Hyderabad woman paying ₹66,000 rent for 3BHK shares late-night mosquito ordeal: 'This is not normal bro'A Hyderabad woman shows a bed full of dead mosquitoes, claiming the issue persists despite living in a gated society and paying high rent. Updated on: Mar 20
The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday that it has formed an expert committee with two former Supreme Court judges and a former Attorney General to review the class 8 NCERT book chapter about corruption in the judiciary. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices
The Gujarat government has approved a revised power supply pact with Tata Power, clearing the way for the company to resume long-term supply from its 4-gigawatt Mundra plant, according to a government document seen by Reuters. Also Read | Tata Power to develop 100 MW solar project at
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 was finally released in theatres on March 19 with paid previews available from March 18. However, soon after the film was officially released, its pirated version was available in Pakistan, as mentioned by some accounts on X
Delhi HC grants bail to two in NIA terror conspiracy case, cites limited roleDelhi HC grants bail to two accused in NIA terror case, citing limited role, no proof of content creation and prolonged custody of over four years. Published on: Mar 20, 2026 6:10 PM IST By Shruti Kakkar
Budget 2026 may further tilt balance toward new tax regime after exemption hike in 2025
Budget 2026 may further tilt balance toward new tax regime after exemption hike in 2025
As policymakers prepare the ground for the Union Budget 2026, the direction of India's personal income tax framework is becoming increasingly clear. The changes announced in Budget 2025 — particularly the sharp increase in the basic exemption limit under the New Tax Regime — are now shaping expectations that the simplified regime could see an even stronger push in the coming year.
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised the basic exemption limit under the New Tax Regime from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, delivering meaningful relief to salaried taxpayers. Combined with a higher standard deduction, the move effectively eliminated income tax for salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh. As Budget 2026 approaches, many taxpayers are reassessing whether to finally switch to the New Tax Regime or continue with the Old Tax Regime, which still offers higher exemptions and deductions.
The shift towards the New Tax Regime has already gathered significant momentum, and the 2025 changes are widely seen as a stepping stone toward making it the default system. In Assessment Year 2024–25, of the 7.28 crore income tax returns filed, 5.27 crore — or 72 per cent — were under the New Tax Regime, compared with 2.01 crore under the Old Tax Regime. This trend is likely to weigh heavily on Budget 2026 deliberations.
Old Tax Regime vs New Tax Regime
Under the New Tax Regime, both individuals receiving a salary and pensioners can now benefit from a standard deduction of Rs 75,000. This adjustment, in addition to the raised nil-tax threshold of Rs 12 lakh as declared in the budget, extends the tax-free income cap to Rs 12.75 lakh for those employed in salaried positions.
According to BankBazaar's calculations, the newly introduced tax changes will give more money in the pockets of citizens, enabling them to contribute to the economy in multiple ways. The minimum tax slab has been raised to Rs 12 lakhs from Rs 7 lakhs. The most striking change in the new regime is the removal of income tax for those earning up to Rs 12 lakhs and the revised tax slabs, which now see the 30% tax bracket apply only for those earning above Rs 24 lakhs. This means significant savings for middle-class earners.
For example, those earning Rs 15 lakh got 25% more under the New Tax Regime over the Old Tax Regime. The total savings under the New Tax Regime will be Rs 36,400 more than the 2024 tax slabs under the New Tax Regime and Old Tax Regime.
Here are the tax savings calculations in details:
Here's how income tax outgo under the old tax regime and the new tax regime changed from FY2024 and FY2025 across different income levels. The revised new regime, introduced in Budget 2025, sharply improved savings—especially for middle-income taxpayers.
At the lower end of the income spectrum, the new tax regime effectively eliminates tax liability altogether. Individuals with taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh pay zero tax under both regimes. However, the difference becomes visible at Rs 7.5 lakh, where tax under the old regime stands at Rs 65,000, while the new regime (2025) brings it down to zero, resulting in a saving of Rs 26,000 over the 2024 new regime. The benefit widens further at Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, where taxpayers save Rs 52,000 and Rs 83,200, respectively, compared with the previous version of the new regime.
