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Budget 2026: ₹20,000 Cr for CCUS to Reduce Emissions

The Indian government has announced a ₹20,000 crore investment over the next five years to advance carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology, aimed at reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as power, steel, and refineries. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that this initiative aligns with a roadmap established in December 2025, targeting enhanced readiness for CCUS applications across five key industries. Experts, including Suddhasatta Kundu from Nangia Global, welcomed the funding, noting its potential to facilitate blue hydrogen production. Atanu Mukherjee, CEO of Dastur Energy, emphasized the importance of CCUS in addressing the 30-35% of carbon emissions attributed to industries in India. Preliminary assessments indicate that India possesses approximately 600 billion tonnes of geological CO₂ storage potential. Dastur Energy has been proactive in this area, collaborating with NITI Aayog in 2021 to create the country's first CCUS policy framework, laying the groundwork for a national CCUS mission.

Published:
Feb 01 2026, 1 pm

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Biopharma SHAKTI: Stocks to Watch Post-2026 Budget

In a significant move to bolster India's biopharmaceutical sector, the recent Budget announcement allocated ₹10,000 crore for development over the next five years. This initiative aims to enhance biopharmaceutical education through institutions like the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERS) and improve regulatory frameworks via the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The plan includes establishing over 1,000 clinical trial sites to address the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, which have surpassed communicable diseases as the leading cause of death in India. Indian pharmaceutical companies, notably Biocon, which derives over 60% of its H1FY26 revenues from biologics and biosimilars, are increasingly focusing on this sector. Other firms, including Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy, have also developed biosimilars, while Aurobindo and Cipla are in the development phase. Enhanced approval timelines and a broader talent pool are expected to facilitate this transition from small molecules to biologics.

Published:
Feb 01 2026, 1 pm

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Key Highlights of the 2026-27 Union Budget

India's Union Budget for 2026-2027, themed "Viksit Bharat," aims to transform aspirations into achievements while prioritizing stability, fiscal discipline, and sustained growth. With a projected growth rate of 7%, the budget emphasizes energy security, reduced import dependencies, and structural reforms. It focuses on the underprivileged, promoting a "Yuva Shakti-driven" approach through three key duties: enhancing economic growth, fulfilling citizen aspirations, and ensuring inclusive development. Over 350 reforms have been introduced, including tax incentives for manufacturing and services, alongside initiatives to bolster MSMEs and agriculture. Infrastructure investment is set to rise significantly, with a commitment to energy security and urban development. The budget also outlines fiscal consolidation goals, targeting a debt-to-GDP ratio of 50% by 2030. Overall, the budget reflects a commitment to people-centric governance and ease of doing business, aiming to foster a robust economic environment for all citizens.

Published:
Feb 01 2026, 1 pm

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Small Taxpayer Measures from Budget 2026-27 Announced

In her Budget 2026-27 presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of measures aimed at easing the tax burden on ordinary taxpayers and small filers. Key proposals include exempting interest awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal from income tax and eliminating TDS on such interest. The Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rate for overseas tour packages and education and medical remittances will be reduced from 5% to 2%. A new automated process will allow small taxpayers to obtain lower or nil TDS certificates without needing to approach assessing officers. Additionally, the deadline for revising tax returns will be extended to March 31, and a one-time disclosure window for overseas assets will be introduced. The budget also aims to lower tariffs on personal imports from 20% to 10% and clarify baggage rules, enhancing duty-free allowances.

Published:
Feb 01 2026, 1 pm

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AVGC Labs for Creators in 15,000 Schools and 500 Colleges

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant support for the country's burgeoning Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector during her budget presentation on February 1, 2026. The government plans to establish AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges, aiming to cultivate a workforce projected to reach 2 million professionals by 2030. A report by FICCI and EY highlighted that the AVGC sector's revenues, which stood at ₹113 billion in 2025, are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% to ₹147 billion by 2027. Industry leaders praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance skill development, foster regional talent, and position India as a global hub for digital content creation. The move is seen as a pivotal step in formalizing India's creator economy, which significantly influences consumer spending and is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.

Published:
Feb 01 2026, 1 pm

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"FM Sitharaman: India's economy shows stability and growth."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation. Highlighting India's economic stability over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Modi, she emphasized the government's commitment to structural reforms, fiscal prudence, and public investment amidst a challenging global environment marked by disrupted supply chains and trade uncertainties. Sitharaman announced 'GST 2.0', aimed at simplifying indirect taxation with a two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, which seeks to lower compliance costs and reduce living expenses. The budget also prioritizes export growth in response to the U.S. imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Additionally, she laid out two statements under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, while the budget session will run for 30 sittings until April 2, with a recess from February 13 to March 9 for committee reviews.