Union Budget 2025 Live: New Income Tax Bill To Be Tabled In Parliament This Week; Key Changes Expected

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Amit Srivastava, Founder and Chief Catalyst of Nutrify Today

“The Union Budget 2025-26, despite its mixed impact on healthcare, heralds a significant opportunity for the nutraceutical sector. The Indian government's unwavering focus on research and innovation, particularly through initiatives like the National Institute of Food Technology and increased R&D incentives, sets a strong foundation for the development of high-value intellectual property (IP) in India. This will upscale the nutraceutical sector, drive exports, and contribute to better healthcare solutions for Indian citizens. Furthermore, the investment in supply chain efficiencies and transparency will bolster ingredient reliability from India, helping to position the country as a trusted source for the global supplement market. With enhanced traceability and quality assurance, Indian nutraceuticals are poised to make a significant impact in international markets, solidifying the nation’s standing as a responsible nutrition and wellness innovation leader.”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Asheesh Gupta, Founder & CEO, Samarth Eldercare on Healthcare & Eldercare

"The Finance Minister set her priorities clearly at the outset, focusing on the poor, youth, farmers, and women. While the elderly were not specifically mentioned, the proposals aim more at simplification than direct financial relief. That said, there is still reason for optimism. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, setting up cancer daycare centers, reducing duties on life-saving medicines, and extending benefits to gig workers—potentially including eldercare professionals—could bring much-needed support to senior citizens in an indirect but meaningful way."

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Vimal Nadar, Head of Research at Colliers India

“There was an ongoing dispute between commercial real estate companies and the GST authorities with respect to claiming input tax credit (ITC) on construction costs including cement, steel, etc. This emerged from the ambiguity around the definition of plant and machinery as per CGST Act. Interestingly, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the real estate companies making them eligible to claim ITC, in the latter part of 2024. However, the Government continued to contest this decree and had clearly indicated that they will ensure relevant amendment to override the ruling. Budget 2025 has brought in this expected revision into effect by reviewing the definition of plant & machinery thereby disallowing commercial real estate companies who are into construction of buildings for rental purposes retrospectively. “

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company

“The new tax slabs put more money in the hands of the middle class, boosting both disposable income and consumption, further strengthening the economy. Add to that the government’s push for higher agricultural productivity and stronger MSMEs, and we have the perfect recipe for accelerated economic growth.”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman Hero MotoCorp

“The Union Budget 2025 outlines a bold vision for Viksit Bharat, focused on eradication of poverty, quality education, affordable healthcare, and women’s empowerment. By prioritizing rural prosperity and establishing India as a global agricultural powerhouse, the budget fosters inclusive growth that reaches all corners of the nation. A bold push towards manufacturing excellence, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure, EV technology, and MSME growth, strengthens India’s industrial backbone. This people-centric vision strikes a perfect balance between fiscal discipline and sustainable economic growth. The elimination of income tax for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh will spur economic activity and unlock consumer potential, while simplified tax regulations foster ease of doing business. Meanwhile, green energy investments and EV policy support accelerate India’s shift to a clean, sustainable economy, positioning it as a leader in innovative mobility. “

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Mahesh Babu, CEO of SWITCH Mobility

"India's FY25-26 budget targets economic growth with a 4.4% fiscal deficit and income tax cuts, including exemptions for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh boost disposable income, consumer spending benefiting sectors like commercial vehicles with higher logistics demands. The budget also simplifies duties and taxes to support MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurship." The exemption of customs duties on lithium-ion batteries and critical minerals such as cobalt, zinc, and lead represents a crucial step in reinforcing India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. This move will enhance the competitiveness of the EV industry, helping it to grow more rapidly and become a key player in the global market. It accelerates India’s progress toward Atma Nirbharta in clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions. These measures are expected to reduce the overall cost of EVs, making them more affordable for consumers, which directly supports the government’s ambitious target of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030."

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Kartick Nagpal, President of Rosmerta Technologies

“We are aligned with the Union Budget 2025-26’s focus on advancing India’s transition to sustainable mobility and infrastructure. With strategic investments in EV adoption, clean energy, and green public transport, India is accelerating towards a future of reduced emissions and energy self-reliance. At Rosmerta, we are proud to support this vision through our sustainable solutions, including our Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and Automated Testing Stations (ATS), all of which contribute to reducing environmental impact. Over the years, we’ve showcased a blend of advanced solutions and sustainable vehicle scrapping practices, alongside impactful community initiatives, driving a cleaner, more efficient mobility ecosystem. Together, we are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in mobility.”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Atul Shinghal, Founder and CEO, Scripbox

“The Union Budget 2025 strikes a crucial balance between growth and fiscal prudence, laying a strong foundation for India’s sustained economic momentum. Measures aimed at increasing household income are expected to drive stronger consumer spending, supporting overall economic momentum. A focused push on infrastructure expansion, urban planning, and trade facilitation will enhance connectivity and accelerate economic activity. The budget also maintains a fine balance between fiscal responsibility and growth-oriented initiatives, ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability. Additionally, targeted incentives in clean energy, manufacturing, and logistics position India as a key player in global supply chains, fostering sustainable industrial growth. Overall, this budget underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient, competitive, and high-growth economy.”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reaction By Bhavin Mehta, Director, Kilitch Drugs Ltd.

"The current budget proposals take a significant step towards an inclusive and accessible healthcare system in India. The expansion of Patient Assistance Programmes to include more medicines will benefit patient welfare schemes that will further improve the quality of life and health. The budget aimed at providing relief to patients suffering from severe chronic diseases. For instance, exempting lifesaving drugs from the Basic Customs Duty, along with the concessional duty on certain lifesaving medicines, is a commendable step towards making essential treatments more accessible and affordable, benefitting millions of Indians. These measures will significantly benefit patients suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other serious illnesses, and we support these initiatives to enhance the health and over well-being of the society. We welcome the proposal to set up an Export Promotion Mission. This mission will facilitate easy access to export credit, cross-border factoring support, and assist MSMEs in tackling non-tariff barriers in overseas markets. We believe this will not only strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical sector but also enhance India’s position as a global leader in affordable healthcare solutions."

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reactions By LenDenClub, Co-founder & CEO, Bhavin Patel

"Certain steps announced in the budget will assist in nurturing the startup ecosystem. The extension of the time limit under Section 80-IAC provides a much-needed boost to startups, ensuring they have ample time to establish and grow. In addition to that, the new Fund of Funds with an expanded scope and additional contributions will significantly enhance the support available to startups, accelerating innovation and growth across various sectors. What's particularly encouraging for the sector is the doubling of credit guarantee cover to ₹20 crore with a reduced 1% guarantee fee, which will significantly enhance lending capabilities and risk appetite. These initiatives collectively are going to empower startups and drive economic progress. Last and not the least was raising the zero tax slab to 12 lakh. It will boost the large set of India's workforce and will give power to spend and improve their lifestyle. We also hope the upcoming income tax bill will further evolve and bring cheer to overall working fraternity”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reactions By Deepak Thakur, CEO, NPST

''The Union Budget FY 2025-26 delivers a comprehensive framework to stimulate growth, enhance investment, and provide direct financial relief. The key highlight—no tax obligation on income up to ₹12.75 lakh. By restructuring slabs and rates across the board, this measure is set to increase disposable income, fueling household consumption, savings, and investment. A direct consequence of increased discretionary spending will be a rise in digital transactions, further accelerating UPI adoption. As UPI cements its role as the dominant digital payment rail, higher transaction volumes are expected to follow. The revamped PM SVANidhi scheme introduces enhanced micro-loans from banks, UPI-linked credit cards with a ₹30,000 limit, and structured capacity-building initiatives. With an estimated 10 million street vendors gaining access to formal credit, the initiative strengthens financial inclusion while driving digital-first lending. The introduction of the Grameen Credit Score Framework will significantly expand rural access to credit, while streamlined KYC processes and a revamped registry by 2025 will enhance financial participation."

