Saralnama
The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, focuses on inclusive growth through reforms in agriculture, MSMEs, and investment sectors. Key measures include raising foreign direct investment in insurance to 100%, introducing a simplified income tax bill, and maintaining capital expenditure at 3.14% of GDP. The budget supports organic farming, increases Mudra loan limits for certain borrowers, and reduces customs duties on mobile phones and chargers by 15%. It allocates nearly ₹89,287 crore for healthcare and proposes exemptions on customs duties for cancer medications. The technology sector benefits from enhanced funding for AI initiatives, a Deep Tech Fund, and a national framework for Global Capability Centres in tier 2 cities. The budget aims to boost consumption by raising the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh and revises tax slabs to reduce burdens on higher incomes. While it avoids major tariff cuts and corporate tax reforms, it emphasizes stability, competitiveness, and private sector investment to drive economic growth. (Updated 29 Aug 2025, 08:11 IST; source: link)