Economic Survey 2026 Live Updates: The Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to focus on supporting economic growth while also giving some relief to taxpayers facing rising living costs. The government may announce a small increase in the standard deduction, raise the tax-free limit on long-term capital gains, and improve health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D to help deal with rising medical expenses. First-time homebuyers could also get some relief on home loan interest. However, big changes to income tax slabs are not likely, as major tax relief was already given last year.Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey in Lok Sabha on Thursday, which gives an overview of the economy, including growth outlook and key challenges. This Budget is also important because it prepares the ground for the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. Overall, the Budget is expected to focus on stability, careful spending, and steady growth rather than major reforms. Key Expectations at a GlanceIncome Tax & Middle-Class ReliefAfter last year’s major overhaul, experts expect incremental tweaks rather than sweeping changes. Key hopes include raising the standard deduction to ~Rs 1 lakh, slab rationalisation (including a higher threshold for the 30 per cent slab), and allowing Section 80D health insurance benefits under the new regime. Housing incentives such as Section 80EEA revival, PMAY expansion, and higher rebates for mid-income buyers are also in focus.Capital markets are watching for a higher equity LTCG exemption (Rs 2 lakh vs Rs 1.25 lakh), possible rate easing, higher TDS thresholds, simpler compliance, and extended ITR deadlines.Capex & InfrastructureHigh public spending is expected to continue, with Rs 11–12 lakh crore capex likely for roads, railways, urban infra, green energy, and defence. Defence outlays may rise amid border tensions, alongside a push for Atmanirbhar manufacturing, PPP models, asset monetisation, and private investment in logistics., Business News, Times Now
Economic Survey 2026 Live Updates: Economic Survey Pegs India's GDP Growth Between 6.8-7.2% In FY27
Economic Survey 2026 Live Updates: The Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to focus on supporting economic growth while also giving some relief to taxpayers facing rising living costs. The government may announce a small increase in the standard deduction, raise the tax-free limit on long-term capital gains, and improve health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D to help deal with rising medical expenses. First-time homebuyers could also get some relief on home loan interest. However, big changes to income tax slabs are not likely, as major tax relief was already given last year.
Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey in Lok Sabha on Thursday, which gives an overview of the economy, including growth outlook and key challenges. This Budget is also important because it prepares the ground for the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. Overall, the Budget is expected to focus on stability, careful spending, and steady growth rather than major reforms.
Key Expectations at a Glance
Income Tax & Middle-Class Relief
After last year’s major overhaul, experts expect incremental tweaks rather than sweeping changes. Key hopes include raising the standard deduction to ~Rs 1 lakh, slab rationalisation (including a higher threshold for the 30 per cent slab), and allowing Section 80D health insurance benefits under the new regime. Housing incentives such as Section 80EEA revival, PMAY expansion, and higher rebates for mid-income buyers are also in focus.
Capital markets are watching for a higher equity LTCG exemption (Rs 2 lakh vs Rs 1.25 lakh), possible rate easing, higher TDS thresholds, simpler compliance, and extended ITR deadlines.
Capex & Infrastructure
High public spending is expected to continue, with Rs 11–12 lakh crore capex likely for roads, railways, urban infra, green energy, and defence. Defence outlays may rise amid border tensions, alongside a push for Atmanirbhar manufacturing, PPP models, asset monetisation, and private investment in logistics.
