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, prioritizing infrastructure investments over populist measures.

India Budget 2024: Full budget will be presented after new govt is formed

India Budget 2024: Indian markets marginally up ahead of interim budget

All eyes are on the upcoming Interim Budget for 2024-2025, a crucial temporary financial plan designed to sustain essential government services until the new administration takes charge post-elections. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the Interim Budget 2024 during the Parliament's Budget session.

India budget 2024: Indian stocks defy global markets slump ahead of budget

A positive build-up was reflected in Indian markets prior to the Interim Budget. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections.

Budget 2024: Indian markets marginally up ahead of interim budget

India is set to present its interim budget on February 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget in Parliament. But, what is the interim budget?

Budget 2024: What is an interim budget & how it is different from the union budget?

Budget 2024: Indian stocks defy global markets slump ahead of budget

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All eyes have turned to Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who will present the Interim Budget 2024-25 at Parliament today. The interim budget will provide estimates of the government's expenditure, revenue, fiscal deficit, financial performance, and projections for the upcoming months.

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Budget 2024: Farmers, women, the poor and young people are priority

Budget 2024: Indian FM Nirmala Sitharaman leaves for Rashtrapati Bhawan

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament today. This is Sitharaman's sixth Union Budget. This will be a interim budget as it comes just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. The full-fledged budget will be presented by the new government that comes to power after the elections.

Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman to present her sixth straight budget

India's interim budget has been announced. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in parliament. While upgrading the budget allocation for Indian sectors. India’s neighbourhood received a huge share of the annual allocation under the Ministry of External Affairs.

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Budget 2024: India to unveil interim budget today

India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer".&nbsp; The connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.

"India assumed G20 presidency during very difficult times for the world," Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha on Thursday (Feb 1)&nbsp;while presenting India's interim Budget for 2024. The interim budget or the vote-on-account was presented&nbsp;ahead of India's general elections in the spring in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;

"The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems," the Indian finance minister said while referring to the joint statement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">delivered</a> as <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/CPV/G20-New-Delhi-Leaders-Declaration.pdf">G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration</a>.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South</a>

Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Sitharaman repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the corridor "will become the basis of world trade for hundreds of years to come, and history will remember that this corridor was initiated on Indian soil".

<img alt="India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMEC.png" />

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION

Finance Minister Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of the budget session,&nbsp;hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative. "This corridor will further strengthen India’s maritime capability," President Murmu said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-middle-east-europe-corridor-will-strengthen-indias-maritime-capability-says-indian-president-murmu-685441">India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will strengthen India’s maritime capability, says Indian President Murmu</a>

The IMEC is the latest in the series of connectivity projects that India is looking to strategically and economically leverage, apart from the North-South International Corridor, and the Chennai-Vladivostok project.&nbsp;

On October 29, 2023, US President Joe Biden described the IMEC as connectivity project aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-joe-bidens-wartime-address-hails-india-middle-east-europe-corridor-649015">Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden's wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor</a>

Biden on October 29,&nbsp;said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic&nbsp;corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with&nbsp;"predictable markets, more employment, less rage, and less grievances."

"IMEC undoubtedly represents a great vision with far-reaching implications. Now it requires to be turned into a long-term, viable project. Initial work has begun. Inevitably it will need time and sustained, multi-national effort for optimal fructification," Rajiv Bhatia, former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House, told WION.&nbsp;

Sitharaman delivered her sixth consecutive Union&nbsp;Budget speech on Thursday (Feb 1) and pitched the growing economic prospects of the world's fifth-largest economy as an imminent sign of India becoming a developed nation in the coming decades.

India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer".

