Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive budget today, February 1, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Income tax payers, who were expecting tax rebates or Standard Deduction changes, did not get relief. The markets crashed while the budget was being presented and currently stand in red.
Sitharaman's ninth budget was inspired by three 'kartavyas' or responsibilities to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing competitiveness; fulfill aspirations; ensure every family, community and region has access to resources and opportunities for participation.
Here are the Highlights of Union Budget 2026:
Budget 2026 Live: Daily Essentials To High‑Tech Gadgets, Some Items Are Set To Become Cheaper While Others May Get Costlier
#Budget2026 | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the third Union Budget of Modi 3.0, outlining key measures that could influence prices across sectors. From daily essentials to high‑tech gadgets, some items are set to become cheaper while others may get costlier.
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
So,… pic.twitter.com/7zAP1ONYR0
Budget 2026 Live | Budget Provides Clear Blueprint That Guides Journey Towards Viksit Bharat 2047: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Sunday said the Union Budget provides a clear blueprint that guides the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and a resilient, self-sufficient and globally-competitive India.
The law officer said the three "kartavya" of accelerating sustainable economic growth, building human capacity and ensuring inclusive development animate every aspect of the reforms ushered in by the Budget.
Budget 2026 Live | Budget Focuses On Making Cities Centres Of Development; EU Trade Deal To Benefit Punjab: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Union Budget 2026-27 laid huge focus on transforming Jalandhar, Ludhiana and many other cities of the country into big centres of development.
PM Modi also said the free trade agreement (FTA) reached with the European Union recently would benefit Indian manufacturers, including those in Punjab, in exporting their products.
Budget 2026 Live: "How Is Union Budget 2026 A Budget For The Youth And Women? Economic Advisor To PM Sanjeev Sanyal Responds
#BudgetWithNDTV | How is #UnionBudget2026, a budget for the youth and women? Economic Advisor to PM Sanjeev Sanyal responds @sanjeevsanyal @padmajajoshi pic.twitter.com/G5jRK2zw7x
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Textile To Overseas Tour Package, Here Is A Look At What Will Get Cheaper
- Textile Garments
- Seafood Products
- Solar Glass
- Personal Use Imported Goods
- 17 Drugs/Medicines For Cancer Treatment
- Leather Items (Footwear)
- Critical Minerals
- Aircraft Manufacturing Components
- Lithium-Ion Cells For Batteries
- Aircraft Manufacturing Components
- Drugs, Medicines, Food For Special Medical Purposes For 7 Rare Diseases
- Foreign Education
- Biogas-Blended CNG
- Microwave Oven
Budget 2026 Live: "India's Stability Indicators Have Improved," Says Sanjeev Sanyal
"Reforms will happen timely. Deficit will be below 4 per cent in coming years," Sanjeev Sanyal, Economic Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tells NDTV.
Budget 2026 Live | 'Budget For Nation, Not Just For Poll-Bound States': Kiren Rijiju To NDTV
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed opposition claims that the 2026 Union Budget was tailored to upcoming elections in certain states.
Budget 2026 Live | Kiren Rijiju Dismisses Claims That 2026 Union Budget Was Tailored To Upcoming Elections
"Elections keep coming, and especially in India, right now the cycle is such that every year there are at least two phases of elections. The budget is for the nation, it's not for election-going states. So to tag the budget with the coming election, that is not correct," Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to NDTV. 
Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget Forward-Looking, Supports Andhra Priorities: Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget, describing it as forward-looking and aligned with the state government's development priorities.
Describing the Union Budget as "well-balanced and forward-looking", he said it reflects India's self-reliance and will consolidate the country's position in manufacturing.
Budget 2026 Live | 'People-Centric, Visionary':Union Minister JP Nadda On Union Budget
Union minister JP Nadda on Sunday hailed the Union Budget as "people-centric, welfare-oriented and visionary", asserting that it gives new direction to India's economic growth aligned with the goal of making a developed country.
Budget 2026 Live: "Depreciation In The Currency Did Help Us Initially, But Beyond A Point It Hurts The Foreign Investors" : Economist Dr Rumki Majumdar Economist To NDTV's Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal
"Depreciation in the currency did help us initially, but beyond a point it hurts the foreign investors" : Economist Dr Rumki Majumdar Economist speaks to NDTV's Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal on #UnionBudget2026#BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/hi8CHS4x2N
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Launches AI Tool For Farmers; Hikes Agriculture, Allied Sector Spend
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive package for the livestock, fisheries and high-value agriculture sectors in Budget 2026-27, with a total allocation of Rs 1,62,671 crore for agriculture and allied activities - a 7.12 per cent increase from the revised estimate of Rs 1,51,853 crore for 2025-26.
Budget 2026 Live: 'Future-Ready Budget For Viksit Bharat': Piyush Goyal To NDTV
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called the Union Budget 2026 "future-ready" for a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Budget 2026 Live: What Fills Government Coffers And How The Money Is Spent
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also tabled the Budget documents which provide a fractional break-up of every Re 1 that comes into the government coffers and how it gets spent.
Budget 2026 Live | Budget Will Help Boost Semiconductor, AI Industries: Ashwini Vaishnaw To NDTV
Praising the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it will help take India's semiconductor industry to the next step and also boost investment in data centres.
Budget 2026 Live: Don't Believe The Numbers, P Chidambaram
"I don't believe we are growing at 7 per cent," Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram To NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Cannot Ignore The Challenges, P Chidambaram
"The CEA listed the challenge, FM should have calmed the situation, she can't ignore it," Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram To NDTV.
Watch #LIVE | Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram Speaks To NDTV's Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal on Union Budget 2026
🔴Watch #LIVE | Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) speaks to NDTV’s @Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal on #UnionBudget2026#BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 https://t.co/8NcnwbdsbI
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: The Finance Minisyter Has Not Addressed Major Challenges, P Chidambaram
"I don't think the FM has addressed any of the major challenges in the eco survey," Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram To NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget 2026 Puts Telescopes At Heart Of India's Science Vision
While presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman covered traditional spheres like taxes, infrastructure and agriculture, but also looked to the sky.
Budget 2026 Live: Rs 10 Lakh Crore Wiped Out As Sensex Falls 1,500 Points On Budget Day
Indian markets crashed about 2 per cent todayas Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget proposal to hike transaction tax on stocks spooked investors. The crash wiped out nearly Rs 10 lakh crore of investor wealth.
Budget 2026 Live: "Astonishing In Election Year": Shashi Tharoor Says Kerala Neglected In Budget
Congress's Shashi Tharoor, who has been making headlines lately over what many see as his softened stance towards the NDA government, was extremely critical of the Union budget 2026 presented today by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2026 Live: "Lot Of Celebration About Fiscal Deficit, But How Are We Meeting That Fiscal Deficit" : Congress Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate To NDTV
"Lot of celebration about fiscal deficit, but how are we meeting that fiscal deficit" : Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) on #UnionBudget2026@rahulkanwal #BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/LtH5vqfMXJ
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: "Union Budget Is Technology Intensive": Smriti Irani
"Semi-Conductor Manufactoring Is Our Aim," Smriti Irani to NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: "The Budget demonstrated that our 'Reform Express' powers on" : Union Minister Piyush Goyal speaks to NDTV's Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal on Budget 2026
#NDTVExclusive | "The Budget demonstrated that our 'Reform Express' powers on" : Union Minister Piyush Goyal (@piyushgoyal) speaks to NDTV's Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal on #Budget2026#BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/kDw7qlT10r
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: "Fails Economic Strategy Test": P Chidambaram's Union Budget Report Card
Congress MP P Chidambaram was blunt in his review of the 2026 budget - tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - and said he had been left "astonished" by a speech that did not answer questions arising from economic challenges.
Budget 2026 Live: "Preparing Ourselves For New Corridors Is A National Service": Piyush Goyal
"Brilliant idea to start planning for 7 more high-speed rail projects," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: "I Would Call This A Futture Ready Bharat Budget": Piyush Goyal
"Fabulous budget presented by Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: Ashwini Vaishnaw On Data Centres
Tax holiday for firms setting up data centres in India will boost investment: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw to NDTV
Budget 2026 Live: Watch #LIVE | Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (@ashwinivaishnaw) speaks to NDTV's Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal on #UnionBudget2026
🔴Watch #LIVE | Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (@ashwinivaishnaw) speaks to NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal on #UnionBudget2026 #BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 https://t.co/57UtFFTA3g
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
"Fundamentals Of Economy Strong": N Sitharaman On Rahul Gandhi's Budget Remark
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, hours after presenting the Union budget 2026, responded to the criticism from Congress's Rahul Gandhi with bemusement, saying she was unaware of what "course correction" he was talking of.
Budget 2026 Live: Over Rs 95,000 Crore Allocated For VB-G RAM G; MGNREGA Gets Rs 30,000 Crore In Budget
As the VB-G RAM G scheme is set to be rolled out, the Centre has allocated Rs 95,692.31 crore for it, while an allocation of Rs 30,000 crore has been made for the MGNREGA.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the overall Budget of the Department of Rural Development has increased by around 21 per cent, and stressed that the allocations made in the Budget, including that for the VB-G RAM G scheme, will take the nation towards "self-reliant and developed villages".
Budget 2026 Live: Deeply Concerned About Neglect Of My State, Deeply Troubled, Shashi Tharoor To NDTV
"Government has been embarrassingly selective in its choices. Perhaps they don't see their own chances in these states, so doesn't care," Senior Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor. tells NDTV.
Budget 2026 Live: Middleclass Still Worried In India, Shashi Tharoor To NDTV
"Crucial health, education funds have been cut," Senior Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor tells NDTV.
