Officials said this achievement reflects continuity in economic planning and policy implementation. Sitharaman’s previous budgets have focused on reforms, infrastructure, digital initiatives, and boosting growth across sectors.

Experts noted that presenting nine consecutive budgets is rare in India’s history, highlighting both political stability and the Finance Minister’s experience. With the upcoming budget, she aims to address macroeconomic priorities, social welfare, and industry growth.

The Finance Ministry has already begun consultations with stakeholders to finalise allocations and proposals for the upcoming session of Parliament. Analysts expect measures supporting investment, manufacturing, and rural development.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s historic ninth budget presentation underscores her role in shaping India’s economic policy and continuing reforms. This will take Ms. Sitharaman closer to the record of 10 budgets presented by Morarji Desai.

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During the meeting, the Finance Minister emphasized the government’s focus on innovation, job creation, and ease of doing business within the MSME ecosystem. Industry members highlighted concerns about credit access, delayed payments, and the need for simplified compliance norms.

Sitharaman assured that the government will continue to prioritize MSMEs in its policy framework. She noted that the sector plays a pivotal role in boosting exports, manufacturing, and self-employment opportunities across India.

The consultation also covered topics such as digital transformation, export promotion, skill development, and green initiatives to ensure MSMEs remain globally competitive.

FM meets MSME stakeholders ahead of Union Budget 2025 as part of a broader effort to align fiscal policy with industry needs and promote sustainable economic growth.

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During her visit, Sitharaman will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. She will also hold bilateral talks with Finance Minister Lekey Dorji to explore new opportunities for financial and economic collaboration.

Her itinerary includes visits to key Indian-supported sites such as the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, Gyalsung Academy, and Punakha Dzong. She will attend presentations on Bhutan’s energy initiatives, the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

Sitharaman will visit the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market to witness a UPI transaction, showcasing India’s growing digital link with Bhutan. She will also interact with Bhutanese farmers to learn about their agricultural practices and challenges.

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Minister Lokesh responded positively and assured immediate help. He said the government would assist Brandix and other textile units facing similar issues. Lokesh stressed that Andhra Pradesh aims to become a key export hub and would protect industries hit by global trade policies.

The minister also said he would discuss the issue with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for central assistance. As part of temporary relief, the state will launch short-term measures to ease financial strain on exporters.

Officials said Brandix is one of the largest employment providers in the state. Its stability is vital for Andhra Pradesh’s textile economy and export performance.

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Speaking at the event, she highlighted initiatives like soil health cards, financial assistance, fertilisers, and increased MSP for foodgrains and pulses. Sitharaman noted that the new processing unit can handle 133 metric tonnes of tur, 100 metric tonnes of chickpeas, and 76 metric tonnes of mixed pulses annually, enabling farmers to get better prices and reduce dependency on middlemen.

The minister emphasised that this initiative will empower farmers, support farmer producer organisations (FPOs), promote holistic rural development, and create sustainable livelihoods for self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs. The programme aims to make the Raichur district’s agricultural ecosystem robust and market-driven, enhancing production quality and shelf life of pulses.

Earlier, Sitharaman interacted with over 60 interns of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) in Hampi. She engaged with representatives from companies like Infosys, IBM, TCS, HAL, and NMDC, encouraging interns on professional growth, skills development, and contributions to India’s development journey.

The post FM Sitharaman Launches Pulse Processing Centre in Raichur appeared first on India Podcast.

FM Sitharaman credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014 for shaping India’s technology-driven growth. She noted that policy enablers and institutional reforms have strengthened governance and fostered an innovation ecosystem. According to her, India’s framework has positioned the country as a global hub for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

She also appreciated Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for promoting technology-led growth, citing his role in Hyderabad’s development as an IT hub. “With his vision, Andhra Pradesh is ideal for India’s first AI hub,” FM Sitharaman said. She emphasized the synergy between central and state governments, which helps India maintain an edge in the global AI race.

