BUSINESS
MC-Deloitte CXO Survey: Simpler taxes and single-window clearances topped the Ease of Doing Business wishlist
A simpler and more predictable tax and compliance framework can materially reduce friction, while improved land acquisition processes are critical to avoiding project delays, executives said.
BUSINESS
'Game-Changer' for Industry: CII and FICCI hail India-EU FTA as competitiveness milestone
Auto components and emerging electric-vehicle components, a key industry in terms of employment generation in India, are projected to experience faster growth, in the range of 10–15% annually, according to PHDCCI
BUSINESS
India, EU hope to operationalise free trade agreement by 2026-end, says Piyush Goyal
India and the EU first launched negotiations for a free trade agreement in 2007
BUSINESS
India-EU pact: A Rs 6.4 lakh crore boost for farmers, small businesses, and 12 key states
As many as 12 states are expected to benefit from the FTA. "The gains will be broad-based and cluster-led, benefiting manufacturing and services hubs across multiple states especially those anchored in MSMEs and labour-intensive value chains," the release said
BUSINESS
Budget 2026: Govt could allocate more than Rs 30,000 crore in Budget for the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme
The government may hike the one-time stipend amount provided to interns under the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS), sources say. Currently, the central government provides a direct-benefit-transfer of Rs 6,000 to a new intern, which may be raised by Rs 1,000-2,000.
BUSINESS
India–EU FTA could lift MSMEs, but rules may decide who survives
While lower tariffs in the EU market, streamlined customs procedures and regulatory cooperation could help, non-tariff barriers can become the biggest challenge for Indian firms, say experts.
BUSINESS
Apple vs CCI: 'Global turnover' penalty rule unconstitutional, tech giant tells Delhi HC
Apple says that it can face a fine of $38 billion, or Rs 3,41,295 crore, based on the global turnover for the three preceding years FY22, FY23, and FY24. As of now, the CCI has only asked Apple access to its global financial records.
BUSINESS
AI to fast-track unclaimed share refunds; small claims to be processed in 7 days
The total number of unclaimed shares lying with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority is around 1 billion, valued about Rs 1 lakh crore
BUSINESS
Govt likely to go with select committee amendments, IBC bill to be tabled during budget session
Baijayant Panda-led select committee has recommended 11 key changes to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) bill
BUSINESS
'One-time expense', says government, industry seeks uniformity as new labour codes squeeze margins
IT majors such as TCS, Infosys and HCLTech have said new 'wage definition' in the labour codes has squeezed profits and led to an exceptional charge of over Rs 4,300 crore
BUSINESS
Ahead of Budget, Centre faces competing demands from farmers, textile exporters on cotton import duty
While textile manufacturers are pushing for the removal of the import duty on cotton to improve competitiveness of exports, farm organisations are opposed to such a move, pointing to a sharp decline in prices
BUSINESS
Rs 20,000 crore windfall: SC Tiger Global verdict triggers massive revenue potential for tax authorities
Tax experts say that the verdict signals a stricter approach to tax treaty interpretation, and as a result, foreign investors’ sentiment may be dampened, which may lead to low inflow of FDI and FPIs in India, they say.
BUSINESS
CCI summons steel pipe companies in connection to cartelisation, bid-rigging probe
Commencing on January 12, the hearings follow the CCI’s September 2025 raids on the offices of leading steel pipe producers.
BUSINESS
'Insolvency is of a company, not a real-estate project': Baijayant Panda rejects project-wise codification in IBC
Panda says that the new Bill makes resolution of MSMES much easier. "Small companies don’t have the wherewithal to deal with IBC. For MSME, a pre-packaged resolution plan has been envisaged. The bar has been lowered for initiation of the pre-packaged process. Now 51% votes of the financial creditors are required for the process to start, earlier it was 66%."
BUSINESS
Timeliness strictly spelled in IBC 2.0, debt recovery for banks may double from current levels: Baijayant Panda
"In the last three-four years, on an annual basis, Rs 50,000-60,000 crore was being recovered by banks from bad assets, in which IBC played a big role. My guess is, this figure can double, once the amended IBC law is enacted," Panda told Moneycontrol.
BUSINESS
Budget 2026 may include clarifications on taxation of data centres and remote employees working in India
CBDT may expand 'permanent establishment' definition for big tech & data centers, which could increase tax liability for foreign enterprises.
BUSINESS
FY27 Budget: Govt may peg nominal GDP growth at 10-10.5% as inflation uptick looms
"We are estimating real GDP growth in the range of 6.5-7 percent in FY27, and deflator at around 3.2-3.5 percent," a government official told Moneycontrol.
BUSINESS
Demographics, financial inclusion, AI potential creating 'unprecedented growth tailwind' for India: Shaktikanta Das
"India’s stance in the changing world order is clear. India stands for a cooperative and rule-based global system; but at the same time, we are proactively forging partnerships and strategies to secure our national interest in a world where power is more diffused," Das said.
BUSINESS
India to remain a fast-growing economy, low external debt, consumption to fuel growth, says UN economist
US tariffs would weigh on exports in 2026 if the current rates persist. Demand from Europe and the Middle East will partially offset the impact, Christopher Garroway has said
BUSINESS
UN projects India’s GDP growth to moderate to 6.6% in 2026 from 7.4% in 2025 amid high US tariffs
"While tariffs may adversely affect some product categories, key exports such as electronics and smartphones are expected to remain exempt," said the UN report.
ECONOMY
Govt to stick to 4.4% fiscal deficit aim in FY26 but will need to 'manage' expenditure
Economists say Centre will have to cut down on revenue and capital expenditure to achieve 4.4% of fiscal deficit target, as they see a sharp shortfall in tax revenues – more than Rs 1 lakh crore in FY26.
BUSINESS
India’s 'Goldilocks' run to continue for next two years; FY27 growth likely at 6.5-7%: EAC-PM Chair
'India has entered into FTAs with various trade partners which is contributing to diversification of exports. This adds to the overall resilience of exports,' the EAC-PM Chairman said.
BUSINESS
Budget 2026 may offer incentives to attract more global investment in AI
The industry has asked for a conditional tax holiday for some data-centre developers with eligibility tied to capacity thresholds, employment and green energy targets
BUSINESS
US intervention in Venezuela: Near-term impact on India’s oil import mix is unlikely, says official
"Venezuela’s crude oil share in India’s import basket is marginal. The present crisis is not going to affect India materially, or change the import mix anytime soon," government official told Moneycontrol.
