Union Budget 2026-27 Live Updates: Decisions That Could Shape India’s Growth

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has begun presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget in Parliament — the first ever delivered on a Sunday. All eyes are on fiscal deficit targets, jobs and MSME incentives, infrastructure spending, green energy push, and tax clarity, as markets and global investors brace for policy signals that will shape India’s growth trajectory in 2026–27.

What’s at Stake Today 

• Fiscal credibility: Global investors and rating agencies will closely track deficit targets and the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.
• Jobs & MSMEs: Employment generation, rural development, and MSME incentives are expected to be central themes.
• Capex push: Analysts anticipate continued focus on infrastructure, logistics, and transport as durable growth drivers.
• Green & digital economy: Spending on clean energy and digital public infrastructure is likely to resonate with ESG‑focused funds and technology investors.
• Tax clarity: Markets are watching for signals on capital gains taxation, corporate reforms, and regulatory consistency.
• Political & State-Level Dimensions: States such as Uttar Pradesh have pressed for larger allocations, including metro rail expansion projects, underscoring how the Budget serves both economic and political priorities.

TICE Live Blog will track the Union Budget 2026–27 in real time - from headline announcements and sectoral allocations to market reactions and global investor commentary. Stay tuned for continuous Live News and Updates throughout the day.

Feb 01, 2026 23:13 IST
Industry & Govt Reaction: Budget Deepens Reforms, Boosts Manufacturing and Exports
Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Amardeep Bhatia, Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said the Budget stays firmly aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
“The Budget continues the trajectory of deepening reforms while further supporting manufacturing growth. The announced schemes will strengthen domestic value chains across sectors and better integrate them with global value chains. They will also help build skills aligned with the needs of modern, technology-led industry, raising productivity and improving infrastructure.”
Bhatia added that several measures in the Budget are expected to attract foreign investment and facilitate exports by easing compliance through simplified customs processes, enabling domestic manufacturers to fully leverage India’s recent free trade agreements (FTAs).



Feb 01, 2026 16:31 IST
Industry Reaction: ISM 2.0 Strengthens India’s Semiconductor and Hardware Ecosystem
Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Gokul NA, Founder of CynLr, said the launch of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 marks a significant shift in India’s semiconductor strategy.
“The launch of ISM 2.0 marks an important shift in India’s semiconductor journey—from a narrow focus on fabrication to building capabilities across equipment, materials, design, and full-stack Indian IP. Alongside the expanded ₹40,000 crore Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, this Budget strengthens the domestic electronics and semiconductor supply chain in a meaningful way.
For hardware and deep-engineering startups, this creates the foundation to design and build globally competitive technology in India, with greater control over critical components rather than relying entirely on imported ecosystems.”



Advertisment
Feb 01, 2026 13:36 IST
Industry Reaction: Rukam Capital Sees Budget as Strong Push for MSMEs, Investment and Entrepreneurship
Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, said the Budget reinforces the central role of MSMEs, startups, and long-term capital formation in India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
On MSMEs, Jahagirdar said the Finance Minister clearly underscored how small businesses are emerging as engines of India’s next growth phase.
“MSMEs are driving India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The three kartavyas—accelerating growth, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring access to resources—align seamlessly with the pillars of India’s maturing startup ecosystem. Equity support through a dedicated ₹10,000 crore fund for future MSME champions and the ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund will empower entrepreneurs to invest in R&D and scale innovative products and services.”
She added that liquidity measures, including invoicing platforms, credit guarantees, and Corporate Mitras for compliance support, will further catalyse the MSME ecosystem.
“As highlighted in the Budget, the next phase of MSME growth will come from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, positioning them as new engines of progress and innovation.”
On foreign investment and financial reforms, Jahagirdar said the Budget signals a more investor-friendly regulatory environment.
“The proposed review of FEMA non-debt rules, along with a renewed vision for NBFCs and banking reforms under Viksit Bharat, points to a modern, efficient, and scalable financial ecosystem. Aligning regulation, scale, and technology will enable deeper capital formation and sustainable long-term growth.”
On entrepreneurship, she said the Budget adopts a clear ecosystem-first approach.
“From Ayurveda and biopharma to textiles, semiconductors, urban finance, and advanced manufacturing, the Budget shows intent to systematically deepen critical ecosystems. By pairing long-term capital, institutional capacity, and manufacturing scale with policy clarity, India is empowering startups to innovate, commercialise, and compete globally—fueling the next wave of high-impact entrepreneurship under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.”



