budget 2025 live: Budget 2025 Live Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman to introduce New Income tax bill next week; China’s factories, new UDAN boost & education push in focus

Budget 2025 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first full India Budget of Modi 3.0, aiming to balance middle-class tax relief with economic growth needs.

This Budget comes as GDP growth is projected to fall to a four-year low of 6.4% in FY24, near its decadal average. The Economic Survey forecasts 6.3-6.8% growth in FY26, well below the pace required to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047. It stresses the need for land and labour reforms to drive growth.

With India’s world-leading growth showing signs of moderation, the push for an 8% annual growth rate remains crucial. The projected growth for FY25-26 compares to an estimated 6.4% in FY24 and 8.2% in FY23-24.

Budget 2025 Live streaming: When and where to watch Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech;
Budget Speech Timing: Scheduled for 11 a.m. on February 1 in the Lok Sabha.
Live Broadcast: Available on Sansad TV, DD News, and Sansad TV’s YouTube channel.
Online Updates: Follow all Budget 2025 updates on economictimes.com

Key numbers to watch out for in the Union Budget for 2025-26:
Fiscal Deficit
Capital Expenditure
Debt Roadmap
Borrowing
Tax Revenue
GST
Nominal GDP
Dividend
Disinvestment & Asset Monetisation

Budget FAQs
What is the Union Budget?
The Union Budget is the annual financial statement of the government. It outlines revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year.

Who presents the Union Budget?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Budget in Parliament.

When is the Budget presented?
The Budget is presented on February 1.

What are the key components of the Budget?
Revenue Budget
Expenditure Budget
Fiscal Deficit
GDP Growth Projections
Policy Announcements

Will there be changes in income tax slabs?
Given the pressure on middle class, Nirmala Sitharaman may propose changes in tax slabs, exemptions, and deductions under the old and new tax regimes in the budget.

What are the indirect tax changes?
Major indirect taxes are GST, customs, excise duties etc. The Budget can alter GST rates, impose or reduce customs and excise duties, impacting imported goods and services.