Budget 2026: Jewellery sector seeks duty rationalisation, reforms and GST cuts

For the Union Budget 2026-2027, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government for a mix of GST cuts, customs reforms and policy changes to counter global trade headwinds and improve export competitiveness.In its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) highlighted measures aimed at…

Read More

Investors’ expectations from Union Budget 2026

By Devendra AgrawalFor Investors: The recent Supreme Court judgement that has gone against Tiger Global may dampen the confidence of any global investor because anything that’s agreed in the past is open for interpretation. And while that may lead to short-term benefit of recovering the taxes from one investor, in the long run it might…

Read More

Bessent signals easing of Russian oil tariffs on New Delhi while frowning on EU -India FTA

Scott Bessent (File photo) TOI correspondent from Washington: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a prospective removal of the 25 per cent penalty tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, citing “success” in Washington’s pressure tactics while appearing to disapprove the outreach of the European Union, which is on the verge of concluding…

Read More

Can Donald Trump’s mortgage bond push lower home loan rates? New Fannie–Freddie limits reignite risk debate

The Trump administration has quietly expanded the scope for government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy far more mortgage bonds than previously allowed, a move aimed at lowering home loan rates but one that has revived concerns about financial risk and policy overreach.According to an internal email obtained by the Associated Press,…

Read More

World Bank clears Rs 5,700 crore for ‘Jal Sanrakshit’ Haryana, canal revival and micro-irrigation at core

The World Bank has approved technical and financial assistance of Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’, aimed at making the state self-reliant in the water sector, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Saturday.Chairing a review meeting on the programme, Saini said the funds will be released in phases between…

Read More

Cuba looks to expand economic ties with India across biotech, renewables and tourism, envoy says

Cuba is keen to deepen its economic engagement with India across sectors such as agro-industry, biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, sports and tourism, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera said on Saturday, reported PTI. Addressing a special session on India–Cuba bilateral trade and economic cooperation organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce…

Read More

India’s maritime sector seen drawing Rs 80 lakh crore investment; Vizhinjam to emerge as global hub, says Sonowal

India’s maritime sector is projected to attract investments of more than Rs 80 lakh crore in the coming years, helping the country regain its long-lost nautical supremacy and generate over 1.5 crore jobs, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday.Speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of development of Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram,…

Read More