Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 today, marking her record ninth consecutive presentation. While the middle class was eyeing major tax breaks, the government stayed the course on fiscal consolidation, focusing heavily on infrastructure and domestic manufacturing instead. The total budget size is pegged at Rs 53.5 lakh crore, with a significant push toward a capital expenditure (Capex) target of Rs 12.2 lakh crore. Income Tax: No Changes in Slab Rates In a move that might leave salaried professionals wanting more, the Finance Minister has kept the income tax slabs unchanged for the financial year 2026-27. The

Union Budget 2026: Defence Allocation Gets Significant 15% Hike Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Union Budget 2026, marking a substantial increase in the nation’s security spending. The total defence budget has been pegged at ₹7.85 lakh crore, which represents a 15% jump over the previous fiscal year. This move is largely seen as a response to the evolving security dynamics along India’s borders and the continued push for indigenous manufacturing. A major highlight of this year’s allocation is the focus on capital expenditure. The government is prioritizing the modernization of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. While some

MCX Gold and Silver Prices Experience Record Crash The bullion market is witnessing one of its most dramatic downturns in recent history. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver has seen a staggering crash of 27%, tumbling well below the Rs 3 lakh mark. Gold hasn’t been spared either, with prices retreating toward the Rs 1.5 lakh level. This sudden shift has wiped out significant market capitalization, leaving retail investors and seasoned traders questioning if the long-standing bull run has finally hit a wall. The primary catalysts for this “spectacular fall” appear to be a mix of geopolitical shifts and