Budget 2026 Live: Taxation Simpler But Doesn't Put Money In Aam Aadmi Pocket, Says Shashi Tharoor
Tax benefits are not reaching the citizens, says Senior Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor.
Budget 2026 Live: Watch #LIVE | Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) speaks to NDTV's @VishnuNDTV on #UnionBudget2026
🔴Watch #LIVE | Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) speaks to NDTV's @VishnuNDTV on #UnionBudget2026 #BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 https://t.co/5tb8DjTKHD
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Big Budget Boost For Election Commission, 25% Hike Before Key Elections
Funding for the Election Commission increased by 25.33 per cent in the 2026 union budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday morning.
Union Budget 2026, Budget 2026: People Losing Hard-Earned Money: Sources On Hiked Securities Transaction Tax
As the Sensex and Nifty tumbled by over 1,500 points and 500 points after the Union Budget on Sunday, sources said the reaction was a result of the increase in the Securities Transaction Tax on Futures and Options.
Budget 2026 Live: Watch #LIVE | Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram briefs media, reacts to #UnionBudget2026
🔴Watch #LIVE | Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram briefs media, reacts to #UnionBudget2026#BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 https://t.co/bQGXtKa1DC
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Union Budget 2026 - India Slashes Fund To Bangladesh By Half Amid Diplomatic Tension
India has significantly reduced its allocation for Bangladesh in the Union Budget 2026-27. The government has allocated Rs 60 crore to the neighbouring country, a 50 per cent drop from the Rs 120 crore allocated in the previous fiscal year.
Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget Sets Unified 15.5% Safe Harbour Margin For All Sub-Sets Of IT Services
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed to club various inter-connected sub-segments of IT including software development services, IT enabled services, knowledge process outsourcing services and others, under a single category with common safe harbour margin of just 15.5 per cent, a move aimed at boosting India's attractiveness to tech giants across Europe and the US.
The proposal, alongside other sweeteners, unveiled in the Union Budget - upping the threshold for IT services safe harbour to Rs 2,000 crore from Rs 300 crore, and dishing out tax holiday for cloud providers leveraging India's data centre services - seeks to woo global investments while ensuring tax certainty and alignment with international norms, positioning the country as a reliable destination for multinational operations.
Budget 2026 Live: No Change In Tax Slabs In Budget. Plan Before March 31 To Save On Taxes
With the financial year ending on March 31, taxpayers still have a short window to legally reduce their tax outgo. Here's what you can do before the deadline.
Union Budget 2026 Live: No Funds For Chabahar Port Project In Union Budget Amid US-Iran Tensions
Union Budget 2026: India has made no allocation for the Chabahar port project in the 2026 Union Budget, a decision that comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and uncertainty over US sanctions on Iran.
Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget's Spending Boost To Counter Global Risks, US Tariffs
India's finance minister boosted spending in manufacturing and infrastructure projects while sticking to fiscal discipline, seeking to support an economy grappling with global risks and steep US tariffs.
The government will increase capital expenditure by 9 per cent to 12.2 trillion rupees ($133 billion) in the fiscal year beginning April 1, with a focus on railways, small businesses and the health sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech on Sunday.
Budget 2026 Live: Swachh Bharat Mission Budget Slashed by 50%, Major Cuts Hit Urban Schemes
The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced significant cuts to important urban development programs. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is experiencing a major decrease in overall funding. One of the most affected schemes is the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), which has seen its allocation reduced by 50 percent. This change reflects a broader trend of reducing urban spending.
Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget Will Strengthen Gujarat's Manufacturing Sector: Bhupendra Patel
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying the incentives announced will further boost the state's manufacturing sector.
The budget carries forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed and self-reliant India while placing the common people at the centre of reforms, he said in a statement.
Patel said the focus on Micro Small and Medium Enteprises (MSMEs) would greatly benefit small and micro industries.
"The incentives announced for manufacturing industries will further boost Gujarat's manufacturing sector," he said.
Budget 2026 Live | "Investment In Mental-Health Infrastructure Is A Commitment To Dignity, Inclusion, Long-Term Societal Resilience": Dr Samir Parikh From Fortis Healthcare
"Mental health has too long remained at the margins of public discourse, despite its profound influence on productivity, families, and the social fabric of our nation," opines Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis.
"The recognition accorded in Budget2026 - particularly the proposal to establish NIMHANS 2.0 to widen access to specialised care - signals a thoughtful and necessary recalibration of national priorities. Investment in mental-health infrastructure is not merely a healthcare intervention; it is a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and long-term societal resilience," he added.
Budget 2026 Live | "Will Improve Affordability, Acess For Patients": Medanta Doctor Welcomes Duty Relief On Cancer Drugs
Welcoming the move to exempt basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs, Dr Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director - Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta, said it will "directly improve affordability and access for patients, many of whom struggle with the high cost of long-term cancer care."
The 17 drugs and medicines that have been newly added to the exempted list are: Ribociclib, Abemaciclib, Talycabtagene autoleucel, Tremelimumab, Venetoclax, Ceritinib, Brigatinib, Darolutamide, Toripalimab, Serplulimab, Tislelizumab, Inotuzumab ozogamicin, Ponatinib, Ibrutinib, Dabrafenib, Trametinib and Ipilimumab.
"These medicines are targeted therapy agents, immunotherapy agents and hormonal agents. All these are advanced medical treatments/systemic treatments for various types of cancer. Combined with efforts to strengthen India's biopharma ecosystem, these measures can help ensure that advanced cancer treatments become more widely available, reduce treatment delays, and support more equitable cancer care across the country," he added.
Budget 2026 Live | "Fintech Clarity, Stronger MSME Credit Support Needed To Boost Financial Inclusion": Sameer Mathur, Founder, Roinet Solution
While acknowledging the Union Budget's continuity in strengthening India's digital public infrastructure, Sameer Mathur, Managing Director (MD) and Founder of ROINet Solution, a fintech company, called for "greater clarity on the roadmap for fintech's next phase of evolution, particularly across lending, wealth creation and insurance, which are critical to advancing financial inclusion."
"Enhanced policy support for players building infrastructure to expand reach in smaller towns and underserved segments could further improve last-mile access. Greater emphasis on resource allocation towards education and MSME development would also contribute to long-term economic resilience. Improving access to affordable credit for MSMEs and easing operational complexities remain important priorities, especially as bank lending continues to be more skewed towards larger corporations. A more integrated policy approach could help fintech play a stronger role in enabling inclusive and sustainable growth," he added.
Budget 2026 Positions India As Future Global Leader In AI-Driven Trade And Manufacturing: Sunil Kharbanda, Co-founder And COO, Trezix
Budget 2026-27 marks a defining inflection point in India's rise as a global economic and trade powerhouse and its journey towards Viksit Bharat, said Sunil Kharbanda, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Trezix, an AI-powered platform for global trade management.
"Most transformative is India's large-scale embrace of AI, automation, and digital trade systems enabling seamless single-window clearances, real-time approvals, minimal manual intervention at borders, and sharply lower compliance and transaction costs. Backed by export competitiveness measures and long-term support for critical minerals and clean energy through duty exemptions till 2035, India is no longer just integrating into global markets; it is positioning itself as an architect of an AI-enabled, frictionless, future-ready global trade order," he added.
Budget 2026 Live: Rare Earth Corridors, Rail And Freight: Budget Takeaways For Poll-Bound States
The expected big-ticket announcements ahead of crucial elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam may not have happened, but the Union Budget 2026 still had several proposals targeted at these states. The initiatives ranged from dedicated rare earth and rail and freight corridors to schemes aimed at boosting agricultural production and tourism.
All About 'Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana' Meant To Empower Persons With Disabilities
The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana aims to promote artificial limb manufacturing with AI interventions. Under the scheme, differently-abled individuals will have access to customised products and services, while receiving industry-relevant training tailored to the specific needs of each Divyang group. This initiative is designed to create dignified livelihood opportunities for Divyangjan across the country.
Budget 2026 Live: Centre's Focus On Divyangjan, Artificial Limbs Production
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget speech 2026, proposed supporting the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up production of assistive devices. She also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence, research, and development.
Pointing out the government's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' towards a 'Viksit Bharat', Sitharaman said this required targeted efforts for "empowering Divyangjan through access to livelihood opportunities, training, and high-quality assistive devices," alongside initiatives to enhance farmer incomes through productivity and entrepreneurship.
Budget 2026 Live: Sensex Drops 1,546.84 Points, Nifty Falls 495.20 Points
Sensex drops 1,546.84 points, settles at 80,722.94; Nifty falls 495.20 points to 24,825.45 after Union Budget 2026 presentation.
Hilarious Memes Flood Social Media As Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday (Feb 1), and the moment her speech was concluded, a wave of hilarious memes flooded social media, with online users sharing humorous reactions. From tax relief hopes to middle-class anxieties, the memes showcased the public's creativity in response to the budget announcements.
Government to salaried people during every budget#Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/VnfvuKYolM
— Finance Memes (@Qid_Memez) February 1, 2025
Budget 2026 Live: Election Commission Get 25.33% More Budget
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been allocated Rs 382.22 crore for the 2026–27 financial year, compared to Rs 304.98 crore in the 2025–26 Budget.
Out of the total Rs 382.22 crore, an amount of Rs 367.69 crore has been earmarked for election-related expenditure, while the remaining funds will be used for the Commission’s administrative and operational expenses.
