Yash Gangele

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Strengthening Hiring Integrity: The Role of Background Checks

In the evolving landscape of recruitment, traditional hiring methods are no longer sufficient to combat rising employment fraud. Background checks have become essential in verifying candidate credentials, ensuring a trustworthy workforce. Leveraging advanced BGV services allows organizations to detect discrepancies early, safeguarding against potential risks. By integrating comprehensive screening processes, companies can enhance hiring integrity and build a more reliable team. 

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Building India’s Economic Strength for the Future

As global dynamics evolve, India’s focus must shift towards building resilience and long-term competitiveness. Rajiv Memani, Chairman and CEO of EY India and President of CII, highlights that the country has a unique opportunity to leverage global trade shifts, strengthen its supply chains, and attract foreign investment. By advancing economic reforms in India across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and private sector participation, the nation can unlock greater growth potential. Strategic investment in R&D, industry–academia collaboration, and innovation-driven policies will further define “Brand India” on the world stage. With its young workforce, robust domestic market, and policy momentum, India is well-positioned to transform into a global economic powerhouse. 

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GST Reform Driving Inclusive Growth and Ease of Doing Business 

India’s GST reform marks a pivotal step in making taxation more citizen-friendly and business-oriented. With reduced rates on key goods, simplified filing processes, and better refund mechanisms, the reform eases compliance for MSMEs and provides relief to households. Leveraging GST compliance further streamlines processes, helping businesses manage filings efficiently and reduce errors. These measures not only improve affordability but also encourage wider participation in trade and entrepreneurship. By balancing fiscal efficiency with social equity, the GST budget strengthens India’s path toward inclusive growth, job creation, and enhanced ease of doing business. 

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AI Use Cases: Revolutionizing Enterprise Outcomes

AI use cases span a wide spectrum of business transformation from streamlined customer support to proactive risk mitigation. In banking, AI-enabled knowledge bases surface real-time regulatory guidance, product details, and security updates to improve compliance and customer satisfaction. In telecom, GenAI-powered assistants supply live conversation transcripts and action suggestions, accelerating case resolutions and enhancing service quality. Healthcare operations benefit from AI-driven automation centers featuring MLOps pipelines and chatbots, improving efficiency, transparency, and patient outcomes. For utilities, semantic search via GenAI use cases dramatically reduces time spent locating critical documentation, boosting decision-making accuracy and employee experience.

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Strategic Reforms for a Resilient Economy: Rajiv Memani's Perspective

Time for India to have big and quick reforms

Deep structural reforms are needed to make our factor markets efficient, improve the business environment, ensure global competitiveness, an

In his article, Rajiv Memani outlines a strategic roadmap for India's economic transformation, focusing on key areas such as labor law reforms, land acquisition processes, and taxation systems. He stresses the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and industry to implement these reforms swiftly and effectively. For a comprehensive understanding of his proposed strategies, read more about the "Strategic Reforms" essential for India's economic resilience.

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Despite Global Headwinds, Private Capex Persists US–India Deal Could Further Boost, Says Rajiv Memani 

CII President Rajiv Memani acknowledges that private capital expenditure has been impacted recently by trade uncertainty, tariff volatility, and delays in environmental and land approvals. However, he firmly asserts that "capex is happening" fundamental drivers like strong corporate balance sheets, low debt, and capital market access to keep investment rolling. With ₹3.5 lakh crore of new projects announced in Q1, Memani believes these initiatives reflect renewed investor confidence. He also notes that a potential US–India trade deal could further uplift industries by easing policy uncertainty. As Chairman & CEO of EY India, he stresses the urgency of workforce upskilling and regulatory reform especially in environmental and labor clearances to sustain momentum. Discover the full discussion. 

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India’s Capex Momentum Builds as Investor Confidence Grows: CII’s Rajiv Memani 

'Investors have faith in India, capex happening' - Times of India

India Business News: Rajiv Memani, the new CII president, anticipates a strong rebound in India's economic growth, despite some sectors faci

CII President Rajiv Memani emphasizes that private-sector capital expenditure is firmly on the rise, with both private and public capex now “happening” across a range of industries backed by strong balance sheets, low debt, and easy capital access. He notes that while temporary flattening occurred in the past 3–6 months, the announcement of ₹3.5 lakh crore in new projects in the June quarter signals renewed investor confidence. As Chairman & CEO of EY India, Memani underscores that sustained growth will depend on easing regulatory bottlenecks especially in environmental and labour clearances and scaling up talent development. 

