India's inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the new base year 2024, for the month of January this year is estimated at 2.75 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, according to official data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Thursday. The food inflation came in at 2.13 percent during the month. Prices of vegetables such as potatoes, onions and garlic declined during January along with the prices of pulses such as arhar and tur. However, there was an increase in the price of tomatoes during the month. Housing Inflation was estimated at 2.05 percent. The data showed a sharp increase in the inflation rate for silver jewellery at per percent and in the case of gold jewellery at 46.77 percent. India's CPI inflation was estimated at 1.33 percent for December 2025 which was marginally higher than the corresponding figure of 0.71 percent for November, but the inflation rates for both months was based on the old base year of 2012. The base for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has now been revised from 2012 to 2024 using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24, the official statement said The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is releasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with Base 2024 equal to 100. The item basket and the corresponding weights are based on Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24. The exercise is being done for enhancing the coverage and representativeness of the inflation measure. The revision introduces more granular data enabling policymakers, financial institutions, businesses and citizens with precise data-driven decisions," the statement said The new data includes two Divisions in place of six Groups in accordance to the Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose (COICOP) 2018. New additions in the data are rural housing, online media service provider/streaming services, value added dairy products, Barley and its product, Pen-drive and External Hard disk, Attendant, Babysitter and Exercise equipment. The items that have been removed are VCR/CD/DVD player and hiring charges, Radio, Tape recorder, Clothing second-hand, CD/DVD audio/video cassettes and Coir/rope, according to the statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 05:54 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSUnion Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that with most of the developed world signing trade agreements with India, we will be able to make affordability and last-mile delivery India's cutting edge. "Huge markets have been opened up with all the trade deals that we have done. We now cover, as a nation, 70 percent of the global GDP with market access, in most cases, at zero duty for your products," he said. In a message to the startups, he said the world is your market, and the "world is your stage now." "I wish you the best for the wonderful work that you're doing. We'll be able to make affordability and last mile delivery India's cutting edge," he said. Praising the Indian startups, Goyal said, "Seeing our innovators work with a sense of patriotism gives us complete confidence that India is on the right path towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047." While speaking with the media on the sidelines of the 'INDovation' Medtech Innovation & Startup Showcase at Vanijya Bhawan, Goyal said, "It is a wonderful feeling seeing the Indian start-up and innovation system growing." "Seeing our innovators work with a sense of patriotism gives us complete confidence that India is on the right path. Today, at this event, I was fortunate to witness a reflection of the pledge of Viksit Bharat taken by 140 crore people of the country..." he said. While addressing the startups at the event, Goyal said India is at the cutting edge of technology today. "India is at the cutting edge of technology today, but it couldn't have been possible until the government and private sector both have encouraged our young entrepreneurs. He further said that innovation is supporting India's day-to-day needs, supporting India's real imperatives on the ground. "It's important also to showcase what are the success stories to encourage newer people to come into this field. Otherwise, you'll end up having only few stories of people who may not have succeeded in the first instance," he said. "I have urged Startup India, and would urge private sector players too that we must also continuously encourage those who may not have succeeded in the first instance because it not necessary that you have to hit it right first time around but failure is not something bad, it's not a stigma," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 05:53 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIDays after the Pune migrant worker murder, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged hate crime behind the 24-year-old man's killing, however, the Pune police have refuted the allegation and stated that the death of the deceased was a result of a drunken argument, reported the PTI. According to the PTI, Pune rural police clarified that the victim was allegedly killed after an argument with two individuals while intoxicated, reported the PTI. The officials claimed that there was no other angle to the case. The deceased identified as Sukhen Mahto was found dead late on February 9 in Koregaon, under the jurisdiction of Shikrapur police station. A probe was launched thereafter. "As per preliminary