Union finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday.

In her speech she said, ''clean air is a matter of concern in large cities, propose to encourage states to formulate and implement plans to ensure clean air''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates</a>

She made several announcements for the environment and climate change.

Key Highlights:&nbsp;

*Rs 4,400 crore allocated for the 'Clean Air policy'.&nbsp;In this, the focus will be on those cities that have a population of one million.&nbsp;

*India's commitment towards tackling climate change made in Paris conference kick-starts from January 1, 2021.

*PM KUSUM to be expanded to provide 2 million farmers in setting up standalone solar pumps.

* Sitharaman&nbsp;allocated Rs 2,955 crores to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change which was roughly 10 per cent more than the previous Budgets.

* Out of this, pollution control got a fresh budget of Rs 460 crores, which includes multiple initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday. In her speech she said, ''clean air is a matter of concern in large cities, propose to encourage states to formulate and implement plans to ensure clean air''.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday. In her speech she said, ''clean air is a matter of concern in large cities, propose to encourage states to formulate and implement plans to ensure clean air''. Also read: Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates She made several announcements for the environment and climate change. Key Highlights: *Rs 4,400 crore allocated for the 'Clean Air policy'. In this, the focus will be on those cities that have a population of one million. *India's commitment towards tackling climate change made in Paris conference kick-starts from January 1, 2021. *PM KUSUM to be expanded to provide 2 million farmers in setting up standalone solar pumps. * Sitharaman allocated Rs 2,955 crores to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change which was roughly 10 per cent more than the previous Budgets. * Out of this, pollution control got a fresh budget of Rs 460 crores, which includes multiple initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Union Budget 2020: Nirmala Sitharaman's key announcements on climate change

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Also Read:&nbsp;Union Budget 2020-21-&nbsp;News Updates</a>

The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2020-budget-updates-union-budget-2020-sitharaman-allocates-rs-99300-crore-for-education-proposes-medical-colleges-with-district-hospitals-on-ppp-model-277987">Also Read:&nbsp;Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education</a>

Here are the reactions of political leaders on Sitharaman's budget:&nbsp;

The budget gives an outline of new and confident India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

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The first Budget of the new decade presented today by Finance Minister Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> gives an outline of a New and Confident India. 
 
It is a promising, proactive and progressive Budget which will make India healthy and wealthy in coming years.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1223524289694978053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Govt removes incentives to ''save'' in the nation with no social security: Trinamool Congress on Budget

The Trinamool Congress on Saturday slammed the Union Budget over the removal of tax exemptions and questioned such a move in a country with no social security. 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced new slabs and reduced the tax rate for different slabs for an individual income of up to Rs 15 lakh per annum, if a taxpayer opts for foregoing exemptions and deductions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nominal-gdp-growth-for-2020-21-estimated-at-10-per-cent-says-fm-sitharaman-277995">Nominal GDP growth for 2020-21 estimated at 10 per cent, says FM Sitharaman&nbsp;</a>

The official handle of Congress party tweeted that the Budget 2020 has failed to layout a roadmap or plan on how the govt plans to address this serious issue.

<img alt="Congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ceb8870-ef0a-431d-8df4-863c188ebc78" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/congress.JPG" /> 
 
Criticizing the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that govt's hollow approach visible in Budget. The budget describes govt's mindset well - all talk, nothing concrete; a lot of repetition and rambling.&nbsp;

