Travellers across New Delhi had to contend with disrupted travel plans early on Wednesday (January 31), after dense fog shrouded the Indian capital.

Dense fog in North India disrupts travel plans; Jammu and Kashmir likely to see heavy snowfall

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape. Industry expectations are high, spanning from infrastructure boosts to manufacturing incentives, import duty tweaks, and crucial tax reforms.

Industry expectations from India's budget

In this budget, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urges a 20 per cent increase in infrastructure spending. This bold call, coupled with demands for extended manufacturing incentives and adjustments to import duties, sets the tone for an economic blueprint aiming to propel growth in the face of political transition.

The CII outlines key priorities for India's Budget 2024, emphasising the need for growth triggers. The focus spans across vital sectors, reflecting the aspirations of industries looking for policy measures that will foster economic development.

Key focus points: Infrastructure, manufacturing &amp; import duties

As we delve into the specifics, the Confederation of Indian Industry puts forward a comprehensive set of proposals that address crucial sectors. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) pitches for a five-year extension of the concessional tax regime for new manufacturing facilities.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, a flagship initiative, is anticipated to expand into labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, toys, footwear, and chemicals. Import tariffs, proposed for a three-tier duty structure, aim to address concerns where input taxes surpass final goods.

In the gems and jewellery sector, there's a call for lower import duties, while the steel industry seeks higher levies on finished steel to counter rising imports from China.

Critical tax reforms and social spending

As the budget unfolds, the CII outlines critical tax reforms, advocating for an increase in the tax exemption limit linked to inflation to boost consumption. There's a plea for consistency in the capital gains tax structure across asset classes, be it debt, equity, or immovable assets.

In the realm of social spending, a call resonates for increased allocation to healthcare and education. The CII urges the combined efforts of federal and state governments to elevate spending on these critical sectors, addressing current spending gaps.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals India's budgetary roadmap, industries across the spectrum eagerly await the details that will shape the economic trajectory of the nation.

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape.

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape. Industry expectations are high, spanning from infrastructure boosts to manufacturing incentives, import duty tweaks, and crucial tax reforms. Industry expectations from India's budget In this budget, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urges a 20 per cent increase in infrastructure spending. This bold call, coupled with demands for extended manufacturing incentives and adjustments to import duties, sets the tone for an economic blueprint aiming to propel growth in the face of political transition. The CII outlines key priorities for India's Budget 2024, emphasising the need for growth triggers. The focus spans across vital sectors, reflecting the aspirations of industries looking for policy measures that will foster economic development. Key focus points: Infrastructure, manufacturing & import duties As we delve into the specifics, the Confederation of Indian Industry puts forward a comprehensive set of proposals that address crucial sectors. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) pitches for a five-year extension of the concessional tax regime for new manufacturing facilities. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, a flagship initiative, is anticipated to expand into labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, toys, footwear, and chemicals. Import tariffs, proposed for a three-tier duty structure, aim to address concerns where input taxes surpass final goods. In the gems and jewellery sector, there's a call for lower import duties, while the steel industry seeks higher levies on finished steel to counter rising imports from China. Critical tax reforms and social spending As the budget unfolds, the CII outlines critical tax reforms, advocating for an increase in the tax exemption limit linked to inflation to boost consumption. There's a plea for consistency in the capital gains tax structure across asset classes, be it debt, equity, or immovable assets. In the realm of social spending, a call resonates for increased allocation to healthcare and education. The CII urges the combined efforts of federal and state governments to elevate spending on these critical sectors, addressing current spending gaps. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals India's budgetary roadmap, industries across the spectrum eagerly await the details that will shape the economic trajectory of the nation.

Budget 2024: What do industries expect?

For millennia, humans have adorned themselves with personal ornaments. These serve as a connection to their communities and help in establishing a cultural identity that endures even after their lives, as proven by a recent archaeological find that points to multiple cultural groups among our ancient ancestors.

Researchers find proof of at least 9 hidden cultural groups during Ice Age Europe

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today unveiled the interim budget for the fiscal year 2024/25. The budget is shorter than the previous ones was seen as the government's report card ahead of the elections later this year.

FM optimistic that India will be developed economy by 2047

India Budget 2024: Decoding Indian Government's interim budget ahead of polls

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented this year's interim budget all eyes were of course on reforms and policy announcements. But there was more colour that was in fact hidden in plain sight. Let's tell you more.