The Finance Minister said proactive governance and enabling policies will help India achieve a developed nation status by 2047. “With today’s vision, India is well on the way to becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she concluded, highlighting the importance of forward-thinking leadership.

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Moreover, she highlighted that India has become a global fintech leader, setting new benchmarks in innovation, inclusion, and scale. According to her, India’s digital initiatives such as UPI and Aadhaar prove that technology can bring transparency and growth. She stated, “The simple motive is to use it for public good and not weaponise it.”

However, the Finance Minister expressed concern that some nations use their technological strength to restrict trade and innovation. Such actions, she warned, hurt global progress and weaken trust among nations. Therefore, she urged for greater cooperation and shared responsibility in the use of technology.

At the same time, she noted that India is negotiating trade deals with the United States, which has recently raised tariffs on Indian goods and increased H1B visa fees. These measures, she added, affect thousands of skilled Indian workers.

Furthermore, Sitharaman stressed that technology should unite people through inclusion and fairness. She said responsible innovation can promote economic growth and reduce inequality. Her remarks reflected India’s vision for an open, transparent, and cooperative digital future.

In conclusion, she called on global leaders to build trust and ensure technology serves humanity. “Only through collaboration can innovation become a true force for public good,” Sitharaman said.

The post Nirmala Sitharaman Flags Weaponisation of Technology appeared first on India Podcast.

The FCSS allows entities within the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to settle transactions in foreign currency on a real-time or near real-time basis. This upgrade makes GIFT IFSC one of the few global financial hubs, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Manila, with this infrastructure.

Earlier, foreign currency transactions took 36-48 hours via correspondent banking. Sitharaman said the FCSS ensures faster, seamless settlements while strengthening operational resilience and compliance. Standard Chartered India will handle US dollar clearance for this system.

India ranks third globally in fintech companies and leads in digital payments, completing over 18,580 crore UPI transactions worth Rs 261 lakh crore in 2024-25. GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is now a strategic hub for international finance and fintech innovation, providing faster and secure transaction infrastructure.

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Arriving in Velusamypuram around 11.10 a.m., the ministers inspected the site. Footwear and other belongings of participants still lay scattered, serving as a painful reminder of the chaos that unfolded. After the site visit, they proceeded to the Karur Government Medical College Hospital to meet those undergoing treatment. Doctors briefed them on the condition of the injured, while the ministers assured that necessary support would be extended.

Speaking to grieving families, Nirmala Sitharaman and L. Murugan expressed condolences and promised that the Union government would stand with them in this time of crisis. They urged officials to provide quick relief and ensure proper medical care for the injured.

The Karur stampede has shaken Tamil Nadu, sparking widespread grief and calls for better crowd management. Political leaders and local groups have demanded stricter safety protocols for large public events. Experts note that overcrowding and poor coordination often trigger such tragedies, making preventive measures critical.

As the state continues to mourn, the visit by Nirmala Sitharaman and L. Murugan has highlighted the government’s commitment to both relief and accountability. The incident has also intensified the debate on the responsibility of political parties and organizers to prioritize public safety during mass gatherings.

The Karur stampede stands as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for better planning and safeguards to protect citizens in high-risk situations.

The post Sitharaman, Murugan Visit Karur Stampede Site, Meet Families appeared first on India Podcast.

The Conclave will feature sessions on emerging technologies and communications. Jyotiraditya Scindia will lead discussions with AI and digital infrastructure experts during special luncheon sessions. The agenda combines India’s domestic priorities with global perspectives on finance, technology, and policy.

KEC 2025 will host a high-level plenary on global macroeconomic prudence, chaired by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Participants will assess the world economy and discuss reforms for financial governance. Over 75 international delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to join the conclave.

Prominent speakers include Jean-Claude Trichet, former Honorary Governor of the Banque de France, Mari Elka Pangestu, Taro Kono, Bai Chong-En, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Andres Velasco, Lord Nicholas Stern, and Jean-Pierre Landau. The conclave promises to provide actionable insights and policy guidance for prosperity in turbulent times.

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