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reactions By Rajesh Kakkar, Business Head & Principal Officer, at Zuari Insurance Brokers Ltd.

“The opening up of 100% in the insurance sector through FDI is a revolutionizing step for capital infusion, innovation, and competition. In this regard, it will infuse insurance penetration, especially with the underserved segments like SMEs, Startups, and Gig workers. With global know-how, better risk management, and smarter underwriting will be managed with customized products to meet evolving needs in India. The process will also encourage digital adoption; simplify claim settlement processes; and expand product ranges. This change will align perfectly with the Government's vision to achieve 'Insurance for All' by 2047. To that end, we at Zuari Insurance Brokers Limited extend our welcome for this development, committed to always providing customer-centric, innovative, and effective solutions in insurance for our customers".

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reactions By Ravi Goel, CBO RapidShyp

“The Union Budget 2025 is a significant step forward for India's logistics sector, focusing on technology, infrastructure, and efficiency. The transformation of India Post into a next-generation logistics provider highlights the government's commitment to modernizing last-mile delivery and strengthening the national supply chain. This initiative is going to enhance competition, foster innovation, and improve accessibility, particularly benefiting MSMEs and e-commerce businesses.”

Union Budget 2025: Post Budget Reactions By Rohit Beri, CEO and CIO ArthAlpha

"The 2025-26 Budget brings much-needed clarity and efficiency to the taxation of mutual funds, ensuring a balanced and investor-friendly framework. With rationalized capital gains taxation across equity and debt funds, higher tax-free thresholds, and revised TDS/TCS provisions, these reforms significantly reduce compliance burdens for both investors and asset management companies. By incentivizing long-term investment through favorable tax treatment and aligning mutual fund taxation with global best practices, the government is fostering deeper retail participation, enhancing liquidity in capital markets, and ensuring a stable flow of capital into the economy. These changes will not only strengthen investor confidence but also position mutual funds as a key vehicle for wealth creation and financial inclusion in India's growth story."

Union Budget 2025: Post-budget reaction By Arnab Banerjee spokesperson CEAT Tyres

"Budget of India comprehensively addresses all key areas of the economy covering agriculture, rural development, education, health, tourism and infrastructure. It has new initiatives to provide finance for agriculture , startups and MSMEs. There is a good amount of emphasis on “ease of doing business “ particularly in direct & indirect tax related compliances. Relief for the middle class through lowering of income tax would help in higher disposable income that would boost consumption and personal investment. It is heartening to see further drop in fiscal deficit to 4.4% next year, this should augur well in managing the health of the government and also in managing inflation. Overall a well balanced budget.”

Union Budget 2025: Post-budget reaction By Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

“The Union Budget 2025 focuses on employment generation, boosting domestic consumption, and enhancing connectivity by concentrating on the rapid development of physical infrastructure and increasing disposable income of citizens. This will have a positive impact on increasing demand for all real estate asset classes across the country. Furthermore, the budget has an allocation of INR 15,000 Cr under the SWAMIH Fund for addressing liquidity issues of delayed housing projects. This along with the digitization of land records is expected to strengthen homebuyers' confidence.” Mr. Rao further added, “Upgradation of infrastructure facilities for air cargo will multiply the demand for warehousing across the country. Focus on setting up GCCs in tier-2 cities will transform the real estate landscape in the emerging cities of India.

Union Budget 2025: Post-budget reaction By Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

“The budget has continued to focus on improving the ease of doing business through innovation, technological upgradation and sharing of data between public & private sector establishments. The extension of the SWAMIH fund is a much-expected move as several real estate projects continue to reel under stress due to funding constraints, delaying delivery of homes. Additionally, rationalization of taxes and enhancement of exemption limits can boost disposable income spurring consumption levels and real estate investments, particularly in residential real estate and alternate financial instruments such as REITs.”

Union Budget 2025: Post-budget reaction By Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

“The Union Budget 2025-26 has continued to further the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Sabka Vikas’ through transformative reforms across six key domains including urban & real estate development, power & mining sectors, financial services and taxation as well regulatory reforms. Balanced regional growth across tier I & II cities will be driven by engines such as agriculture, MSMEs, investments and exports. The National Manufacturing Mission, guidance framework for GCCs, start-up focused AIF, SWAMIH 2 fund and Urban Challenge Fund, all hold potential to significantly accelerate real estate growth across multiple real estate segments. “

Union Budget 2025: Agriculture and MSMEs Recognized as Dual Engines of Growth

The recognition of agriculture as the first engine of growth and MSMEs as the second growth engine in the Union Budget 2025 reflects the government's strategic vision for India's economic development. The comprehensive reforms announced, particularly the Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, demonstrate a holistic approach to agricultural transformation through enhanced irrigation, credit access, and skill development across 100 agri districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers, while initiatives like the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds and Cotton Productivity Mission create a robust framework for sustainable agricultural growth. As part of the StarAgri Group, we are well-positioned to support this proposed reform through our technology led integrated agricultural value-chain services such as procurement, trade facilitation, warehousing, collateral management, financing solutions, digital marketplace and technology based value added services, to farmers, traders, millers, processors and corporates. With our network of 2,189 warehouses which enables us to create and benefit from a networking effect and our technology driven integrated platform offering key services to the agricultural sector, we remain committed to redefining the agricultural landscape, providing transparency, efficiency, and security to all stakeholders involved.

Budget 2025-26: A Measured Approach to Economic Development

“In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant measures across various sectors. In financial services, the government proposes to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance to 100% from the existing 74%, aiming to attract more capital and enhance technical capabilities in the sector. To bolster the startup ecosystem, a new Fund of Funds with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore has been established, expanding the scope of funding and focusing on high-impact sectors like deep tech. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed 'patient capital' to startups working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, robotics, blockchain, and clean energy. In the healthcare sector, the budget allocates ₹98,311 crore, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. Notably, the government plans to establish Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals and exempt cancer drugs from customs duty, aiming to improve accessibility and affordability of cancer treatment. Additionally, gig workers will be provided health insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), benefiting at least 10 million such workers. The government will also arrange for identity cards and facilitate registration on the e-Shram portal to assist gig workers. While the industry expected big-bang, radical announcements, especially for these sectors, these announcements provide cautiously-optimistic signal in the right direction,” said Chris George, Co-founder & CEO, Qubehealth - Pay.

Budget 2025 Strikes a Chord: Growth, Consumption, and Investment

“Budget announcements for FY26 have managed to hit the right balance between the need for a consumption stimulus and structural support towards a sustainable growth path for the economy. Proposed income tax reliefs for the middle-class population should bring in plenty of cheer and boost consumption. At the same time, CAPEX thrust has been maintained in the budget with targeted support to critical sectors. The economy thus gets both consumption and CAPEX push to strengthen growth momentum in the year. Reforms in the identified key engines of development- Agriculture, Investment, MSMEs, and Exports, will help accelerate transformation of these sectors as key growth drivers. Focus on Agriculture and Urban transformation will significantly help in unleashing the potential of the economy in the medium term. Announcements around ‘Grameen credit score framework’ and commitment to revamp KYC norms are big positives for the lending business. Focus sectors identified for MSME support are mostly labour-intensive sectors and besides driving manufacturing push, it will also help augment employment generation, skill development, credit availability etc. Most importantly, the underlying intent of deregulation and trust is very positive for the private sector. Overall, a well-balanced budget that sets the path for broad based and sustainable domestic growth despite global headwinds,” said Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, L&T Finance Ltd.

