The upcoming FY27 Union Budget is set to prioritize micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by bolstering export support and enhancing competitiveness in global markets. Alongside, the government plans to allocate dedicated funds for critical minerals, reflecting a strategic push for self-reliance in key sectors like energy, electronics, and defense. Analysts anticipate incentives for MSMEs, including easier credit, export subsidies, and technological support, while the mineral funding aims to secure domestic supply chains and reduce import dependence.

LTIMindtree has clinched a landmark deal worth Rs 3,000 crore to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platform for India’s Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The initiative aims to modernize tax administration, enhance data analytics capabilities, and optimize compliance monitoring. By leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies, the platform is expected to streamline tax assessment, detect anomalies, and improve efficiency across the revenue ecosystem.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced plans to extend export incentives to shipments sent via India Post, aiming to strengthen the country’s international trade footprint. This initiative seeks to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, and individual exporters by reducing logistics costs and enhancing global market access. By integrating postal services into the framework of export benefits, the government hopes to streamline supply chains, encourage cross-border e-commerce, and improve India’s competitiveness in international markets.

Anthropic, a leading AI research and safety company, has appointed Irina Ghose as its new Managing Director for India, signaling the company’s strategic intent to deepen its presence in the region. Ghose, a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience in AI, cloud services, and enterprise solutions, will spearhead Anthropic’s operations, partnerships, and market growth initiatives across India. Her appointment comes at a time when AI adoption in India is accelerating, with enterprises increasingly investing in generative AI solutions.

The Indian stock market witnessed a robust rally today, buoyed primarily by a sharp surge in Infosys shares. Positive investor sentiment, driven by strong quarterly results and upbeat guidance from the IT sector, propelled benchmark indices higher. The Nifty 50 and Sensex posted notable gains, with key sectors such as technology, banking, and consumer goods contributing to the momentum. Analysts highlight that Infosys’ performance not only underscores the resilience of India’s IT exports but also reflects renewed investor confidence in large-cap growth stocks.

The California Consumer Protection Agency (CCPA) has levied fines against tech giants Meta and Amazon for the illegal sale of walkie-talkie devices that violated state regulations. The enforcement action highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of digital marketplaces and the responsibility of multinational companies to comply with consumer safety laws. The fines are part of a broader effort to curb unlicensed sales of communication devices that could pose security or interference risks.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally served a notice to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding a recent plane crash, signaling growing concerns over aviation safety protocols. The notice requests a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to international safety standards. The FIP’s move reflects increasing scrutiny from pilots’ unions and industry stakeholders, highlighting operational, regulatory, and technical challenges within Indian civil aviation.

Angel One, a leading retail brokerage and wealth management firm, reported a 4.5% decline in net profit for Q3, registering Rs 269 crore, down from Rs 281.5 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The marginal drop reflects subdued trading volumes in equities and derivatives, coupled with increased operational costs. Despite the slowdown, the company’s focus on expanding its digital trading platform and diversified revenue streams, including advisory and distribution services, continues to drive long-term growth.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision concerning Tiger Global has sent ripples through India’s investment ecosystem, highlighting the potential tax implications for foreign portfolio investors. The ruling addresses the applicability of capital gains tax on overseas funds investing in Indian equities, underscoring the fine line between direct and indirect investment routes. Analysts suggest that this judgment could influence foreign investment flows, treaty interpretations, and corporate structuring for international funds.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is poised to announce its third-quarter (Q3) results on January 22, with investors and analysts closely monitoring key performance metrics. Expectations revolve around passenger load factors, fuel cost management, ancillary revenue growth, and international expansion. Market watchers are particularly focused on the impact of rising crude prices, fleet utilization, and competitive pressures from full-service carriers.