Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents budget in Lok Sabha
The central government is set to present budget in Parliament on Sunday, February 1, with high expectations from citizens, businesses and policy experts. With the economy navigating global uncertainties and domestic growth priorities, stakeholders are keenly watching for announcements on tax relief, policy clarity and measures aimed at boosting consumption, investment and employment.
The Budget is expected to outline the government’s fiscal roadmap for the coming year, balancing welfare commitments with capital expenditure and long-term reforms. From middle-class taxpayers hoping for relief to industry leaders seeking incentives and economists assessing macroeconomic signals, the annual exercise remains a key moment for economic direction-setting.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget at 11 am, marking her ninth consecutive Budget speech — a record first for any Indian finance minister. The milestone underscores continuity in fiscal leadership as the government lays out its vision for the year ahead.
Live Updates
1 Feb 2026 3:51 PM ISTUnion Budget 2026: A Stable and Pragmatic Tax Budget
Tax professionals view Budget 2026 as one that prioritises stability and predictability over dramatic changes.
CA Srishti Gosavi, Chartered Accountant, Finance Content Creator & Entrepreneur
After last year’s major direct tax overhaul, this Budget feels more about stability than shock relief, with no changes in income tax slabs or major rate cuts. While this may disappoint some salaried taxpayers, the focus on simplification and compliance ease is a positive long-term move.
The reduction in TCS to 2% on overseas education, medical expenses and tour packages is a welcome relief, making global exposure more affordable upfront. Overall, this is a measured and pragmatic Budget that balances revenue needs with growth.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:48 PM IST
Union Budget2026: Boost to India’s Orange Economy
The Budget’s focus on creative industries is being seen as a catalyst for India’s emerging Orange Economy.
Kulmani Rana, Founder & CEO, Fibonacci X
The announcement on AVCG content creator labs signals a clear policy push towards building India’s Orange Economy, where creativity, technology and entrepreneurship converge. By embedding content creation, animation, gaming and digital storytelling skills into schools and colleges, the Budget recognises creative talent as a serious economic asset.
This is a critical step in creating globally competitive startups, export-ready intellectual property, and new forms of employment for India’s youth, while positioning the creative economy as a long-term growth driver alongside manufacturing and technology.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:46 PM IST
Union Budget 2026: Insurance as a growth enabler
Industry leaders believe Budget 2026 lays a strong foundation for expanding insurance coverage alongside economic growth.
Narendra Bharindwal, President, Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI)
The Finance Minister’s Budget is a strong enabler for deepening insurance penetration by addressing the root causes of under-insurance, income volatility, informalisation, climate risk, and infrastructure gaps. The sustained thrust on capital expenditure, infrastructure creation, and urban renewal will directly expand the insurable asset base. Large-scale investments in roads, logistics parks, ports, renewable energy, and affordable housing automatically translate into higher demand for engineering, property, liability, motor, and workers’ compensation covers—making insurance a natural companion to growth, not an afterthought.
The continued focus on MSMEs, Mudra-linked credit, and ease of doing business is equally significant. When credit penetration expands, insurance penetration follows. Equally important is the emphasis on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, agriculture, and rural infrastructure.
Taken together, this Budget strengthens the foundations for achieving the national vision of ‘Insurance for All’ through broad-based, resilient growth.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:44 PM IST
Rajasthan CM Sharma praises Union Budget, says it charts path to Viksit Bharat
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Sunday praised the Union Budget 2026, describing it as inclusive, progressive, and visionary.
The Chief Minister listened to the budget presentation by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at his residence and termed it a strong roadmap towards building a developed and self-reliant India.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:39 PM IST
Defence allocation hiked 15 per cent to Rs 7.8 lakh crore in Budget 2026-27
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of Rs 7.8 lakh crore for the country’s defence sector in the Union Budget for 2026-27, representing a 15 per cent increase over the corresponding figure of Rs 6.81 lakh crore for the previous financial year.
The defence forces have been allocated Rs 2.19 lakh crore for the purchase of military hardware as part of the capital outlay in the Budget, which constitutes a 21.8 per cent increase compared with the Rs 1.80 lakh crore allocated in FY 2025-26.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:37 PM IST
Union Budget 2026-27 highlights: Customs simplified, duties slashed; tax reforms ease trade and living
The Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman marks a decisive step in reshaping India’s tax and trade landscape. With reforms spanning customs, indirect taxation, direct tax rationalisation, and incentives for cooperatives and the IT sector, the proposals aim to simplify compliance, reduce burdens, and strengthen competitiveness.
Customs processes are being modernised through digitalisation and AI, while exporters and industries gain relief via duty exemptions and extended timelines. Individuals benefit from reduced tariffs, medical duty waivers, and easier dispute resolution.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:35 PM IST
Focus on Himachal, Northeast tourism a ‘revolutionary thought’: Kangana Ranaut on Union Budget
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Sunday said that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2026 for the record ninth consecutive time is "wholesome" and particularly "satisfying" for women.
Kangana Ranaut, Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, also stated that the government’s focus on promoting tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast reflects a "revolutionary thought."
- 1 Feb 2026 3:34 PM IST
Central Government Prioritises Amaravati Reconstruction in 2026 Budget
The central government has given top priority to the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Amaravati, in the 2026 budget, with clear fund allocations for infrastructure, rural development, and education. Funds have been sanctioned across various departments to develop Amaravati into a world-class city.
The Amaravati Integrated Urban Development project has received Rs. 432.09 crore through IBRD funds. Overall, approximately Rs. 1128.91 crore has been allocated for capital development. Urban drinking water and sewerage improvements are set to receive Rs. 800 crore, while Rs. 350 crore has been earmarked for roads and bridges reconstruction. Additionally, Rs. 500.99 crore has been allocated for rural roads projects in the state.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:32 PM IST
Govt allocates Rs 1,05,530.42 crore for health in Budget 2026
The Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday enhanced the allocation for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to Rs 1,05,530.42 crores, reflecting an increase of 8.96 per cent over the Revised Estimates of FY 2025-26, the Ministry said.
Presenting the Union Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a comprehensive roadmap for healthcare reforms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal health coverage and inclusive growth.
- 1 Feb 2026 3:30 PM IST
Budget 2026 gives strong push to logistics, manufacturing and Viksit Bharat: Industry leaders
Industry experts on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget 2026, calling it progressive, balanced and aligned with India’s long-term growth goals.
Speaking to IANS, Vipin Vohra, Chairman of Continental Carriers Private Limited, said the budget is very positive for the logistics sector.
“The government has laid strong emphasis on logistics as exports from India continue to rise,” he noted.