Budget 2025 Outlook By Asit C Mehta Investment Interrmediates Ltd

The Union Budget 2025-26 ultimately aims to lift overall consumption which is the need of the hour to stimulate economic growth. It’s being addressed by tax incentives in the hands of middle class to boost household confidence. The continuation of capex push will further lift overall public capex and subsequently private investment. The allocation spread across sectors by way of policy or budgetary measures to secure inclusive development. While focusing on reforms, the Finance Minister remained committed to fiscal consolidation, setting the fiscal deficit target at 4.4% of GDP for 2025-26 and revised the estimates for 2024-25 at 4.8%. The Budget aims at continuation of various reforms to boost exports and domestic manufacturing. The Union Budget 2025-26 showcases an overall positive picture to generate employment opportunities, revive consumption and pursues economic growth.

Budget 2025: Real Estate Gets A Boost With Tax Relief, Higher TDS Threshold, And SWAMIH 2.0

“This budget is a transformative blueprint for India’s real estate and infrastructure sectors. The tax relief on a second self-occupied house and the TDS threshold hike on rent will stimulate demand for residential and rental properties, empowering homeowners and tenants alike. Combined with the ₹15,000 crore allocation to complete 40,000 stalled housing units under SWAMIH 2.0, this budget addresses both affordability and trust deficits in the market. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and PPP-driven infrastructure pipeline will catalyze smart city development, creating opportunities for integrated townships and commercial hubs. Initiatives like airport expansion under UDAN 4.0 and the focus on temple tourism (including Buddhist circuits) will drive real estate demand in emerging destinations, from Patna to spiritual corridors. With disposable incomes rising due to tax reforms and long-term interest-free loans for PPP projects, this budget retains our ‘Buy’ outlook for 2025. At Alt DRX, we are poised to leverage these reforms to deliver innovative, community-centric real estate solutions that redefine urban living,” commented Avinash Rao, Founder of Alt DRX.

Budget 2025: National Geospatial Mission and Urban Fund to Unlock Real Estate Opportunities

“The Union Budget 2025 has introduced several transformative measures that will significantly impact the real estate sector and urban development. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund is a visionary step toward modernizing cities, fostering creative redevelopment, and positioning urban centers as growth hubs. This initiative, combined with the National Geospatial Mission to modernize land records and infrastructure planning, will streamline urban development and unlock new opportunities for real estate projects. The announcement of SWAMIH Fund 2.0 with a ₹15,000 crore allocation to complete 1 lakh stalled housing units is a much-needed boost for homebuyers and developers alike. This will not only revive stalled projects but also restore confidence in the housing market, ensuring timely delivery of homes for middle-class families. Also, the increase in disposable income due to revised tax structures will enhance home affordability and borrowing capacity, driving demand in the residential real estate sector. Also, one can now have 2 self occupied homes without any tax liability. At Experion, we are excited about these remarkable announcements and remain committed towards contributing to India’s urban transformation by delivering innovative, high-quality real estate solutions,” said Routhu Nagaraju - Chief Executive Officer, Experion Developers.

Budget 2025-26 Boosts Employment, Skilling, And Workforce Innovation

“The Union Budget 2025-26 made efforts to foster employment, skilling, and workforce innovation at scale. The expansion of credit guarantees and increasing the turnover and investment limits for MSMEs, coupled with structured incentives for entrepreneurship, will empower businesses to scale and create sustainable jobs. Issuing identity cards and registering gig and platform workers on e-Shram is a step toward building a more inclusive and resilient workforce. Equally significant is the government’s push for deep-tech funding and AI skilling, which will equip professionals with future-ready capabilities. The introduction of a National Framework for GCCs will drive strategic workforce expansion into tier-2 cities, allowing India to strengthen its position as a global talent hub. As an industry leader in workforce solutions, Quess is committed to enabling this transformation by bridging the gap between talent supply and industry demand, ensuring businesses have access to skilled professionals in an evolving job landscape. We look forward to playing an important role in helping India’s workforce and enterprises thrive in this new era of economic growth,” said Ajit Isaac, Chairman, Quess Corp.

Union Budget 2025: A Strong Push Towards Financial Inclusion and Digital Growth

“The Union Budget 2025 highlights a decisive push towards financial empowerment and inclusion and a digitally-driven economy. The government’s vision to expand access to formal credit, strengthen the digital financial literacy, and enable a thriving fintech ecosystem aligns well with our mission at Home Credit India. We welcome the budget’s provisions aimed at supporting the Middle and Lower-income groups, enhancing consumer protection, and fostering responsible lending practices. The focus on ease of compliance and ease of doing business, rationalisation of customs duties, widening the scope of MSMEs and the sustained emphasis on agrarian economy are all positive steps, reinforcing the core growth elements. As a responsible lender, we remain committed to driving financial inclusion by offering simple, transparent, and accessible credit solutions to underserved communities. By leveraging technology and innovation, we will continue to support India’s vision of a financially resilient and digitally empowered nation, ensuring that millions of consumers can achieve their financial aspirations with confidence,” said Ondrej Kubik, CEO, Home Credit India.

Post budget reaction from Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals

From the 1980s, when our healthcare system grappled with limited infrastructure and resource constraints, we have made significant strides in expanding access to quality care. Over the last decade, we have laid a robust foundation, bringing modern diagnostics, preventive healthcare, and cutting-edge developments in medical technology to patients across India. Now, Budget 2025 serves as a visionary launchpad for ‘Heal in India,’ creating the roadmap to establish India as a global center for advanced healthcare and medical innovation. The expansion of medical education with 75,000 additional medical seats over the next five years, coupled with the launch of Centers of Excellence in AI, will foster innovation in health-tech and expand R&D investments. The announcement to promote medical tourism through private sector partnerships will enhance our capacity to attract global patients and position India as the go-to destination for affordable, world-class medical care under the ‘Heal in India’ mission.With support for capacity building and streamlined visa processes, this initiative will ensure India not only heals its citizens but also helps heal the world. The setting up of 200 Daycare Cancer Centers in district hospitals and the inclusion of critical medicines for rare diseases, cancer, and severe chronic conditions under custom duty exemptions are commendable steps. These measures will reinforce our national efforts in fighting non-communicable diseases and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The focus on skilling healthcare professionals in emerging technologies through the establishment of National Centers of Excellence and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will empower the next generation of medical innovators and startups. Simplified compliance processes for startups will also boost health-tech innovation, enhancing our ability to develop cutting-edge solutions for patient care. This is not just a budget for the year ahead—it is a launchpad for India’s healthcare system to emerge as a global leader. The synergy of initiatives under **‘Heal in India,’ ‘Heal by India,’ and innovation-driven care will redefine how India delivers healthcare and sets benchmarks for the world.

Budget 2025: 100% FDI in Insurance to Attract Global Capital and Expertise

According to Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, “Ageas Federal Life Insurance has already experienced the positive impact of enhanced foreign investment, having been one of the first Indian insurers to embrace the 74% FDI limit. This move has driven innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centric solutions within the industry. The government's decision to increase the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 100% is a landmark reform that will significantly strengthen the industry by attracting fresh capital, global expertise, and cutting-edge innovation. This move aligns seamlessly with the vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047, as it will enhance financial inclusion and drive deeper insurance penetration across both urban and rural India. Additionally, it will provide insurers with greater financial flexibility to expand their reach, address the evolving needs of policyholders, and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth. Furthermore, the revamped Central KYC Registry is a welcome step toward strengthening data security and ensuring a seamless, trusted experience for customers. By prioritizing transparency and ease of doing business, the government is laying a strong foundation for a more resilient and digitally empowered financial ecosystem. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we wholeheartedly welcome these progressive reforms and look forward to leveraging these opportunities to expand our reach and further our mission of securing a fearless future for individuals across India.”

Union Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Pratik Shah, Financial Services Leader, EY India

“Simplifying KYC processes is a step in the right direction that will help streamline and bring down costs of customer acquisition significantly. The 100% FDI limit in insurance will open doors for foreign players who, with their knowhow of products, can foster deeper market penetration. NaBFID's impact on infrastructure financing is pivotal, addressing a longstanding gap where many organizations lacked internal capacity for underwriting such projects. NaBFID's partial credit guarantees, will help create fillip in infrastructure financing space. Moreover, the launch of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be transformative for trade and supply chain finance, acting as a digital enabler similar to UPI. This shift will dramatically reduce costs, accelerate transaction speed, and unlock strategic opportunities to capitalize on the rapidly evolving trade finance landscape.”