India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer". The connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. "India assumed G20 presidency during very difficult times for the world," Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha on Thursday (Feb 1) while presenting India's interim Budget for 2024. The interim budget or the vote-on-account was presented ahead of India's general elections in the spring in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. "The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems," the Indian finance minister said while referring to the joint statement delivered as G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Sitharaman repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the corridor "will become the basis of world trade for hundreds of years to come, and history will remember that this corridor was initiated on Indian soil". India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION Finance Minister Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of the budget session, hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative. "This corridor will further strengthen India’s maritime capability," President Murmu said. Also read | India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will strengthen India’s maritime capability, says Indian President Murmu The IMEC is the latest in the series of connectivity projects that India is looking to strategically and economically leverage, apart from the North-South International Corridor, and the Chennai-Vladivostok project. On October 29, 2023, US President Joe Biden described the IMEC as connectivity project aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours". Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden's wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor Biden on October 29, said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with "predictable markets, more employment, less rage, and less grievances." "IMEC undoubtedly represents a great vision with far-reaching implications. Now it requires to be turned into a long-term, viable project. Initial work has begun. Inevitably it will need time and sustained, multi-national effort for optimal fructification," Rajiv Bhatia, former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House, told WION. Sitharaman delivered her sixth consecutive Union Budget speech on Thursday (Feb 1) and pitched the growing economic prospects of the world's fifth-largest economy as an imminent sign of India becoming a developed nation in the coming decades.

Budget 2024 extends focus on India-Middle East-Europe corridor as 'strategic and economic game changer'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) announced a number of plans to steer the country towards its commitment of net zero target by 2070 as the interim budget&nbsp;2024&nbsp;was tabled in the Parliament.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Viksit Bharat’&nbsp;</h2>

“Our vision for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-2024-fm-sitharaman-tables-interim-budget-says-working-to-viksit-bharat-by-2047-685816">Viksit (Advanced) Bharat</a> is that of a prosperous Bharat…in harmony with nature and modern infrastructure, and providing opportunities for all to reach their potential,” said Sitharaman, during her speech.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;FM Nirmala Sitharaman: Next five years will see unprecented development

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This was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's&nbsp;vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’&nbsp;which involves several aspects of development, including economic growth and environmental sustainability.&nbsp;

The Indian finance minister also spoke about how the government will adopt economic policies that foster and sustain growth and facilitate inclusive and sustainable development.&nbsp;

<h2>Focus on green energy</h2>

In the interim Budget, the finance minister has allocated significant resources to bolster the green energy sector including a viability gap funding to harness offshore wind energy, setting up coal gasification and liquefaction projects, and so on.&nbsp;

The gap funding would be used for the development of one gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind energy, which would reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Indian government also plans to set up coal gasification and liquefaction projects capable of processing 100 metric tonnes (MT) by 2030, which will help reduce imports of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia.

The government has said that it would mandate the blending of Compressed BioGas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic use. These measures are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-2024-revolutionary-steps-announced-for-these-industries-685893">India Budget 2024: Revolutionary steps announced for solar, dairy and fisheries industries - check details</a>

Financial assistance would be provided for the procurement of biomass aggregation machines to support collection, which could help ramp up the production of bioenergy – a renewable energy derived from biomass, which also contributes to climate change mitigation.&nbsp;

The interim Budget also includes the introduction of a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry to promote green growth. This, Sitharaman said “will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs.”&nbsp;

Additionally, the scheme would also help transform “today’s consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles.”

The government has also announced plans to&nbsp;expand and strengthen the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-govt-to-expand-ev-infra-and-develop-more-entrepreneurship-opportunities-685838">e-vehicle ecosystem</a> by supporting&nbsp;manufacturing and charging infrastructure in the country.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;Sitharaman,&nbsp;through rooftop solarisation more than 10 million (one crore)&nbsp;households will be enabled to obtain up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-govt-to-provide-300-units-free-electricity-announces-fm-sitharaman-685911">300 units of free electricity</a> every month.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Blue Economy 2.0?</h2>

During her speech, the Indian finance minister unveiled plans for the launch of Blue Economy 2.0 which is aimed at promoting climate-resilient activities and sustainable development in coastal areas.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-interim-budget-2024-this-is-what-is-in-store-for-jobs-in-tourism-infra-and-deep-tech-685930">India Interim Budget 2024: This is what is in store for jobs in tourism, infra, and deep tech</a>

The scheme will focus on “restoration and adaptation measures” and the expansion of coastal aquaculture and mariculture with an integrated and multi-sectoral approach.&nbsp;

