Monday, February 2, 2026

Mahindra Lifespace Records Strong 9M Performance; Healthy PAT Delivery Driven By Residential Project Completions


Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development business of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2025 today. In accordance with INDAS 115, Company recognizes its revenues on completion of contract method.

Key highlights

Q3 FY26:

· Consolidated Sales (Resi and IC&IC) of Rs 707 crore

— Q3 FY26 residential pre-sales of Rs 572 crore (saleable area of 0.60 msft, RERA carpet area of 0.45 msft) as compared to Rs 334 crore in Q3 FY25.

— Gross development value additions in Q3 FY26 were Rs 1,010 crore.

— Consolidated revenues of Rs 134 crore in Q3 FY26 from IC&IC business as against Rs 70 crore in Q3 FY25 (Total leased area of 17.9 acres).

— The consolidated PAT, after non-controlling interest, as per INDAS is Rs 109 crore in Q3 FY26 as against loss of Rs 23 crore in Q3 FY25.

· Strong balance sheet and collections.

— Net debt to equity ratio at -0.12 (cash surplus) as of 31st December 2025.

— Residential collections of Rs 1,472 crore for 9M FY26 as compared to Rs 1,365 crore for 9M FY25.

9M FY26:

· Consolidated Sales (Resi and IC&IC) of Rs 2,125 crore

— Gross development value additions in 9M FY26 were Rs 10,560 crore in addition to Rs 18100 crore in FY25.

— 9M FY26 residential pre-sales of Rs 1,773 crore (saleable area of 2.35 msft, RERA carpet area of 1.76 msft) as compared to Rs 1,749 crore in 9M FY25.

— Consolidated revenues of Rs 352 crore in 9M FY26 from IC&IC business as against Rs 284 crore in 9M FY25 (Total leased area of 53.5 acres in 9M FY26).

— The consolidated PAT, after non-controlling interest, as per INDAS is Rs 208 crore in 9M FY26 as against loss of Rs 24 crore in 9M FY25, reflecting strong Resi and IC&IC profitability.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Amit Kumar Sinha, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to announce a strong quarterly result. On the Residential side, we had 3 project completions that contributed to our PAT. We have a strong pipeline of residential launches leading into FY27. On the IC&IC side, we are seeing healthy demand for high quality industrial plots in our industrial parks. We launched phase 2A of Origins by Mahindra in Chennai in December 25.”

Notes:

1. Company uses carpet areas in its customer communication. However, the data in saleable area terms has been presented here to enable continuity of information to investors and shall not be construed to be of any relevance to home buyers / customers.

2. The operational highlights include the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries / joint ventures / associates.

About Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd.

Established in 1994, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. (‘Mahindra Lifespaces’) brings the Mahindra Group’s philosophy of ‘Rise’ to India’s real estate and infrastructure industry through thriving residential communities and enabling business ecosystems. The Company’s development footprint spans 53.65 million sq. ft. (saleable area) of completed, ongoing and forthcoming residential projects across seven Indian cities; and over 5000 acres of ongoing and forthcoming projects under development / management at its integrated developments / industrial clusters across four locations. Mahindra Lifespaces’ development portfolio comprises premium residential projects; value homes under the ‘Mahindra Happinest®’ brand; and integrated cities and industrial clusters under the ‘Mahindra World City’ and ‘Origins by Mahindra’ brands, respectively. The Company leverages innovation, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to sustainability to craft quality life and business growth.

