The Economic Times

The government has allocated a 500 crore special package for former ULFA members' families as part of the Union Budget. This initiative, alongside other development funds for tribal and Adivasi groups in the Northeast, aims to accelerate development and employment opportunities in the region, aligning with the vision of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'.

Sensex fell 1,547 points during Budget 2026 special session, yet select stocks defied weakness. Oil India, Bharat Electronics, Axis Bank and SBI hit fresh 52-week highs, signalling strong momentum and bullish breakouts.

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry receives a substantial Rs 85,522.39 crore in the Union Budget. The PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors sees a significant 57 percent increase, receiving Rs 900 crore. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) also gets a considerable allocation. Funds are earmarked for urban development projects and missions.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the sharp hike in securities transaction tax on futures and options, citing risks from excessive speculation in derivatives. The Budget 2026 move triggered a sell-off in brokerage and exchange stocks, with the government saying the increase aims to curb systemic risk and protect small retail investors.

Raamdeo Agrawal praised Budget 2026 as transformative for Indias digital future, citing data centre tax holidays and capex push. Despite STT-led volatility, he said strong fiscal discipline, infrastructure spending and IT clarity sustain Indias long-term earnings and growth outlook.

Bhutan receives the largest development aid of Rs 2,288 crore in India's Union Budget for 2026-27. Nepal and Maldives/Mauritius follow with significant allocations. The Ministry of External Affairs' total budget sees an increase, with a notable reduction for Bangladesh and no allocation for Chabahar port.

LIC CEO & MD R Doraiswamy described the Union Budget as a visionary roadmap for India's ambition to become a top three global economy. He highlighted the focus on strategic industries, MSMEs, and rural income growth, expecting market sentiment to improve as the broader development push is assessed.

Several Nifty 500 companies delivered exceptional Q3FY26 profit growth, with net profits rising over 150% year-on-year. Energy, real estate, finance, metals, and capital goods firms dominated the list, reflecting a low base effect, cyclical recovery, and improved operating leverage, according to StockEdge profitability scan data in the December quarter period.

The Union Budget has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for the e-Courts project's third phase. This ambitious initiative aims to digitise all subordinate courts across India. The project, approved by the Union Cabinet, has a total financial outlay of Rs 7,210 crore. It will be implemented over four years, continuing the ICT enablement of the Indian Judiciary.

Union Budget FY27 eases tax norms for IT and software exporters by expanding safe harbour limits, simplifying transfer pricing, improving buyback taxation, and offering long tax holidays to foreign cloud firms using Indian data centres, enhancing competitiveness and investment appeal.

Jammu and Kashmir will receive over Rs 43,290 crore in central assistance for 2026-27. This represents a significant increase from the previous fiscal year. Funds are allocated for central assistance, the Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery Project, and disaster relief. Capital expenditure support remains consistent. This financial boost aims to support the Union Territory's development and recovery efforts.

At the end of the day, the BSE Sensex fell 1546.84 points or 1.88% to close at 80,722.94, whereas the Nifty 50 was down 495.20 points or 1.96% to end at 24,825.45.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget, draped in a Kanjivaram saree. The speech focused on investments and growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it historic and futuristic. Opposition members raised concerns about their states being ignored. The budget was prepared at Kartavya Bhavan. Members exchanged greetings and offered condolences.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans steep STT hike on futures and options has triggered sharp market backlash, with brokerages and exchanges tumbling up to 9%. Experts warn the move could drain liquidity, deter foreign investors and hurt Indias market competitiveness, even as the government defends it as a curb on excessive speculation.

Budget 2026-27's customs duty rationalization is set to boost exports and domestic manufacturing by lowering costs for key sectors like clean energy and healthcare. Experts highlight the removal of basic customs duty on capital goods and strategic inputs, alongside increased duty-free import limits for seafood processing, as significant steps towards enhancing competitiveness and self-reliance.

