VICTORIS
Budget Express 2026

co-presented by

  • LIC
  • JIO BlackRock

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

  • Sunteck
  • SBI
  • Emirates
  • Dezerv
Loans
Loans

Priyansh Verma

Principal Correspondent

Moneycontrol

Apple vs CCI: Is Apple’s fight over new penalty rules truly warranted?

BUSINESS

Apple vs CCI: Is Apple’s fight over new penalty rules truly warranted?

Legal experts say the Nagrik Chetna Manch verdict, which is being cited by Apple, is a peculiar case with unique facts and cannot be generalised.

Stakeholders hail new Labour Codes for balancing worker protection and economic efficiency: Labour Ministry Survey

BUSINESS

Stakeholders hail new Labour Codes for balancing worker protection and economic efficiency: Labour Ministry Survey

The study finds a consistently positive assessment of the potential impact of the Labour Codes on working conditions, wages, and income security. Workers perceive that the Codes will lead to improved regulation of working hours, better rest and leave practices, and greater regularity in wage payments.

EPFO to launch new app with UPI-based PF withdrawals by March-end

INDIA

EPFO to launch new app with UPI-based PF withdrawals by March-end

The new EPFO app, which will differ from the UMANG app, will be linked to the subscriber’s bank account. It will also be linked to the BHIM app and other UPI apps.

India-US Interim Agreement: India agrees to 6-month review of US or global standards for imports

BUSINESS

India-US Interim Agreement: India agrees to 6-month review of US or global standards for imports

"For the purposes of enhancing ease of compliance with applicable technical regulations, the United States and India intend to discuss their respective standards and conformity assessment procedures for mutually agreed sectors," a press release said.

Baijayant Panda’s push for under-13 social media curbs stalled by Lok Sabha adjournment

BUSINESS

Baijayant Panda’s push for under-13 social media curbs stalled by Lok Sabha adjournment

Panda's private members Bill, titled The Safeguarding Healthy Environments for Little Digital Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025 has been listed in the Lok Sabha for the last three months and had been scheduled to be introduced today. It proposes restricted and regulated internet and social media access to children below the age of 13.

India may go slow on full digital rupee rollout, track global cues

BUSINESS

India may go slow on full digital rupee rollout, track global cues

India is monitoring developments in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe and could either wait for other major economies to launch first or align its rollout with them

Govt set to exit IDBI Bank in FY26; Kotak, Emirates NBD, and Fairfax to place final bids this week

BUSINESS

Govt set to exit IDBI Bank in FY26; Kotak, Emirates NBD, and Fairfax to place final bids this week

The bids will be placed to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) in the finance ministry. The government is expecting to fetch a revenue of about Rs 33,000 crore – as it is divesting its 30.48 percent stake in IDBI Bank, say officials.

Key focus of banking committee to bring 300-350 million Indians in the financial ecosystem: DFS Secretary Nagaraju

BUSINESS

Key focus of banking committee to bring 300-350 million Indians in the financial ecosystem: DFS Secretary Nagaraju

The DFS Secretary also noted that the government will get financial bids for IDBI Bank this month. "The divestment of the government’s stake in the bank will likely happen this financial year," he said.

States’ capex loans to be tied to 'new reforms' in FY27; Centre releases Rs 69,000 crore for FY26

BUSINESS

States’ capex loans to be tied to 'new reforms' in FY27; Centre releases Rs 69,000 crore for FY26

The outlay under the 'tied component' could be Rs 1.2 lakh crore -- of the total Rs 2 lakh crore outlay -- for FY27

Trump announcement a framework pact; joint statement on the details in next 2-3 days

BUSINESS

Trump announcement a framework pact; joint statement on the details in next 2-3 days

India-US trade deal: On the zero duty, the official said that in many cases, India's exports will also be subjected to zero duty.

India-US Trade Deal: Only one aspect on "market access" announced by Trump so far, says official

BUSINESS

India-US Trade Deal: Only one aspect on "market access" announced by Trump so far, says official

"The announcement currently is only on market access. The details are being worked out by Commerce Ministry," said the official, adding that any confirmation or denial on improving access of American farm products to India’s market "can’t be given at the moment".

India-US trade deal ends uncertainty; Govt foresees economic buoyancy and private investment surge

BUSINESS

India-US trade deal ends uncertainty; Govt foresees economic buoyancy and private investment surge

On the details of the deal, Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said that "there is no clarity as of now on the Indian market opening up to U.S. agricultural products."

