February 01, 2026
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: Cabinet approves Union Budget 2026-27, FM Sitharaman to table ninth Budget shortly
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this morning approved the Union Budget for 2026-27 ahead of its presentation in Parliament, paving the way for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table her ninth consecutive Budget in the Lok Sabha.
February 01, 2026· 11:03
Budgets Highlights 2026 Live: FM Sitharaman rises to present Budget for 2026-27 in Lok Sabha
February 01, 2026· 11:06
Budgets Highlights 2026 Live: FM Sitharaman lays 16th Finance Commission report for tax revenue devolution between Centre, states for 2026-2031
February 01, 2026· 11:10
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: India will continue to take steps towards Viksit Bharat, says FM Sitharaman in her ninth straight Budget speech
February 01, 2026· 11:11
Budgets Highlights 2026 Live: Will ensure that dividends of growth reach every farmer, scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and youth, says FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha
February 01, 2026· 11:12
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: Our ‘kartavya’ is to accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfil aspirations of people, says FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha
February 01, 2026· 11:15
Budget Highlights 2026 live: FM proposes interventions in 6 sectors, including manufacturing, strategic and frontier sectors, healthcare and advanced technology
February 01, 2026· 11:16
Budget Highlights 2026 live: Centre to back critical mineral facilities in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
February 01, 2026· 11:18
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: FM Sitharaman proposes to increase outlay on electronic manufacturing to Rs 40,000 cr in Union Budget 2026
February 01, 2026· 11:18
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: High-tech tool rooms to be established at two locations to give push to capital goods manufacturing, says Finance Minister in her ninth Budget speech
February 01, 2026· 11:19
Budget Highlights 2026 live updates: FM Sitharaman proposes setting up of 3 dedicated chemical parks to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependency
1 Feb 2026, 11:13:58 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Three-fold approach proposed
Noting that India has witnessed a high growth rate of 7%, Sitharaman spoke about her government’s three-fold approach. She said the actions are “inspired by tri-kartavya”. They are:
- To accelerate and sustain economic growth
- Fulfill aspirations of people biult their capacity
- Alligned with the vision of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’
“Over three fifty reforms have been ruled out. this includes gst, simplification notification of labor courts and rationalization of mandatory quality control orders,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.
“High level countries have been formed and in parallel, the central government is working with the state government on deregulation and regulation compliance requirements,” she said.
1 Feb 2026, 11:18:00 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Announcements so far
Key announcements from FM Sitharaman so far:
She also emphasised Aatmanirbharta, stating: “We have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make susbstantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced ‘Biopharma Shakti’ of outlay of 10,000 crore, noting India’s shift in diseases such as diabetes, cancer and auto-immune disorders. “I propose the Biopharma Shakti with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years,” said FM Sitharaman.
Further, Sitharaman emphasised on rare earth permanent magnets to support mineral-rich states such as Odisha, Kerala, Andhara Pradesh. She spoke about rare earth corridors to promote mining and research.
1 Feb 2026, 11:21:17 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund announced
She also proposes to set up mega textile parks.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes to revive 2000 industry clusters, ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund.
1 Feb 2026, 11:24:34 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Container manufacturing scheme with ₹10,000 crore over 5 years proposed
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 ₹10,000 crore over 5 years FM proposes an integrated plan for labour intensive sector of textiles
The Finance Minister’s announcement to introduce a scheme for enhancement of construction and infrastructure equipment (CIE) manufacturing aims to strengthen domestic production of high-value, technologically advanced machinery, reducing import dependence and boosting India’s Make-in-India push. This is particularly positive for capital goods, heavy engineering, and infra-linked manufacturers as government spending on roads, railways, mining, ports, and urban infrastructure accelerates.
1 Feb 2026, 11:31:02 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ‘Balancing ambition with inclusion as a growing economy’
India will continue to take steps towards Viksit Bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion as a growing economy with expanding trade and capital needs.
