KEY HIGHLIGHTS
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Budget 2025 Live Reaction: SBI Chairman Says Capex Failed To Impress Markets
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Budget 2025 Live: Sitharaman Responds On Implementing Tax Reform
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PM Modi Says Budget Puts Path Forward For Reforms
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Budget 2025 Live: Modi Says Middle Class, Salaried People Can Now Aspire Bigger
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Budget 2025 Live: PM Modi Lauds Tax Cuts, Proposals
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: SBI Chairman Says Capex Failed To Impress Markets
State Bank of India Chairman CS Setty told NDTV Profit the Union Budget is was comprehensive and good and covers the whole gamut of stakeholders.
On market reaction, he said market will analyse and digest the budget proposals. "The capex number of Rs 11.2 lakh crore was not something the market liked but if you add up the capex amount allocated for states and that of public sector enterprises, the amount works out to Rs 19.8 lakh crore," he said.
"This shows that government’s commitment toward public spending is intact."
Budget 2025 Live: Top 10 Highlights You Need to Know
Income Tax: Big win for the middle class! The Finance Minister announced that there will be no tax on income up to Rs 12 lakh under the new regime and up to Rs 12.75 lakh exempt with standard deduction.
Fiscal Deficit: Government targets 4.4% of GDP for fiscal 2026 after beating this year’s target. Fiscal consolidation remains a priority.
Capex: Capital expenditure spending is set at Rs 11.21 lakh crore for fiscal 2026. But the fiscal 2025 target was missed by 8% due to elections, with Rs 10.18 lakh crore spent.
PM Modi’s Take: He called this a "People’s Budget," and says it will boost savings, investment, and help drive India toward ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Gold Bonds: Sovereign Gold Bonds may be discontinued, said Economic Affairs Secy.
EV Boost: Tariff cuts on key EV materials like lithium-ion battery scrap, cobalt, and lead to support local manufacturing. EV stocks rallied on the announcement
Stock Market on Budget Day: Nifty 50 and Sensex ended flat after early gains were erased during Sitharaman’s speech. Nifty closed down 0.11%, Sensex up 0.01%.
Expert Views and Consensus: Tax relief will drive consumption, is what we heard veterans say over and over. The Budget is being seen as a shift in direction, balancing fiscal prudence with urban growth.
Cheaper & Costlier: Prices drop for life-saving drugs, EVs, mobiles, and shipbuilding materials. TVs and knitted fabrics might get costlier.
Bihar Boost: National Food Tech Institute and Makhana Board announced to strengthen food processing and farmer incomes.
Budget 2025 Live: Former Finance P Chidambaram Calls for Deregulation
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram expressed doubt about the budget’s impact on private investments, referencing the Finance Minister’s repeated attempts to plead with and warn private investors over the past two years.
"If pleading, cajoling, or warning hasn’t worked, what effect could the budget have?" he said.
He highlighted the lack of a conducive environment for private investments, citing excessive regulations across multiple agencies. "There are too many layers of regulations, and agencies are so empowered they’ve become weaponised," Chidambaram said, pointing out that wealthy Indians are increasingly settling abroad.
He called for deregulation, emphasising, "Get out of the way. Don't regulate." He argued that the government must cut down on regulations imposed by RBI, SEBI, the Ministry of Coal, Steel, Mining, and other sectors. "The Finance Minister should take a sledgehammer and chop these off," he said, reflecting on the shift from the deregulation era that began in 1991. "Now we have gone halfway back."
Budget 2025 Live: Chidambaram On Government's Capacity to Deliver New Programs
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram questioned the government's decision to announce 15 new programs in Budget 2025, citing the failure to achieve objectives in both past and current schemes.
"If they have failed to deliver on past programs, what is the confidence that these new programs will be delivered?" he asked. He also pointed out that bureaucracy might benefit from the increase in discretionary schemes, adding, "The bureaucracy will be happy as they have more discretionary schemes."
Budget 2025 Live: Chidambaram Doubts Government’s Capacity to Spend Allocated Funds
The Former Finance Minister expressed skepticism over the government’s ability to spend allocated funds, raising concerns about the projected deficit and tax collection numbers.
"Expenditure numbers do not give me optimism," he said. Referring to the current year's figures, he pointed out that revenue receipts are lower by Rs 41,240 crore and revised tax receipts are lower by Rs 26,439 crore.
"In key sectors, they have underspent the money. I am doubtful of their capacity to spend," he added. He further questioned the credibility of spending for programs like Poshan, Jan Jeevan Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, noting the significant differences between last year's budget estimates and revised estimates for these schemes. "How can I be confident that the government will spend the money allocated this year?" he said.
Budget 2025 Live: Chidambaram On Budget’s Impact on Growth and Private Investment
When asked about the budget's potential to boost consumption and private capex, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram agreed partially, estimating an impact of around 20%.
However, he pointed out that the Finance Minister had herself acknowledged growth will be 6.4%, raising concerns.
"If growth in 2025-26 will be no different from 2024-25, what has the budget done?" Chidambaram said. "This budget should have aimed for growth of 8%. Neither the Finance Minister nor the Chief Economic Adviser is willing to state that, because of this budget, growth will rise to 8% in 2025-26. They haven’t said it."
Budget 2025 Live: Chidambaram Questions Addition of New Schemes Amid Underspending
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram pointed out that despite no reduction in regulations, 15 new schemes and four funds have been introduced in Budget 2025.
He questioned the need for additional schemes when several existing ones remain underfunded or underutilised. "In health, Rs 1,255 crore was underspent; education, Rs 11,584 crore; social welfare, Rs 10,019 crore; agriculture, Rs 10,992 crore; rural development a whopping Rs 75,133 crore; and urban development, Rs 18,907 crore," he said.
"Why add more programs when funds from last year's initiatives that was announced with so much fanfare remain unspent?" he asked.
Budget 2025 Live: Chidambaram Questions Relief for Only 3.2 Crore Taxpayers
The former Finance Minister questioned the focus of the income tax relief announced in Budget 2025. "Only 3.2 crore actually pay tax. So what about the remaining 140 crore?" he asked.
He added that cutting GST or reducing tax on petrol and diesel would have benefited many more people. "If MNREGA wages were increased, it would have helped many families," he said, while reiterating that he had no complaints about the relief given to taxpayers.
