February 1, 2026

Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Announced in Budget 2026 for Greener Travel

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail routes to boost growth and promote eco-friendly transport across India. Major city pairs like Mumbai-Pune and Delhi-Varanasi will be connected. Kerala’s awaited project missed out this time.

February 1, 2026

India to Open 20 New National Waterways in Next 5 Years: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces 20 new national waterways and a coastal cargo scheme to boost India's shipping in her 2026 Budget speech. New freight corridors and training institutes also planned.

February 1, 2026

FM Sitharaman Unveils ₹10,000 Cr Biopharma Investment, Advances Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹10,000 crore investment in biopharma over five years. She also detailed plans for semiconductor mission 2.0 and critical mineral support for key states.

February 1, 2026

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Proposes Rare Earth Corridors in Four Mineral-Rich States to Boost India’s Magnet Supply

In Budget 2026, FM Sitharaman announces support for Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to build rare earth corridors. This move aims to secure India’s rare earth magnets and reduce China dependence.

February 1, 2026

FM Sitharaman Launches Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to Boost Khadi and Handicrafts

On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi and handicrafts. The move aims to help weavers and youth, as the Khadi and Village Industries Commission targets ₹2 lakh crore turnover. Sitharaman also presented the 16th Finance Commission report in her ninth budget.

February 1, 2026

Union Budget 2026: Corporate Mitras to Boost MSMEs, New Agri Schemes Announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced 'corporate mitras' for MSMEs in small cities and new agriculture support schemes in the Union Budget 2026-27.

February 1, 2026

Union Budget 2026: New Mountain, Turtle & Birdwatching Trails to Boost Ecotourism

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils plans to develop eco-friendly mountain, turtle, and birdwatching trails across India in Budget 2026-27. New trekking routes in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and more aim to offer world-class outdoor experiences while protecting nature.

February 1, 2026

New Income Tax Act to Start April 1, Simplified Rules Coming Soon

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces the new Income Tax Act will begin on April 1, 2026. New, easy tax rules and redesigned forms will help taxpayers comply without hassle.

February 1, 2026

India to Host First Global Big Cat Summit with 95 Countries on Conservation

India will host the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in 2026, bringing together ministers from 95 countries to plan big cat conservation. This was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget presentation.

February 1, 2026

Thousands Witness Jyothi Darshan at Vallalar's Sathya Gnana Sabha in Vadalur

On February 1, 2026, thousands of devotees gathered at Vadalur's Sathya Gnana Sabha to witness the sacred Jyothi Darshan during the Thai Poosam festival. The event featured multiple viewings of the holy light, traditional free meals, and strict security with over 1,700 police deployed.