Budget 202627 reassured bond markets with fiscal discipline and reform continuity. However, higher-than-expected gross borrowing may pressure yields near term as investors await RBI liquidity cues, even as structural measures deepen bond markets and support long-term stability.

PSU bank stocks tumbled in the special Sunday session after the Budgets record borrowing plan sparked fears of rising bond yields and mark-to-market losses. SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Bank and Bank of India led the decline, dragging the Nifty PSU Bank index sharply lower as investors priced in treasury risks.

The government will now concentrate on developing tier II and tier III cities, including temple towns. These areas will receive modern infrastructure and basic amenities. A budget of Rs 5000 crore per city economic region is proposed over five years. This initiative aims to boost economic growth by enhancing urban potential.

Union Budget 2026 reinforced Indias infrastructure led growth strategy with higher capital expenditure, de risking mechanisms and improved connectivity. Industry leaders expect these measures to boost execution, liquidity and long term demand across real estate segments, supporting urban expansion, housing activity and investment-led development over the medium to long term.

Budget 2026-27 introduces a significant package for livestock, fisheries, and high-value agriculture. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures to boost rural incomes beyond traditional farming. These include zero duty on marine catch, support for inland fisheries, and increased veterinary professionals. High-value crops like coconut and sandalwood will also receive attention.

ITC shares fell nearly 3% during the Budget-day session as investors reacted to the December cigarette tax overhaul kicking in from February 1 and a statutory increase in NCCD rates for tobacco products. While the effective duty remains unchanged for now, the move has added policy uncertainty and pressured sentiment.

The government's increased Securities Transaction Tax on derivatives aims to curb speculation and encourage long-term investing. While high-frequency traders may need to adjust strategies, foreign portfolio investors are expected to remain unaffected, prioritizing company growth and economic stability over short-term trading costs.

Budget 2026-27 embraces younger Indians' priorities. It recognizes the creative economy, promoting careers in animation and gaming. Tourism shifts to experiences and sustainability. Cheaper global consumption acknowledges evolving consumer habits. AI integration is highlighted across sectors. Mental health receives national attention, reflecting a significant cultural and economic shift.

Indian equities fell sharply after Union Budget 2026, with the Sensex dropping nearly 1,600 points. However, infrastructure focused announcements on capex, high speed rail, rare earths, data centres and medical tourism brought 27 stocks into focus as potential beneficiaries of the governments investment push.

Global uncertainty is impacting the Indian rupee. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated domestic fundamentals remain strong. The Economic Survey notes a weaker rupee is currently helping exports. However, prolonged weakness could affect investor confidence. The rupee has seen volatility recently. The Reserve Bank of India intervenes to manage excessive fluctuations.

India's capital expenditure is set for a record high. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs 12.22 lakh crore for 2026-27. This significant investment represents 4.4 per cent of the nation's GDP. This figure marks a substantial increase from previous years. The government aims for a realistic and responsible fiscal deficit target of 4.3 per cent for FY27.

The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated over Rs 2,000 crore to NCRTC for the RRTS project, a decrease from previous years. This funding aims to decongest the Delhi-NCR and reduce pollution via faster public transport. The project's Phase I includes three major corridors, with a 55-km section of the Delhi-Meerut corridor currently operational.

Proposed STT hikes on equity futures and options are expected to cut derivatives volumes, hurt liquidity providers, and pressure broker revenues. Broking stocks fell sharply as higher trading costs threaten margins, especially for firms heavily reliant on equity derivatives income.

India Budget 2026: The government aims to raise 47,000 crore from disinvestment and asset monetisation in FY26, shifting focus from targets to improving company valuations and funding infrastructure. Privatisation remains a cabinet commitment, with efforts to enhance public sector company worth before market sales. IDBI Bank's significant stake sale is a key transaction in the pipeline.

The Union Budget has drawn mixed market reactions. Amitabh Chaudhry sees stability and continuity as positives. Focus areas include pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and infrastructure. While higher borrowings and transaction taxes are concerns, details may bring market calm. The budget aims for self-reliance and institutional scale.

