Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Budget 2026 is a call to action for self-reliant India, says Prof. Dr. Parin Somani

Prof. Dr. Parin Somani, CEO: London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD)

A strategic thrust of Budget 2026 is the emphasis on domestic manufacturing and value chain resilience. Initiatives to expand semiconductor capacity, biopharma ecosystems, and critical industrial corridors position India as a global competitive hub.

These moves signal to the world and to Indian innovators that the country is committed to building homegrown capabilities in technologies and industries of the future. They also inspire a new generation of engineers, researchers, and industrialists to lead India toward self-reliance, global competitiveness, and high-skilled employment.

I see the renewed push for domestic manufacturing and strategic value chains as a defining step towards a self-reliant and globally competitive India. This is not just policy; it is a call to action for Indians to contribute to a self-sustaining economic transformation.

Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Homeopathy remains symbolic in Budget, not substantive, says Dr Lubna Kamal

Dr Lubna Kamal, Homeopathic Nephrologist, Nano Homeopathy Institute of Research and Welfare

The Union Budget once again overlooks homeopathy, despite its proven role as one of the most affordable and least side-effect–prone systems of medicine. In a country where out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure pushes millions into poverty, homeopathy offers safe, low-cost, long-term care—especially for chronic diseases. Yet, budgetary representation remains symbolic rather than substantive, with no clear roadmap for research expansion, institutional strengthening, or integration into public health delivery. Recognising homeopathy meaningfully is not about favouring one system over another; it is about embracing cost-effective healthcare solutions that align with India’s preventive and inclusive health goals.

Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Budget ensures stability, long-term growth for real estate, says NBR Group CEO

N. Nagabushana Reddy, CEO, Founder & Managing Director – NBR Group

“The post-Budget environment for real estate remains constructive and balanced. By prioritising infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, and economic expansion, the government has ensured that the broader drivers of housing demand remain intact. For developers, stability in raw material prices, interest rates, and regulatory frameworks is more important than short-term incentives, and this Budget provides that continuity. The construction sector will particularly benefit from increased public spending on connectivity projects, as these create new residential micro-markets and improve accessibility to existing ones. Additionally, measures that strengthen disposable incomes and encourage entrepreneurship will gradually translate into stronger homebuyer sentiment. We believe the organised real estate segment is well positioned to capitalise on these trends. Projects that focus on sustainable planning, customer-centric design, and timely execution will continue to see robust demand. This Budget sets the stage for steady, responsible, and long-term growth for the entire real estate industry.”

Union Budget 2026 Live: Biopharma Shakti signals shift to high-value manufacturing, says Lord’s Mark CEO

Dr. Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD & CEO, Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd.

“By announcing Biopharma Shakti with a ₹10,000-crore commitment, Budget 2026 reinforces India’s shift towards scaled manufacturing and research-led growth. The boost to biopharma and medical devices comes at a crucial moment for capacity expansion and domestic value creation. Coupled with sustained semiconductor and electronics incentives, the Budget lays the groundwork for a robust ecosystem supporting advanced diagnostics, med-tech, and digital health. These interventions strengthen India’s trajectory toward becoming a high-value, innovation-centric global manufacturing hub.”

Union Budget 2026 Live: Budget puts tourism, mobility at heart of Vision 2047, says VFS Global CEO

Zubin Karkaria, CEO of VFS Global.

The Union Budget charts a strong roadmap to Vision 2047, positioning tourism, mobility, and human capital as engines of long-term growth. By recognising tourism as a catalyst for jobs, foreign exchange, and regional development, the government is building a more competitive and resilient travel ecosystem.

The emphasis on capacity building is encouraging with measures towards infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support that will help strengthen service quality, destination readiness, and ease of doing business. Initiatives like the National Institute of Hospitality, upskilling of tourist guides, and the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will have an enduring impact in the long-term.

Sustainable, heritage, and experiential tourism, along with support for medical tourism hubs, will diversify India’s offerings, while reductions in TCS on overseas tour packages and TDS under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme for education will ease financial pressure on Indian travellers and students, boosting global mobility and connectivity.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Progressive budget to spark credit demand in SME and manufacturing sectors, says Kusal Roy

Kusal Roy, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Jio Credit Limited:

“The FM is to be congratulated for delivering a budget that focuses on bolstering the SME sector in particular, and manufacturing sector in general. There is a clear push to promote Make-in-India and derisking our economy from the impact of tariffs.

The Hon’ble Finance Minister has announced substantial incentives for seven critical manufacturing sectors including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, rare-earths, chemicals, capital goods, tool-production, container manufacturing and the textile sector. In addition, rejuvenation of 200 legacy industrial clusters will also provide a strong fillip to industries. There will also be dedicated focus on developing infrastructure for cities with a population over 500,000, and creation of a fund pool of Rs. 5,000 crore per City Economic Region (CER). The FM has also taken steps to upgrade TREDS by providing credit guarantee support, a move that will enhance confidence for SMEs on TREDS.

Overall, from the point of view of the NBFC sector, I expect this progressive Budget to have a positive impact on credit demand from SMEs and manufacturing sectors. In addition, there will be substantial employment generation and infrastructure creation in the CERs, which will further encourage offtake in retail credit.”

A ‘future-ready’ budget that needs human touch in tax compliance, says Basesh Gala

Basesh Gala, Founder CEO, 39 Solutions

The Union Budget 2026 is a fair, simple, and largely no-surprises budget that continues the positive momentum in Direct Tax and GST simplification seen over the past year.

I welcome the strong ‘Future Ready’ focus, particularly the ₹10,000 crore allocations for BioPharma and the new MSME Growth Fund, alongside a clear push for semiconductors and cloud infrastructure. These measures signal where MSMEs should align next.

That said, while filing may be simpler, true ease of compliance remains missing. Increased AI-led scrutiny has made compliance harder for salaried taxpayers and MSMEs. Technology must reduce burden and anxiety, not amplify it overall.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Budget provides constructive roadmap for financial stability and MSME empowerment, says Ravi Narayanan

Ravi Narayanan, MD & CEO, SMFG India Credit

“The Union Budget 2026 outlines a constructive roadmap for strengthening India’s financial system, with emphasis on stability, inclusion, and growth. The proposed High-Level Committee on Banking and SME Growth Fund signal strong support for NBFCs and MSMEs. Reforms in credit transmission, technology adoption, and FEMA regulations will improve efficiency and access to global capital, enabling NBFCs to scale responsibly and advance India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Union Budget 2026 Live: 20-year tax holiday positions India as a competitive global data and AI infrastructure hub, says Aaron Kamath

Aaron Kamath, Co-Lead – Technology, Digital Media and Commercial Law Practice at Nishith Desai Associates

In a significant move to position India as a global data centre and cloud services hub, the government has proposed a tax exemption until 2047 for foreign companies on income arising in India from procuring data centre services from specified Indian facilities. The condition is that services to Indian users are to be routed by the foreign company through Indian resellers. This long-horizon incentive is expected to materially improve India’s competitiveness in the global data infrastructure market, catalyse large-scale investment in data centres and AI infrastructure, drive employment and encourage greater access for Indian customers to a wider range of global service providers.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Defence shares unlikely to rerate following Union Budget, correction poses stock-picking opportunity

A broad-based re-rating in defence stocks is unlikely immediately after the Union Budget 2026, even as the government announced an increase in defence spending. Experts believe that any meaningful re-rating in the segment hinges on execution over the next few quarters.

Union Budget 2026 Live | Strengthening the farmer-startup link: Sathya Shankar sees Budget 2026 as a catalyst

Sathya Shankar, Chairman and MD, House of Bindu

The Union Budget 2026 sends a positive signal for India’s food and beverage ecosystem, especially for homegrown brands like ours. The focus on improving supply chains, cold storage and logistics directly addresses some of the real, on-ground challenges that F&B startups face while scaling quality products.

As the founder of House of Bindu, operating at the intersection of food innovation and consumer experience, I welcome the government’s push to modernise food systems and encourage value-added agriculture. Better connectivity, support for agri-processing, and efforts to reduce post-harvest losses will make it easier for startups to work closely with farmers, expand our product range, and take Indian food brands to wider markets.

We welcome the proposal to launch Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems for enhancing farm productivity.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Sharda Deepakraj Lala hails simplified tax regime as a catalyst for consumption and disposable income

The Union Budget 2026-27 serves as a strategic blueprint, balancing aggressive growth with fiscal consolidation to navigate global volatility. For investors, the focus remains on long-term wealth creation rather than short-term trading. With a a strong emphasis on ‘Viksit Bharat,’ the budget anchors confidence in manufacturing, infrastructure, and green energy as key themes.

Sharda Deepakraj Lala, the Founder and CEO of Siddhantha Wealth Managers, sees the potential rationalization of tax relief as a crucial boost to consumption. The shift to a simplified, technology-driven tax regime encourages compliance and improves disposable income, particularly for the upper-middle-class professional.

The budget rightly places MSMEs at the core of job creation, leveraging AI and robotics to enhance productivity. As per Sharda Deepakraj Lala, the Founder and CEO of Siddhantha Wealth Managers, this is a call to focus on sector-linked opportunities rather than broad, passive investing. In essence, Budget 2026 confirms that India’s structural growth story is robust, offering durable returns for disciplined investors positioned to capitalize on systemic infrastructure and technology developments.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Five themes that stand to gain from the Union Budget 2026

The Union Budget 2026 has largely been considered a status quo budget, focusing on policy continuity instead of big-bang measures. However, here are five key sectors that analysts expect to see significant gains going forward.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Karanvir Singh hails India’s shift from trade participant to global “platform economy”

India as a Platform Economy for Trade

Karanvir Singh

International Trade Economist & Economic Diplomacy Expert | Founder, Connecting Nations

Budget 2026 positions India as a platform economy—enabling trade rather than merely participating in it.

Through Connecting Nations, we work on building such platforms that allow Global South producers to access global markets through Indian systems.

Visionum Global acts as an execution backbone—connecting policy intent with real trade flows.

Platform economies don’t dominate; they enable. India is quietly building that role.

Union Budget 2026 Live | Extension of tax holiday for Gift City banks to benefit big domestic lenders

Several domestic banks having presence in International Finance Services (IFSC), Gift City like State Bank of India (SBI) are set to benefit from Budget 2026 announcement on extension of tax sops for International Banking Units (IBUs). Currently, IBUs set up in Gift City can avail tax exemption for 10 within first 15 years of existence in Gift City. Now, the benefit has been extended to 20 years out of first 25 years of setting up shop.

Union Budget 2026 Live | SME Growth Fund will create future champions, says FSIPL MD Ajay Mariwala on Budget 2026-27

Ajay Mariwala, MD, Food Service India Pvt Ltd (FSIPL)

As an entreprenuer in the food sector, the Union Budget 2025-26 has laid a strong emphasis on strengthening agricultural productivity, supply chains, and market infrastructure, in a move towards enhancing food security and boosting the country’s competitiveness in the food sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed on the importance on high-value agriculture, allied sectors and technology-led farming. In her Budget speech, proposing targeted interventions to boost farmer incomes, create rural employment and modernise agricultural practices, all of which will contribute to the growth of organisations as ours and India’s overall food and beverage sector.

Acknowledging MSMEs like Food Service India, as a vital engine of growth, her proposal to introduce a dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, will create future Champions, incentivizing enterprises based on select criteria. The Self-Reliant India Fund set up in 2021, with ₹2,000 crore will continue to support micro enterprises and maintain their access to risk capital. The Budget had several strands linking the Government e-Marketplace to TReDS to facilitate payments, encouraging SMEs for productivity, formalization and export-readiness. Small and medium-sized enterprises remain the backbone of the Indian economy and society, employing over 110 million people in manufacturing, trade and services and this budget provides a boost to the sector with the announcements.

Union Budget 2026 Live | AI, Biopharma, and Research: Dr. P.N. Arora on how the Union Budget drives a resilient healthcare future

Dr. P N Arora, Chairman & Managing Director, Yashoda Group of Hospitals

“The Union Budget 2026–27 presents a growth-oriented roadmap to strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and position the country as a global hub for medical value tourism. Proposals such as regional medical hubs and new Ayurveda institutes highlight the transformative potential of public-private collaboration across healthcare and allied sectors.

While the ‘Heal in India’ initiative received a strong push in the previous Budget, it finds limited explicit mention this year. We are hopeful that during the rollout and implementation phase, greater emphasis will be placed on strengthening and scaling this important initiative to further advance India’s global healthcare standing.

It is equally encouraging to see a strong focus on workforce development, Biopharma Shakti, upgraded research institutes, and digital health. Coupled with capital investment, structural reforms, AI and robotic surgery, the SME Growth Fund, and Semiconductor Mission 2.0, these measures, in my view, will not only enhance care delivery, drive innovation, and advance healthcare research, but also boost allied industries, foster employment, and build a resilient ecosystem aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

The reduction of the fiscal deficit to 4% is also a positive signal of fiscal prudence and long-term sustainability, reinforcing confidence in India’s growth trajectory while maintaining macroeconomic stability.”

