{"id":8106,"date":"2026-02-09T16:53:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=8106"},"modified":"2026-02-09T16:53:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:53:35","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-01-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=8106","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 01.02.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Regional Medical Hubs for Medical Value Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall Context &amp; Objective<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Union Budget outlines a strategic push to position India as a global hub for Medical Value Tourism (MVT) and traditional medicine, particularly AYUSH.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emphasis is placed on quality healthcare, <strong>research<\/strong>, employment generation, <strong>global competitiveness<\/strong>, and soft power diplomacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The approach integrates modern medical infrastructure with traditional healthcare systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Regional Medical Hubs for Medical Value Tourism<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Government proposes to support States in establishing <strong>five Regional Medical Hubs<\/strong> in partnership with the <strong>private sector<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These hubs will function as <strong>integrated healthcare ecosystems<\/strong>, combining:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medical treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education and training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research and innovation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Designed to enhance India\u2019s appeal as a <strong>preferred destination for medical tourism<\/strong>, for both international and domestic patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Infrastructure &amp; Services within Medical Hubs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Each hub will include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AYUSH Centres<\/strong> for traditional and holistic healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres to assist patients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced facilities for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diagnostics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-treatment care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehabilitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on improving patient experience, continuity of care, and long-term recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Employment &amp; Human Resource Development<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Medical hubs expected to generate diverse employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Increased demand for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doctors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skilled support and technical staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports workforce development aligned with global healthcare standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Global Momentum for AYUSH Systems<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s leadership in traditional medicine highlighted as a key strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Yoga\u2019s global recognition traced to its promotion at the United Nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ayurveda\u2019s resurgence noted, particularly in the post-COVID period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Rising international demand for AYUSH products:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Benefits farmers cultivating medicinal plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creates opportunities for youth in processing and value addition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Budget Announcements for AYUSH<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda<\/strong> to be established:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expansion of quality education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced clinical services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthened research capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improved quality assurance and certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better regulatory compliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability of skilled technical manpower<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Upgradation of WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Jamnagar<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthening evidence-based research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced training and capacity building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater global awareness and credibility of traditional medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces India\u2019s commitment to evidence-based traditional medicine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens India\u2019s soft power and global health diplomacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Positions India as a trusted global destination for holistic healthcare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourages public-private collaboration in healthcare infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns traditional knowledge systems with modern healthcare frameworks and global standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Highlights of Union Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Focus on Villages, Poor, Farmers, Youth and Women<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budget framed with a strong <strong>rural and social orientation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Declining poverty levels attributed to ongoing welfare schemes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Special emphasis on <strong>making the poor self-reliant<\/strong>, rather than dependent on subsidies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Rural development seen as central to achieving national development goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Women Empowerment &amp; Rural Entrepreneurship<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expansion of the <strong>\u2018Lakhpati Didi\u2019 scheme<\/strong> to strengthen rural women\u2019s economic independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Introduction of <strong>\u2018SHE-Mart\u2019<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Community-owned retail outlets in <strong>every district<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Platform for selling products made by <strong>Self-Help Groups (SHGs)<\/strong> and rural women.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitates <strong>market access<\/strong>, branding, and income diversification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourages women engaged in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Animal husbandry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture and allied activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional livelihoods<br>to transition from subsistence work to entrepreneurship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Increase in Rural Development Budget<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">21% increase in the Rural Development Ministry\u2019s budget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Combined budget of Rural Development + Agriculture ministries crosses \u20b94.35 lakh crore, reflecting strong government commitment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Signals prioritisation of villages and farmers in fiscal planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2018Viksit Bharat Gram G\u2019 Scheme &amp; MGNREGA<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over <strong>\u20b91.51 lakh crore<\/strong> (including state contributions) allocated to the \u2018Viksit Bharat Gram G\u2019 scheme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">MGNREGA funding:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Earlier total allocation: ~\u20b986,000 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current Centre\u2019s share alone increased to <strong>\u20b995,692 crore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With states\u2019 share, total allocation exceeds <strong>\u20b91.51 lakh crore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Described as a historic and unprecedented investment in rural employment and infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Under the 16th Finance Commission:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over \u20b955,900 crore to be transferred directly to panchayats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Comparison with earlier period:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Earlier 5 years: ~\u20b92.36 lakh crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current period: ~\u20b94.35 lakh crore (nearly double).