<h1>2017-18 Budget Cuts Duties to Boost Renewable Energy and Cashless Devices, Raises Excise on Tobacco Products.</h1> The General Budget 2017-18, presented by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, announced reductions in Customs and Excise Duties to support the Renewable Energy Sector and the manufacture of cashless transaction devices. This initiative aims to boost domestic value addition under the Make in India program. Specific reductions apply to machinery for fuel-based power systems, biogas systems, and LED fixtures. Zero duties are proposed for certain cashless transaction devices. Additionally, reductions in Customs duties on inputs like Liquefied Natural Gas and Nickel are proposed, while increased Excise duties on tobacco products are also included in the budget.