Markets end lower as Budget disappoints

LIVE

Fri, 16 March 2012

Timeline Refresh

15:54

Markets ended over 1% down on Friday amid a volatile trading session as the high fiscal deficit forecast of 5.1% for 2012-13 weighed on market sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex ended down 210 points at 17,466.20, a loss of 1.19%.
The NSE Nifty was down 63 points at 5,317.90, a loss of 1.16%.

15:31

At 1530 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 239 points at 17,436.48, a loss of 1.35%.
The NSE Nifty is down 69 points at 5,311.05, a loss of 1.29%.

15:27

This is one provision the opposition parties may cheer.
The Congress-led UPA government had been against a single body idea as it feels it would need a huge workforce.

15:19

At 1515 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 195 points at 17,481.02, a loss of 1.109%.
The NSE Nifty is down 64 points at 5,316.60, a loss of 1.19%.

15:19

Opposition uproar over EPF interest cut
Opposition members today created uproar in the Lok Sabha against the slashing of EPF interest by 1.25 per cent when Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee rose to present the Union Budget for 2012-13.
Left and BJP members along with some other opposition MPs were on their feet as soon as Mukherjee started reading his budget speech.

14:59

At 1500 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 157 points at 17,518.52, a loss of 0.89%.
The NSE Nifty is down 44 points at 5,336.50, a loss of 0.82%

14:50

At 1450 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 173 points at 17,503.15, a loss of 0.98%.
The NSE Nifty is down 58 points at 5,322.50, a loss of 1.08%.

14:48

In the short-term, there will be an impact on the demand for the vehicles. However, if the interest rates favourably come down, the auto industry may see a revival of demand.

14:46

Mohandas Pai: Budget shows govt's feudal mindset.

14:45

The industry will pass on the entire burden of excise duty to customers.

14:20

Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed said, it is 'a status quoist budget'. 'Na Khushi Na Gum'.

14:19

We should commend the finance minister for deftly traversing through a very difficult year and laying the foundation fort he future: P Chidambaram.

14:19

Congress ministers today hailed the General Budget as "balanced, thoughtful and forward looking" which would lay the foundation for fiscal consolidation but ally Trinamool Congress dismissed it as "status-quoist".

14:18

Aim to enhance purchasing power: FM

Budget is tolerable. more could have been done for the agri sector: TMC, adding
need more relief for Bengal.

14:06

At 1405 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 76 points at 17,751.78, a gain of 0.43%.
The NSE Nifty is up 29 points at 5,409.25, a gain of 0.53%.

13:55

Protecting growth rate, which is better than most of the countries, is the biggest achievement: PM.

13:53

Kaushik Basu, economic advisor to PM: Have made a lot of effort to make a good Budget.

13:53

Budget aims at faster, equitable, sustainable and more inclusive growth: PMO tweets.

13:53

Finance Minister has been able to address twin tasks of checking inflation and accelerating growth: PM

13:49

At 1350 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 59 points at 17,734.82, a gain of 0.33%.
The NSE Nifty is up 26 points at 5,406.15, a gain of 0.48%.

13:37

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the budget would increase the financial burden on common man.

13:36

It is a purposeless and clerical budget: CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta.

13:36

The Union Budget does not provide any relief to the common man. It betrays the trust of the common man: BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said.

13:35

The Opposition parties today slammed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as "anti-people", "lacklustre" and one that would increase the financial burden on the common man.

13:34

At 1336 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 40 points at 17,716.14, a gain of 0.23%.
The NSE Nifty is up 26 points at 5,406.70, a gain of 0.49%.

13:22

Left: This Budget can't turn around the economy.

Industry body Ficci too slams the Budget, It said, the objective of bringing back growth not met.

Difficult year and commendable budget: Kapil Sibal

This is an anti aam-aadmi budget: BJP's Anant Kumar

13:11

At the end of a difficult fiscal period, Pranab has given a Budget, which will lay foundations of a good financial future: P Chidambaram.

In the given situation it's the best Budget. I hoped for more for defence, but I am happy: AK Antony.

13:01

Baggage allowance for people of Indian origin increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 and for children from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000.
Parliament adjourned, to resume on Monday.
Pranab Mukherjee introduces Finance Bill in Parliament.

