Budget 2026 seeks to make tax regime less adversarial, more predictable: official

Through changes to assessment and penalty procedures, alongside selective exemptions and relaxed safe harbour norms, the government is seeking to make the tax system less adversarial and more predictable—both for individuals and for multinational companies operating in India, a senior government official said on Monday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the…

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Budget signals shift in export policy, phases out interest subsidies

Experts say that this shift could significantly alter how exporters access state support in an increasingly volatile global trade environment. The budget documents show that older interest subsidy schemes have been phased out, while funding is being redirected towards export insurance, trade enforcement and streamlined export support programmes. The move suggests that the Centre no…

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SEZ jewellery units get relief with Budget allowing domestic market sales

The Union Budget 2026 allows Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units to sell gems and jewellery in the domestic market at concessional duties, helping manufacturers utilise idle capacity amid falling exports | Photo Credit: SHASHI ASHIWAL/businessline The Budget’s move to allow units in Special Economic Zones to sell in the domestic markets will help jewellers who…

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Mint Explainer | AI mentioned 11 times, but budget cut: Decoding India’s evolving stance on artificial intelligence

Mint Explainer | AI mentioned 11 times, but budget cut: Decoding India’s evolving stance on artificial intelligence ₹1,000 crore, signaling a cautious stance on AI development. Despite FM Sitharaman’s emphasis on AI’s potential, the government focuses on sector-specific applications rather than large-scale investments, reflecting changing priorities in the AI landscape.”/> …

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Budget seeks to attract global business and investment providing fillip to toll manufacturing, MAT exemptions

Photo used for representation purpose only. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Seeking to attract global business and investment into India, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget presentation Sunday (February 1, 2026), among other things, providing a fillip to toll manufacturing in the country proposed exempting non-residents from paying income tax for five years….

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