In a bid to deepen India’s manufacturing base in strategic and frontier sectors, union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a clutch of initiatives, to strengthen domestic capabilities across pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, electronics, critical minerals and chemicals, as part of what she called her government’s ‘Reforms Express.’

Presenting the union Budget 2026-27, the Finance Minister said the government will launch Biopharma Shakti, a new programme designed to bolster India’s position in advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.

The initiative is expected to support research, scale-up of production, and integration of Indian firms into global value chains in high-end biologics and medical products.

To accelerate India’s ambitions in chip-making, Sitharaman proposed the rollout of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, building on the existing mission to expand fabrication, packaging, testing and design capacities.

The upgraded mission aims to attract larger investments, promote technology partnerships and create a more comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem within the country.

The Budget also announced an Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to encourage domestic production of key components, a segment where India continues to rely heavily on imports. Officials said the scheme will focus on increasing value addition, improving supply-chain resilience and supporting the fast-growing electronics and consumer device industry.

Recognising the strategic importance of critical minerals, the Finance Minister proposed the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

These corridors are intended to support mining, processing and downstream manufacturing of rare earth elements, which are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, defence systems and electronics.

In the chemicals sector, the government plans to set up three dedicated Chemical Parks to provide world-class infrastructure, common utilities and environmental management facilities, helping reduce costs and improve competitiveness for domestic manufacturers. Sitharaman further announced a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters across the country.

The programme will focus on modernising infrastructure, upgrading technology, improving access to finance and skilling workers, with the objective of rejuvenating traditional manufacturing hubs and boosting employment.

Together, the measures underscore the government’s push to make India a global manufacturing hub in high-value and strategically sensitive sectors, while strengthening supply chains and supporting long-term economic growth.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation, pegging the fiscal deficit for 2026–27 at 4.3 percent of GDP while announcing gross market borrowings of Rs 17.2 lakh crore in the union Budget presented in Lok Sabha.

Presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said India’s public finances have been placed on a stable and credible path despite global uncertainties, supported by sustained economic growth, prudent expenditure management and higher capital investment. “Since we assumed office, the country’s economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions,” she said.

The fiscal deficit target of 4.3 percent marks a further step in the government’s medium-term consolidation roadmap, even as it continues to prioritise public investment to support growth. Sitharaman underlined that fiscal prudence remains a cornerstone of economic policy. “We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms. Fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment, have been central to our approach,” she said.

The Finance Minister added that improved tax compliance, formalisation of the economy and rationalisation of expenditure have helped strengthen the government’s balance sheet without compromising developmental priorities.

Sitharaman announced that gross market borrowings for FY27 are estimated at Rs 17.2 lakh crore, a key figure closely tracked by bond markets and investors. The borrowing programme is intended to finance capital expenditure and priority sectors while ensuring orderly market conditions.

Officials indicated that the borrowing plan has been calibrated to avoid crowding out private investment, even as the government continues its focus on infrastructure-led growth.

Linking fiscal consolidation with growth, Sitharaman said the government’s emphasis on self-reliance and manufacturing has strengthened the economy’s fundamentals. “Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies,” she said.

She added that these measures, along with reforms in employment, agriculture and social services, have delivered around 7 percent GDP growth and contributed to a reduction in poverty. “Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government,” the Finance Minister noted.

Economists said the 4.3 percent fiscal deficit target signals continuity in the government’s approach of balancing growth imperatives with macroeconomic stability. With global financial conditions remaining tight, the clarity on borrowing and deficit numbers is expected to provide reassurance to investors and rating agencies.

With the FY27 Budget, the government has sought to send a clear signal: India will continue to invest in growth and development while keeping public finances on a disciplined and sustainable path.

The Union Budget 2026 has placed women’s education and entrepreneurship at the centre of the government’s higher education push. As part of her presentation of the budget in Parliament, Nirmala Sitharaman announced a girls’ hostel would be built in every district of the country. She also announced the launch of community-owned ‘She MARTS’ to support women-led enterprises.

The measures aim to improve access to higher education for women, especially in science and technology fields, while helping women move from small livelihoods to formal business ownership.

Also Read: Budget 2026–27 LIVE: Fiscal deficit seen at 4.3%; Modi govt allocates Rs 1.4 lakh cr to states

Girls’ hostel in every district to support higher education

While outlining proposals for increased investment in higher education, the Finance Minister said the government plans to set up new institutes, university townships, girls’ hostels, and telescope infrastructure.

“I propose multiple steps towards setting up new institutes, university townships, girls’ hostels, and telescope infrastructure facilities in the investment in the higher education sector. A girls’ hostel will be built in every district of the country,” she said.

Sitharaman flagged the specific challenges faced by women students in STEM institutions, where long hours of study and laboratory work often make access to safe accommodation difficult.

“In higher education, STEM institutions and prolonged hours of study and laboratory work pose some challenges for girl students. Through our scheme, one girls’ hostel will be established in every district to promote astrophysics and astronomy via immersive experiences,” she said.

According to the Finance Minister, the hostels are intended to provide safe and accessible housing for women pursuing advanced studies, which could improve enrolment and reduce dropouts in specialised scientific disciplines.

She MARTS to help women shift from livelihoods to enterprises

The Budget also introduced ‘She MARTS’—self-help entrepreneur marts designed as community-owned retail outlets. The initiative builds on the Lakpati Didi programme, which focuses on strengthening women’s incomes through self-help groups.

“Building on the success of the Lakpati Didi program, the government plans to help women move from credit-linked livelihoods to becoming enterprise owners. Self-help entrepreneur marts will be established as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations, supported through enhanced and innovative financing, enabling women to take the next step in entrepreneurship,” Sitharaman said.

The She MARTS model is expected to improve market access and branding for women entrepreneurs, while creating more sustainable income opportunities at the grassroots level.

Beyond these announcements, the Finance Minister outlined six broad focus areas of the Budget. These include expanding manufacturing in strategic sectors, reviving traditional industries, creating strong MSMEs, accelerating infrastructure development, ensuring long-term economic stability, and developing city-based economic regions.

As part of statutory requirements, Sitharaman also tabled two statements under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003—the Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement.

The Budget session of Parliament will run for 30 sittings across 65 days and conclude on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today defined measures that the government proposes to boost the semiconductor sector. After the successful India Semiconductor Mission 1.0, Nirmala Sitharaman today launched India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to focus on industry-led research and training centres to develop technology and a skilled workforce. She proposed to increase the outlay to 40,000 crores to capitalise on the momentum.

According to Nirmala Sitharaman, India Semiconductor Mission 1.0 expanded the capabilities of the country’s semiconductor sector. She stated, “Building on this, we will launch ISM 2.0 to produce equipment and materials, design full-stack Indian IP, and fortify supply chains.”

