Nirmala Sitharaman

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent.

This special News Today edition covers Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India following Bangladesh's withdrawal. The program features analysis by Sunil Gavaskar regarding potential ICC sanctions.

In her 124-minute speech -- after which the Sensex plunged over 1,600 points before staging a partial recovery -- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a higher capital expenditure outlay of Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27 and set a fiscal deficit target of 4.3 per cent of GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s 140 crore citizens are no longer content with being the world’s fastest-growing economy and want the country to become the world’s third-largest economy “as soon as possible.” He said the Union Budget gives equal importance to multiple sectors and lays the groundwork for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Highlighting Nari Shakti, Modi praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling the Budget historic for underscoring India’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “As a woman Finance Minister, Nirmala ji has set a new record by presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time,” the Prime Minister said, lauding her leadership and consistency.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Parliament. The transcript captures the live movement of the Finance Minister's convoy from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the new Parliament building after seeking formal permission from the President of India. A key moment highlighted is when the reporter notes, 'This is the convoy of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman which is now heading towards the Parliament' for the crucial Cabinet meeting. The programme discusses the evolution of budget presentations from 1985 to the current televised era, noting how finance ministers have become more conscious of a national audience. Analysts on the show deliberate on the shift from tax-heavy budgets to those focused on tariffs and infrastructure. The discussion further explores the government's significant investments in roads and power since 2020, questioning the remaining fiscal headroom for continued infrastructural spending as the nation awaits the official tabling of the budget at 11 am.

On this special broadcast of the Business Today show on India Today, Shweta Singh and Rajdeep Sardesai analyze the expectations and political symbolism surrounding the Union Budget 2026. Shweta Singh highlights the significance of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s attire, noting, 'She's wearing a hand-woven Kanjiwaram saree, sending a message to Tamil Nadu.' The discussion delves into the shift from 'Dream Budgets' to a long-term vision for 'Vixit Bharat 2047'. Rajdeep Sardesai questions the translation of intent into ground-level action, particularly regarding deregulation and the fiscal health of states. Guest Shankar Iyer critiques the slow pace of labor reforms and the persistent 'Tax Inspector Raj' affecting MSMEs. The panel also examines the 16th Finance Commission's role in addressing the North-South divide and the impact of upcoming state elections on fiscal policy. The programme concludes with observations on how the government’s 'reform express' faces challenges in sectors like power and ease of doing business despite a decade of intent.

On this India Today special, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai reflects on the evolution of the Union Budget in India, tracing his experience back to 1994. Recalling his early days at NDTV, Sardesai notes, 'In 1994, I was at NDTV when we were commissioned to do the post-budget reactions' outside the BSE. He highlights how the post-1991 era brought a unique excitement to budget announcements that persists today, despite the process becoming more 'mundane' following major tax reforms. The discussion covers the shift from high-stakes policy changes to the current market preference for stability and the absence of 'retrospective tax bombshells'. Sardesai also addresses the impact of global geopolitics on the Indian economy, questioning the influence of external leaders on India's sovereign energy decisions, specifically regarding oil imports from Venezuela and Iran. The panel further examines the feasibility of the government's disinvestment targets and the long-term roadmap for defense allocations in the upcoming budget by Nirmala Sitharaman.

On this Special Report, Managing Editor Siddharth Zarabi leads a panel discussion on the expectations and market sentiments surrounding the Union Budget. Analyzing the current economic climate, Zarabi emphasizes the need for stability, stating, 'Don't surprise anyone negatively, continue down the path of fiscal consolidation and solid factual credible numbers.' The discussion covers the 'Goldilocks movement' of the Indian economy, the shift toward the new tax regime, and the limited scope for indirect tax tinkering. The panel, including Chetan Bhutani and Sakshi Batra, explores capital expenditure in infrastructure, the potential for a 10-25% hike in defense allocation following 'Operation Sindoor', and the necessity of triggering 'animal spirits' in private investment. Dr. Baru highlights that while fiscal stabilization is on track, domestic demand and private capital formation remain stagnant. The program provides a comprehensive look at how the finance ministry might balance non-tax revenues with high-priority spending in a shifting global world order.

In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.

On this special broadcast, Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the historic significance of the Union Budget 2026 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive budget, surpassing Morarji Desai's consecutive record. Sardesai notes that this occurs 'at a time of uncertainty and global headwinds.' Business Today TV Head Siddharth Zarabi joins the discussion, highlighting a potential 'fundamental change' in the budget's structure, specifically regarding Part B, which may shift toward a long-term vision for 'Viksit Bharat' rather than just taxation changes. The panel, including Shailender Bhatnagar and Abha Bakaya, analyzes market expectations amid lackluster trade and global political shifts. The program also announces the National Stock Exchange as the new prime sponsor for the network's market shows. The discussion focuses on whether the government will provide a 'major reform push' to incentivize private CAPEX and boost consumption to maintain India's robust growth trajectory in a challenging global environment.

