2, Feb 2026
Saurabh Mukherjea Sees Union Budget 2026 as Structurally Positive, Urges Fiscal Discipline
Saurabh Mukherjea, Co-Founder & CIO, Marcellus Investment Managers
“The Union Budget 2026–27 is directionally positive for India’s long-term economic health, even though markets have reacted nervously in the short term. The increase in Securities Transaction Tax on F&O trading is a necessary corrective. Over the past few years, speculative derivatives trading activity has destroyed large amounts of household capital, and this move should help redirect savings towards consumption and productive investment. Equally important is the government’s decision to set up a high-level committee to review the banking and financial system, which could accelerate PSU bank privatisation and unlock greater participation from global and domestic private capital.
The key concern, however, is the rise in capital expenditure at a time when tax revenues are undershooting. Funding higher capex through increased borrowing risks tightening financial conditions by pushing up bond yields and the economy’s cost of capital. Overall, the Budget takes important structural steps in the right direction, but its effectiveness will ultimately depend on maintaining fiscal discipline while pursuing growth.”
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- By Neel Achary
2, Feb 2026
India’s New University Townships and NID Expansion Set to Bridge Education-Industry Gap
Fr. Nelson A. D’Silva, S.J., Acting Director – XLRI Delhi-NCR
The plan to develop five University Townships along India’s major industrial and logistics corridors is a transformative step toward bridging the gap between education and industry. These townships are not mere clusters of buildings; they are integrated ecosystems where universities, research hubs, and skill centers coexist with residential spaces.
By colocating academia and industry, we create a living laboratory where learning is informed by real-world industrial challenges. The introduction of a ‘challenge route’ to guide States is particularly innovative—it encourages the creation of high-performance hubs rather than just additional infrastructure. This initiative ensures that graduates are ready to step directly from campus into leadership roles in India’s emerging sectors.
Mr. Kanwal Jeet Jawa, President – DESDS (DJIME)
Placing University Townships adjacent to industrial and logistics hubs is a pragmatic approach to skill development. True mastery comes from learning in proximity to real-world operations, not in isolation. By integrating universities, skill centers, and research labs with industrial corridors, we establish a continuous pipeline of professionals attuned to India’s industry needs from day one.
The ‘challenge route’ is a forward-thinking measure, compelling States to focus on building sustainable ecosystems rather than just opening institutes. Students and mentors living and working near industrial hubs ensures a workforce that is genuinely industry-ready, transforming India from a nation of job seekers into a nation of skilled practitioners and innovators.
Mr. Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson, XADM & Founder, INDEA
The establishment of a new NID in Eastern India is a landmark move toward democratizing access to world-class design education. For too long, top-tier design opportunities were limited by geography; this initiative invites talent from every corner of the country to contribute to a nationwide creative renaissance.
Beyond addressing regional imbalances, this initiative fuels India’s growing demand for visual content—from digital media to immersive experiences. By linking education directly to enterprise via the new standing committee, we shift from producing mere stylists to nurturing problem solvers capable of driving Atmanirbhar innovation. This is about cultivating design as a national capability—transforming students into founders, creators, and value generators for tomorrow.
Pathikrit Dasgupta , Co-Founder,SabPaisa
By prioritizing AI and digital innovation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined a roadmap for the next phase of India’s fintech revolution. At SabPaisa, we interpret this mandate as a call to action to make financial technologies more accessible than ever. We are committed to translating this national vision into practical solutions—building AI-ready, partner-first platforms that remove operational bottlenecks and drive tangible business value. This is a growth-oriented budget, and it fuels our resolve to empower Indian enterprises.
2, Feb 2026
Label Shivani Nirupam’s Shivani Nirupam Applauds Union Budget 2026–27 Boost for Textile Growth and Exports
2, Feb 2026
Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Partners with BusinessLive Trade Fairs to Expand Media Expo
Mumbai, Maharashtra, Feb 02: Under this collaboration between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and BusinessLive Trade Fairs, Sign India Expo will evolve into Media Expo marking the launch of Media Expo Kochi and Media Expo Hyderabad while Sign India Expo Chennai transitions under the existing Media Expo Chennai banner. This move significantly expands the overall Media Expo footprint, increasing its presence from three cities to a total of five cities: Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Media Expo, which has delivered 56 successful editions across Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai, will now become the primary exhibition platform in the three southern markets of Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai, transitioning from the long-established Sign India Expo. This move will ensure focused regional engagement while offering the industry consistent and unified platforms across these South Indian markets. The collaboration will be implemented beginning with Media Expo Chennai, scheduled for later this year at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Sign India Expo is backed by a legacy of 70+ editions across India with a particularly deep presence in the Southern markets like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad. This collaboration brings together two of the most recognised exhibition brands from the industry to create a unified and impactful industry trade fair platform.
