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Sunday, February 1, 2026
TopicState finances

Topic: State finances

Himachal CM Sukhu & his ministers give up salary for 2 months, but state’s fiscal troubles run far deeper

As govt employees agitate for pending allowances worth crores, Himachal faces mounting debt, limited revenue sources, losses due to rains and limited support from Centre.

Bengal civil servants decry audit report on state’s finances, CAG official says ‘no error’

Civil servants held press briefing to say West Bengal had no pending utilisation certificates, as flagged by CAG in audit report. CM Mamata Banerjee has also raised issue with PMO.

States spending better, with many prioritising capex. But those dependent on Centre may face stress

Capital expenditure of 23 states grew by 52% in April-September 2023 over same period last yr, but discontinuation of GST compensation, tapering of grants could weigh down some states.

States’ finances improving, but moving back to old pension scheme could pose future risks: RBI

States have seen stronger revenues and have been prudent with their expenditure, leading to better deficit ratios. But capex needs to increase & debt needs to reduce.

Modi govt raises alarm over off-budget loans of states, wants them to come clean

Displeasure over the practice was expressed during a presentation made by Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan at national conclave of chief secretaries in Dharamshala last month.

On Camera

Budget 2026: Push for India’s bond market needs the foundations fixed first

Corporate bonds are priced as a spread over the risk-free rate. In India, the reference risk-free rate is unreliable as large institutions are mandated to buy and hold government bonds.

Sitharaman increases tax on F&O trades in the Union Budget 2026. ‘Undesirable move’

As per a SEBI report, about 90% of F&O traders lose money because of market illiteracy. More than 75% of loss-makers kept trading even after losing money for two consecutive years.

10X Budget beef-up for Intelligence Bureau capex, after Pahalgam & Red Fort terror attacks

After lapses exposed by terror attacks at Pahalgam and Delhi's Red Fort, Centre has hiked Intelligence Bureau's expenditure for investments in long-term assets from Rs 257 cr to Rs 2,549 cr. 

Swiss report should now close Op Sindoor debate. Knowing when to stop the fight is key too

The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.