Feb 01, 2026 13:35 IST
Industry Reaction: Budget Signals Strong Push for Banking, Tech and Manufacturing
Industry leaders across fintech, deep tech, and manufacturing have welcomed key announcements in the Union Budget 2026–27, highlighting its focus on financial empowerment, digital infrastructure, and strategic manufacturing.
Jitin Bhasin, Founder & CEO of SaveIN, said the proposal to set up a high-level committee on banking aligns well with India’s next growth phase.
“With 98% of villages already covered, the focus must now shift from financial inclusion to financial empowerment. Reforms around consumer protection, technology adoption, and accessibility will help build a more secure and future-ready banking ecosystem for every citizen.”
Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cubastion, said the Budget delivers a strong signal for India’s digital economy.
“The government’s focus on critical infrastructure and data centre investment, combined with emphasis on emerging technologies like AI, underscores tech’s role in driving inclusive growth. Continued support for initiatives such as the AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Fund, and the R&D and Innovation Fund will empower startups, accelerate research, and strengthen India’s global competitiveness.”
Rajneesh Bhandari, Founder of NeuroEquilibrium, said the Budget reflects India’s readiness to scale its manufacturing ambitions.
“The focus on six strategic sectors—from biopharma and semiconductors to rare earth magnets and electronics components—along with tax holidays for data centres and incentives for defence manufacturing, recognises that resilience and self-reliance are imperative in the new world order. Equally important is the infrastructure push, including national waterways and dedicated freight corridors, which will lower logistics costs. By positioning MSMEs as engines of growth and nurturing champion MSMEs to scale globally, the Budget lays the foundation for a manufacturing ecosystem that is innovation-led, democratic, and future-ready.”



Advertisment
Feb 01, 2026 13:34 IST
Industry Reaction: Budget Sharpens Focus on Rare Earths, Semiconductors and Strategic Materials
Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director & Founder of Evergreen Recyclekaro India Ltd, said the Budget marks a decisive shift in India’s approach to critical materials and advanced manufacturing.
“Union Budget 2026 clearly sharpens India’s strategic focus on rare earths and other critical inputs essential for electronics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The announcement on dedicated rare earth magnet corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu—building on the rare earth permanent magnet scheme announced in November 2025—is a decisive step towards creating end-to-end capability across mining, processing, research, and manufacturing.
The continued focus on rare earth permanent magnets, along with the creation of cluster-based chemical parks, strengthens the foundation required for India’s EV, electronics, and clean energy ecosystems to scale with confidence. This reflects India’s shift from assembly-led growth to building control over critical materials and strategic inputs.
The parallel strengthening of the semiconductor ecosystem through ISM 2.0—covering equipment, materials, and full-stack Indian intellectual property—along with higher allocations for electronics components manufacturing, significantly improves long-term domestic supply resilience. Industry is ready to work closely with the Union and state governments to support the creation of compliant, scalable infrastructure to accelerate this national mission.”



Feb 01, 2026 12:29 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Sitharaman Pushes Back on Tariff Pressures, Announces Duty Cuts
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a set of tariff and tax measures aimed at easing costs and strengthening domestic manufacturing, even as global trade tensions intensify.
She proposed cutting customs duty on all dutiable goods imported for personal use from 20% to 10%, making imported items more affordable for individuals. The Budget also provides customs duty exemptions on raw materials imported for MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and on 17 cancer-related drugs, lowering costs in critical sectors.
In a boost to electronics manufacturing, basic customs duty will be exempted on specified parts used in the manufacture of microwave ovens.
On capital markets, Sitharaman announced that share buybacks will now be taxed as capital gains across all categories of shareholders, and proposed an increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures to 0.05% from 0.02%.
---