This partnership will leverage the region’s strong business potential and create a broader and wider exhibition platform. The combination of their expertise, the organisers aim to expand exhibitor participation and enhance the overall product showcase across the product segments like: printing, signage, digital signage, advertising solutions for out-of-home (OOH)
and digital out-of-home (DOOH), retail displays and branding solutions, large-format and industrial printing, fabrication equipment and materials, POP-POSM, LED screens, printing equipment, sign substrates, inks, advanced 3D and laser printing solutions and much more.
By leveraging BusinessLive Trade Fairs established presence in South Indian markets, this alliance enables Media Expo to strengthen its positioning as a central platform for the printing, signage, branding and advertising solutions segment. For the industry, this partnership will deliver increased opportunities by strengthening participation and market reach through the platform, bringing together exhibitors, visitors, associations and professionals from across the printing, signage, branding and OOH-DOOH ecosystem. By consolidating participation and
aligning market engagement, this pivotal step will strongly drive buyer-seller connections across South India’s key commercial hubs.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said:
“South India continues to be one of the most dynamic and opportunity driven regions for the printing and signage industry. This collaboration with BusinessLive Trade Fairs allows us to expand Media Expo’s footprint while offering the industry a stronger, more centralised platform that supports long-term growth and meaningful engagement.”
Likewise, Mr Siva Prasad Palnati, Director, BusinessLive Trade Fairs, added:
“Sign India Expo has built a strong and trusted presence across South India over the years. Partnering with Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs enables us to elevate that legacy by combining regional strength with global exhibition expertise, creating region-specific platforms with Media Expo brand that will serve the industry and its evolving needs better.”
The growth outlook is underscored by industry estimates, with India’s printing and signage market projected to grow from USD 1,074.5 million in 2025 to USD 3,494.3 million by 2034 as per IMARC Group, while the OOH and DOOH market is expected to expand from USD 519.93 million in 2025 to USD 656.13 million by 2030 according to Mordor Intelligence.
Complementary strengths, deep market understanding and being established exhibition brands, the partnership between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and BusinessLive Trade Fairs marks a strategic move towards building a more cohesive and future-ready printing and signage industry ecosystem in South India.
2, Feb 2026
Industry Leaders Applaud Union Budget 2026’s Growth, MSME, Skilling & Innovation Push
Industry Leaders Welcome Union Budget 2026, Highlight Focus on Growth, MSMEs, Skilling, Healthcare and Innovation
New Delhi, Feb 2: Industry leaders across healthcare, MSMEs, education, manufacturing, mobility, financial services, and creative industries have broadly welcomed the Union Budget 2026, calling it a balanced and forward-looking roadmap that reinforces India’s long-term growth ambitions while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The Budget’s emphasis on capital-led growth, MSME financing, skilling, healthcare infrastructure, green mobility, and innovation-driven development has been widely acknowledged as a strong signal of policy continuity and confidence.
Strengthening Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Livelihoods
Mr. Sasikumar Kallanai, Co-founder & CEO, TenderCuts, noted that the Budget’s focus on agriculture and allied sectors such as fisheries and animal husbandry will strengthen India’s protein ecosystem. Measures supporting Fish FPOs, women-led groups, veterinary infrastructure, and AI-led AgriStack integration are expected to improve traceability, supply consistency, and income stability for producers.
Consumer Confidence and Discretionary Spending
Mr. Paul Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, said the Budget reinforces confidence by targeting ~7% growth while continuing fiscal consolidation. Rationalisation of TDS and lower TCS on overseas education expenses are expected to improve disposable incomes, supporting discretionary spending, especially in tier-2, tier-3, and rural markets.
Green Mobility and Manufacturing Push
Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric, welcomed the government’s focus on local EV component manufacturing and middle-class purchasing power. Enhanced MSME credit guarantees and green mobility incentives were seen as critical enablers of India’s Atmanirbhar mobility ecosystem.
Financial Inclusion and MSME Credit
Mr. Vivek Singh, CEO, Home Credit India, highlighted the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and ₹2,000 crore micro-enterprise risk capital top-up as vital steps to strengthen community-level financing, job creation, and sustained consumption. Infrastructure spending and MSME compliance support through Corporate Mitras are expected to improve borrower resilience.