Union Budget 2026 Live: From logistics to data centres, Bharti’s Sunil Mittal Sees a Boost for the Digital Economy

A bold Budget that combines growth with inclusion. The strong emphasis on skilling, alongside sustained investments in science, innovation, and research are timely & will strengthen domestic capabilities, advancing import substitution in critical sectors.

Bolstering infrastructure and logistics with a focus on energy-efficiency & impetus to data centre ecosystem will further reinforce confidence in our burgeoning digital economy.

Bharti remains highly committed to play its part in enabling technology-led growth, expanding financial inclusion, and accelerating future-ready education through Bharti Airtel Foundation to secure India’s talent dividend.

ixigo bets on temple town tourism; MakeMyTrip sees TCS cut in Budget 2026 fueling outbound travel

The focus on Tier II and Tier III cities, including temple-towns, through the city economic regions (CER) development budgetary allocation of Rs 5,000 crore should result in a big boost for tourism in those cities, noted Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo. The new Buddhist circuits announced in the FY27 Union Budget will significantly strengthen the development of tourism in the North East, across the states of Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura, further enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region, he said.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: ‘This is a Budget anchored in India’s potential and vision of becoming Viksit Bharat’

“Amidst geopolitical concerns, fragmentation, and financial tightening across the globe, this year’s Union Budget lays emphasis on the collective strength of Bharat. From domestic manufacturing and infrastructure-led investments to targeted sector-specific reforms and expanding the workforce, these interventions reflect conscious choices—a clear effort to balance macroeconomic priorities with micro-level necessities. This is a Budget anchored in India’s potential and vision of becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’—boosting employment, while combining technologies of the future with India’s legacy industries. This is a push for resilience—to drive long-term, equitable, and sustainable growth backed by a ‘Kartavya’ approach.” — Sanjeev Krishan – Chairperson, PwC in India

UDAN scheme allocation remains unchanged at Rs 550 crore in Budget 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27 has allocated Rs 550 crore for the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) titled Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) which is nearly unchanged from the Rs 540 allocation provided in 2025-26. The revised estimate for 2025-26 is expected to be Rs 434.5 crore, as per details shared in the summary of budget provisions for the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: DEA secretary: review of FEMA rules to ease foreign investment

The Department of Economic Affairs Secretary stated the intention to review FEMA regulations to make it easier for global investors to invest in India.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM: increase in STT is nominal

The Finance Minister reiterated that the STT hike is minimal and solely aimed at deterring excessive speculation.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM: STT changes only affect futures and options

The Finance Minister clarified that the STT increase will apply only to futures and options due to the high speculation and risk involved.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM: nominal STT increase aimed at curbing speculation

The Finance Minister explained that the recent nominal increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is intended to discourage high-risk speculation, not to oppose it.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM: strong economic fundamentals and support for MSMEs and textiles

The Finance Minister emphasized that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and highlighted new schemes for MSMEs and the textile sector amid global challenges and market volatility.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Expenditure secretary: Rs 30,000 crore allocated for MGNREGA past liabilities

The Expenditure Secretary clarified that the Rs 30,000 crore allocation in the Budget for MGNREGA is meant to clear carryover liabilities from previous years.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM: unprecedented global uncertainties

Finance Minister noted that global uncertainties are at a magnitude that India has never experienced before.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: CEA: 10% nominal GDP based on current base year

Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran said that the 10% nominal GDP projection is calculated using the existing GDP base year

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Officials outline policy moves on data centres, investment rules and STT

The Revenue Secretary said the data centre tax exemption is aimed at ensuring global entities are not discouraged from providing services across India, while domestic partners working with them will continue to be taxed.

The DEA Secretary noted that a decision has been taken to allow Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to operate as LLPs and added that FEMA rules will be reviewed to simplify global investment into India.

The Finance Minister clarified that the recent increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) applies only to futures and options, given the high risk and speculative nature of these segments. She emphasized that the hike is nominal and intended primarily to curb excessive speculation.

STT on F&O hiked to curb excessive speculation, address systemic risk: Revenue Secretary

Budget 2026: Explaining the rationale behind the move, he said the government increased STT on futures and options to address rising systemic risk in the derivatives market, emphasising that it did not want to encourage excessive speculation (Read More)

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM, officials outline tax measures, banking roadmap and mineral strategy

The Revenue Secretary said all tobacco products are now under the excise framework, a move that has contributed to a 22% increase in the tax mop-up target. The Finance Minister announced that a high-level committee on banking will be constituted to prepare a comprehensive plan for the sector as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The committee will examine the full expanse of the banking ecosystem, including future requirements.

The DFS Secretary said the panel will study key aspects such as expansion of the banking network, credit and deposit growth, with the government to decide on follow-up measures based on its recommendations. On critical minerals, the FM said the proposed rare earth corridors are expected to be highly successful.

Shankar Sharma hails Budget’s STT hike on derivatives, calls F&O ‘destructive for youth’

Market veteran Shankar Sharma has applauded the Government decision to raise Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives, calling it the most significant proposal of the Budget. In a post on social media platform X, Sharma said excessive participation in derivatives trading has had a corrosive impact on India’s youth and long-term wealth creation. “Derivatives are a poison x cocaine, eating away at the roots of our youth. Its destructive effect will be felt by generations” he wrote. (Read More)

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Government flags banking reforms, tax buoyancy and fiscal comfort

The Revenue Secretary said all tobacco products have been brought under the excise net, which has led to a 22% rise in the tax mop-up target.

The Finance Minister announced the formation of a high-level committee on banking that will prepare its terms of reference and examine the entire sector, including future requirements, to help chart a roadmap for banking as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The DFS Secretary added that the committee will study aspects such as expansion of the banking network, credit and deposits, with the government to decide on measures based on its recommendations.

On the minerals front, the FM said the proposed rare earth corridors are expected to be highly successful. Separately, the DEA Secretary said government borrowings are not on the higher side.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Why Centre hiked tax rates on STT? Top official explains

The Revenue Secretary said the government’s intent is to address systemic risks linked to the Securities Transaction Tax (STT). At a press conference, the Finance Minister said the increase in STT on futures and options is aimed at curbing excessive speculation.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM highlights support for rural livelihoods, MSMEs, exports and healthcare

The Finance Minister announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to bring khadi, handloom and allied activities under its ambit, with targeted support for rural workers, weavers and artisans. She said Champion MSMEs will receive a three-pronged support package covering equity, liquidity and professional assistance, ensuring small businesses face no shortage of resources or funding. The FM also announced process simplification in taxation to ease compliance for enterprises. To boost exports, new opportunities have been announced for fishermen, including access to global markets through special economic zones. In the healthcare space, the FM said customs duty will be exempted on 17 identified drugs and medicines for cancer patients, a move she described as deeply meaningful and patient-centric.

National Institute of Hospitality proposed in Budget 2026 to power skills, service quality

A National Institute of Hospitality can create future-ready professionals who understand destination-led hospitality, regional cultures and experiential dining, hoteliers said. (Read More)

Centre sets aside Rs 1,500 crore for PM E-DRIVE scheme in Budget 2026

The PM E-DRIVE scheme focuses on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and strengthening supporting infrastructure, including charging facilities.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM signals strong push to retain pharma leadership, cut rare earth dependence

The Finance Minister said the Budget sends a clear message that India’s leadership in the pharmaceutical and biopharma sectors must be preserved and strengthened. She added that the government remains focused on ensuring the country maintains its global edge in pharmacy. On critical minerals, the FM announced the creation of rare earth corridors to help India meet its own requirements. She said identifying and processing these minerals domestically will reduce dependence on external sources, including imports of rare earths and magnets.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: FM outlines infrastructure push to sustain capex and regional growth

The Finance Minister said dedicated freight corridors will pass through critical mineral-rich regions as part of efforts to strengthen logistics and support capital expenditure. She added that sustaining capex remains a priority, with measures including the development of dedicated freight corridors and 20 new national waterways. Introducing a new initiative, the FM announced the creation of city economic regions, with an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore over five years, focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities. She also said the government has announced seven high-speed rail corridors, which will serve as bridges connecting key economic centres.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Nirmala Sitharaman addresses media after Budget speech in Parliament

The Finance Minister said the century is being driven by technology and the government will ensure that technological progress benefits the common man. She added that the focus is on creating a conducive environment for employment generation by building a strong ecosystem through structural reforms that improve productivity and create jobs. The Budget, she said, also places emphasis on inclusive development, with specific schemes aimed at strengthening health facilities.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre, says Budget blind to India’s real crises

“Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks – all ignored. A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India’s real crises,” tweets Rahul Gandhi

Budget 2026: DoS, ISRO allocation rise to Rs 13,706 crore in FY27, space sciences see sharp jump

The Union Budget has increased the allocation for the Department of Science (DoS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to Rs 13,705.63 crore for FY 2026–27, up from Rs 12,448.60 crore in the previous Budget Estimates. The largest share of funding continues to go towards Space Technology programmes, which have been allotted Rs 10,397.06 crore compared with Rs 9,601.98 crore last year.

Budget 2026: Why India’s rising diabetes and non-communicable diseases crisis is now a national priority

The Union Budget 2026 highlights India’s growing burden of diabetes, obesity and cancer. In her speech, Finance Minister noted that India’s disease burden is observed to be shifting towards non-communicable diseases, like diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Union Budget 2026 Live: ‘Initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission will accelerate India’s journey’

“The Union Budget 2026 reinforces India’s emergence as a trusted technology and innovation partner. The Government’s recognition of cutting‑edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence as force multipliers for good governance is particularly encouraging. It underscores the pivotal role of the Indian IT industry in delivering innovation, efficiency, and scalable digital solutions for the nation.

Initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission, National Quantum Mission, National Research Fund, and the enhanced R&D ecosystem reflect a bold, inclusive, and future‑ready vision. This alignment of policy, technology, and talent will accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse.

Additionally, the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will significantly strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem by deepening the integration of hardware and software capabilities, positioning India as a leader in next‑generation digital infrastructure.” – Atul Soneja, Chief Operating Officer, Tech Mahindra

‘I’ll speak tomorrow’: Budget 2026 gets an instant jab from Congress

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday declined to comment on the Union Budget 2026-27, stating that he would speak on Monday from Parliament’s platform. Earlier in the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive budget, where she created history to become first Finance Minister in India to deliver nine consecutive budgets, surpassing her own record “I will speak tomorrow, using the platform provided by Parliament,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters The Congress party however described the budget as lacklustre. (Read More)

Union Budget 2026 Live: ‘Union Budget 2026–27 prioritises tax certainty and dispute reduction’

Union Budget 2026–27 prioritises tax certainty and dispute reduction, keeping tax rates unchanged while expanding safe-harbour limits (IT services up to Rs 2,000 crore), extending revised return timelines, and rationalising TDS/TCS—including a reduction to 2% for education and medical remittances. Support for manufacturing and exports through deferred duty, bonded-zone incentives, and customs rationalisation, alongside public capex of about Rs 12 lakh crore, underscores a clear focus on long-term, investment-led growth – CA Azhruddin Khan

Union Budget 2026 News Live: CREDAI deeply disappointed that the Budget offers nothing concrete for affordable housing

“CREDAI welcomes the government’s continued focus on infrastructure spending, which is a big positive for the real estate sector. Investments in highways, metros, logistics corridors, railways, and urban infrastructure will improve connectivity, unlock new growth corridors, and support long-term urban development. CREDAI also appreciates the emphasis on ease of doing business. Faster approvals, simplified processes, and greater digitisation can significantly reduce project timelines and holding costs, ultimately benefiting both developers and homebuyers.

However, CREDAI is deeply disappointed that the Budget offers nothing concrete for affordable housing. With the current outdated definition of affordable housing, CREDAI estimates that the segment’s share could decline further from 18% to nearly 12% of total housing supply. This is a serious warning sign for India’s lower middle class and middle class. CREDAI believes that affordable housing is not a welfare scheme — it is economic infrastructure. It is a major driver of employment, consumption, and social stability. Rising construction costs and land prices, without corresponding policy support, are pushing developers away from this segment.

If affordable housing supply continues to weaken, the consequences are clear: higher rentals, longer commutes, and growth of informal housing. CREDAI urges the government to give urgent policy attention – Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI National

Union Budget 2026 | Ports and shipping sector gets Rs 5,164.8 crore push

Centre has allocated Rs 5164.8 crore for the ports, shipping, and waterways ministry, raising the FY27 outlay by 48 percent as against the Budget Estimate of Rs 3,470.6 crore of FY26. Further, to promote environmentally sustainable movement of cargo, the Budget 2026 has announced establishment of new Dedicated Freight Corridors connecting Dankuni in the East, to Surat in the West.