Budget 2026 Live: Funding Slump For Pollution Control Amid Climate Crisis
India's fight against toxic air just took a hit. The 2026-27 Budget allocated only Rs 1,091 crore to pollution control - down from Rs 1,300 crore last year. This funding gap ignores the reality of a worsening public health emergency and leaves clean-air initiatives under-resourced.
The retreat looks even starker in historical context: last year's Budget Estimate (2024-25) stood at just Rs 854 crore, which was later revised upward to reflect catch-up needs, yet actual spending in 2024-25 collapsed to a shockingly low Rs 16 crore.
Budget 2026 Live | 'Orange Economy' Boost: Budget Proposes Content Creator Labs In Institutes
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced fresh support for the "Orange Economy" in the Union Budget 2026.
Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget, Sitharaman said the government would support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, to set up animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) and content creator labs across 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges nationwide.
Budget 2026 Live: "Pollution A Priority Of The Government"
"Pollution is a priority of the government, but not everything needs to be put in the budget speeches," says Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur
Budget 2026 Live: “Focus On Strengthening India’s Capacity To Develop Cancer Medicines A Timely Step,” Says Dr Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta
"The Union Budget's focus on strengthening India's capacity to develop and manufacture cancer medicines domestically is a significant and timely step. As oncologists, we see a growing need for advanced, effective and affordable therapies, particularly as cancer continues to emerge as a major non-communicable disease burden in the country. The emphasis on biologics and biosimilars is especially encouraging, as these therapies play a critical role in modern cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and immuno-oncology, and have the potential to significantly improve outcomes when made accessible at scale," says Dr Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director - Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta.
Budget 2026 Live: What Are SHE Marts? Budget 2026 Push To Boost Women-Led Enterprises
Under the Budget proposal, Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts will be set up as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations. The initiative is aimed at creating stronger market access for rural women-led enterprises and giving local products a more visible space.
The scheme is also intended to help women business owners reach larger markets, build their brands and create steadier sources of income, while strengthening local institutions such as self-help groups.
The focus is on enabling women-led enterprises to take the next step in scale and sustainability.
Budget 2026 Live: "STT Hike To Discourage Speculative Tendencies"
"STT hike in F&O intended to discourage speculative tendencies, handle systemic risk in derivatives market," says Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava
Budget 2026 Live: "Touching Proposal"
"I really was moved by this proposal where we have identified 17 drugs or medicines which are going to be basic custom duty exempt, which are important for cancer patients," says Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2026 Live | Manufacturing Push: 7 Strategic Sectors
- Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti Mission
- India Semiconductor Mission 2.0
- Electronics components outlay raised to Rs 40,000 crore
- Rare earth corridors in four states
- 3 new chemical parks
- Capital goods and container manufacturing boost
- Textiles: 5-part integrated program
Budget 2026 Live: "Budget Proposes The Creation Of Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors"
"By identifying, exploring, and processing rare earth minerals domestically, India aims to reduce its dependence on external sources," says Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2026 Live: Watch Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Post-Budget Presser
🔴Watch #LIVE | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's post-Budget press conference #BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 https://t.co/HgQqvoy0Un
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: "Our Focus Is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Says Nirmala Sitharaman
"Our focus is on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," says Union Finance Minister Sitharaman. "Capital Expenditure is the highest in the last 10 years. I have announced 20 new National Waterways. City Economic Regions is a new thing we have proposed," she added.
Budget 2026 Live: "Technology For Benefitting Common Man"
The 21st century is driven by technology. We will ensure that technology is brought in to benefit the common man, said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2026 Live: Improving Productivity, Job Generation In Nirmala Sitharaman's Focus
This budget leads towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. We are laying the path and giving a push to the economy to maintain the growth momentum. And, for that growth momentum or sustained economic growth which we want to ensure, primarily, we are looking at building the ecosystem. We are continuing with reforms to create enough environment for improving productivity and making sure employment is generated.
Budget 2026 Live: Fiscal Deficit Projected At 4.3%
Union Budget 2026 projects the fiscal deficit at 4.3%. Here is a look at the data from FY19 till FY27.
Budget 2026 Live: "Tier 2, Tier 3 Cities Are Primary Economic Hubs," Says Rajesh Damani, Founder, Jamshri Realty Limited
"We are delighted that the Union Budget 2026 finally marks a definitive transition from metro-centric growth to 'Infrastructure-led Urbanisation' across India's heartland," said Rajesh Damani, Founder and Managing Director - Jamshri Realty Limited.
"By scaling capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, the government has sent a clear signal that Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities-the new engines of our national GDP-are no longer just satellites but primary economic hubs. For developers like us, the focus on regional connectivity through ring roads and metro extensions is the key that unlocks high-quality residential and mixed-use corridors in cities like Solapur, Nashik, and beyond," he added.
Budget 2026 Live | "A Humpty Dumpty Budget": Mamata Banerjee Jabs Centre
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee used a popular nursery rhyme to take a swipe at the Centre's Budget, calling it a "Humpty Dumpty Budget", alluding to the "great fall" that Indian markets suffered heavy losses as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record ninth Budget.
"They have not given a single paisa for Bengal. This is a Humpty Dumpty budget," declared the Bengal Chief Minister.
Sensex, the 30-share pack of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), fell over 1,600 points during afternoon trade, and Nifty, representing the top 50 stocks by market value in the National Stock Exchange (NSE), lost over 500 points.
Budget 2026 Live: “Likely To See Steady Rise In New REIT And InvIT Listings Over The Medium Term,” Says Tanuj Shori, Founder And CEO, Square Yards
"The Budget's continued focus on capital market deepening and asset recycling, including monetisation of public sector real estate through REIT structures, reinforces the role of REITs and InvITs as mainstream investment vehicles. We are likely to see a steady rise in new REIT and InvIT listings over the medium term, covering office assets, retail centres, logistics parks, data centres and infrastructure portfolios. For retail investors, this expands access to high-quality, income-generating real assets that were earlier largely available only to institutions. They offer the dual benefit of regular yield visibility and participation in long-term asset appreciation, while providing liquidity through listed markets. Over time, these investment engines in the market will also improve transparency, valuation discipline and governance across the real estate ecosystem, strengthening overall investor confidence," says Tanuj Shori, Founder and CEO, Square Yards.
Budget 2026 Live: Budget 2026 A Balance Of High Capex And High Growth, Says PM Modi
The Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today strikes a perfect balance between high capital expenditure (capex) and high growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.
The Union Budget - Sitharaman's ninth straight Budget - also reinforces India's strong position in the world, PM Modi said.
Budget 2026 Live: TCS Reduced For Education, How It Will Help Students Planning To Study Abroad
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed reducing the tax collection at source (TCS) rate to two per cent for education under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), offering relief to students and families sending money abroad.
The move is expected to provide significant support to students planning to study overseas by improving financial accessibility for families funding education and medical expenses abroad.
For studying abroad, for example in a country like Germany, students are required to maintain over Rs 12 lakh in funds in a blocked account. Earlier, remittances exceeding Rs 10 lakh attracted TCS. The reduced TCS rate of 2 per cent is expected to provide financial relief to students and families sending funds or loan-based remittances abroad.
Budget 2026 Live: After Petrol-Ethanol, CNG To Witness Bio-Gas Blending
India's clean-fuel roadmap has taken another major step forward in the Union Budget 2026. After the nationwide roll-out of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) from April 1, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has today announced phased blending of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) used for transport. The move mirrors the government's earlier ethanol push and aims to cut fossil-fuel dependence while boosting domestic bio-energy production. This will also cut down carbon emissions.
Budget 2026 Live: "Budget A Strong Base For Mission 2047," Says PM Modi
PM Modi said the Union Budget 2026 is a strong base for Viksit Bharat 2047
Budget 2026 Live: PM Modi Calls Union Budget 2026 "Youth-Focused"
"This is a youth-focused Budget": PM Modi
Budget 2026 Presents "Ambitious Roadmap" For Atmanirbhar Bharat: PM Modi
"This Budget presents an ambitious roadmap for ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)," adds Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation following the Union Budget 2026 presentation.
Budget 2026 Live: "This Budget Focuses On Controlling Inflation," Says PM Modi
"This Budget focuses on controlling inflation," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he addresses the nation following the Union Budget 2026 presentation.
Budget 2026 Live: "India World's 3rd Largest Economy Soon," Says PM Modi
PM Modi said the Union Budget 2026 is futuristic in nature.
Budget 2026 Live: PM Modi Addresses Nation After Union Budget 2026 Presentation
"This budget is a highway of immense opportunities," says PM Modi.
Budget 2026: Centre's Focus On Divyangjan, Artificial Limbs Production
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget speech 2026, proposed supporting the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up production of assistive devices. She also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence, research, and development.
Pointing out the government's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' towards a 'Viksit Bharat', Sitharaman said this required targeted efforts for "empowering Divyangjan through access to livelihood opportunities, training, and high-quality assistive devices," alongside initiatives to enhance farmer incomes through productivity and entrepreneurship.
Budget 2026: If You Are A Sovereign Gold Bond Investor, You Should Be Reading This
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget has triggered fresh anxiety among Sovereign Gold Bond investors after a proposed rule change that removes the capital gains exemption on SGBs purchased from the secondary market.
The shift means only original subscribers who hold their SGBs to maturity will keep the full tax exemption, while all second hand buyers will lose it from April 1, 2026.
Budget 2026 Live: After Op Sindoor, Terror Threats, Record Defence Spending Hike
India's military was given Rs 2.19 lakh crore - an increase of 21.84 per cent - for modernisation in FY2026/27 in the union budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday afternoon.
In FY26 the budget for the Defence Ministry's capital outlay was Rs 1.8 lakh crore.