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to fortify supply chains.

Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) gets a ₹40,000 crore boost.#ViksitBharatBudget pic.twitter.com/GQxPMI8F6v

— Zalkit Patel (@iZalkit) February 1, 2026

Under ISM 2.0, the government will also focus on industry-led research and training centers to develop technology and a skilled workforce.

During her speech, Sitharaman also highlighted the success of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, which was launched in April last year with an outlay of Rs 22,919 crore. She stated that the scheme has already received investment commitments double the targets.

Before the Union Budget 2026 announcement, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, had also talked about the success of the ISM 1.0. He had said that ten projects are under construction after the completion of four years of India Semiconductor Mission 1.0, while production for four projects will start this year. He further stated that 24 project start-ups have designed semiconductor chips, and in 315 educational institutions, students have received training to design semiconductor chips.

The Government is further planning to create India’s own IP in 6 systems of computing, RF, networking, power, sensor, and memory through the India Semiconductor Mission. Vaishnaw said, “As we go into 2029, India will become a major player in the semiconductor industry…By 2035, India will be among the most important semiconductor nations in the world…”

US President Donald Trump has claimed that India will be buying oil from Venezuela, a move he said would help Caracas economically while shifting New Delhi away from Iranian supplies.

Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a late-night flight on Saturday (local time) from Joint Base Andrews to Palm Beach, Florida.

Responding to a question on Venezuela, Trump said his administration was “getting along well” with the country’s leadership. “We’ve already made a deal,” Trump said.

“India is coming in, and they’re going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran,” he claimed. However, New Delhi has not yet made any announcement regarding this.

Early this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with the interim Venezuelan leader.

Trump told reporters that China would also be welcome to purchase Venezuelan oil. “China is welcome to come in and buy oil,” Trump said, suggesting broader international participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

The comments place India at the centre of a potential shift in global energy flows, with Trump explicitly linking Indian oil purchases from Venezuela to a reduction in Iranian exports. He did not provide details on timelines, volumes, or the structure of the arrangement, describing it as the “concept of the deal.”

Trump said Venezuela stood to benefit financially from expanded oil sales.

“They’re going to make more money than they’ve ever made, and it’s going to be beneficial to us,” he said.

He added that he believed Venezuela was “really going to turn around,” citing steps his administration had taken to open airspace to allow travel in and out of the country.

On Iran, Trump declined to say whether he had made a final decision on US policy.

“I can’t tell you that,” he said.

He added, “I hope to negotiate something that is acceptable,” and said, “They are talking to us.”

Trump also fielded questions on a wide range of other topics, including newly released Epstein-related documents, domestic law enforcement policy, China, Greenland, Cuba, and legal disputes involving the Internal Revenue Service.

Asked about the Epstein files, Trump criticised writer Michael Wolff and said the documents showed Wolff was “conspiring with Epstein to do harm to me.” He said the documents had been described to him and claimed they “absolved me.”

“We’ll probably sue Wolff on that and maybe the Epstein estate,” Trump said.

On cities seeking federal law enforcement assistance, Trump said the administration would act only if local leaders asked.

“If they want help, they have to ask for it,” he said. “They have to say please.”

Trump also commented on China’s leadership, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, there’s one boss in China, that’s President Xi.”

On Greenland, Trump said, “We have started a negotiation,” adding, “I think it’s going to be a good deal for everybody.”

The President also said he was considering setting up a committee to review proposals for a large arch in Washington. However, he said any potential settlement money from IRS-related litigation would go to charity.

“It’s going to go to numerous very good charities,” he said, mentioning “established and respected charities” such as the American Cancer Society.

Trump said he had not discussed interest rate commitments with Kevin Warsh and dismissed a joke about suing him over rates as “a roast” and “a comedy.”

He praised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border advisor Tom Homan, saying the border was “closed” and that Homan was “a star.”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a Coconut Promotion Scheme aimed at increasing production and improving productivity to boost India’s competitiveness in coconut cultivation.

Speaking while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, Sitharaman said the scheme will focus on major coconut-growing states and include measures such as replacing non-productive trees with new, high-yielding saplings.

“To further enhance competitiveness in coconut production, I propose a coconut promotion scheme to increase production and enhance productivity through various interventions, including replacing non-productive trees with new saplings or plants of varieties in major coconut-growing states,” Sitharaman said.

She also announced a dedicated programme for Indian cashew and cocoa with the objective of making India self-reliant in raw cashew and coconut production and processing, while enhancing export competitiveness.
“A dedicated program is proposed for Indian cashew and cocoa to make India self-reliant in raw cashew and coconut production and processing, enhance export competitiveness and transform Indian cashew and Indian cocoa into premium global brands by 2030,” Sitharaman said.

She asserted that sandalwood is closely linked to India’s social and cultural heritage. Our government will partner with state governments to promote focused cultivation and post-harvest processing to restore the glory of the Indian sandalwood ecosystem.
“Sandalwood is closely linked to India’s social and cultural heritage. Our government will partner with state governments to promote focused cultivation and post-harvest processing to restore the glory of the Indian sandalwood ecosystem,” Sitharaman said.

She said sandalwood is deeply connected to India’s social and cultural heritage and announced that the Centre will partner with state governments to promote targeted cultivation and post-harvest processing to revive the Indian sandalwood ecosystem.
“To rejuvenate old, low-yielding orchards and expand high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts, we will support a dedicated program to enhance farmer incomes and in bringing value addition by engaging youth,” she added.

She also announced a dedicated programme to rejuvenate old and low-yielding orchards and expand high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.
In the animal husbandry sector, Sitharaman said efforts will focus on generating quality employment in rural and peri-urban areas through a credit-linked subsidy programme. The government will also work on scaling up and modernising livestock enterprises, creating integrated livestock, dairy and poultry value chains, and encouraging the formation of livestock farmer producer organisations.

For high-value agriculture, she said support will be extended to crops such as coconut and sandalwood to diversify farm output, increase productivity, boost farm incomes and create new employment opportunities.

India’s Union Budget 2026-27 just dropped some exciting news for the creative world! Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took center stage in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, February 1. Currently, she is laying out the government’s spending, priorities, plans for the coming year. But amid the usual numbers, there was one announcement that made digital artists, animators, storytellers sit up and take notice.

Union Budget 2026–27 LIVE: Modi govt allocates Rs 1.4 lakh crores to states for FY27

Yes, the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector is getting its moment in the sun. And it’s more than just a pat on the back. The Finance Minister proposed setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across India through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai.

India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics #AVGC sector is a growing industry, projected to require 2 million professionals by 2030. I propose to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai in setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary… pic.twitter.com/clFALx1CNw

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2026

And if you’re wondering why this matters, here’s an explainer.