On this news bulletin, host Maria Shakil discusses the upcoming Union Budget as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive budget, creating history in Indian governance. Reporting from Vijay Chowk, Ketan Bhutani notes that 'something on deregulation could probably be announced' alongside a significant push for MSMEs and a potential 8-10% increase in infrastructure allocation to nearly ₹12.5 lakh crore. The panel, including Shankar Aiyar and Rajiv Mantri, evaluates the 'reform, perform, and transform' mantra, highlighting the critical role of states in asset monetisation and labour-intensive manufacturing. The discussion underscores the performance of states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in attracting investments and driving industrial growth. The programme explores the transition from government-led CapEx to the need for private investment and state-level deregulation to improve the ease of living and economic liquidity.

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.

On this Special Report, Maria Shakil and Piyush Mishra analyze the expectations surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 13th budget. Maria Shakil highlights the consistent rise in social sector spending, noting that 'the projection is 73K, it is likely to go up again' for the Awaas Yojana residential scheme. Piyush Mishra, reporting from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's residence, details potential reforms including a 50% hike in Kisan Samman Nidhi from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 and a reduction in the Ayushman Bharat age limit from 70 to 60 years. The discussion covers the transition from the traditional briefcase to the digital budget and the political significance of these schemes ahead of assembly elections in five states. The bulletin outlines the customary pre-budget schedule, including the Finance Minister's meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before tabling the budget in Parliament at 11 AM, with a focus on providing relief to the common man and salaried individuals through increased standard deductions.

On this India Today special report, Maria Shakil provides live coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. Maria Shakil notes that 'This budget is therefore not just about numbers, it is about direction,' highlighting the critical choice between CAPEX-led growth and consumption relief. The bulletin details a historic shift where the Finance Minister will present the budget on a Sunday and place unprecedented emphasis on 'Part B' of her speech, focusing on significant custom reforms and deregulation. With the Economic Survey projecting growth between 6.5 to 7 percent, the broadcast explores whether the government will maintain fiscal discipline amidst political pressure from five poll-bound states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Reporter Karishma Asudani joins from the new Finance Ministry venue at Kartavya Bhavan, suggesting that the 2025-2026 fiscal year will prioritize simplifying import tariffs and strengthening international trade deals to accelerate India's journey toward the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal despite global uncertainties and a record low rupee.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares to present her ninth straight Union Budget, notably the first to be held on a Sunday. The budget aims to lay down a roadmap for 'Viksit Bharat' through tax reforms and a significant growth push amidst global uncertainties and Trump tariffs. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in an exclusive conversation with India Today regarding the India-European Union trade agreement, stated, 'India has the potential and 140 crore Indians today have made it a collective vision to make India developed and prosperous nation by 2047.' The programme highlights that while government revenues and support for MSMEs remain challenges, capital expenditure on infrastructure and sops for poll-bound states are expected to be the centerpiece. The discussion explores the holistic vision of a developed India and the potential outcomes of the trade deal with the EU.

As Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman presents her ninth consecutive Budget and the common man expects further relief as offered by the Finance Bill 2026-27, India Today tries to look at the hilarious side of it all in its latest So Sorry episode. Watch here.

This news bulletin provides an inside scoop on the upcoming 2026 Union Budget, which sources suggest will be unique compared to those of the last 75 years. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth budget tomorrow, with a significant pivot expected in the presentation style. Unlike previous years where Part A held the most detail, this budget is expected to see a detailed Part B, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. The speaker notes that 'Part B of the will play a strong emphasis on both short-term and long-term goals', reflecting the government's strategic vision. The shift acknowledges that indirect tax matters are now handled by the GST Council, allowing the budget to serve as a medium-to-long-term statement of intent. The programme highlights how this aligns with the Vixit Bharat goal and India's aspiration to become the world's third-largest economy.

On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a high-level panel discussion following the tabling of the Economic Survey in Parliament. Joined by top economists including Sajid Chinoy and Sonal Verma, Zarabi explores the 'Reform Express' roadmap mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion highlights critical macroeconomic indicators, with Zarabi noting that the survey provides 'clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s upcoming budget presentation. The panel analyzes India's 7% GDP growth projection, the challenges of a hostile global trade environment, and the strategic debate over rupee depreciation as a shock absorber. Experts also discuss the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing and the necessity of rationalizing customs duties to boost export competitiveness. The programme concludes with expectations for fiscal prudence and a strong narrative on AI-driven digital infrastructure to sustain India's current economic momentum.