information, Mahto, worked in a local industry. Before the incident, he left his house to go to work at 3 pm. But instead of going to work, he started roaming in Koregaon in a drunken state," said Inspector Dipratan Gaikwad of Shikrapur police station, reported PTI. It is understood that, in his drunken state, he got into a spat with two persons, he said. CCTV shows victim arguing with two men before incident, say police "Our primary probe suggests that following the spat, he was allegedly murdered by the two persons. We have CCTV footage in which the deceased is seen in an unstable condition and arguing with two persons. The actual assault was not captured on CCTV. However, he was allegedly found murdered using a sharp weapon nearby," Gaikwad said, reported PTI. The probe suggests that the murder is a fallout of a dispute that took place in a drunken state, and there is no other angle to it, the official added. "We have registered an offence and a search for the assailants is on," he said. CM Mamata Banerjee calls incident a hate crime West Bengal CM Banerjee termed it a "hate crime" and demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. In a post on X, she said, "I am shaken, enraged, and sickened beyond words by the barbaric murder of Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Bandwan in Purulia, the sole earning member of his family, in Pune, Maharashtra." "This is nothing short of a hate crime. A young man was hunted, tortured, and murdered for his language, his identity, his roots," she added, reported PTI. "This is the direct consequence of a climate where xenophobia is weaponised and innocents are turned into targets," the CM said. She demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and exemplary punishment for them. "To Sukhen's family, I say that West Bengal stands with you in this hour of unimaginable grief. No effort will be spared to secure justice," she added. (With PTI inputs)
12 February,2026 05:46 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDays after the India-US trade deal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday alleged Centre of undermining farmers and workers. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi shared a video of Opposition MPs protesting outside the Parliament during the on going Union Budget 2026 session. The leader accused the Centre of working against the interests of farmers and workers. In a statement, Congress leaders alleged that the government first weakened labour rights by introducing the new Labour Codes and later compromised farmers’ interests under pressure from the United States during a trade deal. She claimed that the conditions agreed upon in the reported US trade agreement would severely impact Indian farmers. It said such terms could “break the backbone” of the farming community. Congress leaders argued that the government should protect domestic agriculture rather than accept conditions that may harm rural livelihoods. नरेंद्र मोदी सरकार ने पहले लेबर कोड लाकर मजदूरों के अधिकारों पर हमला किया, फिर अमेरिका के दबाव में किसानों के हितों से समझौता कर लिया। अमेरिकी ट्रेड डील में जिस तरह की शर्तें रखी गई हैं, उससे भारतीय किसानों की कमर टूट जाएगी। इसके पहले भी ये सरकार किसानों के खिलाफ कानून ला चुकी… pic.twitter.com/0ZxGAOng10 — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 12, 2026 Reference to previous farm laws The statement also referred to the now-repealed farm laws, alleging that protests against those laws had led to the deaths of around 750 farmers. The party accused the Centre of bringing policies that it described as “anti-people” and said it would continue to oppose decisions that harm farmers and workers. The Congress said it stands firmly with farmers and labourers and would not allow injustice against them. The government has not yet responded to the latest remarks. Priyanka Gandhi denies ‘egging on’ MPs in speaker’s chamber row Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday rejected allegations made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, calling them “a lie”, reported the PTI. She denied claims that she encouraged Congress MPs to misbehave in the chamber of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The row follows Rijiju’s statement that 20 to 25 Congress MPs had entered the Speaker’s chamber last week, abused him and threatened the Prime Minister. He alleged that senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and K C Venugopal, did not stop the MPs and instead encouraged them. On Thursday, Rijiju shared a video clip on social media, claiming it showed Congress MPs entering the Speaker’s chamber and behaving improperly. He described the clip as having been recorded by a Congress MP, according to the PTI. He said his party believes in debate and discussion and does not support any physical threats or misconduct by MPs. The protest had taken place after opposition MPs objected to remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey about former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Responding to the charges, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament complex that neither she nor her colleagues abused anyone. “We did not abuse anyone. One or two MPs were agitated and expressed it. He also said that I was encouraging them, which is a lie. I was sitting quietly. In the end, I said a few things peacefully to the Speaker,” she said. The exchange has added to tensions between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Parliament. (with PTI inputs)
