Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented the Union Budget 2026 - her ninth consecutive one - inspired by three 'kartavyas' responsibilities to accelerate and sustain economic growth.
The minister's policy announcements have resulted in price reductions for several items. The government announced targeted relief for cancer patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines, aimed at reducing treatment costs. It also exempted customs duty on imports for nuclear power projects till 2035. However, income tax payers, who were expecting tax rebates or Standard Deduction changes, did not get relief.
What gets cheaper?
Overseas tourism packages
Foreign education
Cancer drugs
Alcoholic liquor scrap and certain minerals
Footwear
Energy transition equipment
Leather goods
Microwave ovens
TV equipment
Cameras
Video games' manufacturing parts
Imports of goods for nuclear power projects till 2035
What gets costlier?
Income tax misreporting - Penalty equal to 100 per cent of the tax amount
Non-disclosure of movable assets
Stock options and futures trading
Coal
Coffee and vending machines
