Intelligence gathering has taken a back seat in the Union Budget 2025-26 as the Centre has reduced the flow of funds of several verticals that deal with intelligence collection and dissemination, including the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) - the apex body for all matters concerning internal and external security.

According to Notes on Demand for Grants (2025-26), Rs 182.75 crore has been allocated to NSCS in comparison to Rs 270.08 crore (revised estimate) last financial year.

The budget of the Intelligence Bureau was also reduced by around Rs 100 crore. Click here to read more.

Tariffs on Harley Davidson bikes, a mushrooming friction point between India and the US -- have been slashed further ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit. In the Union budget 2025 announced today, the government announced a reduction in basic customs duty on the import of motorcycles.

For motorcycles with engine capacity not exceeding 1600 cc, the duty on CBUs (Completely Built Up) has been slashed from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. For larger motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 1600 cc, the reductions are higher. Click here to read more.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, terming the Union Budget 2025 as "underwhelming", said that it only targeted the voters of Delhi and Bihar. "If you're a Delhi voter or a Bihar voter and you're earning a fixed middle class salary, you may have reasons to cheer. But if you're not, then I'm afraid there's nothing in the budget for you," said Mr Tharoor in an exclusive conversation with NDTV.

"If you're unemployed, like a very large percentage of our middle class, young people who are looking for jobs, the record amount of college-educated in our country who can't find jobs, there's nothing there for you because there's no encouragement whatsoever for jobs to come forth," he added. Click here to read more.

Hitting out at the government, Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram said 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 is a pipe dream and will remain so for a long time at the current rate of growth.

Addressing a press conference on the Union Budget, Chidambaram also cited Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran to press his point.

Asked about the government's assertions of the goal of making India developed by 2047, Chidambaram said, "It is a pipe dream today and at this rate of growth, it will remain a pipe dream for a long time." 

"Not only I said it, the Chief Economic Advisor has said yesterday that unless we grow at 8 per cent for 15 to 20 years, by 2047, we will not become a developed country. At 6-6.5 per cent, it will take another 15-20 years," the former finance minister said.

 As Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman presented the Union Budget 2025 today, internet users flooded social media with hilarious memes. While some users shared AI-generated images of Ms Sitharaman, others shared images of the Finance Minister's face morphed over pictures of Bollywood actors. Click here for more memes

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday praised the Narendra Modi-led government for focusing on new and emerging technologies, and allocating Rs 500 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Mr Vaishnaw also said the government has seen the algorithm efficiency of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI-powered chatbot. "Many more such innovations are going to come. I can say that our talent is really good and our people and researchers will bring out such innovations in the coming days," he said. Click here to read more.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget today in Parliament. The government has announced major reforms, including a no-tax burden on up to Rs 12 lakh annual income, except special income. Along with reforms and boosts for startups and MSMEs, the Centre's defence outlay has also witnessed a hike compared to the previous financial year.

This year, Rs 6,812,10.27 crore have been allotted for the Minister of Defence (MoD), which includes Rs 4.88 lakh crore for Revenue Expenditure, and Rs 1.92 lakh crore for Capital Expenditure. This year's defence outlay will be 8% of the total budget. In the previous financial year, Rs 6,21,940 crore was allocated for the MoD. Click here to read more.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a revised tax structure under the new regime that will reduce taxes and leave more money in the hands of the people. She also said during her Budget speech in the Parliament that an annual income of Rs 12 lakh will attract no tax.

Hours after her speech, she addressed a press conference on the Budget, which she said was a response to the 'voice of the people'.

She said the new income tax will not circumvent the parliament and the government will pass it through the legislative process. "It won't be done without the approval from parliament, we are going to make it simpler and easier and remove exemptions," she said while replying to NDTV. Click here to read more. 

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has called the Union Budget 2025 the "strongest ever foundation laid for Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047". He told NDTV the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today was for everyone, whether middle class, business community, farmers, people living in border areas, the northeast region, coastal areas, etc.

"People are wholeheartedly welcoming this budget," Mr Rijiju, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, told NDTV.

"While the tax relief for the middle class is massive, it's beyond anybody's imagination that such a jump in tax relief can be given by the government in a single stroke of one budget. This is of course one of the highlights, but if you go beyond, deeper into the budget, then you could see that this budget is the strongest ever foundation laid for Viksit Bharat by 2047," he said. Click here to read more.

