India
16th finance commission balances southern states' concerns and equity
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The 16th finance commission has released its recommendations for 2026-2031, retaining states' share in the divisible tax pool at 41 percent. Southern states' allocation has risen from 15.8 percent to 17 percent, while emphasizing privatization of the power distribution sector and debt cleanup. The commission urged states to discontinue off-budget borrowings and rationalize subsidy schemes.
Weeks after Madras High Court hearings failed to resolve certification issues, Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan remains stalled by CBFC disputes, inflicting a Rs 100 crore loss on Tamil Nadu theatres and threatening single-screen closures amid concerns over certification transparency.
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A trade deal between India and the US was announced following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the agreement, US tariffs on Indian exports have been reduced from 50% to 18%. Indian officials confirm the tariff cut, while Trump claims India will stop buying Russian oil and commit to purchasing $500 billion in US goods.
According to the Reserve Bank of India, nine bank holidays are scheduled across India in February 2026, including national and regional observances as well as mandatory weekly offs. These holidays mark significant events such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. Customers are advised to plan branch visits around these dates.
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Kerala General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty has sharply criticized the Union Budget 2026-27 for ignoring public school education and betraying workers' interests in favor of corporates. He highlighted the lack of focus on school infrastructure and worker welfare. Sivankutty urged the Centre to adopt Kerala's inclusive education models.
The boom in ai infrastructure is pushing up prices of key metals like copper and aluminum, squeezing margins for indian carmakers such as maruti suzuki. This competition for materials used in data centers is contributing to higher vehicle costs. Automakers are facing similar pressures from chip shortages linked to ai demand.
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The Union Budget 2026 has modified the tax exemptions available on Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs). Previously, individual investors were exempt from capital gains tax if they held the bonds until maturity. Now, this benefit is restricted to specific situations.
India and EU conclude key agreements for stability
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