New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- In an election-season global economy marked by trade frictions and capital volatility, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman used the Union Budget 2026 to signal continuity in reform rather than fiscal experimentation. Her ninth consecutive budget speech introduced a Three-Kartavya framework, positioning economic growth, human capacity, and universal access as parallel obligations of the state rather than sequential goals.

"This three-part approach aims to strengthen inclusivity and resilience, benefiting farmers, youth, women, disadvantaged groups, and every region through sustained reform momentum," Sitharaman said, framing the budget as an execution-led roadmap rather than a redistributive reset.

Under Kartavya No....