Mr Vipul Jain, CEO-Hospitals, CK Birla Group, said: "The healthcare initiatives outlined in the Budget 2025 represent a pivotal step in the aspirations of Viksit Bharat, enhancing India's medical infrastructure and accessibility. The announcement to establish 200 day-care cancer centers in district hospitals during 2025-26 is a crucial measure that will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This will help alleviate pressure on tertiary care facilities while ensuring that cancer care is more readily available to patients within their local communities." 

He added: "To support the cancer patients further, the exemption of Basic Customs Duty on 36 life-saving drugs, along with 37 additional medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs, is a significant move. This initiative will help reduce the financial strain on patients suffering severe and chronic illnesses." 

The 2025 Union Budget is "positive and welcome... progressive and forward-looking", Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Saturday evening, lavishing praise on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech in the Lok Sabha. Ms Sitharaman's budget, for FY 2025/26, made mention of several special schemes and welfare measures for Bihar, which will vote in an Assembly election later this year. Click here to read more.

Several industry leaders hailed the Union Budget 2025-26.

Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO of Fortis Healthcare, said: 

"Aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision, the Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step towards a comprehensive healthcare system with a significant emphasis on public private partnership and other economic reforms." 

"We also appreciate the focus on medical tourism through 'Heal in India,' making India a more accessible destination for global patients. Additionally, the exemption of Basic Customs Duty on 36 life-saving drugs, 37 more medicines, and 13 new patient assistance programs will improve affordability and accessibility for critical treatments," he added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget 2025 speech today announced a new tax slab that has been refreshed across the board.

Under the new regime, there is no tax on income up to Rs 12 lakh, and no tax on income up to Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried people, due to the standard deduction of Rs 75,000. Click here to read more.

With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing big rebates for taxpayers in the middle-income group under the new tax regime, many were left wondering if the government plans to scrap the old tax regime. The Finance Minister did not mention the old tax regime during her speech and the Budget document, too, is silent on it. The document, however, specifies that the revised tax slabs apply to those opting for the new tax regime.

Ms Sitharaman clarified this during her interaction with the media this evening. Asked if the old regime is being discontinued, she replied in the negative and said she would have announced if this was the case. Top government officials then said nearly 75 per cent taxpayers have moved to the new regime. This means the government won't scrap the regime but let it fade away as people move to the new regime. She also said the new income tax law will have to go through the Parliament. Click here to read more.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday reacted to the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, questioning what would happen to those who are not employed. Mr Tharoor's statements were in response to the revised tax slabs and rates under the new regime.

"I think, frankly, the applause you heard from the BJP benches was for the middle-class tax cut. We look at the details and that may be a good thing. So if you have a salary, you may be paying less tax. But the important question is, what happens if we don't have a salary?" the Congress leader said.

"The fact is yes, I suppose if you have a job and you are earning Rs 12 lakh or less, there is every reason to be happy," he added. Click here to read more.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has described the Union Budget as a transformative blueprint for empowering farmers, the middle class and MSMEs.

"Extending my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and FM Smt. @nsitharaman Ji for a visionary budget that sets the course for India's economic leadership by 2047," Mr Gadkari said in a social media post on X.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed to double the limit for tax deducted at source (TDS) on income interest, hike the threshold on rent and exempt withdrawals from National Savings Scheme (NSS) accounts from tax for senior citizens, as she announced a slew of measures for the elderly people in the Union Budget 2025-26.

"The limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens is being doubled from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh," the minister said in the Lower House. Click here to read more.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the FDI limit for the insurance sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent in the Budget for 2025-26 as part of far-reaching reforms in the financial sector. This enhanced limit will be available for those companies which invest the entire premium in India. The current guardrails and conditionalities associated with foreign investment will be reviewed and simplified, the Finance Minister said.

At the press conference, Ms Sitharaman also said that one crore more people will pay no income tax due to hike in rebate to Rs 12 lakh in the Union Budget for 2025-26.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government is busy garnering praises for the Union Budget when the entire country is struggling with problems of inflation and unemployment, and asserted that the Budget is an attempt to "dupe" the people.

He said the Budget is aptly described by the Hindi proverb 'Nau sau choohe khake billi hajj ko chali' (roughly translated to seeking to be pious after committing a number of sins).

The income tax benefit announced for the middle class in the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday is the biggest relief provided by any government for the concerned economic strata so far, India's G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has said.

The budget for the upcoming financial year focuses on growth and creation of jobs, and provides a huge fillip for demand creation, Mr Kant told NDTV. "I rate the budget very high," he added. Click here to read more.

"There is no reduction in the public spending on capital expenditure. We continue to place emphasis on the multiplier effect that capital expenditure done by government has shown has sustained us. We continue on that, and with all this, our fiscal prudence has been maintained..," Ms Sitharaman told the briefing.

"One thing which I certainly would like to highlight is responding to the voice of the people, which is what Prime Minister Modi is known for in his administration. It's a very responsive government and as a result, the income tax simplification which I announced in July is already completed in its works and we shall bring the bill in the next week...So if we are talking of reform inclusive of taxation, the work is done. This budget also speaks about rationalization and customs. Tariffs are being brought down, tariffs are being simplified...," Ms Sitharaman told reporters.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has lauded the Union Budget 2025-26 as one that was "positive" and would help in accelerating development of the state.

Kumar, whose JD(U) is a key constituent of the ruling BJP-led NDA at the Centre, also profusely thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In a statement, the longest-serving CM of Bihar said the proposal for setting up a "Makhana board" will give a boost to cultivation of foxnuts, for which the state is known far and wide.

He also said greenfield airports proposed in the budget will go a long way in improving flight connectivity, which would give a fillip to the state's economic growth.

Ms Sitharaman said education and health sectors have been prioritised in the Budget for the 2025-26 financial year.

"We are a very responsive government. The income tax simplification I announced in July is completed and we shall bring the bill next week." The government is scheduled to introduce a new Income Tax bill next week to take forward the "trust first, scrutinise later" concept, Ms Sitharaman had said earlier in the day.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam is now addressing the media on the Budget 2-25-26 she presented earlier in the day.

The Centre has allocated Rs 74,226 crore for the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation in the Union Budget 2025-26, with most of it allotted to the Jal Jeevan Mission which aims to provide tap water connections to rural households.

The allocation marked a substantial rise from the revised estimates of Rs 29,916 crore for 2024-25 for the department.

However, the allocation is lower than the Rs 77,390.68 crore originally earmarked for the department in the Budget for 2024-25.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore. This is a 35.75 per cent rise in allocation over the revised estimate for the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2024-25, which stood at Rs 10,026.40 crore.

The allocation for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Union Budget 2025-26 was 9.22 per cent more than the revised estimate of the ongoing fiscal which is Rs 1167.27 crore.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing tax exemption to people with an annual income of Rs. 12 lakh. Mr Goyal believes this will "ease inflationary pressures and boost a virtuous cycle of growth and consumption." 

He thanked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting prioritising the empowerment of "Gareeb, Yuva, Annadatas and Nari" (poor, youth, farmers, and women).

He especially thanked her especially for introducing the National Manufacturing Mission and Export Promotion Mission, "aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing for export growth, significantly boosting Make in India, and enhancing Ease of Doing Business."

"Mithila's pride is Madhubani paintings. This saree is made from Bangalore silk and features designs representing coupled fish and the lotus. Mithilanchal is famous for makhana, fish, and paan, which are of great cultural significance. Today, as the Finance Minister wears this saree, it fills us all with immense pride," she said.

The handloom saree was given to Ms Sitharaman during her visit to the Mithila Painting Institute in Saurath on November 29 last year.

The Budget document specifies that the new slabs are for those opting for the New Tax Regime, in line with the Centre's push for this new regime that aims to simplify personal tax by doing away with the complications of exemptions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman or the Budget document does not mention the old tax regime, meaning slabs in the old regime remain unchanged.

For high-salaried individuals, the new slabs provide a benefit of over Rs 1 lakh. Taking an example, an individual earning Rs 50 lakh per annum, will now be paying income tax of Rs 10,80,000 as per the revised slabs, Rs 1,10,000 less than what he currently pays. That effectively means the new slabs are aimed at putting more money in the hands of the middle-income group too boost consumption and provide marginal relief to high-salaried individuals.

In the new proposals, there will be no tax burden on up to Rs 12 lakh annual income while the revised slabs will benefit those earning more than that. The changes are part of the Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam announced a series of initiatives for public education and health, including broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools and primary health centers in the rural areas.

The government aims to set up 50,000 Atal tinkering labs in government schools in the next five years to cultivate a spirit of curiosity and innovation and foster scientific temper among young minds.

"We propose to implement the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme, to help students understand subjects in their language," she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting a people's budget.

"Budgets usually focus on filling the government treasury, but this one focusses on filling people's pockets and their welfare. It is an important step towards reform," he said.

Following are reactions from industry executives and economists:

DEEPASHREE SHETTY, PARTNER, GLOBAL EMPLOYER SERVICES, TAX & REGULATORY SERVICES, BDO INDIA

"The proposal to exempt income up to 1.2 million rupees ($13,867.06) is a big boost to the middle-class taxpayers. This is in line with the recent measures to make the new tax regime a preferred tax regime. It would also create more disposable income for the taxpayers, strengthening their expenditure power."