Union Budget 2025 Live Reaction: Motilal Oswal, Group MD & CEO, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

“Overall budget manages a fine balance between growth and fiscal prudence. Fiscal deficit is packed at 4.4% below the long term target of 4.5% which will be positive for the economy. Budget has focused on key areas like rural farmers low income which will boost consumption both in the near term as well as long term and help in reviving the economic growth. Overall capex spending planned at 11.2 lakh crore is inline with market expectation. Focus on MSME manufacturing will also be positive for several sectors. Sectoral budget would be positive for consumption driven sectors like FMCG , auto footwear etc. She delivered six in the last over by reducing the income tax on the middle class. I remain positive in the medium to long term.”

Fiscal Discipline and Projected GDP Growth for FY26

Arvind Kothari, smallcase Manager and Founder of Niveshaay Said “The Union Budget 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to balancing fiscal discipline with growth-oriented reforms, aiming to support India’s economic recovery amid global uncertainties. With a projected GDP growth of 6.3–6.8% for FY26 and a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% (down from 4.8%), the budget strikes a prudent balance between fiscal consolidation and economic expansion. A key highlight is the continued emphasis on capital expenditure (capex), with an allocation of ₹11.21 trillion for FY26, up from the revised estimate of ₹10.18 trillion in FY25.

Union Budget Live 2025 Reaction: Enhancing Disposable Income, Investor Participation, and Tax Efficiency

Robin Arya, smallcase manager and Founder at GoalFi Said “The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces several structural and fiscal measures aimed at economic growth, financial inclusion, and tax simplification. The rationalization of income tax slabs, with zero tax liability up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime, directly enhances disposable income and investor participation in financial markets. The proposed reduction in TDS complexities, increased deduction limits for senior citizens (₹1 lakh) and rent (₹6 lakh), and the removal of TCS on education loans further streamline tax compliance. The focus on MSMEs, capital markets, and fintech is expected to improve capital allocation efficiency, while the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, targeting a 4.4% fiscal deficit for FY26, signal macroeconomic stability.”

Union Budget 2025 Presser Live: How KCC Will Stimulate Rural Consumption

Secretary M. Nagaraju stated, “KCC loans are provided at an interest rate of 7%, subsidized by the government, making the effective interest rate for KCC loans just 4%. Following the announcements, there will be an additional budgetary impact of ₹26 crore on KCC loans.”

Union Budget 2025 Presser Live: Economic Vision for ViksitBharat’

FM says "We will present the income tax bill in Parliament next week. The Budget outlines several key points on how the economy is expected to progress towards a ‘ViksitBharat,’

Union Budget Presser Live: FM on Putting More Money in the hands of Public

Nirmala Sitharaman says “We have responded to the voice of people and also made our own assessments.Therefore we have given this “

Union Budget Presser Live: FM on Income Tax Bill

FM Sitharaman says, “The income tax rebate has steadily increased from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum. Now, the government has decided that individuals earning ₹1 lakh per month will also be eligible for a tax rebate. This gradual approach ensures that more people can benefit from these provisions."

Union Budget Presser Live : FM On The NEW Tax Regime

Fm Says “The income tax rebate has steadily increased from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum. Now, the government has decided that individuals earning ₹1 lakh per month will also be eligible for a tax rebate. This gradual approach ensures that more people can benefit from these provisions.”

Infrastructure Push to Strengthen Real Estate Market

Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian said, “The Union Budget 2025 focuses on employment generation, boosting domestic consumption, and enhancing connectivity by concentrating on the rapid development of physical infrastructure and increasing disposable income of citizens. This will have a positive impact on increasing demand for all real estate asset classes across the country. Furthermore, the budget has an allocation of INR 15,000 Cr under the SWAMIH Fund for addressing liquidity issues of delayed housing projects. Mr. Rao further added, “Upgradation of infrastructure facilities for air cargo will multiply the demand for warehousing across the country. Focus on setting up GCCs in tier-2 cities will transform the real estate landscape in the emerging cities of India.”

Public Sector Banks to Develop ‘Grameen Credit Score

Public Sector Banks will develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit

‘Bharat Trade Net’ (BTN) for International Trade

‘Bharat Trade Net’ (BTN) for international trade will be set-up

50-year Interest Free Loans to States

An outlay of Rs 1.5 lakh crore is proposed for 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure

Key Relief for Homebuyers and Housing Sector

Piyush Bothra, Co-Founder and CFO, Square Yards said “The recent budget introduces much-needed relief, particularly with the zero-tax provision on annual incomes up to Rs 12 lakh a move that enhances disposable income and is expected to support homebuyers. Additionally, the allocation of Rs 15,000 crore under the SWAMIH Fund for completing 1 lakh stalled housing units is a significant intervention, providing relief to buyers impacted by delayed projects and supporting supply-side stakeholders. However, additional measures could have further strengthened the sector. Increasing home loan deduction limits would have improved financing accessibility, particularly for first-time homebuyers and end-users”

50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in Government Schools

50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

Fund of Funds for Startups

Fund of Funds for Startups, with a contribution of Rs 10,000 crore

Customized Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises

Customized Credit Cards’ with a Rs 5 lakh limit for Micro Enterprises

New Income Tax Bill To Have Lesser Text

New income tax bill will have 50% lesser text compared to the present law.

Defence Budget Accounts for 1.9% of GDP

Defence budget accounts for 1.9% of the India’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024-25.

Defence Pension Account For Rs 1.60 lk cr of Total Outlay

Defence pension account for Rs 1.60 lk crore of total outlay

Ministry of Defence Receives Rs 6.81 lk cr Allocation

Ministry of Defence receives the largest allocation, totaling Rs 681,210.27 crore

Defence Budget Allocation Hiked To Rs 6.81 lk cr

Defence budget allocation hiked to Rs 6.81 lakh crore

Impact Of Revised Tax Slabs On Disposable Income & Spending Patterns

Amit Koshal, Co-founder & CEO of TWID Says, “Budget 2025 marks a transformative shift in consumer empowerment, with increased disposable incomes driving smarter spending and a greater focus on value. With the rebate limit under Section 87A raised to ₹12 lakh and a standard deduction of ₹75,000, salaried individuals will see a significant reduction in their tax burden, putting more money in their hands. As digital payments continue to grow, this higher disposable income will enable consumers to maximize every rupee spent, reshaping spending patterns. “

Customs Duty to be Removed on 35 Items of Lithium-ion Batteries

Customs duty to be removed on 35 additional items for manufacturing of lithium ion batteries

First-Time Entrepreneurs Scheme To Be Launched

A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes ‘First-Time entrepreneurs’

Registrations To Start On E-shram Portal

ID cards will be made for gig workers working for online platforms

Reduction in Duty on Lithium-Ion Batteries

Reduction in the duty on lithium-ion batteries

Rs 1.5 lk cr in Interest-Free Loans to States

Rs 1.5 lk cr in interest-free loans to states to support infrastructure

Union Budget 2025: PM Modi Says Budget Will Have a Major Impact on Agriculture

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “the Union Budget 2025 will bring significant reforms to the agriculture sector and the rural economy. The Budget will drive major infrastructure developments, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing agricultural productivity across the country.”

Capex Target Up by 10.08% to Rs 11.21 Lk Cr for FY26

Capex target up by 10.08% to record Rs 11.21 lakh crore for FY26

Union Budget 2025: PM Modi Lauds the Budget’s Focus on Empowering the Common Man

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the Union Budget 2025, He highlighted that the Budget prioritizes enhancing financial security and creating opportunities for greater economic participation, aiming to uplift the lives of ordinary citizens across the country.

Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy To be Revamped

Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy will be revamped

Large ships To Be Included in HML

Large ships above a specified size to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML)

Shipbuilding Clusters to Increase Range, Categories

Shipbuilding Clusters to be facilitated to increase range, categories and capacity of ships

Union Budget 2025 Live Reactions: Crypto Taxation Unchanged in Budget

Edul Patel, CEO and Co-founder of Mudrex said, “The Union Budget 2025 has maintained the existing tax structure on VDAs. While regulatory clarity remains, the lack of revisions—particularly on the 1% TDS and the inability to offset losses—continues to pose challenges for investors, traders, and industry in the space.A more balanced approach—such as lowering TDS to 0.01% and allowing loss offsets—could have encouraged sustainable participation and innovation.”

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates: Top 5 Gainers And Losers Today

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

80c Increased 1.5 lac to 2 lac

The government has announced an increase in the Section 80C deduction limit from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh.

No Income Tax Up To 12 lakhs

FM Says, Government announced NO INCOME TAX up to 12 lakhs"

ITR Filing Deadline extended

FM Says, "The deadline for filing updated tax returns has been extended from 2 years to 4 years."

No tax for senior citizen withdrawals from NSS

fM Says, " there will be no tax on withdrawals made from the National Savings Scheme (NSS)"

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Govt To Rationalise TDS and TCS

FM Says, "interest tds limit 1 lacs TDS limit rent 6 LACS tcs limit for LRS 10 LACS

Tax deduction increases to 100k from 50k for senior citizens

Tax deduction increases to 100k from 50k for senior citizens

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

life-saving medications would not be subject to basic customs duty

FM Says, "The Finance Minister declared that wet blue leather, 35 additional capital goods for EV manufacture, and 36 life-saving medications would not be subject to basic customs duty (BCD). "

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates: Top 5 Gainers And Losers Today

Direct tax proposal - tax reforms important for Viksit Bharat

FM Says, "Direct tax proposal - tax reforms important for Viksit Bharat

Custom duty reduced for Fish plate

BDC Reduced from 30%-5% on Frozen Fish paste for manufacture and export. ASLO BCD reduced from 30-5% on fish hydrolycates

Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047

FM Says, "Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts"

Customs tax rate

FM Says, "I remove 7 tariff rates, now there will be only 8 remaining tariff rates. Appropriate cess to be in place. levy not more than 1 cess. Social Welfare Cess announced

FY25 Fiscal deficit seen at 4.8% of GDP

FM Says, "The predicted fiscal deficit for FY26 is 4.4%, whereas the fiscal deficit for FY25 is set at 4.8%."

Jan Vishwas Bill Launched

Jan Vishwas Bill to be launched 2.0 to decriminalise 100 offences

loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) will be increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The Finance Minister announced that the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) will be increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

FDI Limit Raised to 74% -100%

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector has been raised from 74% to 100%.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates

FM

New income tax bill to be launched next week

FM Says "For Financial sector reforms, new income tax bill to be launched next week"

10,000 fellowships to be provided under the PM Research Fellowship scheme

10,000 fellowships to be provided under the PM Research Fellowship scheme in next five years, for technological research in IITs and IISc.

Nuclear Energy Mission

With the aim of producing at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, the Finance Minister announced a Nuclear Energy Mission to spearhead India's shift to clean energy.

UDAAN Scheme To Be Launched

Modified UDAAN Scheme to be launched, including 120 new destinations, 4 crore additional passengers.

Union Budget Live Updates:

FM

Maritime development fund to be set up fo a corpus of 25000 crore

FM Says "A maritime development fund with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore will be set up; 49% contribution from govt and balance will be mobilized from ports and private sector"

Maritime Development Fund Will be Set Up

A maritime development fund with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore will be set up

Government announces Daycare Cancer Centers in Every District

To improve access to cancer care, the finance minister declared that all district hospitals would have daycare cancer centers over the next three years. There will be 200 centers established in FY 2025–2026 alone.

Urban challenging fund - Rs1 lk crore fund wil be established

Urban challenging fund - Rs1 lk crore fund wil be established

Urban challenging fund Rs. 1 lakh crore fund wil be established.

FM Says,"Govt will set up a Urban challenge fund of 1 Lakh crores for creative re-development of cities, and water and sanitation services. 50% of funds will be funded from bonds, bank loans and PPP. 10k crore allocation in 2025-2026"

estabishment Of Atal Tinkering Labs

Over the next five years, 50,000 government schools will have Atal Tinkering Labs to foster pupils' creativity, curiosity, and scientific temper.

Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

FM announces New scheme for agriculture sector—Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates

Budget to focus on furthering Make In India, supporting MSMEs

FM Says Budget to focus on furthering Make In India, supporting MSMEs

AI for Education to be set up For a total outlay of 500 cr

Union Budget Live Updates

Stock Market Live Updates

Toy Sector Boos Announced

Scheme to Make India A Global Toys Hub to create high-quality toys representing the 'Made in India' brand

Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors

Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors is expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, turnover of Rs. 4 lakh crore and exports of over Rs. 1.1 lakh crore

Govt to bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries

FM Says, "Govt to bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries"

ational institute of Food Tech , entrepreneurship and management in Bihar

National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be set up in Bihar to provide a strong fillip to food processing activities in the entire Eastern region.

New Classification Criteria for MSMEs Announced

FM Says,"Investment limit for MSME classification to be made 2.5 times. Turnover limits for MSME classification to be doubled"

Budget to initiate reforms in 6 domains

Budget to initiate reforms in 6 domains -- taxation, urban development, mining, financial sector, power and regulatory reforms," FM Says

PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in partnership with states. The scheme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters.

loan amount for kishan scheme increased to Rs 5 lakh

loan amount for kishan scheme increased to Rs 5 lakh

Govt Aims Zero Poverty

FM Says, Budget Is For Middle Class, Govt Aims Zero Poverty

Makhana board in bihar to be created

Makahana board will be established for people of bihar to improve production and manufacturing , support for farmer

Govt launches a six year mission for atma nirbharta in pulses

FM says Govt launches a six year mission for atmanirbharta in pulses

Agriculture First Engine For Viksit Bharat

FM says Agriculture First Engine For Viksit Bharat

Next 5 years unique opportunity for growth

FM says Next 5 years has a unique opportunity for growth of the country

Focus in the budget to boost growth

FM says a strong focus will be on the boosting growth of the nation

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman to Begin the Budget Speech Shortly

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is all set to begin the highly anticipated Union Budget 2025 speech in Parliament.

Union Budget Live Updates:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Expected Reforms in the Oil & Gas Sector

Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited, “The oil and gas sector has experienced considerable momentum in recent months, and sustaining this growth hinges on focused policymaking in the Union Budget 2025. First and foremost would be the passage of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which can mark a turning point for the industry. The proposed changes will expedite approvals, simplify arbitration processes, and particularly benefit unconventional hydrocarbons like shale and coalbed methane, improving not only investments but also enhance resource utilization. Collaboration between public and private players must also be a priority. Initiatives like OLAP, DSF, and PEC have demonstrated the benefits of partnership in unlocking India’s hydrocarbon reserves.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates:

Household Consumer Goods

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates:

Insurance

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Tax Deduction On Home Loans

Sachin Chopda, Managing Director, Pushpam Group says , “A key expectation is the enhancement of the tax deduction limit on home loan interest from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which has been a long-standing demand. Additionally, a revision in the GST input tax credit mechanism can reduce the financial burden on developers, ensuring cost efficiencies that could stabilize property prices. The second home market, valued at over ₹18,000 crore in FY23 and growing at a CAGR of 12% (Knight Frank India), could further benefit from targeted incentives for investment in leisure properties. Recognizing second homes as a distinct category under affordable housing with enhanced tax benefits can catalyze growth in this sector.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Key Budget Proposals for Financial Inclusion and Digital Growth