Budget 2025 Live: P Chidambaram On Union Budget
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram called the Union Budget 2025 "a clever move rather than a bold one," aimed at drawing voter attention beyond Delhi and Bihar. "I have no complaints about the relief given to 3.2 crore income tax filers," he said.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: States Have Identified Valuable Assets
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Disinvestment and asset monetisation are different ideas. Many states have identified assets that can be used to their benefits. Fulfilling the demands of the States is the real challenge. Working with states is not a challenge on the road to Viksit Bharat."
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Want To Revive India Post's Connect With People, Says Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman said India Post will be expanded with an ambitious logistics business to taper into growing market in the segment. She highlighted the postal service's deep reach across India and said global enterprises will use the network.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: SIDBI Branches In Every MSME Cluster
Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will establish Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) branch in every MSME cluster in three years. The rate of interest on loans to MSMEs will be lower, she said, helping industries grow.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Import Duty Cut On Motorbikes Brought Down To 40%
CBITC, said there are 51 tariff lines where review exercise has been done. Import duty cut on motorbikes have been brought down to 40%.
CBDT, further said for AY24-25, about 8.75 crore returns have been filed. All 8.75 crore will benefit from relief.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Rs 8.75 Crore Returns Filed In AY 2024-25, Says CBDT
Ravi Agrawal, Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes shared that for the assessment year 2024-25, around 8.75 crore returns have been filed, with all of these taxpayers set to benefit from the recent relief measures. Even those earning Rs 24 lakh will gain a benefit of Rs 1.1 lakh, and one crore taxpayers will see the most advantage, as they will no longer have to pay any tax. The choice to move to the new tax regime remains with the taxpayer, and there is no deadline for making the switch.
Additionally, TDS rates and thresholds have been rationalized, addressing a long-standing request from taxpayers for simplification. This will allow individuals to have more money in their hands. A safe harbour has also been introduced for foreign investments in sectors that promote domestic manufacturing.
Regarding transfer pricing, which previously created disputes due to its annual nature, it will now occur once every three years, providing more clarity for taxpayers. These changes will be incorporated in the upcoming new tax bill.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Would Like Taxpayers To Come To New Regime Says, Ravi Agrawal
Don't see any reason for taxpayers to stay with old tax regime and would like taxpayers to come to the new tax regime said Ravi Agrawal, Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Here Are Few Objectives For Reducing Tariff
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, outlined four key objectives behind reducing tariff slabs: ensuring competitiveness, simplifying the structure, focusing on specific sectors, and increasing the ease of doing business. He highlighted that seven rates have been removed, including those above 100%, leaving only eight rates, including the 0% rate. As a result, the average rate has decreased from 11.65% to 10.66%, while finished goods have been maintained at a rate of 10%.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Efforts Have Been Made To Simplify Income Tax Bill
Ravi Agrawal, Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes, stated that in July 2024, the finance minister had called for a revamp of the Income Tax Bill due to certain sections becoming redundant. As a result, efforts have been made to simplify the bill, making it easier for common taxpayers to understand, while also addressing any existing gaps. The content of the new bill, which will be presented next week, will be approximately half of the current bill, as it will be a completely new version rather than an amended one. However, some overlap with the existing provisions will still remain.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Gold Bond To Be Discontinued
The government will likely announce discontinuation of sovereign gold bond scheme, said Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.
The last time gold bond was issued was in February last year. The scheme was introduced in 2015 in an effort by the government to reduce gold import burden on the country by giving Indians a proxy and tax-efficient way to invest in gold.
Budget 2025 Live: Asset Monetisation Plans
"Asset monetisation 1.0 saw about 90% success, which is a good number. New asset classes like transmission assets will feature in Asset monetisation plan 2.0," said Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.
Budget 2025 Live: Government To Say Fiscally Prudent
"Debt-to-GDP ratio will be on the declining path depending on the stage of the economy. Will keep in mind physical response to the growth of the economy. Target of debt to GDP ratio remains +/- 50%," said Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.
Budget 2025 Live Reaction: CII Chief Applauds Budget
Confederation of Indian Industry President Sanjiv Puri said, "The budget focussed on many labour-intensive sectors. ... Pillars like agriculture, MSMEs, exports, and future-facing technologies like deep tech or AI were focused on... The relief that the middle class got for consumption is quite significant... The social security measures for gig workers will also bring relief. "
Budget 2025 Live: No Set Disinvestment Target, Nirmala Sitharaman Says
"There's no disinvestment target per se. Dividends also part of the target. We are looking at benefit of minority shareholders in CPSEs as well. Their performance, consistent dividend policy and a calibrated disinvestment strategy being seen," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Income Of Rs 1 Lakh Per Month Need Not Invite Tax
Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey explained that income tax exemption limit was extended as the government's thought is that on average Rs 1 lakh a month income, one needn't pay tax.
"We're reducing slabs, broadening tax slabs. This benefits every taxpayer. Extra rebate for some people has been granted. Money will come back to the economy via consumption, savings or investments," he said.
Budget 2025 Live: Sitharaman Responds On Implementing Tax Reform
The new income tax bill, after introduction in parliament, will go to the standing committe for consultations, and any amendments will be deliberated by the government, said Nirmala Sitharaman.
On implementation, she said,"Let it get passed (in Parliament)."
Budget 2025 Live: Sitharaman Says No Cut In Capex
"There is no cut in capital expenditure," said Nirmala Sitharaman. "With all this, fiscal prudence has been aligned to the glide path given in 2020."
"We continue to place emphasis on the multiplier effect that capital expenditure done by government has shown has sustained us. We continue on that, and with all this, our fiscal prudence has been maintained..."
Budget 2025: Sitharaman Says Income Tax Simplication Complete
FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the work on income tax simplification law that was announced in July last year has been completed within the deadline and will be introduced in Parliament next week.
Budget 2025: Post-Budget Conference
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commences the post budget conference at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Budget 2025: Market Closes Flat On Budget Day
In the market close on Saturday, Sensex and Nifty both ended flat with 0.01% and 0.11% up respectively.
Defense stocks crash as budget disappoints.
Consumption stocks rally post budget boosts confidence, lowers personal income tax
Nifty Realty, FMCG top sectoral gainers after consumption-focused budget
Trent, Maruti Suzuki top gainers in Nifty 50
Power Grid, BEL top Nifty losers as index snaps four-day gaining streak
Income Tax Calculator 2025: Calculate Your Income Tax
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2025 today, announced tax exemption for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh. With the new changes in the tax regime calculate your tax for financial year 2025-26 with the help of the link below
Link here.
Budget 2025 Live Reactions: Best Budget In Last Many Years Says Prashant Khemka
The government has a lot of things in the direction of ease of doing business said Prashant Khemka of White Oak Capital Management. He further added that, It is a positive budget and the best one in last many years.