12 February,2026 04:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentShivam Mishra, the son of local tobacco baron KK Mishra, was granted bail by a court in Kanpur on Thursday, hours after his arrest in the high-profile Lamborghini crash that injured several people on VIP Road on February 8. Police produced the 35-year-old before the additional chief judicial magistrate around 10 am, seeking judicial custody for 14 days. However, the court rejected the plea and granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 20,000. Anant Sharma, counsel for the accused, confirmed the bail order, allowing Mishra to walk free pending further proceedings. Kanpur Lamborghini accident: Speeding car first hit rickshaw, then crashed into parked motorcycle The incident occurred around 3.15 pm on February 8 when a Lamborghini Revuelto — an Italian luxury sports car worth over Rs 10 crore — rammed into pedestrians and vehicles in the upscale Gwaltoli area near Rev-3 Mall. The speeding car first hit an autorickshaw and then crashed into a parked Royal Enfield motorcycle, throwing the rider nearly 10 feet into the air. The motorcycle was dragged for some distance before the vehicle struck an electric pole and came to a halt. At least six persons were injured, some with serious leg fractures and bruises. Mohd Taufeeq, 18, an e-rickshaw driver who suffered leg injuries, lodged a complaint. Another injured person, Sonu Tripathi, said he and his cousin were standing near their parked motorcycle when the car hit them. Eyewitnesses alleged that private bouncers accompanying the accused tried to push back the crowd and behaved aggressively, escalating tensions at the spot. Police rushed to the scene, rescued the driver, and shifted him along with the injured to a private hospital. The damaged Lamborghini was seized and taken to the police station. Angry locals gathered outside the police station, alleging misbehaviour by the accused’s associates and claiming the police were going soft due to the family’s influence. Some protesters also said pressure was being exerted for a compromise and that there was a delay in registering the case. The case took a fresh turn on Wednesday when a man identified as Mohan claimed he was the designated driver and was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. However, police rejected the claim, stating that evidence collected during the investigation, including CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, clearly established that Shivam Mishra was driving the car when it hit pedestrians and other vehicles on the busy stretch. Counsel for the accused later claimed that complainant Taufeeq was not keen on pursuing legal action. KK Mishra, father of the accused and owner of Banshidhar Exports Pvt Ltd — a firm engaged in supplying tobacco to gutkha manufacturers in the region — had earlier claimed that his son was not driving and was asleep in the car. Police have registered an FIR against Shivam Mishra under relevant sections of the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act, including rash and negligent driving, causing hurt, and endangering life. Further investigation is under way. The incident has sparked outrage in the city over reckless driving by the rich and influential, with demands growing for stricter enforcement of traffic rules on VIP roads. (With PTI inputs)
12 February,2026 04:51 PM IST | Kanpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force. As per the IANS sources, the clearance for buying Rafale jets was granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. As per the reports, the deal was accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to the programme. The clearance has come through ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's forthcoming official visit to Delhi, reported IANS. After the Defence Ministry’s approval, the deal will eventually need clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India to purchase 18 off-the-shelf Rafale jets from France According to the proposal, India will purchase 18 off-the-shelf Rafale fighter jets from French defence giant Dassault Aviation. As reported by IANS, the remaining 96 fighter jets will be made in India. Furthermore, some of these jets will be twin-seater aircraft to be used for training. The deal will involve the transfer of state-of-the-art fighter jet technology and a strategic partnership to give a fillip to the 'Make in India' programme. Indian Air Force already has 36 Rafale jets The Indian Air Force already has 36 Rafales in its fleet, comprising two squadrons, with the last delivery of the 'C' variant taking place in December 2024. Whereas, another 26 Rafale jets of the 'M' version have also been ordered for the Indian Navy in a deal worth Rs 63,000 crore. The naval variants will be operated from the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. That deal includes facilitation of fleet maintenance, logistics support, and personnel training under an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) agreement. Rafale Jets were used in Operation Sindoor The Rafale jets were successfully used in Operation Sindoor to hit precision targets in Pakistan as part of India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025. They were used to launch the SCALP, an air-launched cruise missile developed that can strike hardened targets over 250 km away with extreme precision. The state-of-the-art fighter jet, Rafale, can also carry Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, the Hammer, a stand-off strike weapon, and the Spectra, an advanced e-warfare suite, as well as advanced radar and targeting systems. (With inputs from IANS)
