February 1, 2026

Telangana Govt Awards ₹1 Crore to Family of Constable Gajula Sowmya Who Died Fighting Ganja Smugglers

Telangana Government announced ₹1 crore ex-gratia for Prohibition and Excise constable Gajula Sowmya, who died after fighting ganja smugglers. A govt job has been promised to her brother, and her salary will be paid till retirement.

February 1, 2026

US Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old and Father from ICE Detention in Texas

A US judge has ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from a Texas detention center following national outrage. The judge condemned the immigration system's harsh practices as cruel and chaotic.

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

FM Proposes Cut in TCS to 2% for Education, Medical, and Overseas Tours

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman suggests lowering Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to 2% from 5% for education, medical value, and overseas tours. The new rate aims to ease remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

February 1, 2026

Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Announced in Budget 2026 for Greener Travel

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail routes to boost growth and promote eco-friendly transport across India. Major city pairs like Mumbai-Pune and Delhi-Varanasi will be connected. Kerala’s awaited project missed out this time.

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 Sitharaman Unveils ₹10,000 Cr Biopharma Investment, Advances Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹10,000 crore investment in biopharma over five years. She also detailed plans for semiconductor mission 2.0 and critical mineral support for key states.

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.

February 1, 2026

FM Sitharaman Launches Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to Boost Khadi and Handicrafts

On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi and handicrafts. The move aims to help weavers and youth, as the Khadi and Village Industries Commission targets ₹2 lakh crore turnover. Sitharaman also presented the 16th Finance Commission report in her ninth budget.

February 1, 2026

Union Budget 2026: Corporate Mitras to Boost MSMEs, New Agri Schemes Announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced 'corporate mitras' for MSMEs in small cities and new agriculture support schemes in the Union Budget 2026-27.