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Direct funding enhances:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Local self-governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accountability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Village-level development planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agriculture Budget &amp; Research Focus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Agriculture Ministry budget increased to <strong>\u20b91,32,561 crore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Allocation of <strong>\u20b99,967 crore<\/strong> for agricultural education and research:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major support to <strong>ICAR<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on innovation, productivity and climate-resilient farming.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fertiliser Subsidy &amp; Cost Reduction for Farmers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b91,70,944 crore<\/strong> provided as fertiliser subsidy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Objective:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure <strong>affordable fertilisers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce input costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect farmers from global price volatility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Direct Income Support through Fibre, Medicinal &amp; High-Value Crops<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>National Fibre Scheme<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focus on silk, wool and jute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct income support to farmers engaged in fibre production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Support for <strong>medicinal plants<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Certification and export facilitation under the Ministry of AYUSH.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances income for medicinal plant cultivators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promotion of <strong>high-value crops<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coconut, cocoa, cashew and sandalwood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rejuvenation of old coconut plantations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expansion of new orchards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruits, Vegetables &amp; Market Access<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Separate budgetary provisions for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increasing fruit and vegetable production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving transportation and supply chains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ensures:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Better prices for farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier access and affordability for consumers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced post-harvest losses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Union Budget 2026\u201327 &#8211; Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall Vision &amp; Strategic Context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Union Budget 2026\u201327 places international trade and exports at the core of India\u2019s growth strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Anchored in macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and sustained public investment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Seeks to position India as a competitive, resilient, and globally integrated trading economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Recognises exports as key drivers of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employment generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial upgrading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreign exchange earnings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration into global value chains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Manufacturing-Led Export Competitiveness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong push to scale domestic manufacturing in strategic and labour-intensive sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Objective: boost exports and reduce critical import dependence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key flagship initiatives include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Biopharma SHAKTI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India Semiconductor Mission 2.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expansion of Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of Rare Earth Corridors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishment of Chemical Parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Targeted support for capital goods and container manufacturing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on building resilient, high-value manufacturing ecosystems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support for Labour-Intensive Export Sectors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Renewed attention to traditional export sectors:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Textiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Footwear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports goods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handicrafts and handlooms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Measures include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Integrated manufacturing parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modernisation and skilling initiatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cluster rejuvenation programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sustainability-focused interventions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Revival of <strong>200 legacy industrial clusters<\/strong> through infrastructure and technology upgradation to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance global competitiveness of traditional export hubs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gems &amp; Jewellery Sector Reforms<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Sector benefits from trade facilitation and logistics efficiency measures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Removal of \u20b910 lakh value cap on courier exports:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supports small exporters and e-commerce-led shipments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Improved handling of returned consignments to reduce friction in B2C trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Extension of concessional customs duty regimes for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gold and silver dore bars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lab-grown diamond inputs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourages domestic refining, value addition, and export competitiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Services Exports: Policy Thrust &amp; Global Ambition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong focus on making India a global services export leader.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Proposal for a High-Powered Education-to-Empowerment and Enterprise Standing Committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aspirational target:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>10% share in global services exports by 2047<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reforms for IT and IT-enabled services include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unified classification of IT services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher safe-harbour thresholds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated approvals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term tax and regulatory certainty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances India\u2019s attractiveness for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Global Capability Centres (GCCs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International service providers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Digital Economy &amp; Cloud Services<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Proposal for tax holidays up to 2047 for foreign companies providing global cloud services via India-based data centres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Introduction of safe-harbour norms for related-party services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expected outcomes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased foreign investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expansion of digital infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positioning India as a global h<em>u<\/em>b for digital and data-driven services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Reforms<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reforms aimed at:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improving capacity utilisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achieving economies of scale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhancing resilience of the SEZ ecosystem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key measures:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-time facilitation for limited Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) sales at concessional duties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extended tax incentives for cloud and data-centre operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Maintains strong export orientation while attracting global manufacturers and tech players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Infrastructure Push to Reduce Trade Costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Export strategy underpinned by large-scale infrastructure investment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus areas include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher public capital expenditure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of National Waterways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotion of coastal shipping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logistics parks and container manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-speed rail corridors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Benefits:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced logistics costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower dwell times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved connectivity for tier-2 and tier-3 cities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced supply-chain efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trade Facilitation &amp; Ease of Doing Business<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Shift towards a <strong>trust-based, technology-driven trade regime<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key reforms include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Electronic sealing of export cargo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trusted supply-chain recognition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated customs processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expansion of non-intrusive scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longer validity of advance rulings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced duty deferment for Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removal of value caps for courier exports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Outcomes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greater predictability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower transaction costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved global trade facilitation rankings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>MSME Support for Export Growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">MSMEs recognised as the backbone of India\u2019s export ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key measures:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u20b910,000 crore SME Growth Fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced credit guarantee mechanisms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandatory use of <strong>TReDS<\/strong> by CPSEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration of <strong>GeM with TReDS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Addresses:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working capital constraints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to timely and affordable finance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enables MSMEs to scale and compete globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sector-Specific Export Opportunities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Targeted initiatives in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marine products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pharmaceuticals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming &amp; Comics)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allied health services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces a <strong>diversified and resilient export basket<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall Assessment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budget 2026\u201327 presents a <strong>coherent, forward-looking export strategy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Integrates:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing competitiveness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services excellence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infrastructure modernisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory simplification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MSME empowerment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens India\u2019s image as a <strong>reliable global trading partner<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Lays a strong foundation for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustained export growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term economic resilience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Union Budget 2026\u201327 &#8211; Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Electronics Sector Initiatives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0<\/strong> launched:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Objective: Produce equipment and materials, develop full-stack Indian IP, and strengthen semiconductor supply chains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on industry-led R&amp;D and training centers to develop technology and skilled workforce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocation of \u20b91,000 crore for FY 2026\u201327.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Builds on the foundation of ISM 1.0, which already expanded India\u2019s semiconductor capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initially launched in April 2025 with an outlay of \u20b97,22,919 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment commitments already double the target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proposed <strong>increase in outlay to \u20b940,000 crore<\/strong> to capitalize on growth momentum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Information Technology (IT) Sector Measures<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Unified Category for IT Services<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All software development, IT-enabled services (ITeS), knowledge process outsourcing, and contract R&amp;D services to be classified under \u201cInformation Technology Services\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Single safe harbour margin of 15.5% applied across all IT services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Enhanced Safe Harbour Provisions<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Threshold for safe harbour raised from \u20b9300 crore to \u20b92,000 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approval to be automated and rule-driven, eliminating the need for tax officer intervention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once applied, safe harbour can continue for 5 years continuously, at the company\u2019s choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) Reforms<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unilateral APA process for IT services to be fast-tracked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timeline: 2 years, extendable by 6 months at taxpayer\u2019s request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modified return facility extended to associated entities of the company entering APA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Data Centres &amp; Cloud Services<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tax Holiday till 2047 for foreign companies providing global cloud services from India-based data centres, provided services to Indian customers are routed via an Indian reseller.