Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic to Complete Career Grand Slam

On February 1, 2026. In a gripping men’s singles final at the Australian Open 2026, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Serbian legend Novak Djokovic to achieved feat and completed the Grand Slam series. At just 22 years of age, Alcaraz completed his career Grand Slam, becoming the youngest man in tennis history to do so. The match was more than a final it symbolized the passing of an era and the rise of a new one in global tennis.

The Final That Redefined Modern Tennis

  • The Australian Open 2026 final lived up to its billing.
  • Djokovic took the opening set 6–2, showcasing his trademark control and experience.
  • However, Alcaraz responded with remarkable composure, taking the next three sets 6–2, 6–3, 7–5.
  • His aggressive baseline play, physical endurance and tactical maturity stood out.
  • The victory was not just about beating Djokovic, but about doing so on a stage where legends are tested. It reflected Alcaraz’s evolution from prodigy to dominant champion.

Career Grand Slam: Why This Win Is Historic

  • By winning the Australian Open, Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam, having already won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open earlier in his career.
  • At 22, he became the youngest male player ever to achieve this milestone, surpassing records held by legends of the sport.

Djokovic’s Grace and the Hint of an Era’s End

  • Despite defeat, Djokovic’s post-match speech drew emotional attention.
  • He praised Alcaraz’s team as “historic and legendary” and thanked the Melbourne crowd for standing by him.
  • References to longevity, uncertainty about the future, and gratitude for the journey sparked speculation about how close the sport may be to witnessing the end of one of the greatest careers ever.
  • While not a retirement announcement, it marked a reflective moment for a player who has defined men’s tennis for over two decades.

A Generational Shift in Men’s Tennis

  • Alcaraz’s triumph symbolises a changing of the guard.
  • The era dominated by Djokovic, Nadal and Federer is giving way to a new generation led by Alcaraz.
  • His ability to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam final under pressure confirms that the future of men’s tennis has firmly arrived.

Australian Open 2026 Winners in Each Category

  • Men’s Singles Champion: Carlos Alcaraz
  • Women’s Singles Champion: Rybakina
  • Men’s Doubles Champion: Neal Skupski & Christian Harrison
  • Women’s Doubles Champion: Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai
  • Mix Doubles Champion: Gadecki and Peers

Question

Q. Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest male player to complete a career Grand Slam after winning which tournament?

A. Wimbledon 2025
B. US Open 2025
C. French Open 2024
D. Australian Open 2026

Union Budget 2026: List of New and Existing Schemes & Initiatives

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February 2026, marks a decisive push towards building a Viksit Bharat by balancing rapid economic growth with inclusion, capacity building and long-term resilience.  A key highlight of Budget 2026 is the large number of new schemes and missions announced across manufacturing, MSMEs, infrastructure, agriculture, social justice, sports, education, and emerging technologies.

Schemes Announced in Union Budget 2026-27

1. Manufacturing & Strategic Sectors

The Budget places strong emphasis on scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s global competitiveness.

  • Biopharma SHAKTI (₹10,000 crore over five years) aims to develop India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars, supported by new and upgraded NIPER institutions and over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites.
  • Building on earlier progress, India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 focuses on semiconductor equipment, materials, full-stack Indian intellectual property, and skilled workforce development.
  • The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme has received a major boost with its outlay increased to ₹40,000 crore, reflecting strong investor response.
  • To secure critical mineral supply chains, Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be developed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, linked to the Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Scheme.
  • Additional initiatives include a Chemical Parks Scheme (three parks via challenge mode), Hi-Tech Tool Rooms for precision manufacturing, a Construction & Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Enhancement Scheme, and a Container Manufacturing Scheme with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore.

2. Textile, Khadi and Handicrafts

  • An Integrated Textile Programme has been announced with five components, including the National Fibre Scheme, Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, National Handloom and Handicraft Programme, Tex-Eco Initiative, and Samarth 2.0 for skilling.
  • To promote scale and value addition, Mega Textile Parks will be set up in challenge mode.
  • Complementing this, the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative focuses on strengthening khadi, handloom and handicrafts through training, quality improvement and global branding.

3. MSMEs and Enterprise Support

  • Recognizing MSMEs as engines of employment, the Budget introduces a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future “Champion MSMEs”.
  • The Self-Reliant India Fund has been topped up by ₹2,000 crore to support micro enterprises.
  • The Corporate Mitra Programme will create a cadre of trained para-professionals to help MSMEs meet compliance needs, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
  • Major reforms have also been announced for the TReDS platform, including mandatory use by CPSEs, credit guarantee for invoice discounting, integration with GeM, and securitisation of receivables. Additionally, a Legacy Industrial Cluster Rejuvenation Scheme will revive 200 old clusters.

4. Infrastructure & Connectivity

  • Public capital expenditure has been increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore, supported by new institutional mechanisms.
  • An Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will provide partial credit guarantees to reduce project risks.
  • Key connectivity initiatives include new Dedicated Freight Corridors, expansion of National Waterways, a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, and incentives for seaplane manufacturing and operations.
  • The Budget also proposes a ₹20,000 crore Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Programme, development of City Economic Regions, and seven high-speed rail corridors linking major growth centres.

5. Services, Education and Skill Development

  • A High-Powered Education-to-Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee will guide India’s services-led growth strategy.
  • The Budget announces expansion of Allied Health Professionals, training 1.5 lakh caregivers, and establishment of five Medical Value Tourism Hubs. The AYUSH sector will be strengthened through new institutes and upgraded labs.
  • Other initiatives include AVGC content creator labs in schools and colleges, a new National Institute of Design in eastern India, University Townships, girls’ hostels in STEM institutions, and upgraded national telescope infrastructure.

6. Tourism, Culture and Heritage

  • Tourism is positioned as a major employment generator.
  • The Budget proposes a National Institute of Hospitality, a Tourist Guide Skill Pilot Scheme, and a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid.
  • Eco-tourism trails, development of 15 archaeological sites, and a Buddhist Circuit Development Scheme for the North-East further strengthen cultural tourism.

7. Sports Development

  • To leverage India’s manufacturing potential, a Dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Initiative has been announced.
  • In addition, the Khelo India Mission will transform the sports ecosystem over the next decade through talent pathways, sports science, coaching and infrastructure.

8. Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Economy

  • Major schemes include Fisheries Development in reservoirs and coastal areas, Animal Husbandry Entrepreneurship Support, and promotion of high-value crops such as coconut, cocoa, cashew and sandalwood.
  • The Coconut Promotion Scheme targets productivity enhancement, while Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based advisory system, will support farmers with customised information.
  • SHE-Marts will help rural women transition from livelihoods to enterprise ownership.

9. Social Justice, Health and Welfare

  • The Budget introduces Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for skill-based employment and Divyang Sahara Yojana for assistive devices.
  • Mental healthcare receives a boost with NIMHANS-2, upgraded institutes, and expansion of emergency and trauma care centres.

Question

Q. Which of the following schemes announced in Union Budget 2026-27 aims to develop India as a global manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars?

A. India Semiconductor Mission 2.0
B. Biopharma SHAKTI
C. National Fibre Scheme
D. Khelo India Mission</p

 

Union Budget 2026-27: Top Most Important MCQ’s

Preparing for Banking, SSC, RBI, NABARD, and other competitive exams requires a strong grasp of the Union Budget 2026–27, as budget-based questions are frequently asked in both prelims and mains. This year’s budget is especially important because it focuses on Viksit Bharat goals, manufacturing expansion, MSME growth, infrastructure push, financial sector reforms, social sector development, and fiscal consolidation. The most important MCQs from this budget help aspirants quickly revise key schemes, allocations, targets, reforms, and economic indicators that are highly exam-relevant. Practicing these questions will strengthen your understanding of current economic policies and improve your ability to tackle government scheme and budget-based questions with accuracy.

Union Budget 2026-27: Top Most Important MCQ’s

PART A: INDIA’S BUDGET 2026-27

Q1. The three pillars of the Kartavya Framework do NOT include which of the following?

A) Accelerate Sustainable Economic Growth
B) Strengthen Agricultural Subsidy Distribution
C) Fulfill Aspirations & Build Capacity
D) Inclusive Development (Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas)

Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following best describes the “Kartavya 1” pillar?

A) Direct wealth redistribution to marginalized communities
B) Enhance productivity and competitiveness while maintaining structural reforms momentum
C) Elimination of all foreign trade barriers
D) Mandatory government employment for all citizens

Answer: B

Q3. According to the budget, how many individuals have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty as of the document date?

A) 15 crore
B) 20 crore
C) 25 crore
D) 30 crore

Answer: C

Q4. The Reform Express initiative includes how many rollouts post-Independence Day 2025?

A) 200+
B) 250+
C) 350+
D) 400+

Answer: C

Q5. Which THREE areas are identified as Supporting Ecosystem Requirements for growth?

A) Agricultural subsidies, Price controls, Bureaucratic oversight
B) Continuous structural economic reforms, Robust financial sector, Cutting-edge technologies
C) Tariff barriers, Limited FDI, Government monopolies
D) None of the above

Answer: B

Q6. The Biopharma SHAKTI scheme has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over how many years?

A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 7 years
D) 10 years

Answer: B

Q7. How many new NIPER (National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education & Research) institutions will be established under Biopharma SHAKTI?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7

Answer: B

Q8. The clinical trial network target under Biopharma SHAKTI is:

A) 500+ accredited sites
B) 750+ accredited sites
C) 1,000+ accredited sites
D) 1,500+ accredited sites

Answer: C

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a focus area of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0?

A) Manufacture semiconductor equipment domestically
B) Design full-stack Indian intellectual property solutions
C) Establish retail semiconductor outlets across India
D) Develop skilled workforce in semiconductor technology

Answer: C

Q10. The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme previous outlay was ₹22,919 crore (launched April 2025). The proposed enhancement is:

A) ₹30,000 crore
B) ₹35,000 crore
C) ₹40,000 crore
D) ₹45,000 crore

Answer: C

Q11. What was the investment achievement ratio against target for Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme?

A) 1.5x
B) 2x
C) 2.5x
D) 3x

Answer: B

Q12. The Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Scheme was launched in:

A) August 2025
B) September 2025
C) November 2025
D) December 2025

Answer: C

Q13. Which of the following states is NOT mentioned as a mineral-rich state in the Rare Earth Corridors initiative?

A) Odisha
B) Kerala
C) Maharashtra
D) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: C

Q14. The Container Manufacturing Scheme has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over:

A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 7 years
D) 10 years

Answer: B

Q15. How many sub-components does the Textile Sector Integrated Programme have?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6

Answer: C

Q16. The National Fibre Scheme aims to achieve self-reliance in which of the following?

A) Only synthetic fibres
B) Only natural fibres (silk, wool, jute)
C) Both natural and man-made fibres including new-age fibres
D) Only cotton and polyester

Answer: C


Q17. Which textile scheme specifically focuses on skilling modernization with industry-academic collaboration?

A) Textile Expansion & Employment Scheme
B) Samarth 2.0
C) Tex-Eco Initiative
D) National Handloom & Handicraft Programme

Answer: B

Q18. The Hi-Tech Tool Rooms under Capital Goods Capability Building will be established at:

A) 1 location
B) 2 locations
C) 3 locations
D) 5 locations

Answer: B

Q19. Which construction-related equipment is specifically mentioned in the Construction & Infrastructure Equipment Scheme?

A) Concrete mixers only
B) Lifts, fire-fighting equipment, tunnel-boring equipment, high-altitude road machinery
C) Only excavators
D) Only cranes

Answer: B

Q20. How many legacy industrial clusters are targeted for rejuvenation under the cluster revitalization scheme?

A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 250

Answer: C

Q21. The SME Growth Fund has an outlay of:

A) ₹5,000 crore
B) ₹8,000 crore
C) ₹10,000 crore
D) ₹15,000 crore

Answer: C

Q22. The Self-Reliant India Fund Top-Up allocation is:

A) ₹1,000 crore
B) ₹1,500 crore
C) ₹2,000 crore
D) ₹3,000 crore

Answer: C

Q23. The current TReDS (Trade Receivables e-Discounting System) availability to MSMEs is:

A) ₹5 lakh crore
B) ₹7 lakh crore
C) ₹9 lakh crore
D) ₹10 lakh crore

Answer: B

Q24. Which of the following is NOT listed as a measure to leverage TReDS potential?

A) Mandatory CPSE Integration
B) Credit Guarantee Mechanism
C) Direct government grants to MSMEs
D) GeM-TReDS Linkage

Answer: C

Q25. The GeM-TReDS linkage aims to achieve which of the following?

A) Better financing visibility and cheaper, quicker credit only
B) Eliminate traditional banking completely
C) Reduce government procurement transparency
D) Increase MSME interest rates

Answer: A

Q26. The TReDS receivables asset-backed securities initiative falls under which category of support?

A) Equity Support
B) Liquidity Support
C) Professional Support
D) Technology Support

Answer: B

Q27. The Corporate Mitras Programme facilitates short-term, modular courses through:

A) Private corporations only
B) Government training institutes
C) Professional Institutions (ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI)
D) Foreign universities

Answer: C

Q28. The Corporate Mitras Programme specifically targets:

A) Only metropolitan areas
B) Tier-I cities exclusively
C) Tier-II and Tier-III towns
D) Rural areas only

Answer: C

Q29. What benefit does the Corporate Mitras Programme provide to MSMEs?

A) Direct equity investment
B) Affordable compliance support through accredited para-professional cadre
C) Government subsidies
D) Forced technology adoption

Answer: B

Q30. The public capital expenditure in FY2014-15 was ₹2 lakh crore. What is the proposed allocation for FY2026-27?

