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On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a high-level panel discussion following the tabling of the Economic Survey in Parliament. Joined by top economists including Sajid Chinoy and Sonal Verma, Zarabi explores the 'Reform Express' roadmap mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion highlights critical macroeconomic indicators, with Zarabi noting that the survey provides 'clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s upcoming budget presentation. The panel analyzes India's 7% GDP growth projection, the challenges of a hostile global trade environment, and the strategic debate over rupee depreciation as a shock absorber. Experts also discuss the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing and the necessity of rationalizing customs duties to boost export competitiveness. The programme concludes with expectations for fiscal prudence and a strong narrative on AI-driven digital infrastructure to sustain India's current economic momentum.

Ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth Union Budget, this News Today special edition brings together leading economists to discuss India’s economic priorities amid global uncertainty.

This India Today Special Report, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, features a pre-budget roundtable ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget. The panel, including economists Neelkanth Mishra and JP Morgan’s Sajid Chinoy, analyzes the 2026 Union Budget challenges amidst global headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Key discussion points include fiscal consolidation, job creation, and the necessity of private investment to drive long-term economic growth. Sajid Chinoy advocates for strategic trade shifts, suggesting the easing of Press Note 3 to attract Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for local job creation and technology transfer. The experts debate India's potential entry into the CPTPP and the impact of rupee volatility on macroeconomic stability. The program examines the balance between fiscal discipline and structural reforms required to boost labor incomes. This comprehensive analysis explores how global financial instability and fragmented trade environments influence India's growth trajectory as the nation approaches its demographic peak in 2047, emphasizing the urgency of a fast-paced reform agenda.

This India Today special report features a pre-budget roundtable hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, focusing on the Union Budget 2026 and the challenges facing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Top economists, including Neelkanth Mishra, Sajid Chinoy, and Naina Lal Kidwai, analyze India's strategy amidst global geopolitical shifts and the 'fog of uncertainty.' Key discussion points include the 4.4% fiscal deficit target, the impact of 'Operation Sindoor' on defense spending, and the necessity of structural reforms to boost manufacturing. Experts deliberate on easing Press Note 3 to attract Chinese FDI, the role of the 16th Finance Commission, and tax clarity for Global Capability Centres. The panel provides a GDP growth forecast for FY27 between 6.5% and 7%, emphasizing the urgency of micro-reforms in urban infrastructure and agriculture. The report highlights the tension between fiscal consolidation and the need for private investment to jumpstart the economy, exploring trade relations with ASEAN and the importance of export-led growth in a fragmented global order.

On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a panel of top economists to decode the Economic Survey 2026-27 tabled in Parliament. Joining the discussion are Sajid Chinoy of JP Morgan, Sonal Verma of Nomura, Anubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered, and Tanvi Gupta Jain of UBS Securities. The panel analyzes the 'reform, perform and transform' mantra mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Siddharth Zarabi notes that the survey 'contains a lot of nuggets of information and data that gives us some clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' regarding the upcoming budget. The experts discuss India's 7% GDP growth projection, the necessity of rupee depreciation as a shock absorber against global volatility, and the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing. The conversation also covers fiscal consolidation targets, the surge in gold imports, and the urgent need for rationalising customs duties and enhancing the speed of doing business to maintain India's economic momentum.

On this Special Report, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefs the media on the historic outcomes of the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi. Misri announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating, 'The FTA that was - whose negotiations were concluded and announced today will have a transformative role beyond boosting bilateral trade.' He highlighted that the EU is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $136 billion in 2024-25. Beyond trade, the summit marked the signing of a first-of-its-kind India-EU Security and Defense Partnership and a memorandum on mobility for professionals and students. The Foreign Secretary also noted the launch of a roadmap titled 'Towards 2030' to guide strategic ties across technology, innovation, and connectivity. The briefing emphasized that these agreements create a 'blueprint for shared prosperity' between the world's second and fourth largest markets.