12:59

At 1300 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 33 points at 17,709.10, a gain of 0.19%.
The NSE Nifty is up 8 points at 5,388.30, a gain of 0.14%.

12:56

Raise customs duty on some vehicle imports to 75% from 50%.
Excise duty on all processed food brought down to merit rate of 6 per cent.

12:54

Customs duty on refined gold doubled; will cost more.
Gold to be more expensive.

12:53

Cigarettes, gold, diamonds, imported cycles to cost more.
Customs duty on bicycles and parts increased.

12:51

Most luxury items, eating out, air travel, leisure activities to cost more.
Exemption of customs duty of 5% on equipment for fertiliser plants.
Service tax rates hiked from 10 per cent to 12 per cent.
Introduction of compulsory reporting of assets held abroad.

12:51

Standard excise duty rate raised from 10 per cent to 12 per cent.
Import of aircraft parts exempt from basic customs duty.
Service tax to yield additional revenue of Rs 18,650 crore.
Excise duty on large cars raised from 22 per cent to 24 per cent.

12:51

Solar power lamps, LED bulbs to become cheaper.
Duty on CFLs reduced.
Excise duty on handmade and semi-mechanised matches reduced from 10 to 6 per cent.

12:50

Bicycles to get expensive, duty raised to 30% from 10%.
Iodised salt, match-boxes, soya products to become cheaper.
Customs duty on standard gold raised from 2% to 4%.

12:49

At 1250 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 16 points at 17,691.85, a gain of 0.09%.
The NSE Nifty is down 22 points at 5,358.35, a loss of 0.41%.

12:47

Service tax to yield additional revenue of Rs 18,650 crore.
Excise duty on large cars raised from 22 per cent to 24 per cent.
Most luxury items, eating out, air travel, leisure activities to cost more.
Exemption of customs duty of 5% on equipment for fertiliser plants.

12:47

Import of equipment for fertilizer plants fully exempted from customs duty for three years.
Standard excise duty rate raised from 10 per cent to 12 per cent.
Import of aircraft parts exempt from basic customs duty.

12:46

Full exemption from basic customs duty on natural gas, LNG, uranium for generation of electricity for two years.
Automated shuttle looms exempted from customs duty.
Full exemption on imported equipments for road construction projects.

12:46

Customs duty on import of parts of aircraft, tyres and testing equipment fully exempted.
Full exemption from basic customs duty for equipment for road and highway construction.
AC, fridge and most urban services to cost more.
Titanium dioxide customs duty cut to 7.5% from 10%.

12:43

Govt may table white paper on black money

12:42

Tax exemption of up to Rs 5,000 for health insurance for annual preventive health checkup.
No change in peak custom duty.
Rs 1000 cr for National Skill Development Fund in FY13.
Gross taxes estimated at 10.6 per cent of GDP.
Pranab proposes to bring white paper on black money in the current Parliament session.
Gross taxes estimated at 10.6% of GDP.

12:41

Exemption of customs duty of 5% on equipment for fertiliser plants.
Service tax rates hiked from 10 per cent to 12 per cent.
Introduction of compulsory reporting of assets held abroad.
Securities Transaction Tax (STT) reduced from 0.125 per cent to 0.1 per cent.

12:38

At 1240 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 106 points at 17,569.38, a loss of 0.60%.
The NSE Nifty is down 25 points at 5,355.85, a loss of 0.46%.

12:37

Withholding tax on external commercial borrowings reduced from 20 percent to five percent for power, airlines, roads, bridges, affordable houses and fertiliser sectors.

12:36

Government services, public transport exempted from service tax.
Common 1-page return for excise and service tax.
Propose common tax code for service tax and excise
Govt services, public transport exempt from service tax.

12:33

Service tax net widened; to include most sectors
Negative list to include pre-school and high school education, entertainment services.
Sale of residential property exempted from capital gains if invested in equity or equipment of an SME.
All services to be taxed except those in negative list.

12:30

No advance tax for senior citizens.
Health insurance deduction upto Rs 5000 for preventive health checkup.
FY13 market borrowing at Rs 4.79 lakh cr.