Capex allocations include Rs 63,733 crore for aircraft and aero engines.
In addition, budgetary allocation for defence services (revenue), i.e., the portion of the defence budget set aside for day-to-day operations, including maintenance, recurring expenses like ammunition, fuel, repairs, etc, and salaries of support staff - was hiked by 17.24 per cent.
And the allocation for pensions was hiked by 6.53 per cent to Rs 1.71 lakh crore.
Overall, the defence budget for the year was increased to Rs 7.85 lakh crore.
Budget 2026 Live | "Authoritative Blueprint For Viksit Bharat 2047": BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad
This Budget is an authoritative blueprint for Viksit Bharat 2047, said BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, reacting to the Union Budget 2026.
#BudgetWithNDTV | "This Budget is an authoritative blueprint for Viksit Bharat 2047": BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on #UnionBudget2026
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
@BabaManoranjan | #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/I5WeX0N4p6
Budget 2026 Live: 5 University Townships, One Girls' Hostel Per District
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026, announced the establishment of five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors. She also announced that one girls' hostel will be set up in every district to support female students facing education and work-related challenges.
The proposed university townships will function as integrated academic hubs, featuring multiple universities, colleges, research institutions, skill centres, and residential complexes.
"Our government will support states through the challenge route, creating five university townships in the vicinity of major industrial and logistics corridors," the finance minister said.
"These planned academic zones will host multiple universities, colleges and research institutions, skill centres and residential complexes," she added.
Budget 2026 Live: No Big Ticket Scheme For Tamil Nadu Like Bihar Got Last Year: Political Analyst Sumanth Raman
The Union Budget does not have anything significant for Tamil Nadu that would attract the people's attention ahead of the Assembly elections due by April, a noted political commentator said here on Sunday.
Last year, the Budget paid pretty big attention to Bihar in a comparative sense, political analyst Sumanth Raman told PTI, adding that there was no similar treatment for the southern state.
Announcements such as those on high-speed rail were, per se, nothing new and would not attract the people in a poll-bound state, he said.
(PTI)
Budget 2026 Live: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Titles It "Progressive Budget"
"It is a progressive Budget that focuses on every sector of the Indian economy. It is a Budget for every citizen," said Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
#BudgetWithNDTV | "It is a progressive Budget that focuses on every sector of the Indian economy. It is a Budget for every citizen": Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/x0QBaMENci
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: 500 Water Bodies For Fisheries To Be Developed
The government plans to undertake integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars and strengthen the value chain in coastal areas, enabling market linkages through startups, women-led groups and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations.
Budget 2026 Live: 20,000 Vets To Be Trained
Pointing out that livestock contributes close to 16 per cent of farm income, including for poor and marginal households, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme to scale up the availability of veterinary professionals by more than 20,000.
The scheme will support the establishment of veterinary and private colleges, veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and breeding facilities in the private sector.
Budget 2026 Live | "Disappointing budget": Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi
#BudgetWithNDTV | "Disappointing budget": Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi to NDTV's @BabaManoranjan #Budget2026 | #UnionBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/ZTkgmNjGia
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Nirmala Sitharaman's 2026 Budget Speech Lasted 84 Minutes
Budget 2026 Live: TAN No Longer Needed For TDS On NRI Property Deals
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday simplified Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on property sales by non-residents. Resident buyers can now deduct and deposit TDS using a PAN-based challan, removing the need to apply for a Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN), she announced in the Union Budget 2026.
"TDS on sale of immobile property by a non-resident is proposed to be deducted and deposited through the resident buyer and his or her PAN-based challan. Instead of requiring a tan, which is a temporary accounting number," the Finance Minister said, presenting her ninth consecutive Budget.
Budget 2026 Live: Nirmala Sitharaman Introduces Finance Bill
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Finance Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
Speaker Om Birla has adjourned the House. The House will reconvene on Monday.
Budget 2026 Live: What Aviation Sector Got In Union Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2026 today, announced basic customs duty exemption on raw materials for the manufacturing of aircraft parts for maintenance, repair and other units in the defence sector.
Other initiatives include incentives for the indigenisation of seaplane manufacturing and subsidies for seaplane flights.
The Finance Minister also announced basic customs duty exemption on component parts for the manufacturing of civilian and other aircraft.
Budget 2026 Live: Duty Relief On 17 Essential Cancer Drugs
In the Union Budget 2026, the government announced targeted relief for cancer patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines, aimed at reducing treatment costs.
In addition, seven more rare diseases will be brought under duty exemptions for personal imports of drugs, medicines and foods for special medical needs used in cancer care, expanding financial support for patients requiring specialised therapies.
Budget 2026 Live: Sensex Drops 1,600 Points
Budget 2026 Live: Duty-Free Fish catch By Indian Fishing Vessels
Fish catch by Indian fishing vessels on the high seas to be made duty-free.
Budget 2026 Live: Cargo Clearance To Be Made Seamless
Approvals required for cargo clearance to be seamlessly processed through the digital window by the end of the financial year.
Budget 2026 Live: No Customs Duty On Microwave Ovens Parts
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to exempt basic customs duty on specified parts for microwave ovens.
Budget 2026 Live: No Customs Duty On Raw Materials For Manufacture Of Parts For Aviation
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to exempt customs duty on raw materials for the manufacture of parts for aviation.
Budget 2026 Live: No Customs Duty On Imports Of Goods For Nuclear Power Projects Till 2035
No customs duty on imports of goods for nuclear power projects till 2035.
Budget 2026 Live: No Customs Duty On Sodium Antimonate
No customs duty on sodium antimonate for use in the manufacture of solar glass.
Budget 2026 Live: Sensex Down By 800 Points
Sensex slides down by 800 points amid Union Budget 2026 presentation.
Budget 2026 Live: No Customs Duty On Goods Used To Manufacture Battery Energy Storage System
To extend basic customs duty exemption for capital goods used to manufacture Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Budget 2026 Live: Leather Goods To Get Cheaper
To allow duty free imports of specified inputs available for exports of leather.
Budget 2026 Live: Seafood To Get Cheaper
Sitharaman proposed to increase the limit for duty-free imports of specified inputs for processing seafood for export to 3% from 1% of the FOB value
Budget 2026 Live: Final Tax Rate Reduced To 14%
Rate of final tax to be reduced to 14% from current Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate of 15%
Budget 2026 Live: Buyback For All Types Of Shareholders As Capital Gains To Be Taxed
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a change in the taxation of buybacks to address improper use. The government will tax buybacks for all types of shareholders as capital gains.
The government is to disincentivise misuse of tax arbitrage, and promoters are to pay additional buyback tax
Effective tax on corporate promoters to be 22%; non-corporate promoters to have tax of 30% on buybacks
Budget 2026 Live: Tax Holiday Till 2047 For Foreign Companies
A tax holiday till 2047 to any foreign company that provides cloud services by setting up data centres in India.
The government proposes to provide a safe harbour of 15% on cost in case the co-providing data services from India is a related entity.
"Propose to provide tax holiday till 2047 to any foreign company that provides cloud services by setting up data centres in India" : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget#BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/3K8UpdhPQc
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: IT Services In Focus
All IT services to be clubbed under a single category with a common safe harbour margin of 15.5%
The threshold for availing safe harbour for IT services is to be enhanced to Rs 2000 crore from Rs 300 crore.
Safe harbour for IT services to be approved by an automatic rule-driven model
Budget 2026 Live: Update On ITR Dates
Individuals with ITR1 and ITR2 to continue to file till July 31.
Non-audit business cases and trusts will be allowed to file returns till August 31.
Budget 2026 Live: Non-Debt Eeceipts Estimated At Rs 36.5 Lakh Crore In FY27
Non-debt receipts estimated at Rs 36.5 lakh crore in FY27.
Budget 2026 Live: Capex Spend In FY26 Estimated At Rs 11 Lakh Crore
Capex spend in FY26 estimated at Rs 11 lakh crore.
Budget 2026 Live: Net Tax Eeceipts Estimated At Rs 28.7 Lakh Crore
Net tax receipts estimated at Rs 28.7 lakh crore in FY27.
Budget 2026 Live: FY27 Net Market Borrowing From Dated Securities Estimated At Rs 11.7 lakh Crore
FY27 net market borrowing from dated securities is estimated at Rs 11.7 lakh crore.
Gross market borrowing seen at Rs 17.2 lakh crore.
Budget 2026 Live: Revised Estimates Of Expenditure In FY26 Were Rs 49.6 Lakh Crore
Revised estimates of expenditure in FY26 were Rs 49.6 lakh crore.
FY27 expenditure estimated at Rs 53.5 lakh crore.
Budget 2026 Live: Fiscal Deficit Below 4.5% Of GDP
Fulfilled commitment made in FY22 to reduce the fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP: Nirmala Sitharaman
In Revised Estimates 2025-26, the fiscal deficit is at 4.4% of GDP.
Looking ahead, the Finance Minister set a lower fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP for 2026-27.
Budget 2026 Live: Debt To GDP Ratio
Debt to GDP ratio estimated at 55.6% of GDP in Budget Estimates 2026-27 vs 56.1% in Revised Estimates 25-26.
Budget 2026 Live: States To Get Rs 1.4 lakh Crore As Finance Commission Grants
Provided Rs 1.4 lakh crore to states for FY27 as Finance Commission Grants.
Budget 2026 Live: Scheme For Development Of Buddhist Circuits In North-East States
North-Eastern Region is a civilisational confluence, said Nirmala Sitharaman as she proposed to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in multiple North-East states.