India Budget 2024: India's interim budget highlights

In the upcoming fiscal year, various budget proposals are poised to stimulate economic growth and generate employment in key sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, ports, construction, and technology. The government's commitment to comprehensive development and global branding of iconic tourist centres signals a strategic approach to tap into the vast opportunities within the tourism industry.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the encouragement of states to undertake the holistic development of iconic tourist destinations. The focus includes global-scale branding, marketing initiatives, and the exploration of opportunities in spiritual tourism.&nbsp;

"States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale... Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship," Sitharaman said in her budget speech.

Amid the pandemic, there has been a notable surge in domestic tourism. To capitalise on this trend, the budget proposes projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities, particularly in island regions such as Lakshadweep. These endeavours aim not only to boost tourism but also to create additional employment opportunities.

"To address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment also," the finance minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2024-amrit-peedhi-to-kartavya-kaal-all-new-hindi-phrases-used-by-nirmala-sitharaman-in-her-speech-685883">Also read |&nbsp;Budget 2024: 'Amrit Peedhi' to 'Kartavya Kaal', all new Hindi phrases used by Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech</a>

<h2>Infrastructure boost</h2>

The budget outlines a significant 11 per cent increase in infrastructure capital expenditure (capex) for the fiscal year 2025, amounting to ₹11.11 trillion. This substantial investment is expected to generate both formal and informal jobs, providing a crucial stimulus to the economy.

Industry experts highlight the positive effects on the hospitality sector, foreseeing increased employment due to a rise in religious and business tourism.

Additionally, the construction sector is expected to benefit from the ambitious construction of two crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana (Grameen).

<h2>Technological advancements</h2>

The budget's forward-looking approach includes substantial investments in sunrise sectors and deep tech.

Also watch |&nbsp;Budget 2024: Government working on all-round, all-pervasive, all-inclusive growth, says Sitharaman

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-government-working-on-all-round-all-pervasive-all-inclusive-growth-says-sitharaman-685913/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The establishment of a ₹1 lakh crore corpus with a 50-year interest-free loan is particularly noteworthy. This corpus is designed to provide long-term financing, encouraging the private sector to scale up research and innovation in emerging technological domains.

"For our tech-savvy youth, this will be a golden era. A corpus of&nbsp;₹1 lakh crore will be established with a 50-year interest-free loan. The corpus will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenures and low or nil interest rates. This will encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation significantly in sunrise domains," the finance minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the upcoming fiscal year, various budget proposals are poised to stimulate economic growth and generate employment in key sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, ports, construction, and technology.

In the upcoming fiscal year, various budget proposals are poised to stimulate economic growth and generate employment in key sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, ports, construction, and technology. The government's commitment to comprehensive development and global branding of iconic tourist centres signals a strategic approach to tap into the vast opportunities within the tourism industry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the encouragement of states to undertake the holistic development of iconic tourist destinations. The focus includes global-scale branding, marketing initiatives, and the exploration of opportunities in spiritual tourism. "States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale... Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship," Sitharaman said in her budget speech. Amid the pandemic, there has been a notable surge in domestic tourism. To capitalise on this trend, the budget proposes projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities, particularly in island regions such as Lakshadweep. These endeavours aim not only to boost tourism but also to create additional employment opportunities. "To address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment also," the finance minister said. Also read | Budget 2024: 'Amrit Peedhi' to 'Kartavya Kaal', all new Hindi phrases used by Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech Infrastructure boost The budget outlines a significant 11 per cent increase in infrastructure capital expenditure (capex) for the fiscal year 2025, amounting to ₹11.11 trillion. This substantial investment is expected to generate both formal and informal jobs, providing a crucial stimulus to the economy. Industry experts highlight the positive effects on the hospitality sector, foreseeing increased employment due to a rise in religious and business tourism. Additionally, the construction sector is expected to benefit from the ambitious construction of two crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana (Grameen). Technological advancements The budget's forward-looking approach includes substantial investments in sunrise sectors and deep tech. Also watch | Budget 2024: Government working on all-round, all-pervasive, all-inclusive growth, says Sitharaman The establishment of a ₹1 lakh crore corpus with a 50-year interest-free loan is particularly noteworthy. This corpus is designed to provide long-term financing, encouraging the private sector to scale up research and innovation in emerging technological domains. "For our tech-savvy youth, this will be a golden era. A corpus of ₹1 lakh crore will be established with a 50-year interest-free loan. The corpus will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenures and low or nil interest rates. This will encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation significantly in sunrise domains," the finance minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

India Interim Budget 2024: This is what is in store for jobs in tourism, infra, and deep tech

Today is the big interim budget day and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unwelded India's interim budget for the year 2024 showcasing the nation's economic ascent as a testament to India's relentless pursuit of development.

