Page 37 - Latest Updates on Nirmala Sitharaman
Centre likely to save over Rs 70,000 crore on expenditure in FY25
FinMin has parked Rs 62K cr towards "new schemes" with the DEA, most of which is expected to go unspent with only two and half months left in FY25
 "Centre likely to save over Rs 70,000 crore on expenditure in FY25")
Retirees ask FM for Rs 7,500 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95
Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the committee, highlighted the plight of over 78 lakh pensioners from central and state government PSUs, private organizations
 "Retirees ask FM for Rs 7,500 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95")
Business Standard poll: Experts see FY26 nominal GDP growth at 10-11%
The first advance estimates released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Tuesday estimated a nominal GDP growth of 9.7 per cent for FY25
 "Business Standard poll: Experts see FY26 nominal GDP growth at 10-11%")
FinMin to review flagship schemes with PSB chiefs ahead of Budget
The meeting aims to review the progress of various financial inclusion schemes and discuss future funding requirements in light of the upcoming Budget
 "FinMin to review flagship schemes with PSB chiefs ahead of Budget")
As Census looms after years of delay, questions over expenditure persist
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also expected to gather up the unspent capex and allocation for the current fiscal to push for a massive spending effort in FY26
 "As Census looms after years of delay, questions over expenditure persist")
PM Modi launches 6-day Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, unveils rural India vision
At the inauguration, PM Modi interacted with artisans and was felicitated by Nabard Chairperson Shaji KV
 "PM Modi launches 6-day Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, unveils rural India vision")
New rule to avoid tax deduction on purchases through IFSC sellers
Under the new regulation, sellers must submit a declaration that includes details about the previous years for which they are claiming tax deductions
 "New rule to avoid tax deduction on purchases through IFSC sellers")
After 2024 report card, ministers get ready for work on New Year's Day
Although the talk about the New Year agenda within the government was subdued on December 31, the day started with promise of work in 2025
 "After 2024 report card, ministers get ready for work on New Year's Day")
Budget 2025-26: India Post may get funds for tech-driven transformation
In FY25, the Union government had made a budgetary allocation of Rs 250 crore for India Post
 "Budget 2025-26: India Post may get funds for tech-driven transformation")
Government extends deadline for direct tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme
Under the scheme, penalty charges vary based on the date of payment
 "Government extends deadline for direct tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme")
Budget: Experts push for higher health, edu fund, duty cuts on cancer care
A key demand discussed in the meeting was the reduction of customs duty and other levies on the import of radiation machines used to treat cancer
 "Budget: Experts push for higher health, edu fund, duty cuts on cancer care")
Industry seeks tax relief, capex boost, reforms at FinMin's pre-budget meet
Industry representatives stressed that, given the uncertainty caused by persisting global headwinds, government's focus on public capex in physical, social, and digital infrastructure will be crucial
 "Industry seeks tax relief, capex boost, reforms at FinMin's pre-budget meet")
Budget FY26: Economists urge govt to focus on consumption, tax reforms
Economists say Budget's focus should be to stimulate consumption, manufacturing, and propel employment. They also want the Centre to continue support to the MSME sector
 "Budget FY26: Economists urge govt to focus on consumption, tax reforms")
NITI Aayog urges reforms to ease worker housing near industrial hubs
To truly unleash the potential of India's manufacturing sector, there is a need to think of dense, large-scale housing for workers as infrastructure
 "NITI Aayog urges reforms to ease worker housing near industrial hubs")
ATMs to loans: Union Budget, Mint Road, and evolving financial landscape
A South Block and Mint Road tango is in the offing in 2025, foregrounded by deeper consultations with various stakeholders
 "ATMs to loans: Union Budget, Mint Road, and evolving financial landscape")
Scindia aims to make India Post profitable by 2029, seeks funds from FM
Scindia, along with officials from the Department of Posts, presented their capital expenditure demands to the finance minister to make it a profit centre by 2029
 "Scindia aims to make India Post profitable by 2029, seeks funds from FM")
Budget 2025-26: Sitharaman chairs 4th pre-budget meet with key stakeholders
On Tuesday this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with a panel of distinguished economists and thought leaders at NITI Aayog on the strategies for the Union Budget 2025-26
 "Budget 2025-26: Sitharaman chairs 4th pre-budget meet with key stakeholders")
Will Budget 2025-26 fulfil promises on fiscal deficit and reforms?
The big question is whether the finance minister will revert to the fiscal consolidation timelines or medium-term projections as provided under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act
 "Will Budget 2025-26 fulfil promises on fiscal deficit and reforms?")
PM Modi stresses fundamental change in the mindset for Viksit Bharat
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, and NITI Aayog officials
 "PM Modi stresses fundamental change in the mindset for Viksit Bharat")
Finance ministry weighs phasing out customs duty exemptions in Budget 2025
Exemptions under review include bulk drugs used in insulin production, raw materials for lab-grown diamonds, plastics used in optical fiber production, and more
 "Finance ministry weighs phasing out customs duty exemptions in Budget 2025")