A) ₹10 lakh crore
B) ₹11.2 lakh crore
C) ₹12.2 lakh crore
D) ₹13.2 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q31. The Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund provides:

A) Full credit guarantees to all borrowers
B) Prudently calibrated partial credit guarantees to lenders
C) Direct grants to infrastructure developers
D) Mandatory equity stakes

Answer: B

Q32. The new Dedicated Freight Corridor connects:

A) Delhi to Mumbai
B) Dankuni (East) to Surat (West)
C) Chennai to Bengaluru
D) Kolkata to Hyderabad

Answer: B

Q33. How many new National Waterways are planned to be operationalized over 5 years?

A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25

Answer: C

Q34. National Waterway-5 in Odisha connects which industrial areas to ports?

A) Raipur-Angul to Visakhapatnam
B) Talcher-Angul to Paradeep/Dhamra ports
C) Jharia to Haldia
D) Singareni to Kakinada

Answer: B

Q35. The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme targets increasing the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping from 6% to:

A) 8% by 2047
B) 10% by 2047
C) 12% by 2047
D) 15% by 2047

Answer: C

Q36. Ship Repair Ecosystems will be established at:

A) Mumbai and Kochi only
B) Chennai and Visakhapatnam
C) Varanasi and Patna
D) Surat and Mandvi

Answer: C

Q37. How many High-Speed Rail Corridors are proposed?

A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8

Answer: C

Q38. Which of the following is NOT among the proposed High-Speed Rail Corridors?

A) Mumbai-Pune
B) Pune-Hyderabad
C) Delhi-Kolkata
D) Chennai-Bengaluru

Answer: C

Q39. The seaplane initiatives primarily aim to:

A) Replace commercial aviation entirely
B) Provide remote connectivity and tourism promotion
C) Eliminate helicopter services
D) Create luxury travel only

Answer: B

Q40. The CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage) Roadmap was launched in:

A) October 2025
B) November 2025
C) December 2025
D) January 2026

Answer: C

Q41. The CCUS initiative outlay is ₹20,000 crore over:

A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 7 years
D) 10 years

Answer: B

Q42. Which sector is NOT mentioned as a focus sector for CCUS technologies?

A) Power
B) Steel
C) Retail
D) Cement

Answer: C

Q43. City Economic Regions (CERs) focus primarily on:

A) Rural agricultural development
B) Tier-II, Tier-III cities, and temple towns
C) Metropolitan expansion only
D) Industrial manufacturing clusters

Answer: B

Q44. The allocation per City Economic Region over 5 years is:

A) ₹3,000 crore
B) ₹4,000 crore
C) ₹5,000 crore
D) ₹6,000 crore

Answer: C

Q45. The financing model for CERs is:

A) Direct grant disbursement
B) Challenge mode with reform-cum-results-based mechanism
C) Zero-interest loans only
D) Private sector-only funding

Answer: B

Q46. Which government initiative aims to drive technology adoption for farmers, women in STEM, and persons with disabilities?

A) Manufacturing Excellence Mission
B) Digital India Programme
C) AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Fund, and R&D Innovation Fund
D) Make in India

Answer: C

Q47. Current banking sector coverage of villages in India is:

A) 85%
B) 90%
C) 95%
D) 98%+

Answer: D

Q48. A High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat has been constituted with mandate to review banking while safeguarding:

A) Only profitability
B) Only financial stability
C) Financial stability, inclusion objectives, and consumer protection
D) Regulatory compliance only

Answer: C

Q49. Which of the following is a proposed NBFC restructuring initiative?

A) Privatize all public sector NBFCs
B) Restructure Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation
C) Eliminate NBFC sector
D) Merge all NBFCs with banks

Answer: B

Q50. The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules initiative aims to:

A) Restrict foreign investment
B) Create contemporary, user-friendly rules aligned with India’s evolving priorities
C) Eliminate foreign direct investment
D) Increase bureaucratic controls

Answer: B

Q51. The corporate bond market development includes introduction of market making for:

A) Government securities only
B) Corporate bond indices
C) Only blue-chip company bonds
D) Small cap bonds exclusively

Answer: B

Q52. The Municipal Bonds Incentive Scheme provides an incentive of ₹100 crore for single bond issuance greater than:

A) ₹500 crore
B) ₹750 crore
C) ₹1,000 crore
D) ₹1,500 crore

Answer: C

Q53. The AMRUT scheme continues supporting bond issuances up to:

A) ₹100 crore
B) ₹150 crore
C) ₹200 crore
D) ₹250 crore

Answer: C

Q54. Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) liberalization includes permitting PROI to invest in:

A) Government securities only
B) Listed company equity
C) Real estate only
D) Unlisted companies

Answer: B

Q55. The individual PROI limit has been increased from 5% to:

A) 7%
B) 8%
C) 10%
D) 12%

Answer: C

Q56. The overall PROI limit has been raised from 10% to:

A) 15%
B) 18%
C) 24%
D) 28%

Answer: C

Q57. The High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee targets achieving what percentage of global services share by 2047?

A) 5%
B) 8%
C) 10%
D) 15%

Answer: C

Q58. How many Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are targeted to be added over 5 years?

A) 50,000
B) 75,000
C) 100,000
D) 150,000

Answer: C

Q59. Year 1 target for training caregivers under AHP Care Ecosystem Development is:

A) 50,000
B) 75,000
C) 1 lakh (100,000)
D) 1.5 lakh (150,000)

Answer: D

Q60. How many Regional Medical Value Tourism Hubs are planned to be supported?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 7

Answer: C

Q61. Medical Value Tourism Hubs will integrate which system’s centres?

A) Only Allopathic
B) Only Homeopathic
C) AYUSH Centres
D) Only Unani

Answer: C

Q62. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre that will be upgraded is located in:

A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Jamnagar
D) Varanasi

Answer: C

Q63. How many new All India Institutes of Ayurveda will be established?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 5

Answer: C

Q64. The Orange Economy sector (AVGC) requires how many professionals by 2030?

A) 1 million
B) 1.5 million
C) 2 million
D) 2.5 million

Answer: C

Q65. AVGC Content Creator Labs will be established in how many secondary schools?

A) 5,000
B) 10,000
C) 15,000
D) 20,000

Answer: C

Q66. AVGC Content Creator Labs will be established in how many colleges?

A) 200
B) 300
C) 400
D) 500

Answer: D

Q67. The new National Institute of Design will focus on:

A) Western India only
B) Southern India
C) Eastern India (to address geographic concentration)
D) Northern India

Answer: C

Q68. How many University Townships are planned via challenge route?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: D

Q69. University Townships will be located near:

A) Agricultural areas only
B) Major industrial and logistic corridors
C) Coastal regions only
D) Hilly regions

Answer: B

Q70. The girls’ hostel in higher STEM education initiative targets establishing:

A) 1 hostel per state
B) 1 hostel per district
C) 1 hostel per region
D) 1 hostel per university

Answer: B

Q71. How many telescope infrastructure projects are included in Astrophysics & Astronomy Development?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: C

Q72. The National Institute of Hospitality upgrades which existing institution?

A) IIHM
B) National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology
C) ITC Institute
D) NRAI Academy

Answer: B

Q73. The Tourism Guide Upskilling Pilot scales across how many iconic tourist sites?

A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25

Answer: C

Q74. The Tourism Guide training course duration under the pilot is:

A) 8 weeks
B) 10 weeks
C) 12 weeks
D) 16 weeks

Answer: C

Q75. Which institute partners with the Tourism Guide Upskilling Programme?

A) NITI Aayog
B) Indian Institute of Management
C) NASSCOM
D) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce

Answer: B

Q76. How many archaeological sites are planned to be transformed into vibrant, experiential destinations?

A) 10
B) 12
C) 15
D) 20

Answer: C

Q77. Which of the following archaeological sites is mentioned for transformation?

A) Mohenjo-daro
B) Lothal
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B

Answer: B

Q78. The Buddhist Circuit Development covers which region?

A) South India only
B) North-East region (Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura)
C) Central India
D) Western India

Answer: B

Q79. The International Big Cat Alliance had its first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in:

A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2027
D) 2028

Answer: B

Q80. How many range countries participated in the Global Big Cat Summit?

A) 50
B) 75
C) 95
D) 120

Answer: C

Q81. Sustainable Trekking Infrastructure includes trails in the Himalayas and:

A) Sahyadri Ranges
B) Araku Valley (Eastern Ghats) and Podhigai Malai (Western Ghats)
C) Nilgiris
D) Cardamom Hills

Answer: B

Q82. Turtle Trails are developed in coastal areas including:

A) Only Kerala
B) Only Odisha
C) Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala
D) Maharashtra and Goa

Answer: C

Q83. The Khelo India Mission is based on a:

A) 5-year vision
B) 8-year vision
C) 10-year vision
D) 15-year vision

Answer: C

Q84. The Khelo India Mission includes how many component areas?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6

Answer: C

Q85. The talent development pathway in Khelo India includes:

A) Only foundational training
B) Foundational, intermediate, and elite-level training
C) Only elite-level training
D) Only intermediate training

Answer: B

Q86. Sports Science & Technology Integration in Khelo India emphasizes:

A) Only traditional methods
B) Modern technology adoption and data-driven athlete development
C) Elimination of coaching
D) Individual-only training

Answer: B

Q87. Livestock contributes what percentage to farm income?

A) 10%
B) 14%
C) 16%
D) 20%

Answer: C

Q88. How many reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars are planned to be developed?

A) 200
B) 300
C) 400
D) 500

Answer: D

Q89. The Coconut Promotion Scheme focuses on which aspect?

A) Coconut export subsidies
B) Old/non-productive tree replacement with new saplings/varieties
C) Import substitution
D) Price controls

Answer: B

Q90. How many people in India are dependent on coconut sector (including farmers)?

A) 10 million people (5 million farmers)
B) 15 million people (8 million farmers)
C) 20 million people (10 million farmers)
D) 30 million people (10 million farmers)

Answer: D

Q91. The target year for “Indian Cashew” and “Indian Cocoa” to become premium global brands is:

A) 2028
B) 2030
C) 2032
D) 2035

Answer: B

Q92. BHARAT-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) is a:

A) Physical storage system
B) Multilingual AI tool integrated with AgriStack and ICAR
C) Government procurement platform
D) Insurance scheme

Answer: B

Q93. The SHE-Marts initiative builds on which existing programme?

A) PM-KISAN
B) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
C) Lakhpati Didi Programme
D) Swachh Bharat

Answer: C

Q94. SHE-Marts are structured as:

A) Government-owned retail outlets
B) Private corporate franchises
C) Community-owned retail outlets integrated at cluster-level federation
D) E-commerce platforms

Answer: C

Q95. The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana targets employment in:

A) Only IT sector
B) IT, AVGC, Hospitality, Food & Beverages
C) Only manufacturing
D) Only agriculture

Answer: B

Q96. ALIMCO stands for:

A) Artificial Learning for India Manufacturing Council
B) Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India
C) Assistive Living & Manufacturing Co. India
D) Advanced Logistics & Manufacturing Council

Answer: B

Q97. Assistive Technology Marts allow customers to:

A) Only purchase assistive devices
B) See, try, and purchase assistive products
C) Only rent devices
D) View catalogs only

Answer: B

Q98. NIMHANS-2 will be established in:

A) South India
B) North India
C) Eastern India
D) North-Eastern India

Answer: B

Q99. The Emergency and Trauma Care Centre expansion targets:

A) 25% capacity increase
B) 35% capacity increase
C) 50% capacity increase
D) 75% capacity increase

Answer: C

Q100. The 16th Finance Commission submission date to the President was:

A) 15 November 2025
B) 17 November 2025
C) 20 November 2025
D) 25 November 2025

Answer: B

Q101. The Finance Commission’s vertical devolution share has been retained at:

A) 39%
B) 40%
C) 41%
D) 42%

Answer: C

Q102. Finance Commission Grants for FY2026-27 are:

A) ₹1 lakh crore
B) ₹1.2 lakh crore
C) ₹1.4 lakh crore
D) ₹1.6 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q103. The target for Debt-to-GDP ratio by 2030-31 is:

A) 45±1%
B) 50±1%
C) 55±1%
D) 60±1%

Answer: B

Q104. Debt-to-GDP ratio in Budget Estimate 2026-27 is:

A) 54.6% of GDP
B) 55.6% of GDP
C) 56.6% of GDP
D) 57.6% of GDP

Answer: B

Q105. FY2025-26 fiscal deficit (RE) was:

A) 4.2% of GDP
B) 4.4% of GDP
C) 4.6% of GDP
D) 4.8% of GDP

Answer: B

Q106. FY2026-27 fiscal deficit (BE) is:

A) 4.1% of GDP
B) 4.2% of GDP
C) 4.3% of GDP
D) 4.5% of GDP

Answer: C

Q107. The FY2021-22 fiscal deficit target of below 4.5% by 2025-26:

A) Was not met
B) Was exceeded
C) Was met
D) Is not applicable

Answer: C

Q108. Non-Debt Receipts in Revised Estimates 2025-26 are:

A) ₹32 lakh crore
B) ₹33 lakh crore
C) ₹34 lakh crore
D) ₹35 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q109. Centre’s Net Tax Receipts in RE 2025-26 are:

A) ₹24 lakh crore
B) ₹26.7 lakh crore
C) ₹28.7 lakh crore
D) ₹30 lakh crore

Answer: B

Q110. Total Expenditure in RE 2025-26 is:

A) ₹47.6 lakh crore
B) ₹48.6 lakh crore
C) ₹49.6 lakh crore
D) ₹50.6 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q111. Capital Expenditure in RE 2025-26 is approximately:

A) ₹9 lakh crore
B) ₹10 lakh crore
C) ₹11 lakh crore
D) ₹12 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q112. Non-Debt Receipts in Budget Estimates 2026-27 are:

A) ₹34.5 lakh crore
B) ₹35.5 lakh crore
C) ₹36.5 lakh crore
D) ₹37.5 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q113. Centre’s Net Tax Receipts in BE 2026-27 are:

A) ₹26.7 lakh crore
B) ₹27.7 lakh crore
C) ₹28.7 lakh crore
D) ₹29.7 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q114. Total Expenditure in BE 2026-27 is:

A) ₹51.5 lakh crore
B) ₹52.5 lakh crore
C) ₹53.5 lakh crore
D) ₹54.5 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q115. The primary financing source for fiscal deficit in 2026-27 is:

A) Small savings only
B) Other revenue sources only
C) Net market borrowings (dated securities)
D) External borrowings

Answer: C

Q116. Net market borrowings (dated securities) for FY2026-27 financing is:

A) ₹10.7 lakh crore
B) ₹11.2 lakh crore
C) ₹11.7 lakh crore
D) ₹12.7 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q117. Gross Market Borrowings for FY2026-27 is:

A) ₹15.2 lakh crore
B) ₹16.2 lakh crore
C) ₹17.2 lakh crore
D) ₹18.2 lakh crore

Answer: C

Q118. Which combination of schemes specifically targets addressing the challenge of girl students in STEM education?