12 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia's medical devices industry is projected to reach USD 50.1 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 26.9 per cent from the current valuation of USD 15.2 billion in 2025, said a report by Rubix Data Sciences on Wednesday. Currently, India ranks the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia and among the top 20 globally. According to the report, growth is being propelled by government initiatives such as National Medical Devices Policy (NMDP), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Scheme for Promotion of Medical Devices Parks, and MedTech Mitra. The study assumes greater significance in the light of the Union Budget-FY27's renewed focus on bio-pharma research in the country. The report highlights that rising income levels, expanding health insurance penetration, increasing healthcare infrastructure and the growth of medical tourism, are boosting demand for both affordable mass-use devices and advanced solutions for specialised care. Medical devices exports have reached USD 4.1 billion in FY25 with the government targeting to raise India's global market share from 1.6 percent to around 12 percent in the coming years. The US and Germany are the key export destinations, while the US and China are major import sources. The study shows that despite strong export performance, the sector remains largely import-dependent, with 70-80 percent of domestic demand being met through imports, particularly for technologically-advanced devices. As compared to exports, imports were more than double at an estimated USD 8.6 billion, growing at a 7.1 percent CAGR over the same period. The report highlighted that India's export strength is in consumables, which accounted for nearly 47 percent of exports between April-September FY25, and shows India's strengths in cost-efficient manufacturing, scale production, and price competitiveness in low- to mid-technology products. In contrast, the report says, electro-medical equipment accounted for nearly 60 percent of imports, driven by India's continued reliance on advanced, technology-intensive devices. The report flags the India–US interim trade agreement as a near-term inflection point for the sector. The reduction in US import tariffs on Indian medical devices from 50 per cent to 18 per cent is expected to improve export competitiveness for Indian manufacturers, particularly in high-volume, price-sensitive segments, enhancing India’s positioning relative to competing suppliers such as China. At the same time, India’s commitment to easing non-tariff barriers for US medical devices could intensify competitive pressure on domestic players in high-end and technology-intensive segments, where local manufacturing capabilities remain limited. The net impact on the industry, the report notes, will depend on regulatory reciprocity and the pace of domestic capability-building. The domestic manufacturing base consists of approximately 800 medical device manufacturers in a broad but fragmented industry landscape. The report reveals that the average deal size for PE/VC funding has increased nearly 2.5 times from USD 56 million in 2022 to USD 137 million in 2024. Four states, namely UP, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka are playing a critical role in strengthening the industry by enabling shared infrastructure, skilled manpower, and supplier networks, particularly for small and mid-sized manufacturers, according to the report. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 03:46 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIJamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani has strongly criticised the Union government’s directive to play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events, calling it a “blatant attack on freedom of religion.” He said the move violates the constitutional rights of religious minorities in India. Government directive on Vande Mataram The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently issued detailed guidelines stating that whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at an official event, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be presented first. This decision has sparked debate over religious freedom and citizens’ rights to choose which patriotic expressions they participate in. Politics over patriotism? Madani criticised the decision as politically motivated rather than patriotic. “Making this song mandatory and attempting to impose it on citizens is not an expression of patriotism; rather, it reflects electoral politics, a sectarian agenda, and a deliberate effort to divert public attention from fundamental issues,” he said. He added, “The true measure of love for one's country lies not in slogans but in character and sacrifice. Such decisions weaken the country's peace, unity, and democratic values and undermine the spirit of the Constitution.” In a post on X, Madani said the directive is coercive and unconstitutional. “The Central Government's unilateral and coercive decision to make Vande Mataram the national song and to mandate all its stanzas in all government programmes, schools, colleges, and functions is not only a blatant attack on the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of India