At Davos 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined India's economic roadmap, targeting 7-nanometer chip production by 2030 and 3-nanometer by 2032. Vaishnaw cited GST reforms, labor changes, and the opening of the nuclear sector as primary investment drivers. He also noted that Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification. Axis Bank MD and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry addressed the resilience of the banking sector and export industries despite global trade uncertainties and US tariffs. Chaudhry stated that current interest rates support growth, reducing the immediate need for further cuts. The report also documented the Indian rupee reaching a record low of 91.74 against the US dollar due to geopolitical tensions. Deloitte South Asia CEO Romuald Shetty and Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman Rajan Mittal discussed India's potential as a global AI hub and the necessity of new Free Trade Agreements to manage market volatility. These leaders emphasized a shift toward product innovation and strategic trade diversification to maintain India's growth trajectory amidst global economic shifts.

On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal examines the escalating political face-off in Tamil Nadu following the AIADMK's manifesto release. The AIADMK has promised ₹2000 monthly assistance for women, doubling the current ₹1000 provided by the ruling DMK. Akshita Nandagopal notes, 'I think this kind of competitive populism is not healthy for the state,' highlighting concerns over the state's rising debt, which has reportedly crossed ₹10 lakh crore. The programme features a heated debate between DMK's Dharani Dharan and AIADMK's Kovai Sathyan regarding financial management and the efficacy of social welfare schemes versus 'freebies'. While the DMK defends the multiplier effect of cash handouts on the economy, the AIADMK accuses the ruling party of 'bribing' voters ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The report also touches upon the impact of these promises on the state exchequer and the suspension of previous welfare schemes like the free laptop initiative.

This report covers the ongoing elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), described as India's richest civic body. An unidentified speaker notes that 'India's richest civic body, which is going to polls today,' highlighting the significance of the election for Mumbai's infrastructure and governance. The transcript details the arrival of political figures at polling stations, including Balmohan Vidya Mandir in Dadar, a stronghold for the local identity movement. Key issues discussed include the consolidation of Marathi votes and the challenges facing the city, such as traffic congestion, pothole-free roads, and water supply. The speaker emphasizes that as the national financial capital, Mumbai deserves better living conditions and improved infrastructure to match its status as a commercial hub hosting major industrial houses and institutions like the RBI.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for seven hours in Delhi regarding a stampede at his party's event in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths. Vijay reportedly denied his party's role, stating that TVK functionaries were not responsible and that the Tamil Nadu police failed to maintain law and order. He claimed he left the venue to prevent further chaos. The CBI is corroborating his statement with video evidence as the probe unfolds during a crucial election season, with debates pointing to negligence or alleged political sabotage by the ruling DMK. Former IPS officer Sanjay Sahay noted it was a case of "atrocious" crowd management. The report also highlights another political controversy involving MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who revived the divisive 'hatao lungi, bajao pungi' slogan against Tamilians ahead of Mumbai's BMC elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for seven hours in Delhi regarding a stampede at his party's event in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths.

Indian markets see the Sensex slip by 200 points to hover near 84,500, influenced by negative global headwinds and FII outflows. Market expert Avinash Gorakshakar analyzes the day's action, pointing to the upcoming Budget 2026 and its potential capital market reforms, such as Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax relief, as key factors for market sentiment. In regulatory news, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the RBI regarding the enforcement of Digital Lending Directions 2025 and privacy concerns over lending apps. Corporate updates include a setback for Cipla, as the USFDA flagged compliance issues at a partner's facility, impacting the oncology drug Lanreotide. Conversely, jewellery stocks like Titan and Senco Gold rallied amid rising gold prices and strong festive demand. The report also provides a sectoral outlook, with IT emerging as a top gainer, and highlights stock picks including Lupin and Apollo Hospitals, alongside a look at technology from CES 2026.