As a pioneer in Net Zero homes in India, Mahindra Lifespaces is committed to building only Net Zero homes from 2030 onwards. The company has already launched India’s first three Net Zero residential developments: One Net Zero Energy and two Net Zero Energy+ Waste, showcasing its dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation. With a 100% Green portfolio since 2014, the Company is working towards carbon neutrality by 2040 and actively supports research on green buildings tailored to climatic conditions in India. Mahindra Lifespaces® is the recipient of over 90 awards for its projects and ESG initiatives. Learn more about Mahindra Lifespaces® at www.mahindralifespaces.com

About Mahindra

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 324,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room

Yamaha Charges into India’s EV Market With EC-06 At ₹1,67,600


India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. has announced the price of its first electric scooter, EC-06, at INR 1,67,600 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Available in Bluish White colour, the model will be sold in select cities through Yamaha’s premium Blue Square showrooms. The EC-06 marks Yamaha’s strategic entry into the electric mobility segment, reinforcing its commitment to ecological sustainability. This launch is a direct contribution to the Government of India’s ‘National Mission on Transformative Mobility’ and aligns with the nation’s ambitious goal of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070. By introducing the EC-06, Yamaha reinforces its broader carbon-neutrality goals in alignment with both Indian emission standards and the country’s vision for a greener, self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) future.

Targeted at riders seeking a modern, stylish, and functional commuting option, the EC-06 boasts a certified 169-km range, making it an ideal choice for everyone’s daily commuting. The design integrates Yamaha’s core DNA with contemporary aesthetics, featuring a stable stance and elevated proportions for improved manoeuvrability in traffic. The horizontal core layout emphasizes structural balance and precision, while clean and sharp body lines cater to young customers seeking a practical yet distinctive riding experience.

Developed in India with a global outlook, the EC-06 is powered by a robust IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) paired with a 4kWh fixed battery. It delivers a top speed of 79 km/h, maximum torque of 26 Nm, and peak power of 6.7 kW – ensuring sustainable performance for everyday use. The battery comes with a 3-year or 30,000 km warranty, and charging is effortless with standard home plug-in compatibility. A full charge takes approximately eight hours, minimizing downtime and maximizing readiness for daily rides. For added peace of mind, the scooter is IP67 certified for its motor and battery, and IP65 certified for other electronics, ensuring superior water and dust resistance.

To suit diverse riding preferences, the EC-06 offers three riding modes – Eco, Standard, and Power – allowing riders to optimize efficiency, performance, or acceleration as needed. A convenient Reverse Mode simplifies manoeuvring in tight spaces, while the telescopic front suspension with hydraulic dampers and rear coil spring suspension, both ensures a smooth ride through urban conditions.

Equipped with 200mm front and rear disc brakes and a Combi Brake System (CBS), the EC-06 delivers precise braking and enhanced stability. A vibrant colour LCD display provides real-time information on speed, battery status, riding modes, and connectivity features, making every ride intuitive and informed. Complementing this is a set of LED headlights and taillights, which not only improve visibility during night rides and low-light conditions but also add a sleek, contemporary aesthetic to the scooter’s design.

Taking connectivity to the next level, the new EV scooter integrates the “Yamaha Motor Connect R” app, enabling real-time data access and smart features for a connected riding experience. With an impressive 24.5 litres of under-seat storage, riders have ample space for helmets, bags, or daily essentials – making the EC-06 the perfect companion for an urban lifestyle.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group said, “The EC-06 marks an important step in Yamaha’s journey toward sustainable urban mobility. As India accelerates its transition toward a carbon-neutral future under the government’s visionary leadership, Yamaha is proud to support this national agenda through high-quality electric innovation. Designed for everyday commuting, it balances efficiency with performance, offering an impressive range and intuitive features. As a first-of-its-kind model from Yamaha, it demonstrates how sustainability and riding excitement can coexist—true to our brand philosophy and our responsibility towards the future of India’s green economy.”

Yamaha’s commitment extends beyond product delivery. The introduction of the EC-06 is timed to complement India’s evolving EV ecosystem, supported by initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the expansion of charging infrastructure. By localizing development and aligning with the 'Make in India' spirit, Yamaha aims to be a key player in reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and lowering the carbon footprint of the two-wheeler industry.

Catering to today’s young, tech-savvy trendsetters, the EC-06 resonates with riders who embrace innovation, style, and sustainability. They seek smart, reliable, and distinctive mobility solutions that reflect their individuality and eco-conscious mindset.

About Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). In 2013, YMC established Yamaha Motor Research & Development India Pvt. Ltd. (YMRI) to provide R&D and Product development services to IYM for its domestic as well as export markets. IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for domestic as well as overseas markets. Presently, its India product portfolio includes XSR155 (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Hybrid (149cc), FZS-Fi (149cc), FZ Rave (149cc), FZ-X Hybrid (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc) and hybrid scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Tata AIA Delivers Benchmark-Beating Fund Performance Across Its ULIP Offerings


Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to demonstrate the strength of its investment management capabilities through consistent, benchmark-beating performance across its Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) funds. The company’s diversified fund portfolio aims to offer policyholders long-term wealth creation opportunities, while providing the protection benefits of life insurance.

 

Performance Track Record of Tata AIA Funds

Last 5 Years Returns* (CAGR)

Tata AIA Funds

Fund Return (%)*

Benchmark Return (%)*

Multi Cap Fund

21.54%

14.86%

Top 200 Fund

22.45%

14.86%

India Consumption Fund

22.28%

14.86%


*Data as of 31 Dec, 2025. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200.

Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015.

*Note: Investors should carefully assess their risk appetite as the fund has a high-risk profile. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Tata AIA has built strong expertise in investment-linked insurance solutions. As of 31 December 2025, 96% of the company’s Assets Under Management (AUM) is rated 4- or 5-star by Morningstar on a 5-year basis, compared to the life insurance industry average of 27%.

Performance of TATA AIA’s Recent NFOs as of 31st December 2025:

Fund name

AUM (in Cr.)

Inception date

Returns since launch

Benchmark

Benchmark returns

Emerging Opportunities Fund

2623.57

31-Dec-2022

25.86%

Nifty Midcap 100 – 95% CRISIL Liquid fund index – 5%

23.39%

Dynamic Advantage Fund

304.38

31-Mar-2023

19.97 %

Nifty 50 – 50% CRISIL Composite Bond fund Index – 50%

11.86%

Sustainable Equity Fund

101.54

31-Mar-2023

19.06%

Nifty 100 ESG Index

19.07%

Small Cap Discovery Fund

1963.86

24-Jul-2023

31.41%

NIFTY Small Cap 100 -100%

19.06%

Flexi Growth Fund

1023.24

31-Dec-2023

16.16%

Nifty 500 Index

10.83%

 
Tata AIA's offerings provide policyholders with access to high-growth equity opportunities, backed by robust life and health insurance benefits. The funds focus on high-performing stocks, offering a balance of risk and return across all market caps.

Commitment to Long Term Value Creation

Harshad Patil, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA Life Insurance, said: “At Tata AIA Life, our investment philosophy is focused on delivering long-term, sustainable value to our policyholders through disciplined and research-driven portfolio construction. India’s strong economic momentum, supported by structural reforms, rising income levels and an expanding investor base, continues to create compelling opportunities across market segments. We aim to capture these opportunities via a systematic, fundamental factor-based approach that identifies companies with attractive valuations and robust business models. This framework allows us to build resilient portfolios that seek to deliver risk-adjusted outcomes while helping our customers participate meaningfully in India’s long-term wealth creation journey.”

With a sustained focus on quality, diversification and research backed investing, Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to enhance customer value through its ULIP fund offerings.

As of 31 December 2025, Tata AIA Life Insurance’s Assets Under Management stood at ₹ 145,256 crore, reflecting a 21% year-on-year growth. This has been due to robust Individual New Business Premium income and exceptional investment performance.

*© 2024 Morningstar. All rights reserved. The Morningstar name is a registered trademark of Morningstar, Inc. in India, and other jurisdictions. The information contained here: (1) includes the proprietary information of Morningstar, Inc. and its affiliates, including, without limitation, Morningstar India Private Limited (“Morningstar”); (2) may not be copied, redistributed or used, by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior, written consent of Morningstar; (3) is not warranted to be complete, accurate or timely; and (4) may be drawn from data published on various dates and procured from various sources and (5) shall not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security or other investment vehicle. Neither Morningstar, Inc. nor any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, Morningstar) nor any of their officers, directors, employees, associates, or agents shall be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting directly or indirectly from the information.

