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Sensex Drops 403 Points Pre-Budget: Understanding the Defensive Profit-Booking Strategy
The Sensex fell 403 points on January 30, 2026, wiping out gains made over the previous three days. This sharp dip left many retail investors and portfolio managers concerned, especially with the Budget announcement scheduled for February 1. But was this drop a sign of panic or a strategic move by traders? Understanding the market behavior on January 30, 2026, reveals that this was largely defensive profit-booking rather than a panic sell-off. What Happened on January 30, 202
5 hours ago
Budget 2026 Analysis: Understanding ₹12.2L Crore Capex and Implications of Unchanged Capital Gains Tax
The Union Budget February 1, 2026, presented at 11 AM, has sparked intense discussions across India’s financial and business communities. With a record capital expenditure (capex) of ₹12.2 lakh crore and a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% for FY27, the government signals a clear focus on infrastructure and fiscal prudence. Yet, the decision to keep the capital gains tax unchanged has left many investors disappointed. This post breaks down the key highlights of Budget 2026-27 and
7 hours ago
Understanding the Impact of Missing the March 15 Advance Tax Payment for Freelancers
Freelancers in India face a unique challenge when it comes to managing their taxes. Unlike salaried employees, their income varies, making it difficult to estimate tax liability accurately. One critical aspect is the advance tax payment , especially when the tax liability exceeds the ₹10,000 threshold. Missing the final quarterly payment due on March 15 can lead to costly interest penalties. This post explains the advance tax system, the quarterly schedule, and the consequenc
3 days ago
Sensex Drops 403 Points Pre-Budget: Understanding the Defensive Profit-Booking Strategy
The Sensex fell 403 points on January 30, 2026, wiping out gains made over the previous three days. This sharp dip left many retail investors and portfolio managers concerned, especially with the Budget announcement scheduled for February 1. But was this drop a sign of panic or a strategic move by traders? Understanding the market behavior on January 30, 2026, reveals that this was largely defensive profit-booking rather than a panic sell-off. What Happened on January 30, 202
Sakshi Gupta
5 hours ago4 min read
Budget 2026 Analysis: Understanding ₹12.2L Crore Capex and Implications of Unchanged Capital Gains Tax
The Union Budget February 1, 2026, presented at 11 AM, has sparked intense discussions across India’s financial and business communities. With a record capital expenditure (capex) of ₹12.2 lakh crore and a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% for FY27, the government signals a clear focus on infrastructure and fiscal prudence. Yet, the decision to keep the capital gains tax unchanged has left many investors disappointed. This post breaks down the key highlights of Budget 2026-27 and
Sakshi Gupta
7 hours ago4 min read
Understanding the Impact of Missing the March 15 Advance Tax Payment for Freelancers
Freelancers in India face a unique challenge when it comes to managing their taxes. Unlike salaried employees, their income varies, making it difficult to estimate tax liability accurately. One critical aspect is the advance tax payment , especially when the tax liability exceeds the ₹10,000 threshold. Missing the final quarterly payment due on March 15 can lead to costly interest penalties. This post explains the advance tax system, the quarterly schedule, and the consequenc
Sakshi Gupta
3 days ago4 min read
How the September 2025 GST Reform of 5% 18% and 40% Will Influence Your Business Pricing and Compliance
The September 22, 2025: GST 2.0 effective date (56th GST Council decision) marks a major turning point for businesses across India. The government has introduced a three-slab system replacing the previous complex structure, simplifying GST rates to 5%, 18%, and 40%. This reform removes the 12% and 28% slabs, which is the biggest structural change since 2017 . For business owners, e-commerce sellers, retailers, manufacturers, and tax compliance students, understanding these
Sakshi Gupta
3 days ago3 min read
Understanding Section 44ADA Limit of ₹75 Lakh: Impacts on Digital Transactions and Taxation
Freelancers, small business owners, and professionals earning between ₹50 lakh and ₹75 lakh annually face important decisions about how to report income and pay taxes. The Section 44ADA ₹75 lakh limit has become a key factor in this process, especially with the rise of digital transactions and the government's push for transparency in online payments. This post explains why the 95 percent online payment tax benefit matters, how it affects presumptive taxation, and what fre
Sakshi Gupta
4 days ago4 min read
How to Navigate GSTR-3B Filing After GST Portal's ITC Ledger Validation Mandate
Starting January 1, 2026, the GST portal will enforce ledger validation for GSTR-3B filings. This means the system will automatically block returns if certain ledger conditions are not met. Many small business owners, CA professionals, and MSME operators face confusion and delays because of these new rules. Understanding the key requirements and how to prepare your returns can help you avoid blocked submissions and penalties. This post explains the new GST portal rules, what
Sakshi Gupta
5 days ago4 min read
Are You Next in the Gig Economy Tax Compliance Crisis as 47% of Freelancers Skip ITR?