Union Budget 2026 News Live: ‘Biopharma Shakti programme will be a key enabler for India’s journey from volume to value leadership’

“The Union Budget 2026 underscores India’s commitment to a structural reform-led economic roadmap, driven by three core ‘kartavyas’ (duties) of sustained growth, fulfilling aspirations, and advancing the vision of inclusive progress. Notably, the pharmaceutical sector was the first to be highlighted in the Finance Minister’s presentation, signalling its strategic importance. The emphasis on biologics and biosimilars is particularly timely, as India is at the cusp of taking a global lead in this space.

The Rs 10,000-crore Biopharma Shakti programme will be a key enabler for India’s journey from volume to value leadership, helping the country move from being a global supplier of quality medicines to becoming a global innovator. Alongside the expansion of the national clinical trials network and strengthening of the CDSCO with specialised scientific review and globally aligned timelines, these initiatives will enhance India’s capacity to develop complex, high-value therapies.

The addition of new NIPERs and the upgrading of existing ones will expand opportunities for advanced scientific education and skills development, building the talent pipeline essential for innovation-led growth. Recognising the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, the budget also provides direct relief for patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and medicines, and extending import duty exemptions to seven additional rare diseases. Combined with regulatory simplification through central–state coordination, these measures are set to strengthen India’s biopharma ecosystem while ensuring patients in India and across the world continue to have access to affordable, high-quality medicines. We look forward to studying the detailed budget to further understand its impact on the pharmaceutical sector.” – Satish Reddy, Chairman, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited

Union Budget 2026 News Live: ‘Union Budget makes a decisive investment in India’s health and innovation future’

“By placing biopharma among the seven strategic frontier sectors and launching Biopharma Shakti with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over five years, the Union Budget makes a decisive investment in India’s health and innovation future. As India’s disease burden shifts toward cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders, biologics and biosimilars will be central to improving longevity and quality of life. This initiative—spanning manufacturing scale-up, global-grade regulation, new NIPER institutions and a nationwide clinical trials network—can firmly position India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub.” -Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson , Biocon Group

Union Budget 2026 News Live: This budget is roadmap for 2047 Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi

“This Budget is a roadmap for the future and gives new energy to the Reform Express,” Prime Minister Modi said. He added that the Budget focuses on controlling inflation.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Key takeaways from this year’s Budget

Tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud providers using Indian data centers for global customers. To quality, they must provide it through an Indian reseller entity.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 launched with a major incentive expansion for electronics component manufacturing scheme

Government ups semiconductor spending to Rs 8,000 crore for FY2026-27, from Rs 4,300 crore

MeitY outlay raised to Rs 21,633 crore for FY2026-27, from Rs 20,232.95 crore

Budget 2026 proposes to setup high-powered committee to recommend measures on the services sector

Govt proposes safe harbour margin of 15.5% for IT sector; expands threshold from Rs 300 crore to Rs 2000 crore

Cutting-edge technologies, including AI applications, can serve as growth multipliers.

Setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges.

The consolidation of software development, IT‑enabled services, KPO and contract R&D into a single ‘IT Services’ category

Capital gains tax on buybacks: Budget adds extra levy on promoters to curb misuse

In a move to protect minority shareholders and curb tax arbitrage by promoters, the Finance Minister has proposed a major overhaul of the taxation framework governing share buybacks. Addressing Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that buybacks will be taxed as capital gains for all categories of shareholders. To discourage misuse of tax arbitrage, promoters will be subject to an additional buyback tax, raising the effective tax rate to 22% for corporate promoters and 30% for non-corporate promoters.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: 10 growth levers for consumption

•Customs duty exemptions on cancer drugs and rare disease treatments

•Duty on personal imports halved to 10%,  reduces landed costs of gadgets, electronics, fashion and lifestyle products.

•Tax Collected at Source reduced to 2 per cent from 20 per cent for foreign tour packages

•Duty exceptions on parts imported for Microwave Oven, potentially reducing the prices

• Simplified nil/lower TDS deduction certificates for small taxpayers (e.g., on investments/securities) to minimise upfront withholding.

•TCS cut from 5% to 2%, providing substantial relief to parents funding overseas studies or treatments

•Targeted measures for rural entrepreneurship and productivity to boost farm income, thereby spur rural consumption.

•Push to domestic manufacturing, skilling and more job creation.

•Exemption of interest on Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACT) compensation.

•Single Form 15G/15H filing, one-time submission to depositories to avoid excess TDS on interest and dividends.

Budget 2026 cuts TCS on overseas education remittances above Rs 10 lakh from 5% to 2%

The Union Budget 2026 has reduced the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on outward remittances for medical and education purposes under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) from 5 percent to 2 percent. TCS on self-funded overseas education remittances, earlier levied at 5 percent on amounts exceeding Rs 10 lakh a year, has now been reduced to 2 percent.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Positive takeaway from the fine print

Overall defence expenditure up 10% in FY27 with revenue expenditure up 3.5%, but defence capital expenditure up 17% – positive for all defence stocks Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Big numbers

Budget Estimates (BE) 2026–27

Total Expenditure:

Rs 53.47315 trillion

Total Capital Expenditure:

Rs 12.21821 trillion

Effective Capital Expenditure:

Rs 17.14523 trillion

FY27 nominal GDP estimated at 10 percent

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Five Key Takeaways: Budget Impact on Markets

1) STT hike on F&O to 0.5% dents sentiment and threatens to further shrink already falling trading volumes.

2) Capex raised 8% to ₹12.2 lakh crore supports infrastructure, industrials and order pipeline visibility.

3) Policy push toward semiconductors, rare earths, biosimilars and clean tech aims to reposition India as a future-growth story. Stock specific gains already visible in day’s trade

4) Fiscal deficit targets met at 44.4% for FY26, 4.3% for FY27e. Slightly higher borrowing could keep bond markets on edge

5) Buybacks now attract capital gains tax: corporate promoters at 22% and non-corporate shareholders at up to 30%, ending tax arbitrage with dividends

6) PROI equity ownership limits doubled, with individual caps raised to 10% from 5% and aggregate overseas retail holding expanded to 24% from 10%. No immediate impact on flows, but positive overall

Budget 2026 | No changes in income tax slabs; exemption limit kept unchanged

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of measures on February 1, 2026, but kept income tax slabs unchanged for the coming financial year. While this provides continuity and stability in the tax structure, it offers no fresh relief for individual taxpayers. The basic exemption limit has also been retained at existing levels, with no increase announced in this year’s Budget. Under the revised tax regime for FY 2025-26, salaried individuals below 60 years of age will not pay any tax on income up to Rs 4 lakh. Income between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh will be taxed at 5 percent, Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh at 10 percent, Rs 12 lakh to Rs 16 lakh at 15 percent, Rs 16 lakh to Rs 20 lakh at 20 percent, Rs 20 lakh to Rs 24 lakh at 25 percent, and income above Rs 24 lakh at 30 percent. The standard deduction for salaried employees has been increased to Rs 75,000. In addition, a rebate under Section 87A will continue to be available for net taxable income up to Rs 12 lakh, effectively making such income fully tax-free.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FY27 defence spending rises to Rs 5.94 lakh crore

Defence expenditure in FY27 has been pegged at Rs 5.94 lakh crore, up from Rs 5.68 lakh crore in FY26. Defence capital expenditure has increased 21% year-on-year, with the allocation for defence modernisation seeing a sharper 24% rise over last year.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Major changes to Corporate Income Tax framework likely to impact earnings

Major changes to Corporate Income Tax framework, likely to impact earnings of companies in the old tax regime.

–Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) will be a final tax, meaning it cannot be set off against future tax liability.

–However, MAT rate to come down to 14% from 15%

–Carry-forward credit till March 31 can be set off only if companies shift to new tax regime. But such a shift will entail giving up tax exemptions and deductions, implying an increase in the net tax payable

–Will affect companies still in the old tax regime and with significant carry-forward MAT credit, typically old economy companies with a capital-intensive nature of business — Ravi Ananthanarayanan, Executive Editor – MC Pro

FY27 disinvestment set at Rs 80000 crore

FY27 disinvestment set at Rs 80000 crore

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Nifty PSU Bank index down 3.93%.

PSU bank stocks have taken the news of setting up of a high level committee to review state owned banks as a positive step. Is this the sign of another wave of consolidation, going by the adverse stock reaction? — Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM on Customs Advance Rulings

FM extends Validity period of Customs Advance Rulings from 3 to 5 years

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Measures to boost tourism

Government has announced measures to boost tourism such as development of heritage & cultural sites, announcement of Global Big cat summit which would see visit of state authorities from 95 countries, trekking & hiking experiences as well as training for tourist guides for 20 iconic locations. This would enhance tourism and is positive for hotel companies like Lemon Tree Hotels, SAMHI Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels, Indian Hotels Company, ITC Hotels, EIH Limited as well as tourism related stocks like Safari Industries, VIP Industries, IRCTC – Bharat Gianani, Research Analyst, Moneycontrol Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Knee jerk reaction on STT increase

Knee jerk reaction on STT increase. No mention of defence was also unexpected although overall capex growth is positive. Fine print becomes key -Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Allowing persons resident outside India to increase equity investments is a timely positive move

PROI equity investment limit increased from 5% to 10% under Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) in listed Indian equities.

The aggregate investment limit for all individual PROIs in a listed company increased from 10% to 24%.

Allowing persons resident outside India (PROI) to increase equity investments is a timely positive move, especially when FII inflows are at their weakest.

This will improve sentiments, liquidity and can increase trading activities

Key beneficiaries – BSE, NSDL, CDSL, Wealth companies like 360 ONE Wealth — Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Export oriented sectors get a boost

Export oriented sectors such as leather, seafood exports, critical minerals, bio gas blended CNG, civil and defence aviation, electronics   get a boost through duty rationalisation. Electronics gets exemption of basic custom duty for components of microwave ovens.   Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Budget 2026-27 focusses on rationalisation of custom duties

Budget 2026-27 focusses on rationalization of custom duties, ease of processes, decriminalization with special focus on tariff impacted sectors. Increases Cap ex to Rs 12.10 lakh cr, hikes STT on futures and borrowings – Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Under threat from US tariffs, FM gives duty exemptions to farmers on fish catch

Under threat from US tariffs, FM gives duty exemptions to farmers on fish catch. Shrimps and prawns exports to US saw a steep drop after tariffs

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Market in red

Sensex plunged 725 points while Nifty below 25,100 with all sectors trading in red with metals, capital goods, real estate stocks falling the most.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM announces to exempt duty on 17 cancer drugs

MAT to be final tax, no further MAT credit from April 1, 2026; MAT rate reduced from 15% to 14%

Exemption of BCD on parts of microwave ovens

Reduce tariff rate on personal goods imports  from 20% to 10%: FM

FM: Exempt duty on 17 cancer drugs

FM proposes to exempt basic customs duty on components and parts required for the manufacturer of civil training and other aircraftFebruary 01, 2026· 12:22 IST

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Market reacts

Nifty capital Market Index down 7% on hike on STT on futures. Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Increase in STT will impact trading volumes

Increase in STT will impact trading volumes at a time retail interest in markets is already waning and trading volumes is lower by 30% since peak- N Mahalakshmi, Senior Consulting Editor

Tax holiday for foreign cloud companies aimed at encouraging large-scale data-centre investments in India

The finance minister announced a proposal to offer a long-term tax holiday for foreign cloud companies that provide services to global customers through Indian resellers. The move is aimed at encouraging large-scale data-centre investments in India and strengthening the domestic cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem. Indian companies across the value chain—including Adani Group, Tata Consultancy Services and Anant Raj—could benefit, alongside firms in power, real estate, fibre networks and cooling infrastructure. – Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor, Moneycontrol

Treatment of buyback as capital gains for minority shareholders is positive for cash rich IT service companies

Treatment of buyback as capital gains for minority shareholders is positive for cash rich IT service companies like TCS, Infosys, HCL, Wipro – Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: TCS decision reflects more taxpayer-friendly approach

The government’s decision to cut the TCS rate on outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for medical and education purposes from 5 per cent to 2 per cent is a timely relief that eases the financial burden on students and families seeking treatment or education abroad, especially at a time of rising global costs. This proposal not only improves liquidity for genuine personal needs but also reflects a more taxpayer-friendly approach without diluting the objective of monitoring cross-border fund flows.  – Kunal Savani, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: STT on futures raised to 0.05%, capital market stocks down sharply

BSE, Angel One shares fall up to 10% as FM Sitharaman raises STT on Futures to 0.05% from 0.02%

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Tax holiday till 2047 for any global co providing cloud services to global clients using Indian data centres

FM proposes provide to provide tax holiday till 2047 to any foreign company that provides cloud services to customers globally by using data center services. However, it will need to provide services to Indian customers through an Indian reseller entity.