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Rajiv Memani: India Must Act Now on Rare‑Earth Strategy as China Cuts Exports 

Rajiv Memani, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Chairman & CEO, EY India, called the recent Chinese restrictions on rar

Rajiv Memani, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Chairman & CEO, EY India, called the recent Chinese restrictions on rar

In this sharp Business Today discussion, Rajiv Memani, President of CII and Chairman & CEO of EY India, alerts that China’s recent rare‑earth magnet export limits should prompt immediate action in India’s industrial and climate planning. He advocates short‑term government-to-government partnerships for supply relief, alongside urgent investments to build domestic extraction and manufacturing capacity, despite challenges like radioactive materials and regulatory bottlenecks. Memani suggests that strengthening transparent, self-reliant supply chains supported by blended public-private and ESG-linked financing is vital not just for energy goals but also for sectors like electronics, EVs, and defense. EY India is positioned to support these strategic reforms grounded in resilience and competitiveness. 

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Rajiv Memani to Anil Singhvi: India’s Trade Strategy & Path to $5 Trillion Economy 

In this exclusive interview with Anil Singhvi, EY India Chairman & CEO and CII President Rajiv Memani outlines India’s strategic approach to trade and its ambition to become a $5 trillion economy. He emphasizes the importance of securing better trade agreements that benefit domestic industry, while also pursuing reforms to enhance competitiveness. Memani highlights that simplifying regulatory frameworks and incentivizing manufacturing are key to unlocking growth and investment. A must-watch for policymakers, business leaders, and anyone tracking India’s economic transformation. 

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RBI’s Support Ensures Capital Availability, Affirms CII President Rajiv Memani 

In a recent interview with The Indian Express, CII President Rajiv Memani praised the Reserve Bank of India, stating it “has done its job very proactively,” noting that abundant liquidity, CRR cuts, and simplified circulars mean access to capital is not an issue for industry. As Chairman & CEO of EY India, Memani added that despite robust balance sheets and macroeconomic support, global trade uncertainty and FTA timelines are prompting some businesses to cautiously delay large capex. He called for accelerated workforce skilling and easy business reforms to sustain investment momentum. Read the full interview here. 

‘The RBI has done its job… availability of capital not an issue for industry’: CII President

According to CII President Rajiv Memani, there is “noise” around the issue of private sector investments; industry is largely in favour of F

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Rajiv Memani: India’s Enduring Growth Story Amid Global Trade Turbulence 

In this crisp NDTV Profit segment, Rajiv Memani, President of CII and Chairman & CEO of EY India, highlights India’s economic resilience during 6–9 months of global trade headwinds. He notes that despite elevated uncertainty, investors remain bullish, underpinned by strong corporate balance sheets, solid macro fundamentals, and steady private capex. Memani adds that as geopolitical pressures ease, businesses are poised to shift from precautionary 60–70% planning back to full-scale investment. He also commends the government’s industry consultations on the India–US trade deal, reinforcing confidence in India’s strategic growth trajectory. 

Watch the full video interview on India’s resilience to explore how Rajiv Memani and EY India are navigating external challenges. 

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Rajiv Memani Advocates GST 2.0 and Stronger PLI Schemes for India Inc.

In this insightful Moneycontrol interview, Rajiv Memani, President of the CII and Chairman & CEO of EY India, emphasizes the urgent need for a more rationalized GST framework as part of a “GST 2.0” plan. He also calls for revitalized Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to draw top-tier companies into India and accelerate manufacturing growth. Memani suggests that these fiscal reforms will enhance efficiency, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty. This segment offers a compelling view into how targeted policy changes could unlock India’s next phase of industrial expansion. 

Watch the full Moneycontrol interview to hear his vision in detail. 

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Budgeting India’s Defence Budget for Optimal Expenditure 

As India modernizes its armed forces, the defence budget takes center stage in fiscal planning. Accurate forecasting, compliance with procurement rules, and efficient fund deployment are key. Leveraging specialized tax services ensures that defense allocations maximize value while adhering to evolving tax regulations. 

