Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented the Union Budget 2026, announcing policies that will bring down the cost of several items.
Cancer drugs
Cancer patients can heave a sigh of relief as the Centre exempted customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines. This will reduce the cost of cancer drugs and overall treatment.
Smartphones and tablets
Smartphones and tablets made in India will be cheaper as components used for their manufacture will see reduction on duty.
Solar panels, microwave ovens
Exemption of basic customs duty on parts required for manufacture will bring down the cost of solar panels and microwave ovens.
EV batteries
Exemption of basic custom duty will make lithium-ion cells for EV batteries cheaper.
Foreign education and overseas tourism
The reduction of tax collected at source (TCS) will make overseas education, medical purposes and tour packages cheaper.
Leather products
Reduction of import duties on raw materials will make certain leather equipment cheaper. This will in turn reduce prices of leather bags, belts and footwear.
Sea food
Duty-free fish catch beyond territorial waters will not only help the fisher folk but also the consumers.
Sports equipment
Reports suggest that sports equipment would get cheaper with the launch of Khelo India Mission.