India, Feb. 1 -- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman todaypresented the Union Budget 2026, her ninth consecutive Budget, anchoring it in three core kartavyas-responsibilities aimed at accelerating growth while ensuring long-term economic stability. The Budget blends structural reforms with selective relief measures, even as it leaves some key expectations unmet.

Among the most significant announcements is targeted relief for cancer patients. The government has exempted basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines, a move expected to substantially lower treatment costs and improve access to life-saving therapies. In another forward-looking decision, imports for nuclear power projects have been granted customs duty exempti...