DDIndia Business: Economic Headlines & Updates

Business

February 2, 2026 9:12 PM

STT hike on F&O meant to curb speculation, protect retail investors: Sitharaman

A day after the Union Budget announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) trading is intended to discourage speculative activity and protect retail inve...

February 2, 2026 4:30 PM

Europe’s $955 billion recovery fund struggles to transform economy

In olive groves and vineyards dotted across Spain, sensors and drones paid for by Europe's largest recovery fund since the post-war Marshall Plan are gathering soil data to feed into AI models which will help farmers better manage their crops. The p...

February 2, 2026 4:35 PM

SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ centre of excellence to finance sunrise sectors

State Bank of India on Monday launched CHAKRA, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) aimed at strengthening financing for sunrise sectors critical to India’s long-term economic transformation and its goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. According to a...

February 2, 2026 3:32 PM

India manufacturing PMI rises to 55.4 in January, signals recovery

Indian manufacturing activity showed signs of recovery in January 2026, with firms reporting faster growth in new orders, output, employment, and purchasing activity after losing momentum towards the end of 2025, according to the HSBC India Manufactu...

February 2, 2026 3:31 PM

Mansukh Mandaviya launches ‘MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026’ to engage youth with Union Budget

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday launched ‘MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026’, a nationwide youth-focused initiative aimed at deepening young citizens’ understanding of the Union Budget and making budgetary ...

February 2, 2026 12:03 PM

Budget’s focus on AI-enabled skilling to nurture India’s future entrepreneurs: Industry

The government support to new technologies through AI mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Fund, Research and Innovation Fund promises to be a big boost for the Indian higher education institutions that are nurturing India�...

February 2, 2026 10:30 AM

US experts back India’s growth, urge manufacturing push

The latest union budget reinforces India’s strong growth momentum and sends positive signals on trade and investment, US-based economists and business leaders said Sunday, and urged a sharper push on manufacturing competitiveness. Steve Hanke, pro...

February 2, 2026 9:36 AM

Budget to make India a global hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing: SBI Chairman

The Budget for 2026-27 is a significant step toward making India a global hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing with global competitiveness as the lynchpin, says Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India. The Budget maintains ...

February 1, 2026 9:56 PM

Union Budget 2026-27 proposes three new chemical parks

The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed the establishment of three new dedicated Chemical Parks to strengthen domestic chemical manufacturing and reduce India’s dependence on imports. Presenting the Budget in the Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala...

February 1, 2026 10:02 PM

Union Budget 2026-27 reaffirms commitment to affordable fertilisers and farmer support

The Union Budget 2026-27 has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely availability of fertilisers to farmers at affordable prices, while supporting domestic production and promoting balanced and sustainable nutrient use. Prese...