India, Feb. 1 -- Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday, highlighting emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers in fulfilling the second Kartavya - empowering citizens and building their capacity to become strong partners in India's growth journey.

Emphasising that technology adoption must benefit all sections of society - including farmers, women in STEM, youth seeking to upskill, and Divyangjan - the Budget outlines major initiatives to advance innovation. These include the AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Fund, and a dedicated Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

The Budget also propo...