M. Karthikesan

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the Budget’s impact on the economy, emphasizing tax relief for honest taxpayers. She highlighted schemes for agriculture, start-ups, and infrastructure to boost growth. Concerns over inflation, privatization, and fiscal consolidation were addressed, with assurances of sustained public sector expenditure and efforts to widen the tax base.

Parliament is set for a contentious session on Monday with the tabling of the Joint Parliamentary Committee report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha. Clashes between BJP and opposition members have already marked the committee's deliberations, with further heated debates expected.

In the high-profile clash between Hindenburg Research and the Adani Group, the latter is arguably the winner because the combination of financial clout and political power appeared too hard for Hindenburg to overcome

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak visited Parsee Gymkhana in Mumbai, marking the club's 140th anniversary. He played cricket with local boys and interacted with gymkhana members. Sunak, of Indian origin, noted the historical significance of the venue and the gymkhana's acquisition from the colonial government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in BJP's success in upcoming Delhi polls, praising the newly presented Union Budget as the most pro-middle class in history. He criticized AAP for damaging Delhi over the past 11 years and assured no disruption of welfare schemes if BJP wins. Modi also highlighted support for government employees and Poorvanchali workers.

Short-term point: consumption’s economic multiplier effect lower than capex’s. Long-term point: smaller income taxpayer base means GST rates will remain high, social contract between elite and govt will weaken

Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus and Anduril, criticizes US media for overhyping Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's claims about their low-cost AI training models. Luckey challenges the $5 million training cost figure and emphasizes the need for scrutinizing such claims to avoid damaging US companies.

US President Donald Trump announced a halt to future funding for South Africa due to concerns over land confiscation and discrimination. Nearly $440 million in assistance will be suspended pending an investigation into alleged human rights abuses. The South African government has yet to respond.