Explainers News - Page 28

New tax act, easier filings and more… How Budget 2026 will change the way we pay our taxes

While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hasn’t introduced any changes to the Income tax slabs in the Budget 2026, significant changes have been proposed in filings and compliance. Filing timings have been staggered, and a sweeping new disclosure window has been announced for foreign assets

What is India’s orange economy that Budget 2026 puts the spotlight on?

India’s Union Budget 2026 places the spotlight on the ‘orange economy’, covering creative sectors such as animation, gaming, design and live entertainment. Backed by the Economic Survey 2025-26, the government aims to boost jobs, skills, urban services and tourism through targeted policy support

No change to direct income tax in Budget 2026. What it means for you

Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the direct income tax rates and slabs remain unchanged. This means taxpayers will continue to pay tax at the same rate as in the current financial year. Under the current law, salaried individuals can choose between the old and the new tax regime

Cancer drugs, foreign education, alcohol… What becomes cheaper and costlier after Budget 2026?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced her record ninth Budget with a focus on growth. As basic customs duty has been slashed on many items, products such as cancer drugs and microwave ovens are set to become cheaper. On the other hand, luxury goods such as watches and imported liquor will get more expensive

Union Budget 2026: What is the rare earth corridor? Why is India betting big on it now?

India has announced dedicated rare earth corridors across four mineral-rich states to cut reliance on China and strengthen domestic supply chains. Unveiled in the Union Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the move aims to boost the manufacturing of critical minerals vital for clean energy, electronics and defence

No income tax changes, capex up, NRIs gain… The big takeaways from Union Budget 2026

In her 85-minute-long Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman focused on growth, jobs and long-term reforms. She stated that this year’s Budget was built around three ‘kartavyas’ — accelerating economic growth, building people’s capabilities, and ensuring inclusive development. Here’s what we gleaned from it

Quicksplained: Why cigarettes, pan masala get more expensive even before Budget announcement

Even before Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Budget 2026, the price of cigarettes, pan masala and tobacco products has increased, as new excise duties and a health cess kick in from today (February 1)

This Week in Explainers: What happens if the US attacks Iran?

Many political watchers are keeping an eye on whether US President Donald Trump will authorise strikes on Iran. The US has been moving its military assets to West Asia, and Trump has issued a nuclear ultimatum to the Islamic Republic. All this and much more in our weekly roundup

This Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman’s focus will be on Part B. Here’s what to expect

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to break a 75-year tradition with her Budget speech. She is likely to focus on Part B of the annual document, which is largely restricted to tax proposals and technical announcements. The move comes as a means to reflect India’s economic vision and priorities

Who’s in Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 war-room?

This is the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament. Sitharaman first presented a Union Budget in 2019. But what do we know about members of her team?

In Graphics | The handy Budget glossary to have

The Union Budget will be presented in Parliament today. As the numbers begin to flow, the financial jargon and terms can be hard to grasp for people with little financial knowledge. Here's a handy glossary of financial words that will help you decode things

Why saying 'please' and 'thank you' doesn't really add to the cost of using AI

OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has acknowledged it all adds to operating costs at the scale of billions of prompts. At the same time, it is a stretch to suggest that treating ChatGPT politely comes at significant environmental cost

Food talk: There’s a reason why you get more hangry than others. Here’s what it is

A recent study suggests that mood changes depend more on awareness of hunger signals than on low energy alone. Also, people were only in a worse mood when they acknowledged they were feeling hungry

Vibration plates are the newest trend in fitness. Are they of any help though?

A look at TikTok, Instagram or any other social media app, and there’s buzz about vibration plates. Influencers swear by this new fitness equipment, claiming that it helps in losing weight and draining the lymphatic glands. But are these claims really true?

India-EU seal the ‘mother of all trade deals’. FTA is our Word of the Week

After years of negotiations, India and the European Union sealed the largest trade deal for both sides — covering two billion people and about 25 per cent of the world’s GDP. This is the eighth such free trade agreement for New Delhi in the past six years. That's what makes FTA our Word of the Week

Could gold become India’s top retail investment in 2026?

