Union Budget 2026

Beginning her budget speech, Sitharaman emphasized the remarkable transformation witnessed by the Indian economy over the past decade.

The move aims to position Lakshadweep as an attractive and viable destination for Indian travelers, particularly in the wake of a diplomatic dispute with the Maldives.

With the Ayushman Bharat scheme now encompassing ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers, it is expected to significantly improve health outcomes for these frontline workers, ensuring they have access to necessary medical interventions without financial constraints.

As India gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, this interim budget holds significance as the last budget presentation by the current government. It provides a glimpse into the economic priorities and strategies that will shape the government's agenda in the months ahead.

During the 2020 Union Budget on February 1, Sitharaman initiated her presentation at 11 am and continued until 1:40 pm, impressively speaking for two hours and 42 minutes.

The exercise to prepare the Union Budget is a long and secretive one. From placing officials in quarantine to jamming their mobile phones, the finance ministry goes to great lengths to guard the statement from leaks

As the calendar flips to 2024, anticipation is mounting regarding the upcoming Union Budget and the potential reforms it may bring, particularly in the realm of income tax. Here are some key areas where reforms are anticipated and explore the potential impact on individuals.

Pension fund regulator PFRDA has sought "parity" with Employees' Provident Fund Office (EPFO) on the taxation front for contributions by employers and some announcements in this regard are expected to be made in the interim Budget.

The government presents an interim budget in an election year to outline expenditures and revenues until a new government is formed. This interim budget allows the government to manage its financial commitments.

Did you know until 1999, the Union Budget was presented at 5 pm on the final day of February. Here's how it was changed and who changed. Check details.

A few rules were being adhered to in relation to the budget presentation. But the only thing that is constant in life is change, and the process of proposing the Union Budget is no different.It was the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that brought about a change in this long-standing tradition.

Just a few days ahead of the unveiling of the Budget, the government hosts the traditional "halwa ceremony". The halwa ceremony marks the final stage of the preparation of the Union Budget with the initiation of the printing process.

Ever since the BJP government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, first came to power in 2014, several changes have been made in the Income Tax regime during the last nine years.

In a huge relief, individuals earning marginally higher income than no-tax ceiling of Rs 7 lakh will pay tax only on the differential income after the government amended the Finance Bill.

The Union Budget has stated that promotion of tourism will be taken up in mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships.