Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-2027 in the parliament on Sunday (Feb 1). Several economic &nbsp;announcements to boost growth were made but the markets did not respond in positive. The Sensex dropped over 2,300 points from the day’s high and the Nifty 50 slid to 24,571.75, largely due to the hike in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT). The market capitalisation of all listed companies on the BSE dropped by Rs 6 lakh crore to settle at Rs 453.87 lakh crore.&nbsp;Due to the new Budget proposals introduced by Nirmala Sitharaman, STT on futures contracts will jump to 0.05% from 0.02%, while the tax on options premiums will increase to 0.15% from 0.10%. The levy on options exercised will also climb to 0.15% from 0.125%.&nbsp;STT on options premium and exercise have been announced to be increased to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ups-budget-allocation-for-afghanistan-mongolia-nepal-sri-lanka-but-a-cut-for-bangladesh-1769933523577">India ups budget allocation for Afghanistan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka but a cut for Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;“I propose to raise the STT on Futures to 0.05% from the present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively,” said Sitharaman in her budget speech.&nbsp;This led to &nbsp;intense selling, especially in stocks linked to trading, broking, and market participation, as investors reassessed the cost of trading in the derivatives segment.&nbsp;In every buy or sell transaction in the stock market, including shares, futures, and options the government implies a small Security Transaction Tax which has been hiked marginally leading to this trend (crash) in the market.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-tds-rate-reduced-from-5-to-2-without-any-limit-1769934046811/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-tds-rate-reduced-from-5-to-2-without-any-limit-1769934046811/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, this change might look slim it directly increases the cost of trading, particularly for frequent traders, hedgers, and arbitrageurs.&nbsp;"The steep increase in STT on futures and options, coming on top of last year's hike, is likely to raise impact costs for traders, hedgers, and arbitrageurs. This could cool derivative activity and lead to a reduction in volumes," said Shripal Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Securities to news agaency ANI.&nbsp;(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

Due to the new Budget proposals introduced by Nirmala Sitharaman, STT on futures contracts will jump to 0.05% from 0.02%.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-2027 in the parliament on Sunday (Feb 1). Several economic announcements to boost growth were made but the markets did not respond in positive. The Sensex dropped over 2,300 points from the day’s high and the Nifty 50 slid to 24,571.75, largely due to the hike in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT). The market capitalisation of all listed companies on the BSE dropped by Rs 6 lakh crore to settle at Rs 453.87 lakh crore. Due to the new Budget proposals introduced by Nirmala Sitharaman, STT on futures contracts will jump to 0.05% from 0.02%, while the tax on options premiums will increase to 0.15% from 0.10%. The levy on options exercised will also climb to 0.15% from 0.125%. STT on options premium and exercise have been announced to be increased to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively. ALSO READ: India ups budget allocation for Afghanistan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka but a cut for Bangladesh “I propose to raise the STT on Futures to 0.05% from the present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively,” said Sitharaman in her budget speech. This led to intense selling, especially in stocks linked to trading, broking, and market participation, as investors reassessed the cost of trading in the derivatives segment. In every buy or sell transaction in the stock market, including shares, futures, and options the government implies a small Security Transaction Tax which has been hiked marginally leading to this trend (crash) in the market. https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-tds-rate-reduced-from-5-to-2-without-any-limit-1769934046811/embed Though, this change might look slim it directly increases the cost of trading, particularly for frequent traders, hedgers, and arbitrageurs. "The steep increase in STT on futures and options, coming on top of last year's hike, is likely to raise impact costs for traders, hedgers, and arbitrageurs. This could cool derivative activity and lead to a reduction in volumes," said Shripal Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Securities to news agaency ANI. (With input from agencies)

Due to the new Budget proposals introduced by Nirmala Sitharaman, STT on futures contracts will jump to 0.05% from 0.02%.

Union Budget 2026: What caused Sensex, Nifty to crash after Sitharaman's budget announcement?

Over the years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget Day sarees have become a muted tradition in their own right. As she readies to present her ninth budget, let's take a look at her iconic sarees through the years.

