Union Budget shows lack of policy vision, political will: Mallikarjun Kharge

IANS | February 1, 2026 4:05 PM

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Sunday, criticised the Union Budget 2026-27 for reflecting the government's lack of policy vision and failure to offer solutions to key socio-economic challenges, including jobs, manufacturing, private investment, infrastructure and social security.

Defence allocation hiked 15 per cent to Rs 7.8 lakh crore in Budget 2026-27

IANS | February 1, 2026 3:33 PM

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of Rs 7.8 lakh crore for the country’s defence sector in the Union Budget for 2026-27, representing a 15 per cent increase over the corresponding figure of Rs 6.81 lakh crore for the previous financial year.

Union Budget 2026-27 highlights: Customs simplified, duties slashed; tax reforms ease trade and living

IANS | February 1, 2026 3:30 PM

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman marks a decisive step in reshaping India’s tax and trade landscape. With reforms spanning customs, indirect taxation, direct tax rationalisation, and incentives for cooperatives and the IT sector, the proposals aim to simplify compliance, reduce burdens, and strengthen competitiveness.

SMEs get big push with Rs 10,000 crore growth fund in Budget 2026-27

IANS | February 1, 2026 3:05 PM

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated Rs 10,000 crore SME (small and medium enterprises) Growth Fund, to create future champions by incentivising enterprises based on select criteria as part of the Budget 2026-27 proposals presented in the Parliament on Sunday.