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India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, with a budget of ₹40,000 crore, marks a significant shift towards building domestic capabilities in the semiconductor sector, rather than merely increasing production capacity for foreign firms. The initiative aims to foster Indian companies across the entire semiconductor value chain, from design to materials, thereby enhancing strategic control and resilience. By reducing import dependence, Indian firms could capture 30-40% of domestic demand, boosting their negotiating power within global supply chains. The focus on developing equipment and materials based on Indian intellectual property is crucial, as is the government's move to exempt customs duties on critical minerals. Emphasizing mature-node technologies aligns with domestic needs, particularly in renewable energy. Moreover, fostering talent through hands-on experience and practical training is essential for sustainable growth. If ISM 2.0 is executed effectively, India could transition from assembly-led growth to a position of design-led leadership in the semiconductor industry. 
Published: Feb 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inKrishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, has praised the Union Budget 2026 for its strategic vision, marking a departure from traditional transactional approaches. He highlights the budget's focus on long-term national strength through investments in knowledge, science, agriculture, healthcare, and job creation. Key initiatives include a ₹10,000 crore allocation for biotechnology, aimed at enhancing India's BioPharma capabilities, and significant regulatory reforms to streamline clinical trials, fostering innovation. The budget also prioritizes human capital development, with plans to train 1.5 lakh healthcare professionals and establish regional health hubs. In agriculture, the shift towards high-value crops and veterinary science is expected to boost farmer incomes and food security. Additionally, support for MSMEs and legacy industries like textiles aims to create jobs and strengthen rural economies. Ella concludes that if executed effectively, this budget could lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and a brighter future for India.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inSuneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, has praised the Union Budget 2026 for its innovative approach and focus on healthcare, emphasizing a shift towards a future-oriented vision. The budget aims to enhance India's healthcare sector through the establishment of Medical Value Tourism hubs, which will cluster accredited hospitals and wellness centres, making treatments more accessible to international patients. Reddy highlighted the importance of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare, ensuring a standardized experience for transnational patients. The budget also addresses pressing health challenges, including mental health issues among youth and chronic conditions in women and the elderly, advocating for a shift towards preventive healthcare. With significant investments in research and affordable therapeutics, Reddy believes the budget lays the groundwork for a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, transforming healthcare from a cost to an investment for the nation’s future.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance asset monetisation, the Indian government has set a target of ₹80,000 crore under ‘Miscellaneous Capital Receipts’ for the fiscal year 2026-27, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a post-Budget press conference. She emphasized that a 10% nominal GDP growth is realistic, attributing this to declining inflation, which she described as a significant factor in the GDP deflator. The Budget estimates India's GDP at ₹393 lakh crore, with new data expected on February 27. Additionally, the government plans to increase the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options to deter speculative trading, aiming to protect small investors from substantial losses. Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur clarified that the focus is on asset monetisation rather than disinvestment, with current fiscal receipts from stake sales and monetisation exceeding ₹27,500 crore. Net market borrowings remain stable at ₹11.73 lakh crore, primarily due to upcoming repayments.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIndia's latest Union Budget has been met with a mixed but largely positive response, particularly for rural sectors, manufacturing, and traditional health systems. Emphasizing public capital expenditure, the Budget aims to bolster infrastructure, which is expected to create jobs and enhance productivity. Notably, the focus on rural India through diversified livelihood opportunities, including animal husbandry and women-led enterprises, is seen as a vital step towards sustainable demand in the FMCG sector. Additionally, the Budget's support for Ayurveda and the AYUSH ecosystem signals a commitment to integrating traditional healthcare with modern standards. However, concerns remain regarding the lack of immediate measures to stimulate consumption, as many middle-income families remain cautious. Simplifying regulatory processes for MSMEs could further enhance growth. Overall, while the Budget prioritizes stability over bold changes, it lays a foundation for sustained economic progress, reinforcing confidence in India's growth trajectory.