Over the years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget Day sarees have become a quiet tradition in their own right. As she readies to present her ninth budget, let's take a look at her iconic sarees through the years.

What's the story behind FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s iconic Budget Day saree for 2026? Look at her drapes through the years | In Pics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the union budget 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday (Feb 1) proposed to initiate semiconductor mission 2.0 for which she has set aside a fund of Rs 40,000 crore. For this the government will set up research and training centres.&nbsp;"We will launch India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and also focus on industry-led research and training centres to develop tech and skilled workforce," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech in the parliament.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-fulfilling-people-s-dreams-via-stable-growth-1769928666346/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-fulfilling-people-s-dreams-via-stable-growth-1769928666346/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Key focus areas would be:</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>Focus on industry-led research and training centres for semiconductors</li><li>A funding of Rs 40,000 crore to capitalise on the momentum of the semiconductor mission</li><li>Setting up of research and training centres for skilled workforce</li><li>Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will be the focus states for this mission due to their mineral availability</li><li>A scheme is envisaged to help states establish three dedicated chemical parks to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities</li></ul>This was Sitharaman's ninth consecutive budget, which is a record. With this she also inches closer to presenting the maximum number of budgets (10) held in the name of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai.<h2>Who has presented how many budgets?</h2>Former finance minister Morarji Desai presented 10 budgets - between 1959 and 1969 - the maximum by any finance minister of the country.&nbsp;Former finance minister P Chidambaram has also presented nine Union budgets, first one being on March 19, 1996, during the United Front government led by Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.&nbsp;Pranab Mukherjee with eight budget presentations stands third in the list. Yashwant Sinha, Yashwantrao Chavan and CD Deshmukh have presented seven budgets each while Manmohan Singh, who also went on to become the prime minister of the country presented six union budgets. &nbsp;

A funding of Rs 40,000 crore has been allotted by the government in the budget to capitalise on the momentum of the semiconductor mission.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the union budget 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday (Feb 1) proposed to initiate semiconductor mission 2.0 for which she has set aside a fund of Rs 40,000 crore. For this the government will set up research and training centres. "We will launch India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and also focus on industry-led research and training centres to develop tech and skilled workforce," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech in the parliament. https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2026-fulfilling-people-s-dreams-via-stable-growth-1769928666346/embed Key focus areas would be: Focus on industry-led research and training centres for semiconductors A funding of Rs 40,000 crore to capitalise on the momentum of the semiconductor mission Setting up of research and training centres for skilled workforce Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will be the focus states for this mission due to their mineral availability A scheme is envisaged to help states establish three dedicated chemical parks to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities This was Sitharaman's ninth consecutive budget, which is a record. With this she also inches closer to presenting the maximum number of budgets (10) held in the name of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Who has presented how many budgets? Former finance minister Morarji Desai presented 10 budgets - between 1959 and 1969 - the maximum by any finance minister of the country. Former finance minister P Chidambaram has also presented nine Union budgets, first one being on March 19, 1996, during the United Front government led by Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Pranab Mukherjee with eight budget presentations stands third in the list. Yashwant Sinha, Yashwantrao Chavan and CD Deshmukh have presented seven budgets each while Manmohan Singh, who also went on to become the prime minister of the country presented six union budgets.

A funding of Rs 40,000 crore has been allotted by the government in the budget to capitalise on the momentum of the semiconductor mission.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. Check details

Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (Feb 1), while presenting the 2026-27 budget, highlighted the Narendra Modi government's push for a 'Reform Express'. She said that "Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation." This, she noted, was the "result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2026-sitharaman-announces-10-000-crore-bio-pharma-shakti-scheme-health-sector-announcements-from-the-union-budget-1769925595153">Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces ‘Bio Pharma Shakti’ - India’s ambitious plan to dominate next-gen drugs</a><h2>Reform Express</h2>Sitharam stated that under the Modi government's 'reform express' push “over 350 reforms," including GST rationalisation, have been rolled out. She noted that “The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties,” said Sitharaman, adding that since the NDA government assumed office 12 years ago, “the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beyond-the-budget-story-behind-indian-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-s-iconic-budget-day-sarees-through-the-years-in-pics-1769913382545">What's the story behind Nirmala Sitharaman’s iconic Budget Day saree for 2026?</a>"Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make substantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people," said Sitharaman. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed</a>Referring to global challenges, Sitharaman said India is facing an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are under strain. She emphasised that India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion. "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperiled. And access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," said Sitharaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Budget 2026-27: FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Modi govt's reform express,' says 360 reforms including GST rationalisation rolled out

Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (Feb 1), while presenting the 2026-27 budget, highlighted the Narendra Modi government's push for a 'Reform Express'. She said that "Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation." This, she noted, was the "result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions." Also read | Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces ‘Bio Pharma Shakti’ - India’s ambitious plan to dominate next-gen drugs Reform Express Sitharam stated that under the Modi government's 'reform express' push “over 350 reforms," including GST rationalisation, have been rolled out. She noted that “The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties,” said Sitharaman, adding that since the NDA government assumed office 12 years ago, “the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.” Also read | What's the story behind Nirmala Sitharaman’s iconic Budget Day saree for 2026? "Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make substantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people," said Sitharaman. https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed Referring to global challenges, Sitharaman said India is facing an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are under strain. She emphasised that India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion. "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperiled. And access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," said Sitharaman.

Budget 2026-27: FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Modi govt's reform express,' says 360 reforms including GST rationalisation rolled out

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive budget today, with attention on reducing public debt, funding defence needs and sustaining infrastructure investment.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive budget today, with attention on reducing public debt, funding defence needs and sustaining infrastructure investment.

Union Budget 2026: What to expect on debt, defence and infrastructure?

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget tradition reflects a shift from colonial symbols to Indian identity. From red briefcases to the traditional bahi khata in 2019, and later a tablet carried in a bahi-style pouch, the journey blends heritage with Digital India.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget tradition reflects a shift from colonial symbols to Indian identity. From red briefcases to the traditional bahi khata in 2019, and later a tablet carried in a bahi-style pouch, the journey blends heritage with Digital India.

Union Budget 2026: What is ‘Bahi Khata’? From briefcase to tablet, will FM Nirmala Sitharaman carry it today?

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned Amrit Kaal several times while delivering the Union Budget 2023 speech today. She was quoted as saying that this was the first budget of India in Amrit Kaal, which roughly translates to Golden era.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned Amrit Kaal several times while delivering the Union Budget 2023 speech today. She was quoted as saying that this was the first budget of India in Amrit Kaal, which roughly translates to Golden era. While giving details about the Government of India’s new economic policies, Indian FM Sitharaman also mentioned Saptarishis or seven priorities of the Indian Budget 2023. It is important to note that the term Amrit Kaal was first used by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 75th Independence Day celebrations. In this article, we will get to know what is Amrit kaal and why is this important vis-à-vis India’s economic development and prosperity. What is Amrit Kaal? In her speech, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2023 was India’s first budget in Amrit Kaal. She said, "This is the first budget in Amrit Kaal, this budget hopes to build on the foundation laid in the previous budget and the blueprint laid for India@100, we envision a prosperous and inclusive India in which the fruits of development reach all." Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi coined the phrase "Amrit Kaal" for the first time in 2021. When announcing a new blueprint for India's growth story for the next 25 years, PM Modi used the phrase during Independence day celebrations. At the time, Prime Minister Modi stated that Amrit Kaal's goal was to improve the quality of life for Indian citizens and close the development gap between rural and urban areas. It also attempted to welcome new technology while minimising the government’s interference in people's lives. Origin of the term Amrit Kaal The term "Amrit Kaal" comes from Vedic astrology and refers to a crucial period when the gates to greater pleasure for humans, angels, and other creatures open. Amrit Kaal is regarded as the most fortunate time to begin any new work. Seven Saptarishis of the Indian Budget 2023 These are the seven priorities which Budget 2023 especially focusses on: Inclusive development Reaching the last mile Infrastructure and investment Unleashing the potential Green growth Youth Power Financial sector

What is Amrit Kaal? Why did the Indian FM mention the term several times in her Union Budget 2023 speech?