'Just-in-time' funding cutting interest burden; Centre curbed Rs 1 lakh crore 'parking' in state treasuries, says expenditure secretary

INDIA

'Just-in-time' funding cutting interest burden; Centre curbed Rs 1 lakh crore 'parking' in state treasuries, says expenditure secretary

The Expenditure Secretary said that the government is reviewing its Centrally Sponsored Schemes, and some of them may be merged or closed down next financial year – in case they are not found to be impactful.

High level committee on banking: India’s financial sector need to strengthened, that needs good banks, says FM

BUSINESS

High level committee on banking: India’s financial sector need to strengthened, that needs good banks, says FM

Sources in the government have said that merging of banks is also likely to be considered by the Committee, however, it may not be undertaken immediately. The FM added that the government will finalize the Terms of Reference of the high level committee on banking in the coming months.

"There will a lot more divestment going forward": FM signals aggressive push for CPSE sales to drive revenue

BUSINESS

"There will a lot more divestment going forward": FM signals aggressive push for CPSE sales to drive revenue

"I also will have to work on broadening the tax base, so that direct tax revenues grow. However, divestment is a priority," the FM noted. She added that IDBI disinvestment is likely to be concluded soon.

Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman targets 4.3% fiscal deficit; rejects ‘drastic changes’ to ensure investor confidence

BUSINESS

Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman targets 4.3% fiscal deficit; rejects ‘drastic changes’ to ensure investor confidence

The DEA Secretary highlighted that the government is reviewing the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to address concerns of foreign investors.

Budget 2026 allocates Rs 20,082 crore for the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme

BUSINESS

Budget 2026 allocates Rs 20,082 crore for the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme

For FY26, The Budget has revised its estimate for the scheme at Rs 828 crore on the scheme.

Budget 2026 unveils 4-point plan to unlock TReDS 'full potential' and boost MSME liquidity

BUSINESS

Budget 2026 unveils 4-point plan to unlock TReDS 'full potential' and boost MSME liquidity

To leverage its full potential, the FM has proposed to mandate TReDS as the transaction settlement platform for all purchases from MSMEs by CPSEs, serving as a benchmark for other corporates.

Strategy for 7 key sectors to unleash private capex: FICCI President Anant Goenka

BUSINESS

Strategy for 7 key sectors to unleash private capex: FICCI President Anant Goenka

Last year, consumers got about Rs 1.5 lakh crore in their hands, owing to Income Tax and GST reliefs, noted Goenka. "The GDP growth rate is high, there in an increase in capacity utilization after October. These are factors will push private capex further."

Govt in wait-and-watch mode on stablecoins, FinMin wary of risks: Official

BUSINESS

Govt in wait-and-watch mode on stablecoins, FinMin wary of risks: Official

"The RBI has been highlighting risks that are attached to this form of cryptocurrency. We will see how it plays out in the US," an official said.

Economic Survey: State cash transfers threaten public investment and sovereign borrowing costs

BUSINESS

Economic Survey: State cash transfers threaten public investment and sovereign borrowing costs

In the post-Survey press-conference, Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, said that the unconditional fiscal transfers that many states are pursuing are very useful as a short-term loan. "However, sustaining growth will require a careful re-prioritization."

Economic Survey 2026: Labour codes to drive jobs, female participation, and 1.25% GDP Boost

BUSINESS

Economic Survey 2026: Labour codes to drive jobs, female participation, and 1.25% GDP Boost

The Survey said that India's workforce of over 56 crore holds tremendous potential for its economic growth. “Labour market indicators point to a steady job market, with improving labour force participation, declining unemployment, and robust job creation in both the organised and unorganised sectors,” it stated.

IEPFA proposes faster refunds for unclaimed shares, dividends; seeks public comments on rule changes

BUSINESS

IEPFA proposes faster refunds for unclaimed shares, dividends; seeks public comments on rule changes

For low value claims, the Authority proposes a reduced disposal timeline of 30 days, relying solely on the company’s verification report, thereby enabling faster and hassle-free refunds to investors.

Rupee weakness is cyclical, not structural; FY27 recovery likely on higher FPI-FDI inflows: S Mahendra Dev

BUSINESS

Rupee weakness is cyclical, not structural; FY27 recovery likely on higher FPI-FDI inflows: S Mahendra Dev

"One factor, is that there is uncertainty regarding the US-India trade deal. Once that’s settled, the Indian currency will appreciate," said Mahendra Dev.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347