nirmala

Finance minister nirmala Sitharaman expressed openness to investor concerns regarding capital gains tax, assuring that the government will consider stakeholder suggestions. She also defended recent fuel price hikes, attributing them to global crude oil costs and highlighting the government's prior absorption of excise duties.

‘No CMO Letter, Hand Yet Not Sent To Forensic Lab’

Finance Minister nirmala Sitharaman stated that reducing fuel excise duties would cost Rs 1 lakh crore, emphasizing India's need for confidence over fearmongering amidst rising petrol and diesel prices. She highlighted the resilience of India's domestic economy despite global pressures on fuel, fertilizer, and forex, urging focus on these "three Fs".

For fuel, price hikes will do the job. For rupee, a hike in interest rates, one-time dollar bonds issue for NRIs & capital gains tax rejig will do the trick. Remember, our macros are just fine

Recent fuel price hikes have ignited debate over oil marketing companies' (OMCs) profits amid the Middle East crisis. Despite a reported Rs 77,821 crore profit for FY26, a closer look reveals thin margins, past losses, and a lag in reflecting current crude price impacts. These profits are crucial for investments and national energy security.

Sitharaman also pointed out that apart from higher crude oil prices, fertiliser prices have reached “unimaginable” levels, while elevated gold prices are creating challenges on the external sector front.

Kanpur police are registering an FIR against Krishna and Paras Hospitals following a revised inquiry report. The committee found serious negligence in the treatment of nirmala Devi, leading to her hand amputation. Separately, the Police Commissioner wrote to ITBP headquarters regarding the large deployment of personnel at the police station, requesting a departmental inquiry.

Provisional data from the Controller General of Accounts indicates the Centre met its 4.4% of GDP fiscal deficit target for 2025-26, an improvement from the previous year's 4.8%. Government revenue reached 98.8% of revised estimates, while total expenditure also stood at 98.8% of the revised target for the financial year.

Congress MP Vivek Tankha has alerted the government to soaring airfares impacting Indian workers in the Gulf. He urged ministers to make travel affordable for the summer vacation period, citing that current fixed travel allowances are insufficient. Millions of families are now unable to reunite annually due to the doubled costs, creating a significant economic burden.

Maharashtra faces a political storm as the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) accuses the state government of pushing nearly three lakh small contractors into financial distress due to mounting public debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and alleged payment delays. The opposition claims contractors are struggling to survive, prompting them to seek Union Finance Minister's intervention.

Madhya Pradesh is moving towards a Uniform Civil Code, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing a committee to gather public feedback from all communities. Inspired by other BJP-ruled states, the government aims to establish a common legal framework for marriage, family, and succession matters, urging citizens to share their views via a dedicated website.

Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has urged Union Finance Minister nirmala Sitharaman to include petrol and diesel under the GST framework at the next GST Council meeting. Citing rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures, Patra highlighted the constitutional provision for GST inclusion and the price disparities caused by varying state VAT rates.