News18 Afternoon Digest: Budget 2026 Highlights: Semiconductors, Rare Earth, Infra, Manufacturing Power Reforms Express & Other Stories

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 12:39 IST

We are also covering: Budget 2026 Yuva Shakti-Driven, Inspired By Three 'Kartavyas', Says Nirmala Sitharaman and other stories

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the 'Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha. (PTI)

In today’s News18 afternoon digest, we bring to you the latest on Budget 2026 Highlights, Budget 2026 Yuva Shakti-Driven, Inspired By Three ‘Kartavyas’, Says Nirmala Sitharaman, and other stories.

Budget 2026 Highlights: Semiconductors, Pharma, Rare Earth, Infra, Manufacturing Power Reforms Express

Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented her ninth Union Budget for the year 2026, noting that the government had chosen reforms over rhetoric. Sitharaman, who chose a Kanjeevaram sari for the occasion in what is being considered a nod to Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly elections this year, said India’s economic trajectory was marked by stability, growth and moderate inflation. “We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms. The government has decisively chosen action over ambivalence, reform over rhetoric. Steps taken by the government have delivered high growth rate of around 7 per cent," she said. Read More

Budget 2026 Yuva Shakti-Driven, Inspired By Three ‘Kartavyas’, Says Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, said the government’s focus will be on a “Yuva Shakti-driven" budget inspired by “three kartavyas" aimed at supporting the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged sections, highlighting that it is the government’s duty to fulfil the aspirations of the people. Follow Live Updates Here

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 Speech: What’s Cheaper, What’s Dearer? | Full List

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting her record ninth Union Budget on Sunday, amid much geopolitical turmoil, economic volatility and trade war. Besides the focus on possible changes in income tax slabs and rates, different sectors are looking to get some relief, especially export-oriented industries, which have borne the brunt of US tariffs. Read More

Budget 2026: Govt To Set Up High-Powered Panel To Assess Impact Of AI On Services Sector

The government on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered Education to Employment and Enterprises Standing Committee, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying the new body would focus on improving job outcomes and assessing how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping the labour market. Read More

Budget 2026: MCX Gold, Silver Crash To Hit 9% Lower Circuit; Check Rates In Your City On February 1

Gold and Silver Rates Today, February 1: Amid an extreme sell-off in the global bullion market, gold and silver prices in India declined by nearly 9% in the opening trade on the MCX on the Budget 2026 day. In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold crashed to Rs 1,38,600 per 10 grams, while 22k gold was available at Rs 1,27,050 per 10 grams. These rates do not include GST and making charges. Silver also declined to around Rs 2,65,600 per kg in the spot market. Read More

FM Sitharaman Announces Rs 40,000-Crore Semi-Conductor Push, Rare Earth Corridors In 4 States

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 40,000-crore push for the semiconductor mission and rare earth corridors for four states as she presented the Budget on Sunday. Read More

News india News18 Afternoon Digest: Budget 2026 Highlights: Semiconductors, Rare Earth, Infra, Manufacturing Power Reforms Express & Other Stories

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