AVGC: Fast-growing playground

Let’s spill the facts first. India’s AVGC industry is booming. Analysts predict that by 2030, country will need around 2 million skilled professionals in this space. That is not just animators or gamers. It includes VFX artists, game designers, storyboard artists, comic creators, even creative tech developers.

The demand is coming from all sides: domestic studios producing movies, web series, and games, and global clients outsourcing animation and VFX work.

Think of the world’s top animated movies and video games. India has the talent to contribute. According to experts, with proper training, it could become a global hub for creative content.

What is Orange Economy and why does it matter?

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. The AVGC sector is part of what economists call ‘Orange Economy’. It includes industries where creativity, culture, ideas generate at least some value.

Unlike traditional manufacturing which relies on materials, Orange Economy thrives on innovation, imagination, intellectual property.

By supporting AVGC, India aims at fostering fun and games. And, it is building an economic powerhouse driven by creativity. Here are some benefits.

– AVGC labs in schools and colleges mean students learn skills that lead directly to high-demand careers today.

– Indian creative content from animated films to video games can now compete internationally.

– These creative industries are hotbed for startups, apps, new business ideas.

– From comics to animated stories, India’s culture and narratives can reach global audiences.

Why schools and colleges?

You might ask, why focus on educational institutions for this? By planting AVGC labs in schools, government entities ensure that students get hands-on skills from early age. No more learning animation or gaming on the side. Also, no more relying on expensive courses in big cities.

In colleges, these labs can bridge the gap between education and industry. This can help prepare graduates for careers in studios, gaming companies, freelance creative work.

With this pipeline, India could produce millions of skilled professionals over the next decade.

It’s a strategy that combines job creation, industry readiness, democratisation of creative skills all rolled into one.

Tourist resort Kufri near Shimla received the season’s third major spell of snowfall on Sunday, reviving winter festivities and drawing tourists in large numbers, while several parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced rain and snow under the influence of an active western disturbance.

The fresh snowfall has added to the festive mood in Kufri, with visitors enjoying snow activities and hoteliers reporting an uptick in footfall. High altitude areas also benefited, with the High Altitude Sports Centre at Shillaroo emerging as the main snow hub during the spell. With fresh snowfall twenty years old snowsport Sking would expected to start soon, local businessman Rajesh Gupta said.

As per the India Meteorological Department, Shillaroo and Kothi in Kullu recorded the highest snowfall of about five centimetres each, followed by Kufri with around four centimetres. Gondhla in Lahaul Spiti received nearly three centimetres of snow, Khadrala of Shimla about 2.5 centimetres, Sangla in Kinnaur around 2.1 centimetres, while light snowfall was reported from Jot and Kalpa.

Rainfall activity was more pronounced in mid and lower hills, with Manali recording the highest rainfall of around 10 mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira with nearly 7.8 mm and Sarahan close to 7.3 mm. Shimla received about 4.2 mm of rain, while Malraon, Solan, Jubberhatti, Jatton Barrage, Kandaghat and Chopal also recorded light to moderate rainfall during the last 24 hours.

The wet spell led to an overall improvement in temperatures across the state. Minimum temperatures at most places remained normal or near normal. Tabo in the cold desert region remained the coldest place in Himachal Pradesh, recording a minimum temperature of around minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, which was nearly seven degrees above normal.
Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of about 3.6 degrees Celsius, Manali around 0.8 degrees, Kalpa minus 0.4 degrees, Dharamshala close to 3 degrees, Solan about 4.6 degrees, Mandi near 9.9 degrees, Una 7.5 degrees and Nahan around 8 degrees. Paonta Sahib recorded the highest maximum temperature at around 24 degrees Celsius.

According to Indian Meteorological Department, a western disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and adjoining areas, along with an induced cyclonic circulation over north Rajasthan, is influencing the weather over Himachal Pradesh.

The IMD has indicated that the state may continue to experience rainfall and snowfall from a few places to fairly widespread wet weather in the coming days. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of February 2, followed by another around February 5, raising expectations of snowfall at tourist resorts and higher reaches including Shimla, Narkanda, Manali and Dalhousie. 55 Livestock including flock of Sheep and Goats hit by lightening early on Sunday morning at Deothti on Solan -Sabatu roads.

In the Union Budget 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed ‘Biopharma SHAKTI’ to develop India as a global bio-pharma manufacturing hub. It will have an outlay of Rs 10,000 crores over the next five years. The Finance Minister stressed that this will help in building an ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars.

What does Biopharma SHAKTI mean?

SHAKTI stands for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation. The proposal says that Biopharma SHAKTI will allow building an ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. It will include a Biopharma-focused network with three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research and upgrading seven existing ones. It will be dedicated to create network of over 1000 accredited Indian Clinical Trials sites.

Nirmala Sitharaman said, “Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors: Biopharma Shakti, meaning a biopharma strategy for health advancement through knowledge, technology, and innovation. India’s disease burden is observed to be shifting towards non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders…”

Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, “Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors: Biopharma Shakti, meaning a biopharma strategy for health advancement through knowledge, technology, and innovation. India’s disease burden is observed to be… pic.twitter.com/ZogL8Mo0kG

— IANS (@ians_india) February 1, 2026

The Union Budget for 2026–27 has placed high-speed rail at the centre of India’s next infrastructure phase. Presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop seven high-speed rail corridors connecting major cities across western, southern and northern India.

“In order to promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems, we will develop 7 high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors,” the Finance Minister said.

The proposed corridors are designed to improve long-distance mobility, reduce travel time, and support regional economic integration.

Also Read: Union Budget 2026–27 LIVE

Which routes are planned

The seven corridors proposed in the Budget are:

1. Mumbai–Pune
2. Pune–Hyderabad
3. Hyderabad–Bengaluru
4. Hyderabad–Chennai
5. Chennai–Bengaluru
6. Delhi–Varanasi
7. Varanasi–Siliguri

Together, the routes link manufacturing hubs, technology centres, ports, and high-density population belts. The government sees them as “growth connectors”, aimed at strengthening economic ties between cities while offering a cleaner alternative to road and air travel.

How rail fits into the broader infrastructure push

The rail announcement comes alongside a sharp increase in public investment. Budget 2026–27 raises capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore.

To support large projects, the Finance Minister said an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund would be set up to help accelerate execution. She also underlined the government’s focus on reforms, manufacturing expansion, and global economic integration.

“Over 350 reforms have been rolled out, and the ‘Reforms Express’ is well on its way,” Sitharaman said, adding that India must continue balancing growth ambitions with inclusion.