Feb 01, 2026 12:28 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Income Tax Act, 2025 to Take Effect from April 1; Simplified Forms Soon
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force from April 1, 2026, with detailed rules and simplified income tax return forms to be notified shortly.
Presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said the new direct tax law was completed in record time and will give taxpayers adequate time to familiarise themselves with the revised framework. She emphasised that the law is revenue neutral, involves no change in tax rates, and is focused on simplifying provisions, removing ambiguities, and reducing litigation.
Compared with the Income Tax Act of 1961, the new legislation reduces the length and number of sections by nearly 50%. It also introduces a single ‘tax year’ framework, doing away with the distinction between assessment year and previous year. In a relief for taxpayers, the new law allows TDS refunds even if returns are filed after the deadline, without penal charges.



Feb 01, 2026 12:27 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Big IT Bonanza Announced by Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major boost for the IT and data services sector, proposing a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign companies setting up data centres in India to serve global markets.
To further strengthen India’s position as a global digital services hub, the government has proposed a safe harbour margin of 15% on costs for companies providing data services from India to related entities. All IT services will now be clubbed under a single category, with a common safe harbour margin of 15.5%.
In a significant easing of compliance, the threshold for availing safe harbour for IT services has been raised to ₹2,000 crore from ₹300 crore. Sitharaman also announced that safe harbour approvals for IT services will move to an automatic, rule-based model, reducing uncertainty and improving ease of doing business.



Feb 01, 2026 12:17 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Key Direct Tax and IT Sector Announcements
The government announced several important measures on direct taxation and support for the IT sector.
The new Income Tax law will come into effect from April 1, 2026, with a proposal for a new tax scheme for small taxpayers. The deadline for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 has been extended till July 31. To ease the burden on students, TCS on overseas education has been reduced from 5% to 2%. The Finance Minister also said a simpler income tax regime will be introduced soon.
To boost the digital economy, the government announced a tax holiday for data centres until 2047. The IT sector will receive additional support, including a 15.5% safe harbour margin.
On indirect taxes and market-related measures, the tax rate on tendu leaves has been reduced from 5% to 2%. The government has also proposed to levy capital gains tax on share buybacks and increase the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures trading.



Feb 01, 2026 12:13 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Key Income Tax Changes Announced
The government has announced several changes to ease income tax compliance and provide greater flexibility to taxpayers. The timeline to revise Income Tax Returns (ITRs) has been extended, with revisions now allowed on payment of a nominal fee.
Individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 will continue to have time until July 31 to submit their returns. In a move to simplify transactions involving non-resident Indians, TDS on the sale of immovable property by NRIs will now be deducted by the resident buyer, removing the earlier requirement of obtaining a TAN.
The Budget also allows taxpayers to update income tax returns even after reassessment, subject to an additional 10% tax, offering a wider compliance window.



Feb 01, 2026 12:11 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Key Announcements on Debt, Tax Law and Fiscal Numbers
The Centre has proposed to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6% in FY27, from 56.1% in the current financial year, signalling continued focus on fiscal consolidation.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into effect from April 1, with detailed rules and income tax return forms to be notified shortly.
On revenues, net tax collections are estimated at ₹28.7 lakh crore, while the total size of the Union Budget has been pegged at ₹53.5 lakh crore. To finance the fiscal deficit, the government plans to raise ₹11.7 lakh crore through dated securities in FY27.
Additionally, the Budget sets aside ₹5,000 crore over five years for the development of City Economic Regions (CERs), aimed at driving region-led growth and urban economic clustering.



Feb 01, 2026 12:10 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: FM Proposes Five Regional Medical Tourism Hubs
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to establish five regional medical tourism hubs, as part of a broader push to strengthen India’s healthcare and life sciences ecosystem.
Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Sitharaman said the proposed hubs will function as integrated healthcare complexes, combining medical services, education, and research, with central support extended to states for their development.
She also reiterated the launch of the Biopharma Shakti programme, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years, aimed at building a robust ecosystem for the domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. The initiative will include the creation of a biopharma-focused network comprising three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and upgrades to seven existing institutes.
In addition, the programme will establish a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites across the country. Sitharaman said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will be strengthened to meet global regulatory standards, with approval timelines enforced through a dedicated scientific review cadre and specialised experts.
The Finance Minister also proposed setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, reinforcing the government’s effort to expand both traditional and modern healthcare infrastructure.