Budget 2025 Live Reactions: Income tax Is A Positive Surprise Says Vijay Kedia
Ace investor, Vijay Kedia said income tax is a positive surprise and this move will boost consumption. But, he added that, in a 4 trillion economy this is a very small thing.
Kedia also remarked that the government should focus more on reducing unemployment, further adding that he doesn't expect the budget to take the market to new highs.
Budget 2025 Top Losers
Rural Consumption
Limited Support: CLSA notes that the budget has limited announcements to boost rural consumption, which is negative for companies like Hindustan Unilever that have a significant rural market presence.
IT Sector
Slightly Negative Impact: According to CLSA, the budget's support for setting up Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Tier-2 cities is slightly negative for the Indian IT sector. This move could divert potential market share from Indian IT companies to GCCs.
India Energy
CLSA highlights that the budget did not announce any subsidy for LPG losses incurred by oil marketing companies like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL. This is a significant negative for these companies, which have faced substantial under-recoveries.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Top Winners
Consumer Sector
Urban Consumption Boost: Both CLSA and UBS highlight that the reduction in personal income tax slabs will significantly benefit urban consumption. Key beneficiaries include companies like Zomato, Swiggy, DMart, Titan, and various quick-service restaurants (QSRs) such as RBA, Jubilant, WLDL, and Devyani. Within consumer staples, urban-focused companies like Nestle, Britannia, Varun Beverages, and Tata Consumer are expected to see positive impacts.
Healthcare for Gig Workers: CLSA notes that the provision of healthcare for 10 million gig workers is a positive development for companies like Zomato and Swiggy.
Automotive Sector
Boost from Income Tax Cuts: UBS and CLSA both agree that the income tax cuts will drive demand for two-wheelers (2Ws) and passenger vehicles (PVs). This is particularly beneficial for urban-focused segments like scooters, 125cc motorcycles, and entry-to-mid segment cars. Key beneficiaries include Maruti Suzuki (MSIL), Hyundai (HMIL), Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Tata Motors (TTMT), Bajaj Auto (BJAUT), Hero MotoCorp (HMCL), Eicher Motors (EIM), and TVS Motor Company (TVSL)
Insurance Sector
Increased FDI Limit: CLSA highlights that the increase in the FDI limit for the insurance sector to 100% is a significant development. This change allows foreign insurers to enter the Indian market without a local partner, potentially increasing competition.
Pharmaceutical Sector
Increase in Medical Seats: UBS points out that the addition of 10,000 medical seats in FY26 and a total of 75,000 seats over the next five years will lead to more prescribers and higher volume growth for Indian formulations, benefiting the pharmaceutical sector.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live Reactions: Crisil Ratings On Tax Collected At Source
“The proposed hike in tax collected at source threshold on remittances under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh should benefit the travel and foreign exchange sectors. It will provide tailwinds for the outbound tourism and airline sector. Students and individuals seeking medical treatment will also benefit.”
Budget 2025 Reactions: Important To Be Fiscally Prudent, Says Nilesh Shah
"It is important to be fiscally prudent. No parent wants to leave debt to their kids, why should government be any different. There is compeling case for doing capex and stimulus during Covid, but today when are a growing economy, it is better to be prudent," said Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC.
The FY26 fiscal deficit target has been set at 4.4% of GDP.
For FY25, the government has revised the target to 4.8% of the GDP. This was compared to a revised target of 4.9% in the budget in July. This, too, was lower than the target of 5.1% set in the interim budget.
Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC.
Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC.
PM Modi Says Budget Puts Path Forward For Reforms
"Usually the focus of the budget is on how the government treasury will be filled, but this budget is exactly the opposite of that. How will this budget fill the pockets of the citizens of the country, how will the savings of the citizens of the country increase and how will the citizens of the country become partners in development... this budget lays a very strong foundation for this. In terms of reforms, many important steps have been taken in this budget. Encouraging the private sector in Nuclear Energy is historic. It will ensure a big contribution of Civil Nuclear Energy in the development of the country."
Budget 2025 Ensures Entreprenuers, MSMEs Can Create Jobs
Budget 2025 Live: Modi Says Middle Class, Salaried People Can Now Aspire Bigger
"This budget is a force multiplier. This budget will increase savings, investment, consumption and growth rapidly. I congratulate Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her entire team for this Janta Janardan's, People's budget."
Budget 2025 Live: Modi Says Farmers To Benefit Through New Measures
Budget 2025 Live: PM Modi Lauds Tax Cuts, Proposals
PM Narendra said the Union Budget 2025 reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, boost their consuption, savings and economic growth.
"This budget lays a strong foundation for putting more money in the hands of people," he said.
Budge 2025 Reactions: UBS On Consumer Sector
UBS said rise in disposable income to boost urban demand across staples and discretionary categories.
Budge 2025 Reactions: UBS On India Industrial & Infra
UBS said five key sectors capex up 4% year-on-year which is disappointing overall. Low single digit growth in key segments like railways, defence, highways. Growth in power suggest power equipment will continue to outperform industrials.
Crisil View On Budget 2025: Mission For Pulses Production Salutary
"India’s import of pulses doubled on-year in fiscal 2024, peaking to 6.63 million tonne – equal to 25% of the consumption for the year -- amid the fight to curb retail inflation. In the context, the government’s announcement of a 6-year mission for pulses, focusing on tur, urad and masoor is salutary. Through NAFED and NCCF, over the next 4 years, these pulses will be procured from farmers who are registered and have made agreements with these institutes."
Budget 2025 Live Reactions: Here's What Budget Masters Have To Say
With tax incentives in place and urban demand picking up, we expect the private sector to enter an investment phase. Mihir Vora, CIO, TRUST Mutual Fund.
This budget creates an atmosphere of tax excitement and encourages consumption, which was the need of the hour. Pranav Sayta, National Leader, International Tax and Transaction Services, EY India.
Putting more money in the hands of the middle class for consumption, saving and investments, was expected and was delivered. Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Read full story here.
Defence Budget 2025: Allocation Raised But FY25 Target Missed
Ministry of Defence total allocation up 6.2% versus revised budget 2024-25 estimate.
Budget 25-26 Estimate- Rs 6.81 lakh crore
Revised 24-25 estimate- Rs 6.41 lakh crore
Budget 24-25 Estimate- Rs 6.21 lakh crore
Capex on Defence Services
Budget 2025-26 Estimate: Rs 1.8 lakh crore
Revised 24-25 estimate down 7% at Rs 1.59 lakh crore versus budget 24-25 Estimate of Rs 1.72 lakh crore.