Budget 2026 Live: East Coast Development Corridor
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the development of the East Coast Development Corridor to support five 5 tourism hubs in Purvodaya states.
Budget 2026 Live: Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts To Support Women Entrepreneurship
Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts to support women entrepreneurship.
Budget 2026 Live: Focused Cultivation Of Sandalwood
Since Sandalwood is closely linked to India's cultural heritage, the government proposed focused cultivation of Sandalwood.
Budget 2026 Live: Targeted Effort To Increase Farmer Income
- To provide special attention to small farmers
- To empower the vulnerable to access mental health and trauma care
- To undertake initiatives to develop 500 reservoirs
- To strengthen the fisheries value chain in coastal areas
- To support animal husbandry through a credit-linked subsidy programme
- To encourage the creation of livestock farmer producer organisations
- To support high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, and cashew in coastal areas
- To support the generation of walnuts in hilly regions
- To enhance competitiveness in coconut production
- To launch a dedicated programme proposed for the Indian cashew and cocoa
Budget 2026 Live: Khelo India Mission Launch
The Union Budget 2026 proposes to launch the Khelo India mission to transform sport sector over the next decade.
Budget 2026 Live: National Institute Of Hospitality To Be Set Up
The government plans to set up a National Institute of Hospitality and proposes a scheme for training guides in tourism hubs in India.
India has potential and opportunity to offer world-class trekking, hiking destinations, added Sitharaman. Turtle trails along key nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala are to be developed. Additionally, 15 archaeological sites across the country will be developed.
Budget 2026 Live: Indian Design Industry Expanding Rapidly
The government to establish through challenge route new national institute of design in East India.
The government to support states through challenge routes to create five university townships.
Planned academic zones to host multiple colleges, skill centres, residential areas.
Budget 2026 Live: Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming Sector
India's animation, visual effects, and gaming sector is growing industry, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and proposed to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai to set up labs across the country.
Budget 2026 Live: Upgrade WHO Traditional Medical Centre In Jamnagar
The government plans to upgrade WHO traditional medical centre in Jamnagar.
Budget 2026 Live: 3 New All India Institutes Of Ayurveda To Be Set Up
Exporting quality Ayurveda products helps farmers who grow the herbs, said N Sitharaman. The government plans to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and upgrade Ayush pharmacies.
Budget 2026 Live
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to launch a scheme to support states in setting up five regional medical hubs. These medical hubs will have Ayush centres, infrastructure for diagnostics and post-care rehabilitation.
Medical hubs to provide diverse job opportunities for medical service providers.
Budget 2026 Live: 1.5 Lakh Caregivers To Be Trained
1.5 lakh caregivers to be trained in the coming year. Hubs for medical value tourism to be created.
Budget 2026 Live: Existing Institutions For Allied Health Professionals To Be Upgraded
Existing institutions for allied health professionals will be upgraded, said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Additionally, new AHP institutes will be set up in the private and government sectors.
A strong care system covering geriatric and allied sectors to be built, she added.
Budget 2026 Live: Education-To-Employment Standing Committee To Be Established
The government plans to set up a high-powered education-to-employment standing committee. This Committee will prioritise areas to optimise potential for growth in the services space and review the impact of new technology like AI on the services sector.
Budget 2026 Live: 25 Crore People Have Moved Out Of Multi-Dimentional Poverty Over 10 Years
Close to 25 crore individuals have come out of multi-dimentional poverty over 10 years, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2026 Live: Foreigners Can Buy Indian Stocks Directly Now
Individual persons resident outside India will be permitted to invest in equity through the Portfolio Investment Scheme.
The individual limit is set to be increased from 5% to 10%, while the combined cap for all such investors is proposed to rise from 10% to 24%. This change would allow serious foreign individual investors to take more meaningful stakes in Indian companies, potentially improving price discovery, deepening shareholding, and supporting long-term capital formation.
Budget 2026 Live: Government To Review Foreign Exchange Management Framework
The government will introduce a market-making framework to promote the corporate bond market.
Budget 2026 Live: High-Level Committee On Banking For Viksit Bharat
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up a high-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat. This committee will comprehensively review the banking sector.
A proposal to restructure Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation), two of India's premier, state-owned non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) under the Ministry of Power, has been laid.
Budget 2026 Live: 7 High Speed Rail Corridors To Be Developed Between Cities As Growth Connectors
The government plans to develop seven high-speed rail corridors between key cities as growth connectors. These high-speed corridors will connect Mumbai-Pune, Hyderabad-Pune, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Silliguri.
Budget 2026 Live: Plan To Operationalise 20 New National Waterways Over 5 Years
- The government plans to operationalise 20 new National waterways over the next five years
- Training institutes will be set up as regional institutes of excellence in waterways space
- Ship repair ecosystem catering to inland waterways will be set up in Varanasi and Patna
- The government also plans to launch a coastal cargo scheme to increase the share of coastal shipping and inland waterways
- To enhance last-mile, remote connectivity to give support to the manufacturing of seaplanes
Budget 2026 Live: Proposal To Set Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to set up the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund. She also proposed setting up of dedicated Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to recycle assets of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
Budget 2026 Live: In FY27, Capital Expenditure Set At Rs 12.2 Lakh Crore
For the Financial Year 2027, the capital expenditure has been set at Rs 12.2 lakh crore.
Budget 2026 Live: Public Capital Expenditure Gets Rs 11 Lakh Crore
Public capital expenditure has increased manifold to an allocation of 11 lakh crore in the Budget Estimates 26.
Budget 2026 Live: Continued Focus On Developing Infrastructre In Tier-2 And Tier-3 Cities
The government plans to continue to focus on developing infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Budget 2026 Live: Modular Courses To Train 'Corporate Mitras'
The government plans to facilitate the creation of modular courses to train 'Corporate Mitras'. Corporate Mitras to help MSMEs ensure regulatory compliance.
Budget 2026 Live
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to link GeM (Government e-Marketplace) integrated with TReDS (Trade Receivables electronic Discounting System), for information sharing.
Also, to introduce TReDS receivables as asset-backed securities.
Budget 2026 Live
Self-reliant India fund gets Rs 2000 crore to continue support to micro enterprises.
Budget 2026 Live: Rs 10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to introduce Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund. The idea is to incentivise SMEs based on select criteria.
Budget 2026 Live: "India Has The Potential To Emerge As A Global Hub For Sports Goods"
India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for sports goods, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2026. She proposed a dedicated initiative to promote globally competitive sports goods.
Budget 2026 Live: Textile Sector In Focus
- A textile expansion and employment scheme to modernise textile clusters
- Aim for Samarth 2.0 to promote skilling in the textile sector
- Propose to set up mega textile parks in challenge mode
- To launch Mahatma Gandhi Gram Samaj initiative to support Khadi, handicrafts
Budget 2026 Live: National Fibre Scheme For Self-Sufficiency In Space
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a National Fibre Scheme for self-sufficiency in the space.
Budget 2026 Live
Propose a scheme for container manufacturing with a budgetary allocation of Rs 10,000 cr over 5 years
Budget 2026 Live
A scheme for the enhancement of construction and infrastructure equipment to be introduced.
Budget 2026 Live: Rs 40,000 Crore For Semiconductors
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to focus on industry-led research and training centres for semiconductors.
To increase the outlay to Rs 40,000 crore to capitalise on the momentum of the semiconductor mission.
To support mineral-rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Budget 2026 Live: Bio-pharma Gets Rs 10,000 Crore
To develop India's global bio-pharma hub, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes Biopharma Shakti with Rs 10,000 crore outlay over 5 years.
Strategy to include a bio-pharma focus network. It will also create a network of 1,000 accredited trial sites to bolster the bio-pharma industry.
Budget 2026 Live
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes interventions in six areas:
- Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors
- Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors
- Creating champion MSMEs
- Delivering a powerful push for infrastructure
- Ensuring long-term security and stability
- Developing city economic regions
Budget 2026 Live
India's disease burden is observed to be shifting to non-communicable diseases: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Budget 2026 Live
India's disease burden is observed to be shifting to non-communicable diseases: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Budget 2026: What Is Needed To Achieve Three 'Kartavya'
The threefold approach requires a supportive ecosystem. It includes:
- Sustain the momentum of structural reforms
- Robust and resilient financial sector
- Cutting-edge technologies, including AI
Budget 2026 Inspired By Three 'Kartavya'
- First is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics
- Second is to fulfil the aspirations of people and build their capacity and make them strong partners in India's path to prosperity
- Third kartavya is to ensure 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas.' It is to ensure that every family, community, region has access to resources, ammenities opportunities for meaningful participation
Budget 2026 Live: Budget 2026 Is 'Yuva Shakti' Driven
Budget 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti' driven: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Budget 2026 Live | "Government Has Preferred Reform Over Rhetoric": N Sitharaman
While presenting her ninth consecutive budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has preferred reform over rhetoric.
Budget 2026 Live: India's economic trajectory marked by stability over 12 years
"Since we assumed office 12 years ago, India's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made."
Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Union Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her ninth consecutive Budget.
Budget 2026 Live: "India Has The Potential Of Double Digit Growth," Says Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII
According to the Economic Survey 2026, India's economy is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the financial year 2026 (FY26) and 6.8-7.2 per cent in FY27, driven by regulatory reforms, a strong macroeconomic base, and a renewed call for private sector investment. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII believes India has the potential of double digit growth.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her 9th consecutive budget today - What are the key expectations as India looks at policy push for the next decade
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII shares his views@rahulkanwal @vishnundtv#BudgetWithNDTV… pic.twitter.com/qCh8dfrBU2
Budget 2026 Live | Budget Made Keeping In Mind Viksit Bharat 2024: Minister Of State, Pankaj Chaudhary
Today's budget has been made keeping in mind the idea of Viksit Bharat 2047, said Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State, Finance, ahead of the Union Budget 2026.
