Moneycontrol Opinion

BUSINESS

Budget Snapshot: Interest burden on revenue uncomfortable, but FY26 could see relief

The only antidote to high interest payment is lower market borrowing

BUSINESS

Harnessing private investment to fuel mega infrastructure projects

India’s infrastructure development relies on increasing private sector participation. The government must address challenges such as regulatory hurdles, land acquisition, and financing to enhance private investment in key sectors like ports, railways, and roads.

BUSINESS

Strategic tax reforms in Budget 2025 for sustainable economic growth

The Union Budget 2025 is expected to focus on tax reforms, fiscal discipline, and growth stimulation. Key measures include tax simplification, incentives for GCCs and green energy, and improved dispute resolution, aiming to foster innovation, investment, and economic sustainability

BUSINESS

Digital payments system needs to adapt to rural India’s realities

Digital payment mechanisms offer significant potential to empower rural and semi-urban borrowers. However, their success depends on addressing underlying infrastructural and educational challenges. Achieving financial inclusion in India’s heartland will require an approach that blends the innovation of digital systems with the reliability of traditional cash methods.

BUDGET

Budget 2025 could give India's electronics manufacturing industry a boost

India’s electronics manufacturing sector holds vast growth potential. Budget 2025 can boost this by strengthening PLI schemes, adopting Industry 4.0, enhancing domestic supply chains, upskilling workers, and improving export competitiveness, positioning India as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

BUSINESS

Will Budget 2025 emerge as the growth Chyawanprash?  

India’s confluence of tight fiscal policy through disciplined fiscal consolidation, tight monetary and stable exchange rate policy through the tolerance of higher interest rates, and tight macroprudential policy to curb frothy retail credit – have exacted a growth cost. As that cost is becoming more evident in weaker growth readings policymakers are starting to unwind 

BUDGET

India Inc awaits key reforms and growth boosters in Budget 2025

India Inc expects the upcoming budget to focus on tax reforms, job creation, simplifying compliance, and promoting sustainability. Key expectations include revising TDS provisions, extending CSR funds for environmental projects, and rationalising personal tax deductions to boost economic growth

BUDGET

Budgetary incentives in research and development help boost innovation

The upcoming budget aims to strengthen India’s R&D ecosystem through strategic funding, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships. These measures are designed to promote technological advancements, foster innovation, and position India as a global leader in research and development

BUSINESS

Budget likely to enhance public investment which will catalyse M&A

The country might witness a resurgence in the M&A activities after a dull few quarters, as there are indications that the government is most likely going to increase capital expenditure outlay in the next fiscal year as a way to push economic growth

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.