Union Budget 2018 live: Jaitley addresses India Inc on Budget

The Budget is expected to be keenly observed around the world to see what Jaitley does to boost growth in Asia's third-largest economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already hinted that the Budget won't cater to populist demands.

This is the first Union Budget post the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in June last year.

Government schemes like MNREGA, rural housing, irrigation projects, crop insurance, etc., are expected to see an increase in funding to address agricultural distress.

This year's Budget is expected to have been made keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections in eight states, three of which are BJP-ruled states, as well as the Lok Sabha elections next year.

The government has been facing criticism from the Opposition and some sections of society as well for allegedly not fulfilling its election promise of being able to tackle unemployment efficiently.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is set to present his fifth Budget for the current NDA government today.