Day: February 1, 2026

New Delhi: India is set to significantly expand its high-speed rail network with the development of seven new high-speed rail corridors, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament on Sunday. Describing the proposed corridors as “growth connectors”, the Finance Minister said they will play a crucial role in promoting environmentally sustainable passenger transport, improving regional connectivity and supporting economic expansion across major urban and emerging growth centres. According to the Budget announcement, the seven high-speed rail corridors will connect the following city pairs:…

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed a series of wide-ranging initiatives to strengthen India’s position as a global destination for medical tourism, hospitality, heritage and eco-tourism, while generating large-scale employment and boosting regional economies. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced a scheme to support States in establishing five Regional Medical Hubs, in partnership with the private sector, to promote India as a leading hub for medical tourism. “These hubs will function as integrated healthcare complexes combining medical, educational and…

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2026–27 has outlined a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap to fulfil the third Kartavya of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, aimed at ensuring equitable access to resources, amenities and opportunities for every family, community, region and sector. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister  Nirmala Sitharaman said this Kartavya aligns closely with the government’s long-term vision of a Viksit Bharat. The Finance Minister said achieving this goal requires targeted interventions focused on increasing farmers’ income, empowering Divyangjan and vulnerable sections, and accelerating development…

New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s information technology sector, the Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed a substantial expansion of the Safe Harbour regime for IT services, enhancing certainty, reducing litigation, and easing compliance for companies operating in the sector. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs,  Nirmala Sitharaman, said India has emerged as a global leader in software development services, IT-enabled services, knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), and contract research and development related to software. Recognising the interconnected nature of these segments, the Budget…

New Delhi: Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence featured prominently in the Union Budget 2026–27, as Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at fulfilling the government’s second kartavya—to meet the aspirations of citizens and build their capacities as active partners in India’s journey towards prosperity. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, the Finance Minister said technology adoption must benefit all sections of society, including farmers, women in STEM, youth seeking to upskill, and Divyangjan looking to access new opportunities. In this context, the Budget…

New Delhi: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a major push to strengthen India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the introduction of a dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, aimed at nurturing future enterprise champions. Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament, the Finance Minister said the initiative will incentivise high-potential SMEs based on select performance and growth criteria. Emphasising the government’s development philosophy, Sitharaman said the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently chosen “action over ambivalence, reform over…

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at simplifying customs procedures, easing the burden on citizens, and enhancing India’s export competitiveness, the Union Budget 2026–27 on Saturday announced a series of reforms in Customs and Central Excise. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said the proposals seek to rationalise the tariff structure, support domestic manufacturing, promote trust-based systems, and reduce transaction costs for trade and industry. The announcements form part of the government’s broader effort to align customs administration with the objectives…

New Delhi: Placing health and human capacity-building at the heart of India’s development agenda, the Union Budget 2026–27 on Saturday announced an ambitious and multi-dimensional healthcare roadmap anchored by the launch of Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation). Presented in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Budget positions healthcare as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation, and social well-being in line with the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat. Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Finance Minister said…