The most striking gains are visible in the Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh income bracket. At Rs 15 lakh, tax under the old regime is Rs 2.73 lakh, while the revised new regime reduces it to Rs 1.09 lakh, delivering a saving of Rs 36,400 or 25%. At Rs 20 lakh, savings jump to Rs 93,600, translating into a 31% reduction over the 2024 new regime. At Rs 25 lakh, taxpayers save Rs 1.14 lakh, again equivalent to 25%.
Beyond Rs 30 lakh, the absolute savings remain largely constant at around Rs 1.14 lakh to Rs 1.24 lakh, but the percentage benefit steadily declines as income rises. For instance, at Rs 30 lakh, the saving works out to 18.6%, dropping to 9.2% at Rs 50 lakh and just 1.9% at Rs 1 crore. At very high income levels such as Rs 5 crore, the saving is limited to 0.3%.
Overall, while the newer tax regime offered uniform absolute relief at higher incomes, it is clearly designed to maximise relative benefits for middle-income earners. The structure reinforces the government's push toward a simplified, deduction-light tax system that delivers the biggest gains to taxpayers earning between Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh annually.
Source: Msn
Related Posts: PM Modi, Jaishankar to address gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers Why 1973–74 Union Budget Was Called The ‘Black Budget’ Why The 1997–98 Union Budget Earned The Title Of India’s “Dream Budget” Will European Union give ground on 2035 combustion-engine ban Date, time and where to watch the Union Budget speech live Union Budget 2026 Expectations Live Updates Is the Union Budget always presented on 1 February Union Budget 2026 Date Set For Sunday As Key Panel Clears Parliament Calendar When Will FM Nirmala Sitharaman Present Union Budget 2026 Union Budget May Ease GST Compliance Burden For Micro
A cyclone in Australia which authorities said could be among "the worst in living memory" appears to have been less damaging than feared - but concerns remain about severe flooding. Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed the east coast of Cape York in Far North Queensland with powerful wind gusts of 220
1 days ago
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at 50% cost? Samsung’s new plan explainedSamsung launches ‘Galaxy Forever’, letting users own a Galaxy S26 Ultra by paying 50% upfront with flexible upgrade, return, or retain options. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 5:50 PM IST Share via Copy link You may be interested in
1 days ago
A key moment of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's official visit to the US was President Donald Trump's comment on a piece of shared history - Pearl Harbor. Asked by a Japanese journalist why the US had not warned its allies it was going to strike Iran on 28 February
1 days ago
New Delhi, Mar 20 (PTI) IT major Wipro on Friday announced the launch of its AI-Data Centre solution to accelerate enterprise-scale AI adoption, while modernising core data centre environments and customer experience operations. Wipro’s AI-Data Centre (AI-DC) solution integrates NVIDIA’s AI
1 days ago
Ustaad Bhagat Singh recorded a Rs 34.75 crore opening on Day 1, falling short of expectations amid a major box office clash with Dhurandhar 2. Ustaad Bhagat Singh Box office collection: While Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge dominated theatres on March 19, Ugadi also saw the release of a major Telugu film
1 days ago
Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow 20 per cent year‑on‑year in 2026, driven by Apple’s expected entry into the segment and continued premiumisation of the smartphone market, a report said on Tuesday. New Delhi: Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow
1 days ago
Samantha Ruth Prabhu coos ‘babu’ as she shows off Ugadi pachadi to sceptical Raj Nidimoru: ‘Nuvvu chesava?’As part of the promotions of her upcoming film Maa Inti Bangaram, Samantha Ruth Prabhu tried her hand at making Ugadi pachadi with Suma and Nandini Reddy. Mar 20, 2026
1 days ago
Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 3 wishes: Share these heartfelt wishes, messages, images, and quotes with your loved ones on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah! Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 3 wishes: The third day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta
1 days ago
The cabinet of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was expanded on Friday with five ministers taking oath, filling all vacant positions ahead of Assembly elections scheduled early next year. Those inducted include former state BJP president Madan Kaushik (Haridwar)
1 days ago
Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL shares surge after premium petrol price hikeThe prices of premium petrol—BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power, and IOCL’s XP95—has been increased by ₹2.09– ₹2.35/litre, but there's no change in regular petrol. Updated on: Mar 20
1 days ago
