The Prime Minister has launched the Svanidhi Credit Card and the new Amrit Bharat Express train in Kerala. These initiatives will provide interest-free loans to street vendors and improve connectivity with neighboring states. PM Modi Svanidhi Credit Card: PM Modi announced major development
Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has opened up about the censorship hurdles surrounding his Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie, revealing why he ultimately chose to release the film with an ‘A' certificate despite the commercial risks involved. Speaking at a press interaction on January 26
Apple is preparing a busy first half of the year for its Mac lineup, with multiple new machines and displays expected to launch, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Wave of new Macs expected soonIn the latest edition of his Power On newsletter
Karnataka's Congress and BJP are clashing over an alleged Rs 400 crore robbery of demonetised Rs 2,000 notes near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the role of BJP-ruled states, while the opposition accused Congress of using Karnataka as a funding source
Against global uncertainty and a calibrated fiscal consolidation path towards a deficit of about 4.4 per cent of GDP, Budget 2026 is being read as a signal of India's medium-term economic intent, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's ‘Pre Budget Survey 2026'
Budget 2026: Industry expectations anchored in policy continuity, credibility
Budget 2026: Industry expectations anchored in policy continuity, credibility, execution
Against global uncertainty and a calibrated fiscal consolidation path towards a deficit of about 4.4 per cent of GDP, Budget 2026 is being read as a signal of India's medium-term economic intent, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's ‘Pre Budget Survey 2026'.
New Delhi: As India approaches Union Budget 2026-27, industry sentiment points to a clear shift from headline announcements to policy direction, continuity and execution, a survey showed on Monday.
Against global uncertainty and a calibrated fiscal consolidation path towards a deficit of about 4.4 per cent of GDP, Budget 2026 is being read as a signal of India's medium-term economic intent, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's ‘Pre Budget Survey 2026'.
With the economy expected to grow at around 6.5–7 per cent in FY26 and central government capital expenditure now more than three times its FY20 level, companies making long-term decisions on capacity, supply chains and decarbonisation are seeking stable policy frameworks, practical incentives and smoother execution rather than incremental or short-term measures.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
On fiscal strategy, respondents favour a calibrated approach. While 35 per cent believe growth and employment should be prioritised even if fiscal consolidation slows, 28 per cent call for a balance between deficit control and growth-oriented spending, the findings showed.
A further 26 per cent stress strong fiscal prudence to sustain investor confidence, reflecting broad support for discipline without sacrificing momentum.
For trade, a simplified and predictable export-incentive framework is the top priority (40 per cent), followed by the conclusion of free trade agreements with key partners (31 per cent).
Businesses are focused on minimising disruption during the transition to the New Income Tax Act. Extending transition timelines with relaxed penalties (28 per cent), dedicated support channels (26 per cent) and sector-wise government–industry consultations (25 per cent) are the most sought-after forms of support.
For salaried taxpayers, 44 per cent believe lower tax rates or wider slab intervals are the most effective way to improve the attractiveness of the new regime, followed by the introduction of limited deductions (26 per cent).
Sector-specific innovation funds and weighted tax deductions for R&D (each supported by 30 per cent of respondents) emerge as the most effective tools, followed by public–private partnerships in research, underlining the importance of measures that directly lower the cost and risk of innovation, said the survey.
Long-term infrastructure investment is driven more by certainty than incremental incentives.
A stable tax regime for InvITs, REITs and infrastructure bonds is identified by 41 per cent of respondents as the most important trigger for attracting long-term capital.
This is followed by tax certainty for PPP and hybrid structures (23 per cent) and streamlined cross-border funding approvals (19 per cent).
“Renewable energy and storage infrastructure is the top priority area (43 per cent), reflecting the clean-energy transition, followed by urban infrastructure (26 per cent) and transport and logistics (21 per cent).
On ease of doing business, 40 per cent of respondents prioritise streamlining compliance and licensing, while 33 per cent seek time-bound service delivery obligations on public authorities.
Reducing tax uncertainty and faster dispute resolution are important but secondary to upfront regulatory clarity and process efficiency, the survey found.
"Across tax, trade and customs, the survey points to a consistent theme: businesses are seeking greater clarity and predictability. Whether it is the transition to a new Income-tax Act, GST administration or digital integration in customs, the emphasis is on stable frameworks, smoother implementation and reduced compliances,” said Richa Sawhney Partner, Tax Grant Thornton Bharat.