"Did not see any concrete, strategic idea in Budget that could help youngsters get jobs; redundant things, no central idea," said Rahul Gandhi.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade. Also Read: Union Budget 2020-21- News Updates The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption. Also Read: Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education Here are the reactions of political leaders on Sitharaman's budget: The budget gives an outline of new and confident India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh The first Budget of the new decade presented today by Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman gives an outline of a New and Confident India. It is a promising, proactive and progressive Budget which will make India healthy and wealthy in coming years. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 1, 2020 × Govt removes incentives to ''save'' in the nation with no social security: Trinamool Congress on Budget The Trinamool Congress on Saturday slammed the Union Budget over the removal of tax exemptions and questioned such a move in a country with no social security. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced new slabs and reduced the tax rate for different slabs for an individual income of up to Rs 15 lakh per annum, if a taxpayer opts for foregoing exemptions and deductions. Nominal GDP growth for 2020-21 estimated at 10 per cent, says FM Sitharaman The official handle of Congress party tweeted that the Budget 2020 has failed to layout a roadmap or plan on how the govt plans to address this serious issue. Criticizing the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that govt's hollow approach visible in Budget. The budget describes govt's mindset well - all talk, nothing concrete; a lot of repetition and rambling. "Did not see any concrete, strategic idea in Budget that could help youngsters get jobs; redundant things, no central idea," said Rahul Gandhi.

Budget 2020 political reactions: Govt calls Budget reform-oriented; Opposition terms it rambling, says 'no focus on job creation'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade. The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption.&nbsp;

Here are the key highlights of the Union budget 2020 - 21:&nbsp;

Government proposes Rs 3.6 lakh crore towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-budget-2020-news-union-budget-2020-21-gst-has-gradually-matured-into-a-tax-integrating-the-country-economically-says-sitharaman-277943">piped water supply</a> to households.&nbsp;

Centre to announce a new education policy soon; the government received over 2 lakh suggestions on it.&nbsp;

Allocation for Swachh Bharat for 2020-21 stands at Rs&nbsp;12,300 crore. &nbsp;

The government proposes to expand coverage of Artificial Insemination to 70 per cent from 30 per cent to increase livestock productivity.

Fish production to be raised to 200 lakh tonnes by 2022.

Indian Railways to set up Kisan Rail in Public–private partnership (PPP) mode for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/foreign-direct-investment-increased-to-284-billion-during-2014-19-sitharaman-277972">cold Supply chain</a> to transport perishable goods.&nbsp;

Horticulture with 311 MT exceeds the production of food&nbsp;Grains.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Know how stock market is reacting to Budget 2020

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Agricultural credit target set up at Rs 15 lakh crore for Financial Year 2021.

NABARD refinance scheme will be expanded.&nbsp;

Taskforce to be set up to recommend marriageable age for women.

Government to bring out policy for data centre parks throughout the country.

Government proposes discoms replace conventional meters with smart pre-paid meters, an option to consumers to choose electricity suppliers.

Fibre to home through BharatNet to link one lakh gram Panchayats this year; Rs 6,000 crore provided for BharatNet in Financial Year 2021.

All public institutions at gram panchayat levels such as police stations and post offices to be connected digitally.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade. The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption. Here are the key highlights of the Union budget 2020 - 21: Government proposes Rs 3.6 lakh crore towards piped water supply to households. Centre to announce a new education policy soon; the government received over 2 lakh suggestions on it. Allocation for Swachh Bharat for 2020-21 stands at Rs 12,300 crore. The government proposes to expand coverage of Artificial Insemination to 70 per cent from 30 per cent to increase livestock productivity. Fish production to be raised to 200 lakh tonnes by 2022. Indian Railways to set up Kisan Rail in Public–private partnership (PPP) mode for cold Supply chain to transport perishable goods. Horticulture with 311 MT exceeds the production of food Grains. Watch: Know how stock market is reacting to Budget 2020 × Agricultural credit target set up at Rs 15 lakh crore for Financial Year 2021. NABARD refinance scheme will be expanded. Taskforce to be set up to recommend marriageable age for women. Government to bring out policy for data centre parks throughout the country. Government proposes discoms replace conventional meters with smart pre-paid meters, an option to consumers to choose electricity suppliers. Fibre to home through BharatNet to link one lakh gram Panchayats this year; Rs 6,000 crore provided for BharatNet in Financial Year 2021. All public institutions at gram panchayat levels such as police stations and post offices to be connected digitally.

Budget 2020 highlights: Swachh Bharat funds, Railway PPP, agricultural credit target

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2020-21 on Saturday, the domestic equity markets responded in a subdued manner with the BSE Sensex trading 600 points lower.

