Union Budget 2026 LIVE: Big Announcements Today That Matter to You
Today is one of those big days when everyone from students and salaried employees to business owners and investors is glued to their screens. The reason? The Union Budget 2026 is being presented live in Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is once again at the podium, delivering her ninth consecutive Budget speech a rare and historic milestone.
As this is being written, the country is tracking her speech live, with markets, businesses and citizens reacting to every announcement in real time. Let’s walk through what’s happening, what’s been announced so far, and what it could mean for your money, career and future.
What the Union Budget 2026 Is All About
The Union Budget is the government’s yearly financial blueprint it lays out how money will be earned and spent in the coming year. From taxes and subsidies to infrastructure, jobs and welfare schemes, the Budget impacts nearly every part of daily life.
This year’s Budget stands out for two key reasons:
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It’s the first time the Union Budget is being presented on a Sunday a rare move aimed at ensuring wider public attention.
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The focus appears to be on continuity and fiscal discipline rather than big-ticket surprises though that doesn’t mean there are no major takeaways.
The Budget speech began at 11:00 AM IST in the Lok Sabha, with millions tuning in on Sansad TV, Doordarshan and official government platforms.
Live Buzz From the Parliament Floor
As FM Sitharaman moves through the speech, a few clear themes are emerging:
Taxes and You
There’s no major overhaul of tax slabs this year, especially after relief measures introduced last year. However, there’s a strong focus on simplifying tax rules and improving clarity.
For salaried taxpayers, this means stability and possibly small tweaks that make compliance easier even if rates stay the same.
Capital Expenditure: Building India’s Future
Capital spending remains one of the biggest pillars of this Budget. Investments in roads, railways, renewable energy, urban transport and core infrastructure are expected — while keeping fiscal discipline in mind.
Such spending creates jobs, boosts economic growth and builds confidence in India’s long-term outlook.
Focus on Jobs and Manufacturing
Job creation continues to be a top priority. The Budget includes steps to promote labour-intensive manufacturing and expand skilling programmes, which could benefit young job seekers and those entering the formal workforce.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes may also see refinements to attract investment in electronics, technology and green manufacturing.
Energy, Green Transition and Technology
Future-focused sectors like clean energy, electric mobility and digital growth are getting strong attention. Renewable energy and clean tech initiatives are likely to receive additional budgetary support.
Agriculture and rural development are also in focus, with efforts aimed at improving productivity, climate resilience and farm incomes.
Key Announcements You Should Know
As the speech continues, here are some of the major highlights from Union Budget 2026 so far:
1. Support for Farmers and Agriculture
The Budget introduces incentives to improve farm productivity, with schemes targeting farmers in 100 low-productivity districts. Kisan Credit Card limits have also been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to improve access to credit.
These steps aim to stabilise rural incomes and make farming more sustainable.
2. Agriculture Value Chains and Crop Support
A new Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana has been launched to boost output and crop diversification. Pulses will get focused attention under a dedicated six-year mission, signalling deeper support beyond traditional farming.
3. Broadband, Connectivity and Digital Growth
A major announcement is the plan to provide broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and rural health centres a big push towards digital inclusion.
Better internet access could improve education outcomes and healthcare delivery, especially in remote areas.
4. Education and Health Expansion
Funds have been allocated to expand educational capacity, including new seats at top engineering institutes and support for modern skill centres. On the healthcare front, day-care cancer centres will be set up in district hospitals to improve access to treatment.
5. Boost to MSMEs and Startups
MSMEs remain central to India’s economy. The Budget expands credit guarantee coverage and launches new programmes to support first-time entrepreneurs, especially from underrepresented communities.
6. Infrastructure and Urban Transformation
A ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will be created to turn cities into growth hubs. Rural infrastructure will also benefit from expanded water, sanitation and logistics projects.
7. Technology and Innovation
India is investing in the future with Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence and other innovation-focused initiatives, aimed at strengthening the country’s position in AI, research and digital skills.
8. Tax Compliance and Business Ease
Several tax provisions are being streamlined, including changes to withholding taxes and customs rules, to make doing business easier especially for non-resident investors providing services to Indian companies.
What It Means for You
So how does this Budget affect everyday Indians?
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For taxpayers: Stability and simpler rules could make financial planning easier.
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For students and families: Better education facilities and connectivity signal long-term investment in human capital.
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For entrepreneurs and MSMEs: Easier credit access and support schemes could help small businesses grow.
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For job seekers: Infrastructure, manufacturing and services expansion could create new opportunities.
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For rural India: Strong focus on farmers, credit access and digital connectivity aims to raise productivity and incomes.
Wrapping Up: A Budget Focused on Stability and Growth
Union Budget 2026 may not deliver headline-grabbing tax cuts or instant freebies, but it’s shaping up as a Budget that looks ahead balancing growth with fiscal discipline and strengthening sectors that will matter in the coming decade.
As reactions continue to roll in from markets, businesses and citizens, one thing is clear: this Budget is about building for the future, expanding opportunities and keeping India’s growth engine running strong.
Stay tuned for live updates because the biggest insights often emerge once the fine print and full documents are out.
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