The draft Income Tax Rules 2026 outline a sweeping overhaul of India’s tax compliance architecture, signaling the government’s intent to modernize reporting standards, strengthen enforcement and enhance transparency. The proposed framework focuses on simplified return filing, tighter disclosure norms, expanded digital tracking and clearer definitions for emerging income categories, including virtual digital assets and cross-border transactions. Officials have emphasized procedural clarity and technological integration to reduce litigation and improve revenue efficiency.

Nearly 47 lakh beneficiaries under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) continue to receive monthly pensions below Rs 9,000, highlighting deep structural concerns within India’s retirement framework. The issue has reignited debate over pension adequacy, inflation protection and social security reforms for private sector workers. While the scheme was designed to provide post-retirement income stability, rising living costs have eroded its real value. Policymakers face mounting pressure to reassess minimum pension guarantees and funding mechanisms.

Ramco Cements reported a sharp improvement in its third-quarter financial performance, with net profit rising more than two-fold compared with the same period last year. The surge was driven by improved realizations, easing input costs and operational efficiencies across key markets. The company’s revenue growth remained steady despite mixed demand conditions in certain regions. Strong cost management, particularly in fuel and logistics, significantly supported margins.

Ceigall India has secured a 220-megawatt solar power project, strengthening its presence in India’s fast-expanding renewable energy sector. The project win marks a strategic diversification for the infrastructure-focused company, reflecting its growing alignment with the country’s clean energy ambitions. Industry observers view the development as a positive step in enhancing the company’s order book visibility and long-term revenue stability.

India’s automobile retail sector began the year on a strong note, with vehicle sales rising 18% year-on-year in January, according to industry body data. The growth was broad-based, led by passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, while commercial vehicles and tractors also recorded steady traction. Dealers attributed the uptick to improved rural sentiment, better inventory management, and sustained consumer confidence despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Happiest Minds Technologies reported a 19.6% year-on-year decline in its net profit for the third quarter, with earnings falling to Rs 40.3 crore. The dip reflects margin pressures, integration costs from recent acquisitions, and a challenging demand environment in the global IT services sector. While revenue growth remained steady, profitability was impacted by higher operating expenses and cautious client spending across key markets. The company continues to focus on digital transformation services, aiming to strengthen its capabilities in cloud, analytics, and cybersecurity.

Bonfiglioli Transmissions, a leading industrial gearbox and automation solutions provider, is preparing to enter India’s capital markets with an ambitious initial public offering (IPO) targeting Rs 2,000 crore. The move underscores the company’s strategy to strengthen its domestic footprint and fund expansion initiatives, including capacity augmentation and technology investments. Positioned in the rapidly growing industrial automation sector, Bonfiglioli aims to leverage rising demand from manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric vehicle industries.

Equity mutual funds in India experienced a notable slowdown in January 2026, with net inflows declining to Rs 24,028 crore. This marked a moderation from previous months, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment amid global market volatility and domestic macroeconomic concerns. Analysts attribute the softening to a combination of profit-booking, regulatory uncertainties, and inflationary pressures impacting retail and institutional participation.

Purple Finance has announced plans to raise Rs 69 Cr through the issuance of equity warrants, signaling a strategic push to strengthen its capital base and support future growth initiatives. The proposed fundraising, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to enhance the company’s balance sheet flexibility and fund expansion across lending and financial services operations. The move comes at a time when non-banking financial companies are recalibrating capital structures to meet rising credit demand and evolving regulatory requirements.

Moody’s has projected India’s gross domestic product growth at 6.4% for FY27, underscoring confidence in the country’s structural fundamentals, domestic demand strength, and macroeconomic stability. The forecast reflects expectations of sustained public capital expenditure, robust services sector expansion, and gradual recovery in private investment. While global headwinds, including trade uncertainties and monetary tightening in advanced economies, pose risks, India’s diversified economic base and reform trajectory are expected to anchor medium-term growth.