At 1.50 pm., the Sensex was trading at 40,109.55, lower while Nifty was trading at 11,768.10, lower by 194.00 points.&nbsp;

The indices were largely flat during the early hours of trade and started to decline significantly around 1 p.m.

The budget comes at a crucial time as the economy is going through a severe slowdown and consumer sentiment is significantly low.

The only gainers on the Sensex were Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, TCS and Nestle. The major losers were Larsen and Toubro, ONGC, Tata Steel, Hero MotoCorp and Power Grid.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2020-21 on Saturday, the domestic equity markets responded in a subdued manner with the BSE Sensex trading 600 points lower.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2020-21 on Saturday, the domestic equity markets responded in a subdued manner with the BSE Sensex trading 600 points lower. At 1.50 pm., the Sensex was trading at 40,109.55, lower while Nifty was trading at 11,768.10, lower by 194.00 points. The indices were largely flat during the early hours of trade and started to decline significantly around 1 p.m. The budget comes at a crucial time as the economy is going through a severe slowdown and consumer sentiment is significantly low. The only gainers on the Sensex were Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, TCS and Nestle. The major losers were Larsen and Toubro, ONGC, Tata Steel, Hero MotoCorp and Power Grid.

Budget 2020: Sensex plunges over 600 points

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Budget in Parliament today announced hundred per cent tax concession to sovereign wealth funds on investment in infrastructure&nbsp;projects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Also Read:&nbsp;Union Budget 2020-21-&nbsp;News Updates</a>

"Fiscal deficit pegged at 3.8 per cent in current fiscal and 3.5 per cent next year," Sitharaman said during the Budge speech.

The minister also announced concessional tax rate of 15 per cent to power generation companies.

"Concessional withholding rate of 5 per cent on interest payment to non-residents extended up to June 30, 2022," the minister announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2020-budget-updates-union-budget-2020-sitharaman-allocates-rs-99300-crore-for-education-proposes-medical-colleges-with-district-hospitals-on-ppp-model-277987">Also Read:&nbsp;Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education</a>

"Twenty per cent tax for individuals annually earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.5 lakh, 25 per cent for income between Rs 12.5 lakh and 15 lakh, 30 per cent for above Rs 15 lakh income under the new slab," Sitharaman said.

"Dividend distribution tax shifted to individuals instead of companies," India's finance minister asserted.

For individuals,&nbsp;those earning upto Rs 5 lakh in a year will pay no tax. "For income between Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh per annum, tax rate has been reduced to 15 per cent from 20 per cent," the minister said.

Sitharaman proposed 10 per cent tax for income between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh per anum for those who forego deductions and exemptions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nominal-gdp-growth-for-2020-21-estimated-at-10-per-cent-says-fm-sitharaman-277995">Nominal GDP growth for 2020-21 estimated at 10 per cent, says FM Sitharaman&nbsp;</a>

"Expected tax buoyancy will take time," the minister added. "Government to sell part of its holding in LIC," she added.&nbsp;

The minister added that all flagship schemes of the government have been provided for in the Budget.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Budget in Parliament today announced hundred per cent tax concession to sovereign wealth funds on investment in infrastructure projects.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Budget in Parliament today announced hundred per cent tax concession to sovereign wealth funds on investment in infrastructure projects. Also Read: Union Budget 2020-21- News Updates "Fiscal deficit pegged at 3.8 per cent in current fiscal and 3.5 per cent next year," Sitharaman said during the Budge speech. The minister also announced concessional tax rate of 15 per cent to power generation companies. "Concessional withholding rate of 5 per cent on interest payment to non-residents extended up to June 30, 2022," the minister announced. Also Read: Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education "Twenty per cent tax for individuals annually earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.5 lakh, 25 per cent for income between Rs 12.5 lakh and 15 lakh, 30 per cent for above Rs 15 lakh income under the new slab," Sitharaman said. "Dividend distribution tax shifted to individuals instead of companies," India's finance minister asserted. For individuals, those earning upto Rs 5 lakh in a year will pay no tax. "For income between Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh per annum, tax rate has been reduced to 15 per cent from 20 per cent," the minister said. Sitharaman proposed 10 per cent tax for income between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh per anum for those who forego deductions and exemptions. Nominal GDP growth for 2020-21 estimated at 10 per cent, says FM Sitharaman "Expected tax buoyancy will take time," the minister added. "Government to sell part of its holding in LIC," she added. The minister added that all flagship schemes of the government have been provided for in the Budget.