"Today's budget has been made keeping in mind the idea of Viksit Bharat 2047" : Pankaj Chaudhary, Mos, Finance on #UnionBudget2026 #BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/1lZl2QK1u7
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: "Railways A Strong Pillar Of Viksit Bharat'
#BudgetWithNDTV | Union MoS Railways V. Somanna ahead of #UnionBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/1JHJQwHKfn
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Economist Dr Rathin Roy On Impact Of GST Reductions On Monthly GST Collection
Government introduced several GST reductions, how has that impacted monthly GST collection?
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Economists Dr Rathin Roy (@EmergingRoy) shares his views@rahulkanwal #BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/sGNseqFjIU
Budget 2026 Live: Union Cabinet Approves Budget 2026
Union Cabinet approves Union Budget 2026-27 shortly before Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament.
Budget 2026 Live: Congress' Pramod Tiwari Tags Country's Economic Condition "Very Poor"
"Our country's economic condition is very poor today" : Congress MP Pramod Tiwari ahead of #UnionBudget2026 #BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/HKw5lbe9rs
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: PM Modi Reaches Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Parliament. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 at 11 am.
Budget 2026 Live: India’s GST Collections Jump To Rs 1,93,384 Crore In January
India's GST collections rose to Rs 1,93,384 crore in January, a 6.2 per cent increase from a year earlier, driven by firm domestic demand and strong import activity.
Year-to-date gross GST inflows touched Rs 18,43,423 crore, up 8.3 per cent, while net GST revenue for January climbed to Rs 1,70,719 crore.
Refunds showed uneven trends, with total refunds slipping 3.1 per cent as domestic refunds fell and export refunds inched higher.
Domestic GST collections grew 4.8 per cent to Rs 1,41,132 crore, while import GST surged 10.1 per cent to Rs 52,253 crore. The compensation cess fell sharply to Rs 5,768 crore, a 55.6 per cent drop, underscoring the ongoing phase-out of the transitional levy.
State-wise post-settlement flows showed a mixed picture, with industrial states reporting healthy gains and smaller regions seeing contractions.
Budget 2026 Live | NDTV Ground Report: Budget Expected To Not Do Much For Investors
Investors are expecting a cut in long-term capital gains for ease of trading. NDTV Profit's Ridhima Bhatnagar brings a report from Dalal street.
Budget 2026 To Focus On Defence, Capex, Infrastructure, Fiscal Discipline
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
NDTV Profit's Ridhima Bhatnagar shares more details @rahulkanwal @vishnundtv #BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/wrN6Fv8bDc
Budget 2026 Live: Section 87A Stands Between You And Zero Tax Year
Will the Finance Minister give the middle class a bigger zero tax window, or will the government hold back after last year's expensive overhaul? At the heart of the debate is Section 87A, the quiet lever that makes income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free under the new regime. It is not just about slab rates. The rebate wipes out tax after the calculation is done, with marginal relief preventing a sudden spike for someone who crosses the threshold by a few hundred rupees. Any shift here can redraw the line between who pays tax and who does not.
Can the government stretch Section 87A so far that income up to fifteen lakh rupees lands in the zero tax zone. Some analysts say it is unlikely. Last year's tweak of slabs and rebates was projected to cost nearly one lakh crore rupees in direct tax revenue. With fiscal consolidation underway and a clear push to steer people into the new regime, another large giveaway may be difficult.
One move towards a larger rebate risks blurring the new regime's clean architecture. One move towards restraint risks angering a middle class battered by inflation and rising household costs.
Budget 2026 Live: Aviation Turbine Fuel Prices Slashed Ahead Of Union Budget 2026
ATF prices for domestic airlines were reduced by an average of Rs 929.63 per kilolitre month-on-month, translating to a cut of nearly 1%, according to data from oil marketing companies. Prices for international operations also declined, with rates falling by around $12 per kilolitre, or roughly 1.6%.
The reduction comes at a time when fuel accounts for 35-40% of an airline's operating costs, making ATF pricing a critical determinant of profitability and ticket pricing.
Cigarettes, Pan Masala Get Costlier From Today As New Excise Duty Kicks In
Cigarettes, pan masala, and other tobacco products have become costlier today onwards as the government's new tax structure, aiming to tighten regulation and keep tax levels high on these so-called 'sin goods', has kicked in. An additional excise duty will now be charged on the products, along with a new health and national security cess on pan masala.
These new levies will replace the earlier system under which the products were taxed at 28 per cent GST along with a compensation cess that has been in place since the launch of GST in July 2017.
According to the new rules, the excise duty will now range from Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 non-standard or uniquely designed cigarettes. It could even go up to Rs 11,000 in some categories - all based on the length and the variety of the cigarettes. Reports say that the short non-filter cigarettes (up to 65 mm) will have an excise duty of about Rs 2.05 per stick, while short filter cigarettes of the same length will be taxed higher around 2.10 per stick. The medium-length cigarettes will be taxed around Rs 4 per stick, and longer cigarettes around Rs 5.40 per stick.
The overall tax burden on cigarettes could reach 60 to 70 per cent from the previous 50 to 55 per cent.
Union Budget 2026 Live: President Feeds 'Dahi-Cheeni' To Nirmala Sitharaman
President Droupadi Murmu feeds Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary 'dahi-cheeni' (curd and sugar) ahead of her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation.
President Droupadi Murmu feeds Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary 'dahi-cheeni' (curd and sugar) ahead of her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation.
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
📹: ANI/X#BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/jELADsiq6X
9 Budgets, 9 Sarees: A Look At Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget Day Attire
Over the years, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget day attire has always gained attention. Her colourful sarees with unique embroideries have told a different tale.
This year, she wore a handwoven Kanjivaram silk saree, honouring Tamil Nadu's age-old weaving legacy. It is a purple coloured kattam Kanjivaram, with light golden brown checks, aka kattam, and a coffee brown border with thread work.
Union Budget 2026 Live: Economist Dr Rathin Roy Lauds Finance Ministry For Bringing Fiscal Deficit Down
Finance Ministry has done an excellent job in bringing the fiscal deficit down, says Economist Dr Rathin Roy as he shares his views with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal.
"Finance Ministry has done an excellent job in bringing the fiscal deficit down" : Economist Dr Rathin Roy (@EmergingRoy) shares his views with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief @rahulkanwal
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
#BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/qLl3t8aAPT
Union Budget 2026: 5 Reasons Gold And Silver Prices Crash
- Prices had run up too sharply
- Heavy liquidation of long positions
- US dollar at record levels
- US President Donald Trump picks Kevin Warsh as new Fed Chief
- Expectations of gold, silver rate cuts
Watch: Nirmala Sitharaman And Team Meet President Droupadi Murmu
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with her team, meets President Droupadi Murmu before presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget.
#WATCH | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with her team, calls on President Droupadi Murmu before presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Video credit: ANI/X#Budget2026 #UnionBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/XGC5cNgKch
Union Budget 2026 Live: Shashi Tharoor Eyes Job Opportunities For Youth
"We are all looking forward to hearing what the Finance Minister has to tell us. The Economic Survey projects good economic growth... Whether that growth is going to be accompanied by jobs? Jobless growth doesn't help anyone. So, we are anxious to see what kind of schemes they have in mind to generate more jobs in this country for young people of India": Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Union Budget 2026.
"We are all looking forward to hearing what the Finance Minister has to tell us. The Economic Survey projects good economic growth... Whether that growth is going to be accompanied by jobs? Jobless growth doesn't help anyone. So, we are anxious to see what kind of schemes they… pic.twitter.com/tE7kgEYrIP
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Gold, Silver Slide 6% After Global Overnight Sell Off Ahead Of Union Budget 2026
Gold and silver prices crashed six per cent each on the Multi Commodity Exchange on Sunday, deepening the shock from a historic two-day global meltdown that wiped out decades of accumulated froth in precious metals.
The fall has collided with Budget day speculation over import duties and left traders scrambling for cues that could decide whether this correction turns into a buying window or fresh pain for India's jewellery trade.
Silver prices had plunged as much as 37% intraday on Friday, while gold had tumbled 12% in the spot market. The drop in gold was the biggest single session decline since the early nineteen-eighties, and the slide in silver was the steepest ever recorded. The deeper collapse overseas came after Indian equities had shut for trading, leading to a sharp gap down at the open on MCX.
Gold now trades at Rs 1.4 lakh per ten grams while silver sits at Rs 2.74 lakh per kilogram. MCX shares opened nine per cent lower as exchange-linked volatility rippled across the market.
Union Budget 2026 Live: Nirmala Sitharaman Meets President Droupadi Murmu
Union Budget 2026 Live | 2026 Will Be The Year For MSMEs, Exports: Expert
2025 was the year for the middle-class, and this year is going to be for MSMEs and exports, says Rohit Mahajan, Founder and Managing Director, plutos ONE.
#BudgetWithNDTV | "2025 was the year for the middle-class and this year is going to be for MSMEs and exports": Rohit Mahajan (@rohitmahajan_), Founder & Managing Director – plutos ONE#Budget2026 #UnionBudget2026 @PadmajaJoshi @Vasudha156 pic.twitter.com/FVvHIlNHPo
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Tech Giants Seek Massive AI, Digital Infrastructure Push In Budget 2026
Former Tech Mahindra CEO and Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of AI firm AIONOS, CP Gurnani said the Survey brilliantly captures India's AI momentum with India's world-class talent, diverse data assets and smart pivot to bottom-up innovation with smaller, domain-specific models that fit India's reality perfectly.