Feb 01, 2026 12:08 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Expenditure Raised to ₹53.5 Lakh Crore; Borrowing Details Announced
The Union Budget 2026–27 has revised India’s total expenditure upward to ₹53.5 lakh crore, compared with ₹49.6 lakh crore in FY26, signalling continued focus on growth and public investment.
As per the Budget estimates, net market borrowing for FY27 is pegged at ₹11.7 lakh crore, while gross market borrowing is estimated at ₹17.2 lakh crore. Net tax receipts for FY27 are projected at ₹28.7 lakh crore, reflecting expectations of steady revenue growth.
---



Feb 01, 2026 11:59 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: FM Proposes Three New All India Institutes of Ayurveda
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major push for traditional medicine, proposing the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda.
She also said the government will upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to improve quality standards and expand the availability of skilled professionals. In addition, Sitharaman proposed upgrading the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, strengthening India’s global leadership in traditional and integrative healthcare.



Feb 01, 2026 11:57 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Capacity-Building AI Missions Proposed to Reach 25 Crore People
Emphasising the role of emerging technologies in driving inclusive growth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is placing strong focus on artificial intelligence as a key pillar of national progress.
She announced capacity-building AI missions aimed at reaching 25 crore people, as part of a broader push to strengthen innovation and research across the country. Sitharaman highlighted that support for technology-led growth will be extended through multiple national initiatives, including AI missions, the National Quantum Mission, the Anusandhan National Research Fund, and the Research, Development and Innovation Fund.
The measures are aimed at expanding access to advanced technologies, building talent, and accelerating India’s transition to a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.



Feb 01, 2026 11:56 IST
16th Finance Commission Recommends 41% Tax Devolution to States
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the 16th Finance Commission has recommended 41% tax devolution to states, marking the highest-ever share of central taxes to be devolved to state governments.



Feb 01, 2026 11:52 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Govt Unveils Major Infrastructure Push, Focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
Detailing the government’s plan to deliver a powerful push for infrastructure, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the focus will remain on expanding infrastructure in cities with populations above five lakh, particularly Tier-2 and Tier-3 centres.
She announced an increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore, reinforcing the government’s infrastructure-led growth strategy. To support project financing, Sitharaman also proposed the creation of an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, which will provide partial credit guarantees to lenders.
Further, the Budget proposes the development of new dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West, aimed at improving logistics efficiency. The government will also operationalise 20 new national waterways over the next five years, beginning with Odisha.
In addition, a ship-repair ecosystem will be established in Varanasi and Patna to strengthen inland and coastal shipping capabilities.
---



Feb 01, 2026 11:50 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: ₹2,000 Crore Top-Up for Micro-Enterprise Risk Capital
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an additional ₹2,000 crore allocation to top up the Self Reliant India Fund, set up in 2021, to continue supporting micro enterprises and ensure sustained access to risk capital.
She noted that cumulative liquidity support of over ₹7 lakh crore has already been extended to MSMEs. To further leverage this support, the government has proposed four key measures. First, TReDS will be mandated as the transaction settlement platform for all MSME purchases by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), setting a benchmark for wider corporate adoption.
Second, a credit guarantee support mechanism through CGTMSE will be introduced to enable invoice discounting on the TReDS platform. Third, the government will link GeM with TReDS to facilitate seamless information sharing and settlement of MSME transactions.
Finally, the Budget proposes the creation of ‘Corporate Mitras’—professional institutions that will train compliance support paraprofessionals to assist MSMEs with regulatory and compliance requirements.