India must become deeply integrated with global markets, exporting more and attracting stable, long-term investment.
She also announced: “…We will launch India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and also focus on industry-led research and training centres to develop tech and skilled workforce.”
1 Feb 2026, 11:36:00 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: New high speed rail corridors announced
The finance minister proposed adding high speed rail corridors for the following corridors. Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Chennai, Chennai to Bengaluru, Varanasi to Siliguri, among others. RVNL up 1.42%, Titagarh Rail Systems up 2.9%, Indian Railway Finance Corp up 1.66%, Ircon up 1.75% as of 11.32 am.
1 Feb 2026, 11:37:30 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ₹20,000 crore over the next 5 years in CCUS
The Union Finance Minister proposed an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next 5 years in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies to scale up and achieve higher readiness levels in end-use applications across five industries: power, steel, cement, refineries and chemicals.
1 Feb 2026, 11:39:16 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Roadmap to make cities self-reliant through municipal finance push
Sitharaman announced that the govt aims to make Indian cities more self-reliant by strengthening municipal finances.
She announced a series of measures aimed at expanding market-based funding options, improving revenue autonomy of urban local bodies and reducing their dependence on state and central transfers.
- The budget proposed a ₹100 crore single-bond issuance to mobilise long-term funds for urban infrastructure projects,
- While continuing the ₹200 crore incentive allocation under the AMRUT scheme to support smaller and medium towns by enhancing their ability to raise resources, upgrade infrastructure and access capital markets.
1 Feb 2026, 11:41:50 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: High speed rail corridors to cut inter-city travel times
In Budget 2026, the Government announced 7 new high-speed rail corridors connecting major metros and economic hubs — including Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Bengaluru–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri — marking a significant expansion of India’s high-speed rail vision.
These corridors aim to drastically cut inter-city travel times, boost regional economic integration, and enhance freight and passenger mobility across key growth belts. This initiative dovetails with broader infrastructure and capex priorities, increasing demand for advanced rail technology, civil works, signalling, and related manufacturing.
While execution timelines will span years, the corridors could transform connectivity and catalyse ancillary industries.
1 Feb 2026, 11:46:41 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: 15 archaeological sites to be developed into vibrant cultural destinations
FM Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech proposed to develop 15 archaeological sites into vibrant experienced cultural destinations in efforts to boost the country’s tourism.
To this end, 10,000 tourist guides will be trained, she added.
1 Feb 2026, 11:48:09 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Girls’ hostel scheme to boost higher education participation
With a focus on encouraging girls’ education as a driver of economic growth, the finance minister on Sunday announced the establishment of hostels for girls in every district across the country.
This she said seeks to address one of the biggest barriers to female participation in higher education—lack of safe and affordable accommodation.
The scheme aims to ensure that girls from smaller towns and rural areas are able to continue their studies beyond school by providing residential facilities close to colleges and universities.
1 Feb 2026, 11:49:53 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Key highlights so far
- Public Capex increased to ₹12.2 trillion for FY2026–27
- Setting up of dedicated REITs to accelerate recycling of significant real estate assets of CPSEs
- Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to provide prudently calibrated partial credit guarantees to lenders
- Allocation of ₹5000 crore per City Economic Regions (CER) over 5 years
- Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to increase share of inland waterways & coastal shipping from 6% to 12% by 2047
1 Feb 2026, 11:55:52 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: NRIs investment limit increased, foreigners can now buy Indian stocks directly
Notably, foreigners can now buy Indian stocks directly.
- The combined cap for all foreign investors is proposed to rise from 10% to 24%.
- For NRIs, FM Sitharaman has proposed increasing the investment limit from 5% to 10%.
- This move is expected to enable greater participation of NRI capital and improve access to long-term overseas funds.