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money said, “"As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative to prioritize measures that strengthen the digital financial ecosystem, particularly in rural India, where initiatives like Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) and Bharat Connect have become lifelines for millions. While AePS has revolutionized cash-in cash-out (CICO) operations, ensuring transaction safety and security remains a critical focus for the fintech ecosystem.Additionally, a reduction or waiver of GST on financial services offered at Banking Agent outlets would significantly ease the financial burden on these grassroots operators, encouraging broader participation in rural banking.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Proposal to Raise TP Documentation Threshold

Rajiv Bhutani, Partner, Transfer Pricing, Tax & Regulatory Services, BDO India asserts, “Since the introduction of TP provisions in 2001, the threshold for maintaining TP documentation for taxpayers has been set at INR 1 crore in aggregate value of international transactions. However, as businesses expand and related-party transactions increase, this threshold appears outdated. The expectation is to raise the threshold for mandatory TP documentation to INR 10 crores, in line with the growing scale of multinational enterprises in India.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates:

Commercial LPG Prices Slashed by Rs, 7 per kg

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Budget 2025 Must Address UPI Monetization & AI-Led Security

Deepak Chand Thakur, Co-founder and CEO, NPST, says, ”An increase in discretionary spending can have a beneficial impact on UPI transaction volumes. Any relief to stimulate personal spending capacity in the upcoming Union Budget FY 2025-26 will be welcomed by the fintech industry. The data landscape offers potential for shared intelligence solutions. AI-driven collaboration could strengthen fraud prevention network-wide, particularly benefiting smaller players who need government support for intelligence sharing.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates:Budget 2025 Must Prioritize Fintech & Last-Mile Banking

Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby says, “A waiver of GST on all financial services offered at BC outlets, which serve as the backbone of rural banking in India, would ease the financial burden on last-mile agents and encourage more retailers to participate in delivering seamless banking services to underserved communities. Additionally, we urge tax benefits on total expenditure for fintech's operating in rural regions, which can improve cash flow and ensure smooth operations. This includes a dedicated 5% GST rate for startups focused on last-mile empowerment, enabling essential financial and digital services for citizens. Simplified and supportive tax policies will boost sustainable growth and encourage more agents to deliver seamless services to everyone, everywhere. "

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Employee Tax Simplification.

Sourabh Deorah, CEO & Co-Founder, AdvantageClub.ai, says,”As Budget 2025 draws closer, we have a great opportunity to create meaningful tax relief for salaried employees especially considering their evolving financial and lifestyle needs. With the cost of living steadily climbing, financial stress has become a major factor affecting job satisfaction and overall productivity. The government can really step up here by offering tax benefits that align with what employees need to thrive today.Another area where we can make an immediate impact would be providing higher tax exemptions for essentials like groceries, fuel, and transportation—key expenses that are eating into household budgets, thanks to inflation going above 5-6% in India.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Wishlist as a gold loan NBFC

George Alexander Muthoot, MD of Muthoot Finance expects,”We believe that providing priority sector status to eligible gold loans NBFCs will be a step forward in driving financial inclusion as it majorly impacts the small borrowers whose borrowing needs are frequently less than Rs 50,000. We also propose for a ‘Gold linked credit line via UPI’ that can go a long way in helping households/small business owners meet their financing needs and monetise idle gold jewellery. Once the NBFCs are allowed to link with the UPI payment system, this will act as a secured credit that would be extended by NBFCs at a lower interest rate (12%-18%) compared to the high interest rates (around 36%) charged by credit cards.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates:Strengthening Domestic Demand & Supply for Sustainable Growth

Prashant Kumar, MD and CEO, YES BANK explains “This Budget comes at a very crucial phase of India’s development process. The challenge in the next financial year is that India must grow in an atmosphere where the global economic climate remains not too conducive, tariffs could be imposed on India by the US administration and climate vagaries have threatened the agricultural sector. Thus, India will need to energize the domestic sectors – both from a demand and the supply sides – to boost its growth. The Budget will thus have to remain committed to the reforms process and stay focused on inclusive growth to rapidly boost per-capita income levels, in-turn boosting domestic consumption demand. Addressing the skill issue remains important as India can also prove to be the provider of skill labour to the rest of the world, given the ageing demographics in the advanced economies.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Budget 2025-26 to Focus on Housing, Water, and Urban Modernization

“Infrastructure is the backbone of our economy, and with India’s infrastructure transformation at a critical juncture, the Union Budget 2025-26 presents an opportunity to drive sustainable growth by focusing on urban development and modernization. Enhanced allocations for affordable housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will significantly boost urban housing projects, increasing the demand for reliable plumbing infrastructure and durable PVC pipes and fittings. Strengthening initiatives like Har Ghar Jal will play a pivotal role in ensuring every household has a functional tap connection, delivering safe and adequate drinking water. “ said Saurabh Dhanorkar, Managing Director, Finolex Industries Limited

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Economic Survey On Developments In The Insurance Sector

Hanut Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder of Bimapay Finsure says,”The Indian insurance sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by evolving customer expectations, technological advancements, and regulatory reforms. Despite steady growth, insurance penetration remains at 3.7%, significantly lower than the global average of 7%. This highlights a vast untapped market, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas, where awareness and accessibility remain limited. Expanding coverage in these regions presents a significant opportunity for insurers, especially those leveraging digital platforms and innovative distribution models. The integration of fintech solutions is reshaping the industry, making policies more affordable, accessible, and tailored to individual needs.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: Economic survey on UPI

Ankush Julka, CEO at MufinPay, says “The proliferation of fintech solutions is reshaping the way financial services are consumed. With digital lending, micro-investments, and embedded financial products becoming mainstream, technology is enabling a shift from traditional banking methods to app-based, real-time financial management. We appreciate the Government of India and the RBI’s proactive approach to strengthening cybersecurity within the financial sector. The introduction of comprehensive regulations around IT outsourcing and cloud services, along with alignment to global standards, is crucial for securing digital transactions.”

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: 0pportunities For Businesses And Consumers

Amit Koshal, Co-founder & CEO of TWID said, “With Budget2025 around the corner, we’re optimistic about the opportunities it can unlock for businesses and consumers alike. We hope to see initiatives that support digital adoption and empower consumers to make the most of what they already own—like reward points. Strengthened collaboration between fintech players and government initiatives can boost next-gen payment solutions in both urban and rural India.

Union Budget Expectations Live Updates: LTCG Indexation Restoration and Capital Gains Tax Rollback

Atul Shinghal, Founder and CEO, Scripbox said “For investors, restoration of the LTCG indexation benefit for debt mutual funds and a rollback of the increased capital gains tax rates would encourage long-term investments while helping adjust gains for inflation. We also hope the Budget broadens the definition of Equity-Oriented Funds (EOFs) to include Fund of Funds (FoFs) and increases the investment limit on international schemes, From an economic stability perspective, adhering to the fiscal deficit glide path and prioritizing infrastructure creation through increased capital expenditure will be critical to sustaining growth.”

Economic Survey 2025 Live Updates: Tourism Sector’s Contribution to GDP Rises

The Economic Survey 2025 reveals that India's tourism sector has rebounded strongly, with its contribution to the GDP returning to its pre-pandemic level of 5% in FY23, signaling a full recovery post-pandemic.

Economic Survey 2025 Live Updates: Industrial Sector Growth Projections

“The industrial sector is forecasted to grow by 6.2% in FY25 (first advance estimates), fueled by strong performance in electricity and construction industries. The government has been actively championing Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, with initiatives like the establishment of SAMARTH Udyog centers playing a key role in driving growth.” Highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025

Economic Survey 2025 Live Updates: India Achieves 99% Domestic Smartphone Manufacturing

“India’s smartphone manufacturing landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with 99% of smartphones now being produced within the country” highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025,

Economic survey Live Updates: 8% Growth Rate Needed to Become Viksit Bharat

The Eco Survey Said. “To realise its economic aspirations of becoming Viksit Bharat by the time of the centenary of independence, India needs to achieve a growth rate of around 8 per cent at constant prices, on average, for about a decade or two. While the desirability of this growth rate is unquestionable, it's important to recognise that the global environment – political and economic – will influence India's growth outcomes.”

