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RBI Monetary Policy February 2026: Governor Malhotra Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25% Amidst "Goldilocks" Economy

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) concluded its first meeting of the 2026 calendar year on February 6, 2026. In a move that largely aligned with financial analyst expectations and the fiscal direction set by the Union Budget 2026-27, Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a status quo on the key policy rates. This article provides a comprehensive deep dive into the RBI Monetary Policy February 2026 , exploring the rationale behind the decision, revised GDP growth forecasts, inflation outlook, and what this means for the common man’s EMIs and the broader Indian economy. The Headline Decision: Repo Rate Remains Unchanged The MPC, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate at 5.25% . This decision marks a pause following a series of aggressive rate cuts throughout 2025, which saw the repo rate drop by a cumulative 125 basis points from its peak. By maintaining the status quo, the RBI has signaled a "wait-and-watch...
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Capital Gains Tax in India A Complete Guide to Mutual Funds, Securities & Real Estate with Smart Tax-Saving Strategies

  Disclaimer: Nothing mentioned in this article constitutes tax advice. Tax laws are subject to frequent amendments. Please consult a Chartered Accountant or tax professional for personalised guidance.   Understanding capital gains tax is crucial for every Indian investor. Whether you're booking profits from mutual funds, selling shares, or disposing of property, the taxman takes a cut. However, with strategic planning, you can significantly reduce your tax outgo. Here's your comprehensive guide to capital gains tax in India and proven tricks to keep more money in your pocket.   Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds   Equity Mutual Funds (Equity exposure >65%) Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If you sell within 12 months, gains are taxed at 20% (as per the latest 2024 Budget changes). This applies to both equity-oriented mutual funds and direct stock investments.   Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For holdings exceeding 12 months, the first ₹1.25 lakh of gains i...
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How to Earn Maximum Returns from Mutual Funds in India (2026): A Complete Guide to SIP, Tax Planning & Wealth Creation

  Disclaimer: Nothing mentioned in this article constitutes financial advice. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully and consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before investing.   Are you searching for the best way to invest in mutual funds in India to maximize your profits in 2026? With India's mutual fund industry crossing ₹60 lakh crore in AUM (Assets Under Management) and over 8 crore active SIP accounts, there's never been a better time to leverage the Indian stock market's growth potential through professional fund management.   Whether you're a salaried employee looking for tax-saving mutual funds under Section 80C, a beginner exploring SIP investment plans in India, or an experienced investor aiming to optimize your portfolio, this comprehensive guide reveals the most effective techniques to maximize your mutual fund returns in the Indian context.   Understanding the Indian Mutual Fund Lan...
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The Great Calibration: Key Features of the 2026 U.S.-India Trade Deal

  The early weeks of 2026 have witnessed a seismic shift in the geopolitical and economic landscape as the United States and India finalised a landmark trade deal. Following a year of escalating tensions, punitive tariffs, and complex diplomatic manoeuvring, the agreement announced on February 2nd, 2026, by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a significant "reset" in the relationship between the world’s two largest democracies.   This deal is not merely a technical adjustment of customs duties; it is a strategic alignment aimed at decoupling supply chains from shared adversaries, securing energy independence, and cementing a high-tech partnership that could define the mid-21st century. Below are the key features and pillars of this monumental agreement.   1. The Great Tariff Reduction: From 50% to 18% The most immediate and visible feature of the 2026 deal is the drastic reduction in U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. In August 2025, the U.S. administ...
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The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 Transforming India's Higher Education Landscape

  India's higher education system stands at the threshold of a historic transformation with the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 (VBSA Bill) or New UGC Bill. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15, 2025, this landmark legislation seeks to overhaul the regulatory framework governing higher education in India by replacing three existing bodies—the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)—with a single, unified umbrella commission. The Bill represents a crucial step toward realising the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which called for a "light but tight" regulatory framework to elevate Indian higher education to global standards.   The Need for Reform   For decades, India's higher education sector has operated under a fragmented regulatory architecture. The UGC, established in 1956, served as the primary b...
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Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025: A New Era in Rural Employment

  Introduction   In December 2025, India witnessed a landmark legislative transformation with the passage of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, commonly known as VB–G RAM G (or "Viksit Bharat – G RAM G"). Introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2025, and passed by Parliament on December 18, 2025, this legislation represents a decisive shift in the nation's rural employment policy. The Act replaces the nearly two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, reframing India's approach to rural livelihoods in alignment with the ambitious Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.   The Evolution from MGNREGA to VB–G RAM G   India's journey toward structured rural employment began in the post-independence era with schemes like the Rural Manpower Programme and later evolved through the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana and Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana. MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, was a watershed moment as t...
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