"nirmala-sitharaman"

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

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India has emerged as a stabilising force in the global economy, resilient against trade, energy, and financial shocks. Speaking at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025, she warned of global uncertainties, shifting alliances, and structural transformations in world order

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called GST reforms a win for all citizens, with major tax cuts and simplified slabs. She said the number of GST payers grew from 66 lakh to 1.5 crore, boosting revenue and tax compliance

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has formally requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to exempt a Rs. 30,000 crore loan from Telangana’s FRBM ceiling to finance the Young India Integrated Residential Schools initiative. The state plans to build 105 modern residential schools, one per Assembly constituency, targeting BC, SC, ST, and minority students and accommodating 2.7 lakh students.

Starting September 22, GST rates on 400 items will be reduced in a major reform. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says this will lower household expenses, boost spending, and benefit all families. Insurance premiums will be tax-free, and compliance will be easier

Telangana has sought Rs 16,732 crore in central assistance to address losses caused by heavy rains over two consecutive years. Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao submitted the request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking both pending and fresh aid.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal warned that the state could lose Rs 8,000–10,000 crore annually due to GST rate rationalisation. He urged the Centre to ensure benefits reach consumers and pressed for compensation to states facing major revenue losses

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, slashed taxes on daily essentials and packaged foods ahead of the festive season. UHT milk, paneer, parathas, biscuits, chocolates, dry fruits, and dairy products now attract lower or nil GST, boosting consumption outlook

In a sweeping reform, the GST Council has rationalised India's tax structure by reducing four tax slabs to two—retaining only the 5% and 18% rates. While essential items like snacks and personal care products have seen a steep drop in GST, the rates on tobacco and sugary goods have been raised to 40%.