Union Budget LIVE UPDATES: MHA Gets Rs 2.55 Lakh Crore As China, Security Concerns Take Centre Stage
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today, February 1, presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget 2026 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While taxpayers had hoped for new tax rebates or changes to the standard deduction, no such relief was announced. The stock markets reacted negatively during the presentation and are currently trading in the red.
Sitharaman’s budget is guided by three key ‘kartavyas’ or responsibilities: to boost economic growth by enhancing competitiveness, to meet citizens’ aspirations, and to ensure every family, community, and region has access to resources and opportunities for participation.
Sitharaman’s budget is guided by three key ‘kartavyas’ or responsibilities: to boost economic growth by enhancing competitiveness, to meet citizens’ aspirations, and to ensure every family, community, and region has access to resources and opportunities for participation.
LIVE UPDATES
Union Budget May Push Inflation Higher and Increase Unemployment: Kejriwal
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the Union Budget would push up inflation and lead to job losses. Speaking to reporters in Kavlem village, he claimed the Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered nothing for Goa.
Kejriwal also criticised the BJP, alleging it had “destroyed” the state, and said people were increasingly afraid to speak out about the problems affecting Goa.Budget 2026 Boosts Veterinary Services And Livestock Development
The Union Budget 2026 has prioritised the Animal Husbandry and Dairying sector, reflecting the government’s focus on rural livelihoods and farmers’ income. Provisions include expansion of veterinary infrastructure, mobile vet units, and doorstep services to improve animal health and productivity. The Budget also supports breed improvement programmes and disease prevention initiatives, aiming to strengthen the livestock economy and ensure high-quality output for farmers.Budget 2026 Focuses On Youth And Women Empowerment: Vaishnaw
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking to the media at Rail Bhawan on the Union Budget announcements, said, “This is a duty-driven budget inspired by the power of youth and the strength of women”. He emphasised the government’s efforts to promote India’s creative economy globally through WAVES. Vaishnaw also noted that IICT Mumbai, modelled after IITs and IIMs, will engage 15,000 schools and 500 colleges through Creators’ Labs, aiming to generate 20 lakh new jobs.Union Budget 2026–27 Boosts Home Affairs Spending To Rs 2.55 Lakh Crore
The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated over Rs 2.55 lakh crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs, up nearly 9.5% from last year’s Rs 2.33 lakh crore. Around 68% of this — roughly Rs 1.73 lakh crore — will fund police and internal security, covering the Intelligence Bureau, central armed police forces, border development initiatives, and police units in Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.CPI(M) Calls Union Budget 2026 Anti-People And Anti-Federal
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticised the Union Budget 2026, describing it as favouring big businesses and the wealthy while neglecting workers and socially oppressed communities. They also raised concerns over reduced government spending and tax concessions that, in their view, undermine social welfare and national economic priorities.Union Budget Sets the Stage For Tourism And Culture Growth: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
The Union Budget 2026–27 has received a positive response from the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who said it offers extraordinary support to India’s tourism and cultural sectors. In a social media statement, the Minister described the Budget as progressive and visionary, highlighting its potential to fast-track sectoral development. He added that the measures will strengthen India’s position as a leading global destination for tourism and a hub for cultural excellence.Mamata Banerjee Dubs Union Budget A 'Humpty Dumpty' Exercise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget 2026–27, branding it a 'Humpty Dumpty' budget that lacks direction and vision. She said the announcements offer no real benefit to the common man and fail to address the concerns of West Bengal.Budget 2026 Leaves Income Tax Slabs Unchanged
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not announce any revisions to personal income tax slabs in the Union Budget 2026–27. While the Budget proposed duty exemptions on a range of goods, the existing income tax structure has been retained for the current financial year.Centre Sets Aside Rs 13,705 Crore For Space Department
The government has earmarked Rs 13,705.60 crore for the Department of Space in the Union Budget 2026–27. The allocation is expected to back ISRO’s upcoming rocket programmes, human spaceflight initiatives and future plans related to an Indian space station.PM Modi says budget will increase income of farmers, empower poor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Union Budget presented in Parliament earlier in the day will empower the poor, increase the income of farmers and boost the Make in India initiative.
“This is a budget to strengthen villages. This is a budget to increase farmers' income,” PM said in Jalandhar.
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