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ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 held in Guwahati, Assam on 6th February 2026

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The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, held on 6th February 2026 in Guwahati, Assam, emerged as a powerful confluence of ideas, inspiration and action, spotlighting the North East as a fast-evolving education and skills hub of India. Centred on the theme “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills, Mindsets for a Smarter Tomorrow”, the summit brought together senior education leaders, policymakers, academicians, EdTech innovators and industry experts from across the region and beyond. Organised by ArdorComm Media Group, the flagship summit reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration and recognition across India’s education ecosystem—this time with a sharp focus on the immense potential and progress of the North Eastern states. Showcasing the Northeast’s Education Transformation The summit highlighted how Northeast India is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation in education, driven by improved literacy rates, enhanced digital infrastructure, policy-led reforms and growing private participation. Discussions underscored the region’s journey from access-led education to outcome-oriented, future-ready learning models. Speakers extensively explored the opportunities unlocked by NEP 2020, particularly its emphasis on regional languages, multidisciplinary learning, skill integration and alignment with local economic and employment needs. The role of education in nurturing entrepreneurship, employability and innovation within the region was a recurring theme across sessions. With growing investments in universities, private unaided schools, vocational training centres and EdTech-enabled classrooms, the Northeast is increasingly positioning itself as a model region for inclusive and tech-driven education. Support from Esteemed Government Leaders The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 – Guwahati received strong encouragement and goodwill from distinguished leaders of the Government of Assam, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing education, skills and youth development in the region. Smti. Nandita Garlosa, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, extended her warm wishes to the summit, appreciating initiatives that focus on empowering youth through education, skill development and holistic growth. Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribe & Backward Classes, Government of Assam, conveyed his best wishes for the event and acknowledged the role of such platforms in strengthening education systems, promoting inclusivity and aligning learning with the aspirations of the future workforce. Shri Prasanta Phukan, Hon’ble Minister for Power, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Medical Education & Research, Government of Assam, also shared his warm regards for the summit, recognising the significance of industry–academia collaboration in building a skilled, employable and future-ready talent pool for the state and the region. Their encouragement and goodwill added immense value to the summit and reaffirmed the collective commitment towards nurturing a future-ready Northeast through education, skills and innovation. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The summit opened with an impactful Inaugural Session on “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills & Mindsets for a Better Tomorrow”, setting the tone for a day of forward-looking discussions. Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting ArdorComm’s commitment to fostering collaborative platforms that drive inclusive, future-ready education. The Guest of Honour, Shri R. C. Jain, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), Government of Assam, shared insights on strengthening school education and aligning learning outcomes with the vision of NEP 2020. The session was further enriched by Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida, who emphasised leadership and values-based education, and Aaditya Razdan, Senior Enterprise Director, Coursera, who spoke on the growing role of digital platforms and industry-aligned learning in building future-ready skills for the Northeast. Panel 1, titled “NEP and Tech Advantage for KG to PG: Building a Future-Ready Generation”, brought together education leaders from school and higher education to discuss how NEP 2020 and technology can collectively transform learning across the entire academic continuum. Moderated by Sandip Sen, Principal, SERS Public School, Guwahati, the panel featured Cdr. (Dr.) Gurdaman Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Gangtok; Prof. (Dr.) Ginlianlal Buhril, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI University, Mizoram; Dr. Nitai Pradhan, Principal, Good Shepherd’s Home English Medium High School, Nagaon; and Mohan Raghavan, Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion highlighted curriculum flexibility, experiential learning, digital integration and teacher preparedness as critical enablers for nurturing future-ready skills and mindsets from early childhood education to higher education. Panel 2, titled “Digital Pathways to Lifelong Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion & Ethics”, focused on how digital transformation can enable continuous learning while remaining equitable and responsible. Moderated by Gariasi Dutta, Chairperson, The down town Group Schools, Guwahati, the panel featured Diwan Siraj Munir, Executive Director & CEO, Sublime Academy, Barpeta; Dr. Durlav Sarkar, Founder & Director, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing, Mangaldai; Mallika Das Singh, Founder & Director, Lakshya International School, Tezpur; and Anuraag Saraf, Founder & Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion emphasised ethical use of technology, inclusive digital access, blended learning models and the importance of fostering critical thinking and digital citizenship across all stages of education. Panel 3, titled “Bridging Education and Employability: Skills for the 21st Century Workforce”, brought the spotlight on aligning academic frameworks with evolving industry demands and employability outcomes. Moderated by Prof. Himanshu Panchal, Vice Chancellor, EdTech Skills University, Tinsukia, the panel featured Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University, Singtam; Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director, Coursera; Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida; Prof. (Dr.) K. V. S. Sarma, Vice Chancellor, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati; Dr. Bibhas Deb, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Agartala; Prof. (Dr.) Ajeya Jha, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai; and Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University of Meghalaya. The discussion underscored the importance of industry-aligned curricula, experiential learning, micro-credentials, leadership development and strong academia–industry partnerships in preparing a future-ready workforce for the Northeast and beyond. Panel 4, titled “Reimagining Higher Education in the Digital Era: Transformation, Trends & Pathways”, explored how universities are navigating digital disruption while rethinking academic delivery, governance and student engagement. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, the panel featured Subrato Ganguly, Senior Manager

