Budget 2026 Expectations Highlights: Parliament's Budget session begins; all eyes on FM Nirmala Sitharaman's speech on February 1

Budget 2026 Expectations Highlights: Ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget speech on February 1, 2026, Parliament’s Budget session started today. President Droupadi Murmu delivered her speech, listing the government's achievements. FM Sitharaman is expected to table the Economic Survey 2025-26 tomorrow, that is on January 29. The halwa ceremony was held on January 27, signalling the start of the quarantine period for Budget. This is the first time in several years, perhaps a first, when the Budget will be presented on a Sunday. Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget comes at a time when the global economy is in turmoil, India faces 50% Trump tariffs, and the rupee has hit an all time low of 92 per dollar. All eyes are on Budget 2026 to steer the economy in tough global conditions, retaining the tag of being the world’s fastest growing major economy, and maintaining fiscal discipline. Track TOI’s live coverage on Budget 2026 expectations and Parliament’s Budget session: