Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new Bill on Income Tax in the Lok Sabha on February 13 to simplify and update the existing tax system. The proposed bill, to be in force from April 1, 2026, has been referred to a Select Committee, which is to report to the House on the first […]
In her Union Budget 2025 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a landmark announcement regarding income tax slabs. She confirmed that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh per annum will not be required to pay any income tax, marking a significant shift in the taxation system. This announcement was met with applause in the House,
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the establishment of a new Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education with a total outlay of ₹500 crore. This initiative follows the 2023 announcement of AI centres for agriculture, health, and sustainable cities. Expansion of IITs and Medical Colleges The government plans to expand the capacity
Union Budget 2025: ₹500 Crore AI Centre of Excellence in Education Announced Read More »
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an increase in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, aiming to provide better financial access to 7.7 crore farmers, fishers, and dairy producers. The 1998-launched KCC scheme grants short-term farm loans at about 4% interest, and farmers can access cheap credit and
Budget 2025: Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit Raised to ₹5 Lakh to Support Farmers Read More »
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the launch of Bharat Trade Net (BTN), a digital public infrastructure (DPI) aimed at streamlining trade documentation and financing for international trade. The new platform will harmonise with India’s single platform for logistics and align with international trading conventions, and will make cross-border payments efficient and transparent. The
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a major reform in the insurance sector by raising the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit from 74% to 100%. The enhanced FDI cap will apply to insurers that invest the entire premium collected within India. This move is aimed at attracting more foreign capital, boosting competition, and enhancing financial
Union Budget 2025: FDI Limit in Insurance Sector Increased to 100% Read More »
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an expansion of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), with an additional allocation of Rs 10,000 crore. This increases the scheme’s total outlay to Rs 20,000 crore. The FFS, started in 2016 under Startup India, doesn’t make investments in startups but
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several incentives for the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in the 2024 budget to enhance its competitiveness and attractiveness. Retail schemes and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in IFSC will enjoy tax exemptions similar to those available to specified funds. Certain income of the Core Settlement Guarantee Fund set up in
Incentives for IFSC Announced in 2024 Budget Read More »
The 2024 budget introduced significant changes to the taxation of share buybacks and securities transaction tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) transactions. Income from the buyback of shares by companies will now be chargeable in the hands of the recipient investor as a dividend, replacing the current regime where additional income tax is levied
New Tax Rules for Share Buybacks and STT on F&O Announced Read More »
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget estimates for the fiscal year 2024-25, detailing the government’s financial plans and projections. The total receipts for FY25 are estimated at ₹32.07 lakh crore, while total expenditure is projected to be ₹48.21 lakh crore. Net tax receipts are expected to reach ₹25.83 lakh crore. Gross market borrowings are
Budget Estimates for 2024-25 Announced Read More »
