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Monday, February 16, 2026
TopicBudget 2024

Topic: Budget 2024

A new, important disclosure in 2024 Budget went unnoticed. It conveys caution to future govts

The message of caution is necessary because govts in the past have often shown a tendency to indulge in fiscal jugglery to hide the actual extent of their fiscal deficit.

India’s fiscal imbalance isn’t a North vs South problem. Here’s what lies at the ‘centre’ of it

India has a large vertical fiscal gap, which has been increasing. The reason is that while the Constitution assigns the most buoyant taxation powers to the Union, it allocates more spending responsibilities to the states.

Nobody knows what Narendra Modi is thinking. Surely, he must sense the tide is turning

As the discontentment mounts, the crucial question remains: what is the PM thinking? He is a shrewd politician so he must have a long-term strategy. But no one can figure out what it is.

Govt’s Rs 1000 cr fund for space sector has drawbacks. It should bet on outcomes, not ideas

Government as an anchor customer provides a stable source of demand for space-based services, reducing uncertainties in the market. It can boost investor confidence in the Indian space sector, attracting investments from home and abroad.

Our take on UPSC aspirants’ death & delay in Tejas jets delivery — in 50 words

ThePrint view on the most important issues this week.

After uproar over hike in Budget, govt reverts to 10% customs duty on lab chemicals, with 1 condition

The condition is that importers now have to give an undertaking that they will only supply labs. How this affects the supply chain remains to be seen.

After 10 years, Modi has accepted the Indian political consensus: ignore the middle class

The middle class, though largely loyal to the BJP, now has other options. The angry reaction to Budget 2024 shows how they feel betrayed.

SubscriberWrites: How does Indian govt’s FY24-25 budget propose to address challenges of unemployment & inequality

The 2024-25 budget aims to tackle unemployment with 7 initiatives, including wage support, employment incentives, skilling programs, women's workforce participation & education loans.

‘It takes 2 hands to clap’ — Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal joins chorus of voices slamming pvt sector

At a post-budget conference, the minister took industry leaders to task for not cooperating with govt. Last week, Economic Survey & govt officials had also criticised private sector.

Budget failed healthcare—should’ve boosted private hospitals in PMJAY with tax incentives

Of 43,000 private hospitals in India, only 30% are empanelled under PMJAY. As the Centre prepares to expand the scheme to include senior citizens, this could become a problem.

On Camera

How Nehru defended restrictions on freedom of speech and the press

On 29 May 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru defended adding 'reasonable restrictions' to Article 19, arguing that free speech must be balanced with national security and unity.

Andhra proposes Rs 100-cr wealth fund, eyes Norway-style sovereign fund model to drive growth

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a Rs 3.32 lakh crore budget for 2026–27 in the assembly Saturday.

Top US military commander applauds ‘India’s tactical execution’ during Op Sindoor; adds ‘there’s lessons too’

On bilateral ties, Admiral Paparo said India-US ties have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.