Budget 2025 Reactions Live: Pressure On Bond Yields
Since the gross market borrowing seems to be slightly higher than market expectation, Shrisha Acharya of Anand Rathi Global Finance expect yields to inch higher, making next week's RBI policy meeting more crucial.
"Market estimates for gross borrowing range between INR 13.5-14.2 tn and actual Gross borrowing estimate is INR 14.8 trillion. Net market borrowings to be INR 11.54 trillion as against expectation of INR 11trillion. Fiscal deficit for FY25 at 4.8% vs budgeted 4.9%, FY26 estimated at 4.4%. States can borrow additional 0.5% for sectoral reforms," he said.
Budget 2025 Live: Custom Duty Cut On LPG
The Union Budget 2025 proposed to cut custom duty on LPG to 5% from 15% earlier. It also proposes to cut duty on propane and butane to 2.5% from 15% earlier.
This will be negative for Gujarat Gas as propane is a competing fuel in Morbi region.
Budget 2025 Reactions: Swiggy CEO Says Welfare Policies Promotes Social Justice
Sriharsha Majety, MD and Group CEO, Swiggy on Budget 2025:
“Democracy, Demography and Demand- Honourable Finance Minister, very articulately described this alliteration as three engines of growth. It is to her immense credit, that the budget address all these aspects- it has sufficient provisions to unshackle India’s demographic dividend, through new and strengthening of existing welfare policies it promotes social justice, and through tax and FDI reforms and simplification, the demand will get a fillip, which will propel India in the league of Viksit nations. "
Budget 2025 Reaction Live Updates: Bihar Minister On Makhana Board
On announcement of Makhana Board in Bihar, Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey says, "I want to thank PM Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan on behalf of lakhs of farmers of Bihar who cultivate foxnuts... These farmers have been demanding the formation of a Makhana Board for a very long time, just like there is Tea Board and Rubber Board... We requested for the formation of this board when Shivraj Singh Chouhan came to Patna recently and today that dream of foxnut cultivating farmers has been fulfilled through the announcement by the Finance Minister during Union Budget 2025."
Source: ANI
Budget 2025 Reaction Live Updates: NSE Chief Says Budget Delivers On All Fronts
The budget manages to deliver on consumption, investment and social welfare without compromising on fiscal prudence, said Ashish Chauhan, MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange.
"A comprehensive framework of reforms across six major domains including taxation, power sector, urban development, mining, and financial sector has been laid out, to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, with Agriculture, MSMEs, investment and exports identified as major engines of this growth. The growth-supportive measures were accompanied with continued support on social-welfare, with a slew of measures announced to provide quality education, affordable healthcare, employment skilling opportunities, and enhance women participation in labour force," he said.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Allocation For Renewable Sector
Allocation increased by 11.8%.
Budget 2025-26 estimate at Rs 35,460 crore versus revised 2024-25 estimate of Rs 31,701.46 crore
Budget 2025-26 estimate at Rs 35,460 crore versus revised 2024-25 estimate of Rs 30,715 crore.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Budget 2025-26 estimate at Rs 20,000 crore versus revised 2024-25 estimate of Rs 11,100 crore
Budget 2025-26 estimate at Rs 20,000 crore versus revised 2024-25 Estimate of Rs 6,250 crore
Stocks In Focus: Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, Waaree Renewables Tech
Budget 2025 Live Updates: What Gets Cheaper
Life-Saving Drugs: The FM has fully exempted 36 life-saving drugs used for cancer and chronic disease medicines from basic custom duties.
Electronic Goods: In the budget, Sitharaman announced reduction of basic custom duty to 5% for open cells and other components.
EV, Mobile Phones: 35 additional goods used in manufacturing of EV batteries and 28 additional goods used in mobile phone batteries will also be added to exempted capital goods.
Cobalt powder and waste, scrap and lithium-ion batteries and 12 other critical minerals will also be exempted from basic customs duty.
Leather jacket, shoes, belt, purse.
Government to continue exemption of basic custom duty on raw material components used for manufacturing of ships for another 10 years.
The finance minister has also reduced basic customs duty to 5% from 30% on fish pasteurii.
Carrier-grade ethernet switches
Marine products.
LED.
Budget 2025 Highlights: Income Tax Revision To AI Push
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the full Union Budget for fiscal 2025 on Saturday. She made key announcements on various sectors of interest — from MSMEs to artificial intelligence in education — and more, and offered a glimpse of the government's road map for the upcoming fiscal.
In a highly-welcomed turn of events, the Finance Minister announced that no income tax will be applicable on income up to Rs 12 lakh. The New Income Tax Bill is also set to reduce litigation by making tax provisions easier to understand.
Revision Of Income Tax Slabs
MSMEs — Focus On Manufacturing
Personal Tax
Fiscal Deficit
Impetus For Education And AI
Read full story here.
Budget 2025 Impact: Nifty, Sensex Near Day's Lows
Indian benchmark stock indices are in red after the budget.
Catch all the latest updates on Nifty and Sensex here.
Budget 2025 Reactions Live: Amit Shah Says Budget Roadmap For Atmanirbhar Bharat
"Budget 2025 is the blueprint of the Modi government's vision towards building a developed and best India in every field. This budget, which covers every sector - from farmers, poor, middle class, women and children's education, nutrition and health to Start Up, innovation and investment - is the roadmap for Modi ji's self-reliant India," Amit Shah said.
Budget 2025 Reactions Live: Nitin Gadkari Lauds Transformative Budget
"This progressive roadmap strengthens key sectors, ensuring inclusive growth through strategic investments and transformative policies," said Union Road and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari.
"Anchored in the pillars of Innovation, Inclusion, and Investment, it emphasizes reforms, youth leadership, community participation, women empowerment, and Centre-State collaborations to drive holistic development."
"By fostering entrepreneurship, digital expansion, and robust infrastructure, it paves the way for sustained prosperity. With resilience and sustainable growth at its core, this budget reaffirms Bharat’s commitment to self-reliance, progress📈, and global excellence."
Budget 2025 Live: Expenditure On Major Items
Defence: Rs 4.91 lakh crore
Rural Development: Rs 2.66 lakh crore
Home Affairs: Rs 2.33 lakh crore
Agriculture & Allied Activities: Rs 1.71 lakh crore
Education: Rs 1.28 lakh crore
Health: Rs 98,311 crore
Urban Development: Rs 96,777 crore
IT & Telecom: Rs 95,298 crore
Energy: Rs 81,174 crore
Commerce & Industry: Rs 65,553 crore
Social Welfare: Rs 60,052 crore
Scientific Departments: Rs 55,679 crore
Budget 2025 Live: FY26 Capex At Rs 11.2 Lakh Crore
The capital expenditure for the financial year 2025-2026 has been raised to Rs 11.2 lakh crore. In FY25, the target was Rs 11.11 lakh crore.
