Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2026 row: FM Sitharaman dares Rahul Gandhi to show evidence backing unemployment claims

Feb 04, 2026, 04:37 PM IST

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has challenged Rahul Gandhi to back his criticism of the Union Budget with specific evidence, rejecting his claims on unemployment, rural distress and manufacturing slowdown.

Budget 2026: Sometimes No News is Good news!

Feb 03, 2026, 07:47 PM IST

As the details unfold, a key takeaway for the common man is the steadiness of existing income tax slabs and rates.

India-US trade deal is about tariff cuts, says FM Sitharaman as US lowers duties to 18%

Feb 03, 2026, 07:00 PM IST

FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the newly announced India–US trade agreement is primarily focused on reducing tariffs, calling the move a positive development for Indian exporters. The comments come after the United States agreed to cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18% following talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Budget 2026: Process reforms in taxation aim to put greater trust on taxpayers

Feb 03, 2026, 04:06 PM IST

Budget 2026: Facility of revised returns, measures for customs processes to help taxpayers, cut down government involvement, say officials; IT systems and officers gearing up for roll out.

Opportunities And Challenges For Business & Economy After Budget 2026

Feb 03, 2026, 01:04 PM IST

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 9th consecutive Union Budget 2026, focusing on growth, infrastructure, and technology. Key measures include a hike in STT on futures and options, capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore, no change in personal income tax, incentives for MSMEs, high-speed rail and rare-earth corridors, and semiconductors under ISM 2.0. Defence gets ₹7.85 lakh crore, while tourism, healthcare, education, and digital jobs receive a boost. Tax relief for NRIs, reduced TCS on education and medical expenses, and customs duty exemptions for critical drugs and aircraft components were announced. The Budget aims to accelerate growth and support strategic sectors. Watch Opportunities and challenges for business & Economy After Budget 2026, as Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, speaks with Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair ISC & Past President, FICCI; Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO (India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa), CBRE; and Nilaya Varma, Group CEO & Founder, Primus Partners.

'Good news for Made in India products': Nirmala Sitharaman as US cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18%

Feb 03, 2026, 11:53 AM IST

A breakthrough trade understanding between India and the United States follows talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Budget 2026: A Budget brimming with ideas - and fiscal discipline

Feb 02, 2026, 07:30 PM IST

Union Budget 2026: Strong economic growth as a pillar of Vikasit Bharat remains the watchword of the Modi Government, writes Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman RPSG Group

'Chennai-Bengaluru in 1:13 hours, Varanasi-Siliguri in 2:55': Ashwini Vaishnaw maps high-speed rail plan

Feb 02, 2026, 06:46 PM IST

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget 2026 on Sunday, announced that the government will develop seven high-speed rail corridors

Work Inspires Me, Grace Of Shri Krishna Guides Me: Nirmala Sitharaman On Motivation

Feb 02, 2026, 06:43 PM IST

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared a candid and reflective response while answering a question from a student from Sambalpur, Odisha, during a public interaction. Praising the beauty and craftsmanship of Sambalpuri sarees and India’s rich handloom tradition, she spoke about what truly inspires her. Sitharaman said work itself motivates her, regardless of position or role, and that she feels restless without it. She described how daily responsibilities keep her grounded, often leaving little time to reflect on public attention. Acknowledging the journey she has taken, she credited divine grace and the blessings of Sri Krishna for guiding her path and sustaining her strength.

Decoding The Fiscal Fine Print Of Union Budget 2026 | The Growth Path Ahead

Feb 02, 2026, 06:39 PM IST

In Business Today's post-Budget analysis, Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi decodes the fiscal fine print of Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026 - her ninth consecutive presentation. Joined by experts including former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg, former Economic Affairs Secretary R Gopalan, Deloitte Economist Rumki Mazumdar, and Economist Sunil Sinha, the panel examines key priorities. The Budget targets fiscal deficit at 4.3% of GDP (down from 4.4%), with public capex hiked to ₹12.2 lakh crore (up ~9%) to sustain infrastructure momentum. Emphasis on manufacturing scale-up in strategic sectors, semiconductor Mission 2.0, electronics components, rare earth corridors, biopharma hub, defense (15%+ outlay rise), railways, and inclusive growth under Viksit Bharat. Discussions highlight balancing fiscal prudence, growth resilience amid global uncertainties, tax reforms for certainty, MSME support, and long-term debt reduction to 50% by 2031.

Budget 2026: Arbitrage fund returns may drop 25–30 bps after STT rate revision, says Edelweiss MF

Feb 02, 2026, 06:20 PM IST

In the Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that STT on futures contracts would be raised to 0.05% from 0.02%, while STT on options premium and exercise of options would be increased to 0.15%.