IT services companies who want to conclude advance pricing agreement process for IT services and endeavor to conclude it within a period of two years

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Increased focus on decriminalisation

Increased focus on decriminalization, a six month foreign asset disclosure scheme for tax payers, opportunity to update returns. –Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Centre to borrow Rs 11.7 lakh crore in FY27 from dated securities to fund its fiscal deficit

Budget 2026 Live: Govt to borrow Rs 11.7 lakh crore in FY27 from dated securities to fund its fiscal deficit

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: What FM said on misreporting of income

Misreporting of income will attract a penalty equal to 100% of the tax amount – Teena Jain Kaushal, PF Editor, Moneycontrol

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Bond yields may climb on Monday

Gross market borrowing for FY27 is pegged at Rs 17.2 lakh crore, far higher than what market feared. Bond yields may climb on Monday and the RBI will be pushed to become a big buyer for another year – Aparna Iyer, Deputy Editor, MC Pro

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Sharp uptick in gross borrowing

Gross borrowing for FY27 proposed at Rs 17.2 trillion compared to compared to Rs 14.8 trillion in FY26. Net borrowing for FY27 pegged at Rs 11.7 trillion, a small uptick from Rs 11.2 trillion in FY26 — Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM introduces 6-month foreign asset disclosure scheme for tax payers

FM introduces 6-month foreign asset disclosure scheme for tax payers

FM proposes that the deadline for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 will continue to be July 31

TCS on medical and education reduced from 5% to 2%

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Capex increase signals continuity in public investment as private capex recovery remains uneven

The Union Budget keeps capital expenditure at the centre of the government’s economic strategy, with the outlay raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore from ₹11.21 lakh crore last year. The increase signals continuity in public investment as private capex recovery remains uneven. The budget outlines spending across transport, railways, energy and manufacturing, including proposals for high-speed rail corridors, continued support for the semiconductor mission, dedicated chemical parks and measures to secure supply chains for critical minerals. Incentives for the power sector are positioned to support rising demand from data centres and technology-led industries. Steps to recycle assets of central public sector enterprises through REITs and to strengthen the corporate bond market through a market-making framework are aimed at improving capital mobilisation and market liquidity. – Deborshi Chaki National Corporate Editor Moneycontrol

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Capex growth positive for infra

Capex growth 10.9% for FY27, positive for infrastructure sector and better than market expectations

Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM announces comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961

FM announces a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961. This was completed in the record time and the income tax Act 2025 will come into effect from April 2026. The simple income tax forms will be notified shortly — Teena Jain Kaushal, PF Editor, Moneycontrol

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: TCS rate on overseas tour package reduced from 5-20% to 2%

TCS rate on overseas tour package reduced from 5-20% to 2%

TDS on LRS for purpose of education reduce

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Fiscal deficit retained at 4.3% of GDP for FY27

Finance Minister sets debt to GDP ratio for FY27 at 55.6 percent in Budget

Fiscal Deficit for FY27 slightly above market expectations

Gross market borrowing estimated at 17.2 lakh cr, higher than estimates

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Govt has accepted recommendation of 16th Finance Commission

FM says govt has accepted recommendation of 16th Finance Commission to retain vertical share of devolution at 41%

Have provided Rs 1.4lakh cr to states for FY27 as per Finance Commission recommendations

Govt has accepted recommendation to retain 41% share for states; Rs 1.4 lakh crore for states in FY27 as SFC grants

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Markets were trading in red

Markets were trading in red with Sensex falling 500 points from day’s high and Nifty hovering near the 25,300-mark. Barring pharma, auto all other sectors were trading in red.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM announces to introduce She-Mark for women entrepreneurs

Introduce She-Mark for women entrepreneurs to help access to credit linked products and innovative financial instruments

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: I propose to support artificial limbs manufacturing corporation of India, says FM

I propose to support artificial limbs manufacturing corporation of India, as input to set up and to scale up production of assisted devices, invest in R&D and AI

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Stocks to watch: Aarti, Balaji Amines, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Atul industries

Given European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mandate, Budget’s allocation of Rs 20,000 crore over five years for carbon capture to make export of Steel, Chemicals competitive in Europe. Stocks to watch: Aarti, Balaji Amines, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Atul industries –

Anubhav Sahu, Lead Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Boost to tourism

National Institute of Hospitality to bridge gap between academia, industry and govt. Other announcements include upskilling guides, enhance trekking experience in some states, Turtle trail, Birdwatching trail and 15 archaeological sites. Positive for IRCTC, OTAs like ixigo and hotel stocks. Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Khelo India mission to be launched, says FM

FM proposes to develop 15 archeological sites including Sarnath and Hastinapur into vibrant, cultural destinations

FM: Digital knowledge Grid will be established to document all places of significance, will create new ecosystem of jobs for local researchers, historians and technology partners

Khelo India mission to be launched: FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Govt is willing to look beyond incremental tweaks

FM’s proposal to set up a high-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat signals that the government is willing to look beyond incremental tweaks and examine whether India’s banking architecture is fit for the next phase of growth. If taken seriously, this could reopen questions around PSB roles, governance, capital structure and the flow of long-term credit. Much, however, will depend on the details of how the exercise is structured. — Dinesh Unnikrishnan — Editor, Banking & Finance, MC Pro

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: One girls hostel in every district, says FM

Loan linked capital subsidy support scheme for vet colleges: FM

EMS stocks gain on 40,000 cr outlay for Electronic component scheme – show stocks pls

FM announces to create 1 lakh Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in 10 disciplines like optometry, radiology, , anaesthesia…over the next five years

FM announces to create 1.5 lakh care givers for geriatric and NSQF aligned programs

One girls hostel in every district: FM

FM proposes to document all places of spiritual and heritage importance

Increase in overall investment limit for Persons of Indian Origin from 10% to 24% aims to trigger foreign portfolio flows

Increase in overall investment limit for Persons of Indian Origin from 10% to 24% aims to trigger foreign portfolio flows at a time foreign investment interest in India is weak. Should help aid flows when market sentiment turns positive, and currency depreciation fears recede – N Mahalakshmi, Senior Consulting Edito

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Why Budget announcement bodes well for Container Corp

The Union Budget 2026 emphasis on boosting port and rail connectivity through enhanced infrastructure development with a capital outlay of RS 10, 000 crore over the next 5 years, bodes well for Container Corp (Concor) – Lekha Badlani, Research Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Budget 2026 focuses on textile expansion, employment schemes

Budget 2026 focuses on textile expansion, employment schemes, Samarth 2.0 skilling, mega textile parks and Khadi support, benefiting companies like KPR Mill, Vardhman Textiles, Welspun Living, Trident, and Raymond. — Varsha Bang, Research Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Carbon mitigation is a key ESG factor for steel companies

Carbon mitigation is a key ESG factor for steel companies, such as Tata Steel, JSW Steel. A Rs 20000 crore allocation for such projects over 5 years should benefit these companies’ efforts to mitigate carbon emissions, through various methods including carbon capture systems — Ravi Ananthanarayanan, Executive Editor – MC Pro

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Focus on CCUS recognises structural realities of heavy industry

The proposal to accelerate readiness for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) across hard-to-abate sectors such as power, steel, refineries and chemicals, backed by an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore, signals a pragmatic shift in India’s decarbonisation strategy. Rather than relying only on renewables, the focus on CCUS recognises the structural realities of heavy industry. If implemented effectively, this could help Indian companies lower emissions, stay globally competitive and meet tightening climate norms without disrupting growth or energy security. — Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: MSME/SME boost

Union Budget for FY27 proposes Rs 10,000 crore SME fund. Mid-sized and smaller banks to benefit. Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Standing Committee to recommend measures that focus on services sector towards Viksit Bharat

FM: Government has decided to place a renewed emphasis on the service sector to provide a pathway to fulfilling aspirations of a youthful India. FM proposes to set up a high powered education to employment Standing Committee to recommend measures that focus on services sector towards Viksit Bharat

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM on artificial intelligence

Sitharaman proposes to set a high-powered education to employment and enterprise innovation standing committee to recommend measure that focus on services sector

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Close to 25 crore people have come out of multidimensional poverty, says FM

FM: Close to 25 crore people have come out of multidimensional poverty due to the government’s efforts over a decade

FM: The government has taken several steps to promote emerging technologies through National Quantum Mission and so on

FM proposes high powered education to employment standing committee to suggest measures on services sector

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Focus on rare earth corridor

RARE EARTH MINERAL CORRIDOR: Announcement of a new corridor across Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Impact: POSITIVE for Midhani and Vedanta. This signals a dedicated logistics and processing push for high-value minerals used in defense and aerospace. – Jitendra Kumar Gupta, Research Analyst

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Why mega textile parks announcement matters

The finance minister said mega textile parks will be set up to enhance scale, efficiency and competitiveness in the sector. The move gains added significance with the India–EU free trade agreement in place, which is expected to improve market access for Indian textile and apparel exporters. Together, these measures could help domestic manufacturers integrate more deeply into global supply chains, lower logistics costs and strengthen India’s position as a competitive sourcing hub – Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Ninth budget of FM Sitharaman places emphasis on cutting-edge sectors

Ninth budget of FM Sitharaman places emphasis on cutting-edge sectors such as semi-conductors, rare earth minerals, biopharma. Setting up mega textile parks, support for MSMEs. – Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Finance minister said India will sharpen its focus on the semiconductor mission

The finance minister said India will sharpen its focus on the semiconductor mission, with an emphasis on building domestic capital-goods capabilities and creating an independent supply chain. Mineral-rich states such as Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala will be key to securing access to rare earth resources. The government also announced plans for three dedicated chemical parks, a move expected to support downstream manufacturing. These measures are seen as positive for companies such as Tata Electronics, CG Power and others across the electronics and industrial ecosystem. – Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM on municipal bonds

Sitharaman proposes an incentive of Rs 100 crore for a single bond issuance of more than Rs 1,000 crore

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM proposes to introduce total return swaps on corporate bonds

FM proposes a review of FEMA rules to create a more contemporary use of the framework for foreign investments

FM proposes to introduce total return swaps on corporate bonds

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM proposes tp restructure Power Finance Corp and rural electrification corp

FM proposes setting up a high level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat to review the banking sector and align it with India’s next phase of growth

Propose to restructure PFC, REC

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: FM proposes developing seven high speed rail corridors between cities – Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Chennai, Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Siliguri

FM: Carbon capture utilization and storage technologies will achieve higher readiness and an end use application across five industrial sectors, including power, steel, cement, refineries and chemicals. An outlay of Rs 20,000 crore is proposed over the next five years

FM proposes developing seven high speed rail corridors between cities – Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Chennai, Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Siliguri

Banking sector is characterised by strong balance sheet, improved asset quality and coverage exceeding 98% of villages in India: FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Global biopharma hub is positive for the generic and CDMO players

Rs 10,000 crore scheme for five years to develop India as a global biopharma hub is positive for the generic and CDMO players active in the field of biosimilars. Stocks to watch: Biocon, Cipla, Zydus, Sun Pharma, Syngene, Sai Life.  Anubhav Sahu, Lead Analyst Moneycontrol Research

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Poll bound states TN, Kerala get rare earth corridors

Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy: FM begins her address with emphasis on macro economic stability. Highlights low inflation, growth and prudence. Emphasizes that this budget will be a yuva shakti budget.

Shweta  Punj, Editor, Policy: Budget focused on reform, ease of doing business, MSMEs, rejuvenating traditional businesses, developing city economic  regions.

Shweta Punj, Editor, Policy – Poll bound states TN, Kerala get rare earth corridors.

Nirmala Sitharaman Budget Speech Live: Capex to be increased to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, announces FM

Capex to be increased to Rs 12.2 lakh crore

Capex allocation to continue momentum in infrastructure spending

FM proposes infrastructure risk guarantee fund for credit guarantee for lenders

To establish new dedicated freight corridors

Propose to recycle assets of CPSE by setting up dedicated REITs

FM proposes to operationalise 20 new waterways starting with one in Odisha

Public capital expenditure has increased manifold, from Rs two lakh crore in 2014-15 to an allocation of Rs 11.2 lakh crore in BE 25-26. In this coming year, that is financial year 2026-27 Budget proposes to increase it to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, to continue the momentum

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund to create champions among MSMEs, says FM

Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund to create champions among MSMEs: FM

FM proposes a three-pronged approach to help MSMEs grow – equity support via MSME growth fund

FM also proposes to top up self-reliant Indian Fund with Rs 2,000 crore

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Rejuvenation of 200 legacy industrial clusters: FM

FM: India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for sports goods

Rejuvenation of 200 legacy industrial clusters: FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: FM proposes scheme to strengthen khadi and handicrafts textiles

FM announces textile labour incentive scheme and national handloom and handicrafts programme in Budget

FM proposes setting up mega textile parks in challenge mode

FM proposes scheme to strengthen khadi and handicrafts textiles

Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to be launched: FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Propose scheme for container manufacturing

FM: A scheme for enhancement of construction and infrastructure equipment, will be introduced to strengthen domestic manufacturing of high value and technologically advanced CIE.

