The Union Budget 2026 raised STT on futures and options from April 1, 2026. ICRA expects a 16 percent rise in STT collections in financial year 2027. Derivatives volumes cross 500x GDP in India hence the government said the move aims to curb excessive speculation

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty has hailed Union Budget 2026, calling it a blend of policy continuity and futuristic reforms. He said the budget boosts infrastructure, banking, agriculture, AI adoption and sunrise sectors while keeping fiscal discipline intact