Day: August 4, 2026

There was little for farmers battling a crash in crop prices and incomes, and funds for agri research were slashed amid growing climate risks and a productive crisis.

The Union Budget for 2026-27 has proposed to treat TReDS receivables as asset-backed securities, aiming to boost liquidity and widen funding options for small businesses.

By prioritizing regional initiatives like rare earth corridors, chemical parks, and coconut cultivation schemes, the government addresses specific economic needs while maintaining a nationally applied development strategy.

Moody’s Ratings has termed India’s Union Budget tactical but not groundbreaking, noting that fiscal consolidation won’t alter the country’s credit profile. 

The capital gains tax exemption on SGBs will only be available to original subscribers holding these bonds till maturity. Others who buy SGBs from stock exchanges or other holders will have to pay tax.

A key plank of the export push is targeted customs relief for labour-intensive sectors. The Budget also uses customs policy as a tool to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in strategic sectors.

The government is shifting away from the ‘one size fits all’ punitive approach of the Black Money Act, offering a tiered amnesty for assets up to ₹5 crore to reduce litigation.

India has raised its defence capital outlay by 18% to nearly ₹2.2 trillion for FY27, aiming to modernize military assets amid security threats. The budget allocates funds for advanced weapons and equipment, while emphasizing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The textile sector is crucial as a major foreign exchange earner and employment generator for India. The country exported textile and apparel exports worth $36.60 billion in FY25, underscoring the sector’s importance as a foreign exchange earner and major employment generator.

Budget also proposes to upgrade National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur as regional apex institutions