February 1, 2026

Customs Duty Exemptions Extended for Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing and Biogas Blended CNG in Budget 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman extends customs duty exemptions for capital goods used in lithium-ion cell production and exempts biogas value in blended CNG excise duty. Budget 2026 also plans new industrial and tourism projects.

February 1, 2026

FM Sitharaman Eases Duty Rules for SEZ Manufacturing Sales to Domestic Market in 2026 Budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a one-time concessional duty scheme for Special Economic Zone units to sell products domestically. This move aims to ease capacity use and boost exports.

February 1, 2026

US, EU, UK, Japan and Allies Meet in Washington to Strengthen Critical Minerals Alliance Against China

Ministers from the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia and New Zealand gather in Washington to build a strategic alliance on critical minerals. The talks aim to reduce reliance on China, create supply chain security, and push price and investment support.

February 1, 2026

India to Open 20 New National Waterways in Next 5 Years: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces 20 new national waterways and a coastal cargo scheme to boost India's shipping in her 2026 Budget speech. New freight corridors and training institutes also planned.

February 1, 2026

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Proposes Rare Earth Corridors in Four Mineral-Rich States to Boost India’s Magnet Supply

In Budget 2026, FM Sitharaman announces support for Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to build rare earth corridors. This move aims to secure India’s rare earth magnets and reduce China dependence.