{"id":263,"date":"2026-02-03T16:57:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T11:27:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/?p=263"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:15:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T05:45:24","slug":"budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget 2026 Decoded: Key Highlights, Tax Changes &amp; Market Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Budget 2026 Decoded\" class=\"wp-image-266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-04-at-11.11.50-AM-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Budget_2026\" >Budget 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#A_Look_Into_the_Budget\" >A Look Into the Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#What_does_the_New_Budget_Offer\" >What does the New Budget Offer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Budget_2026_Highlights\" >Budget 2026 Highlights<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Taxation_of_Sovereign_Gold_Bond_SGB\" >Taxation of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Change_in_Options_Futures\" >Change in Options &amp; Futures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Buyback_of_Shares\" >Buyback of Shares<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#NRI_Property_Clauses\" >NRI Property Clauses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#NRI_PROI_Investments\" >NRI &amp; PROI Investments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Changes_in_Income_Tax_Procedures\" >Changes in Income Tax Procedures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Capital_Expenditure\" >Capital Expenditure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#The_Impact_on_the_Market\" >The Impact on the Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Investor_Compliance_Relief\" >Investor Compliance Relief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Stricter_Penalties_for_Misreporting\" >Stricter Penalties for Misreporting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Changes_in_TCS\" >Changes in TCS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Key_Sector_in_Focus\" >Key Sector in Focus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#Key_Schemes_That_Drew_Attention\" >Key Schemes That Drew Attention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#A_Quick_Breakdown_of_Price_Changes_Announced_in_Budget_2026\" >A Quick Breakdown of Price Changes Announced in Budget 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#On_a_Parting_Note\" >On a Parting Note<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#What_is_the_Union_Budget\" >What is the Union Budget?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#What_are_the_main_goals_of_the_budget_2026\" >What are the main goals of the budget 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#What_changes_have_been_made_in_taxation_under_Budget_2026\" >What changes have been made in taxation under Budget 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/budget-2026-decoded-key-highlights\/#How_will_the_budget_2026_affect_everyday_expenses\" >How will the budget 2026 affect everyday expenses?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Budget_2026\"><\/span>Budget 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The budget 2026 took the \u201c<em>new year, new me\u201d <\/em>way too seriously. The new reforms have taken everybody by surprise, as they are focusing on the underprivileged this time. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented India\u2019s Union Budget 2026 on February 1, detailing how the government plans to manage expenditure and conserve money for the year ahead, which focuses on jobs, growth, and ease of taxation, while keeping debt in check.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a deep breath, and let\u2019s decode the budget 2026 together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Look_Into_the_Budget\"><\/span>A Look Into the Budget<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we decode the budget 2026, let\u2019s first understand what it means. The Union Budget is India\u2019s financial statement for the year ahead, presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament. It deftly explains how the government plans to earn and spend money, handle debts, deal with taxation, including proposals for subsidies and economic reforms. Basically, the Union Budget reflects the government\u2019s priorities and presents a roadmap for growth, development, and fiscal stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_New_Budget_Offer\"><\/span>What does the New Budget Offer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Nirmala Sitharaman, the new budget has drawn inspiration from the three core kartavya (duty). The very first is to prioritise the poor, underprivileged, and disadvantaged.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second is to work on the economic growth, job creation, capital expenditure, manufacturing, MSMEs, infrastructure, enhancing productivity, and strengthening India\u2019s competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third is to build India\u2019s economic foundation for the future, structural reforms, regulatory simplification, fiscal consolidation, and long-term stability aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, the new budget provides hope for the poor and a promising future for India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Budget_2026_Highlights\"><\/span>Budget 2026 Highlights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Budget Indicator<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Capital Expenditure<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b911.21 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Effective Capital Expenditure (including asset creation)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b915.48 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fiscal Deficit<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b915.69 lakh crore (4.4% of GDP)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Revenue Deficit<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b95.24 lakh crore (1.5% of GDP)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Gross Tax Revenue<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b942.7 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Net Tax Revenue to the Centre<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b928.37 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Non-Tax Revenue<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b95.83 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Total Transfers to States &amp; UTs<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b925.6 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Nominal GDP (FY26)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b9356.97 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Interest Payments<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b912.76 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Total Expenditure<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u20b950.65 lakh crore<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we know what the 2026 budget aims for, let\u2019s take a look at the major highlights, starting with the figures that are most likely to dominate all other discussions in the coming days. Taxation Policy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This