Saralnama
The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced key measures including no income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh under the new tax regime and revised slabs to reduce tax burdens for higher incomes. The government set a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% and maintained capital expenditure at 3.14% of GDP, with a 4.9% year-on-year increase including public sector enterprises. Focus was placed on boosting private sector investment and consumption to drive economic growth. Customs duties on mobile phones and chargers were reduced by 15% to lower costs. The budget also extended tax benefits for startups, increased the annual TDS limit for rent, and doubled tax deduction limits for senior citizens. Initiatives for agriculture, healthcare, and MSMEs were highlighted, including support for organic farming, healthcare funding, and credit facilities for micro enterprises. The government plans to register gig workers for healthcare benefits and set up a new housing fund to support middle-class families. The budget avoided major corporate tax reforms or new privatization efforts but emphasized fiscal prudence and inclusive growth. Market updates include trending stocks such as SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Wipro, and NTPC, with expert advice available on ETMarkets and… (Updated 25 Aug 2025, 07:49 IST; source: link)