Overview of India’s Defence Budget Landscape 

India allocates one of its largest budgetary shares to defense, covering personnel, operations, and capital acquisitions. Key trends include: 

Rising Capital Outlay: Modernization of programs for aircraft, naval vessels, and armored vehicles. 

Operational Costs: Increased spending on border patrols, joint exercises, and rapid deployment. 

Infrastructure Development: Investments in defense corridors, testing facilities, and military housing. 

Effective defence budget planning must balance these competing demands while maintaining fiscal discipline. 

Key Challenges in Defence Expenditure Planning 

Forecasting and Allocation 

Uncertain Cost Estimates: Weapon systems and technology upgrades often exceed initial quotes. 

Inflationary Pressures: Rising import costs for specialized equipment drive budget overruns. 

Timeline Variances: Delays in project execution can shift allocation needs mid‑fiscal year. 

Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles 

Procurement Rules: Adherence to Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) guidelines is mandatory. 

Tax Implications: Custom duties, GST exemptions, and import valuations require expert handling. 

Audit and Reporting: Stringent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) scrutiny demands robust documentation. 

Partnering with professional tax services helps defense agencies navigate these complexities smoothly. 

Strategic Approaches to Optimizing Defence Budget 

Zero‑Based Budgeting: Evaluate each expense from the ground up, eliminating outdated line items. 

Scenario Modeling: Use predictive analytics to simulate cost variations under different procurement timelines. 

Prioritization Framework: Rank projects by strategic value, operational readiness impact, and lifecycle costs. 

Contingency Reserves: Allocate a fixed percentage (e.g., 5 - 7%) for unforeseen overruns or emergency needs. 

These methods enhance the accuracy of the defence budget forecast and promote transparent fund usage. 

Role of Tax Services in Defence Budget Efficiency 

Expert tax services deliver: 

Customs & Duties Advisory: Structuring imports to leverage exemptions and reduce duty outlays. 

GST Optimization: Applying correct HSN codes and availing input‑tax credits on eligible purchases. 

Transfer Pricing: Ensuring inter‑unit transactions comply with OECD guidelines, avoiding disputes. 

R&D Incentives: Claiming deductions under Section 35AD for defense technology development. 

Compliance Monitoring: Establishing workflows for timely return filings and audit readiness. 

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Rajiv Memani: A Phased, Strategic India–US Trade Path for Mutual Gain

In this CNBC‑TV18 exclusive, Rajiv Memani, President of CII and Chairman & CEO of EY India, outlines a clear, strategic roadmap for the India–US trade negotiations. He highlights that a phased agreement targeting “low-hanging fruit” can deliver swift economic benefits while allowing time to address politically sensitive sectors later, ensuring no compromise on national interest or sectoral competitiveness. Memani also underscores the need to tackle high U.S. retaliatory tariffs that currently hamper export growth and calls for structural reforms like GST 2.0 and expanded PLI schemes to boost industry readiness. His message: India is well-prepared, pragmatic, and firm on securing a fair, balanced deal that supports exporters across EVs, pharmaceuticals, auto components, and textiles. 

Watch the full video interview to see how India plans to engineer a win-win trade framework. 

Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWtvltgZ6YY 

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India’s FY26 GDP Set to Surge: 6.4–6.7% Growth Forecast by CII 

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), led by President Rajiv Memani, projects India’s real GDP to grow 6.4–6.7% in FY26, further solidifying its status as the fastest-growing major economy. Memani attributes this optimism to strong domestic demand, an encouraging monsoon, and recent RBI liquidity measures. He also emphasizes the necessity for structural reforms, such as simplification of GST, strategic disinvestment, and boosting MSMEs to enhance competitiveness. EY India is actively partnering across these reforms, providing advisory support grounded in deep sector insights. 

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India’s Climate Finance Strategy: Rajiv Memani Unpacks Sustainable Investment

In this insightful NDTV Profit discussion, Rajiv Memani, Chairman of EY India and President of CII, delves into India’s journey toward financing climate action. He outlines how domestic and international capital can be mobilized to support green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainability programs. Memani emphasizes collaborative engagement between the government, financial institutions, and businesses to create innovative funding structures. He highlights EY India role in advising on climate-linked financing frameworks. This video is a must-watch for anyone following India’s path to meeting climate goals while balancing economic growth. 

