LIVE UPDATE
1:35 PM
FM Sitharaman’s Budget 2026: Key Proposals Unveiled
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget speech, lasting approximately 81 minutes, outlined key proposals aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investment. The budget includes significant changes to the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and offers incentives for specific sectors like fishing and cloud services. These measures signal the government’s intent to promote targeted growth and modernize key industries.
Key Highlights
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2026 speech lasted approximately 81 minutes.
- Fishing in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) or high seas is now duty-free.
- Tax holiday extended to foreign cloud service companies utilizing Indian services.
- Securities Transaction Tax (STT) has been raised on Futures and Options (F&O).
Sources: The Times of India, WION, ETV Bharat, Mint
LIVE UPDATE
1:25 PM
Major Fiscal Moves: Cancer Drug Relief & Bond Market Push
The Union Budget 2026 is making significant strides in healthcare accessibility and financial market depth. Waiving customs duties on essential cancer drugs addresses a critical public health need, while measures to bolster the corporate and municipal bond markets aim to fuel infrastructure development and economic growth.
Key Highlights
- Customs duty waived on 17 essential cancer medicines and drugs for rare diseases, offering significant relief to patients.
- Budget includes provisions to boost the corporate and municipal bond market, potentially increasing investment in infrastructure projects.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, a historic first.
- Economic Survey projects India’s economic growth at 6.8–7.2 per cent in FY27.
LIVE UPDATE
1:04 PM
STT on Futures Increased; Market Recovers After Initial Dip
The Finance Minister’s decision to raise the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures trading has injected volatility into the stock market. While the market initially reacted negatively, it is now showing signs of recovery, suggesting investors are reassessing the long-term implications of the budget. The STT hike aims to increase government revenue but could impact trading volumes.
Key Highlights
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures trading.
- The stock market experienced sharp swings following the STT announcement, initially trading at session lows.
- The market is currently trading off its lows, indicating a partial recovery and reassessment by investors.
- The Union Budget 2026 is being presented in the Lok Sabha.
Sources: News18
LIVE UPDATE
12:53 PM
Sitharaman’s Budget Speech Clocks in at 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth budget speech lasted for 1 hour and 25 minutes. While substantial, it does not break her own record for the longest budget address. The duration signals the breadth of the Modi 3.0 government’s economic agenda and priorities in its third full budget.
Key Highlights
- Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth Union Budget, marking a significant milestone.
- The Budget speech lasted for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- Sitharaman holds the record for the longest Union Budget speech, delivered in 2020.
- This is the Modi 3.0 government’s third full budget.
LIVE UPDATE
12:42 PM
Budget Day Shocker: Market Tanks as STT on Futures Rises; 7 New High-Speed Rail Corridors Announced
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth budget included a surprise increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures trading, triggering a significant market correction. However, the announcement of seven new high-speed rail corridors signals a major infrastructure push by the government, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Key Highlights
- Sensex plummets 1,600 points following the announcement of increased STT on futures trading.
- Nifty dips below 25,000 as market reacts negatively to the STT hike.
- Finance Minister announces the development of seven new high-speed rail corridors across the country.
- Nirmala Sitharaman delivers her ninth consecutive Union Budget, a record.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Swarajyamag, News18
LIVE UPDATE
12:31 PM
Stock Markets React Negatively to STT Hike on Derivatives
The stock market has responded poorly to the Union Budget, with the Sensex and Nifty both falling. The increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on options and futures trading appears to be a major factor driving this negative sentiment, as it directly impacts trading costs and profitability for investors in the derivatives market.
Key Highlights
- Sensex and Nifty both experienced declines following the budget announcement.
- The primary cause of the market downturn is attributed to the increase in STT on options and futures.
- The increased STT directly impacts trading costs for investors in the derivatives market.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is currently presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha.
Sources: News18
LIVE UPDATE
12:20 PM
Jewellery Stocks React Negatively to Budget; Kalyan Jewellers Down 1.7%
The initial market reaction to the Union Budget 2026 has seen a downturn in jewellery stocks, indicating potential concerns about fiscal policies impacting the sector. Investors are likely assessing the budget’s implications on consumer spending and import duties related to precious metals. This decline suggests the market anticipates challenges for jewellery companies in the near term.
Key Highlights
- Kalyan Jewellers India shares fell by 1.7% on the BSE, reaching a low of Rs 355.15.
- Other jewellery stocks including Titan, Thangamayil, and Golkunda also experienced declines.
- The market’s reaction reflects investor apprehension regarding the budget’s impact on the jewellery sector’s profitability.
- Analysts are closely monitoring policy changes related to gold and other precious metals that could affect these companies.
Sources: Business Today
LIVE UPDATE
11:48 AM
Sitharaman Unveils ‘Banking for Viksit Bharat’ Committee
The establishment of the ‘Banking for Viksit Bharat’ committee underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging the banking sector for long-term economic development. This initiative aims to transform public sector banks into globally competitive entities by focusing on enhanced governance, operational efficiency, and technological advancement. The announcement reflects confidence in the banking sector’s improved financial health.
Key Highlights
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of the ‘Banking for Viksit Bharat’ committee.
- The committee’s mandate is to align the banking sector with India’s long-term development goals.
- The initiative emphasizes improved governance, efficiency, and technology adoption in public sector banks.
- This announcement follows a period of strengthened bank balance sheets and increased profitability.
LIVE UPDATE
11:37 AM
GST Revenue Jumps, Market Reacts as Budget Day Unfolds
India’s GST collections have shown robust growth, signaling stable consumption and tax compliance ahead of the Union Budget presentation. Simultaneously, markets are reacting with a plunge in gold and silver prices amid global economic factors, while the stock market trades in the green. The budget is expected to focus on reforms, infrastructure, and tax relief for the middle class.
Key Highlights
- Gross GST collections in January 2026 rose 6.2% to ₹1.93 lakh crore, with net revenue up 7.6% reaching ₹1.70 lakh crore.
- Gold and silver prices crashed, hitting lower circuit levels due to profit-taking and a stronger US dollar.
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on AI, manufacturing, and telecom sectors.
- The Indian business community remains optimistic about the country’s economic trajectory despite global headwinds, according to a FICCI survey.
