All aboard for UDAN? Regional connectivity scheme revamp awaits cabinet nod; set to back airlines’ losses

India’s regional connectivity scheme is headed for a revamp, awaiting Cabinet’s approval for a plan that would financially support airlines operating on remote routes to cover potential losses. Launched in 2016, the scheme caps fares on half of the seats to make air travel affordable. However, flights to hinterland destinations often remain commercially unviable due…

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Union Budget 2026: Here’s what EV sector is hoping for!

The Union Budget 2026-27 is just one week away and the EV sector is expecting FM Sitharaman to introduce measures aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption in India. Deloitte India has highlighted that the government could focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing, supporting clean mobility, and encouraging investment across the EV value chain.Sheena Sareen, Partner at…

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India-US partnership: US Congressional delegation ‘just wrapped a productive meeting’ with EAM Jaishankar

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and US Congressional delegation met in New Delhi on Sunday, holding discussions on a range of issues including India–US relations, the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The delegation comprised Congressmen Mike Rogers, Adam Smith and Jimmy Patronis, and was joined by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. The…

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India’s crude basket: More Middle East, less Russia; after Trump’s sanctions, what’s next for Moscow’s oil shipments?

India has transformed its crude sourcing strategy, reducing Russian crude barrels while increasing its Middle Eastern shipments. Though Moscow still has a share in New Delhi’s oil inflows, the volumes are down due to compliance risks. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows that in the first three weeks of January 2026, the country imported about…

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Railway Budget 2026 expectations: 5 ways to drive an important growth engine for the Viksit Bharat vision

While investments in infrastructure creation of track and rolling stock have been significant, average train speeds have remained 50–52 kmph for mail/express passengers. By Dhruv Gadh and Nitin KumarThe transport and logistics sector serves as the backbone for India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. As our national carrier, the railways connect remote places, while providing a…

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Budget 2026: Jewellery sector seeks duty rationalisation, reforms and GST cuts

For the Union Budget 2026-2027, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government for a mix of GST cuts, customs reforms and policy changes to counter global trade headwinds and improve export competitiveness. In its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) highlighted measures aimed…

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