but also a systematic attempt to curtail the constitutional rights of minorities,” he wrote. He explained that while Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing the song, some verses describe the homeland as a deity, which contradicts monotheistic beliefs. “Since a Muslim worships only one Allah, forcing him to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court,” Madani said as per ANI reports. Religious beliefs must be respected Madani emphasised that Muslims worship only one God and cannot accept associating partners with Him. “Therefore, making Vande Mataram compulsory is a clear assault on the Constitution, religious freedom, and democratic principles,” he said. His statements highlight the ongoing debate over balancing patriotic expression with constitutional protections for religious freedom in India. (With ANI Inputs)
12 February,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo people died after a car rammed into a truck near Ghazipur Toll Plaza on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway on Thursday morning. Rajvir Singh Baghel, Station Officer (SO) of Laxmi Nagar Fire Station, said: "We received a call about an accident near Ghazipur MCD Toll at 7:05 am. We reached the spot and pulled out two people from the car. Before we reached here, three people, including two kids and a driver, were rushed to the hospital. There was no one else inside the car." "A total of five people were present in the car when the accident took place. The truck driver has fled the scene..." he added. An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited. Earlier, two people died, and three were left injured in a road accident on the Meerut-Delhi Highway late Monday night, the police said. At about 06:43 AM, a PCR call was received at PS Ghazipur regarding a fatal road accident near MCD Toll, NH-9, in front of Vinod Nagar Depot, Delhi. It was found that a car, coming from the Ghaziabad side, had collided with a container truck near the toll booths. In the incident,… https://t.co/5d1sXYGhgF — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026 Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Noida, Manisha Singh, stated that a crash occurred between a truck and another vehicle. When passersby, including truck drivers, came to the aid of the truck driver involved in the accident, another speeding vehicle struck them. She informed that the bodies of the two deceased have been sent for post-mortem, adding that further investigation is ongoing in the fatal accident. "On the night of 9 February, at around 11 PM, we received information about a truck that had been hit by another vehicle. When other truck drivers arrived to rescue the driver, another vehicle, coming at high speed, rammed into those people. Police reached the spot after receiving the information. Five were injured and taken to the hospital, of whom two later died. Their family members have been informed. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and further inquiry is being conducted...," the ADCP stated. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 03:02 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said that in her Lok Sabha speech, she presented a comprehensive picture of how this year’s Union Budget will contribute to India’s economic transformation. Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi shared the speech and wrote, “In her speech in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji gave a comprehensive picture of how this year’s Budget will contribute to our nation’s economic transformation. She emphasised on Reform Express, the support to MSMEs, skilling, push to next-gen infrastructure, efforts to boost healthcare, education and more." Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the total resources to be transferred to the states, including the devolution of state share in taxes and releases that are made under the centrally sponsored schemes in the Budget for 2026-27 is estimated to be Rs 25.44 lakh crore, which is a Rs 2.7 lakh crore increase compared to 2025-26. Finance Minister says states receiving full 41 percent tax share According to IANS, FM spoke in the Lok Sabha that she refuted the opposition charge that the Centre has reduced the transfer of resources to the states, pointing out that the allocation to states has gone up. All the money due to the states has been transferred to them, and there is no scope for doubt on this issue, she remarked. The Finance Minister said the Centre was transferring 41 per cent of the net proceeds of taxes to the states in accordance with Constitutional norms. The figure is also audited by the CAG, she added, She also said that this cess amount, which is not included in the net taxes, also makes its way to the states. For instance, the cess collected under various heads, such as health, education, and roads, eventually gets transferred to the states. The Finance Minister said that the Budget for 2026-27 provides for a total capital investment of Rs 17.15 lakh crore, which has a 4X multiplier force that will accelerate economic growth in the march for Viksit Bharat. She pointed out that the Centre's capital expenditure was Rs 12.22 lakh crore, which amounted to 3.1 per cent of GDP, and represented an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to the corresponding figure for 2025-26. After including the transfer to the states under various Centrally sponsored schemes, the capex of Rs 17.15 lakh crore works out to 4.4 per cent