About Tata AIA Life

Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life combines Tata’s pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA’s presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Tata AIA reported a total Premium Income of INR 31,484 crore for FY25, up 23% from FY24. The Company continues to rank among the Top 3 Private Insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) with an IWNBP income of INR 8,511 crore. The Company also achieved industry-leading Persistency performance (based on premiums), ranking #1 in four out of five cohorts.

About the Tata Group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals.

The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.

In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets –wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(3), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(4), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$305 billion as of 31 December 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

Nike Air Force 1 ‘Unmistakable’ An India Take On A Nike icon - Built For Those Who Beat The Odds


What to Know

The Nike Air Force 1 returns with an India-exclusive release: the AF1 ‘Unmistakable’.

Staying true to its iconic ‘80s construction, the silhouette is refreshed with new colors of blue, orange, green and white, inspired by the confidence and ambition of India’s new generation of athletes*.

The Nike AF1 ‘Unmistakable’ campaign is a fresh take on Indian sport style featuring athletes such as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer and is shot in grassroots sports academies.

The AF1 ‘Unmistakable’ will first be available throughout India across Nike.com, Nike retail stores and partner doors from Saturday 31 January.

For decades, the Nike Air Force 1 (AF1) has redefined expectations – born on the court, adopted on the streets, and continuously reshaped by culture around the world. Now, that legacy continues in India with the AF1 ‘Unmistakable,’ an exclusive release made for those who embody this spirit of confidence and ambition, and believe they have what it takes to beat the odds.

The AF1 ‘Unmistakable’ retains the clean and timeless construction that made the silhouette iconic and has been refreshed in new ways. The unmistakable blue Swoosh, heel tab, and outsole bring renewed energy to the AF1 and represent the bold hopes and momentum of India’s new generation of athletes*. The color palette of blue, orange, green, and white represent India’s youth shaping the future of sport, and a special “Just Do It” keychain nods to their relentless winning mentality.

Beyond the signature leather upper that delivers the form and durability the silhouette is known for, a perforated toe box with original Nike Air cushioning provides breathability and comfort. Proudly made in India, this sneaker is set to be an unmistakable favorite style choice.

Worn by Nike athletes Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, and Manika Batra, the AF1 ‘Unmistakable’ stands for self-belief, individuality, and the resilience of Indian athletes* to beat the odds. The Nike campaign featuring these athletes was shot in grassroots sports academies of Mumbai and Jaipur. The shoot is a celebration of youth at the intersection of cricket and style culture and was inspired by each athlete’s personal story of resilience, perseverance and success.

The AF1 ‘Unmistakable’ will first be available to purchase in India across Nike.com, Nike stores and other Nike retail partners 31 January 2026.

Nike Athlete Quotes

Shubman Gill - "When the competition is this intense, the only thing you can control is how hard you keep going,” says Shubman Gill. “That’s the story of so many athletes in India, who are pushing past limits, creating their own opportunities. To me, the AF1 represents that belief that no matter the odds, you keep rising.”

“The AF-1 Unmistakable is a great tribute from Nike to Indian athletes,” adds Shubman. “I love that there’s a tag saying ‘Just Do It’ in green. When we were playing the Under-16s, we had a saying – ‘When in doubt with choosing a shoe, go with Air Force 1 because they always match, no matter what outfit you wear!’”

Tilak Varma - “As I look ahead to my year of cricket and competition, it is the confidence, passion and fighting spirit of Indian athletes and fans that I will be taking in with me as extra fuel,” says Tilak Varma. “To me, this AF1 comes at the perfect time, a nod to the uniqueness of Indians, born to ignore the odds and win anyway. I’m glad to have a style expression for this now.”

