Economy news

• 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Vs Older Tata Punch: Upgrades & Features Compared - Check What’s New

  13-01-2026 11:07 via zeenews.india.com
  Tata Punch Facelift: The older Tata Punch had a simple, upright design with conventional headlamps. In contrast, the 2026 Punch facelift draws inspiration from the Punch EV. 
  
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• Six of top-10 firms lose over Rs 3 lakh crore in market cap; TCS, Infosys hit hard

  15-02-2026 18:23 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Top Indian firms saw over Rs 3 lakh crore wiped off their market value last week, with IT giants TCS and Infosys leading the decline. A broad market selloff, fueled by global cues and AI disruption fears impacting tech stocks, dragged down valuations. However, select banking and financial stocks like SBI managed to gain.
  
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• 2026–27 Rural Development Budget: VB-G RAM G gets 40% of funds; MGNREGS sees 66% cut

  15-02-2026 17:56 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A new rural employment scheme, VB-G RAM G, has secured the largest budget share, overshadowing MGNREGA with a significant allocation. While MGNREGA faces a sharp funding cut, other key rural development projects like PMAY-G and PMGSY have seen substantial increases. The shift in fund-sharing for VB-G RAM G could impact state government spending.
  
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• Economic growth spreads beyond metros; northern, eastern districts gain momentum: Report

  15-02-2026 16:59 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India's economic growth is expanding beyond major cities, with northern and eastern districts emerging as new activity hubs. While established metros like Ahmedabad and Bengaluru lead, districts such as Gurugram, Hooghly, and Moradabad show significant rank improvements. This decentralised growth, driven by infrastructure and connectivity, signals a reshaping of local economies beyond traditional urban centres.
  
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• Budget avoided populism, focused on productive capex to power ‘Reform Express’: PM Modi

  15-02-2026 16:01 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Union Budget's focus on productive spending and record infrastructure outlays, steering clear of populism for sustainable growth. He emphasized plugging structural gaps, pursuing reforms, and laying foundations for a developed India, marking the 'next level' of the nation's journey. The Budget prioritizes long-term assets over short-term gains.
  
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• Gold, Silver likely to consolidate amid Fed rate-cut uncertainty: Analysts

  15-02-2026 15:17 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Precious metal prices are set for continued volatility and consolidation as investors await crucial US economic data, including inflation and GDP figures.Market watchers are closely observing Federal Reserve signals for potential rate cut timelines.Gold experienced a sharp correction in February, influenced by stronger US employment data, while silver futures saw a decline.
  
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• Struggling to save money? 6 easy tips to grow your savings

  15-02-2026 15:04 via zeenews.india.com
  You don’t need to save huge amounts to begin your journey. Even setting aside a small amount regularly can build a strong habit. Saving Rs 100 a day may seem insignificant, but over a year, it adds up to a meaningful amount. 
  
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• Multiple PPF accounts allowed or not? Here’s what rules say

  15-02-2026 14:34 via zeenews.india.com
  Under PPF rules, individuals can invest a minimum of Rs 500 and up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year, with a mandatory lock-in period of 15 years. At maturity, the invested amount along with interest is tax-free. 
  
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• India-UK trade agreement likely to come into force in April: Report

  15-02-2026 14:21 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India and the UK's free trade agreement, signed last year, is slated for implementation by April 2026. This pact promises 99% duty-free access for Indian exports to Britain, while India will lower tariffs on cars and whisky.Parliamentary approval is currently underway in the UK, paving the way for enhanced bilateral trade.
  
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• Bank holidays alert: Banks shut on select days Feb 16–21; Check full list

  15-02-2026 12:51 via zeenews.india.com
  Even on these holidays, digital banking services such as ATMs, mobile apps, UPI and internet banking will continue to function, allowing customers to carry out fund transfers, bill payments and other routine transactions. 
  
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• Indian car brands: How many four-wheeler manufacturing companies does India have? Stop guessing, check exact number

  15-02-2026 12:44 via zeenews.india.com
  Indian car brands: Indian car brands include Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Force Motors, Hindustan Motors, and Chinkara Motors. A few of these are not active or operational.
  
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• Global cues, AI disruption fears to steer markets this week: Analysts

  15-02-2026 12:08 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock markets are poised for a volatile week, driven by US economic data, the Federal Reserve's policy outlook, and growing AI disruption fears. Analysts anticipate a cautious sentiment as investors monitor global geopolitical events and currency movements. Domestic sectors like banking and automobiles may gain traction, while broader indices are expected to trade sideways awaiting clearer economic signals.
  
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• You can start EPS pension at 50 — But there’s a catch

  15-02-2026 11:58 via zeenews.india.com
  Under the EPS rules, a member who has completed at least 10 years of eligible service can opt for early pension between the ages of 50 and 58.
  
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• India-US trade deal to help secure crude at competitive prices: Piyush Goyal

  15-02-2026 11:43 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India and the US aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, with energy imports like crude oil and LNG forming a key part. This interim trade agreement will help India secure competitive energy prices and diversify suppliers. The pact also focuses on increasing steel, coking coal, and IT exports, enhancing market access for Indian goods.
  