The gig economy in India is booming, with millions of freelancers and platform workers contributing to the country's growth. Yet, a recent NASSCOM survey reveals a worrying trend: 47 percent freelancers no ITR . Nearly half of freelancers are not filing their income tax returns, creating a tax compliance crisis that could have serious consequences for individuals and the economy. This post explores the reasons behind this gap, the impact of non-compliance, and how freelancers
Sakshi Gupta
5 days ago3 min read
Budget 2026's Major Letdown for Home Loan Borrowers as Section 24b Remains at ₹2L
The Budget 2026 announcement left over one crore home loan borrowers disappointed as the much-anticipated increase in the Section 24b home loan deduction did not materialize. Despite rising home prices and inflation, the limit on the home loan interest deduction 2026 remains capped at ₹2 lakh per annum. This decision has sparked questions and concerns among taxpayers, prospective home buyers, and real estate stakeholders alike. This post explores the implications of this un
Sakshi Gupta
6 days ago3 min read
Micro-VC Strategies in 2025: How Inflection Point Ventures Became the Most Active Investor
The venture capital landscape in India is shifting. While overall deal count fell 39% in 2025, reflecting a more selective approach by many investors, one player stood out by maintaining strong activity. Inflection Point Ventures completed 36 deals in 2025, securing the top spot as the most active investor according to Tracxn. This micro-VC’s strategy offers valuable lessons for seed-stage startup founders, angel investors, and aspiring fund managers looking to navigate the e
Sakshi Gupta
6 days ago4 min read
India Startups Shift Focus as IPOs Gain Ground Over Late-Stage VC Funding in 2025
India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing a significant transformation in 2025. For the first time ever, IPOs and QIPs have raised more capital than late-stage venture capital funding in H1 2025 . This shift signals a new era where public markets are becoming the preferred liquidity pathway for startups, founders, and investors alike. The trend is reshaping exit strategies, investor confidence, and the overall funding landscape. IPOs Surpass Late-Stage VC Funding in H1 2025 The
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 273 min read
Bridging the Funding Gap: Insights from India's 159000 DPIIT-Recognized Startups Ecosystem
India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, now ranking as the third-largest globally with 159000 DPIIT startups India recognized by the government. This milestone reflects the country’s entrepreneurial spirit and policy support. Yet, a closer look reveals a significant challenge: only about 33,070 of these startups have ever raised funding. This gap highlights a critical issue for founders, investors, and policymakers alike. This post explores the realities behind the numb
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 273 min read
Fund of Funds 20 Transforming Deep Tech Investments in AI Quantum and Aerospace
The Indian government’s recent approval of Fund of Funds 2.0 with a ₹10,000 crore corpus marks a significant milestone for deep tech startups. Announced by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during the Startup India 10th anniversary in April 2025, this fund aims to provide patient capital to sectors like AI, Machine Learning, Quantum, Defence, and Aerospace. This initiative addresses the long-standing challenge of funding deep tech ventures that require extended research and dev
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 264 min read
Netradyne Emerges as First Unicorn of 2025: Implications for B2B SaaS and AI Fleet Safety
Netradyne has become the first unicorn of 2025, reaching a valuation of ₹8,325 crore ($1 billion+) after raising ₹749.25 crore in Series D funding. This milestone marks a significant moment for the AI fleet safety sector and the broader B2B SaaS landscape in India. Backed by SoftBank and Point72 Private Investments, Netradyne’s rise signals growing investor confidence in enterprise-focused startups that combine advanced AI with practical business solutions. This post explores
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 264 min read