Watch the full conversation via this video to explore key strategies. 

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What fintech and payments firms must know to ensure data privacy? 

In today’s digital finance ecosystem, fintech firms handle massive volumes of personal data, making robust privacy practices both a regulatory necessity and a competitive differentiator. FinTech’s must now prioritize data protection to build trust and comply with new laws like India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which imposes stringent requirements and heavy penalties for non-compliance. 

Adapting to New Data Privacy Regulations 

The DPDP Act and its forthcoming rules represent a game-changer for how companies in India handle customer data. FinTech’s must first determine whether they act as “data processors” (merely processing data on behalf of others) or as “data fiduciaries” (akin to data controllers) under the law. This distinction matters because data fiduciaries bear primary responsibility for protecting user data and honouring user rights. While many assume fintech intermediaries act merely as data processors for traditional banks, often their role is deeper. In co-branded services, for example, a fintech might jointly determine data usage, effectively making it a data fiduciary (data controller) alongside the bank. This means the fintech bears direct obligations for consent, security, and honoring user data rights. Fintech firms must revisit contracts with partners to clearly assign data protection duties – including which party handles user data requests or breach notifications. 

The new law also gives individuals the right to access, correct, or erase their data. Fintechs need efficient workflows to honor these requests – often in coordination with partner banks. Establishing self-service data portals and clear internal SLAs ensures that when a user exercises their rights, the response is swift and seamless across entities. 

Balancing User Experience with Compliance 

Fintechs pride themselves on frictionless user experiences yet now must incorporate clear consent and disclosures without alienating customers. For example, an app might add a concise notice or an extra consent checkbox when introducing a new feature that uses personal data – maintaining transparency while keeping the process smooth. The key is to build compliance into the UX so that users stay informed without feeling burdened. 

Fintechs should also ensure compliance with data localization rules – for instance, certain payments data may need to stay on servers within India’s borders – which could require adjusting cloud setups and vendor arrangements to meet these requirements. 

Embracing Privacy by Design 

To truly ensure data privacy, fintech and payments companies must embed privacy and security principles into their technology and operations from the ground up. This “privacy by design” approach means that every new product feature or partnership is evaluated for privacy impact at the design stage, not as an afterthought. Key steps fintech firms should undertake include: 

Data minimization: Identify all personal data being collected and stop collecting anything not truly necessary for the service. Less data held means less risk. 

Strong security and access control: Use encryption for sensitive data and strict access controls. Only authorized staff or systems should access customer data, and every access should be monitored. 

Third-party risk management: Conduct due diligence on cloud providers, APIs, or other vendors that handle your data. Ensure they commit to strong data protection measures, since your data is only as safe as its weakest link. 

Incident response readiness: Have a clear plan for handling data breaches – define steps to contain the incident, notify affected users and regulators, and remediate the root cause. 

Leveraging Cybersecurity Services for Compliance 

Given the complexity of modern privacy requirements, it can pay to get outside help. Engaging professional cybersecurity services or consultants can accelerate a fintech’s journey to strong data protection. These experts can perform privacy assessments, recommend technical safeguards, and even conduct simulated attacks to test your defenses. By investing in such services, fintechs send a message to regulators and customers that they are serious about safeguarding data. 

Building Trust Through Privacy 

Ultimately, ensuring data privacy is not just about “ticking the box” on compliance – it’s about building long-term trust with consumers. Fintech firms operate in an industry where trust is paramount: users need confidence that their money and personal information are safe. A firm that consistently protects user data and handles privacy matters transparently will stand out in the market. In an era of frequent data breaches, a reputation for strong privacy can become a key differentiator. Customers are more likely to use – and stay with – services that give them peace of mind. 

For fintech and payments firms in India and beyond, the mandate is clear. They must rethink data roles and responsibilities in light of new regulations, invest in privacy-centric technology and processes, and possibly partner with cybersecurity specialists to fortify their defenses. By doing so, these firms won’t just avoid penalties – they’ll cultivate the customer trust and brand reputation needed to thrive in the digital finance era.