Feb 01, 2026 11:47 IST
Major Push Announced for Education and Research
The Union Budget 2026–27 outlines a series of initiatives to strengthen education, research, and skill development across the country. The government will support states in setting up five university townships near key industrial corridors, aimed at better industry-academia integration.
To improve access and inclusivity, the Budget proposes the establishment of one girls’ hostel in every district. It also announces the creation of four telescope facilities for astrophysics and astronomy research, alongside plans to expand universities and research institutions nationwide.
Further, the government has proposed a loan-linked subsidy support for veterinary colleges, and a pilot scheme to train 10,000 tourism guides across 20 major tourist destinations, linking education with employment and local economic development.



Feb 01, 2026 11:46 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Integrated Programme Unveiled for Labour-Intensive Textile Sector
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an integrated programme for the labour-intensive textile sector, aimed at boosting self-reliance, employment generation, and global competitiveness.
As part of the initiative, she unveiled the National Fibre Scheme to strengthen self-reliance in natural, man-made, and new-age fibres. The programme also includes a Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, along with dedicated National Handloom and Handicraft schemes.
Additional measures include the Tex-Eco initiative to promote sustainable textiles and SAMARTH 2.0 to scale up skilling across the textile value chain. Sitharaman also proposed setting up mega textile parks through a challenge-based mode to accelerate scale and private participation.
She further announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi, handloom, and handicrafts, reinforcing livelihood opportunities in rural and artisan communities.



Feb 01, 2026 11:44 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Content Creator Labs Announced in Schools and Colleges
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of content creator labs to boost India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector.
Under the proposal, content creator labs will be established in 15,000 secondary schools across the country and 500 colleges, aimed at nurturing creative talent, building digital skills, and strengthening India’s growing creator economy.



Feb 01, 2026 11:42 IST
Inland Waterways Get Major Push
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid special emphasis on inland waterways in her Union Budget 2026–27 speech, outlining a series of measures to strengthen water-based transport and logistics.
The government will develop 20 new national waterways over the next five years, while a ship-repair ecosystem will be created in Varanasi and Patna to support inland and coastal shipping. Sitharaman also announced a coastal cargo scheme aimed at increasing the share of coastal shipping in India’s freight movement.
In addition, the Budget proposes support for domestic manufacturing of seaplanes, expanding India’s multimodal transport and regional connectivity options.



Feb 01, 2026 11:40 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: ‘India Semiconductor Mission 2.0’ Launched With ₹40,000 Crore Outlay
Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, with an outlay of ₹40,000 crore, aimed at accelerating growth in the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Building on the gains of the first phase, ISM 2.0 will focus on manufacturing equipment and materials, enabling full-stack chip design, developing domestic intellectual property, and strengthening supply chains. The programme will also support industry-led research and training centres to drive innovation and build a skilled talent pipeline for the sector.
In addition, Sitharaman unveiled the ‘Shakti’ initiative, allocating ₹10,000 crore over five years to further deepen and support India’s broader semiconductor ecosystem.



Feb 01, 2026 11:37 IST
Integrated Push Announced for Labour-Intensive Textile Sector
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an integrated programme for the labour-intensive textile sector, aimed at boosting self-reliance, employment generation, and global competitiveness.
As part of this push, she unveiled the National Fibre Scheme to strengthen self-reliance across natural, man-made, and new-age fibres. The government will also roll out a Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, alongside dedicated National Handloom and Handicraft schemes to support traditional sectors.
Additional initiatives include the Tex-Eco initiative to promote sustainable textiles and SAMARTH 2.0 to strengthen skilling across the textile value chain. Sitharaman also said the government will set up mega textile parks through a challenge-based mode to accelerate scale and private participation.
Further, she announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi, handloom, and handicrafts, reinforcing livelihood opportunities in rural and artisan communities.



Feb 01, 2026 11:35 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: ₹10,000 Crore Scheme Proposed to Boost Container Manufacturing
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme to promote container manufacturing in the Union Budget 2026–27, aimed at building a globally competitive ecosystem for the sector.
The proposed initiative will have a budgetary outlay of ₹10,000 crore spread over five years, and is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while supporting India’s logistics and infrastructure ambitions.