Patanjali Research and Wellness Centre recently hosted a special nine-day programme, the ‘Yoga Olympiad Orientation and Training Programme’, from January 22 to 30, 2026. It was a mix of psychology, Yogdarshan, and spirituality all aimed at giving participants a slice of internal peace.

Also Read: One plant, one routine, big relief: Acharya Balkrishna explains why aloe vera works on dandruff

Yoga for rural awareness and equality

The programme drew attention from the Education Department of the Sikkim Government, with officials joining in to understand how yoga can make a difference, especially in rural areas. The idea was simple yet ambitious to spread awareness, promote equality, help people embrace yoga as a tool for overall development.

Acharya Balkrishna’s words of wisdom

The sessions were led by Acharya Balkrishna, who reminded everyone that yoga is ancient India’s complete exercise, beneficial for the body, mind, and soul.

“Yoga doesn’t just strengthen your muscles,” he said, “it calms the mind, helps reduce stress, and guides you toward a disciplined life and inner peace.”

Swami Ramdev adds a twist with naturopathy

No Patanjali event is complete without Yogrishi Swami Ramdev, and he brought his magic to the floor, talking about naturopathy.

According to him, this nature-based therapy heals without drugs by awakening the body’s own self-healing powers. From balanced diets and herbal remedies to yoga exercises, solar therapy, and acupuncture, naturopathy has a lot in its toolbox.

Of course, Swami Ramdev stressed that critical illnesses should still be handled by medical experts.

He also hinted at exciting possibilities for collaboration between Patanjali and the Sikkim Government, which might bring more such wellness programmes to the state.

Field visits at Patanjali Olympiad

During their stay, the Sikkim representatives didn’t just sit through lectures. They got a full Patanjali experience. They visited Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan, and took part in the Ganga Aarti, soaking in spirituality.

The tour continued at Patanjali Goshala, Gurukulam, Acharyakulam, Herbal Garden, and the Research Centre.

On the final day, Acharya Balkrishna handed out certificates and shawls to all participants, officially marking the end of the programme.

Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today highlighted that the government is inspired by three ‘Kartavyas’, to deliver a ‘yuva shakti budget’ in the Kartavya Bhawan for the first time.

The first Kartavya is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics.

The second Kartavya is to fulfil the aspirations of the people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India’s path to prosperity.

The third Kartavya, aligned with our vision of the Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, is to ensure every family, community, region, and sector has access to resources, amenities, and opportunities.

She asserted that the government’s goal is to focus on poor, under-privileged, and disadvantaged people.

The Finance Minister said that the country’s economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth, and moderate inflation since the Modi-led BJP government assumed office 12 years ago. She credited this growth to the conscious choices that the government made, even in times of uncertainty and disruptions.

Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, “Our government’s ‘sankalp’ is to focus on the poor, underprivileged, and the disadvantaged. To deliver on this sankalp, and given that this is the first Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan, we are inspired by three kartavya.… pic.twitter.com/BXL3AnN6YC

— IANS (@ians_india) February 1, 2026

During her speech, Nirmala Sitharaman claimed that the government has pursued far-reaching structural reforms, fiscal prudence, and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment, keeping self-reliance as a pillar. She also said that the government has built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security, and reduced critical import dependencies.

Watch | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, “On the sacred occasion of Magh Purnima and the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, I present the Budget for the year 2026–2027. Since we assumed office 12 years ago, India’s economic trajectory has been marked by stability,… pic.twitter.com/80uFeBHEYP

— United News of India (@uniindianews) February 1, 2026

Nicki Minaj, the queen of rap with a career full of hits, surprises, and dramatic stunts, just pulled her boldest move yet: she publicly declared her support for former President Donald Trump. And not just in a casual way, she strutted onstage at Trump’s Accounts Summit in Washington, DC, gave him a warm round of praise, and called his new financial program for babies “amazing.” Fans, haters, and the media were left blinking, trying to process what seemed like a 180-degree turn in the rapper’s political life.

But let’s be honest. If you’ve been following Nicki’s online antics for the past few years, maybe this wasn’t as shocking as it looks.

Also Read: Brian May, Queen’s legendary guitarist, says US tours might be on hold amid safety concerns and Trump controversy

The summit that broke the internet

The Accounts Summit, which focuses on Trump Accounts, a type of tax-advantaged investment account for US-born babies, saw Minaj taking the stage amid cheers. Trump, ever the showman, introduced her as “the most successful female rapper in history” who “makes a lot of cash,” before stepping aside to let her speak.

Minaj didn’t hold back. “The hate, or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all,” she told the crowd. “It actually motivates me to support him more. And it’s going to motivate all of us to support him more.”

She even took a dig at Trump’s critics: “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him,” she said, claiming the president has “God and a lot of force behind him.”

What’s behind Nicki’s Trump turn?

Naturally, the internet went wild. Fans and critics alike are scrambling to understand why Minaj, once a vocal ally of LGBTQ+ communities and a critic of Trump’s immigration policies, has become one of the former president’s loudest supporters.

Some theories suggest personal motivations. Could this be a move to help her husband and brother, both convicted of sex crimes? Others point to her immigration status, particularly after she posted about Trump’s “Gold Card,” a fast-track US citizenship program.

Nicki herself fueled the speculation, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.”

Residency? Residency? The cope is coping.
Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.
Thanks to the petition.
I wouldn’t have done it without you.
Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment

Gold Trump card free of charge pic.twitter.com/jc1vIxx6pz

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 29, 2026

She even mocked critics with a picture of horror character Chucky giving the middle finger and captioned it: “Gold Trump card free of charge.”

The Gold Card, according to Trump, helps people who provide a “significant financial gift to the Nation” enter the US faster. Minaj reportedly invested between $150,000 and $300,000 in Trump Accounts giving credence to some of the rumours.

From “Trollz” to MAGA: Tracing the political shift

Nicki’s political pivot didn’t start overnight. Fans who remember her past moves know she’s had a complex relationship with politics for years.

– 2015: When asked about Trump during his first campaign, Minaj told Billboard she found him entertaining but avoided strong political critique. “I think he’s hilarious. I wish they could just film him running for president. That’s the ultimate reality show,” she said.

– Immigration Criticism: Early in her career, Minaj openly criticised Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy and expressed support for immigrants reflecting her own experience coming to the US as a child.

– Vaccine Skepticism: The pandemic marked the turning point. Minaj spread unfounded claims about COVID-19 vaccines online echoing right-wing skepticism. In 2023, she doubled down, telling Vogue, “Every time I talk about politics, people get mad… I’m not going to be told who I should get on social media and campaign for.”

A global twist: Nicki’s Christian advocacy

Some of Minaj’s political alignment seems tied to religious advocacy. In November, she personally thanked Trump for speaking out about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion,” she wrote on X.

