The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, introduced in 2015 as an alternative to physical gold, is set to be discontinued. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed this decision during the post-Budget media briefing on February 1. The government cited the high cost of borrowing associated with the instrument as the primary reason for its discontinuation. This …
The government has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028, with an increased budgetary outlay to achieve universal tap water coverage in rural India, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2025. Progress Under the Mission The Finance Minister stated that 15 crore households, covering 80% of India’s rural population, have …
India’s taxation landscape has undergone significant changes over the decades, reflecting shifts in economic policies and fiscal strategies. A historical analysis of India’s highest tax rates reveals a sharp contrast between earlier decades and the present, showcasing a gradual move towards a more balanced tax structure. Tax Rates from 1950 to Present In 1950-51, the …
The Nifty FMCG Index surged 4% in today’s trade following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement of no income tax up to ₹12 lakh in the Union Budget 2025. The tax relief is expected to boost disposable income, driving consumer demand for fast-moving consumer goods. ITC, Trent, and Godrej Consumer Products Shares Lead Nifty FMCG Rally …
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, ahead of the Union Budget 2025 presentation, the benchmark equity indices opened higher. At the opening bell, BSE Sensex rose by 108.27 points (0.14%) to 77,608.84, while Nifty50 increased by 37.35 points (0.16%) to 23,545.75. Investors Eye Budget Proposals Investors are closely watching for key announcements in Budget 2025, which …
The 6-day week ended February 1, 2025, saw a mixed reaction in the Indian securities market. The benchmark indices NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex started the week with steep selling pressure, with a fall of over 1% on January 27, 2025, respectively. For the consecutive 4 days, Bulls took over the bear and the market rebounded and gained …
The Nifty Bank Index, comprising the most liquid and large Indian banking stocks, is a crucial benchmark for assessing the capital market performance of Indian banks. The index consists of a maximum of 12 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). On Budget Day 2025, the Nifty Bank experienced exceptional volatility, trading within a …
The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant measures to strengthen the agricultural sector, with a notable enhancement of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. The government has raised the KCC loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, aiming to provide farmers with greater access to affordable credit. This initiative is anticipated to support farmers …
The government has removed customs duty on 36 life-saving medicines, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26. This is aimed at reducing the cost of treatment for patients suffering from cancer and rare diseases. In addition to this, customs duty has also been waived on raw materials used to manufacture these …
In an effort to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant reductions in import duties on key components in the Union Budget 2025. These changes are expected to make mobile phones, smart TVs, and other electronic devices more affordable for consumers while improving India’s role in global supply chains. One of …
