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.
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.
File updated ITR before March 31 deadline: Here's how
The Income Tax Department has launched a new form, ITR-U, for taxpayers to file updated Income Tax Returns (ITR).
₹3 lakh crore of public money sitting idle with states
An analysis by Emkay Global, a Mumbai-based brokerage firm, has found that the top 19 Indian states are sitting on almost ₹3 lakh crore of public money.
'I know 7-8 languages': Sudha Murthy endorses 3-language policy
Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy has come out in support of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages students to learn multiple languages.
GST rates set to decrease further, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates will be reduced further.
PM Internship Scheme 2025 registration open: Here's how to apply
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has started the application process for the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) 2025.
Cancer vaccine for women likely in 5-6 months: Union minister
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav has announced that a new vaccine for cancers affecting women will be available in five to six months.
You could soon cancel your insurance policies within a year
In a major move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed a change to the free look period for insurance policies.
I-T Bill introduced in Parliament: When will it become Act?
In a bid to simplify and modernize India's tax system, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced a new Income Tax Bill in the Lok Sabha.
You're trying to kill film industry: Jaya Bachchan slams government
Veteran Bollywood actor and Samajwadi Party leader, Jaya Bachchan, has slammed the Indian government for ignoring the film and entertainment sector.
New Income Tax Bill to replace 1961 Act: What's changing
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a new Income Tax Bill.
Union Cabinet likely to approve new Income Tax bill tomorrow
The new Income Tax bill is likely to be approved in a Union Cabinet meeting tomorrow, India Today reported citing anonymous sources.
Tariff wars: Is India next on Donald Trump's list
United States President Donald Trump has started a tariff war, placing heavy duties on Canada, China, and Mexico.
Why Bajaj Finance shares are surging post Budget 2025
Leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) Bajaj Finance saw a massive jump in its share price on Monday.
Senior citizens need not pay taxes on NSS withdrawals anymore
In a major relief for senior citizens with old National Savings Scheme (NSS) accounts, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a tax exemption.
'If you were earning ₹12 lakh during Nehru's era...': Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a public rally in Delhi's RK Puram, where he spoke about the tax relief measures introduced in the Union Budget 2025.
INR not falling against any currency barring USD: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rejected fears over the depreciation of the Indian Rupee.
'PM Modi fully supported tax cut idea...': Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fully on board with the idea of slashing taxes, but it took time to convince the bureaucrats.
ISRO's budget rises to ₹13,415cr as major space missions approach
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received a financial boost in the Union Budget for 2025-26.
You now have 4 years to file updated tax returns
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an extension in the time limit for filing updated tax returns for any assessment year, while presenting the budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Rahul Gandhi slams Union Budget 2025
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Union Budget 2025, terming it a "band-aid for bullet wounds."
'What happens to unsalaried people?': Tharoor questions Union Budget 2025
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the relevance of the new income tax proposal announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget 2025 speech.
Budget 2025: Revamped UDAN scheme to connect 120 new destinations
In her latest budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled plans for a revamped UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.
PM Modi hails Union Budget 2025 as 'people's budget'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the Union Budget 2025 as a "people's budget," stressing how it could boost investment and contribute to a 'Viksit Bharat' or 'developed India.'
National Geospatial Mission announced to modernize land records, address disputes
In the 2025-26 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the National Geospatial Mission. The initiative seeks to modernize land records and enhance urban planning across India.
Budget 2025: High-end TVs, smartphones to get cheaper in India
In her Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced steep cuts in import duties for key mobile phone components and critical materials such as lithium-ion battery scrap.
Budget 2025: Government to generate 100GW nuclear power by 2047
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a plan to set up 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
Budget 2025: EVs are set to become cheaper in India
In a major move, the Indian government has announced huge duty exemptions in the Union Budget for 2025-26 to boost local production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
Budget 2025: FM announces national manufacturing mission to boost self-reliance
In the latest Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a national manufacturing mission.
SWAMIH Fund-2: Government's ₹15,000 crore plan to complete stalled projects
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a new ₹15,000 crore initiative, called 'SWAMIH Fund-2.'
Budget 2025: Centre pegs FY26 fiscal deficit target at 4.4%
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has pegged the fiscal deficit target for the financial year 2025-26 at 4.4%.
How long was Sitharaman's 2025 Budget speech
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented her eighth consecutive Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
Government to launch updated central KYC registry in 2025
The Indian government will soon launch a revamped version of the central Know Your Customer (KYC) Registry, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced during the Union Budget 2025-26 presentation.
Sitharaman announces Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalize business laws
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the introduction of the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 in her Union Budget 2025-26 presentation in Parliament.
Budget 2025: India's defense budget increased to ₹6.81 lakh crore
In her eighth consecutive budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore for defense in the fiscal year 2025.
Modi government to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by 2030
In a major move to promote scientific curiosity among the youth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced plans to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in the next five years.
Budget bonanza for Bihar; state gets new airports, institutes
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a slew of initiatives for Bihar in the Union Budget 2025.
Budget 2025: ₹2cr loan scheme announced for women, SC/ST entrepreneurs
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled the Union Budget for 2025-26, her eighth consecutive presentation.
Budget 2025: All government hospitals to get daycare cancer centers
In a major healthcare announcement, the Indian government has unveiled plans to set up daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals across the country over the next three years.
New income tax bill to be introduced next week: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the introduction of a new income tax bill, which will be presented in Parliament next week.
Union Budget 2025: 100% FDI announced for insurance sector
As part of its Union Budget for 2025-26, the Indian government has announced a major hike in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance sector.
Union Budget 2025: What's cheaper and what's costlier now
The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has made some major changes to the customs duty structure.
Modi government to establish AI Centre of Excellence for education
The Indian government has announced plans to set up a Centre of Excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) for the education sector.
Budget 2025: Government to establish ₹1L crore Urban Challenge Fund
During her Union Budget presentation for 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of an Urban Challenge Fund worth ₹1 lakh crore.
Budget 2025: Gig workers to receive government-issued ID cards, healthcare
In a big move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced in the Union Budget 2025 that India's gig workers will be given health insurance under the government's Jan Arogya scheme.
Union Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman doubles credit guarantee for MSMEs
In her Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a major hike in the credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises (MSMEs).
Budget 2025: 36 life-saving drugs exempted from basic customs duties
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that a total of 36 life-saving medicines have been exempted from basic customs duties, which could bring down healthcare costs for many Indians.
Budget 2025: FM announces internet connectivity for government schools, hospitals
As part of her Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that broadband connectivity would be expanded to include all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas.
Budget 2025: Modi government announces ₹10,000cr fund for start-ups
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a new fund of funds (FoF) for start-ups.