Mick Jagger’s ode to Lucifer could very easily be retrofitted for Novak Djokovic, a figure for whom tennis fans have developed a begrudging sympathy over the years. But Carlos Alcaraz had no such sympathy. He had his own date with destiny.
Carlos Alcaraz won his first Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to deny him a record 25th Grand Slam. At 22, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam. After losing the first set, he dominated with pace and power, sealed his seventh major, and cemented his world number one status.
Union Budget 2026, hailed as a "highway of immense opportunities," focuses on economic growth, meeting aspirations, and equitable resource distribution. Key proposals include infrastructure development, tourism promotion, pharmaceutical sector investment, and measures to boost women entrepreneurship and the textile industry. However, markets reacted negatively to increased Securities Transaction Tax, impacting traders and promoters.
Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens India’s central school systems with higher allocations for Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Funding for KVS rises to ₹10,129.41 crore, while NVS receives ₹6,025 crore, signalling continued support for urban and rural learners. The increases, part of a wider school education budget expansion, focus on sustaining infrastructure, staffing, and residential facilities amid rising enrolment and operating costs.
Starting April 1, 2026, India will see increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options trading. The Finance Minister announced higher rates for options premium, exercise, and futures, aiming to moderate speculative activity. This change, part of Budget 2026, will slightly raise trading costs for derivatives participants, while equity and mutual fund STT rates remain untouched.
Union Budget 2026 maintains the existing income tax framework, with the new regime offering tax-free income up to Rs 12 lakh for individuals. While the old regime continues with its deductions, the new system has been progressively liberalized since 2020, making it increasingly attractive for middle-income taxpayers.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, her ninth consecutive, with major announcements across defence, railways, income tax, and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi hailed it as "historic" and a "high flight toward Viksit Bharat." Key proposals include a significant defence allocation, seven high-speed rail corridors, a simplified Income Tax Act, and support for rare-earth mineral development.
Union Budget 2026-27 unveils significant tech sector boosts, including a 20-year tax holiday for foreign cloud service providers operating from India. Key initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and increased outlay for Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme aim to fortify domestic capabilities and attract global investment.