3 Feb 2026
Sitharaman focused the budget on the Three Kartavyas – Accelerate growth, build capacity, and equitable development.
- Revamped New Income Tax Act, 2025, to take effect from April 1, 2026. It is a new law that may:
o Rationalise capital gains tax
o Include tax regime for gig workers, influencers, crypto and digital assets, and cross-border digital income
o Reduce litigation perpetuated by the ambiguous wording in the 1961 Act.
o Introduce fewer deductions, exemptions, and lower tax rates.
- ₹12.2 lakh crore in capital expenditure, compared with ₹11.11 lakh crore last year.
- Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with a ₹40,000 crore outlay.
- National Fibre Scheme for self-sufficiency in advanced materials.
- Support for critical mineral facilities in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- 7 high-speed rail corridors (Delhi–Varanasi, Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Chennai–Bengaluru, Varanasi–Siliguri)
- NIMHANS‑2 and upgraded mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur.
- Girls’ hostel in every district to support women’s higher education.
- Dedicated retail and digital marketplaces for women-led businesses- SHE Marts
Check out my new book, THE BLACK FLAMES. A gripping, high-stakes mystery.