evidence: Intensification of infrastructure investment, continued reforms in the financial sector and capital markets, deepening of structural reforms were some of the key aspects. Reduction in non-productive expenditure and rationalisation of subsidies was undertaken. The government also aimed at acceleration of the privatisation process and restructuring of public enterprises along with widening of the tax base. [...] Direct taxation was the major highlight of this Budget. Income up to Rs 1,00,000 per annum was exempted from tax. Income between Rs 1-1.5 lakh was taxed at 10%, Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh income at 20% and income above Rs 2.5 lakh was taxed at 30%. The government also proposed 50 paise per litre cess on petrol and diesel to fund highways. [...] Union Budget 2023, which was the last full Budget of the current Modi government before the general elections of 2024, provided major relief to the middle class, especially the salaried class, by expanding income tax relaxations. It raised income tax rebate to Rs 7 lakh for the new tax regime, against Rs 5 lakh earlier. It also allowed a standard deduction of Rs 50,000 for the new tax regime. Apart from this, in the Budget 2023, capex also got a boost.