The Economic Survey had earlier flagged risks from the external sector, including volatile capital flows and global financial tightening. Analysts say these concerns are now playing out more visibly in currency markets.

The Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 299 crore for training government employees domestically and internationally. An additional Rs 65 crore is designated for administrative reforms, including e-governance and public grievance redressal. Mission Karmayogi, a major civil services capacity building initiative, receives Rs 126 crore.

Delhi Police receives a significant budget boost for 2026-27. The Union Budget allocates Rs 12,503.65 crore, a 4.79% rise. These funds will support daily operations and key initiatives. Projects include developing a model traffic system and enhancing communication networks across the NCR region. Upgrades to technology and personnel training are also prioritized.

Budget 2026-27 prioritises durable growth through manufacturing, infrastructure and MSMEs, eschewing headline-grabbing tax giveaways for stability amidst global fragility. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on long-term economic foundations, including fiscal discipline and a new debt-to-GDP anchor, aiming for resilience over immediate applause.

Indian stocks slumped in Sundays special Budget session after the sharp STT hike on futures and options triggered heavy selling. MCX, Hindustan Copper, Hindustan Zinc, Angel One, BSE and other major names ranked among the top Nifty 500 losers

India's federal budget unveils a massive $133 billion investment for infrastructure and manufacturing. The plan aims to boost sectors from textiles to electronics. Taxes on equity futures are increased to curb speculation. The budget focuses on economic resilience amid global uncertainty. Key sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics are set to benefit from new initiatives.

The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces significant customs reforms. Exemptions are being rationalised, and customs duty on 17 cancer drugs is waived. Rules for personal baggage are eased, and the duty on goods for personal use is reduced to 10 percent. A trust-based customs regime with a single window system and AI integration is planned.

India's Union Budget allocates Rs 20,000 crore for carbon capture technology. This initiative will boost decarbonization in key industries like power, steel, cement, and chemicals. The goal is to scale up this technology to reduce emissions. This move supports India's climate goals and export competitiveness. The program aims to balance energy security with environmental targets.

Budget 2026 in Hindi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026, maintaining unchanged income tax rates and slabs. Key announcements include extended deadlines for revising returns, staggered filing timelines, and targeted tax relief for individuals, NRIs, and small taxpayers. The budget also introduced lower TCS on foreign spending and higher STT on futures and options.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a special measure for SEZ manufacturing units. Eligible units can now sell products to the domestic market at reduced duty rates. This aims to address capacity utilisation issues due to global trade disruptions.

Indian markets plunged post Union Budget 2026 as Sensex fell sharply on higher trading taxes and weak FPI cues. Despite near term shock, analysts see capex push, defence spending and structural reforms supporting medium to long term growth prospects ahead.

A significant financial boost is coming for rural development. The new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) or VB-G RAM G scheme receives Rs 95,692.31 crore. This initiative promises 125 days of work annually. It will succeed the long-standing MGNREGA program. The government is investing heavily in rural employment and infrastructure.

Paytm shares jumped sharply after Budget 2026 announced a significantly higher incentive allocation for UPI and RuPay, boosting sentiment around digital payments. Strong volumes accompanied the rally as investors cheered policy support, while improved profitability and steady revenue growth further strengthened confidence in the fintech companys outlook.

The Union Budget 2026-27 earmarks Rs 1,102 crore for key government offices. This includes substantial funds for the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Cabinet Secretariat. Hospitality and entertainment for state guests also receive an allocation. The National Security Council Secretariat and the Principal Scientific Advisor's office see budgetary provisions.

The government is launching an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to support lenders and boost private developer confidence. Capital expenditure for infrastructure creation will see an 11% increase. Focus will be on developing infrastructure in Tier II and Tier III cities. A new scheme will also promote domestic manufacturing of construction and infrastructure equipment.

The government is significantly boosting funds for roads and highways. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways receives Rs 3.10 lakh crore for the upcoming fiscal year. This increased allocation will drive the development of national highways and expressways. Maintenance of existing road networks also receives a substantial focus.