RC BHARGAVA, MARUTI SUZUKI CHAIRMAN, TO ETNOW

"The tax cut is going to be a helpful factor in accelerating demand for various kinds of consumer products."

ANITHA RANGAN, ECONOMIST, EQUIRUS

"While capex growth does not look very robust, implicit capex via long-term reforms shows promise. Simplification of direct taxes reforms will be announced in a week, but the icing on the cake came in the end with income tax relief to the middle class with direct tax foregone of 1 trillion rupees."

RADHIKA RAO, DBS BANK, SENIOR ECONOMIST

"One of other major pillars was also to expand India's footprint in global supply chains and boost exports, towards which a re-assessment of regulatory reforms will be undertaken to improve the ease of doing business, along with further rationalisation in import tariffs."

2024:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clocked in an hour and 25 minutes.

Interim Budget 2024, Shortest Budget Speech:

Ms Sithraman presented her sixth consecutive budget with the shortest speech so far lasting 56 minutes.

2023:

Ms Sitharaman completed the budget presentation in just 87 minutes.

2022:

Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech lasted for 92 minutes.

2021, First Paperless Budget:

The 2021 budget speech lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes. It was India's first paperless budget, presented using a tablet. Ms Sitharaman took a digital tablet wrapped in a traditional 'bahi-khata' style pouch.

2020, The Year Of Record:

In 2020, Ms Sitharaman set a record with the longest speech in India's history, lasting two hours and 41 minutes. She paused mid-way and sat down because reportedly her blood pressure fell and she felt unwell.

2019, First Budget Speech

Ms Sitharaman's speech as India's first full-time woman Finance Minister lasted two hours and 17 minutes.

Memes flooded social media as the Union Budget 2025-26 saw hefty allocations for Bihar ahead of Assembly elections in the state.

Under the new regime, there is no tax on income up to Rs 12 lakh, and no tax on income up to Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried people, due to the standard deduction of Rs 75,000.

Here is how much you can save

Sanjay Bajpai, Co-Chairman of the National Council on Logistics and Warehousing, ASSOCHAM, said the budget includes several key elements. "First, the economy needs a boost in demand, and the budget has effectively addressed this issue. There are numerous new developments in the shipping sector, which is an exciting area that will help develop the logistics sector. Therefore, I believe this is definitely a pro-growth budget," he said.

Sanjiv Puri, CII President, said the budget builds upon the focus of previous budgets on inclusive and sustainable growth, and it includes several steps to boost labor-intensive sectors. "Agriculture, which employs almost half of the country's workforce, receives significant attention. MSMEs, especially in areas like footwear and toys, have a lot of potential for job creation. The budget also focuses on investment in the economy, human capital development, urban infrastructure, and urban governance, along with collaborative measures with states and incentives for ease of doing business," he said.

Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman ASSOCHAM, said, "This is a very good budget. The budget is much better than what we expected. If we talk about the tax slabs and salaries, we expected it to be increased from 7.5 lakhs to 10 lakhs."

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns over the government's handling of the Mahakumbh tragedy, and emphasised that while the Budget session is underway, the more pressing issue is the ongoing search for missing persons after the stampede.

Speaking to press ahead of the Union Budget, Yadav demanded immediate action and called for the Army's intervention, highlighting the unprecedented denial of Shahi Snan by saints.

As the Parliament proceedings began on Saturday, the leader and his party members staged a walkout.

Government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers.

By next year, 10,000 seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals.

Setting up of daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals in the next three years.

Modified UDAN scheme to connect 120 destinations to help 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years.

The government will develop top 50 tourist sites in partnership with states and also extend mudra loans to homestays.

The fiscal deficit for FY25 has been pegged at 4.8 per cent of GDP and at 4.4 per cent for FY26.

Rs 20,000-crore Nuclear mission, roping in private players by amending legal framework and development of five small modular reactors indigenously.

India Post will be transformed into a large public logistic organisation with 1.5 lakh rural post offices to become a catalyst for the rural economy.

No income tax payable for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh, and Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers (including standard deduction).

PM Dhan Dhyan Krishi Yojana, covering 100 districts with low yields, to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.

'Makhana Board' will be established in Bihar to improve production and processing of fox nut.

Enhanced limit for interest subvention scheme for Kisan Credit Cards from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

Budget outlay for Jal Jeevan Mission enhanced to achieve 100 per cent coverage.

Rs 2-crore term loan for 5 lakh first-time women, SC and ST entrepreneurs.

