Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: Defence Budget Key to Readiness, Indigenous Manufacturing Push: Industry
The defence budget is an important factor in sustaining preparedness while gradually strengthening indigenous manufacturing as we advance towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
The forthcoming revision of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) offers a timely window to introduce focused reforms, including phased localisation, enhanced incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and stronger vendor-led ecosystem development. These measures could further open up the defence sector, accelerate procurement processes, and strengthen India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: Centre May Raise RDSS Allocation to ₹18,000 Cr
The Centre is likely to increase the annual allocation for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to ₹18,000 crore in the upcoming Union Budget. In the FY26 Budget, the scheme was allocated nearly ₹16,000 crore. The proposed increase comes at a time when power distribution companies (discoms) continue to face financial stress, with cumulative debt exceeding ₹7 trillion.
Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: Power Sector Urges Continued Support, Policy Certainty for Infra Projects
"Continued government support for solar and EPC-led infrastructure projects will be key to sustaining capacity addition and strengthening execution capabilities on the ground," Srinivas Suthram, senior vice president, Kshema Power India, said.
Suthram added that clear and consistent policies on land availability and grid connectivity would help revive momentum and encourage long-term investments in the sector.
Further, a calibrated rationalisation of import duties on critical renewable components would help reduce project costs and address supply-chain constraints while domestic manufacturing continues to scale.
Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: Tax Experts Call for Prioritization of Tax Certainty Over Big I-T Changes
Ahead of the Budget, expectations are rising across sectors, particularly on the income-tax (IT) front. However, with the proposed Income-tax Act, 2025 already introduced, some industry experts expect limited substantive changes on the direct tax front in the upcoming Budget.
“One of the most pressing areas requiring attention is the simplification of compliance, particularly in the area of tax deduction at source. TDS is not a tax on the deductor’s income; rather, the deductor acts as an agent of the State, facilitating tax collection,” said Dinesh Kanabar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dhruva Advisors India Private Limited.
