Income Tax

In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.

This news bulletin provides an inside scoop on the upcoming 2026 Union Budget, which sources suggest will be unique compared to those of the last 75 years. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth budget tomorrow, with a significant pivot expected in the presentation style. Unlike previous years where Part A held the most detail, this budget is expected to see a detailed Part B, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. The speaker notes that 'Part B of the will play a strong emphasis on both short-term and long-term goals', reflecting the government's strategic vision. The shift acknowledges that indirect tax matters are now handled by the GST Council, allowing the budget to serve as a medium-to-long-term statement of intent. The programme highlights how this aligns with the Vixit Bharat goal and India's aspiration to become the world's third-largest economy.

In this special report, former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha joins Maria Shakil to decode the health of the Indian economy ahead of Budget 2026. Sinha hails the recently signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as the 'mother of all deals', predicting it will significantly boost employment in sectors like textiles. He provides a detailed breakdown of India's GDP, noting that the private sector accounts for two-thirds of economic activity. Sinha outlines the vision for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, explaining how the income pyramid is shifting as more households move from the 'Aam Janata' category into the middle and global classes. Addressing concerns over jobless growth, he cites stable unemployment rates and rising EPFO subscriptions as evidence of formalisation. Sinha also discusses the impact of AI and the necessity of increasing productivity to compete with global economies like China and the United States.

Ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth Union Budget, this News Today special edition brings together leading economists to discuss India’s economic priorities amid global uncertainty.

This India Today Special Report, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, features a pre-budget roundtable ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget. The panel, including economists Neelkanth Mishra and JP Morgan’s Sajid Chinoy, analyzes the 2026 Union Budget challenges amidst global headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Key discussion points include fiscal consolidation, job creation, and the necessity of private investment to drive long-term economic growth. Sajid Chinoy advocates for strategic trade shifts, suggesting the easing of Press Note 3 to attract Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for local job creation and technology transfer. The experts debate India's potential entry into the CPTPP and the impact of rupee volatility on macroeconomic stability. The program examines the balance between fiscal discipline and structural reforms required to boost labor incomes. This comprehensive analysis explores how global financial instability and fragmented trade environments influence India's growth trajectory as the nation approaches its demographic peak in 2047, emphasizing the urgency of a fast-paced reform agenda.

Sunetra Pawar is set to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday at 5 pm, according to sources. She has accepted the proposal for her elevation and will continue to handle the Excise and Sports ministries.

On this news report, Naga Arjun provides details regarding the death of CJ Roy, the Chairman of the Bengaluru-based Confident Group. The real estate businessman allegedly died by suicide at his residence following searches conducted by Income Tax officials at his Richmond Road offices. Naga Arjun reports that 'The cops have rushed to the spot. They found bullet wounds on the chest and he was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.' The raids were reportedly linked to suspected assets disproportionate to known sources of income. CJ Roy was a prominent figure in Bengaluru’s real estate sector and a well-known sponsor of Kannada cultural events. While the police are yet to recover a suicide note, they are currently recording statements from employees and officials present at the scene. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the death is ongoing as authorities await further forensic details.

On this Special Report, host Maria Shereen decodes the significance of the traditional 'halwa ceremony' ahead of the Union Budget. Former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha highlights the shift in India's fiscal landscape, stating, 'The mirchi of taxes has become the sugar of these budgets' due to revised tax slabs and GST simplification. The panel, featuring economist Professor Arun Kumar and Gaurav Vallabh of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council, debates the impact of tax relief on the middle class versus the unorganised sector. Sinha emphasizes that India is currently in a 'Goldilocks zone' with steady 7% growth and low inflation. The discussion further explores anticipated hikes in the defence budget following 'Operation Sindoor' and the need for self-reliance in production. The experts also deliberate on rural employment schemes, agricultural productivity, and the necessity of increasing R&D expenditure to compete globally. The programme provides a comprehensive outlook on the economic priorities and fiscal space available for the upcoming financial year.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's recent remarks ahead of the upcoming elections. Addressing the minority community, M.K. Stalin stated that 'Tamil Nadu is the only state which is safe for Muslims.' He further described the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as a 'fortress that protects the minority' residing in the state. During his address, the Chief Minister also launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of using central agencies like the CBI, ED, and IT to intimidate political opponents and the public. Stalin remarked that he did not need to explain the current situation of the country further, implying a climate of pressure from the Centre. The report highlights the DMK's strategy to consolidate minority votes by positioning itself as a primary defender against central interference and communal insecurity.

On this Special Report, India Today's Apoorva Jayachandran discusses the intensifying political war of words in Tamil Nadu. The report focuses on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent remarks where he reconfirmed his stance against the AIADMK. Apoorva Jayachandran notes that Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed the AIADMK leadership consists of 'leaders and puppets who have been coerced into joining into this alliance with the NDA' by central agencies like the CBI, ED, and IT. The discussion highlights how this 'slave' narrative mirrors recent comments made by TVK chief Vijay and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who previously referred to the opposition as 'Amit Shah Munnetra Kazhagam'. The programme explores how the DMK continues to target the AIADMK-BJP relationship, alleging that the opposition is operating under pressure rather than political conviction. Apoorva Jayachandran provides context on how these specific tags are being used to frame the political discourse ahead of upcoming electoral challenges in the state.