Her message carried through to the United Nations, where she warned of “extremism” targeting Christians in Nigeria. She thanked Trump and his team for taking action claiming, “Faith is under attack in way too many places. Churches have been burned, families torn apart… simply because of how they pray.”

How Nicki Minaj met right-wing culture

Her alignment with conservative causes became even more visible later in 2023:

– White House TikTok: She reposted an official Trump TikTok video, set to one of her songs, highlighting Trump’s achievements such as closing the border and deporting criminal immigrants.

– Turning Point USA Appearance: In December, she appeared at AmericaFest, sitting beside CEO Erika Kirk and echoing right-wing talking points. “Boys, be boys,” she declared emphasising traditional gender roles.

Fans are confused now

Nicki’s political pivot has left fans bewildered. LGBTQ+ supporters who celebrated her as bold outspoken ally now feel betrayed. Others question her motives wondering if personal gain like citizenship, financial advantage, family pardons plays role.

Meanwhile Minaj seems unbothered. In her own words, criticism “does not affect me at all… It actually motivates me to support him more.”

She’s clearly ready to embrace the drama, the attention, the controversy that come with being one of Trump’s celebrity allies.

The Grammys are 67 years young in 2026, and they’re still the ultimate music party. This Sunday in LA, the red carpet will sparkle with everyone from Harry Styles’ charm to Chaka Khan’s timeless presence.

Last year’s hotshot, Kendrick Lamar, is back with a vengeance. The rapper leads this year’s pack with nine nominations, mostly for his sixth album, GNX. Remember his fiery diss track Not Like Us? Yeah, he’s hoping for another night like last year, when he scooped record and song of the year.

Lady Gaga isn’t far behind with seven nods, while Latin superstar Bad Bunny, rising star Sabrina Carpenter, and jazz-fusion wizard Leon Thomas each snag six. It’s a mix of veteran brilliance and fresh talent ready to shake the stage on Grammys 2026.

With 95 awards up for grabs over eight long hours, the Grammys 2026 are not just about album of the year.

Also Read: Oscar 2026 nominations: Full list of best picture, actors, directors, and technical categories | India’s Homebound out of race

When, where, how to watch Grammys 2026 in India

You can catch the live telecast on JioHotstar from 6:30 am on February 2, Monday. Other than that, you can stream the event on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV or FuboTV.

 

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Here is the full list of nominees | Grammys 2026

Record of the Year

Bad Bunny – DTMF
Billie Eilish – Wildflower
Chappell Roan – The Subway
Doechii – Anxiety
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Album of the Year

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice – Let God Sort Em Out
Justin Bieber – Swag
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Leon Thomas – Mutt
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

Song of the Year

Bad Bunny – DTMF
Billie Eilish – Wildflower
Doechii – Anxiety
Huntr/x – Golden
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Best New Artist

Addison Rae
Alex Warren
Katseye
Leon Thomas
Lola Young
The Marías
Olivia Dean
Sombr

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Blake Mills
Cirkut
Dan Auerbach
Dijon
Sounwave

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Laura Veltz
Tobias Jesso Jr.

Best Pop Solo Performance

Chappell Roan – The Subway
Justin Bieber – Daisies
Lady Gaga – Disease
Lola Young – Messy
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Best Pop/Duo Group Performance

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity
Huntr/x – Golden
Katseye – Gabriela
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
SZA With Kendrick Lamar – 30 for 30

Best Pop Vocal Album

Justin Bieber – Swag
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2)

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

Disclosure & Anderson .Paak – No Cap
Fred Again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Kaytranada – Space Invader
Skrillex – Voltage
Tame Impala – End of Summer

Best Dance Pop Recording

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
PinkPantheress – Illegal
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Bluest Flame
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)
Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun

Best Dance/Electronic Album

FKA twigs – Eusexua
Fred Again.. – Ten Days
PinkPantheress – Fancy That
Rüfüs Du Sol – Inhale / Exhale
Skrillex – F*ck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3

Best Remixed Recording

The Chemical Brothers & Chris Lake – Galvanize (Chris Lake Remix)
Huntr/x & David Guetta – Golden (David Guetta Rem/x)
Lady Gaga & Gesaffelstein – Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix)
Mariah Carey & Kaytranada – Don’t Forget About Us (Kaytranada Remix)
Soul II Soul – A Dreams a Dream (Ron Trent Refix)

Best Rock Performance

Amyl and the Sniffers – U Should Not Be Doing That
Hayley Williams – Mirtazapine
Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
Turnstile – Never Enough
Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt & Frank Bello Featuring Adam Wakeman & II – Changes (Live From Villa Park / Back to the Beginning)

Best Metal Performance

Dream Theater – Night Terror
Ghost – Lachryma
Sleep Token – Emergence
Spiritbox – Soft Spine
Turnstile – Birds

Best Rock Song

Hayley Williams – Glum
Nine Inch Nails – As Alive as You Need Me to Be
Sleep Token – Caramel
Turnstile – Never Enough
Yungblud – Zombie

Best Rock Album

Deftones – Private Music
Haim – I Quit
Linkin Park – From Zero
Turnstile – Never Enough
Yungblud – Idols

Best Alternative Music Performance

Bon Iver – Everything Is Peaceful Love
The Cure – Alone
Hayley Williams – Parachute
Turnstile – Seein’ Stars
Wet Leg – Mangetout

Best Alternative Music Album

Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE
The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
Hayley Williams – Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
Tyler, the Creator – Don’t Tap the Glass
Wet Leg – Moisturizer

Best R&B Performance

Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller – It Depends
Justin Bieber – Yukon
Kehlani – Folded
Leon Thomas – Mutt (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk)
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Durand Bernarr – Here We Are
Lalah Hathaway – Uptown
Ledisi – Love You Too
Leon Thomas – Vibes Don’t Lie
SZA – Crybaby

Best R&B Song

Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller – It Depends
Durand Bernarr – Overqualified
Kehlani – Folded
Leon Thomas – Yes It Is
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman

Best Progressive R&B Album

Bilal – Adjust Brightness
Destin Conrad – Love on Digital
Durand Bernarr – Bloom
Flo – Access All Areas
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon – Come as You Are

Best R&B Album

Coco Jones – Why Not More?
Giveon – Beloved
Ledisi – The Crown
Leon Thomas – Mutt
Teyana Taylor – Escape Room

Best Rap Performance

Cardi B – Outside
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T & Malice – Chains & Whips
Doechii – Anxiety
Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay – TV Off
Tyler, the Creator Featuring Teezo Touchdown – Darling, I

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Fridayy & Meek Mill – Proud of Me
JID, Ty Dolla $ign & 6lack – Wholeheartedly
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
PartyNextDoor & Drake – Somebody Loves Me
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody – WeMaj