12:29

At 1230 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 53 points at 17,729.09, a gain of 0.30%.
The NSE Nifty is up 20 points at 5,400.25, a gain of 0.37%.

12:25

The new tax rates:

From Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh at 10%,
Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh at 20%,
And beyond Rs 10 lakh at 30%.

12:21

No change in corporate tax rates.

12:19

At 1220 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 18 points at 17,693.52, a gain of 0.10%.
The NSE Nifty is up 12 points at 5,392.30, a gain of 0.22%.

12:19

Information on black money stashed abroad has started flowing in, prosecution to be executed in some cases, says Pranab.
40 crore Aadhar enrollment in year beginning April 2012.
Net tax receipts of the Centre in 2011-12 stands at Rs 7,71,071 crore.
Exemption up to Rs 2 lakh for individuals

12:17

Rs 193,407 crore provision made for defence services in 2012-13.
Pranab Mukherjee allots Rs 24,000 crore for rural road plan in FY13.
Rs 3,915 crore to be spent on National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Maternal and child nutrition scheme to be launched in 200 districts.

12:14

Agri credit target for FY13 at Rs 5.75 lakh cr, up Rs 1 lakh cr
To introduce new law for micro finance institutions
Defence outlay at Rs 1.95 lakh crore
Allocated Rs 25,555 cr for Right to Education in FY13; cuts interest rates on loans to women self help groups
Govt aims to trim subsidy burden
Efforts on for consensus on 51% FDI in multi-brand retail

12:14

7 medical colleges to be upgraded to All India Institutes.
Rs 200 crore for Research Rewards for agricultural researchers for breakthroughs.

12:10

Mahatma Gandhi rural employment scheme has been positive.
ECB for Rupee-debt of power co positive for all power cos
Interest subvention of 7 per cent to women self groups for loans up to Rs 3 lakh, additional 3 per cent for those making timely repayment.

12:10

At 1210 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 53 points at 17,728.35, a gain of 0.30%.
The NSE Nifty is up 17 points at 5,397.55, a gain of 0.32%.

12:10

Allocated Rs 25,555 cr for Right to Education in FY13; cuts interest rates on loans to women self help groups
Govt aims to trim subsidy burden
FY13 National Social Assistance Scheme outlay at Rs 8447 crore
Rs 1,000 crore to be provided for National Skill Development Corporation in 2012-13

12:07

Integrated Child Development Scheme to be strengthened and restructured with allocation of Rs.15,850 crore.
Allocation of Rs.200 crore for research on climate change.
Rs 20,822 crore earmarked for National Rural Health Mission against Rs 18,115 crore this year.
Rs 20,000 crore to be spent on rural infrastructure development, including Rs 5,000 crore for creating warehousing facilities.
National Backward Region Grant scheme outlay raised by 22 per cent to Rs 12,040 crore.

12:07

Rural development fund of 20000 crores
NRHM allocation hiked to 20820 crores
India's growth disappointing, but recovering: Pranab
Rs 14000 crore for rural drinking and sanitation in FY 13
FM announces new equity savings scheme

12:03

Rs 15,850 crore to be allocated to Integrated Child Development Scheme in 2012-13 as against Rs 10,000 crore this fiscal.
Propose credit guarantee fund for education loans.

12:03

NRHM allocation increased to Rs 20,820 cr.
Maternal and child nutrition scheme to be launched in 200 districts ICDS to get 58%.
Allocation for rural drinking water and sanitation scheme increased from Rs 11,000 crore in FY 12 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2012-13.

12:01

6,000 schools have been proposed to be set up in 12th Year Plan
Propose to set up 6,000 schools in 12th five year plan
UID allocation at Rs 14,232 crore in FY13.

12:01

To allow qualified foreign investors in Indian corporate debt markets
New state owned irrigation company to be set up
To allocate Rs 14232 cr to UID project, up 13% in FY 13
Propose National mission for food processing

12:00

Rs 14000 crore for rural drinking and sanitation in FY 13
FM announces new equity savings scheme
Govt targets Rs 30,000 crore from asset sales
Govt doubles allocation for tax-free bonds to Rs 60,000 crore for financing infrastructure projects in 2012/13

11:58

Rs 242 crore project with World Bank assistance to improve dairy production.
India to become self sufficient in manufacturing sector by next year. Enhanced production will take place.
India to become self sufficient in urea production in five years.
External commercial borrowings to the extent of $ 1 billion to be allowed for aviation sector for next year.
Encourage small and medium artisans. Powerloom mega clusters to be set up.

