Blog

29 Jan

Economic Survey 2026 Highlights!

Purbalee DuttaBusiness

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2025–26 in Parliament, formally marking the beginning of the build-up to the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1. Notably, this year’s Budget announcement is scheduled for a weekend. The Economic Survey 2026 drew attention to the much-debated India–US trade agreement, noting that while negotiations have advanced, certain tariff-related impacts are already visible. At the same time, the Survey observed a gradual shift in India’s export strategy, with exporters reducing their dependence on the US market. Data from April to November of FY26 show increased focus on destinations…

29 Jan

PM Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Explained at Tawang Workshop

Sonakshi SarkarLatest

A daylong workshop on the Pradhan Mantri Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM NAPS) was held at Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang, inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo. Organized by the District Skill Committee and DKG College, the event aimed to promote awareness of apprenticeship and skill development opportunities among students and stakeholders. Participants included representatives from 2Coms Consulting, Eduvantage, Yuva Shakti, and others, who engaged in presentations about PM NAPS, SAPS, and the benefits of apprenticeship programs.

29 Jan

Great Learning urges GST rationalisation on digital learning, calls for wider access to low-cost education loans

Business BureauBusiness

Edtech firm Great Learning has called for a rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on digital learning services and improved access to affordable education loans, saying these measures are essential to significantly accelerate upskilling across India. Under the current GST framework, core educational services offered by formal institutions are exempt from tax. However, many online courses, coaching programmes and standalone digital learning offerings continue to attract an 18 per cent GST. According to the company, this increases costs for both learners and education providers and can slow adoption, particularly in price-sensitive, skills-focused learning segments that fall outside formal curricula.…

29 Jan

Data privacy now a matter of trust, not just compliance: Aon expert

Business BureauBusiness

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way data is collected, analysed and used, the risks linked to data privacy and cyber security are growing rapidly, according to a senior executive at Aon. Sharing her perspective ahead of Data Privacy Day, Apurva Gopinath, Cyber Leader and Vice President, Financial Services & Professional Group, India at Aon, said the cost and impact of data breaches have reached alarming levels. Citing publicly available sources, she noted that in 2025 the global average cost of a data breach was estimated to be between $4.4 million and $4.9 million, while global cybercrime losses are…

29 Jan

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches ‘EZY’ to strengthen digital banking for retail customers

Business BureauBusiness

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has announced the launch of Ujjivan EZY, its upgraded mobile and internet banking platform, marking a key milestone in the Bank’s digital-first strategy. Designed exclusively for retail customers, the unified platform offers a secure, intuitive and personalised banking experience across mobile and web channels. Available in nine languages, EZY brings together over 200 banking features, including more than 90 newly introduced capabilities. Built on a next-generation microservices architecture, the platform enhances speed, scalability and system resilience, enabling faster rollout of new services and improved responsiveness to customer needs. The platform integrates core banking services such as…

29 Jan

Startup Push in Mizoram: CM Introduces Venture Capital Fund

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has introduced the Bana Kaih (Hand Holding) Venture Capital Fund along with the Startup Readiness Level (SRL) framework as part of the state's Startup Mission. This initiative was unveiled during a function celebrating National Startup Day – Mizoram Edition, held at Aijal Club. The event was attended by several ministers, including Dr. Vanlalthlana, F. Rodingliana, and Lalnghinglova Hmar, all emphasizing the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister highlighted the historical challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs in Mizoram, such as insufficient support and mentorship, which hindered the growth of innovative ideas. The Bana Kaih Venture…

29 Jan

Tripura Launches Learning Labs to Boost Technology-Driven School Education

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated Personalised Adaptive Learning Labs in 210 schools across the state, aiming to enhance technology-enabled, science-based education. Addressing attendees at Maharani Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School in Agartala, he highlighted that around 64,000 students would benefit from this initiative, which he termed as a key development for improving educational quality in Tripura. The introduction of this system is part of the government's broader strategy to convert Tripura into an education hub by establishing new colleges and universities. Furthermore, Saha emphasized the importance of blending science education with cultural awareness, urging students to embrace their heritage.…

28 Jan

BJP Government’s Tribal-Focused Initiatives Gain Strong Public Support in Sabroom

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on January 28 said that the BJP-led “double-engine” government is fully committed to the all-round development of the state’s tribal society, which he said had remained neglected for many years under previous administrations. Addressing a public meeting in Sabroom, the Chief Minister said democracy becomes meaningful only when common people are empowered and actively involved in governance. He stated that for decades, the concerns and needs of tribal communities were not given due importance, resulting in gaps in development and access to welfare benefits. Saha said the present government, under the leadership of the Bharatiya…

28 Jan

Vanlalvena Seeks Funds to Expand Aizawl–Sairang Road

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha member K Vanlalvena has urged the Union government to allocate funds for a proposed railway line from Sairang, near Aizawl, to the India–Myanmar border in the 2026–27 Union Budget. The appeal was made on January 27 during a meeting of floor leaders of all parties ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament. According to an official statement, Vanlalvena said that a preliminary survey for the rail project, which aims to connect Sairang with the southern tip of Mizoram and onward to Myanmar, has already been completed. He requested the Centre to move the project forward by…

28 Jan

Bandhan Bank lowers MAB for standard savings account to Rs 2,000 from February 1

Business BureauBusiness

On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, Bandhan Bank announced a reduction in the Monthly Average Balance (MAB) requirement for its Standard Savings Account, reaffirming its focus on inclusive and customer-friendly banking. The bank said the MAB has been lowered from ₹5,000 to ₹2,000, with effect from February 1, 2026, while all existing product features and benefits will remain unchanged. The move is aimed at making formal banking more affordable and accessible, particularly for customers in semi-urban and rural areas. By easing the balance requirement, the bank hopes to reduce financial pressure on account holders and allow more individuals…