The government has allocated Rs 11.2 lakh crore for capital expenditure in 2025-26, marking a 10% increase from the revised estimate of the current financial year. The Budget aims to attract private investment in infrastructure through public-private partnerships. Additionally, a Rs 1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan for states' capex and incentives for reforms is proposed.
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Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to study planet formation. They observed the star cluster NGC 346. They found long-lasting planet-forming disks. These disks exist even with few heavy elements. This challenges old theories. Planets may have formed earlier than we thought. This discovery changes our understanding of the early universe.
Kabeer Biswas, co-founder of Dunzo, is set to lead Flipkart's quick commerce service, Minutes. Despite financial troubles and unpaid salaries at Dunzo, Biswas takes on the role as Flipkart joins intense competition in India's fast-growing quick commerce sector, alongside Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.
Key drivers for equity markets this week include corporate earnings from blue-chip companies like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and others. Additionally, Donald Trump’s swearing-in for a second term as US President and trading activities of foreign investors will impact the market. Investors' focus will also be on the upcoming Budget.
Government and RBI are considering a 'cooling off facility' to block funds received in bank accounts to combat online frauds. This measure targets mule accounts used in digital payment frauds. Multiple ministries and banks are collaborating to strengthen verification and prevent misuse, making it a top priority for bank CEOs to address this growing issue.
Stock market recommendations: Vedanta and International Gemmological Institute have been identified as top stock picks by Bajaj Broking Research, with favorable entry points noted.
The Indian government is revising its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to include broader support for new sectors such as footwear, toys, and textiles. The new approach will address inputs, skilling, and other aspects comprehensively, learning from earlier implementations that faced challenges with dependence on component imports.
The rupee experienced its sharpest single-day drop in two years, closing at 86.58 due to a stronger US dollar following robust job data and new sanctions on Russian oil. Additional factors like reduced forex reserves, FII outflows, and market expectations of prolonged high US interest rates aggravated the decline.
JSW Group is in advanced negotiations to buy Everstone Capital's 8% stake in MG India, potentially increasing JSW's stake to 43%. Currently, Everstone Capital holds 8%, while JSW Group owns 35%. MG India's Chinese parent SAIC owns 49% of the company. The valuation of the 8% stake could be Rs 1,000-1,200 crore.
India's GDP growth is projected to stay steady at 6.5% for fiscal 2026 due to cooling food inflation, tax benefits, and lower borrowing costs. Despite global uncertainties like US-led tariff wars, robust infrastructure expansion and economic reforms are expected to support short-term and medium-term growth.
India has the chance to leverage the issue of US reciprocal tariffs to negotiate mutual tariff reductions, turning a potential trade conflict into a win-win bargain. This cooperative approach could grant better access for Indian goods to the US market, while the reciprocal tariffs could otherwise lead to a harmful tariff war for both nations.