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Noida Film City to Host World’s Largest Integrated Content Creators’ Incubation Ecosystem

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Noida Film City is poised to emerge as a global hub for the creator economy with plans to establish the world’s largest integrated Content Creators’ Incubation and Lab Ecosystem. Announced in line with the vision articulated in the Union Budget 2026, the initiative underscores India’s ambition to lead the next wave of global creative innovation. Filmmaker Boney Kapoor said the proposed ecosystem will be a first-of-its-kind platform designed not just for learning, but for enabling creators to build sustainable careers. The initiative aims to support creators in developing original intellectual properties (IPs), launching scalable creative ventures, and accessing global markets. Conceived as a comprehensive incubation-to-production framework, it will cater to the full creative spectrum—from feature films and OTT productions to new-age digital formats such as vertical storytelling and short-form episodic content. Located within the Bayview Bhutani Film City in Noida, the ecosystem will bring together a diverse community of creators, including filmmakers, digital influencers, gamers, musicians, podcasters, and storytellers. By housing multiple creative disciplines under one roof, the project is expected to drive collaboration, accelerate innovation, and enable creators to monetize content across international platforms. The Film City will be equipped with cutting-edge studios, advanced technology infrastructure, structured incubation labs, and mentorship programmes led by industry veterans and cinematic icons. With thoughtfully designed and visually distinctive production spaces, it is set to become a landmark destination for global content creation. The initiative aligns with the government’s Make in India and Viksit Bharat vision, while opening new avenues for employment, economic growth, and global visibility for India’s rapidly expanding creator community. Source: Economic Times

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Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Announces Key Leadership Appointments; Ritesh Pratap Singh Named CHRO

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Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has announced a set of senior leadership appointments as part of its push to strengthen execution across critical business functions, including supply chain, commercial operations, people, and transformation. The company has named Avinash Kant Kumar as Head of Integrated Supply Chain, Vinay Nair as Chief Commercial Officer, Ritesh Pratap Singh as Chief Human Resources Officer, Sunaina Dhanuka as Head of Strategy, and Girish Sivaraman as Vice-President, Commercial Transformation. Commenting on the leadership changes, HCCB CEO Hemant Rupani said the appointments underline the company’s focus on building robust execution capabilities and deepening organisational strength to support its next phase of growth. Avinash Kant Kumar will oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, with an emphasis on resilience, efficiency, and scalability. He brings over 30 years of experience across supply chain, procurement, and operations, and joins HCCB from Jubilant Foodworks, where he served as President. His earlier stints include leadership roles at McCain Foods, Reliance Retail, Al Foah, and Procter & Gamble. Vinay Nair, appointed Chief Commercial Officer, will lead the company’s commercial strategy and drive growth across channels and markets. With 25 years of experience in the Coca-Cola system, he has played a key role in building partnerships and expanding market presence. Ritesh Pratap Singh, the new Chief Human Resources Officer, will head HCCB’s people and culture agenda, focusing on leadership development, organisational capability, and fostering a high-performance culture. He joins from Tata Projects and has previously held senior HR roles at Tata Trusts and IHCL (Taj Hotels). Sunaina Dhanuka has been elevated to Head of Strategy, alongside her current role as Chief of Staff to the CEO. She will lead the company’s growth and transformation initiatives. Her career spans multiple roles within the Coca-Cola system across ASEAN and South Pacific regions, as well as experience with global organisations such as Unilever, Macquarie, Morgan Stanley, and Arthur Andersen. Girish Sivaraman, appointed Vice-President, Commercial Transformation, will drive HCCB’s commercial transformation efforts, focusing on go-to-market excellence, sales effectiveness, and capability building. He brings extensive experience across India and international markets, having worked with companies including Mondelez International, Pepsi, Varun Beverages, Britannia, and Vodafone. HCCB works closely with over 2.5 lakh farmers and operates 14 manufacturing plants across India, with a strong footprint in the southern and western regions of the country. Source: Economic Times

