Category Archives: Business

Biopharma Leaders Welcome Biopharma SHAKTI Boost to Strengthen India’s Global Capabilities

Shreehas Tambe, CEO & MD, Biocon Biologics

“Biopharma SHAKTI with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore is a well-timed and much-needed step, especially when seen alongside the earlier ₹1 lakh crore commitment announced in November 2025, to research, development and innovation. Together, these measures clearly signal the government’s intent to strengthen Bharat’s biopharmaceutical capabilities and catalyse innovation-led growth. The acknowledgement that non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders are now the dominant healthcare challenge is important, as is the focus on complex therapies of biologics through affordable biosimilars as the new standards of care. Encouraging investment in advanced manufacturing, building global scale, and strengthening regulatory capacity through a dedicated scientific review cadre at CDSCO are all critical to meeting global benchmarks. Equally transformative is the emphasis on academic research, skill development, training and clinical infrastructure through new and upgraded NIPERs and accredited trial sites. These steps reinforce Atmanirbhar Bharat while positioning India as a credible global biopharma hub delivering affordable, high-quality complex therapies at scale. At Biocon we are fully ready to support India’s march to be a leader in biopharma.”

Mr. Ashok Nair, Managing Director, RPG Life Sciences

“Biopharma Shakti is a strong and timely signal that India wants to scale up capabilities in biosimilars and compete more confidently in global markets. The Budget proposes an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years to build the ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars.

What makes this announcement practical, not just aspirational, is the focus on enabling infrastructure – a biopharma‑focused network with three new NIPERs, upgrades to seven existing NIPERs, a network of 1,000+ accredited clinical trial sites, and strengthening the CDSCO to meet global standards and improve approval timelines.

For RPG Life Sciences, the value will come from improved ecosystem readiness, especially clinical‑trial output and predictable regulatory timelines. These enablers can potentially accelerate market entry and expand patient access, subject to effective and timely implementation.”

Neeraj Akhoury Applauds Budget 2026 for Boosting Infrastructure, Investment, and Clean Tech

Mr. Neeraj Akhoury Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited

“The Union Budget’s strong focus on infrastructure and balanced regional growth is encouraging. The proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will boost lender confidence and help attract private investment. Increased allocations for high speed rail, Tier II and Tier III cities, and temple towns will drive sustained demand across the construction sector. The support for CCUS is timely and reinforces the importance of clean technologies in decarbonising hard to abate industries.”

Shiv Parekh of hBits Welcomes Union Budget 2026 Push on REITs and Investment Innovation

By:-  Shiv Parekh, Founder and CEO, hBits

“The Union Budget 2026 sends a positive signal for India’s investment ecosystem. The 12.2 trillion rupee allocation for infrastructure and introducing a dedicated REITs for monetising CPSE assets can help unlock private capital and improve market liquidity. This opens up more stable, yield-focused investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors.

At hBits, we see this as an important step toward making real estate and infrastructure investing more accessible and transparent.

Tax Holiday For Indian Data Centers In Budget Is A Core Sector Moment For AI- Sumant Parimal

Feb 2: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Government. of India’s budget for the year 2026-27 in the Indian Parliament yesterday.

This budget has proposed to provide a tax holiday up to 2047 to any foreign company that provides services to any part of the world outside India by procuring data centre services in India. In addition, it is also proposed to provide a safe harbour of 15% to the resident entity providing data centre services to a related foreign company.

Sumant Parimal, Chief Analyst of 5 Jewels Research (5JR) at Innogress, has hailed this and other provisions under the Union Budget of Govt of India, and said that the tax holiday for the Indian Data Centres in budget Is a core sector moment for AI.