Shreyas Iyer - “The blue sole and swoosh of the Nike Air Force 1 Unmistakable is so unique,” says Shreyas Iyer. “It also has a green and orange accent which is a tribute to all Indian athletes. It has the silhouette of the Nike Air Force 1, which has been same since 1972. The green ‘Just Do It’ keychain goes so well with the shoe.”

Manika Batra - "Growing up, you had to work relentlessly for every step forward and often ignore the forces that might be working against your dream. That’s the mindset that shaped me, and it’s the mindset I see in so many young athletes across India,” says Manika Batra. “For me, AF1 reflects that attitude: staying resilient, trusting the grind, and turning every challenge into something bigger. You have the check them out, they’re so cool.”

*If you have a body, you are an athlete

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

For more information, NIKE, Inc. individuals can also visit https://news.nike.com and follow @NIKE.

Union Budget 2026 Sends A Reassuring Message of India’s Growth And Will Be Anchored By Auto, Health, Finance & Insurance Among Others


Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals says, "The Union Budget 2026–27 sends a reassuring message that India’s growth will be anchored in healthier citizens and stronger health systems. The continued focus on expanding public health capacity, strengthening prevention, and improving access across tier-2 and tier-3 India is consistent with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

He says we welcome the emphasis to deepen India’s life sciences and innovation ecosystem through Biopharma SHAKTI, including new and upgraded education and research institutions and a nationwide network of 1000 accredited clinical trial sites. These steps will accelerate the development of advanced therapies and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global destination for healthcare and life sciences.

The focus on people is especially heartening. Adding 10,000 medical seats in the coming year, alongside training 1.5 lakh caregivers and scaling allied health disciplines, can strengthen the Prime Minister's vision of Heal in India, Heal by India. Supporting states to create five hubs for medical tourism will elevate quality standards across regions. We appreciate the reaffirmed commitment to mental health and trauma care through the proposal to establish NIMHANS-2, upgrade apex mental health institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur, and expand emergency and trauma care capacity by 50% in district hospitals through dedicated centres.

At Apollo Hospitals, we remain committed to working closely with the government and all stakeholders to translate these priorities into measurable health outcomes for every Indian."

C.S. Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)

Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27 said, "The Union Budget 2026-27 presents a robust roadmap for the various sector’s transition toward a sustainable and technologically advanced future. We particularly welcome the government's 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."

Mr. Ranganath Kuppur, CEO, Globus Fashion

The post–Union Budget 2026–27 said, “The Union Budget 2026–27 reinforces India’s growth story with continued emphasis on consumption, GST rationalisation and structural reforms that support trade and enterprise. For organised fashion retail, this creates a stronger runway — one where simpler tax structures, improved logistics and clearer frameworks for digital commerce can unlock faster responsiveness to consumer trends. At Globus Fashion, our work is rooted in making aspirational, quality fashion accessible across India and beyond. With the right policy momentum behind retail and export-oriented commerce, Indian brands can not only serve evolving domestic consumers more effectively but also scale confidently into global markets.”

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, CEO & Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd.

“The Union Budget 2026 presents a clear and growth-oriented vision for India’s economy, with a strong focus on manufacturing, infrastructure and job creation. The Government’s continued reform momentum, driven by over 350 reforms announced since Independence Day 2025, including GST simplification, labour reforms and reduced compliance will significantly ease operations for organized manufacturers, enabling faster expansion, better efficiency and improved formalization across sectors like wood panels and interior infrastructure.

Rise in public capex and building focus on infrastructure are expected to drive housing and realty activity in tier II and tier III cities, where the demand for quality, branded interior solutions is increasing at a faster pace. This will in turn directly help the homebuyer due to better access to well-finished, durable and safe interiors as well as enhanced demand for plywood, MDF and related products.

The emphasis on strengthening MSMEs and reviving traditional industrial clusters is particularly encouraging for the wood-based industry, which depends on a large network of carpenters, fabricators and small processing units. Improved access to finance, technology and compliance support will help upgrade skills, enhance productivity and create more stable livelihoods for skilled and semi-skilled workers across non-metro regions.

