Infrastructure Sector

This special News Today edition covers Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India following Bangladesh's withdrawal. The program features analysis by Sunil Gavaskar regarding potential ICC sanctions.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Parliament. The transcript captures the live movement of the Finance Minister's convoy from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the new Parliament building after seeking formal permission from the President of India. A key moment highlighted is when the reporter notes, 'This is the convoy of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman which is now heading towards the Parliament' for the crucial Cabinet meeting. The programme discusses the evolution of budget presentations from 1985 to the current televised era, noting how finance ministers have become more conscious of a national audience. Analysts on the show deliberate on the shift from tax-heavy budgets to those focused on tariffs and infrastructure. The discussion further explores the government's significant investments in roads and power since 2020, questioning the remaining fiscal headroom for continued infrastructural spending as the nation awaits the official tabling of the budget at 11 am.

On this Special Report, Managing Editor Siddharth Zarabi leads a panel discussion on the expectations and market sentiments surrounding the Union Budget. Analyzing the current economic climate, Zarabi emphasizes the need for stability, stating, 'Don't surprise anyone negatively, continue down the path of fiscal consolidation and solid factual credible numbers.' The discussion covers the 'Goldilocks movement' of the Indian economy, the shift toward the new tax regime, and the limited scope for indirect tax tinkering. The panel, including Chetan Bhutani and Sakshi Batra, explores capital expenditure in infrastructure, the potential for a 10-25% hike in defense allocation following 'Operation Sindoor', and the necessity of triggering 'animal spirits' in private investment. Dr. Baru highlights that while fiscal stabilization is on track, domestic demand and private capital formation remain stagnant. The program provides a comprehensive look at how the finance ministry might balance non-tax revenues with high-priority spending in a shifting global world order.

In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.

On this news bulletin, host Maria Shakil discusses the upcoming Union Budget as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive budget, creating history in Indian governance. Reporting from Vijay Chowk, Ketan Bhutani notes that 'something on deregulation could probably be announced' alongside a significant push for MSMEs and a potential 8-10% increase in infrastructure allocation to nearly ₹12.5 lakh crore. The panel, including Shankar Aiyar and Rajiv Mantri, evaluates the 'reform, perform, and transform' mantra, highlighting the critical role of states in asset monetisation and labour-intensive manufacturing. The discussion underscores the performance of states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in attracting investments and driving industrial growth. The programme explores the transition from government-led CapEx to the need for private investment and state-level deregulation to improve the ease of living and economic liquidity.

On this broadcast, economist Sanchita Mukherjee analyses the expectations and strategic direction of the Union Budget. Mukherjee highlights the importance of fiscal consolidation and execution, stating, 'The tiger lies low, not in fear. The tiger lies low when it's taking in .' She emphasizes that while India's macroeconomic parameters remain pristine, the challenge lies in attracting FDI and translating education into productive skilling and job creation. The discussion covers the need for public-private partnerships to mitigate regulatory risks and the importance of simplifying execution to cut through red tape. Mukherjee also suggests enhancing agricultural productivity through credit guarantee schemes similar to the MSME sector and proposes aggressive asset and gold monetisation to fund urban infrastructure. The transcript further explores the role of women in the budget drafting team, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur, noting how female participation influences social sector allocations and household budget concerns.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Sneha Mordani travels to the rural belt of Chandoli in Uttar Pradesh, known as the state's 'paddy bowl', to gauge farmer expectations ahead of the Union Budget. Farmers in this agricultural heartland expressed urgent needs for a more profitable Minimum Support Price (MSP) and better market access. One farmer highlighted the struggle, stating, 'Until we don't get it in terms of profit, In the budget, we should make arrangements to give a profitable price to the farmers.' The report details demands for financial support for modern machinery, specifically for black rice farming, and the implementation of agro-mechanisms to prevent stubble burning. Additionally, the conversation underscores the critical need for irrigation and climate-resilient crop practices. Sneha Mordani highlights that these farmers are not merely asking for subsidies but for the 'real price' and value for the food they provide to the country.