On customs, alignment of classification and origin norms with global standards (39 per cent) and reduced duties on strategic manufacturing inputs (30 per cent) are seen as the most effective measures to enhance competitiveness, alongside the need for a predictable duty roadmap, said the survey.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Delhi court clears Kejriwal in ED cases over excise policy summons European Central Bank is not in any hurry to change policy Jobs, Capex And Exports Top Industry Wish List, Shows FICCI Survey UK’s new immigration policy makes English a test of belonging KRK claims film industry is targeting him after arrest in Mumbai firing case What India's Republic Day red carpet means for its foreign policy Justice a living institution that must balance continuity with change CREDAI seeks major policy push to boost housing affordability Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE Space industry seeks assured government demand
Motorola Signature Vs Samsung S25 Ultra Price In India: The Motorola Signature and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compete in India's flagship segment, with Motorola offering a sleek design, 165Hz AMOLED display, triple 50MP cameras, and fast 90W charging, while Samsung focuses on a 200MP camera
Just now
Gold, Silver hit record highs: As gold and silver smash through record levels, economist and gold advocate Peter Schiff has issued one of his strongest warnings yet, arguing that the surge in precious metals is not a sign of prosperity but a signal of deep economic stress building beneath the
Just now
American rock climber Alex Honnold, who has grabbed eyeballs for climbing one of the world's tallest skyscrapers in Taiwan without protective gear, has revealed that he was paid an "embarrassing" amount for undertaking the risky feat. In an interview with the New York Post
Just now
New Delhi: At India's Republic Day 2026 parade in the national capital, where celebrations met a patriotic spirit, with tradition walking hand-in-hand, fashion also emerged as a quiet yet powerful form of diplomacy. Among the chief guests in attendance
Just now
A Forest Department employee interrupted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan's Republic Day speech in Nashik. She questioned the omission of Dr B R Ambedkar's name. The minister apologized, calling it an unintentional oversight. Police briefly detained the employee
Just now
Intel shares dove more than 10 percent Thursday despite the struggling US chip maker doing better than expected in the recently ended quarter, as its revenue forecast disappointed investors. Intel reported a loss of $600 million on revenue of $13.7 billion in the final three months of last year
Just now
Myanmar's dominant pro-military party has won junta-run elections, a party source told AFP on Monday (January 26, 2026), after a month-long vote that democracy watchdogs dismissed as a rebranding of army rule. "We won a majority already," a senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development
Just now
A cosmetic doctor who faced a backlash over a video picking apart pop star Troye Sivan's appearance says he "feels terrible" for upsetting the singer - but will continue to post. London-based Dr Zayn Khalid Majeed posted a two-minute clip drawing attention to the 30-year-old's "problem" areas
Just now
A slice of apple pie smothered in melted cheddar cheese turned out to be better motivation than a Grand Slam title defence. Jessica Pegula knocked out defending Australian Open champion — and close friend — Madison Keys with a composed 6-3, 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena on Monday
Just now
The Indian Air Force (IAF) registration for the Agniveer Vayu under the Agnipath Scheme is open. Interested candidates can check the complete details here The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opened the registration process for Agniveer Vayu Intake 01/2027 under the Agnipath Scheme
Just now
Rub the leaf and inhale the fragrance, Michaelus Tracey is saying. The musky scent of this cannabis plant is distinctly different from the citrusy aroma of another that he is also holding. To the untrained eye, the neat rows of flowering cannabis crops in front of us are indistinguishable from each
Just now
A Bangladesh government committee said on Monday it had found "egregious anomalies" in a billion-dollar cross-border electricity supply deal with Indian conglomerate Adani, providing around 10 percent of the country's power. The National Review Committee on Power Purchase Agreements said it had
Just now
One of the major causes of deaths among people all over the world is cancer and it can actually be countered by day-to-day life choices. As illustrated by health organizations, one-third to half of cancer cases are preventable through modification of key risk factors and evidence-based prevention
Just now
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday delivered a breathtaking aerial display over Delhi's Kartavya Path. The stunning spectacle featured several distinct formations, including the Arjan, Varuna, Vajraang, Vijay
Just now
Bodoland Lottery Results Today 26 January 2026 Live: The Assam Bodoland Lottery Department will declare its results today at 3 PM. Participants can view their results at bodollotteries.com, the official website, scroll down for more details.Bodoland Lottery Results Today 26 January 2026 Live: The
Just now
Suryakumar Yadav's recent batting resurgence, marked by two fifties in as many matches, has brought immense relief to the Indian team management. After a lean patch, his confident performances, particularly his adaptation to different match situations
Just now
The abandoned airport deal highlights a broader Gulf realignment in South Asia, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia pursuing divergent strategic partnerships. The United Arab Emirates has walked away from its plan to manage Islamabad International Airport
Just now
The deceased has been identified as Munna Kumar (41), a resident of Khatal Gali. With the help of local residents and police, the body was sent to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for post-mortem examination. A major road accident took place in Patna after a speeding Scorpio SUV ran over
Just now
On Republic Day 2026, Esha Deol expressed immense pride after her late father, legendary actor Dharmendra, was posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan. Mumbai: Esha Deol expressed pride and joy as her father, the legendary Dharmendra, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan
Just now
International Criminal Court judges have ruled former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity. The decision follows concerns over his health, with medical experts assessing his ability to participate in proceedings
Just now
During India's Republic Day festivities, leaders from the European Union made their presence known. This attendance signals a robust alliance between India and the EU, reflecting a unified dedication to shared ideals. The engagement is anticipated to enhance collaboration in multiple domains
Just now
Republic Day 2026: The message, posted by the US Embassy in India on X (formerly Twitter), described the two nations as the world's oldest and largest democracies. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping also extended his greetings to President Droupadi Murmu on India's Republic Day
Just now
As India's creative economy matures, its cultural calendar is becoming richer, more layered, and unmistakably global in outlook. Early 2026 sets the tone with a series of festivals and fairs that move beyond spectacle – offering deeper engagement with art, music, food, craft, and community
Just now
Matheus Cunha's match-winning moment at the Emirates may yet come with a costly sting in the tail. The Manchester United forward is facing a possible FA ban after his celebration following the decisive goal in United's dramatic 3-2 Premier League win over Arsenal on Sunday
Just now
Zee 24 Ghanta Binodone Sera 24 nominations spotlight a power-packed lineup of Bengali cinema stars, from Mithun Chakraborty to Prosenjit Chatterjee, across Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor (Male) categories. The much-awaited nominations for Zee 24 Ghanta Binodone Sera 24 have officially been
Just now
BRUSSELS — European Union regulators on Monday opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X after his artificial intelligence chatbot Grok started spewing nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images on the platform
Just now
Sanju Samson's journey in T20I cricket is under the microscope as experts point out his fluctuating performances. They propose that refining his technique and boosting his mental resilience are crucial for improvement. While undoubtedly gifted
Just now
