Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 at 11 am, marking her ninth consecutive budget and setting a parliamentary record. The budget comes at a time of global economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and geopolitical stress.
Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Ninth Union Budget
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday emphasized that passenger safety, particularly for senior citizens, remains a top priority for the government. Speaking at a press conference on Budget 2026-27, he highlighted the significant reduction in railway accidents over recent years.
Responding to a question from Dynamite News, Vaishnaw noted that consequential railway accidents have dropped by nearly 95%, calling it a landmark achievement.
"Comparing the current safety record with the Congress-led period from 2004 to 2014, he said that safety had received little focus back then, with an average of 171 accidents per year. Today, that number has fallen dramatically to 12 accidents annually, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive measures and systemic improvements", the minister added.
A light-hearted video shot aboard the Vande Bharat Express has gone viral on social media, igniting a lively debate over parenting choices, public transport etiquette and content creation online.
The clip features a woman humorously pointing out that a reserved train seat booked for her young son was being “used” by a pair of slippers instead of the child. The video, shared on X, has clocked thousands of views and drawn sharply divided reactions from users.
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Saturday, brings a mixed bag of relief and added burden for Indian consumers. Through changes in customs duties, tariffs and taxes, the government has signalled which goods are likely to become more affordable and which could pinch household budgets in the coming year.
A key focus of Budget 2026 is reducing costs on essential and growth-linked sectors. Several imported goods are expected to become cheaper due to lower customs duties.
Healthcare sees major relief, with 17 cancer-related drugs exempted from customs duty. In addition, medicines, drugs and food for special medical purposes meant for seven rare diseases have been granted duty concessions, easing financial pressure on patients and families.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp critique of the Union Budget 2026, accusing the Narendra Modi-led government of failing to confront India’s mounting economic and social challenges. Reacting shortly after the Budget presentation, Gandhi said the proposals ignored core issues affecting ordinary citizens and showed no willingness to correct course.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the 2026-27 Budget in Parliament today on Sunday, proposed increasing the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O). She stated that this step was necessary to reduce speculation in the derivatives segment and stabilize the market.
According to the budget, the STT on futures will be increased from 0.02% to 0.05%. The STT on options premiums has been increased from 0.1% to 0.15%, and on options exercise from 0.125% to 0.15%.
Nirmala Sitharaman stated, "This reform is aimed at appropriate course correction in the F&O segment and generating additional revenue for the government."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed the Union Budget 2026 “historic,” stating that it strengthens women’s empowerment, accelerates economic reforms, and lays a firm foundation for India’s long-term growth.
Congratulating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting her ninth consecutive Budget, Modi said the document converts aspirations into action and reinforces India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Speaking after the Budget presentation, the Prime Minister said the government’s focus remains on inclusive growth, ease of living, and sustained reforms.
The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces major tax benefits to attract foreign companies, talent, and investment in India. It focuses on data centers, electronics manufacturing, toll manufacturing, and skilled professionals, making it easier and cheaper for them to operate in India.
Budget 2026 raises the Safe Harbour limit for IT companies from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore, introduces automated approvals, a fixed profit margin, and fast-track APA—making taxes easier, faster, and dispute-free for mid and large IT firms.
In a major boost to the defence sector, the Union Budget 2026 has allocated ₹7.85 lakh crore, marking a sharp increase from the ₹6.81 lakh crore provided in the previous financial year. The increase underlines the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening military preparedness, accelerating modernisation, and ensuring the welfare of armed forces personnel.
According to official Budget documents, the total allocation for the Ministry of Defence in FY27 includes expenditure on defence services (revenue), capital outlay, defence pensions, and civil establishments functioning under the ministry.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a major boost to public infrastructure spending, proposing a capital expenditure (capex) of ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY2026-27 as part of the Union Budget. The move aims to sustain economic growth, improve competitiveness and build resilience amid global uncertainties.
The Finance Minister said, “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.”
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a major announcement regarding income tax while presenting the 2026 Budget. She stated that the new Income Tax Act will be implemented from April 1, 2026, effective from the next financial year, 2026-27. This new law will replace the nearly six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Finance Minister clarified that the purpose of the new Income Tax Act is to simplify tax laws and make compliance easier for taxpayers. This law does not introduce any new tax rates, but rather makes the existing law more clear and understandable by removing complex language and unnecessary provisions.
The central government has given a major boost to the gaming and content creation sector in Budget 2026. Presenting the budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India will no longer be merely a consumer of technology, but a technology leader. The government's focus is on growth, digital skills, and strengthening the creator economy.
The budget announced that AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) content creator labs will be established in 1,500 secondary schools and 500 students across the country. These labs will provide students with advanced training in game design, animation, visual effects, and digital content production. The government aims to develop creative and technical skills in youth from an early age.
The stock market witnessed a decline soon after the Union Budget 2026–27 was presented in Parliament. Investors reacted with disappointment, as expectations of major announcements were not met, leading to selling pressure in the market.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a major announcement regarding income tax while presenting the budget for the financial year 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday. She announced that the new Income Tax Act will come into effect in the country from April 1. The Finance Minister also stated that filing income tax will become easier than ever after the implementation of this new law.
The Budget includes measures such as setting up a High-Level Committee on Banking, restructuring public sector NBFCs, incentivizing large municipal bond issuances, and increasing investment limits for individual PROIs to boost financial market efficiency and participation.
The Budget aims to expand the economy by strengthening medical, heritage, and cultural tourism sectors.