1 Feb 2026, 11:59:53 AM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ‘ ₹10,000 crore outlay under Biopharma Shakti will enhance domestic capacity, lower costs’
1 Feb 2026, 12:02:28 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Jobs creation in focus
FM Sitharaman said that the government has undertaken comprehensive reforms towards creating employment, boosting productivity and accelerating growth. She proposed interventions in six areas:
1. Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors
2. Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors
3. Creating Champion MSMEs
4. Developing a powerful push for infrastructure
5. Ensuring long-term security and stability
6. Developing City economic regions
1 Feb 2026, 12:05:13 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: TCS rate on foreign tour packages cut to 2%
- FM Sitharaman announced that the government is slashing TCS rate on the sale of overseas tour programme packages from 5% and 20% to 2% with any stipulation amount.
- Also, Sitharaman proposed that: “Any interest awarded by the motor accident claims tribunal to a natural person will be exempt from income tax and any TDS on this account will be done away with.”
- Further she stated that ₹1.4 lakh crore has been provided to the states for FY27 as Finance Commission grants. “These includes rural and urban local body and disaster management grants,” she added.
1 Feb 2026, 12:06:57 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Budget a ‘calibrated balance between growth support and fiscal discipline’
- FY27 Public Capex to rise from 11.2 lakh crore to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27
- FY24 Fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP
- FY27 Fiscal Deficit estimated at 4.3% of GDP FY26-27
The Budget’s key takeaways clearly signal a calibrated balance between growth support and fiscal discipline, feel experts.
The decision to raise FY27 public capex to ₹12.2 lakh crore from ₹11.2 lakh crore reinforces the government’s commitment to sustaining the investment-led growth cycle, with infrastructure spending continuing to act as a strong multiplier for the broader economy.
At the same time, maintaining the FY24 fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP and projecting a further moderation to 4.3% in FY27 highlights a credible path of fiscal consolidation without sacrificing growth momentum. This combination strengthens macro stability, supports investor confidence, and preserves room for counter-cyclical policy if needed.
1 Feb 2026, 12:12:02 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: A look at the three ‘Kartavyas’
In her speech, FM Sitharaman noted oulined three ‘Kartavyas’ or duties for this Budget. These are:
- Accelerate and sustain economic growth along with building resilience to volatile global dynamics
- Fulfill aspirations of our people and build their capacity
- Ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources, ameninties and opportunities
1 Feb 2026, 12:13:24 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ₹12.2 lakh crore budget outlay for capex in line with expectations, says Crisil
Crisil told Mint that the ₹12.2 lakh crore budget outlay for capital expenditure marks an 8.9% increase over the current fiscal and is in line with expectation—albeit lower than the likely need.
This also means private sector investments need to accelerate in the core infrastructure space. Expect asset monetisation to be focus for crowding in private investments over the medium term, it added.
1 Feb 2026, 12:15:59 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: FM’s tax related announcements at a glance
FM Sitharaman announced the following tax related measures in Budget 2026:
- Now you can file a revised ITR by March 31 with a nominal fee.
- NRIs get income tax exemption for providing capital goods to Indian companies for a period of five years.
- Tax holiday till 2047 to any foreign companies who provide cloud services to Indian companies, says FM.
- Reduce TCS rate for pursuing education and for medical purposes under the liberalised remittance scheme, popularly known as LRS, from 5% to 2%
1 Feb 2026, 12:17:34 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Centre retains share of states in the central government’s divisible pool of taxes at 41%
The government has decided to retain the share of states in the central government’s divisible pool of taxes at 41% for the five-year period starting FY27, in line with the recommendation of the Sixteenth Finance Commission (SFC) led by Arvind Panagariya.
1 Feb 2026, 12:21:18 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Staggered timeline for filing of tax returns till 31 July for taxpayers
FM Sitharaman has proposed to stagger the timeline for filing of tax returns — individuals with ITR 1 and ITR 2 till 31st July.
Further, she has also I also proposed to extend time available for revising returns from 31st December to up to 31st March with the payment of a nominal fee.
For non-audit business cases or trust, the tax returns filing timeline is proposed to be allowed time till 31st August, she added.
