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Budget 2026 signals India’s strategy to shield economy from global tariff shocks

Budget 2026 highlights India’s cautious approach to global trade tensions, focusing on defence, infrastructure and strategic self-reliance while sticking to fiscal discipline.

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4 months ago

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic strategy to protect India from rising global trade tensions became clearer with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, which focused on strengthening strategic sectors, supporting exporters and maintaining fiscal stability.

The spending plan comes at a time when India faces an uncertain external environment, marked by tariff pressures from the United States and disruptions to global supply chains. The budget announced fresh support for exporters affected by overseas trade barriers and increased backing for critical sectors such as rare earths, semiconductors and critical minerals.

A key highlight of the budget was a significant push towards national security and infrastructure. The government announced an 18% increase in defence expenditure alongside new infrastructure outlays, positioning the move as a safeguard against regional security challenges involving China and Pakistan.

Despite higher spending in select areas, the government largely adhered to its fiscal roadmap. Overall expenditure remained controlled, with no major tax cuts for households and no large-scale stimulus measures. The budget also avoided major populist announcements in a year when the ruling party faces electoral contests in several states.

According to policy analysts, the approach reflects caution amid global uncertainty. The emphasis is on insulating the economy while keeping a close watch on external risks rather than pursuing aggressive expansion.

Market reaction to the budget was muted, with equities declining after the announcement. Investors attributed the fall mainly to a tax increase on equity market transactions aimed at curbing speculation, rather than dissatisfaction with the broader spending plan. The government’s decision to borrow more than expected in the next fiscal year also raised concerns about potential pressure on the bond market.

Setting the tone for the budget speech in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the challenges posed by weakening multilateral trade systems and disruptions in access to resources and supply chains. She stressed the need for India to remain integrated with global markets while boosting exports and attracting long-term investment.

Although not named directly, the budget addressed challenges arising from recent tariff measures imposed by the US, including steep duties affecting labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and furniture. These measures have added pressure on industries dependent on overseas demand.

The government’s response has been to strengthen domestic capabilities. Over the past year, steps have been taken to boost consumption, simplify labour regulations and open up sectors such as nuclear energy and finance to investors. The latest budget builds on that direction by deepening reforms and improving productivity across sectors.

At the same time, India is seeking to diversify its trade relationships. Recent free trade agreements with the European Union, the UK and New Zealand aim to reduce dependence on any single market and provide exporters with greater stability.

Focus on self-reliance and strategic sectors

The budget placed strong emphasis on self-reliance, announcing new initiatives to promote domestic manufacturing in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. It also outlined plans to develop mining, processing and manufacturing capacity for rare earth minerals, particularly in mineral-rich eastern and southern states.

Industry leaders described the initiatives as essential for building a resilient industrial ecosystem capable of withstanding global shocks.

However, questions remain over whether the cautious spending approach will be sufficient to support growth and generate employment for India’s young workforce. While the government has projected growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for the coming fiscal year, market estimates are slightly lower.

Opposition leaders criticised the budget for not addressing issues such as youth unemployment and declining household savings. The government, however, appears focused on navigating geopolitical and economic uncertainty while staying committed to fiscal discipline.

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G Parameshwara likely to be deputy CM in DK Shivakumar-led Karnataka government

G Parameshwara is expected to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister as the Congress finalizes the cabinet for the incoming DK Shivakumar-led Karnataka government.

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38 mins ago

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June 2, 2026

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Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara is likely to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the new government led by DK Shivakumar, according to sources familiar with the ongoing discussions within the party. The move is seen as part of the Congress leadership’s efforts to ensure social and regional representation in the state’s new political setup.

The development comes as DK Shivakumar prepares to take oath as Karnataka’s Chief Minister following his election as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party after Siddaramaiah’s exit from the top post. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on June 3.

Parameshwara is one of the most prominent Dalit faces in Karnataka Congress and has held several important positions in the party and government over the years. Party leaders have reportedly been engaged in consultations over the composition of the new cabinet and the distribution of key positions ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

The Congress leadership has been working to finalize ministerial appointments and balance representation among various communities and regions. Reports have also suggested that multiple deputy chief minister positions were under consideration as part of the broader cabinet formation exercise.