Container manufacturing scheme with Rs 10,000 crore over 5 years

FM proposes an integrated plan for labour intensive sector of textiles

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: A scheme for enhancement of construction and infra equipment, says FM

Scheme for manufacture of infra and construction equipment to be introduced

Scheme for enhancement of construction and infrastructure equipment to boost domestic manufacturing

A scheme for enhancement of construction and infra equipment: FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Electronic Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay increased to Rs 40,000 crore

FM: I propose Bio Pharma Shakti with a proposal of Rs 10,000 crore for next 5 years

FM: Electronic Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay increased to Rs 40,000 crore

Rare earth permanent scheme, Tamil Nadu to be supported for rare earth corridor among other states: FM

Propose to support Orissa Kerala Andhra Tamil Nadu to establish critical mineral corridors

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Scale up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors, create champion MSMEs, deliver powerful push to infra, says FM

Reform express: Our government has undertaken comprehensive reforms towards creating employment, boosting productivity and accelerating growth, says FM

To accelerate economic growth–scale up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors, create champion MSMEs, deliver powerful push to infra

Over 350 reforms have been rolled out; reforms express is well on its way: FM Sitharaman

First kartavya: Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors, says FM

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: Cutting edge technologies, including AI, can serve as growth multipliers, says FM

We are inspired by three kartavya: accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfill aspirations of people and build capacity and third is to ensure that every family community region has access to resources: FM

Requirement to sustain the momentum of structural reforms

The first requirement is to sustain the moment of momentum of structural reforms, continuous, adaptive and forward looking.

Cutting edge technologies, including AI, can serve as growth multipliers

Over 350 reforms have been rolled out; reforms express is well on its way

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: We have made substantial strides in poverty reduction, says FM

India will continue to take confident steps towards viksit bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion. As a growing economy with expanding trade and capital needs, India must also remain deeply integrated with global markets

We have maintained fiscal prudence and monetary stability whilst maintaining a strong thrust on public investments

India must deeply integrated with global markets exporting more and attracting foreign investment

New technologies enhancing production but sharply increaing demand on water and energy

We have made substantial strides in poverty reduction

This government led by PM Modi has chosen action over ambivalence, reforms over rhetoric and people over populism

Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Live: FM presents 9th consecutive budget

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman takes the floor to present 9th consecutive budget.

Budget 2026 Live: Key officials shaping the Union Budget for 1.47 billion Indians

The Union Budget is shaped by a small group of key decision-makers led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, supported by senior bureaucrats across departments in the Ministry of Finance. Together, they play a central role in framing policies that impact more than 1.47 billion Indians.

Anuradha Thakur – Economic Affairs Secretary

Arvind Shrivastava – Revenue Secretary

Vumlunmang Vualnam – Expenditure Secretary

M Nagaraju – Financial Services Secretary

Arunish Chawla – Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)

K Moses Chalai – Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises

V Anantha Nageswaran – Chief Economic Adviser

Budget 2026 Live: What next on privatisation and bank mergers

Around mid-2025, word around another wave of bank mergers  of resurfaced, but quickly to be clarified that nothing is in the immediate anvil. Will the budget provide clarity on this front? What next on IDBI Bank divestment will it definitely conclude in FY26? Investors will watch out for guidance on this front. — Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI

Budget 2026 Live: Beyond tax relief, market participants are anticipating announcements that could catalyse a capital expenditure boom

As investors await the upcoming budget, one of their primary hopes centres on tax relief for market participants. A reduction in trading-related levies—particularly capital gains tax and the Securities Transaction Tax—would significantly lower trading costs and likely trigger a positive response from Indian markets. This expectation carries added weight given that Indian equities have been among the poorest performers relative to other leading global markets.

Beyond tax relief, market participants are anticipating announcements that could catalyse a capital expenditure boom. Such measures, combined with incentives designed to attract foreign investors back to Indian shores, would serve a dual purpose: reviving market sentiment while helping stem the rupee’s recent decline. — Shishir Asthana, Senior Editor

Budget 2026 Live: Will the Disinvestment target be realistic for FY27?

The Economic Survey released earlier this week advocates cutting government ownership in most public sector enterprises (PSU) to 26%. Yet, despite ambitious targets and initial momentum, India’s disinvestment programme has disappointed—proceeds have consistently fallen well short of budget estimates since FY20, and the government has steadily tempered its ambitions. — Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Budget 2026 Live: Any mention of easing FDI norms in banking sector could pave way for more foreign capital into the sector

Any mention of easing FDI norms in banking sector could pave way for more foreign capital into the sector. Voting right rigidly capped at 26% has been a ticklish issue for foreign investors. While two major transactions have happened in the banking sector namely SMBC – Yes Bank & Emirates NBD – RBL Bank, even a mention of commitment to ease norms on this front could go a long way on bolstering the flow of foreign capital into India’s banking sector – Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI

Budget 2026 Live: What will FM say on securing supply chains for critical minerals

As Indian companies look to move up the value chain in sectors such as AI and semiconductors, they will closely watch what the finance minister has to say on securing supply chains for critical minerals, including rare earth metals, copper and silver. Another key factor will be incentives for the power sector, which is critical to data centres and the ongoing AI boom — Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor

Budget 2026 Live: Rising interest bill tightens Budget room to manoeuvre

One of the Budget’s tightest constraints remains interest payments. In 2025–26, they account for about a quarter of total expenditure and nearly 37 per cent of revenue receipts–meaning over a third of every rupee earned goes to servicing past debt. This is not a one-year issue but a post-pandemic structural shift, driven by higher borrowings, costlier small savings, and elevated interest rates. While it doesn’t signal a fiscal crisis, it sharply limits room for fresh spending, often forcing trade-offs between capital outlay and welfare. Until the interest burden stabilises, Budget choices will be more about managing constraints than expanding ambition. — Dinesh Unnikrishnan-Editor, Banking & Finance-MC Pro

Budget 2026 Live: Focus on healthcare sector

The Government of India’s spending on healthcare gained pace after COVID pandemic. There is an upsurge in capital spending by private hospitals as well. Listed and large private hospitals are estimated to add 30,000 to 35,000 hospital beds over the next five years. However, India’s healthcare delivery capacity, measured through hospital bed density, is significantly lower than global standards. Notably, hospital bed capacity addition remains lower than the requirement in non-metro cities and towns. A focused policy to accelerate hospital bed capacity in both the public and private sectors will be helpful. – R Sree Ram, News Editor, MC Pro

Budget 2026 Live: Equity markets are not looking for big bang reforms

Equity markets are not looking for big bang reforms or large fiscal sops and would feel comfortable with a Budget adhering to fiscal discipline and keeping a focus on targeted sectors to fire the growth engine and support employment. The focus will be on qualitative announcements that will take the reform agenda forward. What could perhaps excite markets is any tweak to capital gains which is a low probability event. Nevertheless, what should come as music to the years of Indian investors is the market’s relatively attractive valuation. At 19.8x one-year forward earnings, the valuation is at a discount to the mean and median valuation of the market on the eve of the budget in the past 12 years. This is suggestive of limited downside unless global developments play havoc. – Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research

Budget 2026 Live: ‘If budget shows muted capex growth, sentiment could get hurt further’

A global meltdown in metal prices in recent days, precious and non-ferrous, have hurt sentiment for metal stocks. The BSE Metal index is down 1.9% in early trading. If the budget shows muted capex growth, sentiment could get hurt further. However, a healthy capex allocation could revive sentiment to an extent. Still, global developments will carry more weight in the near term — Ravi Ananthanarayanan, Executive Editor – MC Pro

Budget 2026 Live: For India Inc, focus will be on any potential tweaks in taxation, especially long-term capital gains

For India Inc and foreign and domestic private equity funds, the key focus will be any potential tweaks in taxation, especially long-term capital gains on listed and unlisted companies, as well as on debt securities. Given the current geopolitical environment, many investors are seeking greater tax clarity and possible relaxation to attract long-term capital from both domestic and overseas investors. This, in turn, is seen as critical to spurring the private capex cycle and making capital cheaper and more accessible. — Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor

Budget 2026 Live: Room to focus on capex in Union Budget for FY27

Revenue expenditure is likely to rise from FY28 as the 8th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations on salaries and pensions kick in. As a result, Budget FY27 is expected to prioritise capital expenditure, making the most of the fiscal headroom before rigidities emerge from FY28 onwards. – Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Budget 2026 Live: What will banks get this year?

Over the years, capital infusion for public sector banks has shifted from a fiscal necessity to a conditional option. Between 2015–16 and the early 2020s, the government injected over Rs 3 lakh crore into PSBs. The message from North Block is clear: public banks must fund growth through internal accruals and market borrowings, not repeated calls on the taxpayer. Budget 2026 will test how firmly that stance holds. Credit demand is rising, infrastructure financing needs are large, and PSBs still dominate priority-sector lending. Yet fiscal constraints are tighter, and fresh recapitalisation cheques are unlikely unless stress becomes visible. So, will Budget 2026 offer anything for state-run banks, or will it be a pass this year as well? Let’s wait and watch. – Dinesh Unnikrishnan – Editor, Banking & Finance, MC Pro

Budget 2026 Live: Global business groups may benefit if the FM rolls back on valuation of unlisted shares in case of capital gains tax

A few large conglomerates and global business groups may benefit if the FM rolls back on valuation of unlisted shares in case of capital gains tax. An amendment a few years back made it ineffective for deals to go through on the unlisted space as shares had to valued as per market value guidelines. Earlier shares could be valued at face value for computation of sale consideration and resultant capital gains. There has been representation to reverse back to old methodology of valuing shares of unlisted companies at face value. Will the representation be taken up by the FM? — Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI

Budget 2026 Live: Shift to debt-to-GDP ratio as fiscal anchor is critical

The shift to debt-to-GDP ratio as fiscal anchor is critical. This year’s budget marks the beginning of a new cycle of Finance Commission recommendations on resource sharing at the federal level. The manner in which budget weaves in the recommendations to transfer resources to states will have a far-reaching implication for medium-term growth as a sound balance sheet at the level of states makes the last mile difference to Centre’s capex impact. — Sanjiv Shankaran, Senior Editor- Opinion

Budget 2026 Live: Cabinet approves Union Budget 2026 – Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech shortly

The Modi Cabinet has approved the Union Budget. All eyes are on Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech that begins at 11 am.

Budget 2026 Live: Union Budget 2026 can help lay a long-term roadmap for reforms

Recent updates from the Ministry of Power and related entities show a remarkable progress in India’s power sector in the last decade. Power deficit has narrowed and transmission & distribution losses decreased significantly. However, tariffs, notably for the manufacturing sector, are high. This hurts their competitiveness. Poor financial and distribution practices are adding unnecessary costs to power tariffs. The government aims to bring in more competition in power distribution and improve finances of power distribution companies. Union Budget 2026 can help lay a long-term roadmap for reforms. — R Sree Ram, News Editor, MC Pro

Union Budget 2026 Live: Shashi Tharoor keen to see Budget benefits for poll-bound Kerala

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27 presentation, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said he is keenly watching what the Centre announces for Kerala, which is set to go to Assembly elections later this year. Speaking to reporters, Tharoor flagged concerns around unemployment, stressing that economic growth must translate into jobs. “The Economic Survey shows good growth numbers, but the key question for young people is whether this growth will be accompanied by employment. Jobless growth does not help anyone,” he said. Tharoor added that he would wait for the Budget details before offering further comment. “We are anxious to see what kind of schemes the government has in mind. With elections approaching in Kerala, we are keen to see what benefits the Centre might extend. Until the Budget is presented, it is difficult to say more,” he said.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Challenge is balancing fiscal discipline, inflation risks and global uncertainty

The Union Budget will be keenly watched for whether it can sustain the recovery in consumer demand and discretionary spending. The previous budget reduced income tax slabs and the government later rationalised select GST rates to increase disposable income and boost household sentiment. This time, the challenge is balancing fiscal discipline, inflation risks and global uncertainty while keeping confidence intact. Its impact will be judged by whether consumption growth remains durable. Markets and companies will track signals closely in the months ahead for earnings visibility and investment plans. — Deborshi Chaki, National Corporate Editor, Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: Is there more room for a stimulus in the budget

Rural demand continues to be the main driver of mass consumption demand, with urban showing a gradual recovery. With income tax cuts and GST rate cuts already done, is there more room for a stimulus in the budget? Will rural demand get more support through measures for the farm sector? The market seems optimistic, BSE FMCG Index up 1.1%, Nifty Consumption up 1% in early trading — Ravi Ananthanarayanan, Executive Editor – MC Pro

Union Budget 2026 Live: Low expectations from Budget 2026, says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

On Union Budget 2026, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she did not have high expectations, adding, “Let’s see.”

