Budget 2026 Prices Update: What Becomes Affordable and What Gets Expensive

by Jobuza Team | Feb 2, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament, outlining several changes in customs duties and import tariffs. These changes are expected to directly affect the prices of many everyday and industrial items in India. While some goods may become more affordable due to reduced duties, others could turn more expensive as taxes increase.

Here is a clear breakdown of what may get cheaper and what could cost more for consumers.

Items Expected to Get Cheaper

The government has proposed reducing customs duty on several essential and strategic items. This move is aimed at lowering costs for consumers, supporting key industries, and improving access to critical goods.

Personal and Consumer Goods

• Personal use imported goods

• Leather footwear and related leather items

• Textile garments

• Microwave ovens

• Overseas tour packages

• Foreign education expenses

Healthcare and Medicines

• Seventeen medicines used in cancer treatment

• Drugs, medicines, and Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) for seven rare diseases

Energy, Technology, and Manufacturing

• Lithium-ion cells used in batteries

• Solar glass used in renewable energy projects

• Critical minerals required for high-tech and clean energy sectors

• Biogas-blended CNG

• Aircraft manufacturing components

Food and Marine Sector

• Seafood products

These reductions are expected to make healthcare treatments more affordable and support India’s push towards clean energy and domestic manufacturing.

Items Expected to Get Costlier

Some goods and financial areas may see higher taxes or duties, which could lead to increased costs for consumers and businesses.

• Alcohol

• Cigarettes and tobacco products

• Components used in nuclear power projects

• Certain minerals such as iron ore and coal

• Penalties and stricter action related to misreporting of income tax

• Changes in taxation related to stock options and futures trading

These measures are often aimed at increasing government revenue, discouraging harmful consumption, or tightening financial compliance.

Will Imported Wine Become Cheaper?

Although alcohol in general may become more expensive, there could be a different trend for certain imported beverages. Under the recently finalised India–European Union trade agreement, India is expected to reduce or remove tariffs on a large share of European exports.

As a result, wine, beer, and some other spirits imported from Europe may become cheaper in India. Other products that could benefit from lower tariffs under this agreement include kiwis, pears, fruit juices, non-alcoholic beer, and some processed food items.

Other Key Highlights from Budget 2026–27

In her 81-minute Budget speech, the Finance Minister also addressed several important policy areas, including timelines for income tax return filing, changes in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options, expansion of India’s semiconductor mission, and the development of rare earth corridors.

The Budget received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several leaders from the ruling party, who described it as growth-focused. However, opposition parties criticised it, calling it lacking in strong reforms aimed at supporting lower-income groups.

Digital Arrest Scam: New Safety Feature Stops Fraudsters Instantly

by Jobuza Team | Feb 2, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Digital arrest scams are increasing rapidly in India, and the government is now working on new ways to stop them. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to find practical solutions that can protect people from such online fraud.

One major idea suggested by the committee is a “kill switch” feature. This would allow people to immediately stop suspicious financial activity with just one button if they feel they are being targeted by a scam.

What Is the Kill Switch?

The kill switch would act like an emergency safety button. If someone believes they are dealing with a fraudster, they can press this button to instantly stop all transactions from their accounts.

Once activated, no money can be transferred, and accounts may be temporarily frozen. This can help prevent scammers from stealing funds while the issue is being checked.

Compensation for Victims May Be Introduced

The committee has also discussed ways to reduce financial losses for victims. A system could be introduced to compensate people who lose money in digital fraud cases.

This may include special insurance-type products that cover losses caused by online scams. The goal is to make digital transactions safer and improve trust in the system.

How the Emergency Button Could Work

Experts are considering adding this emergency button to digital payment apps. This means users could have the feature directly inside the apps they already use for transactions.

If someone senses fraud, they can press the button, and all linked accounts would immediately stop processing transactions. This quick action could reduce damage during scam attempts.

