The Centre has introduced customs duty rationalisation to ensure that the Indian economy becomes aatmanirbhar (self-reliant), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post-budget interview with NDTV.

Sitharaman will present the budget today at 11:00 am. The Parliamentary Budget session kicked off on January 31, 2025. The session is being conducted in two phases: the first part runs from January 31 to February 13, while the second segment is scheduled between March 10 and April 4.

LIVE: During the Union Budget 2025 announcements, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that under the new tax slabs, over one crore taxpayers will be exempt from paying taxes

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history on Saturday by presenting her eighth consecutive budget with a 74-minute-long speech. This achievement brings her closer to the record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 budgets during his tenure, six between 1959 and 1964 and four from 1967 to 1969.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech announced tax exemption for salaries up to Rs 12 lakh, leading to applause and chants of 'Modi, Modi' in the BJP benches. However, opposition parties protested over the Kumbh stampede and eventually walked out.

Nirmala Sitharaman's budget session saree reflects not just a personal fashion statement but also a deep appreciation for India's rich heritage of handwoven textiles and crafts.

Prime Minister Modi invoked Goddess Lakshmi on Budget-eve, later Indian taxpayers received significant tax relief. Finance Minister announced revised tax slabs where the biggest benefit is for those earning up to Rs 12.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the top priorities of Budget 2025 will be to boost growth and enhance the spending power of the middle class.