Page 22 - Budget 2026

The Economic Survey's global outlook: A world that has structurally changed

Economic Survey 2026 says India is better placed than many economies due to strong macro fundamentals, but warns these buffers will not fully insulate it from global volatility

MGNREGA overhauled as overall architecture had reached limits: Eco Survey

Reassessment needed in light of evolving rural realities; MGNREGS structural weakness limited its effectiveness, says Survey

Eco Survey highlights: Domestic demand in focus amid global uncertainties

India's economy is expected to grow 6.8-7.2% in 2026-27; exports, domestic demand and reforms support growth, while global trade tensions pose some risks

India on a strong plank to show sustained growth in uncertain times

On the whole, the Survey paints a positive picture for the economy as well as outlook, though cautions more on the external environment

Pension reforms must revamp key schemes to widen coverage: Report

SBI Research report urges mandatory contributions by large private firms, tax parity and the integration of the Unified Pension Scheme to secure a rapidly ageing workforce

Economic Survey pegs India's real GDP growth at 6.8-7.2 per cent in FY27

India's economy is expected to grow 6.8-7.2% in 2026-27; exports, domestic demand and reforms support growth, while global trade tensions pose some risks

Hypocrisy-laden message: Cong slams PM's remarks ahead of Budget session

The Congress on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the Budget session, saying he delivers his "usual hypocrisy-laden message to the nation" before the beginning of each session and "today's performance is part of this series". Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "He (PM) will not convene and chair all-party meetings to take the opposition into confidence on national issues." He will suddenly have Bills introduced at the last minute and bulldozed through Parliament without the necessary legislative scrutiny, Ramesh claimed, adding that Modi would not sit in Parliament and respond to the concerns of opposition leaders, and will instead make election rally speeches in both Houses. "Before the beginning of each session, he will give his usual hypocrisy-laden 'desh ke naam sandesh' with Parliament as his backdrop. Today's performance is part of this series," the senior Congress leader said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday

Budget Session 2026: 'Reform, perform, transform' guides govt, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is focused on reform, performance and transformation as Parliament's Budget Session begins, stressing long-term solutions and growth for India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in LS today

In addition, a statement reviewing the working of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India, New Delhi, for the year 2024-25 will be presented before the House

Union Budget 2026 to be presented on Feb 1: When and where to watch Live

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament on February 1. Here's the time, venue and how to watch the Budget speech live

Union Budget 2026-27: The next phase of India's technology growth

Focused execution and policy coherence can help position India as a tech powerhouse

Budget 2026-27: Recalibrating the tax framework for sovereign wealth funds

India's masterstroke was the red carpet rollout for sovereign wealth funds in 2020 with an exemption for income from investments in specified Infrastructure

Consumers view upcoming Budget 2026-27 with caution: Kantar Survey

Consumer optimism around India's long-term growth goals has softened ahead of Budget 2026, with households prioritising tax relief, job security and financial stability, a Kantar survey shows

Budget 2026 expectations: NPS tax benefits, ageing India and pensions

With India's senior population rising, industry executives want wider NPS tax benefits and simpler pension rules in Budget 2026

Budget 2026: SBI Research sees fiscal deficit at 4.2% amid global risks

SBI Research expects Budget 2026 to focus on fiscal discipline, managing rising debt, steady borrowing and higher capital spending amid global uncertainty and volatile markets

Tech analysts expect up to 15% upside in these 4 agriculture-related shares

Tech analysts Drumil Vithlani of Bonanza and Aakash Shah of Choice Equity Broking decode trading strategy in Apex Frozen Foods, Rallis India, Coromandel and Tata Consumer Products ahead of Budget 2026

Govt on 'reforms express' path; GST 2.0 saved ₹1 trillion: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the government is moving on the path of 'Reforms Express', benefitting the poor and middle class, and the historic next-gen GST reform rolled out last year has ensured savings of Rs 1 lakh crore for citizens. In her address to both Houses of Parliament, Murmu also said the government has revamped the Income Tax law and taken a "historic decision" to exempt income of up to Rs 12 lakh from taxation. "These reforms are providing unprecedented benefits to poor and middle-class families. It has also given a new impetus to the country's economy," Murmu said. The new and simplified Income Tax Act 2025 has been enacted and will be implemented from April 1, 2026. In the 2025-26 Budget presented on February 1, last year, the government had increased the income tax exemption threshold to Rs 12 lakh from Rs 7 lakh earlier. "Today, my government is moving forward on the path of 'Reforms Express'. Old rules and provisions are being updated continuously

This Budget will see many firsts, but future Budgets need a different mould

Budget 2026-27 breaks new ground, but delayed GDP rebasing and continued fiscal secrecy risk undermining its numbers within weeks

Prez Murmu invokes Gandhi, Nehru, Vajpayee to seek unity on national issues

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged parliamentarians to stand united on the resolve for Viksit Bharat, campaign for swadeshi as well as national security, asserting that these were matters beyond all differences. Addressing a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget Session, she said the government will continue to accelerate the momentum of "reform express" and listed various economic and social initiatives taken to make India a developed nation by 2047. Murmu said the world saw the valour of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror camps on the strength of their own resources and asserted that any terror act will be responded with decisive action. India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom, she said. "Amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation," Murmu said, addressing the Members of Parliament (MP

Oppn protests in Parliament after President Murmu mentions VB-G RAM G Act

President Droupadi Murmu's reference to the VB-G RAM G Act in her address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on Wednesday sparked protests from opposition parties which raised slogans demanding a roll back of the law. In her address, the President said the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) would provide guarantee for 125 days of work, and would also stop corruption and leakages. She also asserted that it would provide a new impetus to rural development. While the President's mention of the VB-G RAM G Act was welcomed by treasury benches by thumping of desks, Opposition members raised slogans demanding roll back of the law. President Murmu paused during her address as the opposition raised slogans like "vapas lo" (roll back the Act). The Act is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Opposition parties are demanding the withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Act and restoration of MGNRE