Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday kept income tax slabs unchanged in the Union Budget 2026, meaning taxpayers will continue to be taxed at the same rates as in the financial year 2025 26 under both the old and new tax regimes. While there was no revision in slab rates, the Budget sought to address several long-standing concerns of middle-class taxpayers through targeted relief measures, including a reduction in tax collected at source rates and the introduction of new deductions related to dividend income. As a result, salaried individuals and other taxpayers will not see changes in income tax slab rates, but may benefit from procedural and compliance-related easing announced in the Union Budget 2026. Follow the live updates of Union Budget 2026 with real-time coverage of major announcements, tax reforms, economic priorities and policy decisions New tax regime slabs Old tax regime slabs Union Budget 2026: Tax holiday till 2047 for global cloud firms using Indian data centres Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a tax holiday till 2047 for foreign companies providing global cloud services using data centre facilities located in India. Such firms will be required to serve Indian customers through an Indian reseller entity. To provide certainty in taxation, the finance minister also announced a safe harbour margin of 15 per cent on costs where data centre services are provided from India by a related entity. Aimed at improving logistics efficiency for electronic manufacturing, Sitharaman announced a safe harbour for non-residents using bonded warehouses for component storage, with profits capped at 2 per cent of invoice value. She said this would translate into an effective tax rate of about 0.7 per cent, significantly lower than in competing jurisdictions. To encourage toll manufacturing, the Budget also proposes a five-year income tax exemption for non-residents supplying capital goods, equipment or tooling to toll manufacturers operating in bonded zones. In addition, the finance minister announced a set of indirect tax measures aimed at simplifying the tariff structure, supporting domestic manufacturing, boosting export competitiveness and correcting duty inversions. The announcements follow the tabling of the Economic Survey 2025–26 in Parliament on Thursday, which outlined the state of the economy ahead of the Budget.
06 February,2026 12:33 PM IST | New DelhiThe ninth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' began on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging in a lively and interactive session with students, teachers, and parents from across the country. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the crucial role of board examinations in shaping a student's academic journey. He urged students to treat these exams as their priority, describing them as the foundation upon which future opportunities are built. Board exams demand discipline, clarity, PM Modi tells students "Board exams should not be taken lightly," he said, adding that disciplined preparation and clarity of concepts are essential for success. His advice resonated with thousands of students who tuned in from different states, many of whom face mounting pressure as exam season approaches. The Prime Minister also offered practical guidance on balancing board exam preparation with competitive exam readiness. He explained that a thorough understanding of the chapters prescribed in the board syllabus naturally equips students for competitive tests. "If you understand your board syllabus well, you don't need to put in a lot of extra effort for competitive exams," he remarked. According to him, clear concepts and proper study habits allow students to prepare for both simultaneously, reducing unnecessary stress and duplication of effort. Pariksha Pe Charcha sees candid student queries, focus on beating exam stress The session was marked by candid exchanges, with students posing questions about exam anxiety, career choices, and study techniques. Teachers and parents also participated, sharing their perspectives and seeking advice on how to support children during this demanding period. PM Modi's responses blended encouragement with practical strategies, reinforcing the message that exams should be approached with confidence rather than fear. The annual programme, which has become a much-anticipated event in the academic calendar, is designed to help young learners overcome exam stress, build confidence, and seek guidance on career-related questions. This year's edition introduced a new format, placing greater emphasis on connecting with students nationwide and ensuring their concerns are addressed directly by the Prime Minister. Now in its ninth year, 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' has evolved into a national platform that bridges the gap between students and leadership. By addressing exam stress and offering motivational insights, the programme continues to inspire young minds and reaffirm the importance of resilience, clarity, and focus in academic life. (Inputs from IANS)
06 February,2026 12:29 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on Friday arrived at the blast site in Thangskai area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills to carry out rescue and recovery operations after an explosion in an illegal rat-hole coal mine that claimed eighteen lives. A day earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured that action would be taken against individuals responsible for the incident. He announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He said that any illegal activities will not be tolerated, as the government has promoted scientific mining. Sangma warns of strict action against illegal mining, urges shift to scientific methods "Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. We will not let go of anybody who is involved in this," Sangma said while addressing a press conference here. "At the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore. Those involved in any mining activities should not engage in illegal activities that can endanger lives. We are waiting for further report that comes in. Based on that, I will be in regular touch with the press," he added. PM Modi announces 2 lakh compensation for the families of injured Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The incident has left one person with burn injuries. "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X. (Inputs from ANI)