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Oracle Clarifies OpenAI Ties as AI Spending Sparks Layoff Speculation

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Oracle has issued a public statement addressing speculation around its partnership with OpenAI after analyst reports suggested that the company’s heavy push into artificial intelligence infrastructure could trigger significant job cuts. In a post on its official X handle, Oracle said that a widely cited Nvidia–OpenAI investment proposal had “no impact whatsoever” on its financial relationship with OpenAI. The company added that it remains “highly confident” in OpenAI’s ability to secure funding and honour its long-term commitments. The clarification came amid growing market chatter that Oracle may reduce its workforce by as many as 30,000 employees to help finance its expanding AI ambitions. The response followed a volatile period for firms linked to OpenAI. The Wall Street Journal reported that a proposed $100 billion investment by Nvidia into OpenAI never materialised and had stalled at an early stage. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang later confirmed that discussions held last year were non-binding and did not progress into a formal deal. Despite Oracle’s reassurance, investor sentiment remained cautious. Shares of the software giant dropped nearly 3% to $160.06 shortly after the statement, reflecting concerns over the scale of Oracle’s exposure to the costly AI infrastructure build-out. Analysts have highlighted leverage as a growing pressure point. TD Cowen said Oracle is evaluating potential workforce reductions of between 20,000 and 30,000 roles, a move that could free up an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in annual cash flow. The firm estimates Oracle’s long-term capital expenditure commitments linked to OpenAI — including massive data centre projects and advanced chip purchases — could reach roughly $156 billion. Oracle’s balance sheet has already expanded sharply. Analysts note the company has taken on around $58 billion in new debt in recent months to fund data centre campuses across the US, pushing total debt beyond the $100 billion mark. Since its peak in September 2025, Oracle’s market capitalisation has declined steeply, wiping out hundreds of billions of dollars in value. The strain is not limited to Oracle alone. According to Reuters, OpenAI has been exploring alternatives to Nvidia’s inference chips, holding discussions with AMD, Cerebras and Groq as it looks to lower costs and diversify its computing supply. While Oracle has not officially announced any job cuts, analysts say the situation highlights the enormous capital demands of the AI race and the growing challenge companies face in balancing long-term infrastructure investments with short-term financial discipline. With competition in AI infrastructure accelerating, investors are expected to closely watch how Oracle manages its spending, funding strategy and workforce decisions in the coming months.

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Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: 9th Edition Scheduled for February 6

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The ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship interaction with students, is set to take place on February 6 at 10 am. Organised by the Ministry of Education, the annual programme focuses on promoting stress-free examinations and addressing concerns of students, parents and teachers ahead of the exam season. Continuing with the revamped format introduced last year, PPC 2026 will feature the Prime Minister engaging with students across multiple locations, moving away from the earlier tradition of hosting the event solely at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. In the previous edition, students from Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur and Guwahati interacted with PM Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The programme is open to students from Class 6 onwards, along with teachers and parents. The event will be broadcast live on DD National, DD News, DD India, major private television channels and All India Radio. Viewers can also watch the live stream on digital platforms including the PMO, Ministry of Education, Doordarshan and MyGov portals, as well as on YouTube (MoE), Facebook Live and Swayam Prabha channels. Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha is held every year at the start of the examination cycle, coinciding with board and competitive exams. While CBSE board examinations typically begin in mid-February, national-level entrance tests such as JEE Main are scheduled for April. Interest in PPC 2026 has been substantial. According to official figures, registrations include over 4.19 crore students, nearly 24.85 lakh teachers and more than 6.15 lakh parents, taking total participation well beyond previous editions. The initiative forms a key part of the government’s Exam Warriors campaign, which aims to reduce exam-related stress and help students develop effective coping mechanisms. Participants receive acknowledgements, and selected winners are invited to take part in future programmes. Source: Indian Express  

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India–US Trade Ties Strengthen as Tariffs on Made in India Goods Cut to 18%