Union Budget 2026 Live: Budget 2026 should be a growth roadmap, not just numbers: IMC co-chairman

Budget 2026 Live: On Union Budget 2026 expectations, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Co-Chairman Saurabh Shah said that the Budget should go beyond fiscal arithmetic and serve as a clear roadmap for India’s economic growth. He called for rationalisation of personal income tax slabs to provide relief to the middle class, along with incentives for startups, MSMEs and technology-driven entrepreneurs. Shah also stressed the need for better coordination on compliances and regulations between state and central governments to improve ease of doing business at the ground level. Such synchronisation, he said, would help attract foreign businesses to India while enabling domestic enterprises to expand.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Rural tourism expert highlights infrastructure, skill development in Budget expectations

Budget 2026 Live: On Union Budget expectations, Raj Basu, Advisor for Rural Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “If we look at Siliguri, we can see the upgrades at Bagdogra Airport, the expanding road network, and the New Jalpaiguri railway line under construction. Connectivity and infrastructure are being addressed. Owner- and entrepreneurship-based skill development should be a priority. However, the Budget shows very little allocation for rural areas. There is, however, a strong focus on border tourism, which is very important.”

Banks are expecting that the budget will put more money in the hands of farmers

For banks, default rates in Agri loans is steadily increasing. Priority sector has been a pain point for the sector. There have been demand to ease some of the norms on PSL. While that could fall in the RBI’s purview, banks are expecting that the budget will put more money in the hands of farmers like it did last year. – Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI, Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: Helping hand to farmers

Amid all the number crunching, rural India will keep a close eye on whether finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman offers farmers, battling reduced pricing power, something to cheer about.

There is expectation that she will increase the direct cash payout under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi  PM-KISAN) from Rs 6,000. About 120 million farmers owning up to two hectares of land are eligible for the scheme, launched seven years to the date in the Interim Budget in 2019.

Farmers now get in three equal instalments of  Rs 2,000.

The scheme cost Rs 63,000 crore in 2025-26 (BE).

Farmers remain an important electoral constituency. The Modi government has identified farmers, or “annadata”, as one of the four “Amrit Pillars” of “Viksit Bharat”. — Gaurav Choudhury, Group Consulting Editor, Network 18

Union Budget 2026 Live: Sharp uptick in gross borrowing likely in FY27

G-secs worth Rs 5.47 trillion are set to mature in FY2027, as per the RBI data. This is much higher as compared to previous fiscals.  Gross borrowing is expected to be in the range of Rs 16-17 trillion in FY27 (compared to Rs 14.8 trillion in FY26) because of elevated redemptions. — Neha Dave, Special Analyst

Union Budget 2026 Live: How big are the central government finances relative to India’s GDP?

Total expenditure FY 26 BE 14.2% of GDP

Capex 3.1% of GDP

Net tax revenue 8% of GDP

For comparison:

All states: Total expenditure 19.4% of GDP FY 26 BE

Capex  4.8% of GDP

Of course, the budget is not just the numbers or the fiscal push. It affects the entire economy through policies announced — Manas Chakravarty, Group consulting editor

Union Budget 2026 Live: Known Unknown: Pay Commission

A known unknown in the medium-term fiscal glide path that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lay out in the budget is that of the pay commission payouts to millions of central government employees and pensioners. The 8th pay commission, which was constituted last year, will likely finalise its report in 2026.

The revised salaries, with arrears effective from January 1, 2026, will have both a one-time and perpetual bearing on the government revenue expenditure. This will have to be factored in from 2027 onwards.

The revenue side of the central budget equation will have to rise commensurately to more than offset the swollen this to prevent forcing the government to borrow more to fund its swelling wage bill and any slip up on the debt-to-GDP goals. — Gaurav Choudhury, Group Consulting Editor, Network 18

Union Budget 2026 Live: Financing the deficit

Market borrowings April-December 2025 are up 43.4% y-o-y.

No wonder long-term yields are rising, despite low inflation and rate cuts.

Market borrowings accounted for 82% of total financing in April-December 2025, compared to 54% in same period of 2024. –  Manas Chakravarty, Group consulting editor

Union Budget 2026 Live: Fiscal Consolidation in focus

On the eve of the budget there is good news on Central Government’s fiscal front. The latest data released by the government shows a marked improvement in the fiscal position with the fiscal deficit to GDP ratio declining to 2.4 percent at the end of December 2025 from 2.7 percent reported in the preceding month, thanks to the revenue buoyancy.  Tax revenue that had declined by 3 percent in the April-November 2025 period, showed a YoY growth of 5 percent at the end of December. Revenue expenditure remains in control while government’s heavy lifting on the capex front continues with the capital expenditure showing a YoY growth of 15 percent, exceeding the budget’s target growth of 10 percent. – Madhuchanda Dey, Head of Research, Moneycontrol Pro

Union Budget 2026 Live: Taxpayers are looking for clarity and stability

For Budget 2026, expectations are simple. Taxpayers are looking for clarity and stability. Over the last few years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been steadily pushing the new tax regime, with fewer exemptions, wider slabs and simpler rules. With around 70% of taxpayers already having moved to the new tax regime, Budget announcements are expected to continue in the same direction. — Teena Jain Kaushal, Editor, Personal Finance (AG), Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: Focus will shift from fiscal deficit to debt to GDP ratio

This year the focus will shift from fiscal deficit to debt to GDP ratio.

Given the high interest burden important to reduce debt/GDP

Also, ratings agencies focus on total government debt (centre+states)

So how does India’s government debt (centre plus states) compare with peers? Here’s IMF data:

General govt gross debt: 2025

India:81.4%

Indonesia:40.8%

Malaysia:70.4%

Thailand:64.8%

Vietnam:32%

South Korea: 53.4%

On the other hand,

China:96.3%

Japan:229.6%

US 125% — Manas Chakravarty, Group Consulting Editor

Union Budget 2026 Live: Centre is aiming to steadily reduce its debt

In the Union Budget for FY26, the government signalled a shift in its fiscal framework. From FY27 onwards, fiscal policy will be anchored to a declining debt-to-GDP trajectory, rather than annual fiscal deficit targets. The Centre aims to steadily reduce its debt (as defined under the FRBM) to around 50% ±1% of GDP by March 31, 2031, the final year of the 16th Finance Commission cycle. Neha Dave, Special Analyst — Neha Dave, Special Analyst, Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: As the Budget speech nears, here’s a look at big fiscal numbers

Here’s the fiscal backdrop to the budget, as seen from the April-December 2025 figures:

Gross tax revenues up 8.5% year-on-year

Net tax revenues up 5.2% y-o-y

Revenue receipts up 8.2% y-o-y

Non-tax revenues are 21.8 percent of revenue receipts

Revenue expenditure up 1.8 % y-o-y

Capex up 15% y-o-y

Interest payments 47% of net tax receipts

Interest payments 27% of total expenditure

Major subsidies–food, fertiliser, petroleum–in April-December 2025 up a mere 3.4% y-o-y

Interest payments plus subsidies=36% of total expenditure; 49.6% of revenue receipts and 63% of net tax revenues

Almost half of net tax receipts goes in interest payments.

Points to the urgent need to reduce government debt — Manas Chakravarty, Group Consulting Editor

Union Budget 2026 Live: Ahead of Budget, GST January data is out

Budget 2026 Live:  India’s goods and services tax (GST) collections rose 6.2 percent year-on-year in January to Rs 1.93 lakh crore: Sources

Union Budget 2026 Live: PM Modi reaches Parliament

Budget 2026 Live: Ahead of the Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Parliament.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Budget could set path for India’s AI journey

The government, quietly, behind the scenes, has moved its focus from large language models to applications, datasets and domestic AI infrastructure. If that thinking finds reflection in today’s Budget, it could set the path for India’s AI journey ahead of the Impact Summit. While all the programmes under the India AI Mission has so far allocated Rs 10,000 crore, it needs a lot more to take on the massive private funding that propelled innovation in the US and China. — Chandra R Srikanth, Executive Editor- technology and startups, Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: An AI and Tech Budget?

Budget 2026 News Live: With the India AI impact summit just a fortnight away, expect announcements around investments in artificial intelligence and deep tech. There was already a hint of this with the government preparing to launch an India AI mission 2.0. The government’s recent push for sector-specific AI models, expanded public datasets and private participation in AI infrastructure suggests the Budget could build on the groundwork that Centre has done previously in the form of IndiaAI Mission, with a focus on compute access, skilling and so on. — Chandra R Srikanth, Executive Editor- technology and startups, Moneycontrol

Union Budget 2026 Live: Will bank deposits be given the much-needed tax relief?

SBI chief argued on Saturday at the launch of it’s CoE that equities do not require any tax handholding given how they have matured as a asset class. He bats for parity of treatment in equities and bank deposits. This had been a long standing demand of the banking industry, especially in the last three years. Will the FM budge? — Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI, Moneycontrol

Budget 2026 live: Passengers pin hopes on Budget for rail, infrastructure improvements

Union Budget 2026 Live: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the 13th Union Budget of the incumbent NDA government on Sunday, and passengers at New Delhi Railway Station shared their expectations, with many highlighting railways and infrastructure. One passenger noted the importance of the Budget amid global changes and India’s emerging soft power, while specifically pointing to domestic infrastructure. “I have high hopes for the Budget. Last year’s revision of income tax slabs benefited the middle class. This time, I expect more focus on the shipping and railway sectors. There is great development in infrastructure, and I hope the Budget addresses it,” he told ANI. Shiv Mangal Rahi, a private-sector IT employee, also looked forward to improvements in railway facilities. “I hope the government invests in better facilities at stations and trains. Infrastructure is important, and I also expect some tax relief and enhancements under the new tax regime,” he said. Passengers’ comments underscore the public’s anticipation for Budget measures that strengthen rail connectivity, infrastructure, and overall commuter experience.

Budget 2026 live: Keep an eye on India’s tax growth in FY27

Union Budget 2026 Live: Tax cuts and slower nominal GDP growth in FY26 have made the revenue outlook more complex, with higher dividends from the Reserve Bank of India, public sector entities, and some telecom payments providing some relief. Economists at Morgan Stanley expect tax buoyancy – the ratio of tax revenue growth to GDP growth – to rise to 1.08 in FY27, up from 0.42 in FY26 and slightly above the previous three-year average of 1. This recovery is crucial, as India needs a broader revenue base to sustain social programs and infrastructure spending.

Budget 2026 live: Will the FM put more money in the hands of consumers to spur consumption and loan growth?

Union Budget 2026 Live: A late evening news report a day ahead of the budget has raised hope say bankers that Moneycontrol spoke to. Apparently, the FM is expected to spend more time with Part B of the budget which typically focuses in taxation related announcement. — Hamsini Karthik, Editor BFSI

Budget 2026 live: Farmers look for income safety, climate shield and policy reset

India’s hardened position in the face of US tariff threats has once again put agriculture at the heart of national policy. It was over farming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to strike a defiant note last year. “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy and fishermen,” he said in Delhi on August 7, a day after Washington announced higher tariffs.

Budget 2026 live: Sitharaman meets President Murmu

Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has met President Droupadi Murmu. Apart from Sitharaman, other key members of the Budget team are also present at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Meanwhile, the Sensex and Nifty are trading largely flat, while MCX stocks have slipped 10–14%.

Budget 2026 live: FM Sitharaman leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying the ‘Digital Bahi-Khata’ ahead of the Union Budget presentation.

Budget 2026 live: What’s the mood in the stock markets? Check the opening trade levels

On Budget day, the Nifty hovered around 25,300 while the Sensex remained largely flat. Shares of Hind Zinc and MCX saw sharp declines, falling nearly 10% each.

Budget 2026 live: Morgan Stanley flags broader reforms to attract foreign investment

Union Budget 2026 Live: Morgan Stanley’s Ridham Desai sees potential for wider reforms in today’s Budget. These could include broadening the base of foreign portfolio investors to allow more pools of capital to access Indian stocks. He also highlights simplifying buyback taxation, which currently distorts capital structures, and further enhancing tax incentives at Gift City as other key measures to support long-term capital flows.

Budget 2026 live: Government considers tax relief for FPIs

Union Budget 2026 Live: According to reports, the government is exploring tax relief measures specifically for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). Investment bank Jefferies notes that such a move “could be a positive for equities” and “a tailwind for cash equities,” though it cautions that this is “not our base case.”

Budget 2026 live: Experts say Budget comes at a crucial juncture for markets

Union Budget 2026 Live: “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.”

Budget 2026 live: FIIs pull $23 billion from Indian equities ahead of Budget 2026

Union Budget 2026 Live: Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have withdrawn a staggering $23 billion from Indian equities – $19 billion in 2025 and another $4 billion already in January 2026. The exodus has intensified as rupee depreciation and modest post-tax returns make India’s richly valued stocks less attractive compared to risk-free returns in developed markets. Markets are now looking to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to provide a boost through today’s Budget.

