"nirmala-sitharaman"

Indian markets saw sharp intra-day falls after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. Sensex dropped over 2,300 points, Nifty over 600, as investors remained cautious amid limited tax relief and awaited sectoral and fiscal policy announcements 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a high-level Banking Committee for Viksit Bharat, restructuring key financial institutions, reviewing FEMA rules, promoting corporate and municipal bonds, and easing foreign investment limits to strengthen India’s banking sector and boost ease of doing business

The Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into force from April 1, replacing the 1961 law. The revenue-neutral legislation simplifies tax rules, reduces litigation, introduces a single tax-year system, and eases compliance through redesigned return forms.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed a Rs 10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti scheme to boost biologics and biosimilars, alongside allied health job creation, caregiver training, healthcare infrastructure expansion and continued reforms to support growth and inclusion.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up five regional medical hubs to promote medical tourism, alongside new Ayurveda institutes, upgraded Ayush facilities and expanded allied health training, while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed seven high-speed rail corridors linking major Indian cities, promoting regional growth, faster travel, and lower emissions. She also outlined banking reforms, foreign investment modernization, and an integrated textile programme under the Union Budget 2026-27

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission report in Lok Sabha, outlining tax devolution between Centre and states for 2026–2031. Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the panel proposes formulas guiding Centre–state fiscal relations

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman carried Union Budget documents on a digital tablet in a red bahi-khata, symbolising tradition and technology. Continuing the paperless Budget, she reaffirmed the shift from colonial symbols while engaging students during Budget 2026–27 presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth straight Union Budget on February 1. Key focus areas include fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, borrowing, tax revenue, GST collections, and nominal GDP growth, which will guide market expectations

Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive Budget—first woman to do so in India. Backed by top bureaucrats, the Budget focuses on fiscal stability, growth, reforms, and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals

The Infection Control Academy of India has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to adopt a progressive GST on antibiotics. Access drugs would remain cheap, while Watch and Reserve antibiotics face higher taxes to prevent misuse and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the summoning of Parliament for the Budget Session 2026, scheduled from January 28 to April 2 in two phases. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget on February 1, a rare Sunday occurrence.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking central support for Purvodaya, SASCI projects, Rayalaseema horticulture development and the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project amid financial constraints

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said global trade is increasingly being "weaponised" through tariffs and other measures. She emphasized India must negotiate carefully, leveraging its economic strength to safeguard domestic industries amid rising international protectionism

The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to raise FDI in insurance from 74% to 100%. Opposition opposed the move, while the government cited policyholder protection and sector growth

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Health and National Security Cess, levied only on demerit goods like pan masala, with revenues shared with states for health schemes. The move complements GST and aims to deter consumption while funding national priorities

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for offices of 15 public sector banks and insurance companies in Amaravati. The Rs 1,328-crore projects are expected to create 6,541 jobs and boost the capital’s development

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded its highest-ever single-day value of Rs 1.02 lakh crore on October 18, buoyed by strong festive demand and GST rate cuts that boosted consumer spending. Retail sales also surged to an unprecedented Rs 6.05 lakh crore

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the risks of deepfake videos and AI-driven fraud, calling for stronger defences to protect public trust. She emphasised innovation must be secure, resilient, and inclusive, praising SEBI’s efforts to curb investor impersonation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar campaign to return Rs 1.84 lakh crore in unclaimed financial assets. The campaign promotes awareness, access, and action via portals like UDGAM and support from banks and regulators