India News

As preparations intensify for the Union Budget 2026–27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with leading economists to seek inputs on sustaining growth, managing fiscal pressures and advancing structural reforms. The consultation underscored the government’s intent to anchor policy decisions in expert analysis amid global uncertainty and domestic priorities. Discussions focused on balancing capital expenditure with social spending, strengthening manufacturing competitiveness and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

Indian Railways has set an ambitious target to fully deploy its indigenous train protection system, Kavach, across the high-density Mumbai–Delhi–Kolkata rail corridors by 2026. The move marks a critical step in modernizing rail safety infrastructure on some of the country’s busiest and most commercially vital routes. Kavach is designed to prevent collisions, overspeeding and signal-passing-at-danger incidents through automated intervention.

In a troubling development highlighting the challenges faced by victims’ families seeking justice, the mother of an Unnao rape survivor was reportedly manhandled and barred from participating in a protest in Delhi. The protest, aimed at demanding swift legal action and stricter protection measures for survivors, faced administrative resistance from authorities citing security concerns. Activists and legal experts have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights of victims and their families.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has reaffirmed the government’s focus on governance reforms, science-led development, and youth empowerment, positioning innovation and institutional efficiency as central pillars of India’s growth strategy. Speaking at a recent public engagement, Singh emphasized the need for policy continuity, transparent administration, and stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry. His remarks reflected a broader push to modernize public systems while ensuring that economic progress translates into social inclusion.

The NDTV Indian of the Year awards once again placed the spotlight on individuals and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to India’s public life, economy, culture, and social progress. The annual event, regarded as one of the country’s most respected recognition platforms, honors achievement across diverse fields including governance, business, sports, entertainment, science, and social impact. This year’s ceremony reflected India’s evolving priorities—innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth—while acknowledging leadership that has shaped national discourse.

India’s economy is projected to grow at 7.5% in FY26, according to a recent report, underscoring the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally. The forecast reflects resilience in domestic demand, sustained public capital expenditure and improving private investment sentiment. Structural reforms, a stable banking system and expanding manufacturing capacity are expected to support momentum, even as global conditions remain uncertain. While external risks persist, the report suggests that India’s growth drivers are increasingly domestically anchored.

The Indian rupee is expected to stage a measured recovery in the second half of the financial year, supported by improving macroeconomic fundamentals, easing global pressures, and resilient domestic growth, according to a recent study by the State Bank of India. After facing volatility driven by global monetary tightening, geopolitical risks, and capital flow swings, the currency appears positioned for greater stability. The report highlights moderating inflation, a narrowing current account deficit, and sustained foreign investment interest as key buffers.

India’s consumer market is entering a phase of renewed optimism, supported by rising incomes, demographic strength, and expanding digital adoption, according to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The study highlights resilient consumer sentiment despite global economic uncertainty, with discretionary spending gaining momentum across urban and semi-urban markets. Structural reforms, improving financial inclusion, and rapid growth in e-commerce are reshaping consumption patterns.

India’s central trade unions are preparing for a nationwide strike in February to protest the implementation of the new labour codes and demand their complete withdrawal. The unions argue that the revised frameworks dilute worker protections, undermine social security, and grant disproportionate flexibility to employers. The proposed agitation aims to galvanize employees across sectors — including manufacturing, transport, banking, and public services — against policies they believe threaten long-standing labour rights.

India has recorded a significant milestone in financial recovery as individuals successfully claimed more than Rs 2,000 crore in unclaimed assets, marking one of the largest retrieval waves in recent years. The spike reflects growing public awareness, improved digital systems, and coordinated efforts by regulators and financial institutions to streamline the reclaiming process. From dormant bank accounts to unpaid insurance proceeds and matured investments, a wide spectrum of financial assets has resurfaced.