On this edition of Business Today's Market Opening, the focus is on the Indian stock market's resilience despite rising geopolitical tensions in Venezuela. The broadcast highlights a steady start for the Nifty and broader indices, driven by strong performances in the auto and metal sectors. Key updates include the Reserve Bank of India's sweeping new restrictions on related party lending and Nvidia's latest AI innovations for autonomous vehicles. The report also covers the record-breaking rally in gold and silver prices, alongside specific stock movements in banking and discretionary sectors. As the market expert notes regarding the disconnect between global noise and local action, ‘Markets at the moment are really beating their own path.’

On this special year-ender edition of the Democratic Newsroom, the India Today panel reviews the defining moments and figures of 2025. One speaker identifies 'Trumpian turbulence' as the year's dominant force, citing Donald Trump's disruption of the global order and foreign policy impact. Another view highlights the 'Women of India' as true trailblazers, celebrating achievements in sports, defense, and the electoral arena. The discussion also covers India's financial architecture overhaul led by the Reserve Bank of India and the decisive 'Operation Sindoor' against cross-border terror. The programme debates the contrast between global instability and India's assertive growth, while also touching upon the challenges facing democracies worldwide.

In a special report, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar details the city's law and order strategy for the upcoming year, following a reported 15% reduction in overall crime in 2025. Sajjanar states that to build a better society, 'we are thinking of using AI in the coming days and also predictive analysis'. Key priorities for 2026 include tackling the challenges of cybercrime and narcotics by expanding the Hyderabad narcotics enforcement wing and enhancing coordination with stakeholders like the RBI. The force also plans to launch anti-food adulteration teams, a new first-responder system for crimes against women, and increase the use of drone monitoring for enforcement and traffic control. Sajjanar also addressed the rise in murders from personal disputes, urging citizens to seek police or community help.

The big focus of this episode of India First is on the surge of 'digital arrest' cases and cyber fraud across India, a criminal tactic with devastating financial and personal consequences.

This special report investigates the surge of 'digital arrest' cyber fraud across India, a criminal tactic with devastating financial and personal consequences. The program highlights the case of former Punjab IGP Amar Singh Chahal, who is in critical condition after an alleged suicide attempt following an Rs 8 crore fraud. Cyber security experts and law enforcement officials detail the modus operandi of these international syndicates. Fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, or ED officers, using fake video calls to isolate and intimidate victims with the fabricated threat of a 'digital arrest'. Former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar debunks this concept as a complete fabrication. The report explores solutions, including calls for the Reserve Bank of India to enforce stricter regulations like mandatory biometric KYC to combat the use of mule accounts for money laundering. Experts advise citizens to immediately disconnect suspicious calls.

This special report investigates the significant rise of 'digital arrest' cyber scams in India, a fraudulent scheme with severe consequences. The program details how criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, using psychological manipulation to extort money, which in one case, led to a victim's suicide. Cyber security experts and police officers explain the sophisticated methods employed by fraudsters, such as fake arrest warrants and video surveillance, to create fear. The report clarifies that 'digital arrest' is a fabricated concept and that government agencies do not conduct arrests via video calls. It highlights crucial advice for citizens, including disconnecting suspicious calls and reporting incidents to the national cyber crime helpline number 1930. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the need for systemic changes in the banking sector, advocating for stricter liability, biometric KYC, and measures to prevent the use of 'mule accounts' for money laundering.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra described the Indian economy as being in a 'Goldilocks period' characterised by high GDP growth of 8 per cent and low inflation.

This special report analyses the Indian rupee's decline to around 90 against the US dollar in 2025, marking it as the weakest Asian currency. The speaker notes that despite India's strong 8% GDP growth, the currency faces pressure from structural external weaknesses. Key factors cited include a chronic trade deficit driven by oil and gold imports, and capital outflows due to higher US returns. The report also highlights the impact of ‘Trump tariffs’ imposed in 2025 on Indian exports, which have dampened investor confidence. The broadcast traces the rupee's history from 4.76 at independence to its current low, warning of inflation and debt risks.