Business Bureau

Reacting to the Union Budget 2026, Shekhar Bhandari, President – SME, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the Budget strikes a careful balance between growth aspirations and fiscal discipline while laying the foundation for long-term economic expansion. Bhandari noted that the fiscal deficit being contained at 4.4 per cent for the current year and projected to moderate further to 4.3 per cent next year provides much-needed macroeconomic stability as India moves towards its Vision 2047 goals. He said this fiscal clarity would help strengthen investor confidence and support sustained economic momentum. Highlighting the focus on capacity creation, Bhandari welcomed the proposed revival…

Reaction to the Union Budget 2026 from economists remained measured, with a mix of reassurance on fiscal consolidation and caution over borrowing levels. Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the government has continued to prioritise fiscal discipline, broadly aligning with market expectations. According to Bhardwaj, the fiscal deficit target for FY27 has been set at 4.3 per cent, while net market borrowing also remains in line with estimates. “The government has continued to focus on fiscal consolidation. The FY27 fiscal deficit at 4.3% and net borrowing is in line with our expectations,” she said, indicating continuity in…

Reacting to the Union Budget 2026, Rishi Mehra, Chief Executive Officer, India and Head of Strategy, Human Capital, Asia Pacific at Aon, said the Budget represents a bold move towards building structural resilience while laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. Mehra said a key highlight is the government’s focus on “crowding in” private capital through the proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund. He noted that the initiative addresses a critical gap in the risk landscape by providing the credit stability required to support large-scale infrastructure projects and long-gestation investments. He also highlighted strategic measures such as the infrastructure and logistics…

The Union Budget 2026 underlines the government’s intent to build long-term economic resilience through higher public spending, strategic investments and measures aimed at crowding in private capital, according to Sushant Sarin, Managing Director – Strategy & Commercial Risk Solutions, India, Aon. In his response to the Budget, Sarin said the allocation of Rs. 12.2 lakh crore towards capital expenditure reflects India’s determination to invest in future-ready infrastructure, while the Rs. 7.5 lakh crore earmarked for defence reinforces the government’s focus on national security and strategic preparedness. A key announcement highlighted in the Budget is the proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund,…

Tata Motors Limited reported total commercial vehicle sales of 41,549 units across domestic and international markets in January 2026, registering a strong year-on-year growth of 29.9 per cent compared to 31,988 units sold in the same month last year. According to company data, domestic sales stood at 38,844 units during the month, up 29.1 per cent from 30,083 units in January 2025, while international business rose sharply by 42 per cent to 2,705 units. Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) truck sales grew by 41.2 per cent to 12,691 units, while Intermediate and Light Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) truck sales increased by 33.5…

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has launched Jio-bp’s petrol with revolutionary ACTIVE Technology at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, setting a new benchmark in fuel performance for Indian motorists. The newly introduced petrol, marketed by Jio-bp, is designed to actively clean critical engine parts by removing existing deposits, thereby restoring and sustaining engine performance. According to the company, the advanced fuel can help two- and four-wheelers travel up to 100 km more per year compared to regular petrol, based on typical Indian driving patterns, at no additional cost. Developed using bp’s global fuel research…

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has welcomed the Union Budget provision allowing companies to set off up to 25 per cent of their tax liability against accumulated Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) credits under the new tax regime, terming it a positive step for corporate India. Commenting on the announcement, Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, said the move would significantly ease the transition to the new tax structure for companies carrying legacy MAT credits. “We particularly welcome the MAT credit set-off being allowed up to 25 per cent of the tax liability under…

Welcoming the Union Budget 2026–27, Lalit Beriwala, Managing Director of Shyam Steel Group, said the Budget lays a strong foundation for a more connected, technologically empowered and inclusive India, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. Reacting to the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Beriwala highlighted the continued thrust on capital expenditure, which has been raised to 9 per cent, with public capex increased to ₹12.2 trillion for 2026–27. He said focused investments in railway network expansion, express highway connectivity and construction-led growth would significantly strengthen India’s infrastructure backbone and create sustained demand…

Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd on Friday reported strong unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, posting over 20 per cent year-on-year growth in both assets under management (AUM) and profit after tax (PAT), underscoring sustained momentum in the low-income housing finance segment. The company’s AUM rose 20 per cent year-on-year to ₹28,790 crore as of December 31, 2025, from ₹23,976 crore a year earlier. Disbursements during the nine-month period increased 15 per cent to ₹6,469 crore. PAT for 9M FY26 grew 20 per cent to ₹797 crore, while Q3 FY26 PAT rose 23 per…

Marriott Bonvoy has announced a wide range of exclusive cricket experiences for members during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. As part of its global partnership with the International Cricket Council, Marriott Bonvoy will offer more than 500 specially curated “Marriott Bonvoy Moments” to members worldwide starting February. These include matchday hospitality access, behind-the-scenes pre-match experiences, and child-focused anthem walk-on opportunities. Two members will receive the flagship Marriott Bonvoy Golden Ticket, which includes a trip for two to the World Cup finals, premium hospitality access, hotel stays, ground transportation,…