Maryam Farooqui

BUDGET

Sports gets a bigger play as Budget 2026 raises allocation by 18%

Sports Authority of India (SAI) has been allocated Rs 917.38 crore, up from Rs 830 crore in 2025-2026.

BUSINESS

Outlay for overseas promotion marginally up at Rs 3.5 crore, lower allocation for tourism in Budget 2026

The overseas promotion and publicity budget was dropped to Rs 3 crore in FY26 from Rs 33 crore in FY25.

TRAVEL

ixigo bets on temple town tourism; MakeMyTrip sees TCS cut in Budget 2026 fueling outbound travel

The government has proposed to reduce the TCS rate on overseas tour packages to a flat 2% from the earlier 5% and 20% slab based system.

BUDGET

National Institute of Hospitality proposed in Budget 2026 to power skills, service quality

A National Institute of Hospitality can create future-ready professionals who understand destination-led hospitality, regional cultures and experiential dining, hoteliers said.

BUDGET

National Institute of Hospitality to skill 10,000 tourist guides, FM proposes in Budget

The government also proposed to develop 15 archeological sites, including local Dholavira, Lake Palace into vibrant, experiential cultural destinations.

BUSINESS

Govt proposes setting up of content creator labs, Budget 2026 sets aside Rs 250 crore for talent development in AVGC

It has also allocated Rs 35 crore for National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics - Extended Reality (NCoE AVGC-XR). The allocation is up from Rs 17 crore in Budget 2025-26.

TECHNOLOGY

Finance Minister announces launch of Khelo India Mission in Budget 2026

The proposed Khelo India Mission will include the systematic development of coaches and support staff, integration of sports science and technology, and promotion of competitions and leagues to build a strong sports culture.

TRAVEL

Foreign tourist arrivals in India remains below pre-pandemic level, shows Economic Survey

While foreign tourist arrivals were down, overall international Tourist Arrivals (ITAs), including foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) and arrivals of non-resident Indians (NRIs), rose to 20.57 million in 2024, up 8.9 percent over 2023.

TECHNOLOGY

Economic Survey: Concert economy poised to drive growth in entertainment, tourism

The I&B ministry is working on a single-window mechanism for live entertainment permissions, including those needed from state governments

TECHNOLOGY

Economic Survey: Digital push keeps media, entertainment growth outlook strong

Industry estimates pegged the sector’s size at around Rs 2.5 trillion in 2024, driven by rising incomes, rapid internet penetration and a large domestic market

ENTERTAINMENT

Mahesh Babu–backed AMB Cinemas eyes South India expansion with over a dozen screens

The plan comes at a time when India struggles with screen growth, with iconic properties in Bengaluru, like Urvashi Theatre, shutting down..

BUSINESS

PVR INOX says 4700BC sale will not dent F&B revenues, sees big upside from Marico deal

The company's CFO called the Marico's Rs 227 crore deal of buying 4700BC popcorn brand as a timely monetisation opportunity for a non-core asset.

BUSINESS

PVR INOX exits gourmet popcorn brand 4700BC for Rs 226.8 crore, stake sold to Marico

The agreement for sale has been entered into on January 26 and the divestment is likely to be completed within 30 days from the date of definitive agreements, subject to customary closing conditions and terms of the definitive agreements.

BUSINESS

Marriott bets on cricket to drive membership in fast growing market India

The hotel brand is offering its members to use their Marriott Bonvoy points to bid or redeem for more than 500 Marriott Bonvoy Moments including Matchday Marriott Bonvoy Hospitality Experiences, pre-match Beyond the Boundary experiences, among others.

TECHNOLOGY

How ixigo's decade-old AI bet paid off during Indigo crisis

The IndiGo crisis that led to 4,500 flight cancellations saw a flood of customer queries. The travel platform's AI tools handled 90% of the calls

TECHNOLOGY

IndiGo crisis has Rs 2-crore impact on ixigo's Q3FY26 EBITDA

I personally like quarters such as Q3 FY26. Disruptions and challenging macro conditions allow us to differentiate, said the company's Chief Financial Officer, Saurabh Devendra Singh.

TRAVEL

Ooty to overseas: Republic Day break sparks travel rush as long weekends drive demand

Travel operators say long weekends have become increasingly significant for the travel industry with an incremental demand jump of 20 percent or more.

TECHNOLOGY

Indian esports at a turning point; game publishers eye the market, said Esports World Cup heads

While India's participation has been limited in the Esports World Cup in the last two seasons, EWC's Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann, is hopeful of higher participation by Indian esports players in the coming two editions.

TRAVEL

Budget 2026: Hotel industry wants policy boost to meet growing demand

Indian hoteliers also urge tourism to be placed in the concurrent list to improve coordination between the Centre and states.

BUSINESS

Davos 2026: S4Capital’s Martin Sorrell says Trump likes turmoil, adds it's a 'turbulent' time for businesses

Sorrell also highlighted how the geopolitical issues have made it tough for businesses globally.

TECHNOLOGY

Davos 2026: S4Capital's Martin Sorrell says 'Modi is on fire... India is a beacon of growth'

On Modi's leadership and the way he has dealt with Trump and the US- India trade, Sorrell called it a super job.

TRAVEL

Budget 2026: Tourism industry calls for more funds to promote 'Incredible India' globally

Travel players want higher budget for overseas marketing, simplified tax collected at source rates and modernised training to boost skill for the tourism industry, which has the potential to be a big job spinner

ENTERTAINMENT

A Dhurandhar 2025 for Bollywood, makes a strong comeback with record collections

At Rs 5,504 crore, Hindi film segment recorded highest earnings in the last 13 years, with Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar leading the pack