06 February,2026 12:17 PM IST | Shillong | mid-day online correspondentAIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cautioning Dalit and backward class communities over what he described as the government's failure to address caste-based discrimination. Addressing a rally in Telangana's Bhainsa, Owaisi criticised the Prime Minister for projecting himself as the "biggest backward class leader," while alleging that his government failed to stand by anti-discrimination measures in higher education. Referring to the University Grants Commission Regulations, 2026, Owaisi said the rules aimed at preventing discrimination in educational institutions were challenged in the Supreme Court and subsequently stayed. "I would like to tell the Dalits and even the backward class people of the Hindu community that Modi says he is the biggest backward class leader. UGC regulations were drafted to ensure non-discrimination in educational institutions. It was challenged in the Supreme Court and stayed. It is a Govt which couldn't tell the Court that why Rohith Vemula died, why a tribal doctor died in Maharashtra," said Owaisi. Amid an uproar around the country over the alleged "discrimination" against the General Category in the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, the SC has stayed the regulations. The new regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints from students in the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backwards Classes (OBC) categories. Owaisi also alleged a tacit alliance between the BJP and the Congress against the AIMIM in the upcoming municipal elections. He claimed that in Bhainsa's Ward No 15, the BJP withdrew its candidate and urged voters to support the Congress. The remarks come ahead of Telangana's municipal elections, with polling scheduled for February 11 and counting on February 13. Elections will be held in 116 municipalities and seven corporations, with nominations accepted from January 27 to January 30. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 12:00 PM IST | Bhainsa | ANIA woman lawyer was brutally murdered allegedly by her own brother and his associates over an ancestral property dispute in Telangana's Moinabad. Police have arrested four accused in connection with the killing of advocate G Swapna, who was practising at the Chevella Court. According to police, the murder took place on February 4 at Kethireddypally village when Swapna had gone to survey her ancestral land along with her mother. The accused, Swapna's elder brother G Raju and three others, allegedly conspired to eliminate her to grab her share of the disputed four acres of land located in Survey No. 339 of Kethireddypally village, police said. Police said the accused have been identified as G Raju, Errolla Sandeep, Vadde Veeresh, and Kavali Shiva Lingam. During the investigation, an Innova car, a scooty, four mobile phones, and a sickle used in the crime were seized. Providing details of the incident, police said that on the morning of February 4, Swapna and her mother, Gotika Venkatamma, had completed a land survey and were returning towards the road connecting Venkatapur and Nakkalapally. At around 9:30 AM, the accused allegedly arrived in a car and deliberately rammed into Swapna, causing her to fall into a pit. They then attacked her with sticks and stones, struck her on the head, and slit her throat with a sickle. Venkatamma, who witnessed the attack, raised an alarm and attempted to save her daughter, but the assailants had already inflicted fatal injuries. Swapna died on the spot due to excessive bleeding. The police investigation revealed that the accused had meticulously planned the murder. Acting on information that Swapna was surveying the land, the accused reached the spot armed with a sickle and carried out the attack before fleeing. Confirming the arrests, Yogesh Gautam, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chevella Zone, Future City Commissionerate, said the motive behind the crime was to unlawfully grab the disputed ancestral property. Further investigation is underway to strengthen the case and file the charge sheet. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 11:51 AM IST | Moinabad | ANIPunjab Aam Aadmi Party leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead on Friday outside a gurdwara in Jalandhar's Model Town by unidentified assailants, police said. The incident took place in the morning, a senior police official from Jalandhar said over the phone. Oberoi had arrived at the gurdwara in his Thar vehicle when the assailants, who were on a two-wheeler, opened fire at him. He was rushed to a hospital in Jalandhar, but succumbed to injuries, police said. Further investigations are on, they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 February,2026 11:42 AM IST | Chandigarh | PTIThe Lok Sabha will take up the general discussion on the Union Budget for 2026-27 on Friday. The House will meet at 11 am to transact government business, beginning with Question Hour. Several Union Ministers, including those from the Health and Family Welfare, Law and Justice, External Affairs, Defence, and Ports, Shipping and Waterways ministries, are scheduled to lay papers on the table. From 3.30 pm onwards, the Lok Sabha will take up Private Members' Business. Many Private Members' Bills are listed for introduction, including Constitution Amendment Bills, amendments to the Representation of the People Act, welfare-related Bills concerning farmers, fishermen, students, senior citizens, women, and workers, as well as Bills related to education, healthcare, environment, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, labour reforms and social security. A day earlier, the opposition, including Congress MPs, protested during the ongoing Parliament session after a major row erupted after LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to quote from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane on the 2020 China standoff. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, taking aim at the party's "Yuvraj' over a controversial "traitor" remark made against BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, calling it an insult to the Sikh community and a reflection of Congress' "arrogance at its peak." "What happened yesterday - the 'Yuvraj' of Congress, who has a 'shaatir dimaag' called a member of this House a traitor. His arrogance is at its peak. He did not call others who left Congress traitors, but he said it to this MP because he is a Sikh. This is an insult to Sikhs, an insult to the Gurus. This shows the hatred Congress carries," PM Modi said. The Budget session comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and concludes on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 11:40 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIState-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday said five Tejas light combat aircraft are fully ready for delivery to the Indian Air Force. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The delivery of the jets are facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for supply of its aero engines to power the jets. "The HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications," a spokesperson of the aerospace major said. The spokesperson said the HAL is in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest. "HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year," the spokesperson said. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons have gone down to 30 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 09:40 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesUnion Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched 'Bharat Taxi', India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, after a successful two-month pilot operation. The service has been initially launched in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, and will be expanded across all states and Union Territories within two years. "In three years, Bharat Taxi will be rolled out across the country, from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya," Shah said after launching the platform. He said the profits will be shared with drivers associated with Bharat Taxi. Customers can hail cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers through the platform. The ride-hailing service market in the country is currently dominated by a handful of players, like Uber, Ola and Rapido. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and established on June 6, 2025, Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model with direct profit distribution among drivers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA Maoist was killed in an encounter with C-60 Commandos near Gadchiroli-Chhattisgarh border in Maharashtra, officials said on Thursday, adding that an AK-47 recovered during the operation. According to an official statement issued by the Gadhchiroli Police, based on credible intelligence about the presence of remaining Maoist members of Company Number 10 and an unidentified Maoist group from Chhattisgarh, a large-scale search operation was launched on the evening of February 3. The operation was led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Bhamragad. Fourteen C-60 commandos were deployed late that night in a forested area a few kilometres from Fodewada village, near the Gadchiroli-Narayanpur district border. During a brief exchange of fire with Maoists on Wednesday, security forces destroyed two Maoist camps and seized a large quantity of Maoist-related material. However, due to difficult terrain and dense forest cover, the Maoists managed to escape at that time, police said. Exchange of fire On Thursday morning, four additional C-60 teams and one Quick Action Team (QAT) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were sent to strengthen the operation. Intermittent firing has been reported since morning. During the operation, the body of a male Maoist was recovered along with one AK-47 rifle and one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR). Police said efforts are underway to verify whether more Maoists have been injured or killed during the encounter. The identity of the deceased Maoist has not yet been established. C-60 commando injured in firing In heavy firing by Maoists late Thursday evening, one C-60 commando was injured after being hit by a bullet. The injured jawan is being evacuated from the forest area for further medical treatment, officials said. The search operation is still underway in the forest region, officials said. The police said further details will be shared by the Gadchiroli police after the operation is concluded.
05 February,2026 11:18 PM IST | Gadchiroli | A CorrespondentThe Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday launched its 'Transformation Cell' for speedy resolution of citizen's civic problems, officials said, reported the PTI. Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and District Collector Jitendra Dudi launched the year-long initiative which is aimed at improving basic civic services to the citizens in Pune through better coordination between government departments and private agencies, the officials said. The initiative, called the Transformation Cell, will focus on delivering quick and visible improvements rather than large infrastructure projects that take years to complete, they said, as per the PTI. The two top civic officials said the emphasis will be on small, practical interventions that can make a noticeable difference to daily life in the city. Ram and Jitendra Dudi said that the recent Pune Grand Cycle Tour showed that meaningful changes are possible in a short time when multiple agencies work together in a coordinated manner. Multiple dept to work together According to the PTI, the Transformation Cell includes representatives from various government departments and agencies. At its first meeting, participants were asked to highlight issues related to lack of coordination. According to Commissioner Ram, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) pointed out that several civic projects are delayed due to pending approvals from other authorities. PMC to bear initial costs for utility shifts Explaining the issue of road widening, Ram said electric poles often remain in the middle of newly widened roads because power utilities face financial constraints. To resolve this, the PMC will initially bear the cost of relocating such infrastructure. The concerned utility department will later reimburse the amount in instalments, officials said, the news agency reported. The officials said this system will also help prevent repeated digging of the roads. Better planning With the Pune Grand Cycle Tour scheduled again next year, departments have been asked to coordinate utility work in advance with PMC projects. This will ensure that roads are not dug up again after completion due to fresh permissions, as per the PTI. The officials said that better planning will help improve efficiency and reduce inconvenience to citizens. (with PTI inputs)
05 February,2026 10:50 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