At the same time, the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, reflected in a gradual reduction in fiscal deficit and debt levels, provides long-term economic stability. At Greenply Industries, this balanced approach between growth and financial discipline gives us the confidence to continue investing in capacity expansion, sustainable manufacturing practices and skill development, while contributing meaningfully to India’s housing growth and a more responsible interior infrastructure ecosystem.”

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, Socomec Innovative Power Solutions

“The Union Budget 2026–27 charts a decisive course for India’s evolution into a global technology leader. The enhanced capital outlay of ₹12.2 lakh crore and the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 reaffirm the government’s commitment to deep-tech indigenization. The ₹40,000 crore allocation for electronics component manufacturing is a strategic intervention that propels the ecosystem toward advanced engineering and value creation. The focus on establishing Rare Earth Corridors further strengthens the foundation for a secure and self-reliant supply chain. The budget’s emphasis on providing skilling programmes will encourage the youth in providing quality employment opportunities.

At Socomec, we welcome the government’s thrust on high-tech manufacturing and the ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund, both of which will accelerate innovation and competitiveness across the electrical sector, driving the vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”

Dr. K. Anand Kumar, MD, Indian Immunologicals Ltd:

As India moves forward with the INR 10,000 Cr BioPharma Shakti initiative, the Union Budget presented a defining moment to strengthen the country’s position as a global vaccine and biologics manufacturing hub.

India already supplies nearly 60% of the world’s vaccines, and this initiative has the potential to accelerate our transition from being a volume-driven supplier to an innovation-led biopharma leader. Targeted investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure, high-containment facilities, and indigenous production of key raw materials such as culture media, adjuvants, and single-use systems will significantly improve supply chain resilience.

Overall, the Budget lays a strong foundation for India to evolve from the ‘pharmacy of the world’ to a trusted global hub for affordable vaccines, biologics, and health security.

Rahul Attuluri, CEO and Co-Founder of NxtWave Disruptive Technologies

The Union Budget 2026 lays a strong focus on emerging technologies, particularly AI, as core drivers of Viksit Bharat, signalling a shift from degree-centric education to skill-centric employability. Union Budget 2026–27 is truly a ‘Yuva Shakti–driven budget’, with a renewed emphasis on education, skills, creative industries, and employment pathways to fulfil the aspirations of India’s youth. The Finance Minister’s proposal to set up an ‘Education to Employment’ standing committee is a timely and much-needed move. The budget’s push to expand higher education capacity and improve student access through scale, inclusion, and strengthened infrastructure will help create vibrant learning ecosystems and build a future-ready education system for students across Bharat. The focus on assessing AI’s impact on jobs and aligning skills with future demand positions India to build a globally competitive workforce and move closer to a 10% share of the global services economy by 2047.

Mr. Karun Tadepalli, Co-Founder & CEO, byteXL Pvt Ltd

The Union Budget sends a clear and decisive message that India’s growth story will be powered by human capital, deep tech, and employability at scale. The government’s continued emphasis on skill development, AI-driven learning, research, and greater participation of women in STEM reflects a shift from education as access to education as outcomes.

For companies like ours, this marks an important inflection point. The last few years have seen the edtech winter, but with the AI-focused investments and policy support, we are confident this is the path to long-term, impact-led skilling. This Budget reinforces that the future lies not in course delivery alone, but in building integrated partnerships with universities, industry, and government to create job-ready talent. Skilling must move from being transactional to transformational.

We see strong potential in the government’s push to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure, with the long tax holiday for foreign cloud firms to operate through Indian data centres. Expanding domestic data centre capacity and improving access to affordable cloud and compute infrastructure can be a game changer for startups and skilling companies alike.