Notably, the Blue Economy, which involves sustainable use of ocean resources and coastal areas for economic growth has emerged as a new area of focus in sustainable development.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) announced a number of plans to steer the country towards its commitment of net zero target by 2070 as the interim budget 2024 was tabled in the Parliament.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) announced a number of plans to steer the country towards its commitment of net zero target by 2070 as the interim budget 2024 was tabled in the Parliament. ‘Viksit Bharat’ “Our vision for Viksit (Advanced) Bharat is that of a prosperous Bharat…in harmony with nature and modern infrastructure, and providing opportunities for all to reach their potential,” said Sitharaman, during her speech. WATCH | FM Nirmala Sitharaman: Next five years will see unprecented development This was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ which involves several aspects of development, including economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Indian finance minister also spoke about how the government will adopt economic policies that foster and sustain growth and facilitate inclusive and sustainable development. Focus on green energy In the interim Budget, the finance minister has allocated significant resources to bolster the green energy sector including a viability gap funding to harness offshore wind energy, setting up coal gasification and liquefaction projects, and so on. The gap funding would be used for the development of one gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind energy, which would reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the Indian government also plans to set up coal gasification and liquefaction projects capable of processing 100 metric tonnes (MT) by 2030, which will help reduce imports of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia. The government has said that it would mandate the blending of Compressed BioGas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic use. These measures are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. ALSO READ | India Budget 2024: Revolutionary steps announced for solar, dairy and fisheries industries - check details Financial assistance would be provided for the procurement of biomass aggregation machines to support collection, which could help ramp up the production of bioenergy – a renewable energy derived from biomass, which also contributes to climate change mitigation. The interim Budget also includes the introduction of a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry to promote green growth. This, Sitharaman said “will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs.” Additionally, the scheme would also help transform “today’s consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles.” The government has also announced plans to expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure in the country. According to Sitharaman, through rooftop solarisation more than 10 million (one crore) households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month. What is Blue Economy 2.0? During her speech, the Indian finance minister unveiled plans for the launch of Blue Economy 2.0 which is aimed at promoting climate-resilient activities and sustainable development in coastal areas. ALSO READ | India Interim Budget 2024: This is what is in store for jobs in tourism, infra, and deep tech The scheme will focus on “restoration and adaptation measures” and the expansion of coastal aquaculture and mariculture with an integrated and multi-sectoral approach. Notably, the Blue Economy, which involves sustainable use of ocean resources and coastal areas for economic growth has emerged as a new area of focus in sustainable development. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils India's plan to achieve net zero target by 2070 with focus on green energy

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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.

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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

Budget 2024: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Interim Budget 2024 in the Parliament of India on Thursday (February 1). The budget was presented just months before India holds general elections in a few months' time. Though this was an interim budget, it does have significance considering public focus just ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Sitharaman made several important observations and announcement&nbsp;about farmers. India may have transformed into an Information Technology (IT) and service sector hub, but agricultural sector still remains a source of income for millions of Indians. Provisions for this sector hence come into focus from analysts and common citizens alike.

In her budget speech, Sitharaman regarded Indian farmers as 'annadata' (provider of food). Earlier in her speech, the finance minister mentioned various steps the Government of India had taken for the benefit of farmers in the country.

"Every year, under PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana, direct financial assistance is provided to 11.8 crore (118 million) farmers, including marginal and small farmers. Crop insurance is given to 4 crore (40 million) farmers under PM Fasal Bima Yojana. These, besides several other programmes, are assisting ‘annadata’ in producing food for the country and the world," she said.

Sitharaman said that government initiative of Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) has integrated 1361 mandis (vegetable markets) across the county. The eNAM is India's countrywide electronic trading portal aiming to create a unified national market for agriculture produce by integrating existing networks and APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committees). Sitharaman said that eNAM is already providing services to 1.8 crore (18 million) farmers.