India Budget 2024: Budget report card vision for 2027

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that, empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity has gained momentum in last 10 years. She also added that female enrollment in higher education has gone up by 28% in 10 years whereas in STEM courses, girls and women constitute 43% of enrollment, one of the highest in the world.

India Budget 2024 | FM Nirmala Sitharaman: India successfully defied pandemic slowdown'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha,&nbsp;lower house of the Parliament,

During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries. Here are some you must know.

<h2>Solar Energy</h2>

During her interim Budget speech, Sitharaman announced that through rooftop solarisation, one crore (10 million) households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month.&nbsp;

She said that this scheme follows the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic day of consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-250-million-people-came-out-of-poverty-in-the-last-10-years-fm-sitharaman-685845">India Budget 2024 | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman</a>

The scheme, as per the Indian Finance Minister will create entrepreneurship opportunities for numerous vendors in regards to supply and installation. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

Furthermore, households are likely to save up to 15,000-18,000 rupees annually. They will also be empowered to sell the surplus power, if any, to distribution companies.

<h2>Oil Seeds</h2>

To achieve "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) for oil seeds, a strategy would be formulated, announced Sitharaman. The strategy, she said will cover "research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance." &nbsp;

<h2>Dairy Industry</h2>

To exploit India's status as world's largest milk producer, a comprehensive programme for supporting dairy farmers will be formulated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-nation-has-successfully-navigated-the-global-challenges-says-fm-sitharaman-685829">India interim Budget: Nation has successfully navigated global challenges, says FM Sitharaman</a>

As per Sitharaman, this would be built on "the success of existing schemes such Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and animal husbandry."

<h2>Fisheries</h2>

To further enhance India's fisheries industry, the aquaculture productivity will be increased from existing three to five tonnes per hectare.

Additionally, exports will be doubled to one lakh crore (one trillion rupees). This would help generate&nbsp;around 55 lakh (5.5 million) employment opportunities.

Watch:&nbsp;India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan'

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-nirmala-sitharaman-on-poor-garib-ka-kalyan-desh-ka-kalyan-685835/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Electric Vehicle Ecosystem</h2>

To expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem, the government plans to support manufacturing and charging infrastructure.&nbsp;

<h2>Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry</h2>

To promote green growth, a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry will be launched.&nbsp;

This, Sitharaman said "will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs."

Thursday's budget was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi led BJP government.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament, During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament, During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries. Here are some you must know. Solar Energy During her interim Budget speech, Sitharaman announced that through rooftop solarisation, one crore (10 million) households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month. She said that this scheme follows the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic day of consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Also read | India Budget 2024 | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman The scheme, as per the Indian Finance Minister will create entrepreneurship opportunities for numerous vendors in regards to supply and installation. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Furthermore, households are likely to save up to 15,000-18,000 rupees annually. They will also be empowered to sell the surplus power, if any, to distribution companies. Oil Seeds To achieve "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) for oil seeds, a strategy would be formulated, announced Sitharaman. The strategy, she said will cover "research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance." Dairy Industry To exploit India's status as world's largest milk producer, a comprehensive programme for supporting dairy farmers will be formulated. Also read | India interim Budget: Nation has successfully navigated global challenges, says FM Sitharaman As per Sitharaman, this would be built on "the success of existing schemes such Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and animal husbandry." Fisheries To further enhance India's fisheries industry, the aquaculture productivity will be increased from existing three to five tonnes per hectare. Additionally, exports will be doubled to one lakh crore (one trillion rupees). This would help generate around 55 lakh (5.5 million) employment opportunities. Watch: India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan' Electric Vehicle Ecosystem To expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem, the government plans to support manufacturing and charging infrastructure. Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry To promote green growth, a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry will be launched. This, Sitharaman said "will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs." Thursday's budget was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi led BJP government.

India Budget 2024: Revolutionary steps announced for solar, dairy and fisheries industries - check details

"Our government is working with an approach to development that is all-round, all-pervasive and all-inclusive," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the interim budget.

Budget 2024: Government working on all-round, all-pervasive, all-inclusive growth, says Sitharaman

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections. The Budget is emphasised on a prudent fiscal approach, prioritizing infrastructure investments over populist measures.