Read full story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Nirmala Sitharaman Ends Speech
Budget 2025 Live: Revenue Hit Of Income Tax Cuts
Revenue of Rs 1 lakh crore in direct taxes and Rs 2,600 cr will be foregone based on tax proposals.
Budget 2025 Live: New Tax Regime Structure
New Tax Regime to revise tax rate structure.
Slabs:
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman Says No More Income Tax Till Rs 12 Lakh
BIG DECISION!!
No income tax payable on income up to Rs 12 lakh. No income tax payable for Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers. New tax structure to substantially reduce tax of middle class, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Read full story here.
Budget 2025 Live: NSS Withdrawals Expemt
The Budget proposes to exempt withdrawals from National Savings Scheme accounts on or after August 2024 from tax, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Income Tax News Live: Reforms To Focus On Middle Class
Nirmala Sitharaman proposes to extend time limit to file updated return from two years to four years. The new income tax code to have half the Chapters and half the words of the current regulation.
Budget 2025 Live: Rationalisation Of TDS, Says Sitharaman
Tax deduction at source (TDS) rates will be rationalised, said Nirmala Sitharaman
Limit for tax deduction for senior citizens to be doubled to Rs 1 lakh.
Threshold to collect TDS on remittances under LRS to be increased to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 7 lakh.
Annual limit of Rs 2.4 lakh for TDS on rent raised to Rs 6 lakh.
Delay for payment of TCS up to due date to be decriminalised.
TCS on remittances if loan taken for education waived.
Read full story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Sitharaman Says New Income Tax Will Be Simple
"New Income Tax Bill to be clear, direct in text, with close to half of the present law. New Income Tax Bill to be simple to understand, lower litigation," said Nirmala Sitharaman, amid cheer in the Lok Sabha.
Budget 2025 Live: Sitharaman Speaks On Direct Taxes
Budget 2025 Live: Tariff Tweaks
Full exemption and concessional duty will apply on bulk drugs and manufacture
To fully exempt cobalt powder, scrap of lithium ion battery from customs duty
Propose to remove 7 tariff rates, after this there will be only 8 remaining tariff rates
To increase basic customs duty (BCD) on flat panel display to 20% from 10%
To reduce BCD on carrier grade ethernet switches
Propose to add 25 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing and 28 goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing
To fully exempt BCD on wet blue leather
Propose to continue exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables, or parts for manufacture of ships for another 10 years.
Propose to extend time limit for of foreign origin railway goods imported for repairs from 6 months to one year.
Budget 2025 Live: FY25 Capex Miss
The revised capex for FY25 is Rs 10.18 crore, against the target pf Rs 11.1 lakh crore.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live: FY26 Fiscal Deficit At 4.4%
Endeavour to keep fiscal deficit under control, said Nirmala Sitharaman.
FY25 total receipts at Rs 31.47 lakh crore.
Net tax receipts at Rs 25.5 lakh cr in FY25.
FY25 fiscal deficit at 4.8% of GDP.
Total receipts in FY26 at Rs 34.96 lakh crore.
Total expenditure in FY26 at Rs 50.65 lakh crore.
Net tax receipts in FY26 at Rs 28.37 lakh crore.
Fiscal deficit in FY26 estimated at 4.4%.
Net market borrowing in FY26 at Rs 11.54 lakh crore.
Gross market borrowing in FY26 at Rs 14.82 lakh crore.
Read full story here.
Government to bring up Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0
Budget 2025 Live: Measures For Corporates
NABFID to set up partial credit enhancement facility for bonds for infrastructure. Forum for regulatory coordination of pension products to be set up. Requirements and procedures of speedy approval of company mergers to be rationalised.
Budget 2025 Live: FDI Limit In Insurance Raised
The FDI limit for insurance sector to be raised to 100%. Enhanced FDI limit for insurance sector to be applicable to those that invest entire premium in India, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Sitharaman To Introduce New Income Tax Bill Next Week
In a major announcement, Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will introduce a new income tax bill next week.
Budget 2025: Support For Domestic Electronic Industry
"National framework to be formulated as guidance for promoting capability centres in tier-2 cities. Bharat trade net will be set up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions," said Nirmala Sitharaman. Support will be provided to develop domestic manufacturing capacities for economy's integration with global supply chains, she added.
Budget 2025 Live: Deep Tech Fund
The government will allocate Rs 20,000 crore to implement private sector R&D and innovation. Deep tech fund of fund to be launched, announced FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Measures To Boost Tourism
"Top 50 tourist destinations to be developed across the country. SWAMIH fund 2 will be established as a blended finance facility of Rs 15,000 crore. To provide PLI-linked incentives to states to aid development of tourism areas. Medical tourism and heal in India will be promoted in PPP mode," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Mining Sector Reforms
Mining sector reforms including for minor minerals will be encouraged, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Greenfield Airports In Bihar
Greenfield airports to be facilitated in Bihar, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Modified Udaan scheme to be launched to enhance regional connectivity. Udaan scheme to add 120 new destinations, carry four crore additional passengers in next 10 years.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Nuclear Energy Mission To Achieve 100 GW Target
"Development of at least 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 is essential. Nuclear Energy Mission for R&D of small modular reactors with Rs 20,000 crore outlay to be set up. Five small modular reactors to be operationalised by 2033. For active partnership with private sector, amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability to Nuclear Energy Act will be taken up," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Urban Development Allocations
Urban sector reforms to be incentivised. Urban Challenge Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to be set up to finance up to 25% of bankable projects. Second plan for 2025-30 will be launched to plow back capital of Rs 10 lakh crore in new infra projects, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025: Jal Jeevan Mission Extended Until 2028
The government will extend Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with enhanced outlay. Jal Jeevan Mission to focus on quality of infrastructure.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Reaction To Sitharaman's Speech
Crisil View: The additional budgetary allocation of Rs 10,000 crore will offer a fillip to the fast-growing AIF industry and encourage more domestic institutional fund flows into the category.
Budget 2025 Live: Social Security Scheme For Gig Workers
"Scheme for socio economic upliftment of urban workers to be set up. Social Security Scheme for welfare of online platform workers to be set up. ID cards of online delivery workers will be registered on government portal," announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Centres Of Excellence In AI
Centres of Excellence in AI for education to be set up with total outlay of Rs 500 crore, announced Nirmala Sitharaman.