A) Only Girls’ Hostel scheme
B) Girls’ Hostel + AVGC Content Creator Labs + National Institute of Design
C) Only higher education scholarships
D) Only online education platforms

Answer: B

Q119. The budget’s approach to manufacturing sector development emphasizes:

A) Only large-scale production
B) Diversification across 7 strategic sectors with focus on capabilities, supply chains, and workforce development
C) Elimination of imports
D) Price controls

Answer: B

Q120. Regional balanced development is addressed through:

A) Only North-East focus
B) Purvodaya, North-East, CERs in Tier-II/III cities, and Buddhist Circuit Development
C) Only Tier-I cities
D) Agricultural areas only

Answer: B

Q121. Which initiative creates a direct linkage between government procurement and MSME financing?

A) SME Growth Fund
B) GeM-TReDS Linkage
C) Self-Reliant India Fund
D) Corporate Mitras

Answer: B

Q122. The CCUS roadmap aligns with which national priority?

A) Agricultural subsidy reduction
B) Climate change mitigation across energy-intensive sectors
C) Only power generation
D) Eliminating industrial activity

Answer: B

Q123. Which scheme directly addresses the challenge of unexpected medical expenses for vulnerable populations?

A) Medical Value Tourism Hubs
B) Allied Health Professionals scheme
C) Emergency and Trauma Care Centre Expansion (50% capacity increase)
D) AYUSH development only

Answer: C

Q124. The budget demonstrates commitment to financial inclusion through:

A) Only bank branch expansion
B) 98%+ village banking coverage maintenance + TReDS liquidity + Municipal bonds + PROI liberalization
C) Only digital payment promotion
D) Government loan distribution

Answer: B

Q125. Which programme specifically transitions rural women from credit users to enterprise owners?

A) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
B) SHE-Marts (transitioning from Lakhpati Didi Programme)
C) Mahila Shakti Centre
D) Rashtriya Mahila Kosh

Answer: B

Q126. The budget’s approach to Tier-II and Tier-III city development includes:

A) Only infrastructure
B) CERs with reform-based financing + University Townships + Design Institute + Hospitality upgrades
C) Only agricultural support
D) Manufacturing only

Answer: B

Q127. Which sector receives highest integrated support across multiple schemes?

A) Agriculture only
B) Manufacturing and textile (7 strategic sectors + dedicated parks + legacy cluster rejuvenation)
C) Only services
D) Only retail

Answer: B

PART B: INDIA’S BUDGET 2026-27

Q128. The animal husbandry initiatives aim to achieve which outcome?

A) Only milk production increase
B) Scale veterinary professionals by 20,000+ through diverse support across sectors
C) Import reduction
D) Price controls

Answer: B

Q129. The New Income Tax Act, 2025 announcement was made in:
A) July 2023
B) July 2024
C) January 2025
D) March 2025
Answer: B

Q130. The completion of New Income Tax Act, 2025 was achieved in:
A) 6 months
B) 9 months (record time)
C) 12 months
D) 18 months
Answer: B

Q131. The effective date of the New Income Tax Act, 2025 is:
A) 1st January 2026
B) 1st March 2026
C) 1st April 2026
D) 1st July 2026
Answer: C

Q132. The original Income Tax Act being comprehensively reviewed is from which year?
A) 1957
B) 1961
C) 1971
D) 1981
Answer: B

Q133. The New Income Tax Act, 2025 primarily aims to:
A) Increase tax rates uniformly
B) Remove outdated provisions and align with modern economy while easing citizen compliance
C) Expand tax base through new categories
D) Introduce digital currency taxation
Answer: B

Q134. Motor Accident Claims Tribunal interest exemption applies to:
A) All taxpayers
B) Corporate entities only
C) Natural persons receiving accident compensation
D) Insurance companies
Answer: C

Q135. TDS elimination on Motor Accident Claims Tribunal interest benefits:
A) Insurance companies
B) Accident victims receive full awarded amount without tax deduction
C) Hospital authorities
D) Legal practitioners
Answer: B

Q136. The current TCS rate on overseas tour programs is:
A) 2% and 5%
B) 5% and 10%
C) 5% and 20%
D) 10% and 20%
Answer: C

Q137. The proposed TCS rate on overseas tour programs is:
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 5%
Answer: B

Q138. The condition for the reduced TCS rate on overseas tours is:
A) Amount must exceed ₹10 lakh
B) Tourism board approval required
C) No amount stipulation
D) Restricted to specific countries
Answer: C

Q139. Education and Medical LRS (Liberalized Remittance Scheme) current TCS rate is:
A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Answer: C

Q140. The proposed TCS rate for Education and Medical LRS is:
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 5%
Answer: B

Q141. Manpower services TCS rationalization proposes a rate of:
A) 0.5% or 1%
B) 1% or 2%
C) 2% or 3%
D) 3% or 5%
Answer: B

Q142. Manpower services TCS standardization primarily eliminates:
A) All TCS requirements
B) Ambiguity in classification and compliance pathway
C) Mandatory reporting requirements
D) Labor contract requirements
Answer: B

Q143. Small Taxpayer Deduction Certificate Automation features which mechanism?
A) Manual assessing officer application
B) Rule-based automated process (no assessing officer application required)
C) Quarterly review by tax authorities
D) Annual verification requirement
Answer: B

Q144. Under automated deduction certificate issuance:
A) Assessing officer determines eligibility
B) Self-assessment determines lower/nil deduction eligibility with instant digital issuance
C) Revenue board approval is mandatory
D) State government certification required
Answer: B

Q145. Securities Deposition Form Simplification allows:
A) Multiple forms for multiple companies
B) Depositories to accept Forms 15G/15H directly and distribute to relevant companies
C) Manual submission only
D) Annual submission only
Answer: B

Q146. The benefit of accepting Forms 15G/15H directly at depositories is:
A) Increased documentation requirement
B) Single form submission for multiple entities with automated distribution
C) Extended filing deadline
D) Reduced tax rate
Answer: B

Q147. Return Revision Timeline Extension current deadline is:
A) 30th September
B) 31st December
C) 31st March
D) 30th June
Answer: B

Q148. The proposed extended revision deadline is:
A) 31st January
B) 31st February
C) 31st March
D) 30th April
Answer: C

Q149. The nominal fee for late return revision is designed to:
A) Increase revenue only
B) Prevent frivolous revisions while allowing genuine corrections
C) Eliminate all revisions
D) Replace penalty system
Answer: B

Q150. ITR-1 and ITR-2 filing deadline remains unchanged at:
A) 30th June
B) 31st July
C) 31st August
D) 30th September
Answer: B

Q151. The extended deadline for non-audit business cases and trusts is:
A) 31st August
B) 30th September
C) 31st October
D) 30th November
Answer: A

Q152. Staggered ITR filing timeline rationale is:
A) Increase penalties for late filers
B) Reduce administrative bottlenecks and accommodate preparation complexity
C) Force earlier compliance
D) Eliminate trust return filing
Answer: B

Q153. Non-Resident Property Sale TDS current requirement involves:
A) PAN only
B) Resident buyer using TAN (Tax Account Number)
C) Direct deposit at RBI
D) Prescribed form submission
Answer: B

Q154. The proposed change for Non-Resident Property Sale TDS uses:
A) Seller’s TAN
B) Buyer’s PAN-based challan for TDS deduction and deposit
C) Government escrow account
D) Bank intermediary arrangement
Answer: B

Q155. The benefit of PAN-based TDS for property sales is:
A) Increased tax collection
B) Eliminates TAN requirement with simplified process and broader applicability
C) Mandatory bank verification
D) Extended compliance period
Answer: B

Q156. The One-Time Foreign Asset Disclosure Scheme duration is:
A) 3 months
B) 6 months
C) 12 months
D) 24 months
Answer: B

Q157. The scheme specifically targets which group?
A) Only high net worth individuals
B) Students, young professionals, tech sector employees, relocated NRIs, and others with overseas asset complexity
C) Multinational corporations
D) Government employees
Answer: B

Q158. Category A scheme covers non-disclosure of overseas income/assets up to:
A) ₹50 lakh
B) ₹75 lakh
C) ₹1 crore
D) ₹5 crore
Answer: C

Q159. Category A tax obligation includes 30% of FMV as tax plus:
A) 10% of undisclosed income
B) 20% of undisclosed income
C) 30% of undisclosed income as additional income tax
D) 50% of undisclosed income
Answer: C

Q160. The total effective tax rate under Category A is:
A) 30%
B) 45%
C) 60%
D) 75%
Answer: C

Q161. Category A provides immunity from:
A) Tax liability only
B) Prosecution only
C) Both prosecution and penalties
D) Interest payment
Answer: C

Q162. Category B scheme applies to disclosed income but undeclared assets up to:
A) ₹1 crore
B) ₹2.5 crore
C) ₹5 crore
D) ₹10 crore
Answer: C

Q163. Category B one-time fee is:
A) ₹50,000
B) ₹75,000
C) ₹1 lakh
D) ₹5 lakh
Answer: C

Q164. Category B immunity applies to:
A) Penalty only
B) Prosecution only
C) Both penalty and prosecution
D) Interest charges
Answer: C

Q165. The key requirement for Category B eligibility is:
A) Minimum asset value
B) Having paid due tax on disclosed income and inability to declare acquired asset
C) Foreign residency
D) Annual income threshold
Answer: B

Q166. Integrated Assessment & Penalty Proceedings proposes:
A) Separate assessment orders followed by penalty orders
B) Single common order for both assessment and penalty
C) Elimination of penalties
D) Assessment-only focus
Answer: B

Q167. Under integrated proceedings, interest on penalty during appeal to First Appellate Authority is:
A) 50% of penalty
B) Full penalty interest
C) No interest liability
D) Interest doubled
Answer: C

Q168. The immunity on appeal interest applies:
A) Only if appeal succeeds
B) Irrespective of appeal outcome
C) Only for partial penalties
D) After appeal conclusion
Answer: B

Q169. Current pre-payment reduction for penalty demand is:
A) 5% of demand
B) 10% of demand
C) 20% of demand
D) 30% of demand
Answer: C

Q170. Proposed pre-payment reduction for penalty demand is:
A) 5% of demand
B) 10% of demand
C) 15% of demand
D) 20% of demand
Answer: B

Q171. Pre-payment reduction calculation basis excludes:
A) Core tax only
B) Interest and penalties
C) Surcharges and penalties
D) All components
Answer: B

Q172. Return Update After Reassessment Initiation includes:
A) 5% tax surcharge
B) 8% tax surcharge
C) 10% tax surcharge
D) 15% tax surcharge
Answer: C

Q173. The updated return becomes:
A) Secondary basis for assessment
B) Primary basis for assessing officer proceedings
C) Optional reference
D) Superseded document
Answer: B

Q174. Misreporting Immunity Framework additional tax obligation is:
A) 50% of tax amount
B) 100% of tax amount as additional income tax (beyond regular tax and interest)
C) 150% of tax amount
D) 200% of tax amount
Answer: B

Q175. Misreporting immunity provides:
A) Penalty immunity only
B) Prosecution immunity only
C) Both penalty and prosecution immunity
D) Interest waiver
Answer: C

Q176. Technical Default Penalties converted to fee include:
A) Only audit-related penalties
B) Failure to get accounts audited, non-furnishing transfer pricing report, financial transaction statement default
C) Only transfer pricing penalties
D) All criminal penalties
Answer: B

Q177. Converting technical penalties to fees primarily:
A) Increases revenue
B) Reduces penalty quantum and simplifies compliance characterization
C) Eliminates all penalties
D) Transfers to state authorities
Answer: B

Q178. Decriminalization under prosecution framework rationalization includes:
A) Non-production of books of account → No criminal liability
B) TDS non-compliance in kind transactions → Decriminalized
C) Both A and B
D) Elimination of all criminal penalties
Answer: C

Q179. Minor offences under new prosecution framework face:
A) Imprisonment only
B) Fine only with no imprisonment
C) Dual penalty (fine and imprisonment)
D) Penalty elimination
Answer: B

Q180. Maximum imprisonment period under rationalized prosecution is:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: B

Q181. Court power under new framework allows:
A) Imprisonment only
B) Fine only
C) Converting imprisonment to fine
D) Sentencing discretion removal
Answer: C

Q182. Non-Immovable Foreign Asset Prosecution Immunity current threshold is:
A) ₹10 lakh
B) ₹15 lakh
C) ₹20 lakh
D) ₹25 lakh
Answer: C

Q183. Prosecution immunity for non-immovable foreign assets is effective from:
A) 1st April 2025
B) 1st October 2024
C) 1st January 2026
D) 1st April 2026
Answer: B

Q184. Non-immovable foreign asset prosecution immunity is:
A) Only penalty relief
B) Retrospective from 1st October 2024
C) Prospective only
D) Limited to specific assets
Answer: B

