Budget 2026: Finance ministry address changed, but why budget printing still happens at North Block

The address of the finance ministry may have changed, but when it comes to guarding the country’s most closely held financial secret, tradition still holds firm on Raisina Hill.Even after the ministry’s move to the new Central Secretariat offices at Kartavya Bhawan last year, the printing of the Union Budget — among the most confidential…

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Trade data: Exports grow 1.9% in December despite global headwinds; trade gap edges up on higher imports

India’s merchandise exports rose 1.87% year-on-year to $38.5 billion in December 2025, even as higher imports led to a marginal widening of the trade deficit, official data released on Thursday showed, PTI reported.Imports increased 8.7% during the month to $63.55 billion, pushing the trade deficit to $25.04 billion in December. This compares with a deficit…

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India’s GCC momentum: No longer offshore units, they are growth and job creation engines — and why they can’t be ignored

India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. Long seen as cost-efficient offshore back offices, GCCs are now becoming central to how global corporations build products, deploy technology and make strategic decisions. With evolving hiring patterns, and traditional IT services firms feeling the heat, the GCC story has moved well beyond topline…

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Budget 2026 expectations: Why India must put prevention at the centre of healthcare reform

Medical inflation is the most pressing concern at the moment. By Srikanth KandikondaAs India prepares for the Union Budget 2026-27, stakeholders across sectors are sharpening their focus on measures that can strengthen economic resilience and citizen welfare in the coming year. In the healthcare and insurance space, expectations are anchored in a sustained commitment to…

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Budget 2026: Agri sector lays out its pitch — expect tech push, climate-smart infrastructure & more

As the FY27 Budget draws closer, the country’s agriculture industry is urging the government to rethink how the sector is supported, pressing for higher spending on technology, digital systems and climate-ready infrastructure to unlock long-term growth. The sector employs close to 45% of the country’s workforce but contributes less than one-fifth to gross value added….

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India’s fashion appeal changes! Uniqlo, Nike gain ground; M&S, Adidas & others see muted growth

India’s western fashion market is seeing mixed results after the strong post-pandemic boom. While some global brands are struggling with slower demand, others are continuing to grow. Brands like Marks & Spencer, Benetton and Adidas are facing weak sales, while Uniqlo and Nike are expanding their footprint. At the same time, Zara’s growth has remained…

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New headache for Indian H-1B holders! Many stuck due to visa stamping delays – risk of job loss, salary cuts causes worry

With visa interview appointments being deferred to March, April or even later, job prospects have become uncertain for some. (AI image) Indian H-1B visa holders are facing a fresh headache! Amidst the Donald Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, existing H-1B visa holders now face the prospect of job loss, salary cuts and local income tax payouts…

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Nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains soon! Indian railways announces routes — check list and features

Get ready for new Amrit Bharat Express trains! Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, expanding the network of long-distance passenger services across the country. The upcoming trains will connect West Bengal and Assam with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, strengthening inter-state rail links. Since the launch…

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