Economic survey Live Updates: Pharma Industry Grew By 10.1%

The Eco Survey said,”The total output of the pharmaceuticals, medicinal and botanical products industry in FY23, at constant prices, reached ₹4.56 lakh crore, with a value-added of ₹1.76 lakh crore16. The total annual turnover of pharmaceuticals in FY24 was ₹4.17 lakh crore, growing at an average rate of 10.1 per cent in the last five years.”

Economic Survey Live Updates: Government's CAPEX In Key Infra Sectors Grows At 38.8%

Economic Survey: Union Government‘s capital expenditure on key infrastructure sectors has grown at a rate of 38.8 per cent from 2019-20 to 2023-24. In 2024-25, Capital expenditure picked up momentum between July and November 2024.

Economic Survey 2025 Live Updates: Importance Of Private Investment In Infrastructure

Economic Survey: India needs a continued step-up of infrastructure investment over the next two decades to sustain a high rate of growth.

Economic Survey Latest Updates: More Than 11 Crore Farmers Benefitted Under PM-Kisan

Economic Survey said, more than 11 crore farmers benefitted under PM-Kisan. Further, it said, 23.61 lakh farmers enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana as of October 2024.

Economic Survey Live Updates: Providing adequate credit support to all farmers is crucial

Economic Survey said, providing adequate credit support to all farmers, especially small and marginal farmers and vulnerable sections of society, is crucial to improving agricultural productivity and income, states the Economic Survey 2024-25.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Key Highlights from Economic Survey 2025

Government capital expenditure (capex) has steadily increased from FY21 to FY24, with an 8.2% YoY rise from July –November 2024, following the general elections.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Economic Survey Projects 6.4% GDP Growth for FY25

Despite global uncertainties, India's real GDP is projected to grow at 6.4% in FY25, aligning with the decadal average, according to the first advance estimates of national income. On the supply side, real gross value added (GVA) is also expected to expand by 6.4%.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Key Highlights from Economic Survey 2025

The Economic Survey 2025 reports that the global economy expanded by 3.3% in 2023. The IMF forecasts global growth to average 3.2% over the next five years, a pace considered modest compared to historical trends.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Economic Survey 2025

The Economic Survey estimates indicate that India’s retail price inflation will progressively align with the target. The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain strong, supporting sustained growth.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Economic Survey 2025

The Economic Survey 2025 predicts that food inflation may soften in Q4 FY25, with potential upside in domestic output growth. Disinflation is expected to continue in FY26, with a good Rabi crop likely to help contain food prices in the first half of FY26.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Finance Minister Tables The Economic Survey Of India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has formally tabled the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The survey is expected to project a GDP growth of 6.3-6.8% for the upcoming fiscal year. The comprehensive presentation of the Economic Survey will follow shortly in Parliament.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: President Murmu Addresses Parliament

In her address to Parliament, President Murmu paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for his contributions to the nation's growth. Further President Murmu highlighted that the government is making decisions that consider both the present and future generations. The President also outlined the government's focus on healthcare, with the establishment of 1.75 lakh 'Arogya Mandirs' across the country to ensure accessible health services for all citizens. In response to the growing number of cancer patients, the government has also waived custom duties on many cancer medications. Additionally, the President emphasized that India is actively paving the way for artificial intelligence (AI) development, signaling the nation's forward-thinking approach to technological advancements.

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Exploring New Frontiers in Life Insurance sector

Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance said, “As we reflect on the transformative journey of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we are heartened by the steady growth of the Indian life insurance sector. With an 11% CAGR over the past three years, the industry has reached premiums of 7 billion, cementing its crucial role in driving financial security and inclusion.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Can Budget 2025 Accelerate MSME Growth, Improve Affordable Housing & Enhance The ULI?

Joydip Gupta, Head of APAC Scienaptic explains," For MSMEs, easing lending norms and infusing liquidity remain critical. Expanding credit guarantee schemes and revising co-lending frameworks to include a wider range of NBFCs can bridge the sector’s Rs.40 lakh crore credit gap. Targeted liquidity support will further strengthen small business financing. In affordable housing. With ULI pilot already disbursing over 6 lakh loans worth ₹27,000 crore, the budget must focus on scaling its adoption. Lastly, fostering a collaborative ecosystem is vital. With API-based banking gaining traction, fintechs expect policy support to enhance synergies between banks, NBFCs, and Digital Public Infrastructure.Budgetary allocations for R&D in AI, alongside an expanded scope for frameworks like the Regulatory Sandbox, will drive innovation in credit, investments, and savings."

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Focus On Boosting Consumption, Thrust In Infrastructure Spending & Job Creation.

Mr. Amar Deo Singh, Senior Vice President, Research, Angel One stated that, “Markets are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the Budget 2025, the 8th in line by the Finance Minister. Focus is likely to be boosting consumption, thrust in infrastructure spending & job creation. Also, the middle class & the income tax payers are hopeful of some form of tax rebate which could ease their financial situation. Agriculture is also likely to be a key focus area as this sector accounts less than 20% of GDP, but still accounts for almost 55%-60% livelihood. Given the current domestic Economic slowdown, record FII outflow, Rupee hitting record lows along with global macros & the Trump factor, makes it all the more an interesting budget to watch out for.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Tax Deductions to Boost Housing Demand Amid High Interest Rates

Srishti Dhir, Founder at Hub and Oak said, “2024 was an exciting year for the real estate sector, and we’re optimistic that 2025 will continue that momentum. As we approach the Union Budget 2025-26, there’s hope for meaningful reforms that address the industry’s challenges. We are expecting that the government would increase tax deductions for homebuyers and developers, especially for affordable housing, which could revive demand amidst high interest rates. For Commercial Real Estate, tax incentives for green and sustainable projects could attract global interest and fuel development. Further, infrastructure investments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will open up fresh opportunities”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Strong Focus Towards The Improvement Of Digital Infrastructure

Kunal Gala, Partner, Deal Value Creation, BDO India said, “Digital infrastructure is likely to be a top priority in the Union Budget 2025, with continued investments being expected in projects like BharatNet to connect more than 6 lakh villages with high-speed broadband. Investments will also focus on expanding the 5G coverage which will be essential to enable the advancements in IoT, telemedicine, and smart city solutions. These will contribute to India's digital transformation and bridge the rural-urban divide. To bolster this effort, subsidies for establishing data centers critical for cloud computing and AI-driven applications may be introduced which could attract global technology investments. It will also be crucial to implement robust cybersecurity frameworks and to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Bill to protect digital assets as India’s digital economy becomes more and more critical to its GDP growth”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Expectations From Education Sector, NBFCs Need Policies That Drive Impact

Nikunj Agarwal, CFO and Head of Lending Alliance explained, “For many students, the dream of higher education is often overshadowed by financial barriers. Education inflation has outpaced general inflation at 8-12% due to increased operational costs for universities, rising faculty salaries, infrastructure development, and growing demand for higher education. We believe that implementing reforms to lower lending rates and promote co-lending models could make a world of difference for students. These changes would not only facilitate easier access to funds but also empower us to reach those who need it most. By investing in digital infrastructure, we can ensure that quality education is accessible to all, regardless of where they live.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Proposed Reforms in Transfer Pricing Compliance

Rajiv Bhutani, Partner, Transfer Pricing, Tax & Regulatory Services, BDO India Compliance said,”Maintenance of TP Documentation: Since the introduction of TP provisions in 2001, the threshold for maintaining TP documentation for taxpayers has been set at INR 1 crore in aggregate value of international transactions. However, as businesses expand and related-party transactions increase, this threshold appears outdated. The expectation is to raise the threshold for mandatory TP documentation to INR 10 crores, in line with the growing scale of multinational enterprises in India.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Will Budget 2025-26 bring about changes in the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme to benefit senior citizens?