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Safe harbour of 15% on cost proposed for data centre services by related entities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Measures aim to boost investment, enable critical infrastructure, and position India as a global hub for cloud and data services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>High-Powered Services Sector Committee<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Proposal to establish \u201cEducation to Employment and Enterprise\u201d Standing Committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Mandate:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recommend measures to position the Services Sector as a core driver of Viksit Bharat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assess impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suggest interventions for workforce development and upskilling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategic Implications<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces India\u2019s ambition to become a global hub for electronics, semiconductors, and IT services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promotes technology-led growth, innovation, and skill development in high-value sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances tax certainty and ease of doing business for IT and cloud companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports foreign investment and domestic capability building in cloud infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns with long-term vision of Viksit Bharat, focusing on employment, enterprise, and technological leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Highlights of Union Budget FY 2026\u201327<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AI Data Centres &amp; Digital Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Data centres, especially AI data centres, identified as a critical infrastructure layer of AI architecture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Investment status:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>USD 70 billion<\/strong> already under implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>USD 90 billion<\/strong> worth of additional investments announced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budget proposals:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tax holiday till 2047 for foreign cloud service providers using India-based data centres to serve global customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian customers to be served via Indian reseller entities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safe harbour margin of 15% on cost for data centre services where the Indian provider is a related entity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strategic impact:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourages long-term foreign investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positions India as a global hub for AI and cloud infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides policy visibility up to India\u2019s centenary year (2047)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Long-Term Data Centre Policy Framework (till 2047)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Establishes a stable and predictable policy environment for cloud and AI infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aims to attract hyperscalers and global technology firms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens India\u2019s competitiveness against established global data centre destinations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Announcement of <strong>ISM 2.0<\/strong>, building on the success of <strong>ISM 1.0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">ISM 1.0 credited with laying the foundation for a new semiconductor industry in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key focus areas under ISM 2.0:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design and manufacturing of semiconductor equipment in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturing of materials used in semiconductor production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creation of a large semiconductor design ecosystem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further strengthening talent development initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Financial allocation:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u20b91,000 crore<\/strong> earmarked for ISM 2.0 in FY 2026\u201327<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strategic significance:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shifts focus from only fabrication to the entire semiconductor value chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces import dependence in critical semiconductor inputs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budgetary allocation increased:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From approximately \u20b922,000 crore to \u20b940,000 crore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Industry response:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>149 applications received, far exceeding expectations of 50\u201355<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Policy impact:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Demonstrates strong industry confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports scaling up domestic manufacturing of electronic components<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps sustain momentum in electronics manufacturing growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>IT Services Sector: Tax Certainty &amp; Simplification<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">IT services remain India\u2019s largest exported service sector\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exports exceed USD 220 billion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budget proposals aim to reduce tax disputes and enhance predictability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key reforms:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All IT-related services consolidated into a single category: Information Technology Services\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes software development, IT-enabled services, KPO, and contract R&amp;D<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common safe harbour margin of 15.5% introduced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safe harbour eligibility threshold increased:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From \u20b9300 crore to \u20b92,000 crore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated, rule-based approval process proposed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Additional measures:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fast-tracking Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) for IT services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extension of modified returns facility to associated entities entering into APAs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expected outcomes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greater tax certainty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced compliance burden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved global competitiveness of Indian IT firms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Union Budget 2026\u201327: Comprehensive Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context &amp; Vision<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Union Budget 2026\u201327 presented by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">First Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhawan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Anchored around <strong>Three Kartavyas<\/strong>, reflecting long-term national priorities and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Three Kartavyas<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">1. Accelerate and Sustain Economic Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhance <strong>productivity, competitiveness, and resilience<\/strong> against global volatility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on <strong>manufacturing, infrastructure, energy security, and urban growth<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">2. Fulfil Aspirations &amp; Build Capacity of People<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthen <strong>education, health, skilling, tourism, sports, and creative economy<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Position services sector as a major driver of future growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">3. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ensure <strong>inclusive growth<\/strong> across regions, communities, sectors, and vulnerable groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Target farmers, Divyangjan, mental health, eastern and north-eastern states<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Fiscal Indicators<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Total Expenditure (BE 2026\u201327):<\/strong> \u20b953.5 lakh crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Non-Debt Receipts:<\/strong> \u20b936.5 lakh crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Net Tax Receipts:<\/strong> \u20b928.7 lakh crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Capital Expenditure (RE 2025\u201326):<\/strong> ~\u20b911 lakh crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Public Capex (FY 2026\u201327):<\/strong> \u20b912.2 lakh crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Fiscal Deficit (BE 2026\u201327):<\/strong> 4.3% of GDP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Debt-to-GDP Ratio:<\/strong> 55.6% (declining trend)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Gross Market Borrowings:<\/strong> \u20b917.2 lakh crore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>First Kartavya: Growth-Oriented Interventions (6 Pillars)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">1. Scaling Manufacturing in Strategic &amp; Frontier Sectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:17px\">Biopharma<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Biopharma SHAKTI<\/strong> launched with \u20b910,000 crore (5 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">3 new <strong>NIPERs<\/strong> + upgrade of 7 existing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Network of <strong>1,000+ clinical trial sites<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Semiconductors &amp; Electronics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focus on equipment, materials, full-stack IP, talent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocation: \u20b91,000 crore (FY 2026\u201327)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>ECMS outlay increased to \u20b940,000 crore<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Critical Inputs &amp; Chemicals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Scheme to establish 3 Chemical Parks via challenge mode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Capital Goods &amp; Infrastructure Equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Hi-Tech Tool Rooms by CPSEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Construction &amp; Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Container Manufacturing Scheme (\u20b910,000 crore, 5 years)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">2. Integrated Textile Programme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">National Fibre Scheme (natural, man-made, and new-age fibres)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Textile Expansion &amp; Employment Scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Mega Textile Parks (challenge mode)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative for khadi, handloom, handicrafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on skilling, branding, and global market access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">3. Rejuvenating Legacy Industrial Clusters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Infrastructure and technology upgradation to enhance competitiveness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">4. Champion SMEs &amp; Micro Enterprises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">\u20b910,000 crore SME Growth Fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Additional \u20b92,000 crore for Self-Reliant India Fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Creation of \u2018Corporate Mitras\u2019 via professional institutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">5. Infrastructure Push<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Monetisation of CPSE real estate via <strong>REITs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">New Dedicated Freight Corridor: Dankuni\u2013Surat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">20 National Waterways over 5 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme (modal shift to waterways)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Seaplane manufacturing &amp; VGF for seaplane operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">6. Energy Security &amp; City Economic Regions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">\u20b920,000 crore for Carbon Capture Utilisation &amp; Storage (CCUS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">City Economic Regions (CERs): \u20b95,000 crore per region (5 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">7 High-Speed Rail Corridors as growth connectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Banking sector review committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reforms in NBFCs, FEMA rules, and Municipal Bonds incentives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Second Kartavya: People-Centric Development<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Education, Health &amp; Skilling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">High-Powered Committee on Education\u2013Employment\u2013Enterprise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">100,000 Allied Health Professionals in 5 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">5 Regional Medical Hubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">3 new All India Institutes of Ayurveda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expansion of veterinary education and infrastructure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Creative Economy &amp; Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">AVGC labs in <strong>15,000 schools &amp; 500 colleges<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">University Townships near industrial corridors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Girls\u2019 hostels in every district<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Upgradation of hospitality institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Digital Knowledge Grid for tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Development of 15 archaeological sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Sports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Launch of Khelo India Mission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third Kartavya: Inclusive &amp; Regional Development<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Farmers &amp; Agriculture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Development of 500 reservoirs &amp; Amrit Sarovars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">High-value crops promotion (coconut, cocoa, cashew, sandalwood)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Bharat-VISTAAR AI-based agriculture platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Social Inclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Establishment of NIMHANS-2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Upgradation of mental health institutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Purvodaya &amp; North-East<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">East Coast Industrial Corridor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tourism destinations and <strong>4,000 e-buses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Buddhist Circuit development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">16th Finance Commission<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b91.4 lakh crore<\/strong> grants to States for FY 2026\u201327<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PART B: Taxation Reforms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Direct Taxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">New Income Tax Act, 2025 effective April 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Simplified TDS\/TCS, expanded safe harbour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">IT services unified under single category<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">MAT reduced to <strong>14%<\/strong>, made final tax<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tax holiday till <strong>2047<\/strong> for foreign cloud companies using Indian data centres<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Indirect Taxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tariff simplification across textiles, energy, aviation, electronics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Duty exemptions for critical minerals, nuclear power, lithium-ion cells<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">SEZ reforms for domestic sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reduced personal import duties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Customs &amp; Trade Facilitation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Trust-based customs systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Digital single-window clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">AI-based container scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Removal of courier export value cap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Duty-free fish catch exports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Assessment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Budget adopts a long-term structural transformation approach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong focus on manufacturing depth, infrastructure, digital economy, and human capital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Balances growth, fiscal consolidation, and inclusivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns closely with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Regional Medical Hubs for Medical Value Tourism Overall Context &amp; Objective Regional Medical Hubs for Medical Value Tourism Infrastructure &amp; Services within Medical Hubs Employment &amp; Human Resource Development Global Momentum for AYUSH Systems Key Budget Announcements for AYUSH Strategic Significance Highlights of Union Budget Focus on Villages, Poor, Farmers, Youth and Women Women Empowerment [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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