25% tax for individuals annually earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.5 lakh: Sitharaman in Budget 2020

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates</a>

She made several announcements regarding the&nbsp;Rail, Road, ports and Air transports. These include:&nbsp;

550 wi-fi facilities have been commissioned at railway stations.

Proposal for setting up large solar power capacity alongside rail track is under consideration.

More Tejas type trains will connect tourist destinations

1,150 trains to be run in PPP mode, also 4 stations to be redeveloped with help of the private sector.

100 more airports to be developed by 2025 to support Udaan scheme.

Government to consider corporatisation of at least one major port and listing it on stock exchanges.

Rs 1.7 lakh cr provided for transport infrastructure in 2020-21.&nbsp;

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday. Also read: Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates She made several announcements regarding the Rail, Road, ports and Air transports.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the second time in her tenure on Saturday. Also read: Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates She made several announcements regarding the Rail, Road, ports and Air transports. These include: 550 wi-fi facilities have been commissioned at railway stations. Proposal for setting up large solar power capacity alongside rail track is under consideration. More Tejas type trains will connect tourist destinations 1,150 trains to be run in PPP mode, also 4 stations to be redeveloped with help of the private sector. 100 more airports to be developed by 2025 to support Udaan scheme. Government to consider corporatisation of at least one major port and listing it on stock exchanges. Rs 1.7 lakh cr provided for transport infrastructure in 2020-21.

Union Budget 2020-21: Railway, Road, ports and Air transport announcements

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday&nbsp;pegged nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 10 per cent for FY21 in the Union Budget presented on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Economic Survey 2020-21 presented in Parliament on January 31 pegged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-highlights-swachh-bharat-funds-railway-ppp-agricultural-credit-target-budget-news-updates-277980">economic growth</a> in the range of 6 per cent to 6.5 per cent.

The Indian economy is expericing&nbsp;a slowdown.&nbsp;

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its real <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">GDP growth </a>for the year to 5 per cent, from 6.1 per cent earlier.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) slashed India's Financial Year 21 growth forecast by 120 bps to 5.8 per cent.&nbsp;

India's GDP — the total value of goods and services produced in the country — slumped to over 6-year low of 5 per cent in the April -June quarter and 4.5 per cent in the July - September quarter of 2019, against a 7.1 per cent growth in July-September last year.

The Central Statistics Office in its first advanced estimate released in January, pegged economic growth rate for 2019-20 at 5 per cent, slower than the 2018-19 expansion rate of 6.8 per cent.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday pegged nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 10 per cent for FY21 in the Union Budget presented on Saturday.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday pegged nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 10 per cent for FY21 in the Union Budget presented on Saturday. The Economic Survey 2020-21 presented in Parliament on January 31 pegged economic growth in the range of 6 per cent to 6.5 per cent. The Indian economy is expericing a slowdown. × The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its real GDP growth for the year to 5 per cent, from 6.1 per cent earlier. International Monetary Fund (IMF) slashed India's Financial Year 21 growth forecast by 120 bps to 5.8 per cent. India's GDP — the total value of goods and services produced in the country — slumped to over 6-year low of 5 per cent in the April -June quarter and 4.5 per cent in the July - September quarter of 2019, against a 7.1 per cent growth in July-September last year. The Central Statistics Office in its first advanced estimate released in January, pegged economic growth rate for 2019-20 at 5 per cent, slower than the 2018-19 expansion rate of 6.8 per cent.