On this Special Report, Sneha Mordani explores the urgent expectations of the agricultural community ahead of the upcoming Union Budget. Reporting from Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, Mordani highlights that the sector employs nearly 46% of India's workforce but faces rising input costs and erratic weather. A key sentiment captured from the ground is: 'We are not getting the cost of production because the profit value is very low.' Farmers expressed a desire for modern machinery, better irrigation, and a shift toward climate-resilient practices like black rice cultivation. Interestingly, many farmers stated they do not want subsidies or 'alms' but rather a fair price for their produce and a platform to sell chemical-free products. The report underscores the need for reforms in the PM Fasal Bima Yojana and investment in rural infrastructure to ensure the backbone of the rural economy remains sustainable and profitable.

On this Special Report, President Droupadi Murmu addresses the progress of the nation, highlighting significant achievements in agriculture and women's empowerment. The President stated, 'My government has set up the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund for the modernization of the agricultural sector and better logistics development,' noting that over Rs 1.25 lakh crore in private investment has been attracted. The address emphasizes the mantra of 'Women-led Development,' citing that 10 crore women are now associated with self-help groups and the number of 'Lakhpati Didis' has surpassed two crore. President Murmu also touched upon national security, referencing 'Operation Sindoor' and the first batch of women cadets passing out from the National Defence Academy (NDA). The speech reaffirms India's decisive stance against terrorism and the ongoing work on 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' to strengthen the country's defence framework.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at India Energy Week, where he highlighted India's rapid transition from energy security to energy independence. Highlighting the nation's economic potential, Modi stated, 'It has an investment opportunity of $500 billion.' The Prime Minister detailed plans to increase oil and gas investment to $100 billion by the end of the decade and expand exploration to one million square kilometres. He emphasized India's position as the world's second-largest refiner, with goals to reach a capacity of 300 MMTPA. The speech also covered the strategic importance of the Free Trade Agreement with the EFTA, the expansion of the LNG value chain, and a Rs 70,000 crore shipbuilding initiative. Modi invited global stakeholders to 'make in India' and 'innovate in India,' citing a transparent, investor-friendly environment and significant reforms in the hydrocarbon sector.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw discusses India's aggressive technological and infrastructural transformation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Highlighting the shift from IT services to AI solutions, Vaishnaw stated, "The entire IT industry is going to be the largest AI services provider to the world," noting a target to develop a 10-million-strong AI talent pipeline. He detailed India's semiconductor roadmap, aiming for 7nm chips by 2030 and 3nm by 2032, while confirming that commercial production at nine ATMP units will begin in 2026. On infrastructure, the Minister revealed that 99.6% of the railway network is now electrified, with 35,000 kilometres added over the last 11 years. Vaishnaw also addressed India's macroeconomic resilience, projecting 6% to 8% real growth, and emphasized the country's emerging role as a trusted global value chain partner in electronics and defence manufacturing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of being indifferent to democracy and focused solely on the welfare of one family. Speaking about the state's political landscape, PM Modi stated that progress within the DMK is limited to the 'dynasty route, corruption route, abuse women route, or abuse our culture route'. He emphasized that for India to become 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), Tamil Nadu must be freed from the 'shackles of the DMK'. Highlighting the NDA government's contributions, the Prime Minister noted that the Centre has provided approximately ₹3 lakh crore through devolution in the last 11 years, which he claimed is three times more than the funding provided during the Congress-DMK coalition era. He further detailed that total central assistance to the state reached ₹11 lakh crore, benefiting farmers and fishermen through schemes like PM-Kisan and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, while modernising 80 railway stations.

On this Special Report from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines India's ambitious roadmap for technological and infrastructural self-reliance. Speaking to India Today, Vaishnaw stated, 'By 2030, we should be doing 7 nanometer chips. By 2032, we should be doing 3 nanometer chips.' He highlighted the rapid expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem, noting that commercial production at ATMP units will begin in 2026. Beyond electronics, the Minister detailed the massive overhaul of the Indian Railways, citing the addition of 35,000 kilometres of tracks and 99.6% electrification over the last 11 years. He emphasized that the transition to new-generation trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat is driving sustainable growth with significantly lower carbon emissions. The discussion also features insights from global analysts on the 'India Moment' and the resilience of the Indian economy amidst global geopolitical shifts and the evolving 'Trumpian era' dynamics.