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift from previous fiscal policies, India's Budget 2026 embraces the KISS principle—Keep It Simple, Stupid—aiming to foster growth rather than stifle it. With a capital expenditure allocation exceeding ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY 2026-27, the focus on infrastructure and logistics aims to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs, benefiting manufacturers and investors alike. The Budget also prioritizes support for MSMEs through a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, promoting financial stability and technological investment. Additionally, initiatives like Biopharma SHAKTI aim to bolster India's life sciences sector, while measures to deepen the corporate bond market promise improved funding access for industries. Recognizing the role of NBFCs in credit delivery, the Budget proposes a high-level panel to reform banking, ensuring a resilient financial architecture that supports long-term growth. Overall, the Budget reflects a comprehensive strategy to enhance economic competitiveness and support underserved sectors.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inBrahmani Nara, Executive Director of Heritage Foods Ltd, has praised the Finance Minister's recent budget proposals, which aim to bolster India's agricultural sector amid global challenges. The budget emphasizes support for small and marginal farmers, who constitute 86% of the farming community and often struggle with access to technology, quality inputs, and financial resources. Key initiatives include enhancing veterinary capacity, promoting entrepreneurship in livestock, and focusing on high-value crops like coconut and cocoa to boost export potential. The integration of digital technologies, such as precision agriculture and a multilingual AI tool named Vistaar, is expected to improve farming efficiency and yield forecasts. Additionally, a three-year tax exemption for cattle feed and cottonseed producers is seen as a positive move to stabilize incomes for small farmers. Overall, the budget reflects a commitment to increasing farmers' income and advancing agricultural growth in line with the vision of a developed India.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Budget 2026 has proposed significant changes to the taxation of buybacks on listed shares, set to take effect in FY27. Currently, buybacks are taxed as dividends according to the individual's tax slab, allowing for capital loss claims against other gains. Under the new proposal, buybacks will be taxed as capital gains, with long-term gains taxed at 12.5% and short-term at 20%. This shift means public shareholders will face tax liabilities if their total income, including buyback gains, exceeds ₹4 lakh, as the rebate applicable to other income does not apply here. For corporate promoters, the tax rate will be 22% for both long and short-term gains, while individual or foreign corporate promoters will face a 30% rate. This change aims to eliminate tax arbitrage advantages previously enjoyed by buybacks, balancing the interests of investors and management while addressing market signaling distortions.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Union Budget 2026 marks a pivotal move towards establishing an AI-driven economy in India, emphasizing the need for an AI-literate workforce to maximize its potential. While AI is not explicitly highlighted, the Budget's focus on semiconductors, rare earths, and advanced manufacturing underscores a vision to position India as a global technology hub. Key initiatives include the establishment of 15,000 AI labs in schools and 10,000 technology fellowships at premier institutions, aimed at fostering early AI literacy among students. Additionally, a high-powered panel will assess AI's impact on jobs and skills, acknowledging the necessity of workforce transformation alongside technological adoption. The development of energy-efficient data centres is also crucial, requiring skilled personnel to manage complex operations. Ultimately, the Budget intertwines investments in technology with a commitment to human capital, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in an increasingly AI-centric global landscape.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2026-27 Budget amid challenges of limited tax reforms and a pressing need for job creation. The Budget aims to navigate a complex landscape of geopolitics and trade disruptions while maintaining fiscal stability, with a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% and a debt-to-GDP ratio goal of 55.6%. Total expenditure is set at ₹53.47 lakh crore, with a significant 22.12% increase in effective capital expenditure. However, concerns arise from projected gross tax revenue growth of 8% and the reliance on optimistic income tax assumptions. Sitharaman's long-term vision includes investments in sectors like semiconductors and biopharmaceuticals, alongside a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund. Despite these initiatives, the market reacted negatively, with the BSE Sensex experiencing its largest budget-day drop in six years, largely due to an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax aimed at curbing speculation. The success of these plans hinges on effective implementation.
Published: Feb 01 2026, 10 pm
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