Budget 2026: What Gets Cheaper, What Gets Costlier? Nirmala Sitharaman's Ninth Budget Impact

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget.
• Foreign tour packages and foreign education expenses will become cheaper due to reduced TCS/TDS rates.
• Imports of scrap, certain alcohol manufacturing minerals, and shoe upper exports will see duty reductions.
• Energy transition equipment, solar glass materials, and essential mineral capital goods are exempt from BCD.
• Penalties for false income tax disclosures and hiding movable assets will increase significantly.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 brings relief on some imports and foreign travel, but tightens tax compliance with higher penalties.