BUSINESS
Budget can be a watershed moment for customs reform
If the government strikes the right balance between domestic industry needs and international trade obligations, Budget 2025 could lay the foundation for a more efficient, self-reliant, and globally competitive India.
BUSINESS
Monetary reflation needed to balance fiscal consolidation
The economy will benefit from liquidity support by way of monetary expansion, considering that India’s money supply which grew at 17 per cent a few years ago, is now at around 10 per cent. Monetary reflation could manifest via a combination of rate cuts and/or liquidity injection
BUSINESS
Budget must strengthen tax dispute resolution schemes to instil confidence
The logjam of tax disputes is a critical issue that the Budget needs to address, particularly at the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) level with over half a million cases pending and Rs 14.2 lakh crore at stake at this level itself. Also, there are more than 350 cases pending resolution at the Board of Advance ruling and over 800 pending Advance pricing agreement cases
BUSINESS
Budget 2025: Time to steepen the manufacturing tilt for inclusive growth
Union Budget 2025 should prioritise labor-intensive sectors, regional hubs, and value-added manufacturing to boost India’s share in global production. Empowering women, youth, and rural areas can address employment gaps, fostering inclusive growth and industrial competitiveness.
BUDGET
Youth-Driven Retail Revolution: Budget 2025’s key role in growth
The Union Budget 2025 can drive India’s retail transformation by focusing on youth employment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and sustainability. Strategic initiatives can unlock significant potential in tier 2, 3 cities, foster franchising, and modernise the retail landscape
TECHNOLOGY
With DeepSeek on the horizon, World War III has begun
The United States built its global dominance in the 21st century not brick by brick but byte by byte. But with DeepSeek’s impressive leap forward, the question now is whether China can surpass the US and redefine the global tech landscape
BUSINESS
Mastering IPO Journey: Navigating the process and ensuring post-listing success
Taking a company public requires careful planning during the IPO and post-listing stages. This guide explores the importance of IPO size, managing shareholder dynamics, attracting long-term investors, and executing post-IPO strategies to ensure sustained success in the public markets By Alok Bathija
BUDGET
A tax proposal to save Rs 1 lakh for every salaried tax payer without abandoning fiscal prudence
Data shows 88 percent of salaried tax payers earn less than Rs 15 lakh a year and contribute a mere 20 percent of tax collections. Lifting the tax threshold to Rs 15 lakh and levying a tax of 25 percent and 30 percent on the next two slabs can release up to Rs 2.4 lakh crore into the hands of salaried taxpayers. A lot of this tax relief will be recouped by the government in the form of GST accruing from higher consumption. It’s a win-win idea.
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: Can the Budget help change the market trend?
Market volatility, as indicated by the India VIX index, typically rises before the budget and sharply declines afterward.
BUDGET
India's educational system is awaiting a suitable budget
India faces declining school enrolment figures, particularly at secondary levels, alongside inadequate education infrastructure. Low education funding remains a challenge, with calls for increased investment, improved facilities, and a focus on skill development.
BUDGET
Time ripe for streamlining withholding tax in the budget
The current withholding provisions provide for seven rates. Having multiple rates creates confusion for taxpayers and increases compliance costs and even leads to litigation if TDS is deducted under certain incorrect provisions. The Government can consider rationalising the rates under four broad categories
BUSINESS
The Reading List: January 24, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
ENTERTAINMENT
India’s on the cusp of becoming a global music powerhouse
India is already the second largest streaming market worldwide for music. Digital platforms have democratized the space, providing musicians a way to reach a global audience without traditional hindrances such as record labels. Policy can give this trend a big boost by being mindful of the consequences of technological advancement and rights of artists
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: Is it time to address government debt-to-GDP ratio?
Debt-to-GDP ratios have surged across the globe post pandemic and are hardly coming down.
BUDGET
Driving India’s circular economy through tax rebates and sustainability initiatives in Budget 2025
India’s transition to a circular economy is vital for sustainable growth. Budget 2025 can accelerate this shift through tax incentives, waste-to-energy investments, and expanded PLI schemes, driving innovation, job creation, and environmental benefits while enhancing economic resilience.
BUSINESS
Foreign Investment and India’s Economy: Role of tax policies in Budget 2025
India's tax policies play a crucial role in attracting foreign investment, which drives economic growth. Budget 2025 offers an opportunity to simplify tax regulations, reduce capital gains tax, and introduce sector-specific incentives to enhance India's global investment appeal
BUDGET
Budget should build on bioethanol success story
India’s ethanol blending program rollout has outpaced targets. The National Policy on Biofuels is a stellar example of policy-driven success based on a smart mix of incentives. This example should be extended to biofuels other than ethanol to limit forex outflows and carbon emissions
BUSINESS
From Promise to Performance: India's insurance sector is poised for growth
India's insurance sector is poised for growth, driven by rising GDP, proactive regulations, technological advancements, and innovations. Initiatives like Bima Trinity and increased FDI limits are crucial, while technology and hyper-personalisation will enhance customer experience, aiming for 'Insurance for all by 2047.'
BUSINESS
SEBI's new guidelines for financial advisors make it unviable to do business
There is concern that the new and cumbersome regulations will lead some RAs to either shut down their operations or make side deals with their clients that fall outside the regulator's oversight.
BUDGET
Union Budget 2024-25: Accelerating India's infrastructure growth
The Union Budget 2024-25 aims to address challenges in infrastructure by boosting private sector participation, enhancing safety, promoting sustainability, and improving integrated planning. Expect the Union Budget to stick to high infrastructure spending
TECHNOLOGY
India’s AI Moment: Seizing the future of innovation
The rise of autonomous AI agents marks a transformative shift in business processes. India’s combination of technical talent, cost advantages, and a robust IT services legacy positions it to lead in this AI revolution, creating significant opportunities for startups.
BUDGET
From Trade Facilitation to Trade Promotion: Expectations of EXIM Trade from Budget 2025
With policy continuity expected, the upcoming Budget will be keenly watched for bold announcements on government’s intent for tackling challenging times ahead
POLITICS
Budget needs to start correcting India’s lopsided defence spending
India confronts hostile neighbours which makes the current defence spending of 1.9 percent of GDP inadequate. It needs to rise up to 3 percent of GDP and composition of spending has to pivot from salaries and pensions eating up more than half the share to prioritising the modernisation drive by upgrading armaments
BUDGET
Budget 2025: Key proposals to boost India’s power sector
Budget 2025 should focus on expediting PPA signings, enhancing supply chain resilience, advancing technology adoption, and strengthening financial markets to accelerate renewable energy growth. Incentives for CCUS, energy storage, and R&D will drive India’s clean energy transition