11:57

Plan outlay for agriculture raised by 18% to Rs 20208 crore in FY 13
Rs 300 crore for intensified irrigation program
Retail stocks rally as Budget commits to multi-brand FDI
Irrigation, dams to be eligible for special funding
Telecom towers made eligible for viability gap funding

11:56

Agriculture credit target raised to Rs 5.75 lakh crore in FY13
Agriculture allocation increased to Rs 5,75,000 crore.

11:56

Propose to allocate Rs 10,000 cr for NABARD to refinance RRBs.
Pranab proposes to allocate Rs 10,000 crore for NABARD for refinancing RRBs
Government to set up Rs 5,000 crore venture fund for MSME sector

11:56

To allow ECB borrowing to part-finance power projects.
Agriculture credit target to be raised by Rs 1,00,000 crore to Rs 5,75,000 crore.
Kisan credit cards can now be used for ATM machines.

11:50

Change in IPO guidleines to promote small town participation
To allow ECB funding to finance working capital needs of airlines for 1 year

11:50

Will allow external commercial borrowing for power, housing road construction companies
To make 8,800 km of highways in FY13; outlay raised
Plan outlay raised 18% to Rs 20,208 cr for agriculture

11:50

Irrigation, dams to be eligible for special funding
Telecom towers made eligible for viability gap funding
Fuel supply constraints have hit power supplies nationally

11:48

Income Tax deduction of 50 per cent on investments of up to Rs 50,000 in savings scheme named after Rajiv Gandhi.
Current account deficit 3.6 percent in 2011-12; this put pressure on exchange rate.
Pilot project for direct transfer of subsidiary for kerosene has been initiated in Alwar, Rajasthan: Pranab.
Advance Pricing Agreements in DTC to be in Finance Bill: FM

11:48

At 1150 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 86 points at 17,761.45, a gain of 0.48%.
The NSE Nifty is up 41 points at 5,421.90, a gain of .77%.

11:47

Airlines allowed to tap foreign loans on working capital now.
Corporate market reforms to be initiated.
Allocation for national highways up 14 per cent. 8,800 km of highways to be developed under National Highway Development Project in 2012-13.

11:47

External commercial borrowings to the extent of $ 1 billion to be allowed for aviation sector for next year.
Encourage small and medium artisans. Powerloom mega clusters to be set up.

11:46

Foreign loans for low-cost housing projects.

11:46

Foreign loan cap raised for airlines.

11:46

Budget to provide Rs 15,888 crore for recapitalisation of PSU banks, regional rural banks.
Addressing malnutrition, black money and corruption in public life among five priorities in the year ahead.

11:45

Govt to create Financial Holding company to meet financial needs of PSU banks.
3-year lock-in period exemption under Rajiv Gandhi scheme.
Increase in investments in infrastructure through PPP.

11:45

Budget to provide Rs 15,888 crore for recapitalisation of PSU banks, regional rural banks.
Government examining new ways of providing subsidies for LPG, kerosene.
Coal India advised to sign FSA with power plants
Tax exemption on individual share investment below Rs 10 lakh.

11:44

Tax exemption on individual share investment below Rs 10 lakh.
Govt to create Financial Holding company to meet financial needs of PSU banks.
3-year lock-in period exemption under Rajiv Gandhi scheme.
Increase in investments in infrastructure through PPP.

11:43

Coal India advised to sign FSA with power plants
Infrastructure investment in 12th Plan to go up to Rs 50 lakh crore; half of it to come from private sector.

11:40

To allow qualified FII into domestic corporate bonds
Rs 15890 crore for recapitalisation of PSU banks
Extend RRB capitalisation for 2 years
Propose Central KYC depository

11:40

At 1140 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 140 points at 17,815.78, a gain of 0.79%.
The NSE Nifty is up 50 points at 5,436.75, a gain of 1.05%.