Manufacturing, Housing and Infrastructure Growth
Mr. Manoj Tulsian, CEO & Joint MD, Greenply Industries, said continued public capex and infrastructure focus will boost housing demand in non-metro regions, benefiting organized manufacturers and skilled workers. He also welcomed reforms that simplify compliance and strengthen MSME clusters.
Cooperative and Digital Economy Reforms
Shri Prabhat Chaturvedi, CEO, NUCFDC, termed the Budget a continuation of India’s long-term development vision. Cooperative-focused tax measures, MSME funding support, and the proposed high-level banking committee were described as important steps toward safer, more inclusive credit expansion and global competitiveness.
Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Care
Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO & Director, India Autism Center, welcomed the announcement of a second NIMHANS, calling it a meaningful shift toward expanding mental health and neuroscience infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of skilled caregiving alongside institutional capacity.
Infrastructure and Energy Transition
Mr. Sharan Bansal, Director, Skipper Limited, said the increase in capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore reinforces infrastructure-led growth and provides long-term visibility for manufacturers in power and grid systems, while maintaining fiscal stability.
Research, Innovation and Education
Mr. Vikram Aditya Sahoo, Director – Research & Innovation, SAI International Education Group, welcomed enhanced funding for research infrastructure, biopharma clinical trials, AYUSH research, and carbon capture technologies, calling them transformative for education and innovation-led growth.
Entrepreneurship and MSME Ecosystem
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said the recognition of MSMEs as ‘Champion Enterprises’ and support for women-led initiatives such as SHE-Marts will enable sustainable enterprise ownership and job creation.
Biopharma and Healthcare Manufacturing
Dr. K. Anand Kumar, MD, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, described the ₹10,000 crore BioPharma SHAKTI initiative as a defining moment that can elevate India from a volume-driven vaccine supplier to an innovation-led global biopharma hub.
MSME Growth Beyond Metros
Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman, EBG Group, highlighted reforms in TReDS, invoice discounting, and compliance support as critical for manufacturers in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, enabling decentralised and sustainable industrial growth.
Skilling, AI and Youth Empowerment
Mr. Rahul Attuluri, CEO & Co-Founder, NxtWave, and Mr. Karun Tadepalli, Co-Founder & CEO, byteXL, described the Budget as “Yuva Shakti–driven,” applauding its focus on AI, employability, education-to-employment pathways, and digital infrastructure.
Creative Economy and AVGC Sector
Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said the AVGC Content Creator Labs initiative will build a strong talent pipeline, boost regional creators, and position India as a global hub for animation and gaming.
Grassroots Finance and Rural Growth
Mr. Murty LVLN, CEO, Dvara KGFS, said the Budget reinforces the importance of strengthening rural incomes and last-mile finance through AgriStack, infrastructure investments, and MSME credit reforms.
Banking and Debt Market Reforms
Mr. Chandan Churiwal, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Assets Care & Reconstruction Enterprise Ltd. (ACRE), described the Budget as mature and fiscally prudent, noting that maintaining the fiscal deficit at 4.3% while introducing sectoral reforms and proposing a high-level banking review committee will strengthen debt markets and accelerate consolidation.
2, Feb 2026
Leela Ambience Gurugram Unveils Eco-Friendly Forest View Dining
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Launches Forest View Deck: An Elevated Sustainable Dining Experience Overlooking a 1,000-Acre Forest
Gurugram, Feb 02: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, synonymous with luxury and refinement, unveils Forest View Deck, a unique farm-to-fork dining destination rooted in sustainability and mindful indulgence. Nestled poolside with private cabana-style seating, the deck offers panoramic views of a sprawling 1,000-acre forest, providing guests a tranquil escape where they can unwind and dine amidst nature.
At the heart of Forest View Deck’s culinary philosophy is a commitment to season-led menus and responsibly sourced ingredients, drawn from the hotel’s own Leela Farm and The Green House. The 3.5-acre organic Leela Farm cultivates vegetables, fruits, and select dairy products without chemical intervention, while the hydroponic glasshouse at the deck grows nutrient-rich lettuces, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs using eco-friendly, soil-free methods. Together, these initiatives ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients while minimizing environmental impact.