Nashik's high-profile astrologer Ashok Kharat, aka "Captain," has been arrested following a brave complaint by a 27-year-old woman. From a ₹100 crore empire to secret VVIP "Vashikaran" rituals for politicians, discover the shocking details of the SIT probe
1 days ago
Bengaluru second airport: Tender floated for feasibility, strategy report, says Minister PatilBengaluru second airport: Tender floated for feasibility, strategy report, says Minister Patil Published on: Mar 20, 2026 5:53 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Bengaluru
1 days ago
The Middle East inflows to India declined to just 89,000 mt in the week to March 19, representing only 34 per cent of total imports — the lowest share since January. New Delhi: Liquefied petroleum gas loadings from the US destined for India have risen and surpassed volumes from traditional Gulf
1 days ago
Josh Hazlewood, who played a crucial role in RCB's triumphant campaign in the IPL 2025, has not played a match since injuring his hamstring in the Sheffield Shield on November 12 last year. Former South African player Faf du Plessis has stressed the importance of Josh Hazlewood in Royal Challengers
1 days ago
Pakistan cricket is facing renewed scrutiny after a disappointing Super Eight exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 and a 1-2 ODI series loss to Bangladesh. Pakistan cricket is facing renewed scrutiny after a disappointing Super Eight exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 and a 1-2 ODI series loss to
1 days ago
New Lexus ES 500e: Lexus has introduced the new ES 500e in India, marking the brand’s first all-electric offering in the country. It is priced at Rs 89.99 lakh (ex-showroom). New Lexus ES 500e: Lexus has introduced the new ES 500e in India, marking the brand’s first all-electric offering in the
1 days ago
An Indian citizen died in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday amid the conflict in West Asia, the Indian embassy in Riyadh said on Friday. In a social media post, the embassy expressed its condolences about the person’s death in the capital Riyadh. It added that it was in touch with the person’s family
1 days ago
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized Kerala's LDF government. He stated the state's reliance on remittances, lotteries, and liquor is unsustainable. Tharoor proposed 'Kerala 2.0' with new ideas for the upcoming polls. He highlighted the UDF's positive agenda beyond anti-incumbency
1 days ago
The Union government on Friday told the Supreme Court that it has set up a committee that includes former Supreme Court judges to review a chapter about “corruption in the judiciary” in a textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, Live Law reported
1 days ago
Ronit Thakur, founder of Be Rolling Media, recently sparked an online discussion on work culture and accountability. He shared a real incident from his office involving a new employee who stopped coming to the workplace just two days after joining due to a “personal issue."Ronit Thakur
1 days ago
From Myth to reality: Oral health solutions every Indian needsAmazon's Oral Care Fest runs until March 22, offering up to 40% off on various oral health products. The event aims to debunk common myths surrounding oral care Updated on: Mar 20
1 days ago
‘No guarantee’: Cristiano Ronaldo injury crisis worsens as Portugal boss makes worrying FIFA World Cup claim Published on: Mar 20, 2026 5:25 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is currently out of action due to injury
1 days ago
What began as a controversial call by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the AFCON final has now snowballed into a wider debate: one that stretches all the way back to 1976. After stripping Senegal of their title and awarding Morocco the 2026 AFCON crown following a walkout
1 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims the Centre plans to revoke citizenship through NRC and Census after state elections. She alleges an unofficial President's Rule is in effect. Banerjee also accuses the Election Commission of facilitating the BJP's victory by transferring officials
1 days ago
Sam Curran, England's charismatic all-rounder, is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League season for Rajasthan Royals due to a suspected groin injury, with the franchise exploring replacement options, according to a report. Curran, who was part of England's T20 World Cup side that recently
1 days ago
Empowered and Traditional: Mumbai women take the lead in Gudi Padwa celebrationsFrom women donning Nauvari sarees to participating in bike rallies and traditional performances, take a look at how Mumbai women took lead this Gudi Padwa Published on: Mar 20
1 days ago
China on Friday (March 20, 2026) welcomed the appointment of veteran diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing hope that he will make a positive contribution to the sustained improvement of Sino-India ties. Mr. Doraiswami, a 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer
1 days ago
