National News

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2025 proposes customs duty exemptions on lithium-ion battery waste, investment in an AI Center of Excellence for education, and a National Geospatial Mission. Measures include support for gig workers, increased duties on interactive flat-panel LCDs, and amendments to encourage private sector participation in nuclear energy. Infrastructure expansion for IITs is also planned.

Opposition leaders criticized the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not addressing the middle class and small business owners. The budget favored corporate loans over relief for common citizens, with significant allocations to Bihar ahead of upcoming elections, while neglecting states like West Bengal.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced transformative tax reforms aiming to benefit India's middle class. Key highlights include no income tax for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh, with a simplified tax rate structure. The measures are expected to substantially reduce taxes for the middle class, creating a buzz on social media with various reactions and memes.

Kerala’s demands for ₹2,000-crore prop-up for rehabilitation in landslide-hit Wayanad, an AIIMS-equivalent facility and State-specific packages to tackle human-wildlife conflict and emerging climate change-related challenges find no place in Budget

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. Rs 4.88 lakh crore is for revenue expenditure and Rs 1.92 lakh crore for capital expenditure. Significant measures were also announced for the middle class, agriculture, and rural development.

Case has resulted in political impasse in Tamil Nadu, with ruling party DMK’s allies dismissing the report

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025-26, marking her shortest full budget speech at 1 hour and 14 minutes. Notable past achievements include delivering the longest budget speech in 2020 and presenting India's first paperless budget in 2021. Sitharaman has continuously highlighted economic priorities and policy changes during her tenure.

Bihar remained in focus in the Union Budget with Nirmala Sitharaman announcing the setting up of a Makhana Board, financial support for western Kosi canal and support for enhancing capacity of IIT Patna

FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will promote homestays by extending Mudra loans, and improve connectivity to tourist spots to enhance accessibility.

Medical tourism and healing in India will be promoted along with the private sector, including easier visa norms Nirmala Sitharaman said in her speech

‘I thank PM Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman for a dream budget,’ says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavi.

​​Gurajada Appa Rao (1862–1915) was a prominent Indian playwright, poet, and social reformer, best known for his contributions to Telugu literature. Born in Rayavaram village in the Vizianagaram district of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Appa Rao grew up in a period marked by social transformation influenced by British colonial rule and the Indian Renaissance. His literary works and reformist ideas left a lasting impact on Telugu culture, making him a revered figure in the annals of Indian literature.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced income tax exemption for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually under the new regime, providing a significant tax relief for the middle class. This reform is expected to boost household consumption and savings, though projected to reduce direct tax revenue by Rs 1 lakh crore.

Due to his immense popularity, Virat Kohli faced multiple security breaches during a Ranji Trophy match as fans ran onto the field to touch his feet. Despite Kohli’s short stay at the crease, his presence drew huge crowds, highlighting his enduring appeal. Kohli's return to domestic cricket followed the BCCI’s directive for international stars to play in domestic tournaments.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget, highlighting key initiatives for education, healthcare, and national growth. The budget includes the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity in government schools, multilingual education schemes, and Centres of Excellence in AI and skilling.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the expansion of the SWAMIH scheme

Effectively, incomes up to ₹12.75 lakh would not be liable for income taxes