50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in the next five years to cultivate scientific temper in young minds.

Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme to provide a digital form of Indian language books for schools and higher education.

PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors will be revamped with enhanced loans from banks and UPI-linked credit cards with Rs 30,000 limit.

On the day of the presentation of the Union Budget, no discussion happens on the Budget. The passing of the Union Budget involves the voting on the Demand for Grants, passing of the Appropriation Bill and the passing of the Finance Bill.

While the passing of the Appropriation Bill authorises the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India, the passing of the Finance Bill gives effect to the financial proposals of the government for the upcoming fiscal.

The Union Budget can indeed be amended, but such changes must undergo specific procedures. The Budget, which includes the Finance Bill, outlines the government's fiscal policies and taxation plans for the year.

These changes are debated and voted upon in Parliament, and they can lead to alterations in the government's tax policies or other fiscal provisions.

After the Budget is presented, the government introduces the Appropriation Bill, which details how the government's expenditure will be allocated. This Bill, like the Finance Bill, can also be amended, but these amendments are subject to parliamentary procedures and approval.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that India's economy is growing despite the world facing multiple issues. "The country has witnessed that despite the world facing multiple issues, India's economy is growing and the country is moving ahead," Rijiju said.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also said that this year's budget will be a strong step toward the resolve of making 'Viksit Bharat'. "The budget will be in continuity and will be for the welfare of the country and the poor and will be a novel and strong step towards the resolve of making 'Viksit Bharat,'" Shekhawat said.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "Ever since the economy of this country started being taken care of under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we have given a pro-people, pro-poor, pro-middle-class budget. It will be the same this time."

Tax Slabs For FY25-26

Up to Rs 4 Lakh: Nil

Rs 4-8 lakh: 5%

Rs 8-12 lakh: 10%

Rs 12-16 lakh: 15%

Rs 16-20 lakh: 20%

Rs 20-25 lakh: 24%

Above Rs 25 lakh: 30%

Tax Slabs For FY24-25

Up to Rs 3 lakh: Nil

Rs 3-7 lakh: 5%

Rs 7-10 lakh: 10%

Rs 10-12 lakh: 15%

Rs 12-15 lakh: 20%

Above Rs 15 lakh: 30%

In a huge relief for the middle class, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announce that income up to Rs 12 lakh will not be taxed. The new tax structure, which will aim at substantially reducing tax paid by the middle class, will ensure tax payers up to Rs 12 lakh of income except special income will receive tax rebate. Taxpayer in new regime with income of Rs 12 lakh will get benefit of Rs 80,000 in tax, while a person with income of Rs 18 lakh to get benefit of Rs 70,000.

The new Income Tax Bill, to be introduced next week, will be clear, simple to understand and will lead to lower litigation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that personal income tax reforms will focus on middle class, with rationalisation of TDS and TCS for simplicity.

FY25 total receipts at Rs 31.47 lakh crore, with net tax receipts at Rs 25.5 lakh crore in FY25. The FY25 fiscal deficit at 4.8 per cent of GDP

Total receipts in FY26 at Rs 34.96 lakh crore, with total expenditure in FY26 at Rs 50.65 lakh crore. Net tax receipts in FY26 at Rs 28.37 lakh crore, with fiscal deficit estimated at 4.4 per cent.

Capital expenditure at Rs 10.18 lakh crore in FY25.

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls later this year, the Centre has announced big offerings for the politically significant state where it shares power with its key ally, Nitish Kumar's JDU. The offerings for Bihar must be seen against the backdrop of JDU's critical support to the BJP after the latter fell short of the majority mark in the general election last year.

In her eighth consecutive Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of a Makhana board in Bihar.

Bihar is also set to get greenfield airports as part of a civil aviation push, Ms Sitharaman announced. She also announced a canal project in the Mithilanchal region.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the development of at least 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of small modular reactors with Rs 20,000 crore outlay to be set up and five small modular reactors to be operationalised by 2033.

For active partnership with private sector, amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability to Nuclear Energy Act will be taken up, Sitharaman said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will launch a modified UDAN scheme to connect 120 destinations.

Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, she said the modified scheme will help about four crore additional passengers in the next 10 years.

The scheme will cover helipad operations in hilly regions and the North East. Additionally, greenfield operations in Bihar will be brought in to meet the needs of the state.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2025-26 will initiate reforms in six areas of taxation, urban development, mining, financial sector, power and regulatory framework.

A Viksit Bharat will have zero poverty, quality education, high-quality, affordable and comprehensive healthcare, she said and added that the budget's focus is to take everyone together on inclusive growth path.