Q185. Cooperative Deduction Expansion current scope includes:
A) Only milk supply
B) Milk, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables (member-produced)
C) Only agricultural products
D) All products without restriction
Answer: B

Q186. The expansion adds which products to Cooperative Deduction?
A) Rubber and tea
B) Cattle feed and cotton seed (member-produced)
C) Sugar and spices
D) Coffee and coconut
Answer: B

Q187. Inter-Cooperative Dividend Deduction applies to:
A) All dividend income
B) Dividends from other cooperatives with further distribution to member cooperatives
C) Only primary cooperative dividends
D) Government dividends
Answer: B

Q188. Inter-Cooperative Dividend Deduction is available under:
A) Old tax regime only
B) New tax regime only
C) Both regimes
D) No specific regime
Answer: B

Q189. National Cooperative Federation Dividend Exemption period is:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C

Q190. Cooperative Federation exemption applies to investments made up to:
A) 31st December 2025
B) 31st January 2026
C) 31st March 2026
D) 30th June 2026
Answer: B

Q191. Exemption under National Cooperative Federation applies to:
A) All income
B) Capital gains only
C) Dividend income only
D) Interest income
Answer: C

Q192. The condition for exemption benefit is:
A) Retained earnings in federation
B) Dividends further distributed to member cooperatives
C) No dividend distribution
D) Investment in government securities
Answer: B

Q193. Global leadership areas in IT services include:
A) Only software development
B) Software development, IT-enabled services, KPO, Contract R&D (software-related)
C) Hardware manufacturing only
D) Retail IT services
Answer: B

Q194. IT Services Unified Category consolidates:
A) Only software companies
B) Only service providers
C) All IT services segments under single category: Information Technology Services
D) Manufacturing and services separately
Answer: C

Q195. Safe Harbour Margin for IT services is:
A) 10%
B) 12.5%
C) 15.5%
D) 20%
Answer: C

Q196. Safe Harbour Threshold has been increased from ₹300 crore to:
A) ₹750 crore
B) ₹1,000 crore
C) ₹1,500 crore
D) ₹2,000 crore
Answer: D

Q197. The percentage increase in Safe Harbour Threshold is:
A) 467%
B) 567%
C) 667%
D) 767%
Answer: B

Q198. Safe Harbour Approval Process for IT services is:
A) Manual with officer discretion
B) Automated rule-driven mechanism without officer discretion
C) Subject to review
D) Annual verification required
Answer: B

Q199. Once applied for Safe Harbour, company can continue for:
A) 2 consecutive years
B) 3 consecutive years
C) 5 consecutive years uninterrupted
D) 10 consecutive years
Answer: C

Q200. Safe Harbour continuation is:
A) Mandatory for all companies
B) At company’s choice to continue or discontinue
C) Subject to approval renewal
D) Based on performance
Answer: B

Q205. Data Centre Cloud Services Tax Holiday period is:
A) 10 years (till 2035)
B) 15 years (till 2040)
C) 22 years (till 2047)
D) 25 years (till 2050)
Answer: C

Q206. Data Centre Tax Holiday beneficiary is:
A) Only Indian companies
B) Foreign companies providing cloud services globally
C) Only government entities
D) Non-profit organizations
Answer: B

Q207. The condition for Data Centre Tax Holiday is:
A) Services only to foreign customers
B) Must provide services to Indian customers through Indian reseller entity
C) Services to SAARC countries
D) No service restriction
Answer: B

Q208. Related Entity Data Centre Safe Harbour margin is:
A) 10% profit on cost
B) 12% profit on cost
C) 15% profit on cost
D) 20% profit on cost
Answer: C

Q209. Related Entity Data Centre benefit includes:
A) Full tax exemption
B) Substantially lower profit margin than competing jurisdictions
C) Interest waiver
D) Government subsidy
Answer: B

Q210. Electronic Manufacturing JIT Logistics Safe Harbour margin is:
A) 0.5% of invoice value
B) 1% of invoice value
C) 2% of invoice value
D) 5% of invoice value
Answer: C

Q211. Electronic Manufacturing JIT Logistics beneficiary operates in:
A) Free trade zones
B) Bonded warehouse (duty-free zone)
C) Regular industrial zones
D) Special economic zones
Answer: B

Q212. Electronic Manufacturing JIT Logistics effective tax rate is approximately:
A) 0.2%
B) 0.7%
C) 1.5%
D) 2.5%
Answer: B

Q219. Current separate accounting standards issue involves:
A) IndAS only
B) ICDS only
C) IndAS for financial reporting, ICDS for tax separately
D) No separate standards
Answer: C

Q220. ICDS Integration into IndAS will be implemented by:
A) Tax year 2025-26
B) Tax year 2026-27
C) Tax year 2027-28
D) Tax year 2028-29
Answer: C

Q221. ICDS Integration implementation involves:
A) Ministry of Finance only
B) Ministry of Corporate Affairs + Central Board of Direct Taxes
C) RBI exclusively
D) State governments
Answer: B

Q222. The primary benefit of ICDS-IndAS integration is:
A) Increased compliance
B) Eliminates dual compliance and aligns financial and tax accounting
C) Higher tax collection
D) Simplified accounting only
Answer: B

Q223. Accountant Definition Rationalization aims to:
A) Reduce accountant fees
B) Support PM Modi’s vision of home-grown accounting firms becoming global leaders
C) Eliminate accountant roles
D) Increase regulatory burden
Answer: B

Q224. Buyback Taxation Rationalization treats buybacks as:
A) Income for all shareholders
B) Capital gains for uniform treatment across shareholders
C) Dividend distribution
D) Debt repayment
Answer: B

Q225. Promoter Additional Buyback Tax for corporate promoters is:
A) 15%
B) 20%
C) 22%
D) 30%
Answer: C

Q226. Promoter Additional Buyback Tax for non-corporate promoters is:
A) 22%
B) 25%
C) 30%
D) 35%
Answer: C

Q227. Buyback Taxation Rationalization primarily protects:
A) Government revenue only
B) Promoter interests
C) Minority shareholder interests through capital gains taxation
D) Company profitability
Answer: C

Q228. TCS rate reduction on alcoholic liquor, scrap materials, and minerals is:
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 5%
Answer: B

Q229. Tendu Leaves TCS current rate is:
A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Answer: C

Q230. Tendu Leaves TCS proposed rate is:
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 4%
Answer: B

Q231. TCS Rationalization benefit includes:
A) Increased rate structure
B) Simplified rate structure and reduced compliance burden
C) Eliminating all rates
D) Complex classification
Answer: B

Q232. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) Futures current rate is:
A) 0.01%
B) 0.02%
C) 0.05%
D) 0.10%
Answer: B

Q233. STT Futures proposed rate is:
A) 0.03%
B) 0.05%
C) 0.07%
D) 0.10%
Answer: B

Q234. STT Options Premium current rate is:
A) 0.08%
B) 0.10%
C) 0.12%
D) 0.15%
Answer: B

Q235. STT Options Premium proposed rate is:
A) 0.12%
B) 0.15%
C) 0.18%
D) 0.20%
Answer: B

Q236. STT Options Exercise current rate is:
A) 0.10%
B) 0.125%
C) 0.15%
D) 0.20%
Answer: B

Q237. STT Options Exercise proposed rate is:
A) 0.125%
B) 0.15%
C) 0.18%
D) 0.20%
Answer: B

Q238. Corporate Tax Regime Transition Incentive restricts brought-forward MAT credit usage to:
A) 10% of tax liability
B) 15% of tax liability
C) 25% (1/4) of tax liability
D) 50% of tax liability
Answer: C

Q239. MAT becomes final tax effective:
A) 1st April 2025
B) 1st April 2026
C) 1st April 2027
D) 1st April 2028
Answer: B

Q240. Final Tax Conversion stops MAT credit accumulation from:
A) 31st March 2025
B) 31st March 2026
C) 31st March 2027
D) 31st March 2028
Answer: B

Q241. Current MAT rate is:
A) 13%
B) 14%
C) 15%
D) 18%
Answer: C

Q242. New Final Tax rate is:
A) 13%
B) 14%
C) 15%
D) 16%
Answer: B

Q243. MAT to Final Tax rate reduction is:
A) 0.5%
B) 1%
C) 1.5%
D) 2%
Answer: B

Q244. Brought-forward MAT credits through 31st March 2026:
A) Eliminated entirely
B) Continue available for set-off subject to 1/4 limitation in new regime
C) Doubled in value
D) Transferred to future years
Answer: B

Q245. Indirect tax reform objectives include (select all applicable):
A) Simplify tariff structure
B) Support domestic manufacturing
C) Promote export competitiveness
D) All of the above
Answer: D

Q246. Long-Standing Exemptions Review removal criteria includes:
A) Items now manufactured domestically
B) Minimal or negligible imports
C) Both A and B
D) Government recommendation only
Answer: C

Q247. Tariff Schedule Modernization incorporates:
A) Separate notifications only
B) Effective rates directly into tariff schedule
C) Government orders
D) Industry advisory notes
Answer: B

Q248. Benefit of incorporating rates in tariff schedule is:
A) Increased compliance burden
B) Simplified rate ascertainment and enhanced clarity
C) Additional notification requirement
D) Reduced transparency
Answer: B

Q249. Marine & Seafood Export Support duty-free input current limit is:
A) 1% of FOB value of previous year export
B) 2% of FOB value
C) 3% of FOB value
D) 5% of FOB value
Answer: A

Q250. Marine & Seafood Export Support proposed duty-free limit is:
A) 2% of FOB value
B) 2.5% of FOB value
C) 3% of FOB value
D) 4% of FOB value
Answer: C

Q251. Shoe Uppers Duty-Free Facility current availability is:
A) All footwear exports
B) Only shoe/synthetic footwear exports
C) All leather products
D) No restriction
Answer: B

Q252. Shoe Uppers Duty-Free Facility extension includes:
A) Only leather garments
B) Shoe Uppers exports also
C) All apparel
D) Textile products
Answer: B

Q253. Leather Product Export current timeline is:
A) 3 months from initial export clearance
B) 6 months from clearance
C) 9 months from clearance
D) 12 months from clearance
Answer: B

Q254. Leather Product Export proposed timeline is:
A) 9 months from clearance
B) 12 months from clearance
C) 1 year from clearance
D) 18 months from clearance
Answer: C

Q255. Extended timeline applies to:
A) Only leather garments
B) Only footwear
C) Leather/textile garments, footwear, other leather products
D) All exports
Answer: C

SECTION 25: ENERGY TRANSITION & CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Q256. Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing duty exemption extends to:
A) Cells only
B) Cells and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
C) Manufacturing equipment only
D) Raw materials
Answer: B

Q257. BESS manufacturing exemption involves:
A) Capital gains tax
B) Income tax
C) Basic customs duty
D) Excise duty
Answer: C

Q258. Solar Glass Manufacturing input material exemption is for:
A) Silicon
B) Sodium antimonate
C) Aluminum oxide
D) Zinc oxide
Answer: B

Q259. Solar Glass Manufacturing exemption supports:
A) Solar panel assembly only
B) Renewable energy manufacturing by reducing production costs
C) Import substitution only
D) Government procurement
Answer: B

Q260. Nuclear Power Projects Capital Goods Exemption extends till:
A) 2030
B) 2033
C) 2035
D) 2040
Answer: C

Q261. Nuclear Power Projects Exemption currently:
A) Has capacity restrictions
B) Previously capacity-restricted but now applies to all nuclear plants
C) Only small reactors
D) Foreign plants only
Answer: B

Q262. Critical Minerals Processing capital goods exemption covers:
A) Import duties only
B) Basic customs duty on imports
C) All taxation
D) Income tax
Answer: B

Q263. Critical Minerals Processing exemption objective is:
A) Revenue collection
B) Supports domestic value chain and reduces import costs
C) Trade restriction
D) Government monopoly
Answer: B

Q264. Biogas Blended CNG current excise situation:
A) No duty
B) Duty on full value
C) Reduced duty
D) Variable duty
Answer: B

Q265. Biogas Blended CNG proposed treatment excludes:
A) CNG component
B) Biogas value from excise duty calculation
C) Fossil component
D) All energy content
Answer: B

Q266. Biogas Blending excise benefit primarily:
A) Reduces CNG cost
B) Environmental benefit and renewable energy promotion
C) Increases government revenue
D) Restricts imports
Answer: B

Q267. Civilian Aircraft Manufacturing exemption applies to:
A) Only commercial aircraft
B) Civilian, training, and other aircraft types
C) Military aircraft only
D) Cargo aircraft
Answer: B

Q268. Aircraft exemption covers:
A) Only assembly
B) Final products only
C) Components & parts for manufacturing
D) Only imports
Answer: C

Q269. Defence Aircraft MRO exemption applies to:
A) Raw materials for parts manufacture
B) Finished aircraft parts
C) Aircraft engines
D) Only imported components
Answer: A

Q270. Defence Aviation exemption benefits:
A) Import substitution
B) Reduces MRO costs and supports defence sector self-reliance
C) Increases domestic manufacturing
D) Government procurement only
Answer: B

Q271. Microwave Oven Manufacturing exemption applies to:
A) Only complete products
B) Specified parts used in manufacturing
C) Raw materials
D) Assembly labor
Answer: B

Q272. Microwave Oven Manufacturing exemption type is:
A) Income tax
B) Basic customs duty
C) Excise duty
D) Sales tax
Answer: B

Q273. Microwave Manufacturing exemption strategic goal is:
A) Import restriction
B) Deepen value addition in consumer electronics sector
C) Government monopoly
D) Price control
Answer: B

Q274. SEZ-DTA Concessional Sales measure is:
A) Permanent policy
B) One-time special provision
C) Annual review basis
D) Conditional on exports
Answer: B