I believe the real opportunity is to embed industry-aligned curricula within campuses, enable hands-on learning with emerging technologies, and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. I see this Budget as a strong call to action for skilling players to evolve into true talent partners, working closely with institutions and enterprises to deliver measurable career outcomes. With the right execution, India can move beyond being a talent supplier to becoming the world’s most trusted hub for tech-ready, innovation-driven professionals.

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation,

The Finance Minister’s renewed focus on the AVGC sector and structured content creation at both school and college levels is a transformative step for India’s creative economy. By establishing Animation, VFX, Gaming and Comics Content Creator Labs across thousands of educational institutions, the government is building a deep, sustainable talent pipeline aligned with the industry’s projected requirement of nearly 2 million professionals by 2030.

What is particularly encouraging is the strong push this will give to regional content creators, enabling talent beyond metro cities to access world-class tools, training, and production ecosystems. This will accelerate original IP creation in local languages, expand employment opportunities, and fuel India’s cultural exports globally.

These measures not only strengthen skill development but also lay the foundation for India to emerge as a global hub for high-value digital content, gaming, and animation production. For the industry, this is a commercially significant and future-ready policy direction that will unlock long-term growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Murty LVLN, CEO, Dvara KGFS

The 2026–27 Budget underscores the importance of strengthening grassroots incomes as a foundation for India’s growth. Continued focus on farmers, weavers and small enterprises reflects recognition that stable household incomes and access to formal finance are essential for sustaining rural demand. Initiatives such as the Bharat Vistaar AI platform and the rollout of AgriStack can improve productivity, reduce information gaps and enable more data-backed lending. Investments in rural infrastructure, agriculture-linked value chains, and targeted support for high-value crops, livestock and natural farming further expand livelihood opportunities.

From a financial sector perspective, the Budget signals intent rather than immediate relief. Measures such as the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, expanded use of TReDS, higher RIDF allocations and the proposed Banking for Viksit Bharat committee indicate a willingness to strengthen rural credit delivery. Sustained and well-calibrated policy support will be critical for institutions like Dvara KGFS to continue providing responsible, last-mile financial solutions.

Mr. Rakesh Jain, CEO, IndusInd General Insurance.

Union Budget 2026–27 is a forward-looking and reassuring document presented at a time when global volatility, geopolitical tensions, and supply-chain disruptions continue to shape economic realities. The Finance Minister’s emphasis on accelerating growth especially in new age sector while strengthening resilience reflects a clear understanding of what India needs at this stage of its development.

For the general insurance sector, several parts of this Budget create strong tailwinds. The MSME-focused measures including the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, the additional support to the Self-Reliant India Fund, and the significant strengthening of the TReDS ecosystem through CPSE onboarding, credit guarantee support, GeM linkages, and securitisation of receivables expand formalisation and improve liquidity for small businesses. These steps broaden the base of insurable enterprises and support wider adoption of property, liability, marine, cyber and employee health insurance in the country.

The reforms related to motor insurance, particularly the exemption of income tax on interest awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and the removal of TDS, will meaningfully improve claimant outcomes and reinforce trust in the claims process. This is an important step towards making motor insurance more customer centric and responsive.

The Government’s ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative aims to position India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars, strengthening domestic research and manufacturing. The Budget also expands health capacity by adding Allied Health Professionals, enhancing district level emergency and trauma care, training caregivers, and supporting regional medical hubs. These measures together improve healthcare delivery, outcomes, and long term insurance sustainability.

Beyond direct sector touchpoints, the Budget’s large-scale push on infrastructure including increased public capex of Rs12.2 Lakhs crore, dedicated freight corridors, expansion of waterways, high-speed rail development, and city economic regions opens major avenues for engineering, project liability, and specialty insurance. The proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund is also a welcome move that can help de-risk large projects and accelerate private-sector participation.

Equally important is the renewed focus on India’s next phase of urban expansion. The plan to develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through City Economic Regions signals a major shift in how regional growth will be shaped. By channelling investment into these emerging urban centres and strengthening them around their core economic strengths, the government is enabling more balanced urbanisation, stronger commercial ecosystems, and modern infrastructure. As these cities scale, the complexity of economic activity will rise, increasing the demand for holistic risk solutions across property, infrastructure, liability and transit. Insurers will play a crucial role in helping businesses and communities in these regions manage risks effectively and grow with confidence.

