In a first bid round, 55 oil and gas exploration blocks will be put to auction by the Government. This will be the first auction under the new Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy. The opening of 2.8 million sq.km of sedimentary basin will help boost the domestic oil production and reduce the dependence on imports.

The GST Council will meet today ahead of the Union Budget 2018 to discuss on easing compliance burden on the companies. The Council will also focus on revision of rates for certain items. In today’s meet, inclusion of real estate sector under the tax regime will also be considered.

The Indian Readership Survey 2017 will released today jointly by RSCI, MRUC and Audit Bureau of Circulations. IRS is the study of print media readership, last released in 2014.

Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah will hold a pre-budget consultation meeting from today in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah will present his last budget this year on February 16. The meeting will have senior officials from various departments. The CM will also hold talks with representative organisations working for farmers and minorities.

Datsun Cross is all set to debut in global markets today. The latest SUV will compete with Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra KUV100. The car will come with dual airbags and ABS.