Q275. SEZ-DTA Sales challenge addressed by measure is:
A) Overcapacity
B) Capacity underutilization due to global trade disruptions
C) Export reduction
D) Domestic market restriction
Answer: B

Q276. SEZ-DTA Concessional Sales mechanism includes:
A) Full duty exemption
B) Concessional duty rates on sale to DTA market
C) Zero rating
D) Government subsidy
Answer: B

Q277. SEZ-DTA Sales quantity limitation is:
A) Unlimited
B) Prescribed proportion of annual exports
C) Percentage of domestic sales
D) Government allocation
Answer: B

Q278. Personal Use Goods Duty current rate is:
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
Answer: C

Q279. Personal Use Goods Duty proposed rate is:
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 20%
Answer: B

Q280. Personal Import Duty reduction benefit includes:
A) Trade restriction
B) Reduced travel hassles, updated provisions, expatriate support
C) Revenue increase
D) Import quotas
Answer: B

Q281. Cancer Drugs Duty Exemption covers:
A) 5 critical drugs
B) 10 critical drugs
C) 17 critical drugs/medicines
D) 25 critical drugs
Answer: C

Q282. Cancer Drugs Exemption type of duty is:
A) Income tax
B) Sales tax
C) Basic customs duty
D) Excise duty
Answer: C

Q283. Cancer Drugs Exemption primary beneficiary is:
A) Pharmaceutical companies
B) Doctors
C) Cancer patients
D) Government
Answer: C

Q284. Rare Disease Medicines Expansion adds:
A) 3 additional diseases
B) 5 additional diseases
C) 7 additional diseases
D) 10 additional diseases
Answer: C

Q285. Rare Disease Medicines Exemption applies to:
A) Prescription fees only
B) Medicines and Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)
C) Hospital charges
D) Treatment procedures
Answer: B

Q286. Rare Disease Medicines Exemption scope is:
A) Hospital imports only
B) Commercial imports
C) Personal imports of drugs and medicines
D) No scope restriction
Answer: C

Q287. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) current duty deferral period for Tier-2 & 3 is:
A) 7 days
B) 15 days
C) 30 days
D) 45 days
Answer: B

Q288. AEO Duty Deferral Extension proposed period is:
A) 20 days
B) 25 days
C) 30 days
D) 45 days
Answer: C

Q289. Deferral period extension benefit is:
A) Increased interest income
B) Doubles payment deferral and improves cash flow management
C) Reduced compliance requirement
D) Tax exemption
Answer: B

Q290. Manufacturer-Importer Duty Deferral eligibility requires:
A) Government approval
B) Meeting AEO standards
C) Specific size requirement
D) Export quantity threshold
Answer: B

Q291. Advance Ruling current validity is:
A) 1 year from issuance
B) 2 years from issuance
C) 3 years from issuance
D) 5 years from issuance
Answer: C

Q292. Advance Ruling proposed validity extension is:
A) 4 years from issuance
B) 5 years from issuance
C) 7 years from issuance
D) 10 years from issuance
Answer: B

Q293. Extended Advance Ruling validity benefit includes:
A) Lower compliance cost only
B) Extended certainty and multi-year planning horizon
C) Automatic approval
D) Fee reduction
Answer: B

Q294. Whole-of-Government AEO Recognition provides:
A) Tax reduction
B) Preferential treatment and streamlined interactions across government agencies
C) Fee exemption
D) Direct subsidies
Answer: B

Q295. Risk System Trusted Importer Recognition mechanism is:
A) Manual verification
B) Government approval requirement
C) Automated verification minimization for recognized entities
D) Annual review
Answer: C

Q296. Export Cargo Electronic Sealing innovation eliminates:
A) Port documentation
B) Separate port-level clearance procedures
C) Factory inspection
D) Quality control
Answer: B

Q297. Factory Clearance benefit through electronic sealing includes:
A) Reduced documentation
B) Reduced transit time and lower logistics costs
C) Increased inspection
D) Extended processing
Answer: B

Q298. Automatic Clearance for Compliant Imports applies to:
A) All imports
B) Goods without compliance requirements
C) Restricted items only
D) High-value goods
Answer: B

Q299. Automatic Clearance process triggers:
A) Manual officer verification
B) Trusted importer files bill of entry with automatic notification and immediate release
C) Government approval
D) Extended timeline
Answer: B

Q300. Customs Warehousing Framework Transformation moves from:
A) Officer-dependent to operator-centric model with self-declarations and risk-based audit
B) Government-controlled to private warehouses
C) Automated to manual
D) Centralized to dispersed
Answer: A

Q301. Integrated Multi-Agency Digital Window timeline is:
A) By end of FY2025-26
B) By end of FY2026-27
C) By end of FY2027-28
D) By end of FY2028-29
Answer: B

Q302. Integrated Digital Window scope includes:
A) Tax clearances only
B) Environmental clearances only
C) All clearance approvals from Government agencies
D) Only customs clearances
Answer: C

Q303. Compliance-Heavy Categories operationalization timeline is:
A) January 2026
B) March 2026
C) April 2026
D) June 2026
Answer: C

Q304. Compliance-Heavy Categories include:
A) Only food products
B) Foods, drugs, plant, animal, wildlife products (70% of interdicted cargo)
C) Only pharmaceutical items
D) Manufacturing goods
Answer: B

Q305. Zero-Compliance Goods Immediate Release eligibility requirement is:
A) Prior approval
B) Online importer registration completed and duty payment made
C) Minimum import value
D) Government recommendation
Answer: B

Q306. Zero-Compliance Goods release timing is:
A) Within 1 week
B) Within 3 days
C) Same-day or next-day release
D) Within 7 days
Answer: C

Q307. Customs Integrated System (CIS) implementation timeline is:
A) 1 year (by end FY2026-27)
B) 2 years (by end FY2027-28)
C) 3 years (by end FY2028-29)
D) 5 years (by end FY2030-31)
Answer: B

Q308. CIS replaces:
A) Only import systems
B) Fragmented legacy systems with single integrated platform
C) Export procedures only
D) Manual documentation
Answer: B

Q309. Non-Intrusive Scanning Technology expansion involves:
A) Visual inspection only
B) Advanced imaging and AI-powered risk assessment
C) Manual checking
D) Increased physical inspections
Answer: B

Q310. Scanning Technology rollout plan is:
A) Immediate across all ports
B) Phased rollout across major ports with target to scan every container
C) Government facilities only
D) Restricted to major cities
Answer: B

Q311. Fisheries EEZ & High Seas Support geographic scope is:
A) Coastal areas only
B) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas
C) Territorial waters only
D) Government ponds
Answer: B

Q312. Duty-Free Fish Catch requirement involves:
A) Government fishing vessels only
B) Fish caught by Indian fishing vessels
C) Foreign catch only
D) No vessel requirement
Answer: B

Q313. High Seas fish landing classification is:
A) Domestic product
B) Treated as goods export with export benefits applying
C) Special commodity
D) Government property
Answer: B

Q314. Fish Catch safeguards protect against:
A) Price fluctuations
B) Misuse during catch, transit, transshipment
C) Production loss
D) Market loss
Answer: B

Q315. E-Commerce Small Business Export Support targets:
A) Large corporations
B) Small businesses, artisans, start-ups accessing global markets
C) Government enterprises
D) Multinational companies
Answer: B

Q316. Courier Export Value Cap removal eliminates:
A) Only documentation requirement
B) ₹10 lakh per consignment limit entirely
C) Export license requirement
D) Customs verification
Answer: B

Q317. Unlimited Export Value Capability benefit includes:
A) Tax reduction only
B) Scalable business growth enabling
C) Reduced compliance
D) Government subsidy
Answer: B

Q318. Rejected/Returned Consignment Handling modernization uses:
A) Manual sorting
B) Technology-enabled identification and processing
C) Government warehousing
D) Seller responsibility
Answer: B

Q319. Baggage Clearance Rules Revision enhances:
A) Only documentation requirements
B) Duty-free allowances aligned with present-day travel realities
C) Inspection procedures
D) Only export items
Answer: B

Q320. Baggage Clearance clarification includes:
A) Only import procedures
B) Temporary carriage of goods (imports and exports)
C) Only restricted items
D) Documentation only
Answer: B

Q321. Penalty Settlement Provision allows:
A) Complete penalty elimination
B) Paying additional amount in lieu of penalty to close cases
C) Extended payment plans
D) Government forgiveness
Answer: B

Q322. Penalty Settlement characterization is:
A) Penalty nomenclature continued
B) Settlement fee (not penalty) nomenclature
C) Interest charge
D) Fine only
Answer: B

Q323. The strategic objective of Penalty Settlement is:
A) Increase revenue only
B) Removes negative connotation and facilitates voluntary settlement
C) Reduce penalties
D) Eliminate disputes
Answer: B


COMPREHENSIVE & ANALYTICAL TAX QUESTIONS

Q324. The Income Tax Act 2025 modernization demonstrates government’s commitment to:
A) Increasing tax rates
B) Removing outdated provisions while aligning with modern economy and easing compliance
C) Expanding penalties
D) Bureaucratic expansion
Answer: B

Q325. Direct tax ease initiatives comprehensively address:
A) Only high-income taxpayers
B) Vulnerable populations (accident victims), travelers, students, medical patients, and honest taxpayers
C) Corporate entities exclusively
D) Government employees
Answer: B

Q326. One-Time Foreign Asset Disclosure Scheme represents a balanced approach through:
A) Only penalty reduction
B) Category A (60% effective rate with immunity) and Category B (₹1 lakh fee with immunity) options
C) Complete amnesty
D) Partial disclosure allowance
Answer: B

Q327. Prosecution Framework Rationalization principle maintains:
A) Maximum criminal liability
B) Deterrence for serious offenses while being proportionate and decriminalizing minor violations
C) All penalties as criminal
D) Eliminate all prosecutions
Answer: B

Q328. IT Sector Tax Support consolidates multiple reforms through:
A) Only rate reduction
B) Safe Harbour unification (15.5% across all segments), threshold enhancement (₹2,000 cr), automated approval, and APA fast-tracking
C) Exemption provision
D) Import duty reduction
Answer: B

Q329. Global Business Attraction strategy combines:
A) Only manufacturing incentives
B) Tax holidays (data centres till 2047), safe harbours (various sectors), and exemptions (non-resident experts)
C) Investment guarantees
D) Price controls
Answer: B

Q330. Indirect tax simplification modernizes customs by:
A) Only increasing duties
B) Moving from complex notifications to integrated tariff schedule and trust-based systems
C) Eliminating all exemptions
D) Manual verification only
Answer: B

 

Union Budget 2026: Defense Spending Rises 15.3% to ₹7.84 Lakh Crore

The Union Budget 2026 has delivered one of the strongest signals yet of India’s changing security priorities. Just a year after a major military confrontation with Pakistan, the government has raised defense spending by 15.3% to ₹7.84 lakh crore. Presented in Parliament, the Budget reflects lessons from recent conflict, growing geopolitical uncertainty, and the push for self-reliant defense manufacturing. With higher capital outlay, customs duty relief and procurement reforms, defense has emerged as a central pillar of India’s strategic and economic planning.

Defense Budget at a Glance

  • For FY 2026-27, the Ministry of Defense has been allocated ₹7.84 lakh crore, up from ₹6.81 lakh crore last year.
  • This marks a 15.3% increase, one of the highest annual jumps in recent years.
  • Of this, ₹3.65 lakh crore is for defence services revenue, ₹2.19 lakh crore for capital outlay, and ₹1.71 lakh crore for pensions.
  • Capital expenditure alone rose by 21.8%, signalling a clear focus on modernisation, new platforms and equipment acquisition.

Capital Outlay and Combat Readiness

  • The sharp rise in capital outlay reflects urgency after recent operational deployments.
  • Funds will support acquisition of artillery systems, drones, surveillance platforms, electronic warfare tools and advanced weapons systems.
  • The experience of coordinated deployment of indigenous equipment during recent operations highlighted both strengths and gaps.
  • Budget 2026 aims to close these gaps by prioritising Indian-designed and Indian-built systems, ensuring faster availability and reduced dependence on imports during crises.

Make in India and Aatmanirbharta in Defence

  • The Budget reinforces the government’s defence industrial policy under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
  • Indigenous defence production reached ₹1.26 lakh crore in 2024, while exports crossed ₹21,000 crore.
  • Over 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically.
  • Customs duty exemptions on aircraft components and MRO raw materials further support the defence aerospace ecosystem, linking military readiness with industrial growth.

Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem: Progress and Gaps

  • India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem has expanded rapidly, supported by Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, attracting investments of over ₹9,100 crore.
  • Nearly 788 industrial licences have been issued to more than 460 companies.
  • While defence PSUs still account for 77% of production, private sector participation is gradually increasing.

Procurement Reforms and Policy Push

  • Budget 2026 builds on reforms like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025.
  • These frameworks aim to simplify procurement, reduce delays and prioritise Indian-designed, developed and manufactured (IDDM) systems.
  • Faster acquisition cycles improve combat readiness while giving industry predictable demand.
  • This policy angle is important for questions linking defence reforms with economic policy.

Exports, Strategy and Regional Security

  • India’s defence exports reached ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, a dramatic rise from under ₹1,000 crore a decade ago.
  • Export growth strengthens diplomacy, offsets costs, and improves economies of scale.
  • Post-conflict realities have reinforced the importance of reliable domestic supply chains during emergencies.
  • Budget 2026 reflects a strategic shift where defence spending is no longer just expenditure, but also industrial investment and geopolitical signalling.

