Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Monday, with the two leaders holding discussions on several important issues. The Prime Minister’s Office later confirmed the meeting in a social media post. Saini welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it people-centric and in line with the goal of building a developed India by 2047. Speaking in Panchkula, he said the Budget reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to Viksit Bharat and would be remembered as a key milestone in that journey. Describing it as a visionary and historic document, he added that it focuses on uplifting the poorest sections of society and rests on three pillars: speed, capacity, and inclusive growth.
On Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Major announcements included an increase in public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for 2026–27, reinforcing the government’s push for infrastructure-led growth. The Budget also outlined plans for seven high-speed rail corridors, new freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years to support sustainable transport.
On the taxation front, the government announced that the New Income Tax Act, 2025, will be implemented from April 2026 with simplified rules and redesigned forms. It also proposed lower tax collection rates on overseas tour packages, as well as education and medical expenses under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@PMOIndia.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, affectionately nicknamed “the people’s dad” in Taiwan, capped his visit to his birthplace by praising and encouraging key Taiwanese suppliers to boost production to meet soaring AI demand. Huang, who co-founded California-based Nvidia in 1993, has overseen the company’s meteoric rise, with its market value surpassing $5 trillion last year, placing it at the center of the global AI revolution.
During a rain-soaked impromptu press conference outside a Taipei restaurant, following a “trillion-dollar dinner” with suppliers, Huang highlighted the crucial role of Taiwan in Nvidia’s success. He singled out Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest maker of advanced AI chips, saying, “TSMC needs to work very hard this year because I need a lot of wafers.” He praised the company’s efforts and predicted it could more than double its production capacity over the next decade.
Huang also expressed concern about memory chip shortages, noting that “the entire supply chain is challenging this year because demand is so much more.” His visit included mingling with top executives, including Foxconn chairman Young Liu, while stepping out to greet enthusiastic fans and sign autographs.
“Nvidia wouldn’t be possible without Taiwan. There’s magic in this island. The companies here have extraordinary technology and culture,” Huang said, reflecting on his warm reception and the island’s vital role in the AI ecosystem. Huang arrived from China on Thursday and is scheduled to leave on Monday, leaving behind a wave of media coverage and adoring fans who followed his every move.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
A 15-member Trinamool Congress delegation led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar today to raise objections over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The TMC has alleged that the SIR process in the state is biased, arbitrary, discriminatory, and politically motivated. The party said the delegation will formally place its concerns before the Election Commission and demand immediate corrective steps, noting that earlier representations have received no response.
Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, accusing the ongoing SIR of causing widespread public hardship and undermining trust in democratic institutions. She claimed the exercise has led to severe inconvenience for citizens, alleged links to around 140 deaths, and violations of the Representation of the People Act and related rules.
The Election Commission is currently conducting a nationwide SIR across 12 states and union territories, including West Bengal. The process began with training and printing in late October, followed by enumeration in November, publication of draft rolls in December, a claims and objections period through early January, hearings until the end of January, and final electoral rolls scheduled to be published on February 7.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Pakistan delivered Australia their heaviest-ever defeat in T20 internationals, cruising to a 111-run victory on Sunday to complete a dominant 3-0 series sweep just days before the T20 World Cup. The margin of defeat surpassed Australia’s previous worst T20 loss, a 100-run defeat to England in 2005. Australia, considered one of the World Cup contenders ahead of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, again struggled badly against spin. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz produced a career-best performance, claiming 5 for 18 as Australia were bowled out for just 96 in 16.5 overs.
After winning the toss for the third straight match, Pakistan piled up an imposing 207 for 6, their highest-ever T20 total against Australia. Captain Salman Ali Agha praised his side’s all-round display, saying Pakistan had been outstanding in every department and expressing confidence ahead of the World Cup. Saim Ayub led the batting with 56, while Babar Azam silenced critics of his T20 strike rate with an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls. Shadab Khan provided late fireworks, smashing 46 off just 19 deliveries, including five sixes, to propel Pakistan to a formidable finish.
Australia’s chase never recovered after Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, clean-bowling Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw. Nawaz then took control on the slow surface, deceiving experienced batters and dismissing key players including Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, who top-scored with 23. Earlier in Pakistan’s innings, Ayub and Babar added 69 runs after early losses, with Ayub hitting six fours and two sixes. Khawaja Nafay chipped in with a brisk 21, while Babar anchored the innings as Pakistan blasted 70 runs in the final five overs to cross the 200 mark for the first time against Australia in T20s.
Australian bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, particularly Green, who conceded heavily in the latter stages. Marsh admitted Pakistan were clearly the better side throughout the series, adding that Australia would take lessons from the defeats as they turn their focus to the World Cup. Pakistan had earlier won the opening match by 19 runs and the second by 90, underlining their complete dominance in the series.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
In Caracas, Venezuela, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez held up a document as the country’s legislature gave approval to a comprehensive reform of Venezuela’s primary oil law. The sweeping changes are aimed at reshaping the nation’s oil industry, affecting policies, regulations, and management of the sector, and represent a significant shift in the governance of one of Venezuela’s most important economic resources.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
US President Donald Trump announced that he is nominating Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh would succeed current chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, pending Senate approval. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the nomination with Jason Ware, Chief Investment Officer, Head of Research, and Chief Economist at Albion Financial Group, to gain further insight.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA
After weeks of intense federal enforcement in Minnesota, local resistance pushed back strongly, and it appears that Donald Trump has grown skeptical about the leadership of his ICE operation in the state. This raises questions about the future of Trump’s “ICE patriots,” how the Republican Party can find unity on immigration policies that have resulted in the deaths of Americans, and what role far‑right figures in Trump’s circle might play going forward. Jonathan Freedland talks with George Conway — a founding member of the Lincoln Project who is now running for Congress — about what might happen next in this unfolding situation.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the AI-driven economy. According to Saxo Bank’s latest analysis, the upcoming IPO pipeline is dominated by tech giants poised to move from private backing to public scrutiny. While OpenAI and Anthropic represent high-risk, high-reward bets on generative AI, companies like Canva and Stripe showcase more established models in SaaS and Fintech at scale. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng highlight the key factors investors should monitor — including governance, computing costs, and revenue sustainability — as these “private unicorns” prepare for their public market debut, with insights from Chan Yew Kiang, ASEAN IPO Leader at EY.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. Varadkar, author of the autobiography “Speaking My Mind”, shares insights from a remarkable life in public service—how politics fascinated him as a child, his journey from a junior politician to Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, and ultimately becoming Ireland’s youngest prime minister. He also reflects on key lessons learned along the way and his experiences interacting with global leaders, including Donald Trump.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
