Tamil Nadu polls: It is PM Modi Vs DMK chief Stalin

On this broadcast, economist Sanchita Mukherjee analyses the expectations and strategic direction of the Union Budget. Mukherjee highlights the importance of fiscal consolidation and execution, stating, 'The tiger lies low, not in fear. The tiger lies low when it's taking in .' She emphasizes that while India's macroeconomic parameters remain pristine, the challenge lies in attracting FDI and translating education into productive skilling and job creation. The discussion covers the need for public-private partnerships to mitigate regulatory risks and the importance of simplifying execution to cut through red tape. Mukherjee also suggests enhancing agricultural productivity through credit guarantee schemes similar to the MSME sector and proposes aggressive asset and gold monetisation to fund urban infrastructure. The transcript further explores the role of women in the budget drafting team, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur, noting how female participation influences social sector allocations and household budget concerns.

On this Special Report, Karishma Sudhani provides live updates as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Kartavya Bhavan ahead of the Union Budget for FY 2026-27. The report highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'reform express' that is 'human centric' and focused on technology. Sudhani notes that the budget making team features key women leaders, including Secretary of Economic Affairs Anuradha Thakur, marking a significant shift in the ministry's leadership. The discussion underscores expectations for major customs reforms and the continued digital transformation of the budget process through the tablet-based 'Bahi Khata'. The Finance Minister is expected to present the annual financial statement at 11:00 AM, with India Inc eyeing a 7% growth rate. The programme explores the transition of the Finance Ministry to its new headquarters and the strategic focus on consolidating the government's reform agenda through both direct and indirect tax measures.

On this India Today special report, editor Maria Shakil leads a panel discussion on the expectations surrounding the Union Budget 2026. Expert Nasir Saleem highlights the high stakes for the capital markets, noting that the 'financial statement has become the Santa Claus moment for the Indian economy' with significant expectations for relief. Saleem emphasizes the urgent need for a roadmap to support exporters in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and jewelry, who have been hit by 50% tariff shocks and order cancellations. The discussion also covers the 'massive FPI exodus' and the potential for a stability window to manage sudden capital outflows. Other experts, including Shankar Iyer and Dr. Bhattacharya, weigh in on customs reforms, the K-shaped recovery, and India's macroeconomic resilience in the face of global uncertainties and an unpredictable international trade environment. The panel explores whether the government will rationalize long-term capital gains taxes to boost investor sentiment.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the landmark trade deal between India and the European Union. He describes the agreement as a 'holistic, comprehensive vision of a developed India' that will safeguard labor-intensive sectors and create millions of jobs. Minister Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government for a 'lack of courage of conviction,' noting they aborted trade talks in 2013 due to a weak understanding of economic fundamentals. He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight free trade agreements with 37 developed nations in the last four years. Goyal emphasizes that these deals insulate the Indian economy while attracting capital and technology to help India become a developed nation by 2047. The Minister asserts that the complementarities between India and the developed world will allow markets to flourish and provide 140 crore Indians with better quality standards and economic opportunities.