Best Rap Song

Clipse, John Legend, Voices of Fire, Pusha T & Malice – The Birds Don’t Sing
Doechii – Anxiety
Glorilla – TGIF
Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay – TV Off
Tyler, the Creator Featuring Glorilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne – Sticky

Best Rap Album

Clipse, Pusha T & Malice – Let God Sort Em Out
Glorilla – Glorious
JID – God Does Like Ugly
Kendick Lamar – GNX
Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

Marc Marcel – Black Shaman
Omari Hardwick & Anthony Hamilton – Pages
Queen Sheba – A Hurricane in Heels: Healed People Don’t Act Like That (Partially Recorded Live @City Winery & Other Places)
Saul Williams & Carlos Niño & Friends – Saul Williams Meets Carlos Niño & Friends at Treepeople (Live)
Skillz – Words for Days, Vol. 1

Best Jazz Performance

Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Windows (Live)
Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield – Noble Rise
Michael Mayo – Four
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach & Tom Scott Featuring Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold, Rachel Eckroth & Sam Weber – All Stars Lead to You (Live)
Samara Joy – Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True

Best Jazz Vocal Album

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap – Elemental
Michael Mayo – Fly
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach & Tom Scott Featuring Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold, Rachel Eckroth & Sam Weber – Live at Vic’s Las Vegas
Samara Joy – Portrait
Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell – We Insist 2025!

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Branford Marsalis Quartet – Belonging
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Trilogy 3 (Live)
John Patitucci Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade – Spirit Fall
Sullivan Fortner – Southern Nights
Yellowjackets – Fasten Up

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

Christian McBride – Without Further Ado, Vol 1
Danilo Pérez & Bohuslän Big Band – Lumen
Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra – Basie Rocks!
Sun Ra Arkestra – Lights on a Satellite
The 8-Bit Big Band – Orchestrator Emulator

Best Latin Jazz Album

Arturo O’Farrill – The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico (Live at Town Hall)
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra – Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley
Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro – A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole
Miguel Zenón Quartet – Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at the Village Vanguard
Paquito D’Rivera – Madrid-New York Connection Band – La Fleur de Cayenne

Best Alternative Jazz Album

Ambrose Akinmusire – Honey From a Winter Stone
Brad Mehldau – Ride into the Sun
Immanuel Wilkins – Blues Blood
Nate Smith – Live-Action
Robert Glasper – Keys to the City Volume One

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Barbra Streisand – The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume 2
Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Who Believes in Angels?
Jennifer Hudson – The Gift of Love
Lady Gaga – Harlequin
Laila Biali – Wintersongs
Laufey – A Matter of Time

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

Arkai – Brightside
Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez – BEATrio
Bob James & Dave Koz – Just Us
Charu Suri – Shayan
Gerald Clayton – Ones & Twos

Best Musical Theater Album

Buena Vista Social Club
Death Becomes Her
Gypsy
Just in Time
Maybe Happy Ending

Best Country Solo Performance

Chris Stapleton – Bad as I Used to Be (From F1® the Movie)
Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo
Shaboozey – Good News
Tyler Childers – Nose on the Grindstone
Zach Top – I Never Lie

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

George Strait Featuring Chris Stapleton – Honky Tonk Hall of Fame
Margo Price Featuring Tyler Childers – Love Me Like You Used to Do
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton – A Song to Sing
Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert & Lainey Wilson – Trailblazer
Shaboozey & Jelly Roll – Amen

Best Country Song

Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton – A Song to Sing
Shaboozey – Good News
Tyler Childers – Bitin’ List
Zach Top – I Never Lie

Best Traditional Country Album

Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day
Lukas Nelson – American Romance
Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman
Willie Nelson – Oh What a Beautiful World
Zach Top – Ain’t in It for My Health

Best Contemporary Country Album

Eric Church – Evangeline vs. the Machine
Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
Kelsea Ballerini – Patterns
Miranda Lambert – Postcards From Texas
Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter

Best American Roots Performance

Alison Krauss & Union Station – Richmond on the James
I’m With Her – Ancient Light
Jason Isbell – Crimson and Clay
Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman – Lonely Avenue
Mavis Staples – Beautiful Strangers

Best Americana Performance

Jesse Welles – Horses
Maggie Rose & Grace Potter – Poison in My Well
Mavis Staples – Godspeed
Molly Tuttle – That’s Gonna Leave a Mark
Sierra Hull – Boom

Best American Roots Song

I’m With Her – Ancient Light
Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow
Jesse Welles – Middle
Jon Batiste – Big Money
Sierra Hull – Spitfire

Best Americana Album

Jesse Welles – Middle
Jon Batiste – Big Money
Larkin Poe – Bloom
Molly Tuttle – So Long Little Miss Sunshine
Willie Nelson – Last Leaf on the Tree

Best Bluegrass Album

Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia
Billy Strings – Highway Prayers
Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter – Carter & Cleveland
Sierra Hull – A Tip Toe High Wire
The Steeldrivers – Outrun

Best Traditional Blues Album

Buddy Guy – Ain’t Done With the Blues
Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway
Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush – Young Fashioned Ways
Maria Muldaur – One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey
Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ – Room on the Porch

Best Contemporary Blues Album

Eric Gales – A Tribute to LJK
Joe Bonamassa – Breakthrough
Robert Randolph – Preacher Kids
Samantha Fish – Paper Doll
Southern Avenue – Family

Best Folk Album

I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue
Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow
Jesse Welles – Under the Powerlines (Live April 2024 – September 2024)
Patty Griffin – Crown of Roses
Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson – What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow

Best Regional Roots Music Album

Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet – Live at Vaughan’s
Kyle Roussel – Church of New Orleans
Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band – For Fat Man
Trombone Shorty & New Breed Brass Band – Second Line Sunday
Various Artists – A Tribute to the King of Zydeco

Best Gospel Performance/Song

Cece Winans & Shirley Caesar – Come Jesus Come
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts – Still (Live)
Kirk Franklin – Do It Again
Pastor Mike Jr. – Amen
Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend – Church

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll – Hard Fought Hallelujah
Darrel Walls & PJ Morton – Amazing
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown & Brandon Lake – I Know a Name
Forrest Frank – Your Way’s Better
Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I. – Headphones

Best Gospel Album

Darrel Walls & PJ Morton – Heart of Mine
Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Tasha
Tye Tribbett – Only on the Road (Live)
Yolanda Adams – Sunny Days

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Brandon Lake – King of Hearts
Forrest Frank – Child of God II
Israel & New Breed – Coritos, Vol. 1
Lecrae – Reconstruction
Tauren Wells – Let the Church Sing