Sachin Jain, Managing Partner, Scripbox, emphasizes that “The Government last year doubled the quota from 15 lacs to 30 lacs for Senior Citizens to benefit from this scheme. However, a close look at the subscription figures suggests growth of about 30% only in these schemes, leaving aside room for SS to take advantage of the extended limit. Hence it is unlikely to assume further support for this direction.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Will Budget 2025-26 Bring About Changes In Small Savings Schemes/Post Office Schemes To Benefit Senior Citizens?

Sachin Jain, Managing Partner, Scripbox, says, “It's unlikely to see any change in the SSS/PSS for senior citizens in this budget. The debt instruments have largely been brought at par on taxation irrespective of the mode of investment plus Govt has introduced higher exemption limits for Senior Citizens and Super Senior Citizens in the last budget providing them relief on taxation overall. In addition to this, they have also doubled the Senior Citizen Savings scheme quota to 30 lacs from the earlier 15 lacs benefiting the SS at large.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Why Corporate Bond Taxation Needs a Cut?

Girish Lakhotiya, Founder and CEO, Prachay Group says that, “Indian businesses have the potential of growing exponentially over the next few years. However, we need to equip them with adequate and appropriate capital. Banking system may not be able to address all the business finance requirements of these new age, ambitious corporations. Hence, we need to take effective steps to develop the corporate bond market in India. If we can channelise investments directly into businesses, it can create a lot of wealth for the entire ecosystem in the process. To incentivize more mobilisation of investment towards corporate bonds, the rate of taxation on the interest received from listed corporate bonds should be reduced to 12.50%, same as the capital gain tax on equity.”

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Could Lower GST Rates Make Life Insurance More Affordable for Consumers?

“The current GST rate on life insurance premiums is 18%. Any reduction in this rate will significantly lower the cost of insurance, thereby making life insurance more affordable and accessible for buyers. Streamlining GST compliance procedures will help to reduce administrative burdens on insurance companies. This can allow them to focus on product innovation and customer service. These measures can immensely boost the growth of the life insurance sector and also contribute to financial inclusion by making life insurance more accessible to a wider segment of the population. This can further individuals to build a secure financial future through life insurance." explained, V. P. Nandakumar, MD and CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd.

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Anticipated Reforms In The Insurance Sector

With an aim to achieve ‘Insurance for all’ by 2045, the upcoming 2025 Union Budget holds significant promise for the life insurance sector. Nitin Mehta, Chief Distribution Officer - Partnership Distribution and Head of Marketing at Bharti AXA Life Insurance said, “Currently, life insurance premiums fall under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, which has a combined limit. There can be separate tax benefits / deduction limit specifically for life insurance premiums. This will incentivize long-term savings and encourage individuals to secure their future.

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Potential Impact on Household Disposable Income If There Is A Tax Reduction on Consumer Goods

V. P. Nandakumar, MD and CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd explained ,”With inflation showing no signs of abating within the Reserve Bank of India's target range in the near future, I believe the finance minister will implement necessary policy measures to curb price increases. This could involve reducing taxes on consumer goods such as packaged food and edible oils. This would boost household disposable income and positively impact private consumption. Furthermore, I believe the Budget should include measures to encourage savings through tax rationalisation and stimulate loan growth. A separate announcement on developing future-proof digital infrastructure for the financial sector in the era of artificial intelligence is also anticipated,"

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Calls for GST Waiver & Financial Empowerment

“A reduction or waiver of GST on financial services offered at Banking Agent outlets would significantly ease the financial burden on these grassroots operators, encouraging broader participation in rural banking. Beyond inclusion, the objective must evolve toward empowering rural communities with tools for savings, investments, and financial growth, fostering a self-reliant Bharat. We hope this budget paves the way for robust, innovative, and inclusive financial policies that align with the aspirations of Digital India and truly reflect the transformative potential of integrating DBUs and TBCs into a unified framework." said Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Government Convenes All-Party Meeting Today

The central government has called an all-party meeting on Thursday, January 30 Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, The meeting is held to seek cooperation from political leaders to ensure the smooth functioning of the session, which is set to commence on January 31.

Union Budget Expectation 2025 Live Updates: Is Digital Finance in Rural India expected to Get a Boost?

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money emphasized “As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative to prioritize measures that strengthen the digital financial ecosystem, particularly in rural India, where initiatives like Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) and Bharat Connect have become lifelines for millions. While AePS has revolutionized cash-in cash-out (CICO) operations, ensuring transaction safety and security remains a critical focus for the fintech ecosystem.” He added, “The framework put forth by Dvara Research highlights the need to integrate existing networks of Transactional Business Correspondents (TBCs) into the Digital Banking Unit (DBU) hierarchy. These TBCs are the true enablers of last-mile connectivity, providing uninterrupted banking access to underserved communities and reducing costs while fostering trust. Recognizing and supporting this network with technological upgrades and financial assistance would not only prevent duplication but also accelerate the pace of financial inclusion.”

Union Budget Expectation 2025 Live Updates: Major Revisions expected in EWS & LIG Definitions to Boost Housing Demand

According to Rishi Anand, MD & CEO, Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd “Given the inflation over the past decade, the definitions for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) and LIG (Lower Income Groups) also need to be updated. An upward revision from Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh for EWS and from Rs 6 lakh to Rs.9 lakh for LIG will create new demand and broaden the target groups that fall within these classifications.” The existing Rs.2 lakh income tax deduction for housing loan interest should be increased to Rs 4 lakh. Additionally, to support first-time homeowners during the waiting period for possession, this refund should apply to residences that are still under construction, for a maximum of two years.

Union Budget 2025 Live Updates: Stock Market Open in the Red Today

The benchmark indices opened lower today, with the Sensex at 76,503.86, down by 29.10 points (0.038%), and the Nifty at 23,158.00, down by 5.10 points (0.022%).

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: What’s in Store for the Housing Finance Sector?

“For the housing finance sector, the upcoming budget should focus on reviewing and modifying important regulations that take into account the current state of the housing market, which is essential for making homeownership genuinely affordable. With property prices having risen in recent years, the current GST concession limit for affordable housing, which is set at Rs.45 lakh, should be revised to Rs.60-65 lakh. Similarly, the RBI's priority sector definition for housing loans should be updated to reflect this new limit.” stated, Rishi Anand, MD & CEO, Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd.

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Focus on Design-Led Manufacturing and Strengthening Supply Chain Ecosystem

“As we stand at the cusp of transformative growth in India's semiconductor sector, this year's Union Budget holds the potential to be a defining moment in realizing our aspirations. The ongoing PLI schemes have laid the foundation for a robust manufacturing ecosystem, however, as India reaches a pivotal stage in its journey toward becoming a global manufacturing hub, we need to further enhance these initiatives towards an end-to-end supply chain ecosystem. The focus must now shift to strengthening these policies and placing greater emphasis on promoting 'Design led manufacturing’ schemes to enhance the operations within our borders. Building India's design capabilities will be crucial for nurturing the skills needed to drive innovation, create intellectual property, and establish a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem.” said Vivek Tyagi, Managing Director, Analog Devices India

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: Focus on Supply-Side Reforms, Targeted Relief, and Fiscal Stability to Drive Long-Term Growth

"The shift towards supply-side reforms—through PLI schemes, corporate tax cuts, and logistics upgrade, has been the defining feature of recent budgets, laying the foundation for long-term growth. While direct demand-side interventions may be limited, targeted relief for the lower-income segments is expected. More importantly, the fiscal glide path and the RBI’s inflation credibility remain key to India’s macroeconomic standing, with S&P closely watching these markers for a potential rating upgrade. Encouraging India Inc. to re-leverage and drive fresh capex cycles will be critical in sustaining growth momentum." said Harish Krishnan, Co-CIO & Head Equity, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd.