AGRICULTURE BUDGET
Bengal Polls: Voting for any party other than TMC means vote for BJP, says Abhishek Banerjee
Abhishek Banerjee urged Murshidabad voters to support TMC for development and stability. He accused opposition parties of aligning with the BJP and highlighted TMC's welfare plans for erosion-hit families and farmers. Banerjee promised piped water, healthcare, pensions, and housing for all. He also raised concerns about electoral roll deletions and rising input costs for farmers.
Cabinet extends validity of third phase of rural road scheme, raises outlay to Rs 83,977 crore
The Union Cabinet has extended the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III deadline to March 2028 for plain areas and March 2029 for mountainous areas. This revised outlay of Rs 83,977 crore aims to boost the rural economy by improving market access and reducing transport costs.
Trump govt is hiring again, remember Doge?
The Trump administration is now actively recruiting federal employees after earlier efforts to reduce government jobs. Job postings have increased significantly, with new drives targeting tech, legal, and project management roles. While some departments may see reduced staff, others are slated for growth.
Once an institution of warmth and wit, parties are now an embodiment of symbol over experience
A recent party at Gwalior's Jai Vilas Palace offered a glimpse of genuine connection, a stark contrast to years of superficial gatherings. The author recalls parties hosted by Parmeshwar Godrej, Raj Salgaocar, and Roohi Jaikishan, where guests connected through shared interests and the host's charisma.
Decontrol oil prices and replace cross-subsidies with targeted DBTs for needy households
During recent global crude price volatility linked to West Asia tensions, retail fuel prices in India remained largely unchanged, unlike in other countries or even private retailers, raising questions about the credibility of “market-linked” pricing.
Can Trump’s Iran blockade plunge India into an 'everything crisis'?
India has so far managed the oil shock from the Iran war through policy buffers, diversified crude sourcing and intervention by the Reserve Bank of India, keeping inflation and supply chains stable. However, the proposed US naval blockade of Iranian ports by Donald Trump risks escalating the situation and disrupting energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially driving oil prices higher and prolonging the shock.
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Quote of the Day by Nobel winning economist Milton Friedman, “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert...” – Does Friedman's critique of government still apply in 2026? What does this powerful quote reveal about government efficiency, economic freedom, and modern life lessons?
Quote of the Day by Nobel winning economist Milton Friedman: Global public spending has crossed $30 trillion in 2026. Efficiency remains a serious concern. The Milton Friedman quote is trending again for this reason. Milton Friedman used the Sahara Desert example to show how poor governance creates scarcity. His warning feels real today. Many economies face supply gaps despite abundant resources. Data shows weak incentives often reduce productivity in public systems. This drives waste and delays. The Milton Friedman quote explained highlights how mismanagement, not shortage, causes crisis.
President Murmu nominates Harivansh Narayan Singh to Rajya Sabha
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. His previous term concluded on April 9. Singh has served as Deputy Chairman of the Upper House since 2018. This nomination follows constitutional provisions and fills a vacancy. He brings extensive parliamentary experience from various committees.
EU lawmakers want to tax Big Tech to fund budget
European Union lawmakers are pushing for a bloc-wide tax on major technology firms and online gambling businesses. This move aims to generate funds for the EU's upcoming seven-year budget, set at two trillion euros. Negotiations are underway between the European Parliament and member states to secure this additional revenue.
Grocery Price chaos: What’s getting expensive and the surprising items now costing less
Over the past two years, Consumer Price Index data shows that grocery prices have fluctuated unevenly across different categories.The latest data points to a mixed trend in food prices, with notable increases in key categories such as proteins and beverages.
Uzbekistan launches ambitious "Uzbekistan–2030" strategy
Uzbekistan has launched its Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, a comprehensive plan for national reform and development. The strategy outlines 100 measurable goals to be achieved by 2030, focusing on human development, sustainable economic growth, and strengthening the rule of law.
500 officers have been removed from Murshidabad so that Bengal's work stops: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the ongoing voter list revision. She claims the process intimidates voters by removing names. Banerjee also stated that administrative work might be temporarily disrupted. She announced a future separate budget for farmers. The Chief Minister will contest a key election in Bhabanipur.
India’s next reform push must target cost of doing business
India faces high business costs impacting competitiveness. Addressing credit, land, input, logistics, and compliance expenses is crucial. Benchmarking against nations like Vietnam and China offers a path forward. Lowering these costs will drive capacity expansion, boost exports, and create formal jobs. This is essential for sustained economic growth.
