Indian exporters. Goyal highlighted the potential for collaboration in defense and renewable energy, while expressing optimism about achieving India's ambitious export target of USD 2 trillion by 2032.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 12 ameznews.inViasat India has emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and coordinated policy action to enhance advanced air mobility (AAM) in India's densely populated airspace. During a roundtable discussion at Wings India 2026, Managing Director Gautam Sharma highlighted the importance of satellite communications in ensuring safe AAM operations. He noted the challenges posed by the high density of Indian airspace, stressing the necessity for coexistence between crewed and uncrewed aircraft to maintain safety. Sharma called for support from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and urged the Civil Aviation Secretary to collaborate with the Department of Telecommunications to officially designate L-band as a safety service. This designation would facilitate its use by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and AAM platforms for navigation and safety, thereby promoting the potential of AAM in India.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia Post is expanding its logistics capabilities, now able to transport larger consignments, including home appliances, according to L. K. Dash, Director of Postal Services. Speaking at the International Cargo Business Summit in Cochin, Dash emphasized the integration of India Post with cross-border logistics networks, aiming for nationwide delivery within 10 days. The summit highlighted Kochi's strategic position as a logistics gateway to Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with industry leaders discussing the need to enhance e-commerce while ensuring safety and compliance. Tushar Jani, Chairman of the Cargo Service Centre Group, noted India's competitive trucking costs and the government's initiative to establish e-commerce export hubs. However, experts warned that the success of e-commerce exports hinges on reliable last-mile delivery, with regulatory authorities stressing the importance of balancing facilitation and security through technology. New initiatives, including a mobile app for real-time inspections, aim to streamline processes and enhance compliance.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe elevator and smart vertical mobility industry anticipates significant indirect benefits from concessions to the real estate and construction sectors in the upcoming Budget. Industry stakeholders are advocating for sustained infrastructure investment, targeted digitalisation incentives, and enhanced local manufacturing measures to foster safe and scalable urban growth. Contributing nearly 16% to India's GDP, the sector is poised for expansion, with the elevator market projected to grow from $15 billion to $22-23 billion by 2033, driven by urbanisation and demand for energy-efficient solutions. Suraj Thodimarath, President of the Elevator & Escalator Component Manufacturers’ Association of India, emphasized the need for budgetary support for smart cities and affordable housing to boost elevator demand. With residential projects driving 65-70% of lift demand, the industry views the 2026 Budget as a crucial opportunity to establish India as a global leader in smart vertical mobility through continued policy backing.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has set an ambitious target of 119 million tonnes (mt) of wheat production for the 2025-26 season, with harvesting scheduled to begin in April. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that most north-western states, except Rajasthan, are likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures in February, which could adversely affect wheat yields. IMD's Director General, M. Mohapatra, noted that while some regions may see normal rainfall, the overall forecast suggests a significant drop in precipitation. Elevated temperatures could accelerate crop growth, leading to forced maturity and reduced yields for wheat and other rabi crops, including oilseeds and pulses. Additionally, vegetable and horticultural crops may face critical challenges, such as early flowering and poor fruit development, due to the warmer conditions. The total wheat acreage has reached a record high of 334.17 lakh hectares this year, up 2% from the previous season.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pm
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