On education, she listed these measures:
Additional infra to be created in five IITs started after 2014 to aid addition of 6,500 more students.
Government added 1.1 lakh undergraduate and PG medical seats in 10 years
10,000 additional seats to be added in medical colleges next year.
Aim to add 75,000 seats in medical colleges over 5 years.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live: Mega Announcement For Bihar
The government will establish national institute of food technology, management in Bihar to bolster food processing activity.
Budget 2025 Live: National Manufacturing Mission To Be Launched
Government to set up National Manufacturing mission covering small, medium, large industries to further 'Make In India', announced Nirmala Sitharaman. Manufacturing mission to also support clean-tech, build ecosystem for solar cells, EV batteries, high voltage transmission equipment.
Focused product scheme to be launched for footwear, leather sector.
Focused product scheme to create employment of 22 lakh, generate significant exports.
To launch scheme to make India global hub for toys.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Measures For Women
New scheme to be launched for five lakh women, SC, ST first time entrepreneurs. Scheme to provide loans of Rs 2 crore for women, SC, ST first-time entrepreneurs.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Support To MSMEs
Credit guarantee cover to be enhanced for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore from Rs 5 crore. Investment and turnover limit for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively. Government will introduce customised credit cards with Rs 5 lakh limit for registered micro enterprises, announced FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Fertliser Supply To Be Enhanced
To further augment urea supply, plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons will be set up in Assam, announced FM Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live: Schemes For Fishermen, Cotton Farmers
"India ranks second largest in fish production, aquaculture. Sea food exports valued at Rs 60,000 crore. Five-year mission for cotton productivity to be launched. Cotton productivity mission to work towards rejuvinating India's textile sector. Loan limit on modified interest subvention scheme to be raised to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 3 lakh for farmers, fishermen," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Government will bring in enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian exclusive economic zones and high seas with special focus on Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshwadeep islands.
Budget 2025 Live: Bihar Gets Makhana Board
A Makhana board will be set up in Bihar, announced Nirmala Sitharaman. The snack has gained global popularity.
Bihar will hold assembly elections later this year.
Budget 2025 Live: Self Sufficiency In Pulses, Boosting Nutrition
"Government working towards self sufficiency in pulses. Consumption of pulses has increased significantly. Government to launch 6-year mission for self-sufficiency in pulses. Comprehensive programme for vegetables, fruits to be launched," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
She noted with rising income levels, consumption of vegetables, fruits is increasing across India.
Budget 2025 Live: PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana
"PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to enhance agri productivity, adopt crop diversification, augment post harvest storage at panchayat, block level, bolster irrigation, improve availability of short and long-term credit," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will benefit 1.5 crore farmers. "Aim to create ample opportunity for rural areas so migration is an option, not necessity," FM said.
Read story here.
Nirmala Sitharaman Lists 10 Broad Areas Focusing On Poor, Youth, Farmers, Women
"A country is not just its soil, it is its people. Budget 2025 spans 10 broad areas focusing on garib, youth, annadata and nari. For journey of development agriculture, MSME, investments and exports are engines," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Aim To Uplift Household Sentiments, Says FM Sitharaman
"This Budget continues government's efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development. Budget aims to invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, bolster power of India's rising middle class," Nirmala Sitharaman in her initial comments.
Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Speech In Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called on Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget 2025.
Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Union Budget 2025 | WATCH LIVE
Budget 2025 Live Updates: President Offers Dahi Shakar To FM
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Increasing Standard Deduction
Apart from an increase in the basic exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh, the middle class anticipates relief through a raise in the standard deduction from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh in the new tax regime and simplification of the new tax regime, according to Asit C. Mehta of Investment Intermediates Ltd.
Catch all the live updates on income tax here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Sitharaman To Address Lok Sabha Shortly
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will make her budget speech in Lok Sabha shortly. The house convenes at 11 am. Speaker Om Birla will call out the FM to begin her address.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Cabinet Approves Budget
The union cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the Union Budget 2025.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Boosting GDP Growth Via Infra Capex
"PM's wishes are for the middle class and women. There is commitment for 8% growth. Credit flows have hurt the economy. If they are able to boost the GDP growth rate even higher, there will be enough resources. The best place where capex will reward the economy is infra," said Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman & Co-founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services to NDTV Profit.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Nirmala Sitharaman Over The Years
A combination of file images shows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the ‘Union Budget’ in the years (L-R, top row) 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and (L-R, bottom row) 2023, 2024 (Interim Budget), 2025, and Union Budget 2025-26.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the ‘Union Budget’ since 2019. PTI Photo
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the ‘Union Budget’ since 2019. PTI Photo
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Boosting Urban Consumption
"No bad news will be good news. Anything announced in budget that will boost urban consumption will be positive," said Mihir Vora.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Job Creation Focus
"Govt is expected to focus on policies which will generate lot of employment generation. Deregulation and Govt capex on infra will be important," said Pranav Sayta of EY India.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Focus On Non-Tax Revenues
"Focus have to be on non tax revenues. Dilution in path of fiscal consolidation will be a disappointment. Govt expenditure in FY26 is key to watch out. Capex growth expected at double digit growth. Capex spend in FY25 will be lower than expected," said Ashish Gupta, Chief Investment Officer, Axis AMC.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Bold Thinking On Middle Class Taxation
"Should do bold thinking on tax cut and middle class. Really should rethink over some old limits, have not been revised in many years," said Radhika Gupta of Edelweiss Mutual Fund.
Budget 2025 Expecations Live: Orderly Capex
Vikas Khemani, founder of Carnelian Asset Management & Advisors, said "Not as negative on budget expectations as others. Expect orderly capex to happen. Execution is more important than what numbers they put in the budget."
He also said there is a need to bring down the income tax rates for middle class
Budget 2025 Live: An Hour To Go For Speech
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech is just an hour away. She has reached Parliament Complex where the Union Cabinet will meet and approve the budget. Then, she will speak in Lok Sabha at 11 am.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Bahi-Khata Style Budget Tablet
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday will present her eighth consecutive Budget, which she will deliver from a digital tablet enclosed in a traditional 'bahi-khata' style pouch.