Best Roots Gospel Album

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – I Will Not Be Moved (Live)
Candi Staton – Back to My Roots
Gaither Vocal Band – Then Came the Morning
The Isaacs – Praise & Worship: More Than a Hollow Hallelujah
Karen Peck & New River – Good Answers

Best Latin Pop Album

Alejandro Sanz – ¿Y Ahora Qué?
Andrés Cepeda – Bogotá (Deluxe)
Karol G – Tropicoqueta
Natalia Lafourcade – Cancionera
Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra

Best Música Urbana Album

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Feid – Ferxxo Vol X: Sagrado
J Balvin – Mixteip
Nicki Nicole – Naiki
Trueno – EUB Deluxe
Yandel – Sinfónico (En Vivo)

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Aterciopelados – Genes Rebeldes
Bomba Estéreo, Rawayana & Astropical – Astropical
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso – Papota
Fito Páez – Novela
Los Wizzards – Algorhythm

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

Bobby Pulido – Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y una Mía – Por la Puerta Grande (En Vivo)
Carín León – Palabra de To’s (Seca)
Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera – Mala Mía
Grupo Frontera – Y Lo Que Viene
Paola Jara – Sin Rodeos

Best Tropical Latin Album

Alain Pérez – Bingo
Gilberto Santa Rosa – Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2
Gloria Estefan – Raíces
Grupo Niche – Clásicos 1.0
Rubén Blades Featuring Roberto Delgado & Orquesta – Fotografías

Best Global Music Performance

Angélique Kidjo – Jerusalema
Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar – Daybreak
Bad Bunny – Eoo
Ciro Hurtado – Cantando en el Camino
Shakti – Shrini’s Dream (Live)
Yeisy Rojas – Inmigrante y Que?

Best African Music Performance

Ayra Starr & Wizkid – Gimme Dat
Burna Boy – Love
Davido Featuring Omah Lay – With You
Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love
Tyla – Push 2 Start

Best Global Music Album

Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar – Chapter III: We Return to Light
Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia – Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo
Shakti – Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
Siddhant Bhatia – Sounds of Kumbha
Youssou N’Dour – Éclairer le monde – Light the World

Best Reggae Album

Jesse Royal – No Place Like Home
Keznamdi – Blxxd & Fyah
Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love
Mortimer – From Within
Vybz Kartel – Heart & Soul

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

Carla Patullo – Nomadica
Cheryl B. Engelhardt & Gem – According to the Moon
Chris Redding – The Colors in My Mind
Jahnavi Harrison – Into the Forest
Kirsten Agresta-Copely – Kuruvinda

Best Children’s Music Album

Flor Bromley – Herstory
Fyütch & Aura V – Harmony
Joanie Leeds & Joya – Ageless: 100 Years Young
Mega Ran – Buddy’s Magic Tree House
Tori Amos – The Music of Tori and the Muses

Best Comedy Album

Ali Wong – Single Lady
Bill Burr – Drop Dead Years
Jamie Foxx – What Had Happened Was…
Nate Bargatze – Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
Sarah Silverman – PostMortem

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

Dalai Lama – Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Fab Morvan – You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli
Kathy Garver – Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story
Ketanji Brown Jackson – Lovely One: A Memoir
Trevor Noah – Into the Uncut Grass

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Various Artists – F1® the Album
Various Artists – KPop Demon Hunters
Various Artists – Sinners
Various Artists – Wicked

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

John Powell – How to Train Your Dragon
John Powell & Stephen Schwartz – Wicked
Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot
Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
Theodore Shapiro – Severance: Season 2

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Austin Wintory – Sword of the Sea
Gordy Haab – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Pinar Toprak – Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires
Wilbert Roget, II – Helldivers 2
Wilbert Roget, II & Cody Matthew Johnson – Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune

Best Song Written for Visual Media

Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Never Too Late (From the Film “Elton John: Never Too Late”)
Huntr/x – Golden
Jayme Lawson – Pale, Pale Moon
Miles Caton – I Lied to You
Nine Inch Nails – As Alive as You Need Me to Be
Rod Wave – Sinners

Best Music Video

Clipse – So Be It
Doechii – Anxiety
OK Go – Love
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Sade – Young Lion

Best Music Film

Devo – Devo
Diane Warren – Relentless
John Williams – Music by John Williams
Pharrell Williams – Piece by Piece
Raye – Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Best Recording Package

Bruce Springsteen – Tracks II: The Lost Albums
Duran Duran – Danse Macabre: De Luxe
Mac Miller – Balloonerism
Mac Miller – The Spins (Picture Disc Vinyl)
OK Go – And the Adjacent Possible
Tsunami – Loud Is As
Various Artists – Sequoia

Best Album Cover

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Djo – The Crux
Perfume Genius – Glory
Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
Wet Leg – Moisturizer

Best Album Notes

Amanda Ekery – Árabe
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos – Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974
Anouar Brahem, Anja Lechner, Django Bates & Dave Holland – After the Last Sky
Miles Davis – Miles ’55: The Prestige Recordings
Sly and the Family Stone – The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967
Wilco – A Ghost Is Born (Expanded Edition)

Best Historical Album

Doc Pomus – You Can’t Hip a Square: The Doc Pomus Songwriting Demos
Joni Mitchell – Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)
Nick Drake – The Making of Five Leaves Left
Various Artists – Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980 (Analog Africa No.41)
Various Artists – Super Disco Pirata – De Tepito Para el Mundo 1965-1980 (Analog Africa No.39)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia
Cam – All Things Light
Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)
Pino Palladino & Blake Mills – That Wasn’t a Dream

Best Engineered Album, Classical

Andris Nelsons, Kristine Opolais, Günther Groissböck, Peter Hoare, Brenden Gunnell & Boston Symphony Orchestra – Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District
The Cleveland Orchestra & Franz Welser-Möst – Eastman: Symphony No. 2 – Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2
Sandbox Percussion – Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Third Coast Percussion – Standard Stoppages
Trio Mediæval – Yule

Producer of the Year, Classical

Blanton Alspaugh
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone
Morten Lindberg
Sergei Kvitko

Best Immersive Audio Album

Duckwrth – All American F**k Boy
Justin Gray – Immersed
Tearjerkers – Tearjerkers
Trio Mediæval – Yule
Various Artists – An Immersive Tribute to Astor Piazzolla (Live)

Best Instrumental Composition

John Powell & Stephen Schwartz – Train to Emerald City
Ludwig Göransson Featuring Miles Caton – Why You Here / Before the Sun Went Down (From “Sinners” Score)
Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra – Live Life This Day: Movement I
Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz – First Snow
Sierra Hull – Lord, That’s a Long Way
Zain Effendi – Opening

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

Cynthia Erivo – Be Okay
Nordkraft Big Band & Remy Le Boeuf – A Child Is Born
The Westerlies – Fight On
The 8-Bit Big Band – Super Mario Praise Break

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

Cody Fry – What a Wonderful World
Jacob Collier – Keep an Eye on Summer
Lawrence – Something in the Water (Acoustic-ish)
Nate Smith & Säje – Big Fish
Seth MacFarlane – How Did She Look?