"India's way forward is exciting, which is to leverage our engineering strength to create affordable, human-centric AI that solves local challenges first, then scales globally. This positions us not just as participants, but as leaders in the next wave of meaningful innovation," Gurnani said.
Hitachi Group IT firm GlobalLogic sees the Union Budget as a pivotal moment to move from digital-first to intelligence-first infrastructure.
"The progress made in AI, data platforms, and digital public infrastructure has laid a strong foundation; the next opportunity lies in scaling this intelligence into the physical world," GlobalLogic , Vice President and head for Asia Pacific, Piyush Jha said.
Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Heads To Rashtrapati Bhawan
#WATCH | Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Rashtrapati Bhawan to call on President Droupadi Murmu before presenting her 9th Union Budget
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Video credit: ANI/X#Budget2026 #UnionBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/vGHBoN3mwB
Markets Open Marginally Lower Ahead Of Union Budget 2026
Markets open marginally lower ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation.
Markets Open Marginally Lower Ahead Of Nirmala Sitharaman's Ninth Budget@tamannainamdar @_nirajshah#BudgetWithNDTV #UnionBudget2026 #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/OclszBdMie
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Union Budget 2026: Will Your Mutual Fund Get A Tax Relief? All eyes On LTCG Relief, 87A Rebate
Taxpayers want the government to lift the long-term capital gains threshold on equity and equity mutual funds from Rs 1.25 lakh to at least Rs 2 lakh, arguing the current limit punishes genuine long-term investors.
Small investors under the new tax regime want the 87A rebate expanded, so they do not lose tax relief simply because they invested in equities or mutual funds.
Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has demanded that the 87A rebate apply up to Rs 12 lakh of total income, including capital gains, to align the new regime with middle-class income realities.
Union Budget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman Arrives With Budget Tablet
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with her team, with the Budget tablet outside the Ministry of Finance. She will present her ninth consecutive budget speech at 11 am.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with her team with the Budget tablet outside the Ministry of Finance
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
She will present the #UnionBudget2026 today at around 11 AM in Lok Sabha#BudgetWithNDTV #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/GVsszdX6Hu
Union Budget 2026 Live: Atal Pension Yojana Subscribers Want More Money
Subscribers of the Atal Pension Yojana are hoping for a higher monthly pension in the Budget 20260. Centre says a hike would raise subscription costs and add pressure on low-income workers.
APY pensions are capped between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 a month, a slab unchanged since the scheme launched in 2015. With inflation rising, expectations of a revision have grown, especially after the cabinet cleared the continuation of APY up to FY 2030-31 on January 21. The extension includes government support for promotion, development and gap funding. The scheme now has 8.66 crore subscribers as of January 19, 2026.
However, the government last stated in December that it is not planning any increase for now. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told Parliament that raising pensions would force higher contributions and strain subscribers who already operate on tight budgets. The official line is to keep the existing terms unchanged.
Union Budget 2026 Live: BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla Expects 'GITA' Budget
It's going to be a 'GITA Budget' where G stands for Growth, I for Infrastructure, T for Technology Investments, and A for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, says BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.
#BudgetWithNDTV | What to expect from #UnionBudget2026?
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
"It's going to be a 'GITA Budget' where G stands for Growth, I for Infrastructure, T for Technology Investments, and A for Aatmanirbhar Bharat": BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla (@Shehzad_Ind)#Budget2026 @PadmajaJoshi… pic.twitter.com/b7Y2DEs1Ki
IRFC, RVNL, IRCON, IRCTC, Titagarh Rail: Will Budget 2026 Give These Rail Stocks Steam?
Railway stocks are in focus amid expectations of a double-digit jump in the sector's budgetary allocation. The anticipation comes after three years of muted growth, and with railways already utilising more than 80 per cent of this year's capital outlay.
IRFC, RVNL, IRCON, IRCTC, Titagarh Rail Systems and Jupiter Wagons are all in focus as analysts peg FY27 allocation growth at 5 to 10 per cent. Any number above this will be treated as a positive surprise that could re-rate the pack.
Brokerages expect the spotlight to shift toward capacity expansion, rolling stock additions and safety upgrades. Some estimates see gross budgetary support at Rs 2.65 lakh crore, while the most bullish forecasts touch Rs 2.8 lakh crore. Safety systems like Kavach, station upgrades, decongestion through track doubling and the push on the bullet train corridor are expected to dominate.
Bajaj Broking expects a sharper focus on station modernisation and faster project execution. MOFSL sees an 8 to 10 per cent rise in capex. Axis Securities is more upbeat at 15 per cent.
With electrification near completion, capital is now likely to be channelled toward new lines, gauge conversions, Dedicated Freight Corridor expansion and port-linked economic corridors. The broader policy goal remains lowering logistics costs, which continue to sit above the 6 to 7 per cent benchmark in advanced economies.
Higher allocations would lift the entire value chain from consultancies and EPC players to equipment suppliers. Beneficiaries of safety spending include Kavach providers such as HBL Engineering, Kernex Microsystems, Siemens and CG Power through GG Tronics. The railways ministry is already working on an 18,000 km tender for Kavach 4.0.
Any push on train modernisation would boost coach manufacturers, including BEML, BHEL, Siemens and Titagarh Rail Systems.
Choice International says allocations near Rs 2.8 lakh crore would signal a strong commitment to infrastructure.
Union Budget 2026 Live: How Budget Shapes Stock Market Moves
The fiscal deficit, the gap between government expenditure and revenue, is closely monitored by stock markets. A high deficit may necessitate increased borrowing, raising inflation and interest rates, which can negatively impact businesses. A lower deficit is viewed as a sign of fiscal prudence, generally boosting investor confidence.
Union Budget 2026 Live: N Sitharaman To Present Statement Of Estimated Receipts And Expenditure
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the year 2026-27.
She will also lay on the table two statements under section 3(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003:
- Medium-term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement
- Macro-economic Framework Statement
Union Budget 2026 To Focus On Defence, Railways, Urban Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Automobile, Education, AI: Economist Kailash Adhikari
Union Budget 2026 will focus on certain sectors - defence, railways, urban infrastructure, manufacturing, automobile, education, and AI, says Economist Kailash Adhikari.
#BudgetWithNDTV | "This budget will focus on certain sectors - defence, railways, urban infrastructure, manufacturing, automobile, education, and AI": Economist Kailash Adhikari (@KAdhikaari)#Budget2026 #UnionBudget2026 @PadmajaJoshi @Vasudha156 pic.twitter.com/rIABB1bES7
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Budget 2026 Live: Economist Profesoor Amir Ullah Khan Decodes Expectations From Union Budget 2026
#BudgetWithNDTV | What to expect from #UnionBudget2026?
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Economist Prof. Amir Ullah Khan decodes#Budget2026 @PadmajaJoshi @Vasudha156 pic.twitter.com/02PK2IZyvB
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Arrives At Kartavya Bhavan
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Kartavya Bhavan. She is set to present her ninth consecutive budget speech under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
#WATCH | #UnionBudget2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Kartavya Bhawan
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
Video credit: ANI/X#Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/VG83kIdUtE
Union Budget 2026 Live: Nirmala Sitharaman Leaves For Kartavya Bhavan
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves from her residence for the Ministry of Finance, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 today.
Indian Budget 2026: 5 Big Railway Reforms Expected In Union Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Railway Budget 2026 as part of the Union Budget today, with expectations centred on safety upgrades, passenger-friendly measures and capacity expansion. Recent accidents have kept rail safety in focus. Expectations are also there for the Budget to address passenger demands, such as senior citizen concessions and more modern trains.
Here's what passengers are likely to watch out for in the Railway Budget:
- Senior citizen concessions
- Bigger push for safety
- Kavach 4.0
- Vande Bharat sleeper rollout
- More non-AC coaches to ease overcrowding
Watch: What Makes Union Budget 2026 Unique
What makes Union Budget 2026 unique? NDTV's Padmaja Joshi brings you the in-depth analysis.
#BudgetWithNDTV | #UnionBudget2026: What makes this budget unique?
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
NDTV's @PadmajaJoshi brings you the in-depth analysis#Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/PEPeZdZ3wm
Union Budget 2026 Live: Why ITC Investors Should Follow Budget Speech Live
ITC investors have taken a gut punch. Nearly Rs 1 lakh crore has evaporated from the company's market value in a month as the stock plunged close to 20 per cent after the sharp cigarette tax hike unveiled in late December. The wipeout has turned this usually dependable defensive giant into one of the hottest Budget conversations, with the street desperate for clarity on where tobacco taxation goes next.
The sell-off has been fast and unforgiving because the trigger is pure policy. Cigarettes remain ITC's profit backbone, and the government's decision to overhaul the tobacco tax structure has forced analysts to slash near-term earnings expectations almost overnight.
Under the new regime, excise duties now range from Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks alongside a 40 per cent GST from February 1, 2026. The jump has pushed the overall tax load sharply higher and reignited familiar fears around shrinking demand, tighter margins and a potential spike in illegal trade.
Most analysts argue the correction says more about the tax shock than about any flaw in ITC's fundamentals. Vincent KA of Geojit Investments says the steep excise hike explains the slide and expects ITC to raise prices in phases to protect profitability, a strategy it has long relied on. But he warns that price actions may hurt volumes until the market adjusts.
With uncertainty swirling around taxation and stock trading far below its recent highs, Budget day carries a direct question for investors. Will the government steady the tobacco tax framework or leave ITC navigating fresh volatility in the months ahead?
