Category: Economy

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has accepted an offer of ₹6,220.90 crore from National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) for monetising two National Highway stretches covering 310.35 km across Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This move is part of the government’s asset monetisation strategy to unlock value from operational infrastructure. About NHIT NHIT is an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by NHAI. NHIT currently has 700+ investors and a market Read More …

The Government of India has approved the country’s first underwater twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel project beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam, marking a major boost to connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast. Project Details Impact on Connectivity Strategic and Economic Significance The project is expected to be the world’s second underwater road-cum-rail tunnel, highlighting India’s growing capability in large-scale infrastructure engineering. What is EPC Mode? Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) is a Read More …

The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) to accelerate market-led and reform-driven urban infrastructure development across India. The initiative aims to transform India’s urban development strategy by shifting from grant-based funding to a market-linked, outcome-oriented model. Key Features of Urban Challenge Fund The UCF will operate from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, with a possible extension till FY 2033–34. Under the Read More …

Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 2.75% in January 2026, marking the first data release under the revised CPI series with base year 2024. The data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The CPI serves as the primary inflation gauge for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and plays a crucial role in determining monetary policy and interest rate decisions. Read More …

In a first for India, investments in gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in January surpassed inflows into equity-oriented mutual funds, according to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). The development signals a sharp rise in investor preference for the yellow metal amid record-high gold prices and heightened market uncertainty. Surge in Gold as an Investment Option Gold ETFs are mutual fund schemes that invest primarily Read More …

Following the Union Budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the boards of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) have informed the stock exchanges that they have granted in-principle approval for a merger between the two entities. In her Budget speech on February 1, the Finance Minister proposed the restructuring of power sector non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) with the objective of achieving scale, improving operational efficiency, and Read More …

The Government of India on 5th February revised the startup recognition framework under the Startup India Action Plan, aiming to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and support the next phase of startup-led growth. The updated framework seeks to provide a more predictable, inclusive and future-ready policy environment for founders, while encouraging the flow of long-term capital into high-technology and research-driven sectors. As Startup India enters its second decade, the revised Read More …

The Government of India has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements with 23 countries to share and promote its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), marking a major step in global digital governance diplomacy, the Parliament was informed on 6 February 2026. The agreements — part of India’s broader India Stack initiative — will help countries replicate and adopt India’s digital platforms in areas such as digital identity, payments, data Read More …

India and the United States have agreed on the terms of an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, marking a significant reset in bilateral economic ties, according to a joint statement issued on February 6. As part of the broader economic engagement, India expressed its intention to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US goods over the next five years, including energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious Read More …

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on February 3 signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in New Delhi—one for the formation of the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) and another for financing the Outer Harbour Development Project. The initiatives are aligned with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. Under the agreements, joint funding of up to ₹15,000 crore will be provided for eligible Read More …

The government bond market saw a sharp reaction on February 2, 2026, with the benchmark 10-year government bond yield climbing to its highest level in over a year, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget and announced a record gross borrowing programme for 2026–27. The 10-year yield rose by as much as 8 basis points to 6.78%, its highest level since January 17, 2025, marking the Read More …

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 announced the launch of the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative’ in the Union Budget 2026–27, aimed at strengthening the khadi and handicrafts sector across the country. The initiative seeks to streamline the production and manufacturing of khadi products and enhance their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said the scheme would benefit weavers and rural youth, Read More …

In the Union Budget 2026–27 (₹53.4 lakh crore), Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of ‘SHE-Marts’ to strengthen market access for rural women-led enterprises. What are SHE-Marts? Objectives Linkages with Existing Schemes Lakhpati Didi Programme

In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant overhaul and expansion of the Safe Harbour framework for IT services, aimed at simplifying transfer pricing compliance and enhancing ease of doing business. Key Announcements Expanded Eligibility Threshold Unified Category: “Information Technology Services” All to be clubbed under a single category, recognising growing convergence in the digital services sector. Common Safe Harbour Margin Automated Approval Process Long-term Tax Read More …

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s Orange Economy and expanding access to creative education, with a special emphasis on youth and women. Key Announcements Objectives of AVGC Content Creator Labs Focus on Inclusive Growth The initiative is designed to: What is the Orange Economy? The Orange Economy refers to economic activities driven by: It includes sectors Read More …