India and Canada have formally commenced negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signaling a renewed push to deepen economic engagement between two major democracies. The proposed pact aims to expand trade in goods and services while addressing broader policy coordination across strategic sectors. Officials from both nations have articulated an ambition to elevate bilateral trade to Rs. 4.15 lakh crore (approximately $50 billion) by 2030.

Transport unions across Maharashtra have declared an indefinite statewide strike beginning March 5, escalating tensions between operators and the state government over electronic traffic fines and regulatory grievances. The Maharashtra Transporters Action Committee, representing truckers, private bus operators and taxi unions, said recent discussions with authorities failed to yield concrete assurances. If implemented, the strike could disrupt freight movement, school transport and urban mobility across key economic corridors.

Gold prices recorded a dramatic surge of Rs. 7,000 in a single trading session, driven by escalating war-related tensions and heightened global uncertainty. The sharp rally underscores bullion’s enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical instability. In Hyderabad, retail gold prices mirrored the national upswing, reflecting robust investor demand and precautionary buying. The sudden spike has reignited concerns over inflation hedging and portfolio rebalancing, while traders caution that volatility may persist.

Mahindra has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the XEV 9e Cineluxe special edition, priced at Rs. 29.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned above the Pack Three Select variant equipped with an 11kW AC charger and priced at Rs. 28.65 lakh, the new edition commands a Rs. 70,000 premium. The incremental pricing reflects primarily cosmetic enhancements aimed at strengthening the model’s aspirational positioning rather than mechanical upgrades.

India’s automobile retail market gathered significant momentum in February, with sales across major vehicle categories rising between 25% and 36% year on year, according to an analysis of Vahan registration data by Elara Securities. The surge was broad-based, encompassing two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, tractors and commercial vehicles. Notably, cumulative performance for FY26 has now shifted firmly into double-digit growth territory across all key segments.

TVS Motor Company reported a robust performance in February 2026, posting total sales of 5,29,308 units, a 31% increase over 4,03,976 units a year earlier. The growth was broad-based across domestic and international markets, with exports reaching a record 1,58,268 units. Two-wheeler volumes rose nearly 30% year on year, while three-wheeler sales surged 77%. Electric mobility remained a standout contributor, with iQube sales climbing 60%.

Kia India has achieved its strongest February performance since entering the Indian market, dispatching 27,610 units in February 2026. The figure represents a 10.3% year-on-year increase over the 25,026 units sold in February 2025, underscoring resilient consumer demand despite evolving market dynamics. On a month-on-month basis, sales remained largely stable compared with 27,603 units in January 2026, signaling consistent momentum at the start of the calendar year.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence has arrested Rishi Gupta, managing director and CEO of Fino Payments Bank, in connection with an alleged Goods and Services Tax evasion case tied to online betting operations. The Hyderabad unit of the intelligence agency initiated the action following an investigation into suspected tax irregularities involving digital payment channels. Authorities are examining whether banking infrastructure was used to facilitate transactions associated with betting platforms that allegedly bypassed statutory tax obligations.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced the suspension of fresh subscriptions in three of its international schemes effective March 2, reflecting ongoing regulatory limits on overseas investments by Indian mutual funds. The affected schemes include the ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund, ICICI Prudential Nasdaq 100 Index Fund and ICICI Prudential Strategic Metal and Energy Equity Fund of Funds. The decision, communicated to investors through a formal notice-cum-addendum, underscores the structural constraints imposed by aggregate industry-wide foreign investment caps.

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 7.9 percent year-on-year in February, underscoring steady economic activity and continued compliance improvements. The growth reflects resilient domestic consumption, stable industrial output and sustained trade flows despite global headwinds. February’s uptick adds momentum to cumulative fiscal-year collections, strengthening the government’s revenue base and supporting expenditure commitments. Analysts view the expansion as a sign of formalization gains within the economy and enhanced digital tax administration.