Union Budget 2026 Live: Will Foreign Portfolio Investors Get A Tax Lifeline As Foreign Money Bolts?
Foreign institutional investors pulled Rs 19 billion in 2025 and another Rs 4 billion in the first month of 2026, a steady exodus that has rattled a market already struggling with currency weakness and post-tax returns that appear thin next to risk-free yields in developed economies. This backdrop has turned the Budget into a high-stakes moment, with investors hoping the Finance Minister delivers a framework that restores confidence in India as a long-term destination for foreign money.
"This Budget comes at a very crucial juncture as far as markets are concerned," says Nimesh Chandan, Chief Investment Officer at Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited. "The most important area to watch will be the steps the Finance Minister takes to attract durable FDI, and FPI flows into the economy."
Reports indicate that the government is examining targeted tax relief for foreign portfolio investors. Jefferies says such a move "could be a positive for equities" and serve as a tailwind for cash markets, although the firm stresses it is not its base case.
Union Budget 2026 Live: Capex Or Caution?
After ramping up central capital expenditure (CapEx) to about Rs 11.2 lakh crore in the last Budget, the government now faces a sharper trade-off: keep pushing big-ticket infrastructure spending to sustain growth, or tap the brakes to reinforce its fiscal consolidation narrative and reassure bond markets. Whether Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chooses another year of aggressive capex or signals a more cautious, consolidation-first path today will be read as a clear statement of how the government plans to balance jobs, demand and debt in the run-up to the next phase of the fiscal roadmap
Union Budget 2026 Live: Will Budget 2026 Fight AI Job Threat?
India's employment paradox, too many people stuck in low‑productivity farm work and too little in modern, wage‑rich sectors, lies at the core of wage stagnation, rural distress and weak mass consumption, making it imperative for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to put labour‑absorbing growth, MSME credit and compliance easing, faster payments, and employment‑linked incentives at the heart of its strategy.
Will Nirmala Sitharaman Give A Higher Take-Home Pay With Sharper 87A Rebate?
Can Budget 2026 really stretch the Section 87A rebate so far that income up to Rs 15 lakh becomes tax-free under the new regime, or has the government already spent most of its room for generosity? The clamour for higher relief has grown with inflation and rising household costs. Tax experts still warn that last year's big rejig of slabs and rebates, which was expected to cost nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in direct-tax revenue, makes another hefty bump in the 87A limit fiscally hard to justify, especially when New Delhi is also trying to simplify the system and quietly steer taxpayers away from the old regime.
Union Budget 2026 Live: Banking Changes Starting Today
SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and PNB are revising charges and card benefits, including changes to IMPS transactions, reward points, and KYC updates. When it comes to SBI, the service charge will be Rs 2 plus GST for online SBI IMPS transactions above Rs 25,000 and up to Rs 1 lakh - applied from February 15. A fee of Rs 6 plus GST will be applied on transactions between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh. And Rs 10 plus GST will be applied on online IMPS transactions from Rs 2 lakh and up to Rs 5 lakh.
HDFC Bank has announced to revise the credit card reward points criteria for its Infinia metal credit card. On its website, it noted, "With effect from February 1, 2026, reward points on your Infinia credit card can be redeemed up to a maximum of five times per month."
On the other hand, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has asked the customers to update their KYC information in accordance with RBI guidelines by February 2.
Union Budget 2026 Live: What Could Be In For Poll-Bound West Bengal And Tamil Nadu
What could be in store for poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu? What are people expecting? NDTV's Manogya Loiwal and Vijayagopal Muralidharan bring you these ground reports.
#BudgetWithNDTV | #UnionBudget2026: What could be in for poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu?
— NDTV (@ndtv) February 1, 2026
What are people expecting?
NDTV's @manogyaloiwal and @DharanVija47684 bring you these ground reports #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/dX81JhJHfM
Gold Duty Cut Or Hike? Budget 2026 Speculation Heats Up Bullion Bets
With imported bullion still under the scanner for its impact on the rupee and the current account, any call on customs duty today will decide whether this correction turns into a buying opportunity for households or fresh pain for India's jewellery trade and bullion speculators.
Budget 2026 Live: Will Budget 2026 Junk Fiscal Deficit Rule?
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rises to present the Union Budget, all eyes will be on whether she sticks to the promised 4.4 per cent deficit glide path for 2025‑26 or rewrites the fiscal math to buy more room for growth‑boosting spending
Union Budget 2026: English To Hindi, How The Budget Changed In 1955
After the first Union Budget of independent India was tabled by Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty on November 26, 1947, the budgetary process gradually evolved, setting the stage for a landmark change in how the document was presented.
The turning point came with the Union Budget of 1955, presented under then Finance Minister CD Deshmukh. For the first time, the Budget was printed in both English and Hindi, a historic moment in India's parliamentary and administrative history. It was to make the Budget accessible to a much wider section of the population.
India's First-Ever Budget Was Presented In 1860 By This Englishman
India's first Union Budget was presented on April 7, 1860, by James Wilson, the finance member of the Indian Council and the founder of The Economist newspaper. At that time, the country was under British colonial administration.
The Budget was introduced against the backdrop of severe financial stress faced by the British government after the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny.
Following the failed rebellion, Queen Victoria sent James Wilson to India with a clear mandate to overhaul the financial system. His task was to stabilise government finances by creating a structured taxation framework and introducing a paper currency system. As part of these reforms, Wilson introduced income tax in India, a levy that continues to be one of the government's most important sources of revenue even today.
Indian Budget 2026: What Happens If The Budget Is Presented On A Sunday
- Parliament sits as scheduled
- Markets open special sessions
Budget 2026 Live: Fiscal Deficit vs Revenue Deficit
A fiscal deficit occurs when the government's total spending exceeds its revenue, excluding borrowings. It indicates the extent to which the government relies on borrowing.
Revenue deficit is the gap between revenue expenditure and revenue receipts. It reflects how much the government's routine expenses exceed its regular income.
Budget 2026 Live: What Is Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy includes government decisions on taxation and public spending aimed at managing economic growth, employment, and stability. These choices are reflected directly in the Union Budget.
Budget 2026 Live: Direct Tax vs Indirect Tax
A direct tax is imposed directly on individuals or entities and cannot be shifted to another party. Income tax and corporate tax are examples.
Indirect taxes are levied on goods and services but are ultimately borne by consumers. Examples include excise duty and customs duty.
Budget 2026 Live: Understanding Inflation
Inflation refers to a sustained rise in the overall prices of goods and services in the economy. When inflation increases, the purchasing power of money declines. The inflation rate measures how quickly prices are rising over a period of time.
Nirmala Sitharaman's Big Break From 75-Year-Old Budget Tradition
This year's Union Budget is set to break with a 75-year tradition. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to use Part B of her speech to unveil a detailed vision for India's economic future, sources told NDTV.
In past Union Budgets, most of the substance lay in Part A, while Part B was confined to tax and policy announcements.
This time, Part B is expected to outline both short-term priorities and long-term goals as India enters the second quarter of the 21st century, highlighting the country's local strengths and global ambitions, sources said.
Budget 2026 Live: Meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Set To Present Her 9th Budget
Nirmala Sitharaman was born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, to K Sitharaman and K Savitri. She completed her schooling and bachelor's degree in economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College, Tiruchirappalli. She earned her Master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She pursued an MPhil in Economics through the International Trade Department at JNU's School of International Studies.
She moved to London and worked as an assistant to an economist at the Agricultural Engineers Association, and later at Pricewaterhouse. In London, she also briefly worked with BBC World Service.
Upon returning to India, she became Deputy Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies in Hyderabad, which she founded in 1992. In 1997, she founded Pranava, a school in Hyderabad focused on child-centric education and experiential learning.
Budget 2026 On A Sunday: Will Markets Open?
To accommodate the Sunday Budget, stock exchanges NSE and BSE have announced special trading sessions. The NSE circular said that the pre-open market will operate from 9 am to 9:08 am, followed by normal trading from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm.
The BSE issued a similar notice, declaring the day as a "special trading day" with regular market hours.
Indian Budget 2026: Does Budget Affect The Rupee?
The Union Budget can significantly affect the Indian rupee, both in the short term and over the longer run.
One of the first things markets look for in the Budget is the fiscal deficit, the gap between what the government earns and what it spends. If there is a lower deficit, it boosts investor confidence and supports the rupee, while a higher-than-expected deficit worries markets and weakens the rupee.
Another reason is the tax changes. Measures such as higher capital gains taxes can impact foreign investment flows. Investor-friendly policies tend to attract foreign capital and strengthen the rupee, while higher taxes or not-so-friendly policies can lead to outflows, which can weaken the currency.
Indian Budget 2026: Why The Union Budget Is Presented On February 1 Every Year
Until 2016, India followed a British-era practice of presenting the Budget on the last working day of February. The problem was that the financial year starts on April 1, which meant ministries, businesses, and taxpayers had very little time to act on the new policies and tax rules.
By the time the Budget was approved and put into action, the new financial year had already started. As a result, many government plans and policies couldn't begin on time and were delayed.
In 2017, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Budget for the first time on February 1. Since then, the government has kept the early date. The objective is to give everyone more time to plan before the new fiscal year begins.
Indian Budget 2026: Union Budget Explained
The Union Budget is the annual financial plan of the government, serving as a blueprint for the fiscal year.
The Budget Division, a part of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for preparing the Budget, which predicts economic conditions and introduces new policies and schemes.
The Budget is made through a structured process involving different government bodies such as ministries, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), NITI Aayog, and the Finance Ministry.