new budget introduces major taxation changes that every taxpayer must know. Let\u2019s list them down for better understanding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taxation_of_Sovereign_Gold_Bond_SGB\"><\/span><strong>Taxation of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>SGB is a government security issued by the RBI which was discontinued in Budget 2024. Till now, the capital gains on Sovereign Gold Bond (SGBs) were tax-free if you held them till maturity, irrespective of the place from where you bought it. However, from April 1, 2026, the tax exemption will only be applicable if you are an individual investor, have subscribed to SGB during the time of issuance, and hold it till maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your gains will also remain tax-free if you purchase SGBs directly from the government and hold them for the full tenure. Note: the capital gains tax will apply according to the normal rules upon buying SGBs from any secondary market, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Change_in_Options_Futures\"><\/span><strong>Change in Options &amp; Futures<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Higher Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is apparently the key highlight of the budget 2026. The government has decided to raise the STT on equity derivatives, which increases the direct cost of every futures and options trade. The exact changes are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>STT on futures hiked to 0.02% to 0.05%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STT on options premium hiked to 0.15%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This change is a structural cost increase that lowers profits for traders engaging in numerous F&amp;O trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buyback_of_Shares\"><\/span><strong>Buyback of Shares<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The buyback shares were treated like dividends before the budget 2026; however, now, they won\u2019t be taxed as dividends. The tax will be applicable only on the actual gains and not the complete amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s more to it; the promoters will have a distinct tax slab for buybacks. For individuals, the gains from buybacks will be subject to a 30% tax. Whereas, for companies, the effective tax rate would be 22%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NRI_Property_Clauses\"><\/span>NRI Property Clauses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another big change is that you don\u2019t need to obtain a TAN to deduct TDS when purchasing an immovable property from an NRI seller. Nevertheless, TDS on property purchases from NRIs is still applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NRI_PROI_Investments\"><\/span>NRI &amp; PROI Investments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The budget has also brought a major reform for overseas investors. The NRIs and the residents living abroad can now invest more effectively in Indian equities through portfolio routes. Plus, the individual PROI investment has increased from 5% to 10%, and the overall PROI has risen from 10% to 24%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This change will boost foreign participation, improving liquidity and supporting long-term equity market growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Changes_in_Income_Tax_Procedures\"><\/span>Changes in Income Tax Procedures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The budget 2026 has extended the deadline to file a revised ITR from December 31 to March 31, after paying a nominal fee. Also, the pre-deposit for filing a tax appeal is brought down from 20% to 10% of the core tax demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Capital_Expenditure\"><\/span>Capital Expenditure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For FY27, the government has earmarked Rs 12.2 lakh crore for capex, which is directed towards long-term assets such as roads, railways, power, defence, and infrastructure. Unlike daily expenditure, this investment builds capacity, creates jobs, and fuels sustainable economic growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will eventually boost employment and productivity, support infrastructure, capital goods, and PSU banking stocks, and focus on creating long-term wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Impact_on_the_Market\"><\/span>The Impact on the Market<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, the STT on futures hiked to 0.02% to 0.05%, and the STT on options premium raised to 0.15%. Apparently, this hike has led to instant market reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Investor_Compliance_Relief\"><\/span>Investor Compliance Relief<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The compliance depositories will now be permitted to accept Form 15G\/15H centrally and pass it directly to legitimate companies. It cuts repetitive paperwork, reduces compliance burden, and makes the system more investor-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stricter_Penalties_for_Misreporting\"><\/span>Stricter Penalties for Misreporting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The government has also drawn a clear line on tax compliance. Misreporting of income will result in a penalty equal to 100% of the tax amount, further reinforcing the importance of transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Changes_in_TCS\"><\/span>Changes in TCS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages has been significantly reduced. Earlier ranging between 5% and 20%, the TCS rate has now been brought down to 2 per cent, easing the cost for international travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New TCS rates have been introduced for foreign travel undertaken for medical treatment and education purposes. These changes aim to create a more targeted and rational tax collection framework for such essential expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Sector_in_Focus\"><\/span>Key Sector in Focus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The government has also mapped out ways to enhance sectors, like Sports, Design, Orange Economy, AYUSH, Care Ecosystem, Health, and Service Sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who don\u2019t know what an Orange Economy is, it\u2019s basically a wide variety of knowledge and culture-based activities, alluding to culture, creativity, technology, and intellectual property, economic, social, and cultural value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Schemes_That_Drew_Attention\"><\/span>Key Schemes That Drew Attention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This budget introduced 8 fascinating schemes that drew everybody\u2019s attention, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Semiconductor Mission 2.0 for funding equipment and Indian tech designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It announced Rs 10,000 crore outlay for the Biopharma Shakti Scheme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It introduced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana to create employment opportunities and skill development for disabled people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The budget has also made an initiative to introduce the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj to enhance