India Budget 2024 | FM Nirmala Sitharaman: Next five years will see unprecented development

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and re-skilled 54 lakh youth, and established 3000 new ITIs. She also added that a large number of institutional higher learning, namely 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 Universities have been set up.

Budget 2024: Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

India Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, 'India has 4 pillars - Poor, Women, Youth & Farmers'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the government is striving to transform India into 'Viksit Bharat by 2047. She emphasized the commitment to inclusive development with the mantra of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas".

Budget 2024: Government working to transform India into 'Viksit Bharat' , says Nirmala Sitharaman

Dense fog in North India disrupts travel plans; Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh ends long dry spell

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said during the interim budget speech in Parliament that the government believes in "empowering the poor" and that in the last 10 years, it has helped at least 25 crore (250 million) people to get freedom from multidimensional poverty.

<h2>Fulfilling aspirations the highest priority</h2>

During the pre-budget speech, Sitharaman said that fulfilling aspirations and needs of the gareeb (poor), mahilayien (women), yuva (youth) and annadata (farmers) are the highest priority of the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-nation-has-successfully-navigated-the-global-challenges-says-fm-sitharaman-685829">India interim Budget: Nation has 'successfully navigated the global challenges', says FM Sitharaman</a>

"When the poor become empowered partners in the development process, the government's power to assist them also increases manifold," said the finance minister while presenting the 2024 interim Budget in Lok Sabha.

She said that direct benefit transfer (DBT) of 34 lakh crore rupees (around $409 billion) using PM Jan Dhan accounts has led to saving of 2.7 lakh crore (2.7 trillion) rupees to the government. This, she said, has strengthened the welfare of the poor.

<h2>Street vendors get assistance</h2>

The Finance Minister said that 78 lakh (7.8 million) street vendors have been given credit assistance under the PM Swanidhi scheme. Additionally, end to end support was given to Indian artisans and craftsmen under PM Vishwakarma Yojna.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech</a>

"Under the PM Kisan Samman Scheme, every year, direct cash assistance was given to 11.8 crore (118 million) farmers, including marginal and small farmers," she added.

Watch:&nbsp;India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan'

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-nirmala-sitharaman-on-poor-garib-ka-kalyan-desh-ka-kalyan-685835/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The finance minister remarked that a country progresses when its poor progress. "Garib Kalyan, Desh ka kalyan (welfare of poor is welfare of the nation)," she said.

This was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government.

On Thursday, after securing President Draupadi Murmu's assent to the interim budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman reached Parliament House to present her sixth straight budget.

There, the interim budget was approved in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said during the interim budget speech in Parliament that the government believes in "empowering the poor" and that in the last 10 years, it has helped at least 25 crore (250 million) people to get freedom from multidimensional poverty.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said during the interim budget speech in Parliament that the government believes in "empowering the poor" and that in the last 10 years, it has helped at least 25 crore (250 million) people to get freedom from multidimensional poverty. Fulfilling aspirations the highest priority During the pre-budget speech, Sitharaman said that fulfilling aspirations and needs of the gareeb (poor), mahilayien (women), yuva (youth) and annadata (farmers) are the highest priority of the government. Also read | India interim Budget: Nation has 'successfully navigated the global challenges', says FM Sitharaman "When the poor become empowered partners in the development process, the government's power to assist them also increases manifold," said the finance minister while presenting the 2024 interim Budget in Lok Sabha. She said that direct benefit transfer (DBT) of 34 lakh crore rupees (around $409 billion) using PM Jan Dhan accounts has led to saving of 2.7 lakh crore (2.7 trillion) rupees to the government. This, she said, has strengthened the welfare of the poor. Street vendors get assistance The Finance Minister said that 78 lakh (7.8 million) street vendors have been given credit assistance under the PM Swanidhi scheme. Additionally, end to end support was given to Indian artisans and craftsmen under PM Vishwakarma Yojna. Also read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech "Under the PM Kisan Samman Scheme, every year, direct cash assistance was given to 11.8 crore (118 million) farmers, including marginal and small farmers," she added. Watch: India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan' The finance minister remarked that a country progresses when its poor progress. "Garib Kalyan, Desh ka kalyan (welfare of poor is welfare of the nation)," she said. This was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. On Thursday, after securing President Draupadi Murmu's assent to the interim budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman reached Parliament House to present her sixth straight budget. There, the interim budget was approved in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

India Budget 2024 | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman

Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her sixth Budget on February 1. This was just an ‘interim Budget’ since the term of the current government will end soon and the country will go to polls. Watch in the key takeaways from the budget 2024.

