FM | DD News

February 1, 2026 4:25 PM

Budget 2026-27 pitches AI and emerging technologies as growth drivers; Bharat-VISTAAR to support farmers

The Union Budget 2026-27 places strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as key enablers of inclusive growth, capacity building and job creation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday. The Budget positions technology as a central pillar in fulfilling the government’s second kartavya - empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in India’s journey towards prosperity. It highlights the role of AI, quan...

February 1, 2026 4:14 PM

Budget 2026-27 cuts import duty on personal goods, grants relief on medicines and streamlines customs procedures

The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed sweeping reforms in customs and central excise aimed at simplifying the tariff structure, easing compliance, improving trade facilitation, and providing relief to passengers and patients, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Parliament on Sunday. Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said the measures are designed to support domestic manufacturing, enhance export competitiveness and correct duty inversion, while strengthening trust-based ...

February 1, 2026 4:04 PM

Two new schemes for empowerment of Divyangjan in Union Budget 2026-27

The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced two major initiatives aimed at enhancing skill development and access to assistive technologies for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth under the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas. Presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government’s objective is to ensure that every family, community and sector has access to opportunities and reso...

February 1, 2026 3:50 PM

Defence Ministry allocated record Rs 7.85 lakh crore in Union Budget 2026-27

The Ministry of Defence has been allocated an all-time high outlay of ₹7.85 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026-27, marking a significant increase of over 15 per cent compared to the Budget Estimates of FY 2025-26. The allocation, which amounts to about 2 per cent of the estimated GDP, is the highest among all Union ministries and accounts for 14.67 per cent of the total Central Government expenditure. The enhanced allocation comes in the backdrop of heightened security requirements following...

February 1, 2026 3:36 PM

Union Budget 2026-27 lays foundation for Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Union Budget 2026-27 lays a strong foundation for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, describing it as ambitious, future-ready and reflective of the aspirations of the people. In a video message following the presentation of the Budget in Parliament, the Prime Minister said the Budget would give “new energy and new momentum” to India’s ongoing reform process, calling it a key milestone in accelerating economic...

February 1, 2026 2:57 PM

Budget 2026-27 announces launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, tax holiday for foreign firms offering global cloud services

The Union Budget 2026-27 has unveiled a series of measures aimed at accelerating growth in India’s electronics and information technology sectors, including the launch of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, an enhanced outlay for electronics manufacturing, and tax reforms to provide greater certainty to the IT and ITeS industry. Presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that ISM 2.0 will focus on producing semiconductor equipment and mater...

February 1, 2026 2:39 PM

Union Budget 2026-27 focuses on scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic sectors

The Union Budget 2026-27 places strong emphasis on scaling up manufacturing across seven strategic and frontier sectors, as the government seeks to strengthen India’s industrial base, reduce import dependence and position the country as a global manufacturing hub. Presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said the proposed manufacturing initiatives form part of the six focus areas under the “First Kartavya” outlined ...

February 1, 2026 2:28 PM

Union Budget 2026–27: A yuva shakti-driven blueprint for growth, inclusion and global integration

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, lays out an ambitious yet fiscally disciplined roadmap for India’s next phase of development, anchored in youth empowerment, inclusive growth and economic resilience. The first Budget prepared in the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan, it is inspired by three guiding principles - or Kartavya - that seek to accelerate growth, fulfil people’s aspirations and ensure equitable development under the vision of Sabka Saath, ...

February 1, 2026 2:12 PM

India’s real GDP projected to grow by 7.4% in FY 2025-26

India’s economy is projected to maintain strong growth momentum, with real GDP estimated to expand by 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, while nominal GDP growth is pegged at 8 per cent, according to the Macroeconomic Framework Statement tabled in Parliament along with the Union Budget for FY 2026–27. The document, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, projects nominal GDP growth of 10 per cent in FY 2026–27 over the first advance estimates of FY26, reflecting continued strengt...

February 1, 2026 12:56 PM

No change in income tax slabs in Union Budget 2026-27

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday kept income tax rates and slabs unchanged following last year’s major tax reforms. While the basic tax structure remains the same, the Finance Minister, presenting the Budget 2026-27, announced several measures aimed at simplifying tax compliance and providing relief to taxpayers. She proposed extending the timeline for revising income tax returns from December 31 to March 31 with a nominal fee. FM Sitharaman also suggested staggered deadlines f...