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• Railways rolls out tech-enabled onboard cleaning reform for long distance trains

  15-02-2026 11:16 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The railway ministry has launched a new onboard cleaning initiative for long-distance trains, deploying professional teams to clean coaches and toilets at hourly intervals or as needed. This tech-enabled reform aims to enhance passenger experience through real-time monitoring and accountability. Additionally, the ministry will permit cargo facilities on spare railway land to boost freight operations.
  
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• FPIs infuse Rs 19,675 crore in early February after months of heavy selling

  15-02-2026 11:07 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Foreign investors injected Rs 19,675 crore into Indian stocks in early February, reversing months of outflows. This surge, driven by a US-India trade deal and easing global economic worries, signals renewed optimism. Despite this, overall 2025 flows remain weak, with significant net outflows recorded year-to-date.
  
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• From first salary to first investment — Why young Indians are choosing gold

  15-02-2026 10:20 via zeenews.india.com
  When asked how they would invest Rs 25,000, about 61.9 percent said they would choose gold, far ahead of mutual funds (16.6 percent), fixed deposits (13 percent), stocks (6.6 percent), and crypto (1.9 percent), the survey showed.
   
  
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• 8th Pay Commission: Will pre-Dec 31, 2025 retirees miss 8th CPC benefits? Govt clarifies

  15-02-2026 10:06 via zeenews.india.com
  The government informed Parliament that the 8th Central Pay Commission was officially constituted through a resolution dated November 3, 2025, along with its Terms of Reference (ToR). 
  
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• PPF account rules: Why you can open only one PPF account and what it means for your tax savings

  15-02-2026 09:31 via zeenews.india.com
  Opening additional PPF accounts in different banks or post offices is not permitted under the PPF Scheme.
  
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• Why scooters or scooty have no gears while motorcycles do? The real reason is not what you think

  15-02-2026 08:59 via zeenews.india.com
  Why scooty has no gear: Most modern scooters use a system called Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT automatically changes the gear ratio based on speed and throttle input.
  
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• Funding to be considered through charitable institutions for Affordable housing: Manohar Lal Khattar

  15-02-2026 08:29 via zeenews.india.com
  The minister also indicated that the government is working on a policy framework to support development in around 700–750 slum settlements in and around the National Capital Territory (NCT).
  
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• Planning to buy Royal Enfield Continental GT 650? Check 3 reasons to purchase it and 2 to skip

  15-02-2026 08:24 via zeenews.india.com
  Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: One of the biggest reasons buyers consider the Continental GT 650 is its powerful 648cc parallel-twin engine, but it lacks traction control and a TFT display.
  
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• India forex reserves drop $6.7 billion from record high to $717.1

  15-02-2026 07:11 via zeenews.india.com
   The decline came after the country’s forex reserves had touched a record high of USD 723.774 billion in the previous week.
   
  
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• Nirmala Sitharaman holds key bilateral meetings in Munich, highlights investment opportunities

  15-02-2026 06:33 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Munich, Germany, among several other key dignitaries, during her ongoing visit.
  
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• Looking for stable retirement income? SCSS can give Rs 20,000 monthly

  15-02-2026 06:24 via zeenews.india.com
  To earn roughly Rs 20,000 per month, an investor would typically need to invest close to the maximum permitted amount of Rs 30 lakh in the scheme.
  
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• Renting to buying your first house in UAE 2026: 5 real estate trends home owners should focus on

  15-02-2026 06:01 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  UAE's property market is seeing a surge in first-time homebuyers in 2026, driven by government support and a shift towards long-term value. Buyers now prioritise build quality, practical design and community infrastructure over speculation. Affordability and tech-driven mortgage solutions are making ownership more accessible, fostering a generation committed to homeownership as a lifestyle choice.
  
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• How the US Dollar became the world’s reserve currency — And why no rival has replaced it yet

  15-02-2026 05:45 via zeenews.india.com
  Most international trade is priced in dollars, central banks hold large dollar reserves, and global investors treat US government debt as one of the safest assets in the world.
  
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• AI not causing mass layoffs, but changing nature of work: Study

  14-02-2026 18:50 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Contrary to fears, generative AI isn't causing mass layoffs in India's IT sector. A new ICRIER-OpenAI study reveals AI is boosting productivity and transforming roles, not replacing workers. While entry-level hiring has seen a slight dip, mid and senior positions remain stable, indicating a shift towards skill enhancement rather than job elimination.
  
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• Gold tops investment choices among young Indians, survey finds

  14-02-2026 18:10 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Young Indians, across Gen Z and Millennials, overwhelmingly favor gold as their top investment choice, with 62% preferring it over mutual funds, stocks, and crypto.Even with modern options available, gold is seen as the safest bet, especially during uncertain economic times.Purchases are increasingly personal and smaller, driven by income and investment goals rather than just tradition.
  
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• "52 reforms in 52 weeks": Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines massive railway overhaul for 2026

  14-02-2026 17:59 via zeenews.india.com
  This cleanliness drive is not a short-term measure but a multi-year commitment to cover the entire Indian Railways fleet.
  
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