Nominal GDP growth for 2020-21 estimated at 10 per cent, says FM Sitharaman  

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech announced the allocation of Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Also Read:&nbsp;Union Budget 2020-21-&nbsp;Live News Updates</a>

"Special bridge courses will be designed for teachers, nurses, para-medical staff and caregivers," the minister said, while adding that the government proposes to attach medical colleges with district hospitals on the PPP model to deal with the shortage of doctors.

The finance minister also announced degree level full-fledged online education programme by institutions ranked in top 100.

"National police university and national forensic university are being proposed," the minister said during the Budget speech.

Watch Video:

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Sitharaman also announced setting up of project preparation facilities for the infrastructure sector.

"Rs 103 lakh crore infra project pipeline has been launched in December end," the minister announced.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech announced the allocation of Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector. Also Read: Union Budget 2020-21- Live News Updates "Special bridge courses will be designed for teachers, nurses, para-medical staff and caregivers," the minister said, while adding that the government proposes to attach medical colleges with district hospitals on the PPP model to deal with the shortage of doctors.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech announced the allocation of Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector. Also Read: Union Budget 2020-21- Live News Updates "Special bridge courses will be designed for teachers, nurses, para-medical staff and caregivers," the minister said, while adding that the government proposes to attach medical colleges with district hospitals on the PPP model to deal with the shortage of doctors. The finance minister also announced degree level full-fledged online education programme by institutions ranked in top 100. "National police university and national forensic university are being proposed," the minister said during the Budget speech. Watch Video: Sitharaman also announced setting up of project preparation facilities for the infrastructure sector. "Rs 103 lakh crore infra project pipeline has been launched in December end," the minister announced.

Union Budget 2020: Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education; proposes medical colleges with district hospitals on PPP model

Sensex and Nifty are trading flat as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was presenting her second budget.

The decision for stock exchanges to open on Saturday was made after traders requested keep trading hours so that quick buys based on Budget initiatives can be made.

Sitharaman is likely to present a `feel-good` Budget in the backdrop of sliding economic growth despite corporate tax cuts and other stimulus measures. However, the Economic Survey has projected the GDP growth rate of 6 to 6.5 per cent during fiscal 2020-21.

At 01:00&nbsp;pm, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was down 60&nbsp;points while the Nifty was trading 25 points down.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-live-speech-on-union-budget-income-tax-slab-rate-cut-railway-budget-277913">Also read -&nbsp;Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates: Government aims to double farmers' income by 2022, says FM</a>

Sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were mixed.

Among stocks, Power Grid Corporation was down by 3.4 per cent at Rs 180.50 per share. Tech Mahindra, power utility major NTPC, Tata Steel and Coal India were among prominent losers. However, FMCG major Hindustan Lever, GAIL, Bajaj Finserv, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and IndianOil Corporation showed marginal gains.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Asian share markets were closed for the weekend.

Sensex and Nifty are trading flat as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was presenting her second budget. The decision for stock exchanges to open on Saturday was made after traders requested keep trading hours so that quick buys based on Budget initiatives can be made.

Sensex and Nifty are trading flat as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was presenting her second budget. The decision for stock exchanges to open on Saturday was made after traders requested keep trading hours so that quick buys based on Budget initiatives can be made. Sitharaman is likely to present a `feel-good` Budget in the backdrop of sliding economic growth despite corporate tax cuts and other stimulus measures. However, the Economic Survey has projected the GDP growth rate of 6 to 6.5 per cent during fiscal 2020-21. At 01:00 pm, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 60 points while the Nifty was trading 25 points down. Also read - Union Budget 2020-21 Live News Updates: Government aims to double farmers' income by 2022, says FM Sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were mixed. Among stocks, Power Grid Corporation was down by 3.4 per cent at Rs 180.50 per share. Tech Mahindra, power utility major NTPC, Tata Steel and Coal India were among prominent losers. However, FMCG major Hindustan Lever, GAIL, Bajaj Finserv, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and IndianOil Corporation showed marginal gains. Meanwhile, Asian share markets were closed for the weekend.

Sensex down by 60 points, Nifty 25 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivers Budget speech 