Union Budget 2026 live: India’s defence production crosses Rs 1.3 lakh crore annually

Union Budget 2026 Live:  Defence exports have surged from under Rs 2,000 crore in 2015 to over Rs 21,000 crore in FY25

The defence outlay in the last Budget stood at around Rs 6.81 lakh crore, up nearly 9.5% year-on-year

Over 65% of defence procurement is now sourced from domestic suppliers

Private sector firms contribute around 23% of total defence manufacturing output

India aims to achieve Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029

February 01, 2026· 09:07 IST

Budget 2026 Live Updates: As Budget 2026 approaches, gold investors seek safer, liquid alternatives

Union Budget 2026 Live: With gold prices hovering near record levels of around Rs 1.62 lakh per tola, investors are increasingly looking for safer, more liquid options beyond physical gold holdings. Mahendra Luniya, Chairman of Vighnharata Gold, observes that investor behaviour is evolving ahead of Budget 2026.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Equity markets in focus as Budget 2026-27 is presented

Union Budget 2026 Live:  Equity markets will be closely watched on February 1, with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE open for a special trading session ahead of the Union Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget for 2026-27 at 11 am. Markets are expected to open higher as investors track policy cues on economic growth, government capital expenditure, and support for export-oriented sectors affected by US tariffs.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Experts highlight 11 stocks to watch as FM presents Union Budget 2026-27

Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to announce the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27. Most experts expect the government to increase capital expenditure on February 1 to boost infrastructure and defence – sectors that have remained central to its agenda – while maintaining the fiscal deficit at 4.4 percent of GDP or potentially lowering it to 4.3-4.2 percent for FY27. The Centre is also likely to continue supporting consumption and boosting industrial output, though significant changes to personal taxes are not expected. Given the importance of this mega economic event, analysts suggest keeping an eye on and focusing on these 11 stocks today.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Union minister says Budget aligns with ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision

Union Budget 2026 Live:  Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that Budgets over the past 11 years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, have aimed to reflect public aspirations and guide the country’s development. He added that the Budget being presented today is designed to support the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for 2047.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Know all about Lok Sabha List of Business Today

Union Budget 2026 Live: As per the Lok Sabha List of Business, the House will convene at 11 am for the presentation of the Union Budget. During the session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the statement of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the 2026-27 financial year. She will also present two statutory statements under Section 3(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 – the Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement. The List of Business notes that the Finance Minister will also seek leave to introduce and formally move the Finance Bill, 2026, which provides the legal framework for implementing the government’s financial proposals.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM arrives at Kartavya Bhavan

Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at Kartavya Bhavan ahead of her Union Budget 2026-27 speech, marking the start of today’s high-stakes proceedings.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: What Part B of last year’s Budget speech included

Union Budget 2026 Live:  As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is reportedly set to break with decades of tradition by placing greater emphasis on Part B of the Budget speech this year, here is a point-by-point recap of the key proposals announced in the same segment in the Union Budget 2025-26:

Higher tax exemption under new regime: Income up to Rs 12 lakh (excluding capital gains) was exempted from tax under the new tax regime, at an estimated cost of around Rs 1 lakh crore to the exchequer.

Rationalisation of TDS and TCS norms: The limit for tax deduction on interest income for senior citizens was doubled to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000. The TDS threshold on rent was raised to Rs 6 lakh per annum from Rs 2.4 lakh.

Higher TCS thresholds and decriminalisation: The threshold for tax collection at source (TCS) was increased to Rs 10 lakh, and delays in TCS payments were decriminalised.

Extended window for updated returns: To encourage voluntary compliance, the time limit to file updated income tax returns for any assessment year was extended from two years to four years.

Relief for small charitable trusts: The registration validity for small charitable trusts and institutions was increased from five years to ten years, easing compliance requirements.

Self-occupied house property relief: Taxpayers were allowed to treat the annual value of two self-occupied properties as nil, without any additional conditions.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Why the halwa ceremony matters ahead of the Union Budge

Union Budget 2026 Live:  Each year, images of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sharing halwa with her team surface ahead of the Union Budget. Far from being a mere photo opportunity, the halwa ceremony is a long-standing Finance Ministry tradition held about 10 days before the Budget is presented in Parliament. The ceremony marks the start of printing the Budget documents and signals the beginning of the “lock-in” period, during which officials involved in the exercise remain within North Block to prevent leaks. To ensure complete confidentiality, the ministry effectively seals itself off, turning the building into a tightly guarded zone until the Budget is finally tabled.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Why you should care about the Union Budget

Union Budget 2026 Live:  The Union Budget has a direct bearing on everyday life. Decisions taken by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team influence tax liabilities, subsidies, public services and the overall cost of living. From fuel prices and healthcare to education spending and infrastructure, the Budget shapes household finances and economic opportunities, making it one of the most closely watched policy documents of the year.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Where to livestream the Union Budget speech today?

Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech will be broadcast live across multiple platforms. The address will be telecast on Sansad TV and DD News, and streamed on Sansad TV’s official YouTube channel. Stay with this live blog on Moneycontrol for real-time updates and key highlights as Sitharaman’s Budget speech unfolds in Parliament.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Rates under Old Tax Regime for Super Senior Citizen (Above 80 years)

Net Income Range	Tax Rate
Up to Rs 5,00,000	Nil
Rs 5,00,001 to Rs 10,00,000	20%
Above Rs 10,00,000	30%

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Special stock market session today – Key stocks in focus

Bajaj Auto, HBL Engg, Sun Pharma, OLA, Blue Dart, IDFC First Bank, MedPlus Health, SAIL, Glenmark Pharma, BDL, Delhivery in focus 

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Who all are part of Budget team? All you need to know

Union Budget 2026 Live: Officials in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s team are steering key elements of the Union Budget, from taxation and expenditure planning to disinvestment strategy and financial sector policy. While public attention remains fixed on the Finance Minister’s Budget speech, much of the groundwork has been carried out quietly by a small but influential group of senior bureaucrats across departments under the Finance Ministry. Their work comes against the backdrop of an economy growing at around 7.4 per cent, even as global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical equations add complexity to policymaking. The Budget-making exercise reflects a coordinated, behind-the-scenes effort, underscoring the collective role of officials who shape the final document long before it reaches Parliament.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Why the Union Budget Matters: The Blueprint of India’s Governance

The Union Budget is the backbone of governance in a country as vast and diverse as India. It is far more than an annual financial statement – it is the primary instrument through which the government translates vision into action. By outlining projected revenues and planned expenditures, the Budget determines how resources will be raised through taxes and other channels, and how those funds will be allocated across ministries, states and critical sectors of the economy. These decisions shape growth priorities, social welfare outcomes and fiscal stability. At its core, the Budget matters because it turns policy commitments into measurable, time-bound action, providing a clear roadmap for economic management and governance over the year ahead.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Rates under Old Tax Regime for Senior Citizen (60–80 years)

Net Income Range	Tax Rate
Up to Rs 3,00,000	Nil
Rs 3,00,001 to Rs 5,00,000	5%
Rs 5,00,001 to Rs 10,00,000	20%
Above Rs 10,00,000	30%

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Silver plunges 30% as MCX opens Budget session

Gold and silver remain firmly in focus as traders reassess price trends after last week’s brutal sell-off, with silver recording its sharpest single-day fall since 1980. Adding to market uncertainty, commodity trading on the MCX is open today for a special Sunday session to coincide with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, keeping investors on edge. Precious metals witnessed a steep correction on Friday. Gold futures for April expiry on the MCX slid nearly 9 percent to Rs 1,67,406 per 10 grams, a day after touching a record high of Rs 1,93,096 per 10 grams – marking a sharp 13 percent drop in a single session. Silver futures for March expiry plunged close to 17 percent to Rs 3,32,002 per kilogram, extending losses to almost 21 percent from recent highs. The sell-off was reflected in global markets as well. Spot silver on COMEX tumbled about 30 percent over two days, while spot gold fell nearly 13 percent. The sharp correction was driven by expectations of a more hawkish US Federal Reserve stance, which were later reinforced after US President Donald Trump announced Kevin Warsh as the new Fed chief.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Rates under Old Tax Regime

Net Income Range	Tax Rate
Up to Rs 2,50,000	Nil
Rs 2,50,001 to Rs 5,00,000	5%
Rs 5,00,001 to Rs 10,00,000	20%
Above Rs 10,00,000	30%

Budget 2026 Live Updates: What to expect from the stock market today?

Indian equities are expected to open on a stronger note during a special trading session ahead of Sunday’s Union Budget, as investors await signals on growth support through government capital expenditure and potential relief for export-focused sectors affected by higher US tariffs. GIFT Nifty futures settled at 25,443 on Friday, pointing to an opening above the Nifty 50’s previous close of 25,320.65. The benchmark index has risen 7.8 per cent since the last Budget, but has lagged broader Asian and emerging market peers, weighed down by record foreign investor outflows and subdued corporate earnings. Since the previous Budget, policy actions including GST reductions, interest rate cuts and liquidity-enhancing measures have helped improve the outlook for domestic demand and earnings growth. Market participants expect the Budget to include targeted support for export-oriented industries facing pressure from US trade tariffs, alongside higher defence allocations aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: On Budget day, here’s a look at tax rates under new tax regime

Net Income Range	Tax Rate
Up to Rs 4,00,000	Nil
Rs 4,00,001 to Rs 8,00,000	5%
Rs 8,00,001 to Rs 12,00,000	10%
Rs 12,00,001 to Rs 16,00,000	15%
Rs 16,00,001 to Rs 20,00,000	20%
Rs 20,00,001 to Rs 24,00,000	25%
Above Rs 24,00,000	30%

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Commitment to debt reduction

A large stimulus is also seen as improbable, as the government remains committed to lowering the debt-to-GDP ratio by about 1% each year until FY31, signalling a continued emphasis on deleveraging and fiscal discipline.

Budget 2026 Live: Limited room for fiscal expansion

While a significant fiscal expansion appears unlikely, the finance minister is expected to avoid aggressive consolidation, according to a note by Nuvama Securities.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Deficit control remains key

Given these pressures, the government’s focus is likely to remain on containing the fiscal deficit, either by reducing it or at least keeping it within targeted limits.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Tax relief impact on fiscal balance

Last year’s Budget prioritised easing the burden on the middle class, with income tax and GST cuts together amounting to roughly 0.9% of GDP. As a result, tax shortfalls are expected to widen in the current fiscal year.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Infrastructure-led growth to continue

Over the past four years, the Modi government has invested more than $100 billion annually in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and telecom networks. That emphasis is expected to continue, with capital expenditure projected to remain steady at around 3% of GDP, according to ICICI Bank Global Markets.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Push for exports and defence spending

The Budget could also provide for higher capital allocations to defence and a rationalisation of customs duty slabs as the government looks to boost export competitiveness.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Likely policy focus areas

Key policy priorities could include an expansion of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme – aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing – along with additional support for MSMEs and exporters, according to Nomura analysts Sonal Verma and Aurodeep Nandi.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Reform push vs tight purse after tax cuts

has set a fiscal deficit target of 4.4 percent of GDP for the 12 months through March. Days ahead of the budget, Modi framed the policy agenda as a shift toward ‘long-term solutions’ aimed at boosting predictability and trust, after the government’s economic survey projected growth of 6.8-7.2 percent for the fiscal year beginning in April.

In recent months, New Delhi has moved on multiple reform fronts to revive private investment and demand, including consumption- and income-tax relief, labour-law changes, and steps to open up the tightly controlled nuclear power sector. More measures are expected in the budget, alongside another attempt to lift manufacturing’s share of the economy after two earlier pushes fell short. The government is also expected to ease rules for investment in defence manufacturing.

Borrowing will remain heavy. Gross borrowing for the year starting in April is expected to rise to Rs 16 trillion–Rs 16.8 trillion, from Rs 14.6 trillion this fiscal year.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: India’s alcohol industry is booming at the top end but the tax structure still bites

J.K. Arora, Chairman and Managing Director of SOM Distilleries & Breweries, said India’s alco-beverage manufacturers still operate in a fragmented and heavily regulated market, even as premiumisation and organised retail are lifting demand.

He pointed to a major structural pain point: the lack of GST input tax credit on raw materials, packaging, capital goods and services. As a result, GST paid on essentials such as malt, molasses, bottles, labels, machinery, logistics and advertising gets absorbed as a cost rather than being offset, he said. That directly inflates production expenses and weakens the competitiveness of manufacturing-led companies across the country.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget should back chip-making, not just assembly, says JSA’s Rajul Bohra

Rajul Bohra, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, said the Union Budget is expected to push incentives that prioritise actual chip manufacturing, not just assembly, and help build a stronger domestic semiconductor supply chain.

He said the government should also expand support for local components, chip design, and manufacturing capabilities to create sustainable growth in the sector. Bohra flagged execution as the immediate pressure point: incentives already announced need to be released faster, as large fab and OSAT projects are facing financial strain.

