Perusing the Union Budget 2026 is akin to gazing through a kaleidoscope, in which the usual factors, such as agriculture, healthcare, rural, and urban development — along with taxation and compliance — and newer aspects like Artificial Intelligence, space research, and sustainable green energy co-exist in a colourful collage — unitedly embodying the visionary ‘Make in India’ mantra, as India eyes a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

To gain insights into the budget and take stock of hits and misses that would ultimately reflect on the Viksit Bharat’s economy, which is eyeing the top three slots globally despite US sanctions and a volatile situation looming large over the sub-continent, mid-day spoke to members of a family in the western suburbs, who shed light on its impact on the average Mumbaikar.