Feb 01, 2026 11:33 IST
Market-Making Framework Announced; PFC and REC to Be Restructured
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of measures to deepen India’s capital markets, including the introduction of a market-making framework for the corporate bond market.
As part of the reforms, the government will restructure Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Limited, aimed at improving efficiency and capital mobilisation. The Budget also proposes a ₹100 crore support mechanism for single bond issuances exceeding ₹1,000 crore, to encourage large-scale corporate debt issuance.
Additionally, Sitharaman said individual Indian residents living outside the country will be allowed to invest in Indian equities, expanding the investor base and strengthening capital inflows.



Feb 01, 2026 11:31 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Manufacturing, MSMEs and Capex Get Major Push
The government has proposed a series of measures to strengthen manufacturing and infrastructure. These include a proposal to promote container manufacturing, along with a new scheme for equipment used in construction and infrastructure projects.
An enhanced incentive scheme for sports goods manufacturing has also been announced, with the government indicating that a dedicated policy framework will be formulated for the sector. In addition, legacy manufacturing units will be modernised to improve productivity and competitiveness.
To support small businesses, the government has announced direct liquidity support for MSMEs, including a proposed ₹10,000 crore MSME fund. The Budget also allocates ₹40,000 crore for electronic manufacturing and ₹2,000 crore for small industries.
Capital expenditure for FY 2026–27 has been pegged at ₹12.2 lakh crore, reinforcing the government’s infrastructure-led growth strategy. The Budget also proposes the development of mega textile parks to boost domestic manufacturing and employment.



Feb 01, 2026 11:28 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Govt Raises Capex Outlay for FY27 to Push Reforms
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has increased its capital expenditure (capex) outlay for FY27, reinforcing its commitment to sustain the reform momentum and support long-term growth.



Feb 01, 2026 11:26 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Biopharma Shakti Announced With ₹10,000 Crore Outlay
Expanding on the government’s plan to scale up manufacturing across seven strategic and frontier sectors, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a Biopharma Shakti initiative aimed at positioning India as a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
Highlighting the country’s shifting disease burden towards non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, Sitharaman said the new programme will support health advancement and domestic manufacturing, with a proposed outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years.



Feb 01, 2026 11:23 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: FM Announces Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana for Khadi Sector
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana to strengthen the khadi and handloom sector in rural India.
The scheme will focus on training, skilling, enhanced production, and quality control to improve livelihoods and boost village-based enterprises. Sitharaman said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader push to accelerate and sustain economic growth, alongside interventions across manufacturing, MSMEs, infrastructure, and regional economic development.



Feb 01, 2026 11:21 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Six Priority Areas Under First ‘Kartavya’ to Drive Growth
Detailing the first kartavya—to accelerate and sustain economic growth—Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will intervene across six key areas to strengthen India’s growth engine.
These include scaling up manufacturing across seven strategic and frontier sectors, rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors, and building globally competitive ‘champion’ MSMEs. The roadmap also features a strong push for infrastructure, measures to ensure long-term economic security and stability, and the development of city-centric economic regions to drive regional growth.



Feb 01, 2026 11:14 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Sitharaman Details Three ‘Kartavyas’ Guiding the Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2026–27 is anchored on three key ‘kartavyas’ (responsibilities) that define the government’s economic and social priorities.
The first focus is on accelerating and sustaining economic growth by enhancing India’s competitiveness. The second is to fulfil the aspirations of citizens, while the third aims to ensure that every family, community, and region has equitable access to resources and opportunities.
She added that delivering on this threefold vision requires a supportive ecosystem, describing the Budget as a unique, Yuva Shakti–driven roadmap for India’s future.



Feb 01, 2026 11:12 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Three-Fold Approach Shapes This Year’s Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2026–27 is built around a three-fold approach—to accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfil the aspirations of citizens, and align policy measures with the mission of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.



Feb 01, 2026 11:10 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Budget Anchored on Three ‘Kartavyas’, Says Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2026–27 is anchored on three ‘kartavyas’ (responsibilities), outlining the guiding principles shaping the government’s fiscal and policy priorities.