Steps to Recover Stolen Money

The committee is also looking at ways to identify suspicious transactions faster. If fraud is detected early, it may be possible to stop stolen money from being moved across multiple accounts, which often makes recovery difficult.

Authorities are exploring systems that can track and block such movements to improve the chances of getting money back.

What Are Digital Arrest Scams?

In digital arrest scams, fraudsters contact people through video calls and pretend to be police officers or government officials. They claim the victim is involved in a serious crime and create panic.

Using leaked personal information, fake ID cards, and false documents, scammers pressure victims into sending large amounts of money to “clear” their name.

The government’s new safety measures aim to stop these scams quickly and protect people from falling victim to such threats.

Disclaimer: This article has been adapted for clarity and readability based on publicly reported information. Original reporting credit belongs to its respective source.

India’s Labour Law Reforms Set for April 1: Key Changes in PF, Wages, and Gratuity

by Jobuza Team | Jan 30, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is planning to implement the four new Labour Codes from April 1. This date matches the start of the new financial year, which makes it easier for companies to adjust their salary structures and financial planning.

The main concern is the possible increase in Provident Fund (PF) and gratuity costs due to changes in how wages are calculated under the new system.

Why the Government Prefers an April Rollout

The draft rules for the Labour Codes are likely to be finalized by mid-February. However, many industry groups have asked the government to delay implementation.

February and March are the last months of the financial year. Introducing major salary and compliance changes during this period could create accounting and budgeting problems for companies.

Starting from April 1 gives businesses a fresh financial year to make adjustments smoothly.

The Four Labour Codes Covered

The rollout includes these four major labour laws:

• Code on Wages

• Code on Social Security

• Industrial Relations Code

• Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions

Draft rules for these Codes were issued on December 31, and the government asked stakeholders to send suggestions within 30 to 45 days.

The Labour Codes were passed earlier, but they can only come into effect after the final rules are officially notified.

How Salary Structure Changes May Affect PF and Gratuity

One of the biggest changes is the new definition of wages.

Under the new rules, allowances cannot be more than 50 percent of total salary. This means a larger part of an employee’s salary will be counted as “wages.”

Because PF and gratuity are calculated on wages, this could lead to:

• Higher PF contributions from both employers and employees

• Higher gratuity payments in the long term

• Possible changes in take-home salary

This is one reason companies want the new rules to begin from April, when annual salary revisions usually happen.

Possible Benefits for Gig and Platform Workers

The government is also reviewing social security rules for gig and platform workers.

Right now, a worker must complete:

• 90 days with one platform, or

• 120 days across multiple platforms in a year

Officials are considering reducing this requirement so more gig workers can qualify for benefits like health insurance, life cover, and accident insurance.

SPREE Scheme Brings More Workers Into Social Security

The government also shared updates about the SPREE scheme. This scheme helps employers and employees register under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) system without penalties.

So far, the scheme has added:

• 1.03 crore new employees to ESIC

• Around 1.17 lakh employers

The scheme is active from July 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. It gives previously unregistered workers a chance to join the social security system without facing old dues or legal action.

EPFO Gives More Flexibility for PF Withdrawals

The government has also introduced changes in EPFO rules. PF members can now withdraw up to 75 percent of their PF balance, while keeping at least 25 percent saved for retirement.

This step is meant to help workers during financial emergencies while still protecting long-term savings.

What Employees and Employers Should Expect

If the Labour Codes start from April 1:

• Companies may revise salary structures

• PF and gratuity contributions could increase

• Payroll systems may need updates

• Employees might see small changes in take-home pay

In the long run, the new Labour Codes aim to simplify labour laws and expand social security coverage across India.

April 1 is being seen as the most practical date to begin these changes without disrupting the current financial year.

Gold Storage at Home in India: Legal Rules Everyone Should Know

by Jobuza Team | Jan 29, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Gold is not just an investment in India. It is tradition, security, and family legacy. Many families prefer to keep gold jewellery and coins at home, but a common question arises — is it legal, and are there limits?

Here is a clear and simple guide to help you understand the rules.