"The sector is poised for inclusive, balanced, higher growth and productivity. These are facilitated from farmer-centric policies, income support, coverage of risks through price and insurance support, promotion of technologies and innovations through start-ups," she said.&nbsp;

The finance minister said that in coming days, government will step up efforts for value addition in agricultural sector and for increase in farmers' income.

"Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has benefitted 38 lakh (3.8 million) farmers and generated 10 lakh (1 million) employment. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Yojana has assisted 2.4 lakh (240,000) SHGs and sixty thousand individuals with credit linkages. Other schemes are complementing the efforts for reducing post-harvest losses, and improving productivity and incomes," said Sitharaman.

Talking about steps planned for growth of the sector, she said government will look to private and public investment.

In her speech, Sitharaman also spoke of supporting dairy farmers. The minister said that a 'comprehensive programme' will be launched.

"India is the world’s largest milk producer but with low productivity of milch animals. The programme will 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," said the minister.

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>

Sitharaman said that the government will work towards achieving self-sufficiency for oil-seeds

"Building on the initiative announced in 2022, a strategy will be formulated to achieve ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-sufficiency) for oil seeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. This will cover research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance," she said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-for-railways-fm-sitharaman-says-3-major-economic-corridor-programmes-to-be-implemented-685834">India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented</a>

As she spoke about achievements of her government, Sitharaman mentioned that worries about food security have been addressed by provision of free ration to 80 crore (800 million) people through public distribution system in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Interim Budget 2024 in the Parliament of India on Thursday (February 1). The budget was presented just months before India holds general elections in a few months' time.

Budget 2024: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Interim Budget 2024 in the Parliament of India on Thursday (February 1). The budget was presented just months before India holds general elections in a few months' time. Though this was an interim budget, it does have significance considering public focus just ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Sitharaman made several important observations and announcement about farmers. India may have transformed into an Information Technology (IT) and service sector hub, but agricultural sector still remains a source of income for millions of Indians. Provisions for this sector hence come into focus from analysts and common citizens alike. In her budget speech, Sitharaman regarded Indian farmers as 'annadata' (provider of food). Earlier in her speech, the finance minister mentioned various steps the Government of India had taken for the benefit of farmers in the country. "Every year, under PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana, direct financial assistance is provided to 11.8 crore (118 million) farmers, including marginal and small farmers. Crop insurance is given to 4 crore (40 million) farmers under PM Fasal Bima Yojana. These, besides several other programmes, are assisting ‘annadata’ in producing food for the country and the world," she said. Sitharaman said that government initiative of Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) has integrated 1361 mandis (vegetable markets) across the county. The eNAM is India's countrywide electronic trading portal aiming to create a unified national market for agriculture produce by integrating existing networks and APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committees). Sitharaman said that eNAM is already providing services to 1.8 crore (18 million) farmers. "The sector is poised for inclusive, balanced, higher growth and productivity. These are facilitated from farmer-centric policies, income support, coverage of risks through price and insurance support, promotion of technologies and innovations through start-ups," she said. The finance minister said that in coming days, government will step up efforts for value addition in agricultural sector and for increase in farmers' income. "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has benefitted 38 lakh (3.8 million) farmers and generated 10 lakh (1 million) employment. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Yojana has assisted 2.4 lakh (240,000) SHGs and sixty thousand individuals with credit linkages. Other schemes are complementing the efforts for reducing post-harvest losses, and improving productivity and incomes," said Sitharaman. Talking about steps planned for growth of the sector, she said government will look to private and public investment. In her speech, Sitharaman also spoke of supporting dairy farmers. The minister said that a 'comprehensive programme' will be launched. "India is the world’s largest milk producer but with low productivity of milch animals. The programme will 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," said the minister. Also Read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech Sitharaman said that the government will work towards achieving self-sufficiency for oil-seeds "Building on the initiative announced in 2022, a strategy will be formulated to achieve ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-sufficiency) for oil seeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. This will cover research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance," she said. Also Read | India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented As she spoke about achievements of her government, Sitharaman mentioned that worries about food security have been addressed by provision of free ration to 80 crore (800 million) people through public distribution system in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: What has Indian farmer gained?