Feb 01, 2026 11:09 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Atmanirbharta Remains India’s ‘North Star’, Says Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has kept Atmanirbharta as its guiding north star, a strategy she noted has helped India sustain a high growth rate of around 7%.
Highlighting the challenging global environment, she said trade disruptions, supply-chain uncertainties, and weakening multilateralism have reshaped the external landscape. In this context, Sitharaman stressed that India must remain deeply integrated with global markets, expand exports, and continue to attract stable, long-term investments to support growth.



Feb 01, 2026 11:08 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Economy Marked by Stability, Says Sitharaman
Presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that since the Narendra Modi government assumed office, India’s economy has been characterised by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth, and moderate inflation.
She highlighted macroeconomic stability as a key foundation supporting India’s growth trajectory amid global uncertainties.



Feb 01, 2026 11:06 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: ‘Reforms Over Rhetoric,’ Says Sitharaman
Opening her Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has prioritised delivery of reforms over rhetoric, enabling India to sustain strong economic momentum.
She noted that this approach has helped India achieve a GDP growth rate of 7.2%, even amid ongoing geopolitical challenges and global uncertainty.



Feb 01, 2026 11:04 IST
Budget 2026 Live: Key Numbers in Focus as Sitharaman Presents Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, with markets closely tracking several critical fiscal indicators.
Investors will watch the fiscal deficit, with FY26 pegged at 4.4% of GDP, and expectations building around a FY27 target closer to 4%, along with a clearer debt-reduction roadmap. Capital expenditure is another key variable—after ₹11.2 lakh crore in FY26, capex is expected to rise 10–15%, potentially crossing ₹12 lakh crore.
Attention will also be on government borrowing plans and the debt-to-GDP trajectory, alongside tax and GST revenue projections for FY27 to assess the durability of revenue growth after recent tax changes. Nominal GDP growth assumptions, likely in the 10.5–11% range, will guide overall fiscal calculations.
Additionally, RBI dividend transfers, food subsidy outgo, and allocations for major schemes and social sectors will be closely scrutinised as the Budget numbers roll out.



Feb 01, 2026 11:02 IST
Budget 2026 LIVE: Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Budget Speech
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has begun delivering her ninth consecutive Union Budget speech in Parliament. The presentation is expected to continue the reform momentum of the Narendra Modi government, with a focus on growth, fiscal discipline, and long-term structural priorities.



Feb 01, 2026 10:47 IST
Budget 2026: Cabinet Clears Union Budget 2026–27 Ahead of Presentation
The Union Cabinet has approved the Union Budget 2026–27, paving the way for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Budget in the Lok Sabha as part of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
According to the official List of Business, the House will assemble at 11 AM, during which the Finance Minister will table the statement of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for 2026–27.
She is also scheduled to lay before Parliament two key documents mandated under Section 3(1) of the FRBM Act, 2003—the Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement, outlining the government’s fiscal roadmap and broader economic outlook.



Feb 01, 2026 10:47 IST
Union Budget 2026 Live: From ‘Bahi-Khata’ to Tablet — Tracing Sitharaman’s Budget Journey Since 2019
As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, her tenure since 2019 reflects a series of milestones that mirror India’s evolving economic priorities.
She made history in 2019 as India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister, symbolically replacing the colonial-era briefcase with a traditional red bahi-khata, signalling a break from old conventions. A year later, she delivered the longest Budget speech on record, introducing a new optional income tax regime and unveiling the ambitious National Infrastructure Pipeline.
The 2021 Budget, presented amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focused sharply on healthcare and infrastructure, structured around six strategic pillars for recovery. In 2022, Sitharaman articulated a long-term vision for Amrit Kaal, backing it with a significant increase in capital expenditure to drive infrastructure-led growth.
The 2023 Budget introduced the government’s Saptarishi priorities, emphasising inclusive growth, green development, and investment momentum. In 2024, she presented both an Interim Budget ahead of elections and a full Budget later in the year, maintaining a strong focus on welfare and infrastructure. Her 2025 Budget centred on four key groups—the poor, youth, farmers, and women—while continuing to push structural reforms.
Now, in 2026, Sitharaman stands on the brink of setting a new record, with nine straight Budgets underscoring policy continuity and reform momentum.



