At least four people were killed and dozens injured when two trains collided outside the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Monday. State media report that a stationary commuter train was hit from behind by a long-distance commuter train arriving on the same track
Colour is at the heart of Kashmir’s textile traditions, especially for the world renowned Pashmina shawls and Kashmir silks. Yet producing these rich hues often comes with an environmental cost to ecosystems. Studies show that many textile industries use synthetic dyes during dyeing and printing
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.What makes side-by-side door refrigerators a popular choice in Indian homes? (2026)These refrigerators come with energy efficient inverter compressors and are ideal for families of five
Mumbai man sets road on fire to record birthday reel, gets arrested as video goes viralThe man was booked for pouring inflammable liquid on the road and setting it on fire. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:09 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested by
Starting a business is a dream for many young people today. More individuals are now choosing entrepreneurship over traditional jobs, hoping to build financial independence and long-term success. However, lack of funds often becomes the biggest hurdle
Love Horoscope Today for April 28, 2026: Your love life may take an unexpected turnLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:41 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Horoscope Today Love Energy: Attraction and confidence Love
India on Monday named Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi as its next high commissioner to Bangladesh. The appointment is a rare instance of a non-Indian Foreign Service officer being named to the role and comes as New Delhi seeks to reset ties with Dhaka
RRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 released, download link hereRRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 has been released. The direct link to download the city intimation slip is given here. Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:44 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link The Railway
How Union Budget 2026 puts three kartavyas at the centre of economic strategy
How Union Budget 2026 puts three kartavyas at the centre of India's economic strategy
Rather than headline tax giveaways or sharp fiscal pivots, Budget 2026 leans on continuity, capacity-building and institutional reform. At its core is a framework of three "kartavyas" that the government says will guide economic policy in the years ahead.
At a time when global trade is fragmenting and supply chains are being re-drawn, India's Union Budget 2026-27 attempts to answer a simple but difficult question: how does a large, fast-growing economy protect itself from external shocks without turning inward. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the challenges upfront. "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperilled and access to resources and supply chains are disrupted," she said. The statement set the tone for a Budget that is less about short-term stimulus and more about long-term positioning.
Rather than headline tax giveaways or sharp fiscal pivots, Budget 2026 leans on continuity, capacity-building and institutional reform. At its core is a framework of three "kartavyas" that the government says will guide economic policy in the years ahead.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
The Finance Minister structured the Budget around three duties: accelerating and sustaining economic growth, fulfilling aspirations by building capacity, and ensuring inclusive and broad-based development. These kartavyas are not merely intended to be rhetorical but expected to form the organising logic for proposals spanning manufacturing, employment, infrastructure spending and tax administration. Together, they reflect an attempt to align fiscal policy with India's longer-term ambition of becoming a developed economy, while navigating a volatile global backdrop.
The first kartavya, sustaining growth, is anchored in manufacturing and productivity. The Budget places particular emphasis on sectors that have become strategically important in recent years, including semiconductors, electronics, capital goods and critical minerals. Initiatives such as India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the expansion of electronics manufacturing incentives, and the creation of Rare Earth Corridors are intended to reduce India's reliance on imports for key inputs. These measures come after repeated global disruptions exposed the risks of concentrated supply chains.
Yet the Budget is careful to avoid framing self-reliance as isolation. Sitharaman made it clear that India's strategy depends on remaining outward-looking. "India must remain deeply integrated with global markets, exporting more and attracting stable long-term investment," she said.
Ganesh Kumar, Managing Partner, GLS Corporate Advisors LLP, said the Budget reflects a conscious recalibration of India's industrial strategy rather than a narrow self-reliance push. "The emphasis is not just on capacity creation but on where India wants to sit in the global production stack. By focusing on equipment, materials and downstream manufacturing, the Budget addresses vulnerabilities that became visible only after recent supply chain shocks."
The second kartavya addresses a concern that is increasingly global: the future of work. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape labour markets, Budget 2026 places capacity-building and employability at the centre of its social and economic agenda. A key proposal is the creation of a High-Level Education-to-Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee. The committee will identify high-growth services sectors, study skill gaps, assess services export potential, and examine how emerging technologies such as AI are altering job profiles.
Beyond institutional review, the Budget also signals an expansion of upskilling and reskilling efforts, particularly for engineers, technology professionals and service-sector workers. The goal is to move away from fragmented skilling schemes and towards a more integrated education-employment pipeline.
