Nirmala Sitharaman: News
Nirmala Sitharaman is an economist, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician, and the Finance Minister of India as of 2021. Sitharaman did her BA in Economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College, Tamil Nadu. She pursued an MA in Economics and an MPhil from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. After completing her education, she stayed in the UK for the next few years, where she worked with PwC and BBC. She returned to India in the 1990s and became an educationist. During 2003-05, she was a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW). In 2006, Sitharaman joined the BJP, and in 2010 she was appointed as the party’s national spokesperson and later planned BJP’s media campaigns. In 2014, when the NDA formed the government at the Centre, Nirmala Sitharaman was sworn in as the Minister of State (MoS) for Finance & Corporate Affairs and later for Commerce & Industry. In 2017, she became India’s first full-time female Defence Minister. After NDA roared back to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sitharaman became India’s first full-time female Finance Minister. She has been a Rajya Sabha MP since 2014.
India's customs framework to be revamped, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a major overhaul of India's customs framework.
Consensus reached to let Lok Sabha function smoothly starting tomorrow
Following a floor leaders' meeting in the room of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, it has been decided that the House will run smoothly from Wednesday, without any disruption, ANI reported.
Parliament Winter Session: Lok Sabha adjourned till noon
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till noon after opposition MPs entered the well of the House demanding discussion on the ongoing SIR.
India proposes new cess structure on pan masala, tobacco products
The Indian government has proposed two major tax reform bills to revamp indirect taxes on tobacco products and pan masala.
Lok Sabha passes Manipur Goods and Services Tax Bill 2025
The Lok Sabha has passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to replace an ordinance that was promulgated on October 7, 2025.
Lok Sabha adjourned for today amid opposition protest over SIR
The Winter Session of the Parliament has been marred by disruptions, with the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid protests by opposition parties primarily over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Winter Session: Both houses adjourned till 2pm
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2:00pm on the first day of the Winter Session, after a discussion on the motion of felicitation of new Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.
Winter Session: Lok Sabha adjourned amid ruckus by opposition
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned until 12 noon, following a ruckus by the opposition over the demand for discussions during the Zero Hour.
Parliament Winter Session: Government to impose new levies on tobacco
The government will introduce two bills in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation cess on tobacco products and pan masala, news agency PTI reported.
India's space sector seeks 3x funding boost in Budget 2026
The Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to triple the budget allocation for the country's space sector.
FDI in India's insurance sector might be hiked to 100%
The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, seeking to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100%.
Using stablecoins for payments might soon be allowed in India
The Indian government is considering the use of stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency, for transactions.
India's fiscal deficit widens to ₹5.73L crore in H1 2025
India's fiscal deficit for the first half of the current financial year has widened to ₹5.73 lakh crore, or 36.5% of annual estimates, according to government data.
GST rate cuts benefiting consumers across all categories: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has confirmed that the benefits of the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts are reaching consumers across all categories.
TN pauses bill banning Hindi hoardings, movies, songs after backlash
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to put a proposed anti-Hindi bill on hold, India Today reported.
Tata Trusts dispute: What Amit Shah, Sitharaman said amid crisis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have met top Tata Group executives in New Delhi.
You can now invest 100% in equities under NPS
The National Pension System (NPS) has launched a new multiple scheme framework, allowing subscribers to allocate their entire portfolio to equities.
Delhi's Ladli Yojana payout soon: Who is eligible for benefits
The Delhi government will disburse honorarium to nearly 40,000 beneficiaries of the Ladli scheme on October 1.
New GST rates now effective: Have fuel, liquor become cheaper?
India's indirect tax system is undergoing a major overhaul from today, September 22.
GST 2.0: What gets cheaper, what gets expensive from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of a "great gift" this Diwali has come true with the launch of GST 2.0.
'GST Bachat Utsav' from tomorrow: PM Modi announces price cuts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a "GST Bachat Utsav" starting September 22, which he called a next-generation reform.
PM Modi to address nation at 5pm on Sunday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Sunday, September 21, at 5:00pm.
GST 2.0 reforms infused ₹2L crore in Indian economy: Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have infused ₹2 lakh crore into the Indian economy.
Insurance Amendment Bill likely in Winter session: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has hinted that the Insurance Amendment Bill, which proposes 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, could be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming Winter session.