1 Feb 2026, 12:23:13 PM IST
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: ‘Customs duty measures to support exports and improve competitiveness’
FM Sitharaman announced a set of customs duty measures aimed at supporting exports and improving competitiveness in the marine and leather sectors.
- The government said duty-free imports would be allowed for seafood exports, with the value cap linked to 1–3% of the free on board (FOB) value, a move intended to ease input costs for exporters and improve liquidity.
- In the leather sector, duty-free import of specified inputs was announced for leather, synthetic footwear and other leather products, covering raw materials and components used in manufacturing.
- The budget also extended the time period for duty-free imports of inputs used in export production, increasing the validity from six months to up to one year, providing exporters greater flexibility in planning production cycles.
1 Feb 2026, 12:24:42 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: FM announces new scheme for taxpayers
A new scheme for small taxpayers has been proposed, wherein a rule-based automated process will enable obtaining a lower or nil deduction certificate instead of filing an application with the assessing officer.
For the ease of taxpayers holding securities in multiple companies. FM has proposed to enable depositories to accept Form 15G or Form 15H from the investor and provide it directly to various relevant companies.
1 Feb 2026, 12:26:40 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Massive healthcare expansion and mental health initiative announced
FM Sitharaman unveiled a massive plan for India’s medical sector:
- The initiative prioritizes a robust workforce and specialized care, marking a shift toward a more accessible and modern medical ecosystem.
- A key pillar of this plan is the addition of 100,000 allied health professionals over the next five years, alongside a program to train 150,000 caregivers. These professionals will support the physician workforce and improve the quality of post-operative recovery across the nation.
- A major focus was on mental health through the establishment of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS-2). This expansion aims to scale specialized expertise and research to reach a larger population.
- Furthermore, the budget details a 50% capacity increase in district hospitals by setting up dedicated emergency and trauma care centers. To decentralize high-end services, the government will support five regional medical hubs and launch three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to promote integrated, holistic wellness.
1 Feb 2026, 12:29:23 PM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech LIVE: Limit increased for duty-free imports of specified inputs used for processing sea foods for export
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman said, “I propose to increase the limit for duty-free imports of specified inputs used for processing sea foods for export from the current 1% to 3% of FOB value of the previous year’s export turnover.”
She further added that duty-free imports will also be allowed for specified inputs which is currently available for exports of leather or synthetic footwear to exports of shoe uppers as well.
1 Feb 2026, 12:31:54 PM
Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights LIVE: FM gives big relief for cancer patients
FM Sitharaman also provided big relief for cancer patients:
- Basic customs duty exempted on 17 drugs and medicines.
- Added seven more rare diseases for the exemption of import duty on personal import of drugs, medicine, and food imported for special medical purposes.
1 Feb 2026, 12:34:16 PM
Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights LIVE: No income-tax announcements
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 speech has ended. There were no changes announced in income tax rates or slabs after last year’s mega announcements.
1 Feb 2026, 12:38:42 PM
Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights LIVE: Scope of Reits expanded
The Budget has expanded scope of Reits via public sector land monetisation. FM Sitharaman in Budget 2026 proposed to set up real estate investment trusts to monetise large land holdings held by central public sector enterprises across cities.
The infrastructure push in smaller cities and towns is also expected to boost real estate.
1 Feb 2026, 12:41:02 PM
Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights LIVE: Customs duty announcements
- Basic customs duty exemption on components and parts required for manufacture of civilian, training and other aircrafts.
- Increase in limit for duty-free imports specified inputs used for processing seafood products for export, from the current 1% to 3 % of FOB value previous year’s export turnover.
- Duty free imports of specified inputs, which is currently available for exports of leather or synthetic footwear, to exports of Shoe Uppers as well.
- Complete removal of current value cap of ₹10 Lakh per consignment on courier exports.
- Customs Integrated System to be rolled out in 2 years as a single, integrated and scalable platform for all customs processes.