Budget 2024: No changes in tax slabs, direct and indirect tax rates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has enabled 'one nation, one market, one tax'. "Tax reforms have led to deepening, widening of tax base," she went on to say.

India Budget 2024: Nirmala Sithraman says, 'no change in terms of taxation'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections. The Budget is emphasised on a prudent fiscal approach, prioritising infrastructure investments over populist measures.

India Budget 2024: PM Modi hails budget as 'inclusive', says 'this is a budget for India's future'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said the global situation is becoming more complex and challenging. Crediting wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, the Indian Union minister, while presenting the interim Budget, said that a new world order is emerging and India has successfully navigated the global challenges in fuel and fertiliser price spike.

"India assumed G20 Presidency during very difficult times for the world. The global economy was going through high inflation, high interest rates, low growth, very high public debt, low trade growth, and climate challenges. The pandemic had led to a crisis of food, fertiliser, fuel, and finances for the world, while India successfully navigated its way. The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems."

Globally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war have disrupted the supply chains and have also made a lasting impact on trade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">India interim Budget: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech</a>

As per the World Economic Forum, in 2022, after the launch of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, fuel and gas prices saw a drastic increase.

<h2>India's economic strength makes it an "attractive" business destination: Sitharaman</h2>

FM Sitharaman said that by strengthening its financial sector, India has helped make savings, credit, and investments more efficient in the nation.

She also said that India's economic strength has made it an attractive destination for business.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India Budget 2024: India's aim to bring down fiscal deficit on track

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-indias-aim-to-bring-down-fiscal-deficit-on-track-685814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our economic strength has made country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism".

During her pre-election budget speech, which is technically a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, Sitharaman also said that "all forms of infrastructure are being built in record time".

"The government has also provided transparent, accountable, trust-based administration with a citizen-first approach," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-2024-fm-sitharaman-tables-interim-budget-says-working-to-viksit-bharat-by-2047-685816">India Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman tables interim Budget, says 'working to Viksit Bharat by 2047'</a>

Sitharaman said that in the two terms of the BJP government, "the Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last 10 years".

She said that the people of India are looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism.

"In the second term, our government doubled down on its responsibilities to build a prosperous country with&nbsp;comprehensive development of all people and all regions. Our government strengthened its mantra to 'sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas'."

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said the global situation is becoming more complex and challenging. Crediting wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, the Indian Union minister, while presenting the interim Budget, said that a new world order is emerging and India has successfully navigated the global challenges in fuel and fertiliser price spike.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) said the global situation is becoming more complex and challenging. Crediting wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, the Indian Union minister, while presenting the interim Budget, said that a new world order is emerging and India has successfully navigated the global challenges in fuel and fertiliser price spike. "India assumed G20 Presidency during very difficult times for the world. The global economy was going through high inflation, high interest rates, low growth, very high public debt, low trade growth, and climate challenges. The pandemic had led to a crisis of food, fertiliser, fuel, and finances for the world, while India successfully navigated its way. The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems." Globally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war have disrupted the supply chains and have also made a lasting impact on trade. Also read | India interim Budget: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech As per the World Economic Forum, in 2022, after the launch of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, fuel and gas prices saw a drastic increase. India's economic strength makes it an "attractive" business destination: Sitharaman FM Sitharaman said that by strengthening its financial sector, India has helped make savings, credit, and investments more efficient in the nation. She also said that India's economic strength has made it an attractive destination for business. Watch | India Budget 2024: India's aim to bring down fiscal deficit on track "Our economic strength has made country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism". During her pre-election budget speech, which is technically a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, Sitharaman also said that "all forms of infrastructure are being built in record time". "The government has also provided transparent, accountable, trust-based administration with a citizen-first approach," she added. Also read | India Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman tables interim Budget, says 'working to Viksit Bharat by 2047' Sitharaman said that in the two terms of the BJP government, "the Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last 10 years". She said that the people of India are looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism. "In the second term, our government doubled down on its responsibilities to build a prosperous country with comprehensive development of all people and all regions. Our government strengthened its mantra to 'sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas'." (With inputs from agencies)

India interim Budget: Nation has successfully navigated global challenges, says FM Sitharaman

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections. The Budget is anticipated to emphasize a prudent fiscal approach, prioritising infrastructure investments over populist measures.

India Budget 2024: PM Modi's government presents last budget ahead of Lok Sabha polls

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