India's Inflation Drops to 1.33%: What the New 2024-Base CPI Means for Your Budget
India's inflation rate has reached a historic low of 1.33% in December 2025 , marking the last print of the 2012-base consumer price index (CPI) series. This milestone comes just before the launch of the new 2024-base CPI series by the Ministry of Statistics in January 2026. The change in the base year for the CPI reflects updated consumption patterns shaped by the post-pandemic economy. This shift will affect how economists, policy analysts, investors, and wage negotiators
sakshiisfcm
Jan 254 min read
RBI Lowers Repo Rate to 525% as Inflation Concerns Loom Over Future Decisions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step by cutting the repo rate to 5.25% in December 2025. This move marks the final 25 basis points (bps) cut of the year, bringing the total easing to 125 bps from the 6.5% rate at the start of 2025. While this decision offers relief to borrowers and investors alike, rising inflation and economic data suggest the RBI may pause further cuts in the upcoming February 6, 2026 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. This pos
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 253 min read
India's Startup Ecosystem: Is Bengaluru's Unicorn Concentration a Risk for Future Growth?
India's startup scene has reached remarkable heights with 125 unicorns in India (Tracxn January 2026 data) boasting a combined valuation of $389 billion . This impressive growth reflects the country's rising influence in the global innovation landscape. Yet, one city dominates this success story: Bengaluru. Home to 51 unicorns (41% of total!) , Bengaluru's startup concentration raises questions about the risks tied to such geographic clustering. This post explores the curren
sakshiisfcm
Jan 243 min read
Examining the 2025 Decline in Women-Led Startups Funding: Bias or Pipeline Problem?
The year 2025 marked a troubling shift in the funding landscape for women-led startups. According to Tracxn, women-led startup funding fell 3% more than the overall funding decline , with a 20% drop for women-led ventures compared to a 17% fall across all startups. This disproportionate impact raises urgent questions: Is this decline the result of structural bias in venture capital, or does it reflect a pipeline issue where fewer women-led startups are reaching funding stages
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 243 min read
Exploring the Impact of ₹12 Lakh Tax-Free Income on Budget 2025 for Middle-Class Families
The Union Budget presented on February 1, 2025 has brought historic changes to income tax slabs, especially for salaried middle-class taxpayers. The headline grabber is the announcement that income up to ₹12 lakh is now completely tax-free under the new regime , excluding capital gains. This reform aims to ease the tax burden on millions of middle-class families, but it has also left many equity investors disappointed as the capital gains tax remains unchanged . This post br
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 234 min read
Why Does India Lack AI-First Companies with $100M Revenue Compared to US's $121B Funding?
India’s AI startup ecosystem has grown steadily, but it still lacks AI-first companies crossing the $100 million revenue mark. This gap stands out sharply against the US, which saw US AI funding 2025: $121B across 765 rounds (141% jump!) according to TechCrunch. India’s AI funding, by contrast, is only about $600 million, roughly 2% of the US level. This blog explores why India trails behind in building large AI-first companies despite its growing interest in AI and technolo
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 233 min read
How Trump's Defense Spending Comments Impact US Markets and Your Indian Investments
The US stock market reacted sharply after a recent Trump comment on defense spending triggered overnight Dow fall. The Dow dropped 470 points on defense buyback criticism, sending ripples across global markets. Indian investors and traders closely watched these developments, as the January 8 Indian market opened weak following US cues. This blog explores how US politics, especially comments on defense spending, influence the Indian stock market and what investors should watch
Sakshi Gupta
Jan 223 min read
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