High-level meetings involving DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and senior Congress leaders have taken place in New Delhi in recent days to finalize the structure of the new government. The discussions have focused on cabinet composition and organizational appointments ahead of the transition.

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CBSE chairman and secretary transferred as Centre orders probe into OSM irregularities

The government has transferred CBSE’s top two officials and ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and implementation of the On-Screen Marking system.

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1 hour ago

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June 2, 2026

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The Central Government has transferred the chairman and secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and constituted a committee to investigate alleged irregularities linked to the board’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the digital evaluation process used for Class 12 board examinations this year. Several students who sought access to scanned copies of their answer sheets reportedly claimed that the documents uploaded on the verification portal did not match their actual answer books. CBSE officials have acknowledged that around 20 cases involving answer-sheet mismatches were identified during the evaluation process.

Concerns over evaluation system prompt government action

The OSM system was introduced for the evaluation of Class 12 board examinations, replacing the traditional physical checking process with assessment of digitally scanned answer sheets. While the board had defended the technology-driven system as a step towards modernising evaluations, complaints emerged after the declaration of results.

Students and cybersecurity experts also raised concerns regarding technical issues on the portal. Complaints included answer-sheet mismatches, blurred scans, missing pages and payment-related failures during the verification process.

In response to the controversy, the Centre has ordered a probe into the procurement of OSM-related services. Reports indicate that the inquiry will examine whether there were any procedural lapses or irregularities in the procurement process associated with the digital evaluation system.

OSM system faces wider scrutiny

The issue has attracted attention beyond administrative circles. A parliamentary panel has reviewed concerns related to the OSM system, while legal challenges have also been filed seeking examination of the evaluation process.

Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had acknowledged discrepancies in the system and assured students that corrective measures would be taken. He stated that concerns raised regarding the evaluation process would be addressed and action would follow if any wrongdoing was found.

Despite the controversy, the government has maintained that digital evaluation remains an important part of the future of assessment and that the overall framework of the OSM system is likely to continue, subject to reviews and improvements.

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Ghaziabad seals illegal madrasas as Operation Clean Sweep targets crime and encroachments

Ghaziabad authorities have launched Operation Clean Sweep, a large-scale anti-crime campaign that has led to action against repeat offenders, illegal encroachments and unregistered madrasas.

Published

2 hours ago

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June 2, 2026

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The Ghaziabad Police and district administration have launched a large-scale enforcement campaign named Operation Clean Sweep, focusing on criminals, repeat offenders, illegal encroachments and unregistered institutions across the district.

The operation comes in the wake of heightened law enforcement activity following the murder of teenager Surya Pratap Chauhan in the Khoda area. Authorities have increased surveillance and verification drives while deploying additional security personnel in sensitive locations.

Security intensified across Khoda

Officials have deployed police teams, drone cameras, sniffer dogs and other surveillance equipment to monitor vulnerable pockets of Khoda. Rooftops and key locations are being watched closely as authorities seek to prevent any law-and-order issues.

According to police officials, repeat offenders have been identified and action is being initiated against them. Multiple teams are also carrying out searches and verification exercises in the locality.

Hundreds of offenders under verification

District authorities said a large number of individuals with criminal backgrounds have been identified across Ghaziabad as part of the campaign. Officials are reviewing records, conducting field verification and examining cases involving illegal occupation of land or other violations.

The administration stated that notices would be issued wherever illegal encroachments are found, following due legal procedures.

Three unregistered madrasas identified

As part of the drive, authorities identified three madrasas that were allegedly operating without recognition from the Madrasa Board. One of them, Madarsa Rehmaniya, was sealed after officials found that it was not registered with the relevant authorities, according to the district administration.

Officials have issued notices and provided time for the management to submit responses before further action is taken. Authorities said the verification of educational and other institutions will continue in the coming days.

Drive to continue

The administration has indicated that Operation Clean Sweep will continue as part of a broader effort to curb criminal activity, strengthen law enforcement and verify properties, tenants and institutions across the district.

Officials said the campaign is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal requirements while enhancing public safety and maintaining order.

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