11:38

FM promises tax incentive for new investors.
These make sense when you consider that the share of household savings delpoyed in capital markets has come down sharply.
But will Indians switch to capital markets without pension and insurance funds being allowed to freely invest in equities, and without sorting out issues like commissions for mutual fund agents, says ET.

11:36

The FM said food subsidy will be fully provided for in the Budget, but this will be a tough promise to keep, says ET

11:34

Inflation & current account deficit to come down next year
Focus on removing infrastructure bottlenecks
Changes in IPO norms to increase participation in small towns

11:34

Direct Tax Code (DTC) Bill to be enacted at the earliest
To introduce Rajiv Gandhi Equity Scheme for retail investors

11:34

Pilot project for direct transfer of subsidiary for kerosene has been initiated in Alwar, Rajasthan
Advance Pricing Agreements in DTC to be in Finance Bill

11:32

Find ways to expedite implementation of decision, prompt delivery and good governance with transparency, while curbing black money and corruption: FM
Remove bottlenecks in agriculture, energy, transport, coal, power and national highways
Ensure rapid rise in private investment
Frame policies that trigger domestic demand recovery

11:31

Direct cash subsity to LPG, Kerosene
Efforts to arrive at broadbased consensus with state governments on allowing FDI in multibrand retail up to 51 per cent, says FM.

11:31

Direct transfer of subsidy for kerosene initiated
To implement DTC at the earliest
GST to be operational by August 2012

11:27

Aadhar-enabled payment of select government schemes in 50 districts
Rs 30,000 cr divestment target in FY 13

11:25

To bring down subsidy to 1.7 % of GDP in the next 3 years
To roll out computerized scheme for fertilizer subsidy transfer

11:23

The Nandan Nilekani panel recommendation on direct transfer of subsidy accepted: FM
FY13 subsidy to be under 2% of GDP

11:22

Fiscal deficit rose due to subsidy
Decided to fully provide for food subsidy in the budget
Fiscal balance has deteriorated
FRBM implementation back on track

11:21

Food and fertiliser subsidy largest expenditure.

11:20

International crude oil prices may cross $ 115 per barrel. This will impact the Fuel Subsidy Bill
Global crude oil prices have crossed $115 per barrel

11:18

At 1120 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 138 points at 17,813.40, a gain of 0.78%.
The NSE Nifty is up 50 points at 5,430.40, a gain of 0.93%.

11:15

Exports grew 23% in the first quarter.
Need to address the issue of blackmoney.

11:15

2.5% agriculture growth this year
Expect smaller current account deficit
India's share of trade has gone up

11:12

FM: Need to improve supply side in economy
Tight monetary policy hit consumption and growth

11:10

The Finance Minister said:

Performance this year was disappointing but as compared to peers India was better
Middle East crisis, debt worries in EU have intensified
Global crisis hit Indian growth
Tight monetary policy hit consumption and growth

11:09

At 1110 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 82 points at 17,758.28, a gain of 0.47%.
The NSE Nifty is up 31 points at 5,401.55, a gain of 0.39%.

11:08

The Budget for 2012-13 has been formulated against the background of railways' responsibilities in meeting the demands of the 12th Plan: PMO tweets

11:07

Weak industrial growth has held us back: FM

11:07

It has been an year of interrupted recovery: FM

11:06

India is still a front runner for economic growth: FM

11:06

India expected to grow at 6.9%: FM

11:06

Global crisis has affected us: FM

11:05

Cabinet approves Union Budget for 2012-13.

11:04

Auto stocks down on profit-booking ahead of Budget
Auto stocks, led by Tata Motors, fell by over 2 per cent on the BSE today ahead of the Union
Budget as investors feared higher taxes on the sector.
Shares of Tata Motors fell 2.21 per cent to an early low of Rs 283 on the BSE, thus becoming the top loser among the
Sensex blue-chip firms.
The broader market, however, was trading higher.
Maruti Suzuki was another laggard, shedding 2 per cent to a low of Rs 1,338.
Market players said there might be an increase in excise duty, besides a new levy on diesel cars in this Budget.
Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) were also reeling under pressure.
Profit-booking dragged Bajaj Auto's shares down by 1.27 per cent, while Hero Moto slipped by 1.74 per cent and M&M was
down 1.38 per cent.