Giving his analyst outlook on the Indian Budget 2026 presented today in the Indian Parliament by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Analyst of 5 Jewel Research at Innogress Mr Sumant Parimal, has said

“During year 2022 pre-budget outlook I emphasised the need for according strategic sector status to AI (Artificial Intelligence) in line with core sectors like Electricity, Coal, Steel, Gas, Telecommunication, now I am happy to see that Govt. of India has understood this and has provisioned tax holidays till 2047 for Data Centers getting setup in India for the global markets. I see this tax holiday provisioned in this year budget for Indian data centres as equivalent to according a strategic and core sector status to AI, which gets hosted and accessed through these data centres, in line with my pre-budget outlook for the year 2022. This provision of Govt. of India to waive off tax on Data Centres for international markets is not only going to boost Big Tech’s & MNC’s Data Centres footprints in India but shall also boost the attractiveness of domestic firms’ data centers capacities in the pipeline for receiving foreign collaborations and investment interests” said Mr Sumant Parimal.

“Further, this tax holiday provision is going to expand data center capacity additions in India, which in turn is going to trigger semiconductors, electronics and other IT-engineering related components demands in India, and I am happy to see that this semiconductor-electronics demand trigger has been proactively addressed by Govt. Of India by announcing India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 1000 Cr and additional budgetary outlay of Rs. 40,000 Cr for Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)in FY 2026-27” Mr Sumant Parimal said.

Mr Sumant Parimal also hailed other provisions of the budget which includes ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’-a multilingual AI tool to enhance farm productivity, improve farmer decision making and reduce risk through customized advisory support, and to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai in setting up AVGC Content Creator AI Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges in furtherance of India’s Orange economy and termed these provisions of the budget a right step towards achieving “AI For ALL” for which he is emphasizing since 2019.

Chief Analyst of 5 Jewels Research also hailed the Indian government plans to launch a Customs Integrated System (CIS) within two years to streamline all customs operations, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2026-27 and termed it as most pressing AI-Technology led business transformation in governance for ease of doing businesses by reducing bureaucracy, which is a big relief to Enterprises, SMEs and R&D labs which are importing critical equipment, devices and components from overseas under extreme time and budgetary constraints. Mr Sumant Parimal termed this ‘CIS’ initiative as a catalyst to integrate India-based deep tech. GCCs (Global Capability Centers) / research centres in the Global supply chain because customs clearances were a big bottleneck in the inbound and outbound supply chains at the Indian ports.

Budget 2026 Strengthens Auto & EV Sector with CapEx Boost and Supply Chain Support

Mumbai, Feb 01: Speaking on the budget announcements, Mr Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd, said,

“We welcome the Union Budget 2026–27, which continues to focus on long-term, sustained economic growth with a strong emphasis on manufacturing, infrastructure including freight corridors & waterways and fiscal prudence. The decision to raise the capital expenditure target to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY 2026-27 from Rs 11.2 lakh crore in the current year will provide a strong impetus to demand creation and industrial activity, including the Automobile sector.

Enhanced support for electronic components manufacturing, setting up dedicated corridors for mining and processing of rare earth, along with initiatives to establish high-tech tool rooms and supporting container manufacturing, will develop supply chain resilience and help in streamlining exports. The allocation of 4,000 e-buses for the Purvodaya States will accelerate the transition toward sustainable public mobility solutions.

Continued exemption of Basic Customs Duty on Capital Goods used for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, along with the extension of concessional duty benefits for lithium-ion cells and their parts used in manufacturing batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles for a further two years till March 2028, will enable creation of a robust EV ecosystem in the country.”

Budget 2026 Drives Inclusive Growth and Financial Wellbeing: Thomas John Muthoot

Thomas John Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd

“Budget 2026–27 is part of a longer reform journey under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi where successive budgets have shifted India from stimulus driven spending to reforms over rhetoric.

By combining fiscal discipline, manufacturing strength, a bold services mission, digital public infrastructure, infrastructure led growth, skilling and simpler tax processes, the Budget advances the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a resilient and self-reliant India, while directly strengthening the financial wellbeing, opportunity and dignity of the common man and making growth truly inclusive and a force for good. 

For Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., this policy direction is constructive and aligned with our purpose of transforming the life of the common man by improving financial wellbeing and being a force for good.”

Budget 2026: Infrastructure and Logistics Boost to Strengthen India’s Trade Competitiveness

Mr. Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav

“Budget 2026 reassures the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth and the importance of logistics as a key enabler of India’s trade competitiveness. At a time of global uncertainty, the record public capital expenditure of INR12.2 lakh crore and the emphasis on integrated connectivity through freight corridors, coastal shipping, inland waterways, and port-led development provide a stable and confidence-building signal for the sector.

Focused initiatives such as the Dankuni–Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor and the operationalisation of new national waterways strengthen multimodal connectivity, while investments in ship-repair ecosystems and high-speed rail corridors reflect a forward-looking approach to long-term infrastructure development.

The Finance Minister’s emphasis on keeping the ‘Reform Express’ firmly on track is clearly visible in these initiatives, as well as in the INR10,000 crore allocation for container manufacturing and the focus on sustainable cargo movement. From an industry perspective, these measures will significantly improve connectivity, reduce transit times, lower logistics costs, and enable Indian ports to operate with greater efficiency, reliability, and scale. The Budget’s focus on digitised, integrated customs processes and faster cargo clearances is a meaningful step towards improving ease of doing business. The expansion of AI-enabled, non-intrusive scanning across major ports will directly support faster cargo movement and lower transaction friction, translating into improved reliability and efficiency across the logistics chain for ports and trade.

At APM Terminals Pipavav, we see this as an opportunity to continue working closely with the government and stakeholders to support India’s evolving logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to India’s long-term economic growth.”

Experts Call for Pragmatic Digital Asset Reforms in Union Budget 2026

Dubai emerges as wellness real estate hub as wealthy buyers seek quality of life

MENA region outpaces Europe as second-fastest-growing market in global wellness real estate boom

Dubai, UAE, Feb 1: Dubai has become the regional hub in a trend reshaping the luxury real estate market as wealthy global buyers make quality of life their main investment goal.

The global wellness real estate market, which has more than doubled since 2019, is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029, with the Middle East playing its own part in this transformation.

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the MENA region is the second fastest-growing market worldwide, expanding at just over 22% annually, just behind Latin America–Caribbean (24%), and ahead of Europe (22.4%).

“Over the last few years, there has been a big change in the way luxury real estate is defined and valued,” says Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand. “No longer is it just driven by well-known names, size, or prestige. Today, buyers seek homes to improve their health and wellbeing.”

“They are now asking, ‘Is this home going to make me healthier? Will it help me sleep better, improve my mood, my family’s well-being? Will it connect me to nature, and give us all the quality of life we need?”

“This was our motivation in developing Keturah Reserve as the first community of its kind in the region where wellness science shapes every architectural decision.”

Interiors across the AED5.7 billion luxury Keturah Reserve development in Meydan feature natural materials and rich greenery to promote daily wellness. Bio-living features include sophisticated air and water purification systems, as well circadian lighting to improve sleep, mood, and energy levels.

Dubai’s luxury market is shifting from volume-driven growth to innovation-led development, with new projects addressing real lifestyle and health needs that challenge conventions, capture global attention, and reinforce the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination.

Most luxury buyers are long-term (5+ years) or medium-term (2-4 years) investors, though the distinction is increasingly based on purpose rather than timeframe, with two distinct profiles emerging.

“The lifestyle investor acquires a unit as a primary or secondary residence, considering it as a long-term sanctuary,” says Talal. “They are committed to holding for at least five years because they are investing in their family’s health and happiness, not merely capital appreciation.

“The strategic investor acknowledges the scarcity value of wellness-focused luxury assets, and recognizes that as the wellness real estate market grows annually in this region, early entrants will appreciate significantly. Generally, they hold for 3-5 years before exiting with substantial returns.”

Both categories of investors are quality-focused and prepared to pay a premium. They also seek assurances that the developer will deliver, that the asset will appreciate, and that they will have viable exit options.

As Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to flourish, rather than worrying investors, they perceive it as evidence of the market’s vitality and Dubai’s standing as a global luxury destination.

Budget 2026: Industry Looks for Policy Stability, Tax Relief and Growth-Driven Reforms

Chandigarh, Feb 01: As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, leaders across sectors have shared their perspectives on policy priorities that can accelerate India’s economic growth, strengthen global competitiveness, and support innovation-led development.

Accounting, Compliance, and Global Business Structuring
Mr. Satya Yeruva, Co-Founder & CEO, FinStackk, highlighted the importance of tax certainty and procedural simplification for startups and global businesses.

“Faster and fully automated GST refunds, clearer guidance on transfer pricing and foreign remittances, and rationalised compliance timelines would significantly ease the burden on businesses. Additional incentives for SaaS and fintech-led service providers, investment in digital public infrastructure for finance, and continued support for MSME formalisation will strengthen India as a preferred base for global entrepreneurship. A stable policy environment enables businesses to scale confidently while maintaining strong governance and financial transparency,” he said.

Digital Marketing and AI Adoption
Mr. Akhil Nair, Founder & CEO, BigTrunk Communications, emphasised the need for the Budget to align with modern marketing realities.

“Marketing is now a core driver of India’s digital economy, and policy support must enable AI-led innovation and advanced analytics. Allocations supporting AI/ML research for marketing, along with incentives for MSMEs to adopt MarTech tools like CRM, automation, and analytics, can accelerate ecosystem maturity. Simpler compliance and clearer taxation for digital service exports will help Indian agencies compete globally, while continued investment in Digital Public Infrastructure will strengthen omnichannel growth and export-readiness,” he said.

Food Processing and Frozen Foods
Mr. Ekansh Garg, Co-founder & CEO, Cravicious Foods, called for stronger policy support for value-added agriculture and food processing.

“With rising demand for hygienic, convenient, and ready-to-cook foods, the Budget should prioritise cold-chain infrastructure, modern processing facilities, and advanced freezing technologies. Incentives for in-house manufacturing, quality certification, and energy-efficient cold storage will help domestic brands scale sustainably and reduce wastage. Simplified compliance, GST rationalisation, and easier access to working capital will accelerate growth for bootstrapped manufacturers, positioning India as a global hub for high-quality frozen foods,” he said.

Gems and Jewellery
Mr. C Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director & Director, C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers, stressed pragmatic reforms to restore sector momentum.

“A reduction in gold import duty to 3% would ease cost pressures and revive livelihoods across the value chain. Greater transparency through publication of gold bar numbers on customs portals and more flexible inventory management can help mitigate challenges from high metal prices and lower sales. These steps are critical to sustaining small and medium jewellery businesses in a challenging global environment,” he said.

Electronics and Original Design Manufacturing
Mr. Shishir Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Oakter, urged the Budget to support India’s journey from assembly-led production to innovation-driven manufacturing.

“Priority areas should include design-linked incentives, deeper component localisation, easier access to working capital, and expansion of PLI support for ODM-led manufacturing. Incentives for batteries, power electronics, IoT hardware, and semiconductor supply chains, coupled with stable GST structures and faster input tax credits, will help Indian manufacturers move up the value chain, create IP-driven products, and emerge as trusted global suppliers,” he said.

Electric Mobility
Mr. Sameer Moidin, Founder & CEO, EVeium Smart Mobility, called for policies that scale domestic EV manufacturing.

“The Union Budget must focus on Make-in-India electric two-wheelers that are designed, manufactured, and scaled domestically. Incentives should support battery localisation, affordable financing, mass production, and robust charging infrastructure, making EVs practical for all users. This will strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and position India as a global EV leader,” he said.

Healthcare
As India’s healthcare sector evolves, industry leaders emphasised that the Budget should strategically support digital health, medical infrastructure, skill development, and research-led innovation to improve access, quality, and affordability for all citizens.