of GDP. FM dismisses deficit cut claims, invites states to join mega projects The Finance Minister said this disproved the opposition's claim that the fiscal deficit has been kept cut to 4.3 per cent in the Budget by reducing developmental expenditure. She further stated that the Centre has opened its schemes to all states and did not intend to leave out any state. She welcomed state governments to approach the Centre for aid in establishing mega food parks, IT parks, smart cities and waterways, etc. "Any state can aspire -- by going through the PM Gati Shakti filters -- if they have a viable proposition. Any state can request the establishment of Allied and Health Services hubs, where we intend to set up medical centres. States can seek to be part of this initiative, under which all aspects of medical education and hospitals for patient treatment can be concentrated in one area. So any state can qualify," Sitharaman said. This is a major, forward-looking proposition, given the medical tourism advantage that India possesses. It will become a centre for multi-purpose, multi-speciality Allied Health Services, through which we can further promote medical tourism, she added. FM says states can set up mega skill hubs; budget focuses on jobs, agri boost Similarly, all states can participate in the scheme for establishing mega centres for clubbing education and skilling centres for youth. "These mega centres will enable students to become entrepreneurs, and this kind of a mega centre can be kept next to any industrial cluster that any state has," she observed. “So, these mega entrepreneurship building centres as education hubs can also come up in any state. We are willing to work with states so that this mammoth higher education centre can be propped up,” Sitharaman added. The Finance Minister pointed out that the emphasis in the budget is on labour-intensive sectors so that they can have more resources to improve, and it is also looking at the legacy industries, which are waiting for rejuvenation, and have been funded. She pointed out that the emphasis of the budget on high-value agriculture and horticulture crops, such as coconut promotion, will benefit one crore farmers. The Finance Minister further stated the agricultural sector was being accorded priority with digital support in the form of Agri stack, which will contain all details of soil and fertiliser to boost productivity and enhance the earnings of farmers. The stack will contain information on scientific agricultural practices such as the use of quality seeds and timely irrigation. (Inputs from IANS)
12 February,2026 02:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the name of the building complex Seva Teerth on February 13 at 1:30 pm. PM Modi will also be inaugurating the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2. As per the official statement, PM Modi will also be addressing a public programme at Seva Teerth at 6:00 pm in New Delhi. The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan will mark a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture while also reflecting PM Modi’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. For decades, several key government offices and ministries functioned from fragmented and ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area. This dispersion led to operational inefficiencies, coordination challenges, escalating maintenance costs and sub-optimal working environments. The new building complexes address these issues by consolidating administrative functions within modern, future-ready facilities. Seva Teerth houses PMO and several other key offices Seva Teerth will house the Prime Minister’s office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, which were earlier located across different locations. Bringing all the key premises in one enclosure, the Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 will also be accommodating several key ministries. Digitally integrated offices Both buildings feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities. These features will foster collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance, improved citizen engagement and enhanced employee well-being. Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. Safety and security at Seva Teerth At the same time, safety and security inside the premises will be paramount. Comprehensive frameworks have been embedded into the architecture of these complexes to create secure yet accessible spaces. Seva Teerth has been integrated with smart access control systems to regulate entry and exit, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas. Furthermore, the integrated surveillance around the central vista premises network will provide real-time monitoring, enhancing situational awareness and deterrence. Also, the advanced emergency response infrastructure, including fire detection, alarm systems and evacuation protocols, strengthens preparedness and response capabilities.
12 February,2026 02:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1770897819892_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "India’s January inflation rises slightly on new CPI base. Representational Image")
-1770896723783_d.png "Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. File Pic")
-1770811555850_d.png "India strengthens medical devices sector amid rising exports and investment. Representational Image")
-1770889118946_d.png "Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani. File Pic")