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major boost to India–US trade relations, revealing that Made in India products will now attract a reduced US tariff of 18%. The announcement came after a conversation with US President Donald Trump, which the Prime Minister described as positive and forward-looking. In a social media post, PM Modi said that cooperation between two of the world’s largest economies and biggest democracies delivers tangible benefits to people and unlocks vast opportunities for mutually beneficial growth. US President Donald Trump also underscored the deepening partnership, stating that the relationship between the United States and India will become even stronger in the days ahead. He confirmed that the two countries have agreed to a trade deal under which the US will lower its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. President Trump praised Prime Minister Modi as a trusted friend and a strong, respected leader, adding that their partnership reflects a shared commitment to decisive action. Source: Newsonair

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PGIMER Doctors Make Major Breakthrough in Treatment of Deadly Celphos Poisoning

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Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have achieved a significant medical breakthrough in treating aluminium phosphide poisoning—commonly known as Celphos—one of the most lethal forms of pesticide poisoning in India. In a first-of-its-kind clinical study, researchers from PGIMER’s Department of Internal Medicine have demonstrated that intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can act as a life-saving therapy when used alongside standard treatment. The findings mark a major advancement in managing a condition that has historically carried a very high mortality rate. The study has been published in the internationally respected European Review of Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, earning global recognition. The research was conducted under the guidance of Dr Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics) and Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at PGIMER, whose leadership in emergency and critical care was instrumental in treating severely ill patients. The study was funded by the Medical Education and Research Cell, PGIMER, reflecting strong institutional backing for impactful clinical research. The randomised clinical trial was led by Dr Mandip Singh Bhatia, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, as the principal investigator, with Dr Saurabh Chandrabhan Sharda serving as co-investigator, along with other faculty members from the department. According to the study, patients who received intravenous lipid emulsion in addition to conventional medical therapy showed a significant reduction in mortality. They also experienced quicker correction of severe metabolic acidosis, improved blood pressure stability, and better overall outcomes, even in cases involving shock and cardiac complications. Researchers noted that early administration of the therapy can substantially change the clinical course of aluminium phosphide poisoning. A key strength of this treatment is its feasibility. Intravenous lipid emulsion is affordable, widely available, and already stocked in most hospitals across India, including district and peripheral healthcare centres. This makes it especially valuable for rural and remote areas, where Celphos poisoning is most prevalent and access to advanced critical care is limited. Aluminium phosphide poisoning remains a major public-health concern, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where the chemical is commonly used as a grain preservative. The availability of an effective, low-cost, and evidence-based treatment could have a transformative impact in these high-burden regions. The study further reinforces PGIMER’s commitment to research that addresses region-specific health challenges and delivers tangible benefits to local populations. Source: PTI  

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Budget 2026 Pivots to Employability-Centric Growth Strategy

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The Union Budget 2026 marks a clear shift in India’s employment approach—moving away from headline job-creation numbers to building long-term, sustainable employment conditions. The new strategy places skilling, services-led growth and sector-specific ecosystems at the centre of workforce expansion. Instead of announcing how many jobs will be generated, the government has focused on aligning education, skills and industry demand. A key proposal is the formation of a high-powered standing committee on education, employment and enterprise. This body will map skill gaps, identify high-employment service sub-sectors and evaluate how artificial intelligence is reshaping future jobs—acknowledging that traditional degrees alone no longer guarantee employability. Services and Healthcare Take Centre Stage The services sector has been positioned as the primary engine of employment, with an ambitious goal of capturing a 10% share of global services exports by 2047. Officials highlighted that services create more jobs per unit of output than manufacturing, making them critical for absorbing India’s growing workforce. Healthcare forms a major pillar of this push. The Budget proposes adding 1 lakh allied health professionals across 10 disciplines over the next five years, along with training 1.5 lakh caregivers in the coming year under geriatric and allied care programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework. Medical value tourism hubs, Ayush institutions and expanded health infrastructure are expected to generate further downstream employment, including overseas opportunities enabled by improved labour mobility clauses in free trade agreements. Creative Economy, Tourism and Sports as Job Multipliers For the first time, the Budget formally recognises the “Orange Economy”—covering animation, visual effects, gaming and comics—as a major employment frontier. With the sector projected to need around two million professionals by 2030, the government plans to establish content creator labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges, signalling a decisive tilt towards creative and export-oriented jobs. Tourism has been reimagined as a job multiplier, with proposals for a national institute of hospitality, training 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic destinations, and expanding eco-tourism, trekking, birding and heritage circuits. The aim is to generate non-migrant employment in smaller towns and rural regions. Sports is also being repositioned as a structured employment ecosystem under an expanded Khelo India Mission, encompassing not just athletes but also coaches, sports scientists, support staff and infrastructure-related roles. Education: From Schemes to Structures With an education outlay of nearly ₹1.4 lakh crore, the Budget signals a move from fragmented schemes to durable institutional structures, with a strong focus on women’s access and campus capacity. The education ministry allocation has risen 8.3% to ₹1,39,290 crore for 2026–27. School education and literacy receive ₹83,561 crore (up 6.4%), while higher education sees an 11.3% increase to ₹55,724 crore to support infrastructure expansion and research. A flagship higher-education initiative is the creation of five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors, designed to cluster universities, colleges and research institutions close to emerging economic hubs. To boost women’s participation in STEM, the government has promised capital support for setting up at least one girls’ hostel in every district with higher-education STEM institutions. The Budget also proposes a new National Institute of Design (NID) in eastern India and expands digital learning infrastructure. Support has been announced for the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, to establish AVGC content creator labs, while the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak initiative will roll out digitised textbooks in Indian languages for primary and secondary students. On institutional funding, allocations for IITs increase to ₹12,123 crore and IIMs to ₹292 crore, while some other premier institutions, including IISc and IIITs, face relatively tighter budgets. Budget 2026 underscores a strategic reorientation—from counting jobs to creating the ecosystems that make employment sustainable, future-ready and globally competitive. Source: TOI