Draped in an off-white handloom silk saree with fish-themed embroidery and golden border, Sitharaman posed for the traditional 'briefcase' photo outside her North Block office, accompanied by her team of officials, before heading to meet the President.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Sand Art By Padma Shri Artist
Sand artist Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik crafted a sand sculpture of Nirmala Sitharaman and union budget 2025.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik crafts sand sculpture on Budget 2025.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik crafts sand sculpture on Budget 2025.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: What Can Upset Markets
"Think this is a unique budget going with economic uncertainty. Market will look at capex closely. Not doing anything on consumption may upset the markets," said Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO, Edelweiss MF.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman's Saree Choice
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is wearing a saree as a tribute to Madhubani Art and the skill of Padma awardee Dulari Devi, reported ANI.
Dulari Devi is a 2021 Padma Shri awardee. When FM visited Madhubani for a credit outreach activity at Mithila Art Institute, she met Dulari Devi and had a cordial exchange of thoughts on Madhubani art in Bihar. Dulari Devi had presented the saree and asked FM to wear it for the budget day.
New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outside the Finance Ministry ahead of the presentation of the ?Union Budget 2025-26?, in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)
New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outside the Finance Ministry ahead of the presentation of the ?Union Budget 2025-26?, in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman Meets President
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Draupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. She briefed her about the Union Budget 2025.
As per protocol, the Budget must receive President's nod before being tabled in Parliament.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: No Tax Changes
Rahul Arora, CEO of Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities, does not expect tinkering in taxes this budget. He said there is no reason why the market will not rally if no major negatives emerge. He points out that India is still the fastest-growing economy in the world. Lower valuations in China and impacts related to Trump are seen as short-term phenomena. Additionally, there are hints that a small rate cut cycle might start in India.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Markets Swing To Red
The Nifty 50 (-0.05%) and BSE Sensex (-0.04%) has swung to red soon after market open. India VIX down 1.77%.
Click here to track how budget is moving the markets.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Markets Open In Green
Indian benchmark indices open marginally higher on Saturday ahead of budget.
The Nifty 50 opened 0.09% higher above 23,520 while BSE Sensex gained 0.18% near 77,640.
Click here to track how budget is moving the markets.
The Budget A-Team: Sitharaman And Her Lieutenants
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and top government officials posed for their customery budget photo at the gate of the Ministry of Finance.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Market Special Session
Indian stocks will start trading on the NSE and BSE in today's special Budget session.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Middle Class And Lower-Income Groups' Wishlist
Dhirendra Mahyavanshi, co-founder and CEO of Turtlemint, recommends the government strengthen the insurance sector, in line with the target of achieving 'Insurance for All by 2047.' Mahyavanshi says reconsidering the 18% GST on health insurance policies and tax relief measures for annuity and pension products could help advance financial inclusion and security.
Besides, financial literacy, retirement planning, and transparency in financial products are among the key focus areas this year. Financial advisor Viplav Majumdar, the director of Planyourworld.com, says by making financial education accessible to all, the government can provide people tools that are required to manage their money effectively, reduce dependency on intermediaries, and make long-term wealth.
Tax relief measures for lower- and middle-income households are anticipated, which could stimulate discretionary consumption, Bajaj Broking has said in a Budget 2025 expectations note.
Among the income tax relief for the middle class, the government is expected to raise the basic exemption limit under the new tax regime from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Expectations Live: Calls For Private Participation In Capex
The National Monetisation Pipeline, launched in August 2021, has identified assets worth Rs 6 lakh crore for FY22-25, with asset monetisation for FY22-24 reaching Rs 3.86 lakh crore against the target of Rs 4.30 lakh crore.
For FY25, aggregate monetisation target is set at Rs 1.91 lakh crore.
However, despite these efforts, there remains a significant unmet demand for infrastructure development. The goal of Viksit Bharat necessitates innovative modes of financing and greater private participation. The government's efforts need to be supplemented with increased capex and a willingness to adopt public-private partnerships to deliver infrastructure projects, the survey noted.
The private sector must reciprocate by improving its capacity to conceptualise projects, sharing risks and revenues, and demonstrating confidence in the government's policies.
Parliament Budget Session Live: Lok Sabha Convenes At 11 AM
After the Economic Survey 2025 was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday, the house was adjourned till 11 am today.
Speaker Om Birla will convene the house and lawmakers will be present to hear Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman Arrives At North Block
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at the Ministrt of Finance building in Delhi's North Block. She will present Union Budget 2025 at the Parliament today.
Top government officials are present at the Ministry.
(Image courtesy: ANI)
(Image courtesy: ANI)
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Stock Recommendations Today
Marico Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., Hero MotoCorp Ltd., Nestle India Ltd., Oil and Natural Gas Corp., and Vedanta Ltd. are among the top companies on brokerages' radar on Saturday, after they reported their third-quarter earnings.
Kotak Securities, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie have done a deep dive into the Indian economy, after the 2024-2025 Economic Survey was released by India's Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran.
NDTV Profit tracks what analysts are saying about various stocks and sectors. Read all analyst calls to keep an eye out for on Saturday.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman Leaves Her Residence
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman departed from her residence. She will present Union Budget 2025 at the Parliament today.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Pankaj Chaudhary Departs For North Block
Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State, Finance, departed for North Block ahead of the budget announcement at 11:00 a.m.
"Everything will be before you by 12 pm...Have some patience. You will get to know everything...," Chaudhary told reporters.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: JPMorgan Bullish On These Sectors
Financials: The overweight stocks in this sector include Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, KFin Technologies, HDFC AMC, LIC Housing Finance, Shriram Finance, SBI Life, and Life Insurance Corp.
Industrials: The preferred stocks in this category are Larsen & Toubro and Hindustan Aeronautics.
Healthcare: The overweight allocation includes Sun Pharma, Lupin, Mankind, Max Healthcare, Rainbow Hospitals, and Fortis Healthcare.
Real Estate: Stocks in this sector with a favourable allocation are DLF, Godrej Properties, and Oberoi Realty.
Consumer: The brokerage is overweight with favoured stocks including Hindustan Unilever, Colgate, Marico, Mahindra & Mahindra, Jubilant FoodWorks, and MakeMyTrip.
Cement: UltraTech is the overweight stock in this sector.
Underweight Sectors: JPMorgan has an underweight stance on materials and passenger vehicles.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Income Tax Relief On Cards?
Speculations are rife that some relief could be on the cards for the middle class, as the government might look to raise disposable income to address the lull in urban consumption.
There is anticipation over likely measures to be announced in the Union Budget 2025 that can further simplify the taxation norms. The government is also expected to separately roll out the Direct Tax Code — the new income tax bill which will be aimed at simplifying compliance.
