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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2026, marking a historic milestone as the longest-serving finance minister in India. Since assuming office on May 31, 2019, she has navigated the economy through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical tensions, positioning India as the fastest-growing major economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her achievement, noting its significance in India's parliamentary history. While former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Budget ten times and P. Chidambaram nine times, neither did so consecutively. Sitharaman's tenure surpasses that of previous finance ministers, including C.D. Deshmukh and Manmohan Singh, who served in non-consecutive terms. As she approaches this record-setting Budget, her leadership continues to shape India's economic landscape. 
Published: Jan 30 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's fiscal deficit for the period of April to December 2025 reached ₹8.6 lakh crore, accounting for 54.5% of the total estimate for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, according to government data released on Friday. Net tax receipts rose to ₹19.4 trillion, an increase from ₹18.4 trillion during the same period last year, while non-tax revenue also saw a boost, climbing to ₹5.4 trillion from ₹4.5 trillion. Total government expenditure increased to ₹33.8 trillion, up from ₹32.3 trillion a year earlier. Notably, capital expenditure, which focuses on infrastructure development, rose to ₹7.9 trillion compared to ₹6.9 trillion in the previous year. These figures reflect the government's ongoing efforts to manage fiscal health while investing in critical infrastructure.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn the previous Union Budget, patient assistance programmes (PAPs) for 13 medicines from 10 multinational pharmaceutical companies were exempted from basic customs duty if provided free to patients. This initiative aimed to enhance access to essential treatments for conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis. However, as Budget 2026 approaches, there is little evidence of significant progress in expanding these programmes. Experts, including Dr. Kumar Prabhash from Tata Memorial Hospital, express concerns over the complexity and limited reach of PAPs, which often exclude patients with insurance. KM Gopakumar from Third World Network highlights the lack of transparency and accountability in these programmes, urging the government to take more concrete measures to ensure affordable medicine access. While Pfizer reported running assistance programmes that have improved access, responses from other companies remain pending, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of these initiatives.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 3 pmeznews.inArrobot, a subsidiary of Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group, has launched autonomous ground tugs for aircraft and helicopters at India Wings 2026, aimed at improving airside efficiency, safety, and turnaround times. Founder and Managing Director Vamsi Vikas emphasized that the development signifies a shift in India's aerospace sector towards owning complete systems and their lifecycle in both defence and civil aviation. CEO Ravi Achanta highlighted the focus on creating reliable autonomous platforms that ensure safety and precision while integrating seamlessly with existing operations. At the event, Arrobot is also showcasing a range of indigenous unmanned and autonomous platforms, emphasizing deployment readiness, scalability, and long-term sustainability. The innovations reflect a commitment to advancing India's aerospace capabilities and enhancing operational efficiency in the aviation sector.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIn the latest Kochi tea auctions, strong demand for orthodox leaf teas has driven prices up by Rs5 per kg, with Sale 4 offering 1,95,948 kg and achieving a 90 per cent sales rate. The market for whole leaf teas remained firm, while brokens showed steady to firm pricing. Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis noted active interest from CIS and Middle Eastern buyers. In the CTC dust category, good liquoring teas held steady, although those priced above Rs200 faced resistance, leading to irregular sales. A total of 5,66,642 kg was offered, with blenders purchasing 75 per cent of the CTC quantity. Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, highlighted a shift towards a firmer market structure due to tightening supplies and sustained domestic demand, exacerbated by seasonal production declines from winter conditions in high-altitude regions. Global supply concerns, particularly from Kenya, have further bolstered prices.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 2 pmeznews.inBartronics India Ltd and Origo Commodities India Private Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Project Avio, an initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural support for farmers in India. This project focuses on improving access to agricultural inputs, market linkages, post-harvest services, and trade facilitation, with a goal of generating $1 billion in agri-linked business over the next three years. Leveraging Bartronics' extensive rural network across over 5,000 villages and Origo's expertise in agri-technology and supply chain management, the partnership aims to create an integrated agri-commerce ecosystem. The collaboration will enhance operational efficiency and expand market access for farmers and agri-enterprises. Vidhya Sagar Reddy, Managing Director of Bartronics, emphasized the importance of agriculture in India's economy and the potential of technology-led solutions to improve farmers' income opportunities.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 2 pmeznews.inA free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) was announced on January 27, 2026, with expectations for signing and implementation later this year. According to Moody's Ratings, the FTA will enable India to diversify its trade relationships and enhance market access for exporters amid rising US tariffs. The agreement is anticipated to bolster economic security for the EU by expanding access to India's rapidly growing market while mitigating risks associated with concentrated trade ties. While the immediate credit impact may be limited, the FTA is expected to positively influence trade volumes and stability for both parties in the long run. Key sectors such as textiles, automotive, and machinery stand to benefit, with Indian manufacturers likely to see reduced input costs from cheaper European imports. However, competitive pressures may increase for domestic producers, underscoring the need for India to improve its business environment and regulatory framework.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 12 pmeznews.inBitcoin has plunged to new two-month lows, trading at $81,102 in early Asia, marking a 3.9% drop and extending a decline that has seen the cryptocurrency fall over 34% from its all-time high on October 6. This downturn coincides with three consecutive months of net outflows from US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), totaling $4.8 billion, raising concerns about the token's status as a digital alternative to gold. Analysts note that Bitcoin's value in gold terms has decreased by 60% since late 2024, further questioning its role as a safe-haven asset amid rising geopolitical tensions. Market sentiment remains bearish, with some traders predicting a potential drop below $80,000, which could exacerbate the selloff over the weekend. Experts suggest that the recent price movements indicate a resumption of the downtrend, challenging Bitcoin's perceived stability in the financial landscape.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 10 ameznews.inA report by SBI Ecowrap indicates that following the revision of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year from 2011-12 to 2023-24, overall CPI inflation is projected to rise marginally by 20-30 basis points. The report highlights that while the new weights applied to the unchanged index lead to this slight increase, in months of higher food inflation, the new CPI could be lower by the same margin. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) established an expert group to ensure the CPI reflects changing household consumption patterns and global best practices. The new CPI 2024 series will include 358 weighted items across various categories, with significant adjustments in weight structures, such as a reduction in food and beverage weight from 45.86 to 36.75. The first data release for CPI 2024 is scheduled for February 12, 2026, covering data from January 2025 and inflation figures for January 2026.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 9 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming budget is expected to prioritize job creation and economic resilience amid global uncertainties, according to a Bloomberg News survey of economists. With millions entering the workforce annually, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is anticipated to increase spending on infrastructure, including roads and railways, while reforming import duties to stimulate exports. The government aims to maintain fiscal consolidation, targeting a budget deficit reduction to 4.2% of GDP for the fiscal year starting April, down from 4.4%. Despite a challenging investment climate, capital expenditure is projected at approximately 12.04 trillion rupees, with defense spending rising due to ongoing border tensions. Economists predict GDP growth of 6.5% to 7% and inflation around the central bank's 4% target, while the government may resort to record bond borrowing to support its financial plans.
Published: Jan 30 2026, 9 am
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