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Steven Spielberg Completes EGOT With First-Ever Grammy Win

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Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has officially entered the elite EGOT club after winning his first Grammy Award on February 1, marking a historic milestone in his decades-long career. Spielberg earned the Grammy for Best Music Film at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Music by John Williams, a documentary he produced that celebrates the life and extraordinary legacy of iconic composer John Williams. The film explores Williams’ profound influence on cinema through unforgettable scores for classics such as Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List. With this win, Spielberg now holds at least one competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, placing him among just 28 individuals to have achieved EGOT status. The term “EGOT” was first popularised in the 1980s and represents the highest cross-platform recognition in American entertainment. Reacting to the achievement, Spielberg expressed gratitude to the Grammy voters and his collaborators, noting that the honour was especially meaningful because it recognised John Williams’ unmatched contribution to music and culture. He described Williams’ impact as “immeasurable” and praised director Laurent Bouzereau for crafting a deeply personal and powerful film. A Career Spanning Every Major Stage Spielberg’s path to EGOT recognition reflects his influence across film, television and theatre: Oscars: He has won three Academy Awards—Best Director and Best Picture for Schindler’s List and Best Director for Saving Private Ryan—alongside more than 20 nominations. Emmys: As a producer, Spielberg won Primetime Emmys for hit shows including E.R. and Animaniacs. Tony: He received a Tony Award in 2022 as a producer of the Broadway musical A Strange Loop, which won Best Musical. Grammy: The win for Music by John Williams completes the EGOT set. A Five-Decade Creative Partnership The Grammy victory is especially symbolic given Spielberg’s long-standing collaboration with John Williams, who has composed music for 29 of the director’s films since The Sugarland Express in 1974. Williams, now 94, remains one of the most honoured composers in history, with dozens of major awards and over 50 Academy Award nominations. The documentary features insights from leading figures across film and music, tracing Williams’ journey from early television work to defining some of the most recognisable themes in modern cinema, including Star Wars, Superman and Harry Potter. Still Going Strong at 79 Despite reaching EGOT status, Spielberg shows no signs of slowing down. His next film, Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt, is scheduled for release later in 2026, alongside multiple projects in development under his Amblin Entertainment banner. The Grammy win not only caps an extraordinary career but also reinforces Spielberg’s lasting impact across every major entertainment medium—cinema, television, theatre and music storytelling—cementing his place as one of the most influential creators of all time. Source: Forbes  

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Union Budget 2026–27: Reactions from Leaders and Experts

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament, laying out a roadmap to sustain India’s growth amid global uncertainties while advancing long-term structural reforms. The Budget spans key areas including taxation, infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, with capital expenditure raised by nearly 9% to a record ₹12.2 lakh crore, reinforcing the government’s infrastructure-led growth strategy. Major announcements include the rollout of the New Income Tax Act from April 1, 2026, seven high-speed rail corridors, rare earth corridors across four states, and a ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative. Education and skilling feature prominently, with a focus on design education and the creative economy through a new National Institute of Design for eastern India and Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges to boost the AVGC sector. Highlighting the Budget’s growth orientation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it would help MSMEs transition from local players to global champions. Against this backdrop, leaders and experts across sectors share their first reactions to the Budget’s implications for the economy, businesses and citizens. Key Budget 2026–27 Highlights at a Glance Fiscal consolidation maintained: Fiscal deficit for FY27 pegged at 4.3% of GDP, marginally lower than FY26, signalling continued commitment to macroeconomic stability. Debt reduction roadmap reaffirmed: India’s debt-to-GDP ratio projected to decline to 55.6% in FY27, with a medium-term target of approaching 50% by FY31. Record capital expenditure push: Capital outlay raised to an all-time high of ₹12.2 lakh crore to sustain infrastructure creation and crowd in private investment, supported by an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund. AI, cloud and digital infrastructure boost: Tax holiday till 2047 for global cloud service providers operating data centres in India to position the country as a global AI and data hub. Major MSME and SME support: ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund, mandatory TReDS payments for CPSEs, and ‘Corporate Mitras’ to ease compliance and liquidity. Market discipline measures: Higher securities transaction tax on derivatives and taxation of share buybacks as capital gains to curb speculative activity. Strategic minerals focus: Dedicated rare earth corridors announced in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to strengthen domestic supply chains. Transport and logistics expansion: Seven new high-speed rail corridors and a new Dankuni–Surat freight corridor to improve connectivity and green mobility. Relief on overseas education and healthcare costs: TCS under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme for education and medical remittances reduced from 5% to 2%, improving liquidity for families. Reactions from Leaders & Experts Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, says, “Today’s Union Budget is a reform-driven, youth-oriented agenda, reflecting a strong intent towards economic stability and future growth. The emphasis on infrastructure, manufacturing, sunrise industries, artificial intelligence (AI), job creation, biopharma, health tourism, ‘Heal-in-India’, digital expansion, and the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector is particularly encouraging. Initiatives like creator labs in schools and colleges will nurture talent and bridge the gap between education and industry needs. If timely and speedy execution matches the Budget’s intent, it could significantly strengthen industry confidence and grassroots development, benefiting the middle class and small businesses. This comprehensive effort will accelerate India’s growth trajectory and help achieve the goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.” Dr. S.S. Mantha, Founding Chancellor and President, RBU, Nagpur and Former Chairman, AICTE says “Budget 2026-27 is progressive and futuristic. It is quietly efficient. It gives a fillip to manufacturing. The idea of bridging education to employment is a great idea but will need a lot of ground work and mapping of skills to opportunities. The thrust on AI and Semiconductors design and production is especially interesting. Competing with the world leaders in those sectors can propel the nation into the big league. The education budget seems to have risen by 11% over last year. This could have been much higher accounting for inflation. I would have liked to see a bigger share for promoting research. Startup and Make in India initiatives should have had higher allocations. Thrust on MSME growth is much needed. That the budget addresses this is good. Higher investments in the health sector and defense sectors is noteworthy.” Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Founder & CEO, Kalorex Group says, “The labour codes were suddenly made effective without necessary preparatory and implementation time. Employers are concerned about the risk of non-compliance, dispute, and litigation around various provisions where there is ambiguity. Generally, there is an expectation of more time for industry to comply and a supportive regulatory and enforcement mindset. Setting up Content Labs in High schools and Colleges is a welcome move guided by futuristic needs. The Union Budget demonstrates a clear focus on skilling and transition from education to employability. Setting up of NID, University Townships, extra support for women entrepreneurship show a future ready approach.” Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis Society, and Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, says, “The Union Budget 2026 reflects a clear intent to align education with India’s future workforce and innovation priorities. The introduction of Content Creator and AVGC labs in schools and colleges is a forward-looking step that integrates creative technologies, digital skills and early industry exposure into mainstream education. The proposal to build girls’ hostels in every district will significantly improve access, safety and retention of girls, particularly in higher education. Reducing TCS on overseas education expenses will ease financial pressure on families and support global academic mobility. The Budget’s strong focus on skilling, teacher upskilling, AI, emerging technologies and women’s participation in STEM, along with plans for university townships near industrial corridors, signals a shift towards outcome-driven, employment-linked education. Overall, the Budget positions education as a strategic enabler of inclusive growth, innovation and long-term national competitiveness.” Dr. Sujit Chatterjee, CEO, Sea View Healthcare Management Services Pvt. Ltd., CEO, Adi Arogyam Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai says “The Union budget related to healthcare has been nebulous. There are positives such as decrease in some cancer drugs, Biopharma Shakti Mission has a budget of Rs 10,000 crore to

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