Abhishek Gupta, Executive Chef at The Leela Ambience Gurugram, shares:
“At Forest View Deck, our cuisine begins with the season and ends with responsibility. From root to fruit, we celebrate Indian produce through sustainable, zero-waste gastronomy. Everything grown in our farm and glasshouse shapes a menu that honours nature, supports farmers, and shows that flavour and care must always go hand in hand.”
The dining experience emphasizes connection to nature and ingredients, with a menu that evolves across the four seasons to highlight produce at its peak. Complementing the food is a beverage selection that mirrors the same focus on freshness, balance, and seasonality.
Designed as an open-air retreat, Forest View Deck blends comfort with the surrounding landscape, offering a space for guests to slow down, savour thoughtfully prepared food, and enjoy a truly immersive culinary journey.
2, Feb 2026
Budget 2026 Boosts Opportunities for Coworking and Managed Office Spaces
Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace
“The coworking and managed office space industry will be well positioned to tap into a multi-million-dollar opportunity from the initiatives announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2026. By providing premium office spaces across cities in an affordable and flexible manner, especially for focused segments such as MSMEs, emerging economic hubs in smaller cities, and the revival of over 200 legacy industrial sectors, the shared workspace industry will become a key ally in driving this transformation.”
2, Feb 2026
JSW MG Motor India Teases the Arrival of India’s first D+ SUV, MG MAJESTOR
JSW MG Motor India has released the official teaser of India’s first D+ SUV – MG MAJESTOR scheduled for its grand unveil on 12th February. The MG MAJESTOR is set to establish new benchmarks in design and performance.
With its longest, widest, and tallest dimensions, the MG MAJESTOR will redefine the regular D segment and will mark its presence in the new D+ Segment. Designed to deliver unstoppable performance across urban and rugged terrains, it redefines excellence in SUV capability.
The teaser showcases the SUV’s commanding design language, highlighted by the Majestic Matrix Combination Grille, complemented by sharp Falcon-type Daytime Running Lamps and contemporary split-style headlamps, lending it a bold road presence.
Stay tuned as the MG MAJESTOR makes its majestic debut on 12th February.Post Copy for Influencers:
1. Majestic by design. Massive by presence. A new force is arriving.
The MG MAJESTOR is set to set new benchmarks in the D+ SUV segment with commanding presence, bold design, and unmatched performance. Unveiling on 12th February 2026.
2. Bigger. Bolder. More Majestic.
Introducing the MG MAJESTOR — India’s first D+ segment SUV, built to dominate city streets and conquer every terrain in style. Stay tuned for the grand unveil on 12th February 2026.
2, Feb 2026
Budget 2026 Boosts EV Production, MSME Support, and Green Mobility: FADA
Mr. C.S. Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)
“The Union Budget 2026-27 presents a robust roadmap for the various sectors transition toward a sustainable and technologically advanced future. We particularly welcome the governments commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem by extending basic customs duty exemptions for capital goods used in manufacturing Lithium-Ion Cells,. This, combined with the establishment of Rare Earth Corridors in mineral-rich states to support permanent magnet manufacturing, will significantly bolster domestic EV production and affordability.
The push for green mobility is further strengthened by the provision of 4,000 e-buses for the North-East and Purvodaya regions, and the exclusion of biogas value from Central Excise duty on blended CNG,. These measures, alongside the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, will help stabilize the supply chain for modern vehicles.
For our dealer community, many of whom are MSMEs, the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the mandating of TReDS for settlement are pivotal steps toward improving liquidity and growth,. Additionally, the Income Tax exemption for interest awarded by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACT) is a welcome relief for individual vehicle owners and victims,. Overall, this budget balances industrial scaling with consumer-centric tax reforms.”
2, Feb 2026
Budget 2026–27 Drives Proactive Skilling and SME Growth via E2E Framework, Says Nikhil Barshikar
Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO of Imarticus Learning and Chairman of the Advisory Council at Imarticus School of Finance & Business
“The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a shift from reactive skilling to proactive human capital development through the new ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ (E2E) framework.
A key feature is the institutionalisation of a ‘Corporate Mitra’ cadre—accredited para-professionals trained via short-term, modular courses designed by premier bodies like ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI. By deploying these specialists in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the government addresses the ‘compliance-capability gap’ that often limits MSME growth.
This initiative is not just an educational reform; it is a strategic economic move. By linking equity support through the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund with targeted professional guidance, it ensures the workforce remains resilient to AI-driven disruptions while positioning India to capture 10% of the global services market by 2047.”
