union budget

March 25, 2025 10:47 PM

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasizing that the legislation aligns with the aspirations of the people and the government's vision of making India a developed country by 2047. The bill was passed after the House adopted amendments moved by the Finance Minister. The debate on the bill had begun on Monday. Presenting the Finance Bill, Sitharaman said the government aims to provide tax certainty, rationalize provisions for ease o...

March 5, 2025 5:48 PM

Participation of Indian women in workforce rises from 23% to 42% in six years

The labour force participation rate for women in India has risen from 23% in 2017-18 to around 42% in 2023-24, with a notable increase in educated women joining the workforce, Union Labour and Employment Secretary Sumita Dawra said on Wednesday. In her address at the Women in Services Sector CII Dialogue 2025, Dawra highlighted the significant strides made by women in India's economic landscape, finding employment across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. She ...

February 7, 2025 11:55 AM

Rural development ministry allocated with Rs 1.88 lakh crore in Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a significant package for rural India, allocating Rs. 1,88,754.53 crore to drive comprehensive development across 6.65 lakh villages, supporting 2.68 lakh Gram Panchayats and Rural Local Bodies as per a press release issued by the Ministry of Rural Development. This budget emphasises boosting employment, women empowerment, education, and infrastructure in rural areas, reflecting the government's vision for a stronger, self-reliant rural economy. Key initiatives i...

February 4, 2025 2:30 PM

India’s fiscal roadmap: strong growth and stability despite tax cuts, says S&P Global

India's Union Budget for 2025 signals steady fiscal consolidation and reinforces a positive outlook for the country's sovereign credit ratings, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings. The government has projected a fiscal deficit of 4.8% of GDP for the year ending March 31, 2025, slightly lower than the earlier estimate of 4.9% presented in the Union Budget on February 1. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, India has set an even more ambitious target, aiming for a fiscal deficit of 4....

February 4, 2025 11:52 AM

India accelerates nuclear power expansion in Union Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025-26 lays out a major push for nuclear energy as part of India's long-term strategy to ensure energy security and transition to cleaner power sources. With an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, the government is positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its energy mix. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Viksit Bharat, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Rec...

February 1, 2025 3:16 PM

Union Budget 2025: FM Sitharaman announces duty revisions, goods to get cheaper and costlier

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, introduced a series of adjustments to basic customs duties (BCD) aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing, boosting exports, and easing costs for critical goods. The changes are expected to influence the prices of various products, with some becoming cheaper while others see price hikes. Relief for Patients To provide relief for patients with cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions, the gover...

February 1, 2025 2:26 PM

Union Budget 2025-26: FM Sitharaman unveils modified UDAN scheme, boosts regional connectivity

In her presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant push toward enhancing regional connectivity with the launch of a Modified UDAN scheme. The initiative will bring 120 new destinations into the network and facilitate travel for an additional 4 crore passengers over the next decade. The scheme prioritizes the development of helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeastern districts to improve access to remote regions...

February 1, 2025 1:56 PM

Next five years a unique opportunity for ‘sabka vikas’: FM Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2025, highlighted the government's vision for the next five years as a transformative period to realize "Sabka Vikas" and foster balanced regional growth. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman emphasized India's robust economic progress and global recognition over the past decade. "Our economy is the fastest growing among all major economies. Structural reforms and our development track record over the last 10 years have draw...

February 1, 2025 11:51 AM

Union Budget 2025-26 unveiled: Focus on growth, inclusive development, and economic strengthening

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the Union Budget 2025-26, laying out a strategic framework aimed at accelerating economic growth, promoting inclusive development, and strengthening India’s position as a global economic leader. The budget also emphasized uplifting household sentiment and enhancing the purchasing power of the country's rising middle class. Sitharaman asserted that the government's efforts are centered on creating a balanced path toward prosperity, sayi...

February 1, 2025 11:14 AM

Union Cabinet approves Union Budget 2025-26

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Saturday, just ahead of its presentation in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Before the crucial meeting, senior leaders, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Pralhad Joshi, arrived at the Parliament. Union Minister Shekhawat highlighted the significance of the budget, saying, "The budget will ensure continuity and pr...