At Davos 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined India's economic roadmap, targeting 7-nanometer chip production by 2030 and 3-nanometer by 2032. Vaishnaw cited GST reforms, labor changes, and the opening of the nuclear sector as primary investment drivers. He also noted that Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification. Axis Bank MD and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry addressed the resilience of the banking sector and export industries despite global trade uncertainties and US tariffs. Chaudhry stated that current interest rates support growth, reducing the immediate need for further cuts. The report also documented the Indian rupee reaching a record low of 91.74 against the US dollar due to geopolitical tensions. Deloitte South Asia CEO Romuald Shetty and Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman Rajan Mittal discussed India's potential as a global AI hub and the necessity of new Free Trade Agreements to manage market volatility. These leaders emphasized a shift toward product innovation and strategic trade diversification to maintain India's growth trajectory amidst global economic shifts.

On this special broadcast from Davos 2026, Ananya Birla, Director of the Aditya Birla Group, discusses India's pivotal role in the global economy. Speaking with Siddharth Zarabi, she emphasizes that 'India is the place to be' for long-term investors, citing the nation's high working population and rapid growth. Birla highlights the Aditya Birla Group's $115 billion market cap and its expansion across 41 countries. She addresses the 'moral dilemma' of AI, advocating for its use to enhance human productivity rather than create redundancy. The discussion also covers the importance of global integration, women's financial inclusion through Swatantra, and the 92% CAGR in the group's real estate and infrastructure sector. Additionally, the bulletin features insights from PwC India's Sanjeev Krishnan on CEO resilience and Bharat Forge's Amit Kalyani on global defense opportunities and the need for strategic financial support for Indian exports.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi walked out of the Assembly on Tuesday for the third consecutive year, citing a muted microphone and alleged insults to the national anthem.

Four days after the accident, authorities pulled out the car of the tech professional Yuvraj Mehta, whose car plunged into a water-filled pit in Greater Noida on Friday night. 

This Special Report examines the escalating political confrontation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where Governor R.N. Ravi staged a walkout for the fourth consecutive year. The Governor declined to deliver the customary address, alleging the state-prepared text contained inaccuracies regarding investment figures and women's safety. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin retaliated by moving a resolution to record only the approved speech, accusing the Governor of violating constitutional traditions. The program also investigates a fatal infrastructure failure in Noida’s Sector 150, where 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died after his vehicle plunged into a 30-foot deep, water-filled construction pit. The report highlights allegations of administrative negligence and delayed rescue efforts during the 72-hour recovery operation. Additionally, the broadcast covers the ongoing plight of Rameswaram fishermen facing arrests and harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Palk Strait. Panelists including Salem Dharanidharan and K.C. Palaniswamy debate the erosion of democratic conventions and federal friction in non-BJP ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

This India Today Special Report, led by Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor, investigates the death of 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta in Noida’s Sector 150. Mehta drowned after his vehicle plunged into a 30-foot water-filled ditch at a stalled construction site managed by MZ Wishtown. The investigation details a six-hour rescue delay and a lack of essential equipment despite the victim’s emergency calls. The site lacked barricades, reflectors, and streetlights, leading to the arrest of builder Abhay Kumar and the removal of the Noida Authority CEO following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's intervention. The report examines systemic failures and the Allahabad High Court’s observations on corruption within the Sports City project. Additionally, the broadcast covers global updates from Davos, including Indian CEOs meeting US President Donald Trump and European Union discussions regarding a Free Trade Agreement with India. Finally, the report notes the revocation of GRAP Stage IV measures in Delhi-NCR as regional air quality levels showed marginal improvement.

In this edition of 5 Live, India Today's Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor brings this ground report from the accident site where 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta drowned after his car plunged into a 30-foot water-filled pit in Noida’s Sector 150 on Friday night.