Feb 01, 2026 10:13 IST
Union Budget 2026: GST Collections Rise 6.2% YoY to ₹1.93 Lakh Crore in January
Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections stood at ₹1.93 lakh crore in January 2026, registering a 6.2% year-on-year growth, according to government sources cited by ANI.
The robust GST mop-up reflects steady economic activity and strengthens expectations of fiscal stability as the Finance Minister prepares to present the Union Budget 2026–27.



Feb 01, 2026 10:13 IST
‘Dahi-Cheeni’ Tradition Observed Ahead of Speech
President Droupadi Murmu offered the customary ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the presentation of her ninth consecutive Union Budget.
The ritual, traditionally observed before major national events, is seen as a symbol of good fortune as the Finance Minister prepares to deliver the Budget in Parliament.



Feb 01, 2026 09:24 IST
Finance Minister Seen With Budget Tablet Ahead of Speech
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with her team, with the Budget tablet outside the Ministry of Finance.

She will present the #UnionBudget2026 today at around 11 AM in Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/x5oPMFlWbD
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026



Feb 01, 2026 09:24 IST
Union Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Heads to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the final formal step ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament.



Feb 01, 2026 09:23 IST
Markets Open Marginally Lower Ahead of Union Budget 2026
Indian equity markets opened marginally lower as investors turned cautious ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation, with participants awaiting clarity on taxation, capital expenditure, and sector-specific announcements from the Finance Minister.



Feb 01, 2026 09:22 IST
Stock Markets Open for Special Trading Session on Budget Day
With the Union Budget 2026–27 being presented today, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are open for a special live trading session. Despite it being a Sunday, markets are operating during regular trading hours, allowing investors to respond in real time to the Finance Minister’s speech and key policy announcements.
Market participants are expected to track Budget cues closely through the session as announcements on taxation, capital expenditure, and sectoral priorities unfold.



Feb 01, 2026 09:22 IST
Budget Day Begins: Key Sectors in Focus as Markets Turn Cautious
As Union Budget 2026–27 gets underway, banking, real estate, defence, railways, and textiles are expected to remain firmly in focus through the day. Stocks linked to infrastructure, power, and agriculture are also being closely tracked for signals on government capital expenditure and policy support.
Financials and housing-related counters could see heightened action as investors react to cues around tax measures, interest rates, and fiscal priorities. As the Budget speech progresses, market sentiment is likely to swing on announcements related to capex allocation, fiscal discipline, and medium-term growth direction.



Jan 31, 2026 21:22 IST
Pre-Budget Industry View: GCC Policy, Tier-2 Push Key to Next Growth Phase
As expectations build ahead of Union Budget 2026–27, the talent and GCC ecosystem is calling for a sharper, more coordinated policy push to sustain India’s global capability centre momentum.
A spokesperson from Zyoin Group, which works closely with the HR tech, talent, and GCC ecosystem, said the upcoming Budget presents a defining opportunity to reposition India’s role in global innovation.
“Budget 2026 is India’s moment to supercharge its GCC story. With over 1,900 centres and two million professionals, we are no longer the back office—we are the brain trust. What the ecosystem now needs is a Central GCC Policy that cuts through state-level fragmentation, bold incentives to push GCC growth into Tier-2 cities, and serious investment in AI and ML skilling to close India’s growing talent gap.
Nano GCCs are already knocking. Single-window clearances and faster setup frameworks will determine how quickly India can capture this next wave of global work. The message to the world should be unmistakable: India is no longer just about cost savings—it is where global innovation gets built.”



Jan 31, 2026 21:20 IST
Budget 2026 May Rewrite Speech Format, Break 75-Year Convention
The Union Budget 2026 could mark a significant departure from a 75-year-old Budget tradition, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to use Part B of the Budget speech to lay out a broader economic roadmap for India, according to a report by NDTV, citing sources.
Traditionally, Part A of the Budget speech outlines the government’s vision and key ideas, while Part B is reserved for tax proposals and policy measures. This year, however, Part B is likely to go beyond routine announcements, focusing on both short-term priorities and long-term growth goals, while highlighting India’s domestic strengths and global ambitions as it charts its economic trajectory for the coming decades.