On this Special Report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a significant push for urban development and social welfare. The Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, stating, 'This will benefit those working on carts, stalls, and pavements across the country.' He highlighted the central government's commitment to transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub and strengthening rail connectivity in the state. Modi detailed various central schemes, including PM Awas Yojana, which has provided over 4 crore houses to the poor, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for free electricity. He also noted that the government has made income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free, significantly benefiting the middle class and salaried individuals in Kerala. The address underscores the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' through urban infrastructure investment and empowerment of the poor and middle class.

This segment covers the political fallout in West Bengal after an Enforcement Directorate raid at the residence and office associated with IPAC, ahead of elections. The most pertinent quote highlighted is: 'ED is doing political espionage and ED is doing the political loot of our property.' The broadcast details allegations from the TMC claiming that central agencies are being misused by the BJP for political advantage, with Mamata Banerjee leading a street march in protest. The news also describes the charged public atmosphere—particularly the strong presence of women supporters—and mentions that TMC organizers view the raids as efforts to tamper with election materials. Questions on accountability, legal consequences, and political optics are discussed, with an emphasis on Mamata Banerjee's leadership amidst these developments.

This market opening business show highlights a major development where the Adani Group has reportedly tied up with Brazil's Embraer to manufacture commercial aircraft in India. The programme discusses the government's revised GDP growth forecast of 7.4% for the fiscal year 2026, surpassing the RBI's estimates. Additionally, the broadcast covers the upcoming IPO of Bharat Cooking Coal and the impact of global geopolitical tensions on the markets. Experts analyse the implications of these events for investors and the broader economy.

The big focus of this episode of India First is the showdown over VB-G RAM G Bill. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Bill, amid massive uproar from the opposition.

The Lok Sabha passed the 'Vikasit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajivika Mission Grameed' bill, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) amidst opposition protests. This new legislation increases guaranteed annual work days to 125 but shifts the funding model, reducing the central government's share to 60 percent. The government stated the reform serves public interest, while a debate between Congress and BJP spokespersons highlighted the political divide. In other developments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed IAF commanders, praising the success of 'Operation Sindoor' and the 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence shield. Singh noted that the operation demonstrated India's high-impact, short-duration operational capability. Additionally, Income Tax officials conducted raids at actor Shilpa Shetty's 'Bastion' establishment. A Parliamentary Committee report led by Shashi Tharoor also termed the situation in Bangladesh as India's 'biggest strategic challenge' since 1971.

In this edition of India First, the focus is on India's evolving air power doctrine. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged military commanders to 'take lessons from Operation Sindoor' and remain prepared for future challenges. The programme highlights the 'Sudarshan Chakra', an air defence shield announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is set to protect India's vital assets. Defence Correspondent Shivani Sharma reports on the induction of new assets and the controversy surrounding Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on the operation. Additionally, Senior Editor Divyesh Singh provides details on the Income Tax Department's raids at 'Bastion', a club co-owned by actor Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, in connection with alleged tax evasion. The bulletin also covers a Parliamentary Standing Committee report, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, which terms the situation in Bangladesh as India's 'biggest strategic challenge since 1971'.

The Income Tax Department has launched raids on actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra’s hospitality venture, Bastian. Searches are being conducted at properties in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune over suspicions of tax evasion. An India Today reporter reveals that the investigation involves a ‘suspicion of large amount of tax division which could be in crores’. The raids cover the Bastian pub and nightclub chain, with linked entities also under scrutiny. While searches in Goa are unconfirmed, the operation includes the couple's residence and associated partners.

On this episode of South, India Today’s Nagarjun Dwarakanath tracks the Hyderabad connection to the Sydney Bondi Beach shooting. The Telangana Police have confirmed that the attacker, Sajid Akram, hailed from Tolichowki. The bulletin also covers the Income Tax Department’s raid on actor Shilpa Shetty’s Bastion pub in Bengaluru. Other stories include the Kerala Government’s standoff with the Centre over the censorship of 19 films at the 30th IFFK and the PMK’s protest for a caste survey in Tamil Nadu.

In this Special Report, the focus is on the shocking developments surrounding the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. While initially reported as an accidental drowning in Singapore, the narrative has shifted drastically following the Assam Chief Minister's assertion that it was ‘plain and simple murder’. The programme details the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) findings, which uncovered suspicious financial transactions worth over Rs 1.1 crore involving the singer’s personal security officers. With seven people arrested, including his manager and PSOs, the report explores the alleged conspiracy, the second autopsy results, and the massive public outrage demanding justice. The episode also highlights the raids conducted by the ED and Income Tax department, transforming the tragedy into a complex case of financial fraud and betrayal.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the market closing action as the Sensex trades flat near 85,750 and Nifty holds steady around 26,200. An unidentified anchor and market experts discuss the wait for Q2 GDP numbers and the RBI policy review. The programme highlights a major announcement from the US President regarding a potential income tax overhaul funded by tariff revenues. Additionally, the CEO of a major food delivery platform outlines plans for profitability and the impact of new labor codes on gig workers. The segment also covers trends in auto, defense, and shipping stocks.