Gold crossed the $5,000 mark (Rs 4,59 lakh) for the first time earlier this week before crashing on Thursday evening. But will retail investors favour gold in 2026?

This Week in Explainers: Tracing last moments of Ajit Pawar’s plane before it crashed in Baramati

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died after his private plane came crashing down near the runway at the Baramati airport. What went wrong on that flight? We explore this and more in our weekly roundup

How powerful is Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, labelled terrorist group by Europe?

Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard is under the gun as the European Union designated it a terrorist organisation. From controlling ballistic missiles to running businesses and backing armed groups abroad, the Guard plays a massive role in Iran’s politics, security and regional conflicts

These ‘mind-altering’ shoes claim to improve focus: What does science say?

Nike claims its latest footwear can sharpen focus by stimulating sensory receptors in the feet. Backed by internal neuroscience research, the shoes promise heightened awareness and presence. But what does independent science say about the link between footwear and brain activity?

Trump picks Kevin Warsh as new Fed chief. Who is he?

Kevin Warsh built his career across finance, government, and academia. He served as a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011, after being appointed by then-US president George W Bush and played a key role during the 2008 global financial crisis

Why is Amazon’s $40-million Melania Trump documentary generating controversy?

Amazon MGM Studios’ $40-million deal for ‘Melania’, a documentary on First Lady Melania Trump, has sparked controversy over its unprecedented budget, aggressive marketing and limited press access. Ethical questions are being raised around a sitting first lady profiting from her role

Protests, resignations: Why uproar over new UGC equity regulations has intensified

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has stirred the pot with its Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, notified on January 13. Under the new rules, the statutory body defines ‘caste-based discrimination’ as discrimination ‘only on the basis of caste or tribe’ against members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). But why has this caused a row?

In Graphics | Is Europe breaking up with US tech?

France is the latest European nation to boost attempts to ditch US tech. Government officials will begin using a new video conferencing platform called Visio, an application developed by the government, instead of American-owned tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. What about other European countries?

Why Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s visit to Bahawalpur has grabbed India’s attention

Pakistan Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently travelled to Bahawalpur in Punjab, where he addressed the troops of the Bahawalpur Garrison and witnessed a military exercise. However, the visit is being seen as a message to India, which had struck the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit’s headquarters in the city during Operation Sindoor in May

Explained: The challenges awaiting the new US Fed chair

As Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s term nears its end, US President Donald Trump is set to announce the next chief. The incoming boss of the central bank will need to establish credibility under intense scrutiny

How an infant was stabbed 600 times with a needle by a Chinese mother

A 10-month-old baby was rushed to the hospital in Puer, Yunnan province, in southwestern China, in December last year after being allegedly stabbed with a needle hundreds of times by his mother, authorities confirmed. A doctor revealed that the woman pierced the infant when he was disobedient or developed signs of a fever or cold

Were trillions of dollars wiped out from gold and silver within minutes?

Gold and silver witnessed massive drops on Thursday evening, wiping out trillions in market valuation and leaving traders shocked. But what happened and why?

Sunetra Pawar or… Who could be Ajit Pawar’s successor?

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has to choose a leader. Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise in a plane crash has triggered questions about his successor. Reports indicate that the NCP is keen on Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife, to take over the party's reins. But will she agree? If not her, then who are the other options?

Is India likely to ban social media for teens, as Australia has?

There’s buzz that India is likely to follow Australia’s footsteps and introduce curbs on social media for teenagers. This comes as the Economic Survey noted that digital addiction among the youth has become a huge concern, as it impacts not only academic but also work performance

Iran-US tension: Where are US military bases in West Asia?

Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Iran, with experts predicting a conflict. If the US strikes, the Islamic Republic could target American military bases in West Asia