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47% for defence, Rs 197 crore expenditure: A look at India’s first Budget in 1947

NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the Union Budget for 2026–27, scheduled to be presented on February 1, it is worth noting that when the country’s budgetary journey began, in a vastly different India, still finding its feet after independence.India’s first Union Budget was presented on November 26, 1947, three months after the country attained…

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Budget 2026: Over 100 press meets, reels & more — BJP rolls out nationwide ‘Outreach Campaign’

The BJP launched a nationwide campaign to explain the Union Budget 2026 to the public, with press conferences reportedly planned at 150 locations featuring ministers and party leaders from February 1-15. The party will combine traditional outreach with digital campaigns.A special team led by National General Secretary Tarun Chugh will oversee the ‘Budget Outreach Campaign…

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Union Budget 2026: From assembly to autonomy – What’s next for India’s manufacturing?

With the Union Budget just days away, the manufacturing sector is being seen as one of the main reasons India has stayed economically resilient—even as many countries face slow growth.The Economic Survey 2025–26 has set an upbeat tone, projecting India’s GDP growth at 7.4 per cent for the current financial year. In simple terms, that…

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Budget 2026: Charting a course for ports – Two areas FM can address to bolster the sector

To increase the port capacity and also, cater to the advancements in shipping, development of mega ports (greater than 300 MTPA capacity with 18+ meter draft) is on the agenda. (AI image) By Jagannarayan Padmanabhan and Parul Singhal Garg Prioritising efficiency-linked incentives (ELI) and promoting compliance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are among key asks…

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Budget 2026 for agriculture: The opportunity to strengthen India’s crop protection backbone

The intent around the proposed Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 marks a significant move as it aims to align India’s regulatory framework with contemporary realities. (AI image) By Susheel KumarIndian agriculture stands at an important inflection point. On the one hand, the country speaks with confidence of becoming a global food powerhouse, a trusted supplier to…

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Budget 2026: Can LTCG rules be made simpler for ordinary taxpayers? What experts have to say

As more Indians participate in a widening range of investments, from financial instruments to property, the question of how gains are taxed is becoming increasingly relevant to middle-class taxpayers too. Whether it is selling shares after a market rally, redeeming mutual fund units, or transferring a house or plot of land, long-term capital gains or…

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Union Budget 2026: Teachers, technology and the true cost of school education reform

Union Budget 2026 is being pitched around growth, skills and competitiveness, but school education still gets judged by access—more classrooms, more enrolment. Education leaders argue the real test now is outcomes. Shiv Nadar School CEO Arti Dawar says sustained investment in teacher development, modern pedagogy, industry exposure and equitable tech access is essential to turn…

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Union Budget 2026: Experts warn funding alone won’t future-proof universities

As Union Budget 2026 approaches, education experts are urging greater investment in universities, skills, and scholarships. As India prepares for Union Budget 2026 amid global economic uncertainty, the education sector is emerging as a critical stabiliser—one that policymakers are increasingly looking to strengthen for long-term growth. With international education expenses on the rise, global mobility…

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Union Budget 2026: When is it presented? Date, time and key details

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman (AI-generated image) NEW DELHI: The Union Budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year is set to be presented on February 1, a Sunday, with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman poised to table her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament. The Budget will lay out the Centre’s statement of accounts, economic priorities, fiscal strategy and…

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