This is an attempt to deal with employability structurally rather than episodically," said Bhavik Thanawala, Partner, GLS Corporate Advisors LLP. "By factoring in AI and services exports, the Budget recognises how quickly job markets are changing.
The third kartavya focuses on inclusion, both social and regional. Budget 2026 continues targeted interventions for healthcare, mental health institutions, assistive devices for Divyangjans and region-specific development. Programmes such as Purvodaya for eastern India and enhanced support for the North-East aim to address uneven development across states. At the same time, the Budget reinforces cooperative federalism by retaining the states' share of tax devolution at 41 percent.
For FY 2026-27, Finance Commission grants amounting to Rs. 1.4 lakh crore have been earmarked for rural and urban local bodies and disaster management, underlining the Centre's reliance on states as partners in service delivery.
Running beneath all three kartavyas is a continued emphasis on fiscal discipline and trust-based tax administration. The fiscal deficit for FY 2026-27 is estimated at 4.3 percent of GDP, keeping the government on its consolidation path while sustaining high capital expenditure. On the tax side, the Budget introduces measures aimed at reducing litigation and compliance friction. Interest on compensation awarded by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals has been exempted from tax, and TDS on such interest removed. Assessment and penalty proceedings are proposed to be integrated, technical defaults decriminalised, and prosecution provisions rationalised.
Explaining the rationale, Sitharaman noted that honest taxpayers are often discouraged from settling disputes due to the stigma attached to penalties. "They will now be able to close cases by paying an additional amount in lieu of penalty," she said. "These changes directly target the reasons disputes drag on for years but the outcome will depend on how uniformly the approach is applied on the ground," said Amit Parkar, Partner, GLS Corporate Advisors LLP.
Union Budget 2026-27 does not attempt dramatic resets. Instead, it builds incrementally on reforms announced over the past few years, including the transition to the new Income Tax Act from April 1, 2026. By emphasising stability, capacity-building and inclusion, the Budget signals that the government's focus has shifted from rapid policy churn to steady execution. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, that predictability may be its most deliberate feature.
As the Finance Minister concluded her address, the emphasis remained firmly on continuity rather than disruption. The Budget, she indicated, is designed to navigate near-term uncertainty while keeping sight of India's longer-term development goals. "India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion," Sitharaman said.
With that framing, Union Budget 2026-27 positions itself as a statement of direction, anchoring growth, capacity-building and inclusion within a stable and reform-oriented fiscal framework.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Fintech startup Fi pivots to focus on B2B tech services Budget’s mild fiscal consolidation to be positive for GDP growth Govt likely to focus on fiscal consolidation in Budget 2026 LSG vs RR | I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical We’ve been doing catch-up rather than leading the game I'd Rather Lose To Verstappen Than Play Favourites US-China economic rivalry is a game of chess rather than a Cold War confrontation Manchester City's Erling Haaland concentrating on team success rather than scoring records How returning stolen artifacts can distort history rather than serve cultural justice Carlos Alcaraz may skip French Open rather than rush injury comeback
Pakistani attacks on the east Afghan province of Kunar have killed at least seven people and injured 75, among whom are students and a professor at Kunar University, multiple sources have told the BBC. According to the Taliban government, 30 of the injured are university students
1 minutes ago
Apple’s foldable iPhone leak hints at ultra-thin, passport-shaped design, debut likely in SeptemberNew reports suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive soon, featuring a thinner design, larger display, and a key role in its next leadership era. Updated on: Apr 27
1 minutes ago
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Central Armed Police Forces would remain deployed in West Bengal for at least 60 days after the Assembly elections and told voters not to be concerned about “Didi’s goons”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is popularly known as “Didi”
1 minutes ago
The International Monetary Fund’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook arrives with an unusually candid subtitle – Global Economy in the Shadow of War – in the same month that NATO has locked in its most ambitious military spending target in history
1 minutes ago
In Purba Bardhaman, potato farmers face price caps, weak markets and migration woes. As elections near, discontent simmers, but TMC still appears deeply rooted across the region. The rest of the country may be all agog about voting in West Bengal tomorrow
1 minutes ago
Bayern Munich must find a way to stop Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He has scored eight goals in the Champions League. His performances have drawn comparisons to football legends. Kvaratskhelia's ability to cut inside and shoot is a key threat
1 minutes ago
SSB may increase quota for ex-Agniveers from 10% to 50%, exempt testsThe SSB proposal mirrors similar draft rules prepared by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Prawesh Lama, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has proposed
1 minutes ago
