eznews.inIn a notable shift, the latest budget emphasizes ecosystem building over mere financial support for technology growth, highlighting a balanced approach to manufacturing, infrastructure, and human capital development. The Semiconductor Mission 2.0 exemplifies this strategy, addressing the entire semiconductor value chain, from fabrication to workforce training. Similarly, advanced manufacturing initiatives, such as duty exemptions for aviation components and the establishment of digitally enabled tool rooms, reflect a dual focus on hardware and skilled personnel. The budget also introduces tax incentives for AI and foreign data centers, positioning India as a global hub for data operations. Additionally, the introduction of 'Corporate Mitras' aims to alleviate compliance burdens for tech firms, while changes in share buyback taxation encourage reinvestment in businesses. Overall, the budget appears tailored for builders, integrating manufacturing incentives with substantial investments in talent and operational expertise. 
Published: Feb 02 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn the context of India's evolving economic landscape, Budget 2026 emphasizes the integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into various sectors to enhance productivity and inclusivity. Venkatraman Narayanan, Managing Director of Happiest Minds Technologies, highlights the budget's focus on real-world applications of AI, which are now central to both large corporations and government services. The initiative includes the establishment of 15,000 creator labs in educational institutions, aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment. With a significant allocation for the IndiaAI Mission and support for the National Quantum Mission, the budget signals a commitment to advancing emerging technologies. Additionally, regulatory simplifications and tax incentives, such as a tax holiday for foreign cloud service providers, position India as a global hub for data and cloud services. Overall, Budget 2026 reflects a strategic vision for leveraging technology to drive economic growth and job creation. 
Published: Feb 02 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a cautious Budget on Sunday, prioritizing economic stability amid rising global risks. The Budget increased spending on manufacturing and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal discipline, with a projected deficit reduction to 4.3% of GDP for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the announcement of higher taxes on equity transactions and increased government borrowing led to a slump in stock markets. Analysts noted that the Budget's focus on fiscal prudence could provide the predictability investors seek in uncertain times. Despite the government's aim for self-reliance and investment in key sectors, opposition parties criticized the Budget for not addressing critical issues like job creation and economic growth. The government anticipates economic growth of 6.8% to 7.2% for the next fiscal year, slightly lower than the current year's 7.4%. Key highlights include a record borrowing plan of 17.2 trillion rupees and increased capital expenditure. 
Published: Feb 02 2026, 8 ameznews.inDr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, emphasizes that a nation's true wealth lies in the health and productivity of its citizens, not merely in GDP figures. The Union Budget for 2026-27 highlights healthcare as central to India's economic and social vision, with initiatives like the ₹10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti program aimed at enhancing self-reliance in biologics and making advanced treatments more accessible. The budget also prioritizes last-mile healthcare delivery, expanding emergency care in district hospitals and establishing mental health centres to address critical gaps. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare is set to improve diagnostics and patient outcomes. By positioning healthcare as a key economic driver, the government aims to transform India into a global medical hub, fostering both domestic job creation and international patient influx. This comprehensive approach signals a commitment to a healthier, more prosperous future for all citizens. 
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 pm
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