SEZ units can sell locally at lower duty for one year
India has announced a one-time relief for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, allowing them to sell goods in the domestic market at a lower customs duty for one year. This measure, along with a six-month extension of fiscal benefits under RoDTEP, aims to support exporters amid global crises and enhance export competitiveness by enabling better capacity utilization and liquidity.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM Pension) Yojana: Rs 55 per month can secure Rs 3,000 pension: Who can join PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana offers a pension option for unorganised sector workers aged 18-40 with monthly incomes below Rs 15,000. Subscribers contribute small monthly amounts until age 60 to receive a minimum pension of Rs 3,000, with a family pension for spouses. Enrolment is through Common Service Centres.
The war in Iran sparks a global fertilizer shortage and threatens food prices
Farmers worldwide face rising costs and dwindling fertilizer supplies due to the Iran war. This shortage threatens crop yields and could lead to higher food prices for everyone. Developing nations are particularly vulnerable as planting season begins. India is subsidizing fertilizers, but long-term solutions are needed to ensure food security.
Banks told to use Grameen Credit Score to assess rural borrowers
Banks are being urged to adopt the Grameen Credit Score for rural borrowers. This move aims to boost access to formal credit for farmers and small businesses. The Grameen Credit Score will help in faster loan assessments. This initiative is expected to benefit first-time borrowers significantly. Discussions are ongoing to include more data points for a comprehensive assessment.
Why can’t some MSMEs scale if policy is on their side? The ET MSME Awards 2025 had answers
At the Awards’ grand felicitation ceremony, industry voices debated whether India's MSME ecosystem is ready to scale or whether structural barriers hold it back.
Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2026–27, advancing government’s fiscal plans
The Finance Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha. This marks a key step for the Central Government's financial plans for 2026-2027. The bill brings legal backing to budget proposals. Changes in taxes and duties will affect individuals and businesses. The budget focuses on growth, jobs, and inclusive development. It emphasizes infrastructure, private investment, and skilling initiatives.
Nations race to secure enough fertilizer and prevent food crisis
Surging fertilizer prices, particularly for urea and phosphate, are impacting major agricultural economies, with top exporters curbing sales and importing nations seeking alternative supplies.
The triple blow: India’s gathering economic storm
India's economy faces significant pressure from global events. Trade protectionism, tighter global money, and an energy crisis in West Asia are creating challenges. These factors are impacting exports, investment, and job creation. Foreign investors are withdrawing capital, affecting stock markets. Rising oil prices are increasing import costs and inflation.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables Finance Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Finance Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This bill enacts the government's financial plans for 2026-2027. Key proposals focus on growth, job creation, and inclusive development. The budget emphasizes infrastructure, private investment, and skilling initiatives. Support for MSMEs, manufacturing, agriculture, and green energy is also included. The bill also amends corporate laws.
Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha, sent to JPC
A new bill to amend corporate laws was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The legislation seeks changes to the Limited Liability Partnership Act and the Companies Act. The bill has been sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a thorough review. The Finance Minister will also present the Finance Bill, 2026.
Kerala polls: Development, public welfare are LDF's core issues, says Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a fresh mandate for the ruling LDF in the upcoming Assembly polls. He highlights the LDF's commitment to development and welfare, contrasting it with the previous UDF government's alleged failures. Vijayan emphasizes the LDF's role in rebuilding Kerala and its achievements in the health sector.
Sitharaman to move Finance Bill 2026 and Corporate Laws Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha today
Parliament's Budget session resumes today. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. She will also move for consideration of the Finance Bill, 2026. Several ministers will lay papers on the table. Reports on women's empowerment and urban affairs will be presented. The session continues until April 2.
‘Most cuts in salaries of top officials’: HPCC chief on CM Sukhu’s 6-month pay cut for ministers, MLAs
As Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a six-month salary deferment for ministers, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee chief Vinay Kumar defended the state budget, saying that most of the cuts have been made in the salaries of big officials and legislators who have good incomes and no cuts were made in the income of third-class and fourth-class employees.
Telangana Budget 2026: State presents Rs 3.24 lakh cr budget for FY27, focus on infra, poll promises
Telangana presented a Rs 3.24 lakh crore budget for 2026-27, a nearly Rs 20,000 crore increase, prioritizing flagship programs like Musi Riverfront beautification and Metrorail expansion. The budget allocates significant funds to agriculture, energy, municipal administration, and health, aiming for comprehensive state development. The state's GSDP and per capita income have shown robust growth.
K Kavitha eyes new party launch, targets K Chandrasekhar Rao, Modi and Revanth Reddy
K Kavitha plans to launch a new political party soon. She will announce the launch date after consulting an auspicious time. Her political fight will target her father, Prime Minister Modi, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Kavitha is studying Gandhian philosophy for her party's agenda. She aims to promote youth and Telangana statehood activists.
Big bets, weak ground: Why AI in Indian agriculture needs stronger data, oversight
Poor, fragmented data continues to limit AI’s impact on farming in India, say experts
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