Is It Legal to Store Gold at Home in India?

Yes, it is completely legal to store gold at home in India.

There is no fixed legal limit on how much gold you can own, as long as you can explain where it came from. Gold purchased from declared income, received as a gift, or inherited from family is allowed.

The issue only arises if tax authorities question the source of the gold and you are unable to provide a reasonable explanation.

Income Tax Rules on Gold Held at Home

The Income Tax Department does not restrict ownership, but during a tax raid, certain quantities of gold jewellery are treated as non-seizable, even if you do not have purchase proof.

As per CBDT guidelines:

• Married women – Up to 500 grams

• Unmarried women – Up to 250 grams

• Men – Up to 100 grams

Gold within these limits is generally not seized during a search. However, officers may still ask about the source, especially if the overall financial profile does not match the assets.

If you hold gold above these limits and cannot explain how you acquired it, the excess quantity may be seized or taxed.

Do You Need Purchase Receipts for Gold?

It is always better to keep receipts, but not having them does not automatically make your gold illegal.

Receipts are useful when gold is purchased from:

• Jewellers

• Banks

• Online gold platforms

If you do not have receipts, you should at least be able to explain the source through other supporting documents.

Rules for Inherited Gold

Gold passed down through family is very common in India. In such cases, you should try to maintain some record of inheritance.

Helpful documents include:

• A will mentioning gold assets

• A family settlement document

• An affidavit stating inheritance details

• Old wealth tax returns (if available)

Even photos, family records, or proof that elders owned gold can support your claim if needed.

Rules for Gold Received as Gifts

Gold received during weddings, festivals, or family occasions is allowed. However, large gifts should ideally be documented.

You can maintain:

• A gift deed from the person giving the gold

• Wedding cards or photos showing customary gifting

• A written family declaration for clarity

Gifts from close relatives are generally not taxed, but documentation helps avoid future trouble.

What Happens If Gold Is Unaccounted?

If you are found with a large amount of gold and cannot explain its source, tax authorities may:

• Seize the gold temporarily

• Issue a notice asking for explanation

• Treat it as undisclosed income

In such cases, heavy tax and penalties can apply under income tax laws. This is why maintaining a basic paper trail is very important.

Is There a Limit on Buying Gold?

There is no upper limit on how much gold you can buy. However, certain transaction rules apply:

• PAN is required for high-value purchases

• Large cash transactions can attract scrutiny

• Always insist on a proper invoice in your name

Buying gold through banking channels or digital payments creates a clear legal record.

Safer Alternatives to Storing Gold at Home

If you are uncomfortable keeping large quantities of gold at home, you can consider safer legal options.

Bank Lockers

You can store jewellery and coins in a bank locker for better security. Access is controlled, and lockers can only be inspected by authorities through proper legal procedure.

Digital Gold

Digital gold allows you to buy gold online, backed by physical gold stored in secure vaults. Transactions are recorded, making it easy to prove ownership.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

Issued by the Reserve Bank of India, SGBs are one of the safest ways to invest in gold. You earn interest and avoid storage risks.

Practical Situations Many Families Face

No documents for ancestral gold
You can prepare a notarized affidavit explaining the inheritance and keep any supporting family proof.

Gold gifted during a wedding
Maintain a simple written note from the giver and keep wedding-related proof.

Old gold bought years ago without bills
Try to maintain a written record of approximate purchase time and source of funds. Bank withdrawal history or family declarations can help.

How to Safely and Legally Store Gold at Home

• Keep all gold purchase bills in a safe physical and digital folder

• Maintain a simple record of which family member owns what

• Avoid large cash purchases for new gold

• Consider insurance for high-value jewellery

• Consult a Chartered Accountant if your family owns significant gold assets

Gold Is Emotional, But Documentation Is Practical

For Indians, gold carries memories and traditions. But in legal and tax matters, emotions do not replace documentation.

Storing gold at home is legal. Owning large amounts is also legal. The key is being able to explain the source clearly if ever required.