Khadi production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The government has increased electronic expenditure to Rs 40,000 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are planning on introducing a new scheme to boost container manufacturing in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala will get special corridors for rare earth minerals to support research and mining activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ISM 2.0 has been launched as the next phase to make semiconductor equipment and materials in India, develop end-to-end Indian technology, and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Quick_Breakdown_of_Price_Changes_Announced_in_Budget_2026\"><\/span>A Quick Breakdown of Price Changes Announced in Budget 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The new budget isn\u2019t just redefining the future of India but also shaping your expenses and lifestyle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, the prices of some products went down, like leather goods and footwear, seafood, cancer medicine, foreign tour packages, studying abroad, electronics, biofuel, aircraft and aeroplane parts, sports equipment, and solar panels and EV batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, the cost of coal, scrap, liquor, and stock market trading may increase due to higher taxes or levies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also, check &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/why-insurance-is-being-sold-as-investments\/\">Why Insurance is Being Sold as Investments<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On_a_Parting_Note\"><\/span>On a Parting Note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This new budget will raise the prices of liquor, cigarettes, coal, etc., while cutting down the cost of healthcare, education, travel, and more. Therefore, the government has worked on the upliftment and betterment of poor and downtrodden people. The impact of the budget 2026 will impact households through cheaper medicines, easier spending, and lower costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please share your thoughts on this post by leaving a reply in the comments section. Contact us via phone, <a href=\"http:\/\/wa.me\/917347700888\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WhatsApp<\/a>, or email to learn more about mutual funds, or visit our website. Alternatively, you can download the <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.bfc_mf.prodigy_app&amp;pcampaignid=web_share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prodigy Pro app<\/a> to start investing today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer \u2013<\/strong> This article is for educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute expert guidance. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read the scheme-related document carefully before investing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div ><style>#sp-ea-262 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-262.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-262.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #ffffff;}#sp-ea-262.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-262.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #7c8cff;}#sp-ea-262.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1770113813\"><div id=\"sp-ea-262\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Union_Budget\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2620\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2620\" aria-controls=\"collapse2620\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the Union Budget?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse2620\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-262\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2620\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s the government\u2019s financial plan for the year ahead, where the government presents a roadmap of how it will earn, spend, and manage its monetary responsibilities, including taxation, subsidies, and development schemes.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_main_goals_of_the_budget_2026\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2621\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2621\" aria-controls=\"collapse2621\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the main goals of the budget 2026?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2621\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-262\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2621\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Budget 2026 is built around three core duties (Kartavya): supporting the poor and underprivileged, boosting economic growth and job creation, and strengthening India\u2019s long-term economic foundation through reforms, simplified regulations, and fiscal discipline aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_changes_have_been_made_in_taxation_under_Budget_2026\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2622\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2622\" aria-controls=\"collapse2622\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What changes have been made in taxation under Budget 2026?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2622\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-262\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2622\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are no changes in income tax slabs. However, return filing deadlines have been revised, TCS on overseas tour packages has been reduced to 2%, new TCS rules apply to foreign education and medical travel, STT on futures and options has increased, and small taxpayers get a six-month foreign asset disclosure window.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_will_the_budget_2026_affect_everyday_expenses\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2623\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2623\" aria-controls=\"collapse2623\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How will the budget 2026 affect everyday expenses?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2623\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-262\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2623\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The budget 2026 makes healthcare, education, travel, electronics, and renewable energy products cheaper, while items like liquor, coal, scrap, and stock market trading may become costlier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Budget 2026 The budget 2026 took the \u201cnew year, new me\u201d way too seriously. The new reforms have taken everybody by surprise, as they are focusing on..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[315,317,318,320,324,322,321,319,323,316],"class_list":["post-263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-budget-2026","tag-budget-2026-india","tag-budget-2026-tax-changes","tag-capital-expenditure","tag-economic-reforms","tag-fiscal-deficit","tag-income-tax-updates-2026","tag-indian-budget-highlights","tag-market-impact-of-budget","tag-union-budget-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=263"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263\/revisions\/268"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prodigypro.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}