Modi government keeping watch on rupee's fall against dollar: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Indian government is closely monitoring exchange rates, especially in light of the rupee's depreciation against the US dollar.
Nominal GDP growth may miss FY26 target
India's Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran has warned that the country's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY26 could fall short of the Budget estimate of 10.1%.
Mahindra SUVs get cheaper by ₹1.5L following GST reduction
Mahindra and Mahindra has announced a price cut across its entire internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV range, effective September 6, 2025.
GST 2.0: ITC shares rally as cigarettes face 40% tax
Shares of tobacco companies, including ITC and Godfrey Phillips India, surged on Thursday despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on cigarettes.
GST on lotteries increased to 40% despite Kerala's plea
The Indian government has increased the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on lotteries from 28% to a whopping 40%.
Sensex surges 700 points: What is driving today's rally?
The Indian stock market is witnessing a major rally today with both the Sensex and Nifty opening significantly higher.
GST Council approves 2-tier tax structure of 5% and 18%
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a two-tier rate structure of 5 and 18%, abolishing the 12% and 28% rates.
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to make 3-day visit to India
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be on a three-day official visit to India from Tuesday.
Modi government to launch new GST slabs around September 22
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is likely to introduce new GST rate slabs around September 22. The move is aimed at boosting festive demand in India.
Public sector banks see 87% fall in pension fund deposits
Public sector banks (PSBs) have seen a massive drop in pension fund deposits over the last five years, even when the broader banking system continued to gain from this segment.
GST Council to meet in September to discuss 2-slab structure
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will hold its 56th meeting on September 3 and 4, in New Delhi.
Why Modi government might ease FDI norms for solar industry
The Indian government is considering relaxing foreign direct investment (FDI) rules in certain sectors, particularly renewable energy such as solar.
Lok Sabha to take up Jan Vishwas 2.0 bill
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday.
National Manufacturing Mission to be launched soon: What is it?
The draft of the National Manufacturing Mission, first announced in the Union Budget, is ready.
Lok Sabha passes new Income Tax Bill without debate
The Lok Sabha has passed the revised Income Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025, and the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Karnataka: GST evasion surges 5x to almost ₹40,000cr in FY25
Karnataka has witnessed a massive five-fold increase in the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion detected in the fiscal year 2024-25.
Nirmala Sitharaman tables new Income Tax Bill in Lok Sabha
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.
LS, RS adjourned till 2pm amid INDIA bloc protests
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 2:00pm on Monday as opposition parties protested in the Parliament.
New IT Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha tomorrow
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has announced that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce a new Income Tax Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Income Tax Bill, 2025, withdrawn; new version coming on Monday
The government has withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha on February 13 to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act, 1961.
BJP ministers slam Rahul Gandhi over 'Jaitley threatened me' remark
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers have slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the late Arun Jaitley.
Everybody knows Indian economy 'dead' except Modi: Rahul backs Trump
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has slammed the central government over the state of India's economy.
Over 31,500 central government employees enroll in Unified Pension Scheme
Over 31,555 central government employees have enrolled in the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), as of July 20, 2025.
Tesla's India entry begins July 15 with Mumbai showroom launch
Tesla, the electric vehicle giant led by Elon Musk, is all set to enter the Indian market.
BJP may get first woman president; who are top contenders
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering appointing a woman as its next national president.
GST relief could lower prices on kitchenware, clothes, and shoes
The Indian government is reportedly considering a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for middle and lower-income households.
Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium on India's extradition request
Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, has been arrested by Belgian authorities.
FY26 begins today: How new slabs affect your income tax
India's new income tax regime comes into effect today, marking a major shift in the country's fiscal policy.
Sitharaman to launch 'NITI NCAER' portal tomorrow: What is it?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will launch the 'NITI NCAER States Economic Forum' portal in India tomorrow.
T-Series responds after Kunal Kamra accuses them of unfair blocking
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has accused Bollywood studio T-Series of unfairly blocking his controversial stand-up special Naya Bharat on YouTube over alleged copyright violations.
Kunal Kamra's new parody song targets FM Sitharaman
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has released yet another satirical video, this time targeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
'WhatsApp messages helped uncover ₹200cr in tax evasion': Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended provisions of the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, on Tuesday.