For all the live updates related to changes and tweaks in the tax policies, follow NDTV Profit's live coverage here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Sectors In Focus
Railways: The Budget will likely sustain the healthy growth in Railway capital expenditure with priority on passenger mobility and safety systems, according to industry executives. Budget allocation for the Indian Railways has seen a steady rise over the years, with Rs 1.59 lakh crore allocated in fiscal 2023, marking a 35.5% growth, followed by Rs 2.4 lakh crore the next year, a significant 50.9% increase. For FY25, the allocation stands at Rs 2.52 lakh crore, reflecting a moderate 5.8% growth.
Housing: Amid a dip in GDP growth, the government could initiate measures to boost construction activity to foster job creation in this labour-intensive segment. Last year, affordable housing budget outlay rose 56% to Rs 84,700 crore. The sector now expects support to homebuyers by tweaking taxation and broadening the definition of affordable housing.
Defence: The budget is expected to focus heavily on the defence sector, with increased capital allocation, emphasis on indigenisation, domestic procurement, and initiatives to boost defence exports. Larger defence programmes are likely to drive higher orders in 2025. India's defence spending has steadily risen, with Rs 6.21 lakh crore allocated in FY25, marking an 18% growth from Rs 5.94 lakh crore in FY24, itself higher by 13%.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Market Performance On And After Budget
Check out how India stock markets performed on and after Union Budgets since 2020.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: All You Need To Know Going Into Trade
Ahead of budget on Friday, the Indian equity benchmark indices closed higher four days in a row but extended its monthly losing streak.
Foreign portfolio investors stayed net sellers of Indian equities for the 21st straight session on Friday as they sold stocks worth approximately Rs 1,189 crore. Domestic institutional investors were net buyers for the 32nd consecutive session.
Major earnings after market close were of IndusInd Bank, ONGC, Bandhan Bank, LIC Housing Finance, Inox Wind, among others.
Nifty February futures end 0.94% higher at a premium of 111 points and open interest rose 2.77%.
The Indian rupee closed flat against the US dollar on Friday at 86.62.
Read in detail here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Commercial LPG Price Cut
Oil marketing companies have revised the prices of commercial LPG gas cylinders ahead of the Union Budget 2025. The rate of 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinders has been reduced by Rs 7 with effect from today, as per Indian Oil Corp website.
Check revised rates:
Delhi: Rs 1,797
Kolkata: Rs 1,907
Mumbai: Rs 1,749.5
Chennai: Rs 1,959.5
Budget 2025 Live Updates: FII Positions On Budget Day
Ahead of the Feb. 27 expiry, the value of outstanding positions — also called open interest in the derivatives segment — has increased for the FIIs in the Nifty futures. The FIIs' long-to-short ratio in index futures remains at 11%:89%.
The FIIs turned sellers of index futures at Rs 209.2 crore and options at Rs 38,042.3 crore. They also sold stock options worth Rs 4,819.4 crore and bought futures worth Rs 361.7 crore.
Read story here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Mediapersons Assemble Outside Ministry of Finance
Live Updates: Recap – Key Budget 2024 Highlights
In the run-up to the Union Budget for the coming financial year, let's take a look at the headliners from the last one.
The Union Budget 2024-25 had nine priorities for a 'Viksit Bharat': productivity and resilience in agriculture; employment and skilling; inclusive human resource development and social justice; manufacturing and services; urban development; energy security; infrastructure; innovation, research, and development; and next-generation reforms.
The document had four themes—employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class.
However, the much-awaited marquee announcement from the speech was income tax reforms. The increase in the standard deduction limit and the change in income tax slabs were probably the most talked about parts of the last Union Budget.
Read Budget 2024 Recap Here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Trade Setup For Today
Nifty holds above 23,310 support, with resistance at 23,740-23,860. Analysts highlight strong bullish breakout signalling strength, but budget-day volatility remains key. The undertone stays positive, with 23,400 acting as crucial downside support, as per analysts.
From a technical perspective, Nifty crossed its short-term hurdle of 23,430 and formed a strong bullish candle on the daily chart, indicating strength, according to Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP technical and derivatives research at Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd.
The Bank Nifty index settled positively at 49,587. Yedve noted the technical front; the index formed a green candle, indicating strength but is nearing a major hurdle at the 49,650-49,700 zone.
Read Budget day trade setup.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: NDA Govt's Key Test
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the second full budget of the third NDA government. The alliance returned to power in the 2024 general elections.
The BJP fell short of a simple majority last year (it won only 240 seats compared to the majority mark of 272). In the July budget, the government laid major focus on employment generation through a new apprenticeship scheme -- in response to the perceived public dissatisfaction over joblessness that had influence in the election.
This time, the public will be watching announcements related to welfare schemes, employment generation programmes and governance reforms.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Key Macro Numbers In Charts
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present Modi 3.0's second full year budget on Feb. 1, 2025.
At a time when consumption is weak, private consumption remains limited to pockets, and economic growth is slowing, investors will watch out for the government's vision in it's third term, its fiscal targeting and consolidation path, borrowing requirements and spending priorities.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Compensation For Heavy Losses For OMCs
Analysts expect the Union Budget 2025 to address a major issue that has been hurting the profitability of oil marketing companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corp., and Hindustan Petroleum Corp.
The OMCs have been facing losses on their LPG sales all of FY25 due to the ministry regulations. Macquarie and IIFL Securities' analysts expect compensation for these losses to come through in the upcoming Budget.
Currently, LPG prices in India are subsidised to ensure affordability for domestic consumers. Oil companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum not only produce their own LPG, but also import it from international sources and sell it domestically.
Read story here.
Live Updates: Five Things On CEA Nageswaran's Mind Ahead Of Budget
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran on Friday discussed the projected gross-domestic-product growth of 6.3–6.8% for the upcoming financial year, influenced by global risks and trade uncertainties.
Global factors, such as potential spillover from global financial markets and increased uncertainty in trade and investment flows, are significant considerations in the growth projection, the CEA said in a conversation with NDTV Profit.
The growth projections align with those of multilateral and private sector agencies.
Read the five highlights from the discussion here.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Stock Market Open Today
The Indian stock market will remain open for trading on Saturday. NSE and BSE will allow trading on the exchanges as per their usual time -- 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The currency and bond market will be closed. The Budget speech starts at 11:00 a.m.
Budget 2025 Live Updates: Big Day Is Here
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the NDA government's second full Union Budget for its third term. Lok Sabha will convene at 11 a.m. for the Budget speech. The Economic Survey 2025 projects FY26 GDP growth in the range of 6.3-6.8% and inflation to be under control. Key decisions on the Budget are expected to include changes in income tax rates, divestment plans, and further fiscal consolidation.
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