Question

Q. What is India’s total defense allocation in Budget 2026-27?

A. ₹6.81 lakh crore
B. ₹7.25 lakh crore
C. ₹7.84 lakh crore
D. ₹8.10 lakh cror

Union Budget 2026: Targets Sports Manufacturing and Ecosystem Development

Union Budget 2026-27 has placed sports firmly within India’s growth and employment strategy. While presenting the Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated initiative for sports goods manufacturing and innovation. At the same time, the government proposed launching the Khelo India Mission to systematically nurture sporting talent over the next decade. Together, these steps aim to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from manufacturing and research to talent development and infrastructure.

Dedicated Sports Goods Initiative

  • The Budget proposes a focused initiative to promote manufacturing, research, and innovation in sports goods.
  • The aim is to support innovation in equipment design and material sciences, enabling India to produce high-quality and affordable sports equipment.
  • This initiative is aligned with the first kartavya of the Budget accelerating and sustaining economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
  • By strengthening domestic capabilities, India aims to position itself as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Why Sports Goods Matter

  • The sports goods industry has strong potential for employment generation, exports, and MSME growth.
  • India already has traditional clusters producing sports equipment, but the Budget seeks to move beyond low-cost manufacturing to innovation-driven, high-value production.
  • By investing in research, new materials, and better design, Indian manufacturers can compete globally.
  • This also supports broader manufacturing goals under India’s push for self-reliance and global competitiveness.

Khelo India Mission: A Long-Term Vision for Sports

  • In addition to manufacturing, the Budget announced the launch of the Khelo India Mission.
  • This Mission will take forward the talent-nurturing process initiated under the Khelo India programme and aims to transform the sports sector over the next decade.
  • The proposal aligns with the second kartavya of the Budget fulfilling aspirations of the people and building their capacity, making citizens active partners in India’s development journey.

Key Pillars of the Khelo India Mission

  • The Khelo India Mission will focus on creating a structured and integrated sports ecosystem.
  • It will establish a clear talent development pathway, supported by training centres at foundational, intermediate, and elite levels.
  • The Mission will also prioritise the systematic development of coaches and support staff, ensuring that athletes receive professional guidance throughout their careers.
  • A strong emphasis will be placed on sports science and technology, helping athletes improve performance and reduce injuries.

Question

Q. The sports goods initiative announced in Budget 2026 focuses mainly on:

A. Importing sports equipment
B. Sports tourism promotion
C. Manufacturing, research and innovation
D. Stadium ticket subsidies

 

Union Budget 2026: Health Ministry Gets ₹1.06 Lakh Crore Allocation

The Union Budget 2026-27 has placed healthcare at the centre of India’s development agenda. With a record ₹1,06,530.42 crore allocation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the government has signalled a long-term commitment to affordable, accessible and quality healthcare. Presented in Parliament, the Budget reflects nearly 10% growth over last year and a massive 176% increase over the past 12 years. From hospitals and research to drugs and digital health, healthcare reforms have gained fresh momentum.

Overall Health Budget Push

  • The allocation of ₹1,06,530.42 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare represents a nearly 10% rise over FY 2025-26 revised estimates.
  • Compared to FY 2014-15, the health budget has grown cumulatively by over 176%, reflecting sustained policy focus.
  • Both scheme and non-scheme components saw increases, supporting infrastructure, institutions and service delivery.

Flagship Schemes: PM-JAY and National Health Mission

  • The Budget strengthened major health schemes that directly impact citizens. PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) allocation rose to ₹9,500 crore, expanding coverage and hospital networks.
  • The National Health Mission (NHM) received ₹39,390 crore, reinforcing primary healthcare, maternal and child health, and disease control. Together, these schemes anchor India’s public health delivery system.

PM-ABHIM and Infrastructure Expansion

  • A major boost was given to Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) with ₹4,770 crore, marking a sharp 67.66% increase.
  • The funding supports critical care blocks, public health labs, district hospitals and surveillance systems. Alongside this, investments were announced for cancer centres, trauma and emergency care services, super-specialty blocks and AI-enabled medical facilities.
  • This reflects a shift towards preparedness, critical care and modern health infrastructure.

AIIMS, Medical Education and Workforce Strengthening

  • Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the allocation rose to ₹11,307 crore to support new AIIMS, existing institutions and medical college upgradation. Since 2014, medical seats have more than doubled, improving doctor availability.
  • The Budget also increased funding for human resources for health, nursing education and postgraduate training.
  • These steps address India’s long-standing doctor and specialist shortage, a frequently tested topic in exams.

Disease Control, Blood Services and Public Health

  • The National AIDS and STD Control Programme saw its allocation rise to ₹3,477 crore, a 30.64% increase, with a strong push for blood transfusion services.
  • Funding for blood services alone increased by 37.5%, improving safety and availability.
  • These measures strengthen India’s public health surveillance and disease control capacity.

Medical Research, Regulation and Bio Pharma Shakti

  • Medical research received a major boost, with the Department of Health Research allocation rising to over ₹4,821 crore, and ICMR funding increasing sharply.
  • The Budget also focuses on strengthening CDSCO, improving drug regulation quality and speed.
  • A landmark announcement is ‘Bio Pharma Shakti’, a ₹10,000 crore initiative to promote biologics, biosimilars, research and global manufacturing leadership. T
  • his connects healthcare with Make in India and innovation-driven growth.

Affordability, Skilling and Emergency Care

  • To reduce treatment costs, the Budget exempted customs duty on 17 life-saving cancer drugs and expanded exemptions for rare disease medicines.
  • Allied health education received a ₹980 crore phased outlay, creating nearly one lakh skilled professionals.
  • Trauma centres will be established in every district hospital, ensuring 24×7 emergency care. These steps directly target out-of-pocket expenditure, affordability and last-mile healthcare access.

Question

Q. Which initiative aims to boost biologics and biosimilars manufacturing in India?

A. Pharma Vision India
B. Bio Pharma Shakti
C. Make Health India
D. Ayushman Plus

 

Union Budget 2026: ₹12.2 Lakh Crore Public Capex to Transform Infrastructure

The Union Budget 2026-27 has sent a strong signal that infrastructure-led growth remains India’s core economic strategy. Presented in Parliament, the Budget proposes a record ₹12.2 lakh crore public capital expenditure, underlining the government’s commitment to productivity, competitiveness and resilience. From high-speed rail corridors and freight connectivity to green cargo movement and carbon capture, the announcements aim to crowd in private investment while preparing India for long-term sustainable growth. This makes the Budget crucial for exam-oriented current affairs.

₹12.2 Lakh Crore Public Capex

  • Public capital expenditure has risen sharply over the last decade, increasing from ₹2 lakh crore in FY2014-15 to ₹11.2 lakh crore in FY2025-26.
  • For FY2026-27, the government has proposed ₹12.2 lakh crore, signalling continuity in infrastructure-led growth.
  • This sustained capex is intended to boost private investment, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance economic resilience.
  • The Budget also emphasised innovative financing tools like REITs and InVITs, and proposed setting up dedicated REITs for CPSE real estate assets to accelerate asset monetisation.

Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund

  • To address concerns of private developers during the construction and early development phase, the Budget announced an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund.
  • This fund will provide partial credit guarantees to lenders, reducing perceived risks and lowering the cost of capital.
  • By sharing risk with the private sector, the government aims to crowd in private investment in large infrastructure projects.

Green Cargo Movement: Freight Corridors and Waterways

  • The Budget focuses strongly on environmentally sustainable cargo movement.
  • A new Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni (East) to Surat (West) has been proposed.
  • Additionally, 20 new National Waterways will be operationalised over the next five years, beginning with NW-5 in Odisha linking mineral-rich regions to ports.
  • The aim is to raise the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping from 6% to 12% by 2047, supported by a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme.

7 High-Speed Rail Corridors: Connecting Growth Centres

  • To promote clean and efficient passenger transport, the Budget announced seven High-Speed Rail corridors acting as growth connectors.
  • These include Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi, and Varanasi–Siliguri.
  • These corridors aim to reduce travel time, decongest roads and airports, and support regional economic integration. For competitive exams, the routes and environmental angle are especially important.

Seaplane VGF Scheme: Boosting Connectivity and Tourism

  • To improve last-mile and remote connectivity, the Budget proposed a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme.
  • The scheme will incentivize indigenous manufacturing of seaplanes and support their operations.
  • This is expected to boost tourism, island connectivity, and regional access, while aligning with the Make in India initiative.
  • It also reflects the government’s push to integrate aviation and infrastructure development.

CCUS and City Economic Regions

  • Aligning with India’s climate roadmap, the Budget proposed ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) across power, steel, cement, refineries and chemicals.
  • In urban development, City Economic Regions (CERs) will be mapped in Tier II, Tier III cities and temple towns, with ₹5,000 crore per CER over five years to unlock agglomeration-driven growth and balanced regional development.

Question

Q1. What is the proposed public capital expenditure for FY2026-27?

A. ₹10.5 lakh crore
B. ₹11.2 lakh crore
C. ₹12.2 lakh crore
D. ₹13.5 lakh crore</p

Railway Budget 2026: Record ₹2.93 Lakh Crore Investment to Transform Indian Railways

Indian Railways has received its highest-ever financial support in the Union Budget 2026-27. Presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a massive boost for rail infrastructure. With record capital expenditure and ambitious plans for high-speed rail corridors, the government has signalled that railways will remain central to India’s growth strategy. The focus is not only on faster trains but also on expanding capacity, improving safety, and modernising the railway network across the country.

Record Allocation Explained: Capex vs Total Outlay

  • For the financial year 2026-27, the Ministry of Railways has been provided ₹2,93,030 crore as capital expenditure (capex).
  • This funding is meant for long-term asset creation such as new railway lines, doubling of tracks, rolling stock, and station redevelopment.
  • The total outlay, which includes both capital and revenue expenditure, stands at ₹2,78,030 crore.
  • This unprecedented allocation highlights the government’s continued priority on rail-led infrastructure growth and logistics efficiency.

Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Announced

  • A major highlight of Railway Budget 2026 is the proposal to develop seven high-speed rail corridors across India.
  • These corridors aim to significantly reduce travel time between major cities and promote regional economic integration.
  • The proposed routes are Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bangalore, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bangalore, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.
  • These corridors will complement existing rail infrastructure and support India’s long-term vision for faster and cleaner transport.

Focus Areas for Capital Expenditure

  • The increased budgetary support will be channelled into several priority areas.
  • These include construction of new railway lines, doubling and gauge conversion of existing routes, traffic facilities, and procurement of modern rolling stock.
  • Investment will also support signalling upgrades, station modernisation, and capacity enhancement on high-density routes. T
  • ogether, these measures aim to improve punctuality, safety, and passenger comfort while supporting freight movement.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect Details
Why in News? Record allocation to Railways in Budget 2026
Capex Allocation ₹2.93 lakh crore
Total Outlay ₹2.78 lakh crore
New Proposal 7 high-speed rail corridors
Key Focus Expansion, modernization, capacity building

Question

Q. What is the capital expenditure allocation for Indian Railways in Budget 2026?

A. ₹1.75 lakh crore
B. ₹2.10 lakh crore
C. ₹2.93 lakh crore
D. ₹3.50 lakhrore

Union Budget 2026: Income Tax Act 2025 to Start from April 1, 2026

India’s direct tax system is set for a major overhaul. While presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into effect from 1 April 2026. The move is aimed at simplifying tax laws, improving compliance, and reducing disputes. Alongside this, the Budget introduced several important changes in TCS rates, share buyback taxation, securities transaction tax, and MAT rules, marking one of the most comprehensive direct tax reform packages in recent years.

New Income Tax Act, 2025: What Changes from April 2026

  • The Income Tax Act, 2025 is designed as a simplified and citizen-friendly law.
  • According to the Budget, new Income Tax Rules and Forms will be notified well in advance to give taxpayers adequate time to adjust.
  • The forms have been redesigned for clarity, making compliance easier for ordinary citizens and small taxpayers.
  • This reform reflects the government’s focus on transparency, ease of understanding, and reducing the complexity that has long characterised India’s tax framework.

Tax Administration Reforms and Accounting Changes

  • To streamline tax administration, the Budget proposes forming a Joint Committee of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
  • This committee will integrate Income Computation and Disclosure Standards (ICDS) into Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS).
  • As a result, separate accounting requirements under ICDS will be removed from the tax year 2027-28.
  • This step reduces duplication, lowers compliance costs, and aligns taxation more closely with accounting standards used by companies.

Share Buyback Taxation: Major Shift in Rules

  • A key reform targets the misuse of share buybacks for tax arbitrage.
  • The Budget proposes that share buybacks will now be taxed as capital gains for all shareholders, regardless of category.
  • To discourage promoter misuse, additional buyback tax will apply.
  • This will result in an effective tax rate of 22% for corporate promoters and 30% for non-corporate promoters.
  • This change aims to ensure fairness and prevent promoters from avoiding dividend taxation through buybacks.

TCS Rationalisation: Relief for Key Transactions

  • The Budget rationalized Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates to ease cash flow pressures.
  • The TCS rate on scrap, minerals, and alcoholic liquor has been fixed at 2%, while tendu leaves TCS has been reduced from 5% to 2%.
  • Importantly, TCS on remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) exceeding ₹10 lakh has been reduced to 2% for education and medical treatment, while remaining 20% for other purposes.
  • This provides relief for families spending on essential needs abroad.

STT Hike on Futures and Options

  • To moderate excessive speculation in derivatives markets, the Budget proposed an increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT).
  • STT on futures will rise from 0.02% to 0.05%.
  • For options, STT on premium and exercise has been increased to 0.15%, up from earlier rates.
  • This move is aimed at improving market stability while maintaining investor confidence.

MAT Reform: Final Tax from April 2026

  • The Budget introduced a significant change in Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). From 1 April 2026, MAT will become a final tax, ending further accumulation of MAT credit.
  • In line with this, the MAT rate will be reduced from 15% to 14%.
  • Existing MAT credit accumulated until 31 March 2026 will continue to be available for set-off, but only under the new tax regime, and limited to one-fourth of tax liability, encouraging companies to shift to the simplified regime.

Key Definitions

  • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): A provision under the Income Tax Act ensuring companies with high book profits pay a minimum tax.
  • Securities Transaction Tax: A direct tax on purchase and sale of securities listed on recognized stock exchanges in India.
  • Tax Collected at Source: Tax collected by the seller from the buyer at the time of sale of specified goods or transactions.

Question

Q. The Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force from:

A. April 1, 2025
B. January 1, 2026
C. April 1, 2026
D. July 1, 2026

 

 

UNION BUDGET 2026-27: What Gets Cheaper, What Gets Costlier—Complete Breakdown

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 marks a strategic pivot toward growth acceleration, inclusive development, and targeted relief for consumers and businesses. Against the backdrop of projected GDP growth of 6.8-7.2% for FY27, the Budget emphasizes boosting middle-class spending power while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The budget introduces a nuanced approach: significant duty cuts and tax rationalizations benefiting consumers, exporters, and strategic sectors, while implementing measured increases targeting high-risk trading activities and ensuring tax compliance. This article provides a detailed analysis of the measures that reduce costs and those that increase them.

WHAT GETS CHEAPER IN UNION BUDGET 2026-27

Consumer Relief Measures

The Budget prioritizes household financial relief through strategic duty reductions and tax rate cuts addressing everyday expenses, travel, and healthcare.

1. OVERSEAS TRAVEL & TOURISM

Overseas Tour Package Tax Relief

Current Situation:

  • Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages: 5-20%
  • Inconsistent rates creating compliance complexity
  • Burden on travel intermediaries and consumers

Budget Change:

  • New Uniform Rate: 2% TCS
  • Applicable to: All overseas tour program packages
  • No Amount Stipulation: Full coverage across all price points

Impact & Benefit:

  • Significant cost reduction for international travelers
  • Approximately 60-90% reduction in tax burden
  • Enhanced affordability of global tourism
  • Boost to travel industry revenues
  • Stimulus for foreign exchange earnings

Consumer Example:

  • ₹1 lakh tour package: ₹1,000-2,000 TCS (from ₹5,000-20,000)
  • Family vacation cost reduction: 5-20% savings on tour packaging

Business Benefit:

  • Travel agents and tour operators face lower compliance burden
  • Simplified rate structure
  • Increased customer demand from lower costs

2. FOREIGN EDUCATION & MEDICAL EXPENSES

Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) Rate Reduction

Current Situation:

  • TDS on education remittances: 5%
  • TDS on medical remittances: 5%
  • Creates friction in overseas education and treatment access

Budget Change:

  • New Uniform Rate: 2% TDS
  • Scope: Both education and medical-related remittances
  • Applicability: All LRS remittances for these purposes

Impact & Benefit:

  • 60% reduction in TDS burden
  • Enhanced affordability of quality international education
  • Better access to world-class medical treatment
  • Support for youth skill development abroad
  • Medical tourism facilitation

Consumer Impact:

  • ₹25 lakh education remittance: ₹12,500 TDS (from ₹25,000)
  • ₹10 lakh medical treatment: ₹5,000 TDS (from ₹10,000)
  • Annual savings for families pursuing overseas education/healthcare

Strategic Outcome:

  • Positions India competitively for retaining talent pursuing higher education
  • Improves healthcare accessibility for complex medical conditions

3. PERSONAL GOODS IMPORTS

Personal Use Imports Customs Duty Reduction

Current Situation:

  • Basic Customs Duty on personal-use imports: 20%
  • Affects returning travelers, expatriates, and gift receivers
  • Significant cost burden on international parcels

Budget Change:

  • New Rate: 10% BCD on all dutiable personal-use goods
  • 50% Reduction: Halves the customs duty load
  • Universal Application: All categories of personal-use imports

Impact & Benefit:

  • Direct cost savings for international parcel receivers
  • Enhanced affordability of imported consumer goods
  • Support for diaspora maintaining connections with relatives
  • Increased international e-commerce participation
  • Relief for expatriate communities

Consumer Example:

  • ₹10,000 imported gadget: ₹1,000 duty (from ₹2,000)
  • ₹50,000 electronic equipment: ₹5,000 duty (from ₹10,000)
  • 50% savings on personal imports across categories

Sectoral Impact:

  • E-commerce platforms benefit from reduced import costs
  • International gift giving becomes more affordable
  • Courier services experience demand boost

Healthcare & Life-Saving Medicines

The Budget prioritizes healthcare accessibility through comprehensive medicines exemptions.

4. CANCER DRUGS DUTY EXEMPTION

Critical Healthcare Relief

Scope:

  • 17 major cancer-treating drugs and medicines
  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully Exempted
  • Applicability: All import channels

Affected Drugs:

  • Targeted cancer therapies
  • Chemotherapy agents
  • Immunotherapy medications
  • Biosimilar cancer treatments

Impact & Benefit:

  • Eliminates import cost barriers for cancer treatment
  • Significantly reduces treatment burden on patients
  • Improves medication affordability and accessibility
  • Supports cancer care infrastructure development
  • Humanitarian focus on vulnerable patient populations

Patient Impact:

  • Cancer drug prices: 10-30% reduction through import duty elimination
  • Treatment accessibility: Enhanced for economically weaker sections
  • Annual cost savings: ₹1-5 lakh per patient (depending on drug)

Healthcare System Benefit:

  • Reduces burden on public healthcare budgets
  • Encourages private sector investment in oncology
  • Aligns with universal healthcare aspirations

5. RARE DISEASE MEDICINES EXPANSION

Widened Access to Rare Disease Treatments

Program Enhancement:

  • Previous Coverage: Select rare diseases
  • New Addition: 7 additional rare diseases
  • Scope: Personal imports of drugs, medicines, FSMP (Food for Special Medical Purposes)

Exemption Scope:

  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Applicable to: All imported rare disease medications
  • Coverage: Diagnostic foods and specialized nutritional products

New Diseases Covered:

  • Specific genetic disorders
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Neurological conditions
  • Inherited diseases
  • Complex systemic disorders

Impact & Benefit:

  • Extends rare disease treatment access to more patient populations
  • Reduces financial barriers to specialized medications
  • Encourages medical tourism for rare disease treatment
  • Supports patient advocacy and disease awareness
  • Improves quality of life for rare disease patients

Economic Impact:

  • Rare disease treatment costs: 20-50% reduction through duty exemption
  • Patient families: Significant financial relief from medical expenses
  • Healthcare outcomes: Enhanced treatment options and accessibility

Manufacturing & Export Promotion

Strategic duty reductions supporting domestic manufacturing competitiveness and export growth.

6. SEAFOOD EXPORT INPUT DUTY REDUCTION

Enhanced Input Import Facility

Program:

  • Duty-Free Imports Scheme for seafood processing inputs
  • Expansion of existing facility

Current Limits:

  • Maximum Import Allowance: 1% of FOB (Free on Board) value of previous year’s export turnover
  • Specified inputs only

Budget Enhancement:

  • New Limit: 3% of FOB value
  • 300% Increase: Tripled input import capacity
  • Applicability: All specified inputs for seafood processing exports

Affected Input Categories:

  • Processing chemicals and additives
  • Packaging materials
  • Quality assurance inputs
  • Food safety compliance materials

Impact & Benefit:

  • Enhanced production capacity for seafood exporters
  • Improved cost competitiveness in global markets
  • Increased export volumes and foreign exchange earnings
  • Support for coastal state economies
  • Fisheries sector growth acceleration

Exporter Impact:

  • Production costs: 5-10% reduction through increased duty-free input allowance
  • Export competitiveness: Improved pricing in global seafood markets
  • Margin expansion: Enhanced profitability for seafood processors

Economic Outcome:

  • India’s seafood export growth: Projected 15-20% increase
  • Employment in fisheries sector: Significant job creation
  • Coastal region development: Enhanced economic opportunities

7. LEATHER PRODUCTS EXPORT EXPANSION

Shoe Uppers Duty-Free Import Access

Previous Structure:

  • Duty-Free Inputs: Available for leather/synthetic footwear exports only
  • Gap: Shoe uppers (key intermediate product) excluded

Budget Change:

  • Extension: Duty-Free imports now apply to Shoe Uppers exports
  • Scope: All specified inputs used in shoe uppers manufacturing
  • Applicability: Full production value chain for shoe upper exports

Extended Export Timeline:

  • Previous Allowance: 6 months from initial export clearance
  • New Allowance: 1 year from clearance date
  • Applicable Products: Leather/textile garments, leather/synthetic footwear, leather products

Impact & Benefit:

  • Expanded product coverage for export duty support
  • Longer supply chain management window
  • Enhanced operational flexibility for exporters
  • Increased export value-addition
  • Competitive pricing in global leather markets

Exporter Impact:

  • Input costs: 10-15% reduction for shoe uppers manufacturers
  • Production timeline: Extended 1-year window improves supply chain management
  • Export volumes: Anticipated 20-25% growth in leather product exports

Sectoral Impact:

  • Leather industry: Enhanced global competitiveness
  • Employment: Significant job creation in leather processing
  • Regional development: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab leather clusters

8. MINERALS & MINERAL PRODUCTS

Scrap & Minerals Customs Duty Rationalization

Affected Categories:

  • Alcoholic liquor
  • Scrap materials
  • Minerals
  • Tendu leaves

Rate Changes:

Alcoholic Liquor, Scrap & Minerals:

  • Current Rate: Variable (5%-20%)
  • New Rate: 2% Unified Customs Duty
  • Rationalization: Simplified structure

Tendu Leaves (Special Rate Reduction):

  • Current Rate: 5% Customs Duty
  • New Rate: 2% Customs Duty
  • Reduction: 60% rate cut

Impact & Benefit:

  • Simplified tariff structure reducing compliance complexity
  • Lower raw material costs for dependent industries
  • Enhanced export competitiveness for mineral-based products
  • Support for tribal communities dependent on tendu leaf collection
  • Cost reduction across mineral-dependent manufacturing sectors

Industry Impact:

  • Scrap metal processors: 10-20% cost reduction in raw materials
  • Mineral-dependent industries: Improved competitiveness
  • Tendu leaf-dependent industries: Enhanced profitability

Energy & Strategic Infrastructure

9. RENEWABLE ENERGY EQUIPMENT

Energy Transition Support Duties Exemption

Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing:

Current Exemption: Capital goods for Lithium-Ion Cell manufacturing Budget Extension: Also include battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufacturing

Exemption Scope:

  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Applicable to: All capital equipment for BESS production
  • Equipment Types: Storage cells, integration systems, testing apparatus

Solar Glass Manufacturing:

Input Support: Sodium antimonate (solar glass manufacturing input) Exemption: Basic Customs Duty on import Benefit: Reduces solar glass production costs

Impact & Benefit:

  • Renewable energy equipment costs: 15-25% reduction
  • Solar manufacturing: Enhanced competitiveness
  • Battery storage ecosystem: Rapid development support
  • Clean energy transition acceleration
  • Domestic battery and storage manufacturing growth

Strategic Impact:

  • India’s renewable energy expansion: Facilitated through cost reduction
  • Energy security: Enhanced through domestic battery production
  • Global climate commitments: Supported through manufacturing incentives

10. NUCLEAR POWER SECTOR SUPPORT

Nuclear Equipment & Materials Duty Exemption

Program Enhancement:

  • Current Exemption: Capital goods for Nuclear Power Projects (limited timeline and capacity)
  • Budget Expansion:
    • Timeline Extended: Till year 2035 (long-term certainty)
    • Scope Expanded: All nuclear plants irrespective of capacity

Exemption Scope:

  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted on all nuclear project capital goods
  • Applicability: All nuclear power plants across capacities
  • Equipment Types: Reactor components, safety systems, infrastructure

Impact & Benefit:

  • Nuclear power expansion: Cost-reduced, long-term support
  • Energy security: Enhanced through nuclear capacity additions
  • Climate goals: Supported through clean energy infrastructure
  • Technology investment: Attracted through duty exemption certainty
  • Employment: Job creation in nuclear sector and manufacturing

Economic Impact:

  • Nuclear plant construction costs: 8-12% reduction through duty exemptions
  • India’s nuclear capacity: Projected growth supported
  • Foreign investment: Attracted through long-term certainty

11. CRITICAL MINERALS PROCESSING

Capital Goods Import Duty Exemption

Strategic Focus: Domestic processing of critical minerals

Exemption Scope:

  • Capital goods: Required for critical minerals processing in India
  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Applicability: All mineral processing equipment imports

Strategic Minerals Covered:

  • Rare earth elements
  • Lithium and battery minerals
  • Strategic metals
  • Industrial minerals

Impact & Benefit:

  • Domestic processing establishment: Encouraged through cost reduction
  • Import dependency: Reduced through local processing capacity
  • Value-addition: Enhanced through domestic processing investment
  • Supply chain resilience: Built through local mineral ecosystem
  • Employment: Job creation in mineral processing sector

Economic Impact:

  • Processing equipment costs: 20-25% reduction
  • Domestic processing capacity: Rapid expansion enabled
  • Mineral export value: Enhanced through value-addition

Aerospace & Manufacturing

12. CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING

Aircraft Components Duty Exemption

Scope:

  • Components and parts: For civilian, training, and other aircraft manufacturing
  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Applicability: All aircraft types (commercial, training, cargo)

Equipment Coverage:

  • Airframe components
  • Avionics systems
  • Propulsion components
  • Interior components

Impact & Benefit:

  • Aircraft manufacturing costs: 10-15% reduction
  • Aviation industry development: Cost-incentivized growth
  • Maintenance & repair ecosystem: Established through components availability
  • Aviation manufacturing: Emerging sector supported

13. DEFENCE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

MRO Sector Support

Raw Materials: For maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) of defence aircraft

Exemption Scope:

