Today’s major news stories & the ongoing political and economic reactions to the Union Budget 2026

On the Launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’ (February 5, 2026)

“Through the initiative of the Ministry of Cooperation, we launch ‘Bharat Taxi’, every bit of whose profit will go to the driver brothers. This will enhance customer convenience and also increase drivers’ profits.” — Amit Shah, Union Home and Cooperation Minister.
“Bharat Taxi has been conceptualised as a transformative initiative in the mobility sector, placing drivers—referred to as Sarathis—at the centre of ownership, operations, and value creation, thereby freeing them from exploitative aggregator-based models.” — Ministry of Cooperation Official Statement.
“We are reinforcing the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ (The driver is the owner) principle.” — Amit Shah while distributing share certificates to drivers.

On the Union Budget 2026 and Parliamentary Uproar

“The ‘Reform Express’ is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfill our kartavya. Our duty is to ensure every family, community, and sector has access to resources, amenities, and opportunities.” — Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister.
“Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors are pulling out capital. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks—all ignored. A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India’s real crises.” — Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition.
“I am not being allowed to speak because Prime Minister Modi is scared… The trade deal that had been stalled for four months was suddenly signed yesterday evening. PM Modi has been compromised.” — Rahul Gandhi.
“When the government wants the House to be disrupted, their MPs are made to stand up—this happens every day… This is an insult to democracy.” — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Lok Sabha disruptions.
“Has India compromised under US pressure? We question the manner in which the Indo-US trade deal was announced while Parliament was in session.” — Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President.
“This strategic agreement with the world’s largest economy… is in the larger interest. It strengthens both a developed India and a self-reliant India.” — Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Industry Reactions to the Budget

“It is a ‘Test-match Budget’ ahead of the T20 World Cup. No flashy sixes, just smart singles all around to keep the scoreboard ticking. Steady and disciplined.” — Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises.
“Welcome increase in defence spend. Broad fiscal discipline continues. Works on balancing between financialisation of the economy and focused development of a diverse, deep India.” — Uday Kotak, Founder, Kotak Mahindra Bank.
“The Union Budget 2026–27 serves the dual role of a stabiliser and a growth enabler, and promoting investments is a critical component in this regard.” — Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.
“The Budget strikes a balanced and credible note with a clear focus on growth, inclusivity, and Yuva Shakti.” — Anant Goenka, President, FICCI.

On Jammu & Kashmir Security and Welfare

“One terrorist has been successfully neutralised. Operation is in progress in the general area of Dichhar, Kishtwar.” — White Knight Corps, Indian Army.
“This decision [to provide 200 units of free electricity] fulfills a key promise to provide relief to over two lakh households under the AAY category.” — Manoj Sinha, J&K Lieutenant Governor.