Best Orchestral Performance

Andris Nelsons & Boston Symphony Orchestra – Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie
Esa-Pekka Salonen – San Francisco Symphony – Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements
Gustavo Dudamel & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela – Ravel: Boléro, M. 81
Michael Repper & National Philharmonic – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Op. 46 – Ballade Op. 4 – Suites From “24 Negro Melodies”
Yannick Nézet-Séguin & The Philadelphia Orchestra – Still & Bonds: Symphonies & Variations

Best Opera Recording

Alan Pierson, The Choir of Trinity Wall Street & Silvana Quartet – Kouyoumdjian: Adoration (Live)
American Composers Orchestra & Carolyn Kuan – Huang Ruo: An American Soldier
Emily D’Angelo, Ellie Dehn, Ben Bliss, Kyle Miller, Greer Grimsley, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera Chorus & Yannick Nézet-Séguin – Tesori: Grounded (Live)
Houston Grand Opera, Kwamé Ryan, Janai Brugger, Jamie Barton & J’Nai Bridges – Jake Heggie: Intelligence
Irish National Opera & Elaine Kelly – O’Halloran: Trade / Mary Motorhead

Best Choral Performance

Anne Akiko Meyers, Los Angeles Master Chorale & Grant Gershon – Billy Childs: In the Arms of the Beloved
The Clarion Choir & Steven Fox – Requiem of Light
Conspirare & Craig Hella Johnson- Advena: Liturgies for a Broken World
The Crossing & David Nally – David Lang: Poor Hymnal
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel & Alisa Weilerstein – Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound – Donnacha Dennehy: Land of Winter
Lili Haydn & Paul Cantelon – Lullabies for the Brokenhearted
Mak Grgić & Mateusz Kowalski – Slavic Sessions – Slavic Sessions
Neave Trio – La mer: French Piano Trios
Third Coast Percussion – Standard Stoppages

Best Classical Instrumental Solo

Adam Tendler – Inheritances
Curtis Stewart & Michael Repper – Coleridge-Taylor: 3 Selections From “24 Negro Melodies”
Mary Dawood Catlin, Jesús David Medina & Raniero Palm – Hope Orchestrated
Yo-Yo Ma & Andris Nelsons – Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos
Yuja Wang & Andris Nelsons – Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos; Solo Works

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

Allison Charney & Benjamin Loeb – Alike – My Mother’s Dream
Amanda Forsythe, Robert Mealy, Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs – Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias for Soprano
Devony Smith, Danny Zelibor & Michael Nicolas – In This Short Life
Sidney Outlaw & Warren Jones – Black Pierrot
Susan Narucki & Curtis Macomber – Kurtág: Kafka Fragments
Theo Hoffman & Steven Blier – Schubert Beatles

Best Classical Compendium

Christina Sandsengen – Tombeaux
Janai Brugger, Isolde Fair, MB Gordy & Starr Parodi – Seven Seasons
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel & Alisa Weilerstein – Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga
Sandbox Percussion – Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Will Liverman – The Dunbar/Moore Sessions, Vol. II

Best Contemporary Classical Composition

Christopher Cerrone – Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Donnacha Dennehy – Dennehy: Land of Winter
Gabriela Ortiz – Ortiz: Dzonot
Shawn E. Okpebholo – Okpebholo: Songs in Flight
Tania León – León: Raíces (Origins)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget on Sunday for the ninth consecutive time. No other finance minister has delivered so many budgets in an unbroken stretch.

The record for the most Union Budgets presented still belongs to Morarji Desai, who delivered 10 budgets across two separate tenures (between 1958 and 1963, and later from 1967 to 1969). Sitharaman now stands just one short of that mark.

The achievement underlines a rare period of continuity in India’s economic leadership. Sitharaman has held the finance portfolio since 2019, serving under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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How this places Sitharaman in India’s budget history

With her ninth straight Budget, Sitharaman overtakes both P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee in terms of consecutive presentations.

Chidambaram also presented nine budgets, but across three decades and in non-consecutive terms. Sitharaman is the first to reach the number without a break.

If she presents the Budget again in 2027, she will equal Morarji Desai’s all-time record of 10 budgets.

Why Budget 2026 stands out

This is also the first time the Union Budget is being presented on a Sunday. In earlier years, Budget dates were shifted if February 1 fell on a weekend.

Despite the holiday, both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange are holding a special full trading session to allow markets to respond immediately.

The Budget is being presented against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and trade tensions. Domestically, attention is on the transition to the New Income Tax Act, 2025, which will replace the 1961 law from April 1, 2026.

According to the Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled on January 29, India’s economy is expected to grow between 6.8 and 7.2 per cent next year. Middle-class taxpayers are watching closely for relief measures under the new tax regime.

Major spending is expected on infrastructure, rail safety systems such as Kavach 4.0, defence, and artificial intelligence. Concerns over global trade, including US tariff signals and their impact on Indian exports, also frame this year’s Budget, ANI reported.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday chose to wear a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu ahead of her presentation of the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament.

For her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, Sitharaman’s sartorial choice reaffirmed a tradition that has quietly evolved into a cultural statement.

The Finance Minister’s saree featured a purple kattam (checked) body with light golden-brown checks, a coffee-brown border with thread work, and a mustard-gold pallu panel accented by violet and gold borders. She teamed the drape with a wollen shawl
Known for their lustrous silk and intricate craftsmanship, Kancheevaram sarees are among India’s most celebrated handlooms.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman chose to pay homage to her home state, which is holding Assembly elections this year. The Union Minister has kept with tradition in continuing to emphasise handwoven fabrics and artisan-made crafts in her Budget Day saree choices.
Since her first budget in 2019, when she wore a bright pink Mangalagiri saree, Sitharaman has showcased handlooms from across the country.

These include a yellow-gold silk saree in 2020, a Pochampally Ikat in 2021, Odisha’s Bomkai in 2022, Karnataka’s Ilkal in 2023, and two distinct weaves in 2024- Mangalagiri silk for the full budget and a blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery for the interim session.

2020:

2021:

2022:

2023:

2024 (full budget):

2024 (interim session):

In 2025, she wore an ivory Madhubani hand-painted saree gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi.

On Sunday morning, Sitharaman was seen leaving Kartavya Bhavan for Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying her trademark red bahi-khata, introduced in 2019, before presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27 at 11 am, accompanied by senior finance ministry officials.
Sitharaman is set to present her record ninth consecutive budget today at 11 am in the Lok Sabha.