  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted on MRO-related imports
  • Beneficiary: Defence sector units
  • Equipment Types: Replacement parts, service materials, consumables

Impact & Benefit:

  • Defence aircraft MRO costs: 15-20% reduction
  • Maintenance capability: Enhanced for defence forces
  • Operational readiness: Improved through cost-effective maintenance
  • Self-reliance: Supported through domestic MRO capability

14. CIVILIAN ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES

Microwave Oven Manufacturing

Component Support:

  • Specified parts: Used in microwave oven manufacturing
  • Basic Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Strategic Goal: Deepen consumer electronics value-addition

Impact & Benefit:

  • Microwave oven manufacturing costs: 8-12% reduction
  • Consumer electronics sector: Cost-competitiveness enhanced
  • Domestic manufacturing: Incentivized through duty exemption
  • Consumer prices: Downstream cost reduction potential

Trade & Export Facilitation

15. FISHERIES SECTOR EXPANSION

Marine Resources Economic Maximization

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) & High Seas

Current Limitation: Limited support for fish caught beyond territorial waters

Budget Enhancement:

Duty-Free Fish Catch:

  • Scope: Fish caught in EEZ or High Seas by Indian fishing vessels
  • Customs Duty: Fully exempted
  • Applicability: All fish species caught outside territorial waters

Export Classification:

  • Fish landed on foreign ports: Treated as goods export
  • Export benefits: All export incentives applicable
  • Trade benefits: Standard export procedures followed

Safeguards:

  • Catch verification: Anti-misuse mechanisms
  • Transit monitoring: Transshipment compliance
  • Regulatory oversight: Prevention of illegal catch

Impact & Benefit:

  • Fisheries sector revenue: Significant enhancement
  • Fishermen income: 15-25% increase from expanded EEZ access
  • Foreign exchange earnings: Increased through fish exports
  • Global seafood markets: Enhanced Indian participation
  • Coastal employment: Expanded opportunities for fishing communities

Economic Impact:

  • High seas fish catch: Economically viable through duty exemption
  • Export competitiveness: Enhanced pricing power
  • Fisheries GDP contribution: Projected growth

16. E-COMMERCE EXPORT SUPPORT

Courier Exports Value Cap Removal

Current Limitation:

  • Value Ceiling: ₹10 lakh per consignment
  • Restriction: Limits small business and artisan export capacity
  • Constraint: Prevents scaling of cross-border e-commerce

Budget Change:

  • New Limit: NO LIMIT (Complete removal)
  • Applicability: All e-commerce courier exports
  • Beneficiaries: Small businesses, artisans, start-ups

Additional Measure:

  • Rejected/Returned Consignments: Technology-enabled handling
  • Identification: Advanced systems for tracking returns
  • Processing: Efficient procedures for returned goods

Impact & Benefit:

  • Small business export capacity: Unlimited growth potential
  • Artisan global market access: Significantly enhanced
  • Start-up e-commerce: Scaling friction removed
  • Cross-border e-commerce: Facilitation and growth support
  • MSMEs: Global market participation enabled

Economic Impact:

  • E-commerce exports: Projected 100%+ growth
  • Small business revenue: Significant expansion opportunity
  • Global market penetration: Enhanced for Indian products
  • Employment: Job creation in e-commerce logistics

Consumer & Business Benefit:

  • Global reach: Indian artisans and small businesses access worldwide customers
  • Competitive advantage: Unrestricted export capacity
  • Revenue growth: Unlimited scaling opportunity

Nuclear & Strategic Sectors

17. NUCLEAR POWER GOODS

Nuclear Equipment & Materials Support

Scope:

  • All goods required for nuclear power projects
  • Exemption: Basic Customs Duty
  • Duration: Extended through 2035

Strategic Benefit:

  • Nuclear sector development: Cost-supported expansion
  • Energy security: Enhanced through nuclear capacity
  • Climate goals: Supported through clean energy infrastructure

WHAT GETS COSTLIER IN UNION BUDGET 2026-27

Tax Compliance & Penalty Increases

While the Budget emphasizes relief measures, it also implements targeted increases to address non-compliance and speculative trading.

1. INCOME TAX MISREPORTING PENALTY

Enhanced Penalty for Intentional Misreporting

Current Framework:

  • Underreporting immunity: Available with tax payment framework
  • Misreporting: Previously subject to different penalty structure

Budget Change:

Penalty Enhancement:

  • Penalty Rate: 100% of tax amount (as additional income tax)
  • Applicability: Cases of income/asset misreporting
  • Calculation: Over and above regular tax and interest due

Mechanism:

  • Taxpayer must pay: Full tax + Interest + 100% penalty (as additional income tax)
  • Immunity: Both penalty immunity and prosecution immunity available
  • Purpose: Encourage voluntary disclosure while maintaining deterrence

Scope of Misreporting:

  • Intentional misclassification of income
  • False asset valuations
  • Incorrect deduction claims
  • Deliberately wrong expense reporting

Impact & Disincentive:

  • Effective tax rate doubling: Creates strong deterrence
  • Voluntary disclosure: Encouraged through immunity framework
  • Compliance: Enhanced through penalty increase
  • Tax integrity: Improved through stronger enforcement

Taxpayer Impact:

  • Misreported ₹10 lakh income: Additional ₹10 lakh penalty (beyond base tax)
  • Effective consequence: Doubles tax liability plus interest
  • Behavior change: Incentivizes accurate initial reporting

2. NON-DISCLOSURE OF MOVABLE ASSETS

Penalty Introduction for Undisclosed Personal Assets

Current Situation:

  • Non-immovable foreign assets <₹20 lakh: No penalty
  • Recently expanded: Prosecution immunity also provided

New Penalty:

  • Movable Assets: Now attract penalties for non-disclosure
  • Applicability: Undisclosed personal movable property
  • Asset Types: Jewelry, vehicles, financial instruments, art, collectibles

Penalty Structure:

  • Rate: Proportional to asset value
  • Additional Tax: Levied as additional income tax
  • Enforcement: Triggered during income tax assessments

Impact:

  • Asset declaration: Incentivized through penalty risk
  • Tax compliance: Improved for personal asset reporting
  • Hidden wealth: Increased visibility to tax authorities
  • Revenue: Incremental from asset-related tax compliance

Taxpayer Impact:

  • Undisclosed jewelry worth ₹50 lakh: Subject to penalty and back taxes
  • Behavioral change: Enhanced asset disclosure in tax returns
  • Compliance burden: Increased documentation requirements

Rationale:

  • Tax integrity: Ensures complete asset visibility
  • Wealth taxation: Improves effectiveness through comprehensive asset reporting
  • Black money: Reduces through disclosure requirements

Securities Trading Taxes

3. SECURITIES TRANSACTION TAX (STT) INCREASES

Enhanced STT on Derivatives Market

Strategic Purpose:

  • Derivatives market speculation: Address excessive volatility
  • Trading volume: Moderate through cost increase
  • Market stability: Enhance through reduced speculative activity

Futures STT Increase:

Current Rate: 0.02% STT on futures New Rate: 0.05% STT Increase: 150% (2.5x increase)

Impact:

  • Futures trading costs: Increased significantly
  • Speculative volume: Likely reduction
  • Market stability: Enhanced through higher transaction costs
  • Hedging: Still economically viable, speculation deterred

Options STT Increases:

Options Premium:

  • Current Rate: 0.10% STT
  • New Rate: 0.15% STT
  • Increase: 50%

Options Exercise:

  • Current Rate: 0.125% STT
  • New Rate: 0.15% STT (convergence)
  • Increase: 20%

Combined Effect: Uniform 0.15% rate across options transactions

Impact & Rationale:

  • Options trading costs: Increased to moderate volume
  • Speculative strategies: Higher cost disincentive
  • Legitimate hedging: Still viable with manageable costs
  • Market liquidity: Preserved while reducing speculation
  • Volatility: Potentially reduced through higher transaction costs

Trader Impact:

  • Trading costs: 50-150% increase in STT burden
  • Strategy economics: Speculative strategies become unprofitable
  • Market participation: Institutional and legitimate hedging continues
  • Volumes: Anticipated reduction in speculative volume

Market Impact:

  • Derivatives market: Expected moderation in volume
  • Price stability: Potential improvement through reduced speculation
  • Liquidity: Managed through institutional participation maintenance

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: CHEAPER VS. COSTLIER

Summary Table

Category Item Impact Change
Travel & Tourism Overseas tour packages CHEAPER TCS: 5-20% → 2%
Education Foreign education remittances CHEAPER TDS: 5% → 2%
Medical Medical tourism/treatment CHEAPER TDS: 5% → 2%
Personal Imports Goods for personal use CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 10%
Healthcare Cancer drugs CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Healthcare Rare disease medicines CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Exports Seafood inputs CHEAPER Limit: 1% → 3% of export value
Exports Shoe uppers CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Raw Materials Scrap, minerals CHEAPER Duty: 5-20% → 2%
Energy Battery manufacturing CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Energy Solar glass CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Energy Nuclear equipment CHEAPER Extended exemption till 2035
Manufacturing Aircraft components CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Electronics Microwave components CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
Fisheries High-seas fish catch CHEAPER Duty: 20% → 0% (exemption)
E-Commerce Courier exports CHEAPER Limit removed (₹10L → unlimited)
Tax Compliance Misreporting penalty COSTLIER Standard rate → 100% surcharge
Asset Disclosure Undisclosed movables COSTLIER No penalty → Penalties imposed
Trading Futures contracts COSTLIER STT: 0.02% → 0.05%
Trading Options premium COSTLIER STT: 0.10% → 0.15%
Trading Options exercise COSTLIER STT: 0.125% → 0.15%

ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

GDP Growth Context

FY27 GDP Growth Projection: 6.8%-7.2%

Budget’s Role in Growth:

Cost Reduction Measures (Growth Acceleration):

  • Consumer relief measures enhance household spending power
  • Export duty reductions support manufacturing competitiveness
  • Energy sector incentives facilitate transition and capacity addition
  • E-commerce facilitation enables digital economy growth
  • Strategic sector support promotes manufacturing ecosystems

Cost Increase Measures (Tax Integrity):

  • Tax compliance enhancements improve revenue efficiency
  • Speculative trading moderation reduces market volatility
  • Asset disclosure requirements expand tax base
  • Misreporting penalties enhance tax integrity

Net Effect: Balanced approach supporting growth while maintaining fiscal discipline

SECTORAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

Beneficiary Sectors

1. Tourism & Hospitality

  • Impact: 15-20% growth in overseas tour bookings
  • Mechanism: 60-90% TCS reduction on tour packages
  • Beneficiaries: Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality sector

2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

  • Impact: Enhanced drug accessibility and affordability
  • Mechanism: Duty-free imports of cancer and rare disease medicines
  • Beneficiaries: Patients, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies

3. Seafood & Fisheries

  • Impact: 15-25% growth in export volumes
  • Mechanism: Enhanced input import allowance and EEZ access
  • Beneficiaries: Seafood exporters, fishing communities, coastal economy

4. Leather & Textiles

  • Impact: 20-25% growth in leather product exports
  • Mechanism: Duty-free shoe uppers imports and extended timeline
  • Beneficiaries: Leather manufacturers, artisans, leather clusters

5. Renewable Energy

  • Impact: 25-30% cost reduction in equipment
  • Mechanism: Duty exemptions for batteries, solar glass, critical minerals
  • Beneficiaries: Solar manufacturers, battery makers, energy companies

6. Electronics & Appliances

  • Impact: 8-15% cost reduction in manufacturing
  • Mechanism: Components and parts duty exemptions
  • Beneficiaries: Appliance manufacturers, consumer electronics companies

7. Aerospace & Defence

  • Impact: 10-20% cost reduction in manufacturing and MRO
  • Mechanism: Aircraft components and defence materials exemptions
  • Beneficiaries: Aviation companies, defence contractors

8. E-Commerce & MSMEs

  • Impact: Unlimited export capacity
  • Mechanism: Value cap removal on courier exports
  • Beneficiaries: Small businesses, artisans, start-ups

Affected Sectors (Increased Costs)

1. Financial Markets

  • Impact: Reduced speculative derivatives trading
  • Mechanism: STT increases on futures and options
  • Affected: Active traders, proprietary trading firms
  • Positive Effect: Potentially reduced market volatility

2. Tax Compliance Risk

  • Impact: Higher costs for non-compliant taxpayers
  • Mechanism: Penalty increases for misreporting and non-disclosure
  • Affected: Individuals with undisclosed assets or income
  • Deterrent Effect: Enhanced compliance incentives

CONSUMER PRICE IMPLICATIONS

Direct Price Reduction Likelihood

High Probability (>50% price reduction):

  • Overseas tour packages: 5-15% reduction
  • International education costs: 2-5% reduction
  • Cancer drug prices: 10-30% reduction
  • Imported electronics: 2-8% reduction

Moderate Probability (20-50% price reduction):

  • Renewable energy equipment: 5-10% reduction (long-term effect)
  • Seafood export prices: Competitive improvement (not direct consumer impact)

Indirect Price Effects

Price Stability/Enhancement:

  • Battery and energy storage: Potential long-term affordability through ecosystem development
  • Manufacturing costs: Improved competitiveness may sustain prices during growth phase

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Revenue Impact

Revenue-Positive Measures:

  • Income tax misreporting penalties: Enhanced compliance and revenue
  • Securities transaction taxes: Slight increase in derivatives market tax revenue
  • Non-disclosure penalties: Expanded tax base through asset disclosure

Revenue-Neutral Measures:

  • Duty exemptions: Offset by increased volumes in exempt sectors (e-commerce, exports)
  • TCS/TDS reductions: Offset by increased transaction volumes at lower rates

Consolidated Fiscal Impact: Designed to be broadly neutral while improving growth and tax integrity

Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic to Complete Career Grand Slam_13.1
February 2026
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728  
QR Code