Alongside financial support, he said India will need parallel legal and regulatory reforms to maintain momentum if it wants to meet its goal of becoming a major chip manufacturing hub by 2032 and attract large-scale investment.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Borrowing levels need careful management, warns Chakraborty

Speaking about the upcoming Budget, Chakraborty highlighted that nominal borrowing may rise and suggested that borrowing as a percentage of GDP for both the Centre and states should be brought down.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget likely to factor in 7% real GDP growth and 3% inflation

Kanika Pasricha, Chief Economic Advisor at Union Bank of India, told CNBC-TV18 that the budget is expected to assume around 10% growth, combining the Economic Survey’s median real GDP growth estimate of 7% with inflation of roughly 3%.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Economists expect Union Budget 2026 to assume 10-10.5% nominal GDP growth

Economists predict that the Union Budget 2026 will be based on a nominal GDP growth assumption of 10-10.5%.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Gig worker protection must become economic infrastructure, says Gameskraft CHRO

Nitin Nahata, CHRO at Gameskraft, said India’s vast gig workforce and strong digital public infrastructure have made convenience a permanent feature of the economy, but social security for gig workers can no longer remain optional. Citing the Economic Survey 2025-26, he noted that the gig workforce has grown from about 7.7 million in FY21 to nearly 12 million in FY25, underscoring its increasing importance in the labour market. While including gig workers under the Labour Codes is a positive step, Nahata stressed that the focus must now shift to swift and effective implementation. He urged the government to treat gig worker protection as economic infrastructure rather than welfare and called for the framework to be finalised and rolled out within the next three months, ensuring benefits reach workers on the ground-especially as gig and platform workers are projected to account for over 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce by 2030.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Piyush Goyal expresses confidence in Budget 2026-27

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said he is confident that the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today, will be a strong one. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the finance minister have consistently delivered impactful Budgets over the years, adding that Sitharaman’s ninth Budget would be no exception. Speaking to PTI, Goyal said the government remains firmly focused on the MSME sector and continues to extend sustained support through a range of programmes and initiatives. He added that the Centre is keenly aware of the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth and generating employment.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Export performance shows uneven recovery

According to HSBC Research, shipments to the United States have weakened sequentially since the imposition of the 50% tariff, while exports to the rest of the world have seen only a modest pickup. The uneven recovery highlights the growing strain on India’s external sector amid global trade uncertainties

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Trade headwinds add to growth concerns

India has entered 2026 under the lingering shadow of 50% tariffs imposed by the US under President Donald Trump, a standoff that has stretched on longer than anticipated. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has sought to counter these risks through aggressive trade diversification – signing multiple free trade agreements, including a recent deal with the European Union – export momentum has begun to weaken.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Stress in labour-intensive export sectors

The slowdown in white-collar employment has coincided with a prolonged crisis in India’s labour-intensive export industries, further compounding pressure on job creation and income stability across the workforce.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: AI disruption hits the software sector

The hiring freeze in the software industry, which played a pivotal role in building India’s middle class since the 1990s, underscores the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the country’s extensive back-office economy. Automation and efficiency gains are increasingly limiting incremental job creation across IT services.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Contradictions in the employment narrative

While the government maintains that unemployment is easing, demand for insecure gig work remains elevated, pointing to underlying stress in the labour market. One clear indicator is the hiring trend among India’s largest technology firms. The country’s five biggest IT companies – long known for generating tens of thousands of jobs every quarter – added a net total of just 17 employees in the first nine months of 2025, a stark signal of white-collar weakness.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget 2026 Live Updates: Challenges for Sitharaman

While the economic survey showed everything on track, there are some challenges for the Indian economy.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget 2026 Live Updates: India’s first finance minister

The first finance minister of independent India was R K Shanmukham Chetty, who laid the foundations of the country’s fiscal administration.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget speech set for format shift

The Budget speech on February 1 marks a significant departure from the established format followed over the past seven-and-a-half decades, according to government sources. Traditionally, budget speeches have devoted substantial attention to Part A, with detailed fiscal announcements and numerical data dominating the discourse. Part B, meanwhile, has typically been limited to brief policy statements and concluding remarks. However, this year’s presentation reverses that pattern entirely. Government sources informed that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is anticipated to deliver an extensively detailed Part B segment that will serve as the centerpiece of her address. The reimagined Part B will tackle both immediate priorities and strategic objectives spanning multiple years, sources said, adding that this dual approach aims to balance the pressing needs of the current fiscal environment with preparations for sustained economic growth.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Other notable finance ministers

Several leaders held the finance portfolio for extended periods in non-consecutive stints, including Morarji Desai (about 7 years 9 months), Pranab Mukherjee (6 years 4 months), Arun Jaitley (4 years 8 months), Y B Chavan (4 years 3 months) and Yashwant Sinha (4 years 4 months).

Budget 2026 Live Updates: P Chidambaram’s multiple stints

P Chidambaram served as finance minister for around eight years, spread across four non-consecutive terms.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Manmohan Singh’s time at North Block

Manmohan Singh, widely associated with India’s economic liberalisation, served as finance minister for nearly five years between June 21, 1990, and June 16, 1996. He later briefly held the finance portfolio as prime minister in 2008 and again in 2012.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Other long continuous tenures

The next longest uninterrupted stint was held by C D Deshmukh, who served as finance minister from June 1, 1950, for about six years and two months.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Comparison with past finance ministers

Former prime minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget 10 times, while P Chidambaram presented it nine times, though neither did so in consecutive years.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Prime Minister Modi’s remarks

On the day of tabling of the Economic Survey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described Sitharaman’s record as historic, saying that Sitharaman presenting the Budget for the ninth consecutive time is a matter of pride in India’s parliamentary history, highlighting her status as the country’s first woman finance minister to achieve this feat.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Ninth straight Budget milestone

With BJP continuing at the Centre for the third term, Sitharaman completed six years and eight months in office on January 31, 2026. On February 1, she will present a record ninth Budget in a row, a first for any woman finance minister in India.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Steering the economy through global shocks

During her tenure, Sitharaman has overseen India’s response to unprecedented global disruptions, with the country emerging as the fastest-growing major economy despite volatility in trade, capital flows and geopolitics.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman’s record tenure

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday, making her the longest-serving finance minister to hold the post continuously. She assumed charge on May 31, 2019, and has since navigated the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of intense geopolitical uncertainty.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Longest and shortest Budget speeches

Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for the longest Budget speech by duration, speaking for 2 hours and 42 minutes in 2020 before concluding due to exhaustion. The longest speech by word count was delivered by former finance minister Manmohan Singh in 1991, running to 18,650 words. At the other extreme, Morarji Desai delivered the shortest Budget speech in 1977, with just 800 words.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Paperless Budget blends tradition with technology

In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Budget was presented in a completely paperless format for the first time. However, the symbolic bahi khata was retained, with a digital tablet housed inside it, reflecting a blend of tradition and modern technology.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: From briefcase to bahi khata

For more than seven decades, the Union Budget documents were carried in a red briefcase, mirroring British parliamentary tradition. This changed in 2019 when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replaced the briefcase with a bahi khata, the traditional ledger used by Indian accountants.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: February 1 replaces the end-February tradition

Another long-standing convention was altered in 2017 by finance minister Arun Jaitley, who advanced the Budget presentation to February 1 from the customary last day of February. The shift was aimed at giving ministries and departments sufficient time to secure approvals and roll out spending plans before the new financial year begins on April 1.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Shift from London to Indian timing

For decades, the Union Budget was presented at 5 p.m. on the last working day of February to coincide with office hours of British officials in London – a legacy of colonial-era practices. This convention changed in 1999 when then finance minister Yashwant Sinha moved the Budget presentation to 11 a.m., making it more practical for Indian policymakers to begin work on the proposals the same day. The 11 a.m. timing has remained in place since then.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Reform push and fiscal discipline in focus

Despite persistent global uncertainties, HSBC Research expects the Budget to emphasise structural reforms alongside fiscal prudence. Higher capital spending on defence and a streamlining of customs duty slabs to boost exports are also likely to be key areas of focus.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: ‘Goldilocks’ phase underpins economic optimism

The Reserve Bank of India has described the current combination of strong growth and low inflation as a “Goldilocks” phase – a term used to describe an economy growing at a balanced pace with stable prices and employment gains.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Rural economy and consumption show resilience

The agriculture sector, which sustains nearly half of India’s population, has delivered a strong performance. Healthy cereal production and comfortable foodgrain stocks have supported rural incomes. Policy measures such as income tax relief announced last year and GST rationalisation have also aided consumption and demand.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Inflation cools as macro stability strengthens

Retail inflation has moderated sharply, slipping below the 2 percent mark, and is projected to stay within the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort zone in the near future. The easing of price pressures has reinforced overall macroeconomic stability.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: India’s growth outlook remains robust

According to the Survey, India is on track to end the current financial year with growth of about 7.3 percent. The country is expected to cross the $4 trillion GDP milestone and surpass Japan to become the second-largest economy in Asia.

Courtsey To : Moneycontrol

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Reform push vs tight purse after tax cuts

has set a fiscal deficit target of 4.4 percent of GDP for the 12 months through March. Days ahead of the budget, Modi framed the policy agenda as a shift toward ‘long-term solutions’ aimed at boosting predictability and trust, after the government’s economic survey projected growth of 6.8-7.2 percent for the fiscal year beginning in April.

In recent months, New Delhi has moved on multiple reform fronts to revive private investment and demand, including consumption- and income-tax relief, labour-law changes, and steps to open up the tightly controlled nuclear power sector. More measures are expected in the budget, alongside another attempt to lift manufacturing’s share of the economy after two earlier pushes fell short. The government is also expected to ease rules for investment in defence manufacturing.

Borrowing will remain heavy. Gross borrowing for the year starting in April is expected to rise to Rs 16 trillion–Rs 16.8 trillion, from Rs 14.6 trillion this fiscal year.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: India’s alcohol industry is booming at the top end but the tax structure still bites

J.K. Arora, Chairman and Managing Director of SOM Distilleries & Breweries, said India’s alco-beverage manufacturers still operate in a fragmented and heavily regulated market, even as premiumisation and organised retail are lifting demand.

He pointed to a major structural pain point: the lack of GST input tax credit on raw materials, packaging, capital goods and services. As a result, GST paid on essentials such as malt, molasses, bottles, labels, machinery, logistics and advertising gets absorbed as a cost rather than being offset, he said. That directly inflates production expenses and weakens the competitiveness of manufacturing-led companies across the country.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget should back chip-making, not just assembly, says JSA’s Rajul Bohra

Rajul Bohra, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, said the Union Budget is expected to push incentives that prioritise actual chip manufacturing, not just assembly, and help build a stronger domestic semiconductor supply chain.

He said the government should also expand support for local components, chip design, and manufacturing capabilities to create sustainable growth in the sector. Bohra flagged execution as the immediate pressure point: incentives already announced need to be released faster, as large fab and OSAT projects are facing financial strain.

Alongside financial support, he said India will need parallel legal and regulatory reforms to maintain momentum if it wants to meet its goal of becoming a major chip manufacturing hub by 2032 and attract large-scale investment.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Borrowing levels need careful management, warns Chakraborty

Speaking about the upcoming Budget, Chakraborty highlighted that nominal borrowing may rise and suggested that borrowing as a percentage of GDP for both the Centre and states should be brought down.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Budget likely to factor in 7% real GDP growth and 3% inflation

Kanika Pasricha, Chief Economic Advisor at Union Bank of India, told CNBC-TV18 that the budget is expected to assume around 10% growth, combining the Economic Survey’s median real GDP growth estimate of 7% with inflation of roughly 3%.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Economists expect Union Budget 2026 to assume 10-10.5% nominal GDP growth

Economists predict that the Union Budget 2026 will be based on a nominal GDP growth assumption of 10-10.5%.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Gig worker protection must become economic infrastructure, says Gameskraft CHRO

Nitin Nahata, CHRO at Gameskraft, said India’s vast gig workforce and strong digital public infrastructure have made convenience a permanent feature of the economy, but social security for gig workers can no longer remain optional. Citing the Economic Survey 2025-26, he noted that the gig workforce has grown from about 7.7 million in FY21 to nearly 12 million in FY25, underscoring its increasing importance in the labour market. While including gig workers under the Labour Codes is a positive step, Nahata stressed that the focus must now shift to swift and effective implementation. He urged the government to treat gig worker protection as economic infrastructure rather than welfare and called for the framework to be finalised and rolled out within the next three months, ensuring benefits reach workers on the ground-especially as gig and platform workers are projected to account for over 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce by 2030.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Piyush Goyal expresses confidence in Budget 2026-27

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said he is confident that the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today, will be a strong one. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the finance minister have consistently delivered impactful Budgets over the years, adding that Sitharaman’s ninth Budget would be no exception. Speaking to PTI, Goyal said the government remains firmly focused on the MSME sector and continues to extend sustained support through a range of programmes and initiatives. He added that the Centre is keenly aware of the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth and generating employment.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Export performance shows uneven recovery

According to HSBC Research, shipments to the United States have weakened sequentially since the imposition of the 50% tariff, while exports to the rest of the world have seen only a modest pickup. The uneven recovery highlights the growing strain on India’s external sector amid global trade uncertainties.