Union Finance Minister proposed initiatives aimed at creating dignified livelihood opportunities for Divyangjan, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment in the workforce.
Union Finance Minister proposed interventions to create skilled career opportunities for youth in Allied Health Professionals, Care Ecosystem, Medical Value Tourism hubs, a new NIMHANS-2, and by strengthening district hospitals with Emergency and Trauma Care Centres.
Union Finance Minister proposed multiple initiatives for farmers, animal husbandry, and veterinary professionals, with a special focus on empowering women-led rural enterprises.
The Sports sector will see expanded employment, skilling, and job opportunities through the decade-long Khelo India Mission, building on the success of the Khelo India programme, says FM @nsitharaman during the Union Budget 2026-27 presentation.
Union Finance Ministern Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the fiscal deficit for 2026-27 is expected to be 4.3%.
Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman proposed multiple initiatives to boost #investment in the higher education sector, including new institutes, university townships, girls’ hostels, and telescope infrastructure.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha. This budget is the first budget to be prepared in Kartavya Bhavan. In her speech, the Finance Minister outlined the three main duties of the government and stated that the innovative ideas of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are the cornerstone of this budget. She stated that the government is committed to paying special attention to the poor, the exploited, and the deprived.
India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector is booming. The government proposes supporting the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai to set up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges to nurture talent.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes a High-Powered ‘Education to Employment & Enterprise’ Standing Committee to drive growth, employment, exports & assess AI’s impact on jobs for a globally competitive India by 2047.
FM proposes a three-pronged support for MSMEs: Equity support, Liquidity support, and Professional support to help them grow and thrive.
FM proposes ₹20,000 crore over 5 years for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) to advance end-use applications and strengthen India’s green technology capabilities.
FM announces continued development of infrastructure in Tier II & Tier III cities with over 5 lakh population, supporting their growth as emerging economic centres.
FM proposes initiatives like Biopharma SHAKTI, ISM 2.0, Electronics Components Scheme, Rare Earth Corridors, Chemical Parks & revival of 200 legacy industrial clusters.
FM announces the creation of 22 new waterways across the country to boost inland transport, trade, and connectivity.
FM announces price reduction for cancer and diabetes medicines, making essential healthcare more accessible and affordable for all citizens.
Ahead of the presentation of Budget 2026, news of economic relief for the government has arrived. Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections increased by 6.2% to ₹1,93,384 crore in January. GST collections in the same month last year were ₹1,82,094 crore. This increase was driven by strong domestic activity and growth in import revenue.
FM announces ₹10,000 crore support to strengthen MSMEs.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights three duties guiding Budget 2026: boosting economic growth, empowering citizens, and ensuring inclusive development for all regions and communities.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlines interventions in manufacturing, strategic and frontier sectors, healthcare, and advanced technology to boost growth and innovation across India.
Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to set up dedicated rare earth mineral corridors, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha in a few hours. This budget will not only determine the country's future economic direction but will also be the third full budget of the Modi government's third term. Even before the budget is presented, investors and businesses are keeping an eye on the stock market. Despite being a Sunday, the stock market will remain open, and some stocks may see movement due to the budget's impact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have arrived at Parliament ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s record ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Budget in a meeting held ahead of its presentation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is now set to present the Budget in the Lok Sabha, after which it will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at Parliament after meeting President Droupadi Murmu. She will present her ninth Union Budget, carrying the details on a digital Budget tablet. Several Union Cabinet ministers are also present.
Ahead of the presentation of Budget 2026, the government has dealt a blow to both the public and businesses. The price of a 19-kilogram commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by ₹50, while the price of a 14-kilogram domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged. Domestic cylinders are still available at the old rates fixed on April 8, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Parliament House. A crucial Cabinet meeting is set to begin shortly as preparations intensify ahead of key decisions.
President Droupadi Murmu fed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary dahi-cheeni ahead of her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation, marking a traditional and symbolic moment before the historic address.
The government has raised commercial LPG cylinder prices by ₹49 ahead of the Budget, while keeping domestic LPG cylinder rates unchanged, offering relief to households amid pre-Budget adjustments.
Before presenting Budget 2026, President Droupadi Murmu offered Dahi Cheeni (Curd and Sugar) to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This is considered a traditional ritual performed prior to the budget.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with MoS Pankaj Chaudhary, met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted the Budget copy. This will be Sitharaman’s 9th consecutive Budget, raising public expectations.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament at 11 am today. For her ninth consecutive budget, her attire received special attention, as always. Her saree on Budget Day is not just a fashion statement, but also a message of Indian culture and tradition.
This year, the Finance Minister wore a maroon handwoven Kanjivaram silk saree. This saree reflects the traditional weaving art of Tamil Nadu. The light golden-brown check design ('kattam') and coffee brown border on the saree further enhance the saree's grandeur. Experts say this outfit also conveys a message of self-reliant India and support for local artisans.
Equity Markets Remain Cautious Ahead of Budget, Move in Narrow Range
New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha today, February 1, at 11 am. With this, she will become the first Finance Minister to present her ninth consecutive budget, setting a new record in parliamentary history. This budget will not only set the economic direction but also provide a glimpse of the development roadmap for the coming years.
This budget is being presented at a time when geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and economic uncertainty prevail around the world. In particular, tariff and trade wars with several countries, including the United States, are impacting the global economy. Consequently, the government is expected to announce concrete measures to protect the country's economy from global shocks.
Every major budget announcement, tax changes, schemes, and policy decisions are being closely monitored across the country. Stay tuned to the live blog for every minute update on Budget 2026.