Priya Banerjee says Bollywood has lost its way, slams its lack of originality: ‘Same rom-coms, ladki ladka bike pe hain’In an interview with Hindustan Times, Priya Banerjee talked about Bollywood's lack of original ideas and revealed she doesn't like watching Hindi films. Apr 28, 2026
1 minutes ago
In mid-2025, frustration boiled over for Cedrik Sixtus. Finding his Spotify playlists increasingly sprinkled with tracks he suspected were AI generated, the Leipzig-based software developer built a tool to automatically label and block them from his listening.In mid-2025
1 minutes ago
India’s new trade deal with New Zealand may just be bigger than any other free trade agreement, for it signals where New Delhi wants to go next. With $20 billion in investments and duty-free access for all Indian exports from Day 1, the India-NZ FTA opens up meaningful opportunities
1 minutes ago
Describing the agreement a “big win,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it would help expand exports across key sectors. India and New Zealand will sign a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, which was finalised by PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s PM
1 minutes ago
Anthony Joshua has signed a deal to fight fellow former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn has announced. Joshua, who has not fought since he was a passenger in a fatal car crash in December, will first have a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1 minutes ago
PM Narendra Modi expresses confidence of BJP forming govt in Bengal, vows to return for oath ceremony, while Mamata Banerjee holds roadshows as high-voltage campaigning ends. Kolkata: In his last campaign rally in the industrial belt of Barrackpore's Jagatdal
1 minutes ago
Now, India pushes diesel, LPG blending plansTechnical teams at BIS, India’s standards-setting body, are working through consultations with stakeholders before finalisation Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:07 AM IST By Zia Haq, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The government is taking decisive steps
1 minutes ago
Taiwan's defense ministry reported spotting two Chinese warships, a destroyer and a frigate, operating southwest of the Penghu islands. Taiwan's naval and air forces were dispatched to closely monitor the Chinese vessels. This incident occurs amidst China's regular military activities around the
1 minutes ago
‘I rejected IIM Bangalore’: Techie shares reason behind ‘controversial’ decisionA video of a techie’s confession on rejecting IIM Bangalore and continuing his job instead has prompted varied reactions. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:53 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A digital
1 minutes ago
Haryana: Congress boycotts special session, Saini dubs it ‘anti-women’ mindsetThe day-long special session, hurriedly convened a month after the budget session’s conclusion, was triggered by the Union government’s setbacks in the Lower House on April 17
1 minutes ago
While Anthropic has continued to warn about the impacts of AI on the job market, the company is itself looking to hire for a new role and is offering $400,000 in salary to find the right candidate. The new role is based out of San Francisco or New York, with a salary range of $320,000 to $400,000
1 minutes ago
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
1 minutes ago
Cooper Flagg vs Kon Knueppel stats: How Flagg beat his former Duke teammate for Rookie of the YearCooper Flagg won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, narrowly defeating teammate Kon Knueppel by 26 points. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link Duke freshmen Cooper
1 minutes ago
Adani Airport Holdings Limited and MakeMyTrip have launched an online duty-free pre-booking service for international travellers, allowing passengers to browse and reserve products before arriving at the airport. The service enables travellers to pre-book duty-free items across more than 10
1 minutes ago
"One more year, one more year Casemiro," bellowed the Stretford End as the Brazilian midfielder made his way down the tunnel to the Manchester United dressing room. The 34-year-old had just completed the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Brentford that highlighted everything that makes him such an
1 minutes ago
European flight prices are falling as airlines try to overcome customer "hesitancy" over the economic hit from the US-Israel war with Iran, Wizz Air's chief executive has said. József Váradi said European airlines can make price cuts in the "short term" because they have bought fuel at a price
1 minutes ago
A 21-year-old man is going on trial in Austria charged with planning and preparing a terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in August 2024. The Austrian man, named only as Beran A., has been charged with terrorism and other offences and is appearing in court in Wiener Neustadt
1 minutes ago
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday quashed the preventive detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, setting aside the order issued by the Doda district administration in September. Malik, who represents the Doda constituency and heads the party’s Jammu and
1 minutes ago
Mortars and missiles from Pakistan struck a university and homes in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, killing seven and wounding 85. Pakistan denied targeting the university, calling the accusation a "blatant lie." This incident marks the first major attack since Chinese-mediated peace talks aimed at
1 minutes ago
Deepika Padukone makes first appearance after announcing second pregnancy; Ranveer Singh seen in protective modeDeepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh kept the airport outing lowkey and didn’t pose for the photographers stationed outside the airport in Mumbai. Apr 28, 2026
1 minutes ago