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks an increase from the initial allocation of Rs 400 crore for the same financial year. The island nation has seen the highest increase in allocation by New Delhi for the neighbouring countries it extends financial support.

The increased allocation in the interim Budget reaffirms India's commitment to furthering major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives. India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).&nbsp;

New Delhi has kept Rs 600 cr for the counrty for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue.

Similarly, Nepal and Afghanistan also witness an uptick in allocations in the interim&nbsp;Budget. Nepal receives an additional Rs 100 Cr, bringing its total allocation to Rs 650 Cr, while Afghanistan sees a modest increase of Rs 20 Cr, with a revised allocation of Rs 220 Cr. Both figures are allocated in the revised budget for 2023-24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-empowerment-of-women-has-gained-momentum-in-last-10-years-says-nirmala-sitharaman-685891">Watch |&nbsp;Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

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Grants and loans to foreign governments points to India's support for regional developments when it comes to FY 2023-24 budget figures. At the forefront of India's foreign assistance is Bhutan, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2398.97 crore. This significant amount underscores the special relationship between India and Bhutan, emphasising India's role as a key development&nbsp;partner in the region.

Among the recipients, Bangladesh received an allocation of Rs 130 crore, while Mongolia has been allocated Rs 5 crore, emphasising India's engagement with nations beyond its immediate vicinity. Mauritius, Seychelles, and Myanmar receive substantial allocations of Rs 330 crore, Rs 9.91 crore, and Rs 370 crore respectively, highlighting India's efforts to support the socio-economic development of these countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">Also read |&nbsp;India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech</a>

A notable allocation of Rs 100 crore is earmarked for the Chabahar port project, underlining&nbsp;India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade in the region. This allocation reaffirms India's strategic interest in the Chabahar port and its potential to serve as a key gateway for trade and commerce.

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24.

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks an increase from the initial allocation of Rs 400 crore for the same financial year. The island nation has seen the highest increase in allocation by New Delhi for the neighbouring countries it extends financial support. The increased allocation in the interim Budget reaffirms India's commitment to furthering major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives. India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). New Delhi has kept Rs 600 cr for the counrty for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue. Similarly, Nepal and Afghanistan also witness an uptick in allocations in the interim Budget. Nepal receives an additional Rs 100 Cr, bringing its total allocation to Rs 650 Cr, while Afghanistan sees a modest increase of Rs 20 Cr, with a revised allocation of Rs 220 Cr. Both figures are allocated in the revised budget for 2023-24. Watch | Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman × Grants and loans to foreign governments points to India's support for regional developments when it comes to FY 2023-24 budget figures. At the forefront of India's foreign assistance is Bhutan, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2398.97 crore. This significant amount underscores the special relationship between India and Bhutan, emphasising India's role as a key development partner in the region. Among the recipients, Bangladesh received an allocation of Rs 130 crore, while Mongolia has been allocated Rs 5 crore, emphasising India's engagement with nations beyond its immediate vicinity. Mauritius, Seychelles, and Myanmar receive substantial allocations of Rs 330 crore, Rs 9.91 crore, and Rs 370 crore respectively, highlighting India's efforts to support the socio-economic development of these countries. Also read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech A notable allocation of Rs 100 crore is earmarked for the Chabahar port project, underlining India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade in the region. This allocation reaffirms India's strategic interest in the Chabahar port and its potential to serve as a key gateway for trade and commerce.

Indian interim Budget figures show increased allocation to Maldives at Rs 770 crore

Budget 2024: The budget of a country as huge as India is likely to include a lot of number-crunching and complex descriptions of matters. But provisions for youth is one area everyone has their eyes on. As she presented the interim Budget 2024, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about steps PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Partry (BJP) government had taken to benefit the youth.

During her speech in the Parliament of India, she appeared to project the government's vision for the Indian youth. This particular budget, though called interim, is important as general elections are due in India in a matter of months. Public perception, especially in election year indeed matters.

At first, the finance minister took a review of government activities&nbsp;so far in this area.

She said in her speech that India's prosperity is dependent on adequately equipping and empowering the youth. She said that the new education policy (National Education Policy 2020) has ushered in transformational changes.

