Blog

03 Feb

Budget 2026 signals fiscal discipline, but higher borrowing clouds market outlook: Kotak Mahindra Bank

Business BureauBusiness

The Union Budget 2026 has reaffirmed the government’s focus on fiscal consolidation, though a sharper-than-expected rise in gross borrowing could dampen market sentiment, according to Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Commenting on the Budget, Bhardwaj said the fiscal deficit target for FY27 has been pegged at 4.3 per cent, a level that broadly aligns with market and institutional expectations. Net market borrowing has also been kept in line with projections, underscoring the government’s intent to stay on a calibrated path of fiscal discipline. “The government has continued to focus on fiscal consolidation. The FY27 fiscal deficit at…

03 Feb

Sign Language Workshop Held to Promote Accessibility and Inclusion

Sonakshi SarkarArunachal Pradesh

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) of Arunachal Pradesh organized a three-day Sign Language Training Workshop to enhance accessibility for persons with hearing and speech impairments. In collaboration with the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, the workshop aimed to strengthen communication skills among government officials, educators, parents, and children with these impairments. Chief Guest Kento Jini emphasized the necessity of sign language in ensuring equal opportunities and highlighted the need for trained interpreters to meet increasing demand. The workshop's key objectives included equipping individuals and parents with communication skills, offering certification opportunities, and raising…

03 Feb

Union Budget 2026 lays foundation for infrastructure-led expansion, says Aon

Business BureauBusiness

The Union Budget 2026 reflects a decisive policy shift aimed at strengthening structural resilience and accelerating long-term growth, according to Rishi Mehra, Chief Executive Officer, India and Head of Strategy, Human Capital, Asia Pacific at Aon. Mehra said the Budget’s emphasis on “crowding in” private investment through the newly announced Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund is a significant step in addressing risk-related constraints that often slow large infrastructure projects. By enhancing credit stability, the initiative is expected to improve investor confidence and unlock private capital for large-scale development. He noted that the government’s focus on infrastructure and logistics, along with initiatives…

03 Feb

Union Budget 2026 bets big on capex, defence and de-risking to attract private investment: Aon

Business BureauBusiness

The Union Budget 2026 sends a strong signal to markets about India’s long-term growth ambitions, with a clear focus on capital expenditure, national security and industrial self-reliance, according to Sushant Sarin, Managing Director – Strategy & Commercial Risk Solutions, India, Aon. Commenting on the Budget, Sarin said the allocation of Rs. 12.2 lakh crore for capital expenditure underlines the government’s determination to build future-ready infrastructure, while the Rs. 7.5 lakh crore earmarked for defence spending reinforces priorities around national security and strategic preparedness. Together, these measures are expected to have strong multiplier effects across core industries and allied sectors. A…

03 Feb

Tata Motors records nearly 30% surge in commercial vehicle sales in January 2026

Business BureauBusiness

Tata Motors Limited reported robust growth in its commercial vehicle business, registering total domestic and international sales of 41,549 units in January 2026, marking a 29.9 per cent year-on-year increase from 31,988 units sold in January 2025. Domestic sales stood at 38,844 units, up 29.1 per cent from 30,083 units a year earlier, while international business witnessed sharper growth of 42 per cent at 2,705 units. Segment-wise, Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) truck sales rose 41.2 per cent to 12,691 units, while Intermediate and Light Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) truck sales increased 33.5 per cent to 7,071 units. Sales of small commercial…

03 Feb

Jio-bp unveils ACTIVE Technology Petrol at India energy week, promises up to 100 km extra drive annually at no extra cost

Business BureauBusiness

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has launched Jio-bp’s petrol with revolutionary ACTIVE Technology at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, setting a new benchmark in fuel performance for Indian motorists. The newly introduced petrol, marketed by Jio-bp, is designed to actively clean critical engine parts by removing existing deposits, thereby restoring and sustaining engine performance. According to the company, the advanced fuel can help two- and four-wheelers travel up to 100 km more per year compared to regular petrol, based on typical Indian driving patterns, at no additional cost. Developed using bp’s global fuel research…

03 Feb

CM Pema Khandu lauds Karko villagers for supporting SUMP’s PFR

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu criticized the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by 76 families from Karko village in Upper Siang district with the state government to facilitate the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The decision, according to Khandu, is a reflection of trust and responsibility and shows a greater awareness of the public's commitment to the future of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation. The preliminary phase of the project, which is considered to be of national importance, advanced significantly with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)…

03 Feb

Arunachal Mountaineer Kabak Yano Scales South America’s Highest Peak as Part of 7-Summit Mission

Sonakshi SarkarArunachal Pradesh

Continuing her quest to conquer the highest mountains on every continent, ace mountaineer Kabak Yano of Arunachal Pradesh has successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America. She reached the summit on February 1 as part of her ambitious 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition. Rising to an elevation of 22,831 feet above sea level, Mount Aconcagua is also the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere. The achievement marks another major milestone in Yano’s inspiring journey defined by endurance, courage, and determination. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) congratulated Yano on her remarkable accomplishment. Praising her indomitable…

03 Feb

East Siang Villagers Intensify Protest Over Alleged Pollution from Niglok Silicon Factory

Sonakshi SarkarArunachal Pradesh

Residents of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district have vowed to continue their agitation against a silicon factory at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), alleging that the state government has failed to address concerns over air and water pollution. Villagers, along with members of the IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum, staged a protest in front of the Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner’s (ADC) office on Monday. During the demonstration, they submitted a reminder memorandum to the administration and warned that they would escalate their movement by launching an indefinite hunger strike if their demands are not met. The protestors are demanding that…

02 Feb

Push for Domestic Gas Pipeline Connectivity in Aizawl: Chief Minister

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced ongoing efforts to establish domestic gas pipeline connections in Aizawl during the launch of the Oil and Gas Conservation Awareness Campaign, Saksham 2025–26, organized by Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The pipeline construction is reportedly progressing from Tripura. Emphasizing government initiatives for the oil and gas sector, Lalduhoma highlighted enhanced exploration activities and the drive to utilize the state's green energy potential in support of sustainable development. B. Lalchhanzova, the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, also stressed the government’s efforts to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply, noting upgrades at the Mualkhang Gas Bottling…