Union Budget 2026–27 live coverage as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reaches Parliament. Track key developments, economic context, expectations, and live streaming info.

New Delhi: As the country eagerly waits for the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at Parliament ahead of her 11 AM budget presentation on February 1, 2026. This is a historic budget—her ninth consecutive Union Budget and the first-ever budget to be presented on a Sunday.

Search interest for terms like “Union Budget 2026 live updates,” “Nirmala Sitharaman budget speech,” “Budget 2026 expectations,” and “Union Budget today live” has surged nationwide. Here is a complete, real-time, SEO-optimised breakdown of the latest developments, economic background, sector-wise expectations, and where to watch the budget live, based on official updates till 10:13 AM IST.

Union Budget 2026 Live Timeline (As of 10:13 AM IST)

• 10:12 AM: The Union Cabinet meeting is currently underway at Parliament to formally approve the budget proposals before the 11 AM speech.
• 10:05 AM: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Parliament along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials, carrying the budget papers in the traditional red ‘bahi khata’.
• 9:45 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Parliament to attend the Cabinet meeting.
• 9:30 AM: FM Sitharaman meets President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she is offered ‘dahi cheeni’, a customary symbol of good luck.
• Earlier today: The Finance Minister poses for official photographs outside the Finance Ministry with her team before leaving for Rashtrapati Bhavan.

There have been no delays or disruptions, and all proceedings are running on schedule.

What Is Union Budget 2026–27? Explained Simply

The Union Budget 2026–27 presents the government’s financial roadmap for the year beginning April 1, 2026. It outlines expected income, planned spending, policy changes, tax proposals, and reform measures.

This budget is:

• FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth straight budget
• The 88th Union Budget since Independence
• The first full budget of the Modi 3.0 government

The budget focuses on strengthening India’s economy amid global challenges, including uncertainties caused by US trade policies under Donald Trump. In a major shift, Part B of the budget speech will be the main section for explaining economic vision and reforms.

Economic Survey Snapshot: India’s Current Economic Position

According to the Economic Survey released ahead of Budget 2026:

• GDP growth forecast: 6.8% to 7.2% for FY 2026–27
• Inflation: Controlled below 5%
• Forex reserves: Above $700 billion
• Fiscal deficit target: 4.4% of GDP
• GST collections (January 2026): Increased 6.2% to ₹1.93 lakh crore
• Global warning: 10–20% risk of a global financial crisis, potentially worse than 2008
• Productivity concern: Rising digital addiction affecting workforce efficiency
• PM Modi’s view: India is a global “ray of hope” during uncertain times

Union Budget 2026 Expectations: Sector-Wise Focus Areas

Experts and government sources suggest the budget will aim for strong growth with controlled inflation.

Fiscal & Capital Spending

• Tightening of subsidies and revenue expenses
• Capital expenditure likely to remain around ₹11 lakh crore

Infrastructure Push

• Higher spending on roads, railways, ports, logistics
• Focus on urban infrastructure, housing, and power transmission

Agriculture

• Strong push for pulses and oilseeds
• Investment in cold storage, warehousing, irrigation, and supply chains
• Goal: reduce food price shocks

Manufacturing & Exports

• Customs duty changes
• Support for labour-intensive sectors
• Ease-of-doing-business reforms
• Special focus on electronics, defence, chemicals, and textiles

Jobs & Skill Development

• Increased funding for apprenticeship programs
• Incentives for MSMEs to create jobs

Green Energy & Climate Goals

• More funds for renewable energy
• Expansion of power grids, energy storage, EV charging stations
• Push towards decarbonisation

Debt Market & Finance

• Possible tax rationalisation on debt instruments
• Credit support for long-term financing

Healthcare

• Strong demand for increased healthcare spending likely to be addressed

Personal Income Tax

• Minor tweaks possible, such as:
  • Standard deduction raised to ₹1 lakh
  • 30% tax slab threshold raised to ₹40 lakh
• Chances remain low
• No major changes expected in STT, LTCG, or STCG taxes

Changes Effective from Today (February 1, 2026)

• Excise duty hike: Cigarettes and pan masala become costlier
• ATF prices: Aviation turbine fuel prices reduced ahead of the budget

Where to Watch Union Budget 2026 Live Today

TV Channels

• Sansad TV
• DD News

Online Live Streaming

• Sansad TV YouTube channel
• Official Finance Ministry platforms

Live Blogs & Updates

• NDTV
• Times of India
• Economic Times
• Hindustan Times
• The Hindu
• Business Standard
• Moneycontrol
• Livemint
• India Today
• News18

Post-Budget Event

• FM Nirmala Sitharaman will interact with 30 college students after the presentation

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