"PM ScHools for Rising India (PM SHRI) are delivering quality teaching, and nurturing holistic and well-rounded individuals," she said.

Sitharaman then spoke about the Skill India Mission, saying that the programme has so far trained 1.4 crore (14 million) Indian youngsters and has been reskilling and upskilling 54 lakh (5.4 million) youths.

"[The mission has] established 3000 new ITIs. A large number of new institutions of higher learning, namely 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 universities have been set up," said Sitharaman.

She talked&nbsp;about what the government has done to encourage entrepreneurship among youth.&nbsp;

"The PM Mudra Yojana has sanctioned Rs 43 crore loans (USD 5.1 million) aggregating to &nbsp;22.5 lakh crore for the entrepreneurial aspirations of our youth. Besides that, Fund of Funds, Start Up India, and Start Up Credit Guarantee schemes are assisting our youth," she said, adding that through their entrepreneurial skills, Indian youths are becoming 'rozgardata' (employment providers).

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>

About the government's plans, the finance minister said that it was planning to set up more medical colleges. The existing hospital infrastructure will be utilised for this. The government will set up a committee to examine this and make recommendations.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-for-railways-fm-sitharaman-says-3-major-economic-corridor-programmes-to-be-implemented-685834">India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented</a>

Sitharaman said that the tech-savvy youth in the country is set to experience a 'golden era' unfolding in the years ahead.

"A corpus of rupees one lakh crore (USD 12 billion) will be established with a 50-year interest-free loan. The corpus will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenure and low or nil interest rates. This will encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation significantly in sunrise domains. We need to have programmes that combine the powers of our youth and technology," said Sitharaman.

(With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: The budget of a country as huge as India is likely to include a lot of number-crunching and complex descriptions of matters. But provisions for youth is one area everyone has their eyes on.

Budget 2024: The budget of a country as huge as India is likely to include a lot of number-crunching and complex descriptions of matters. But provisions for youth is one area everyone has their eyes on. As she presented the interim Budget 2024, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about steps PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Partry (BJP) government had taken to benefit the youth. During her speech in the Parliament of India, she appeared to project the government's vision for the Indian youth. This particular budget, though called interim, is important as general elections are due in India in a matter of months. Public perception, especially in election year indeed matters. At first, the finance minister took a review of government activities so far in this area. She said in her speech that India's prosperity is dependent on adequately equipping and empowering the youth. She said that the new education policy (National Education Policy 2020) has ushered in transformational changes. "PM ScHools for Rising India (PM SHRI) are delivering quality teaching, and nurturing holistic and well-rounded individuals," she said. Sitharaman then spoke about the Skill India Mission, saying that the programme has so far trained 1.4 crore (14 million) Indian youngsters and has been reskilling and upskilling 54 lakh (5.4 million) youths. "[The mission has] established 3000 new ITIs. A large number of new institutions of higher learning, namely 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 universities have been set up," said Sitharaman. She talked about what the government has done to encourage entrepreneurship among youth. "The PM Mudra Yojana has sanctioned Rs 43 crore loans (USD 5.1 million) aggregating to 22.5 lakh crore for the entrepreneurial aspirations of our youth. Besides that, Fund of Funds, Start Up India, and Start Up Credit Guarantee schemes are assisting our youth," she said, adding that through their entrepreneurial skills, Indian youths are becoming 'rozgardata' (employment providers). Also Read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech About the government's plans, the finance minister said that it was planning to set up more medical colleges. The existing hospital infrastructure will be utilised for this. The government will set up a committee to examine this and make recommendations. Also Read | India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented Sitharaman said that the tech-savvy youth in the country is set to experience a 'golden era' unfolding in the years ahead. "A corpus of rupees one lakh crore (USD 12 billion) will be established with a 50-year interest-free loan. The corpus will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenure and low or nil interest rates. This will encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation significantly in sunrise domains. We need to have programmes that combine the powers of our youth and technology," said Sitharaman. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: What's in it for the Indian youth?

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'

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