The Budget’s strong emphasis on renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced manufacturing broadens the risk landscape in areas such as climate-linked exposures, environmental liability, and sustainable energy projects. This creates opportunities to scale parametric covers, catastrophe protection, and climate-risk solutions that will be crucial for India’s long-term resilience.

As India moves confidently towards its vision of Viksit Bharat, the general insurance sector is committed to partnering in this journey protecting people, supporting businesses, enabling infrastructure, and building a more secure and resilient nation. concludes Rakesh Jain, CEO, IndusInd General Insurance.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Marks National Road Safety Month With Nationwide Awareness Efforts


Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) carried out a series of awareness focused initiatives across the country, working closely with its dealer network and local stakeholders to encourage safe road behavior and greater understanding of traffic network norms. Across the month, road safety awareness activities were conducted in multiple cities nationwide, reaching more than 30000 participations.

As part of its National Road Safety Month initiatives, HMSI also launched its Jaipur Ideal Road Safety Project demonstrating its focus towards safer and more responsible mobility. The project follows a holistic approach by integrating Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency Response into daily community life through collaboration with schools, traffic police, local authorities and citizens. It focuses on awareness and training, improved road infrastructure, strict compliance in identified zones and analysis of critical locations. Through stronger first responder readiness, the initiative aims to reduce accidents and save lives while building a more responsible, prepared and safety conscious community that can serve as a model for cities across India.

All the awareness programs including the road safety rally, summit, helmet distribution, monthly road safety campaigns and other engagement activities, focused on practical learning around traffic rules, rider responsibility and the importance of protective riding practices. The aim was to extend road safety messaging at the local level, enabling wider community participation. There were discussions around riding behavior and awareness of traffic rules, with an emphasis on stricter adherence to traffic regulations.

HMSI also conducted Women’s road safety rally to encourage confidence and preparedness among women riders. They were also provided helmets to underline the importance of personal safety while riding. National Road Safety Month forms a key part of HMSI’s ongoing road safety initiatives. The company also conducts regular awareness programs every month, along with regular engagements at Traffic Training Parks (TTPs) and Safety Driving Education Centres (SDECs) ensuring that road safety education remains a continuous effort, rather than a one-time engagement.

Through these collective initiatives, HMSI continues to work alongside its partners towards safer roads for riders, pedestrians and communities across India. Guided by its global safety slogan, Safety for Everyone, Honda remains committed to creating a future where mobility and safety go hand in hand. Through education and early sensitization, the company continues to build road safety awareness from a young age, encouraging a generational shift where safe practices become second nature. In 2021, Honda announced its global vision for 2050 to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles, and in India, HMSI is working in alignment with this vision as well as the Government of India’s goal of reducing road accident fatalities by 50 percent by 2030.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda announced its global vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is developing a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and colleges is not only to create awareness but to introduce a safety culture in young minds and transform them to be the road safety ambassadors. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on spreading Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to corporates and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conduct daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 10 million Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquettes.

PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.

INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

HMSI also recently launched its innovative digital road safety learning platform, E-Gurukul, this

E-Gurukul platform offers training modules tailored for three specific age groups from 5 years till 18 years ensuring a comprehensive approach towards road safety. Currently the modules are available in multiple languages like Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and English—to ensure inclusivity and regional relevance and E-Gurukul can be accessed at egurukul.honda.hmsi.in. The platform supports live streaming or downloading, and multilingual modules to ensure accessibility across diverse regions. The launch of E-Gurukul is part of HMSI’s ongoing efforts to empower children, educators, and dealers to champion safe road practices. The initiative will expand to cover schools in every state, promoting road safety education tailored to different age groups. Any school interested in accessing this information can contact Safety.riding@honda.hmsi.in.

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