11:00

At 1100 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 82 points at 17,758.14, a gain of 0.47%.
The NSE Nifty is up 31 points at 5,411.10, a gain of 0.57%.

10:54

Tax on FII investments in infra bonds may be cut.

10:52

Stating that it expects a strong Budget from the FM, industry body, CII said the aviation and retail sectors may get FDI.

10:51

DMK MPs not attending Parliament for the Budget.
MoS PMO V Narayanasamy says DMK is busy with by-polls.

10:48

If the FM sticks to the proposal to slap a tax of up to Rs 80,000 on diesel cars to partially help fuel retailers, it will result in the cost of a diesel car increasing by up to 20%.

10:48

At 1050 hrs, the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 74 points at 17,749.51, a gain of 0.42%.
The NSE Nifty is up 29 points at 5,409.55, a gain of 0.54%.

10:46

Dinesh Trivedi attends pre-Budget Cabinet meet despite Mamata's anger.

10:35

Cut fiscal deficit
Subsidy on diesel should be removed instead of duty on diesel cars

Retailers want the govt to open up the supermarket sector to global giants like Wal-Mart and Carrefour.
This, they say, will boost capital inflows.

10:31

FM's biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge before Mukherjee would be to arrest decline in economic growth which is expected to touch a three year low of 6.9% in the current fiscal, down from 8.4% in the two previous years.

10:31

Bad news for car buyers:
There could be some bad news for prospective car buyers as government may hike duties on luxury items to raise resources.

10:31

In view of reverses in the recently concluded state assembly elections, Mukherjee may go slow on economic reforms like FDI in multi-brand retail and further opening of the insurance sector to foreign investment.

10:30

The 30-share BSE Sensex is up 98 points at 17,774.20, a gain of 0.56%.
The NSE Nifty is up 31.10 points at 5,411.60, a gain of 0.58%.

10:27

Reforms to be sacrificed?
With limited space for give aways, the Budget is likely to balance populism with some tough measures to check tax evasion and generation of black money.

10:23

Back to the taxes:
The DTC, which will replace the Income Tax 1961, however, will only come into force from 2013-14 and the Minister may make a formal announcement on it in his budget speech.

10:20

Cabinet meeting begins in Parliament.

10:19

The Left parties want the govt to increase investments in agri and social sectors.

10:17

The Minister may also marginally raise the slabs in other tax brackets of 10%, 20% and 30%. The Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill has also made a mention of it.

10:17

Taxpayers will be looking forward to some relief from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who is expected to raise the income tax exemption limit to at least Rs 2 lakh.
Although a committee had suggested raising the tax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakh, it is unlikely that Mukherjee will agree to it in view of the need to contain fiscal deficit.

10:12

Inflation
In his 2011 Budget speech, the FM pegged inflation for Fy12 at 5%.

The reality:

Inflation stayed at around 10% for the 22 months preceding October 2011.
It dropped to 9.1% last November
Fell further to 7.5% in December
Fell to 6.5% in January
Rose marginally to 6.95% in Feb

09:57

The FM reaches Parliament.

09:47

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee meets Prez Patil.

09:46

Gross Domestic Product
The FM expected the economy to grow by 9 per cent, but it was revised down to 8.2 per cent last July, and further reduced to 7.1 per cent by the prime ministers Economic Advisory Council.
Reasons: Euro crisis, domestic political uncertainties, slow growth in infrastructure sector.

09:35

Real Estate
Increase in limit of income-tax deduction for interest on housing loans to Rs 3 lakhs

Power
Import duty on power generation equipment, waiver of duty on imported coal, Incentives/measures for SEB reforms with pre-conditions

Telecom
Budget estimates likely to include inflows from 2G auctions, Imposition of import duty on mobile handsets & focus on promoting domestic manufacturing of electronics

09:34

Pharmaceuticals
Higher budgetary allocation for healthcare and increase in tax sops on R&D, extension of Tax holiday on healthcare in Tier II and III towns, infrastructure status for healthcare

Retail
Roll-back (partial or full) of 10% excise duty on retail price of branded garments

09:34

Metals & Mining
Increase in import duty on manganese ore and waiver of import duty on thermal coal, iron ore lumps

Logistics
Concrete steps to expedite work on the Dedicated Freight corridors and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor

09:33

Infrastructure
Higher budgetary allocation, long- term funding for projects, new services in tax net

Media
Waiver of custom duty on set-top boxes, increase in FDI limit for cable TV multi-system operators

09:32

FMCG
Hike in excise duty, increase in personal tax slabs, measures to discourage gold import

Fertilisers
Cut in per unit subsidy on non-urea fertilisers, raising urea retail price, cutting custom duty on inputs like naphtha, LNG, etc

09:30

Capital Goods
Import duty on power generation equipment, increased govt spending on infrastructure schemes, mandatory domestic power equipment procurement for future UMPPs using domestic coal
Cement
Hike in excise duty, hike in diesel prices, waiver of import duty on thermal coal, higher allocation for infra projects, VAT reduction

09:28

Automobile
Hike in excise duty, diesel tax
Banking
Fiscal consolidation, capital infusion in PSUs, clarity on new bank licences, Interest subvention fund for power sector

09:23

These are some of the measures that could be brought in by the government and their implications:
Oil & Gas
Increase in prices of petroleum products and waiver of custom duty on LNG, extension sun-set clause on tax incentives
I-T
Incremental allocation under schemes to digitise various departments

09:22

According to Economic Times, brokers are expecting an eventful Budget as the FM is under pressure to boost revenues to reduce the fiscal deficit, while excessive increases in tax rates could hurt companies.

09:21

At 0922 hours the 30-share BSE Sensex is up 56.55 points at 17,732.40, a gain of 0.32%.
The NSE Nifty is up 20.55 points at 5,401.05, a gain of 0.38%.

09:14

At 0915 hours, the 30-share BSE Sensex is down 19 points at 17,656.81, a loss of -0.11%.
The NSE Nifty is down 0.15 points at 5,380.35, a loss of 0.00%.

09:06

Pranab leaves for Prez house.

09:04

The government may okay partial rollback to placate Mamata.

09:04

According to sources, Dinesh Trivedi to stay as Rail Minister till the end of Budget session.

09:03

Govt cuts EPF rates by 1.25%

09:03

Cabinet to meet at 1015 in Parliament.

09:02

FM to meet the President shortly.

08:57

Pranab Mukherjee sets out for the big day.

08:54

Asian shares steadied on Friday and the dollar took a breather after its recent broad rally spurred some profit taking. The MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index was barely changed and Japan's Nikkei opened down 0.1 per cent.

08:54

Back home, among individual stocks, keep a tab on oil companies like HPCL, BPCL and IOC and aviation stocks on reports that the state-owned oil companies have hiked jet fuel price by 2 per cent, the second increase in rates this month.

08:53

The markets are likely to remain volatile ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget today.
Overnight, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.4 per cent to 13,253 and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index advanced 0.6 per cent to 1,403 at close.

08:49

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee made some lofty promises during his budget speech on February 28, 2011.
For the most part, the government has been unable to keep its word, in part owing to the inability to pass reform in Parliament, but also exacerbated by an economic slowdown and high oil and food prices.

08:44

Kingfisher road map in 3 days: Mallya
Crisis-ridden Kingfisher Airlines would come up with a recovery road map in three days, chairman Vijay Mallya promised on Thursday.
"We are working on a new plan and that will be announced in three days,' said Mallya after meeting pilots protesting delay in salary payments.
"I heard their grievances and have assured them that their grievances will be addressed soon," he said.
However, there was no confirmation by pilots that they would return to work. They said they would meet soon to take a call on this.Mallya said the plan included bringing the airline back on the International Air Transport Association's clearing house.
IATA suspended Kingfisher from its billing and settlement plan because of non-payment of Rs 50 crore.
The suspension can be revoked if the airline makes the payment.

08:30

Fix senior citizen's age limit to 60 for tax exemptions
Make gifts to spouse tax free
Med reimbursement must be raised to Rs 50,000 from Rs 15,000

08:29

Tax demands made to the FM:

Tax exemption limit must be raised to minimum Rs 2 lakh.
1st taxable slab should be Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh
Increase deduction on housing loans to Rs 3 lakh

08:25

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee will present his 7th Budget today.
Tax exemption limit is likely to be raised.