Category: India

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Lucknow: In a startup ecosystem often dominated by metros, Vision Startups Accelerator is quietly but powerfully reshaping the narrative from Lucknow. Operating as a not-for-profit under the Starturge India Foundation, the accelerator has emerged as a catalyst for early-stage founders across Uttar Pradesh—offering not just inspiration, but execution-driven support. At the heart of this movement is Sudhanshu Rastogi, a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor with over three decades of experience. In this interview, Rastogi speaks about his vision, the accelerator’s journey so far, and why the future of Indian…

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Lucknow | Nestled in the cultural cradle of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow—the City of Nawabs—has long been celebrated for its Awadhi elegance, architectural grandeur and refined lifestyle. From the narrow, timeworn lanes of Chowk to the colonial charm of Hazratganj and the glass-and-steel skyline of Gomti Nagar, the city has always balanced heritage with quiet evolution. In 2025, however, that evolution has accelerated into a full-fledged real estate renaissance, placing Lucknow firmly among North India’s most promising Tier-2 investment destinations. Industry estimates now project annual growth of 12–15 per cent in Lucknow’s…

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Lucknow: In the long shadow of India’s established technology powerhouses such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, a quieter but determined startup revolution is taking shape in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. Long known for its Nawabi culture, cuisine and colonial-era architecture, Lucknow is now steadily positioning itself as a serious contender in India’s fast-expanding $450 billion startup ecosystem. As of 2025, Lucknow is home to over 400 technology startups, operating across sectors such as edtech, healthtech, fintech and agritech. At the state level, Uttar Pradesh has crossed 17,000 registered startups, marking…

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Lucknow: Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, has long seduced visitors with its slow-cooked kebabs, refined tehzeeb, and evenings steeped in poetry rather than party lights. For years, it carried the reputation of a city that slept early, where shutters fell by 9 pm and nightlife was more memory than movement. In 2025, that perception has decisively changed. Lucknow is now awake, expressive and confidently nocturnal—crafting a nightlife that is modern yet unmistakably its own. The transformation has been swift and striking. Since 2023, more than 30 new bars, lounges and…

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New Delhi: India’s labour market is undergoing a significant transformation, led by right skilling, a rising entrepreneurial spirit and sustained government initiatives, resulting in a steady decline in unemployment, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26 tabled in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Survey notes that employment dynamics are being reshaped by digitalisation, the green energy transition and emerging forms of work such as gig and platform-based employment. In the post-pandemic phase, the focus has shifted from merely generating jobs to improving the quality of…

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