China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget for 2024, raising military spending to $249 billion as the country continues its aggressive modernization efforts amid escalating regional tensions. The budget, which was revealed in a draft report submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) by Premier Li Qiang, underscores China’s strategic focus on military expansion in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and its border with India. This increase follows China’s

Nine months after the formation of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, the state is showing a strong economic turnaround. The latest fiscal survey presented in the Assembly highlights that Andhra Pradesh has recorded a 12.94% growth in fiscal management, a clear indication of recovery from the previous administration’s economic downturn. The progress is primarily driven by agriculture, industrial development, and energy production, reflecting the effectiveness of new policies focused

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged stakeholders to focus on speedy and effective implementation of Budget 2025, particularly in agriculture and rural development. Speaking virtually at the post-budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity”, Modi highlighted that this budget is crucial for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat and sustaining policy consistency in his government’s third term. He emphasized that the budget was designed based on stakeholder in

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of Texas’ most anticipated events, offering an exciting mix of live music, rodeo competitions, and mouthwatering food. While the experience itself is unforgettable, many attendees find themselves wondering what to wear. A great rodeo outfit doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With a few smart shopping strategies and budget-friendly finds, you can put together a stylish and comfortable look without b

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has presented a record-breaking budget for the financial year 2025-26. With an overall outlay of ₹3.22 lakh crore, this is the first time in the state's history that the budget has surpassed the ₹3 lakh crore mark. Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav introduced the budget in the Andhra Pradesh assembly, outlining major allocations aimed at boosting welfare programs, infrastructure, agriculture, and social developmen

The Union Budget 2025 has brought a major tax relief for the middle class, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will have zero tax liability under the new tax regime. Additionally, salaried individuals can claim a standard deduction of ₹75,000, effectively making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free. This move is aimed at simplifying tax compliance and increasing disposable income for millions of taxpayers.  

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur

The Department of Government Efficiency, known as the DOGE initiative, was introduced to streamline government spending by reducing the number of federal employees and eliminating programs that do not align with President Trump's policies. The initiative was presented as a necessary response to the growing $36 trillion national debt. One of its first major actions was the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, a move that has been met with both support and criticism. While

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant changes to the income tax regime, offering relief to middle-class taxpayers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising the basic exemption limit to Rs 4 lakh and increased the income threshold for the rebate under Section 87A to Rs 12 lakh. This means individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh, with a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, can avoid paying taxes altogether. But for those earning more than Rs 12.75 lakh, choosing between the old

The Union Budget 2025 introduced a significant revision to the income tax exemption limit, raising it to ₹12 lakh. This change has sparked expectations of increased consumer spending, particularly in sectors such as automobiles and fast-moving consumer goods. With more disposable income available to middle-class taxpayers, the automotive industry is poised to see shifts in demand, with varying effects across vehicle segments. Analysts believe that while this tax policy revision may drive ov

The Andhra Pradesh government has established a strong and effective relationship with the central government, which has led to significant financial support for the state. Key leaders, such as Chandra Babu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, have played a crucial role in ensuring the state receives adequate funding, especially for critical infrastructure projects. This relationship was evident in the recent 2026 b

Income Tax: Union Budget 2025 introduces a revamped tax regime, with key reforms aimed at providing relief to the middle class. The new tax slabs are as follows: Up to Rs 4 lakh - 0% Rs 4-8 lakh - 5% Rs 8-12 lakh - 10%

The Budget Session of 2025 began with controversy when Congress MP Sonia Gandhi made a remark about President Droupadi Murmu, calling her a "poor thing" after the President's speech in Parliament. Gandhi's comment, made while speaking to reporters outside Parliament, was in reference to the exhaustion Murmu appeared to show after delivering her customary address. The remark was immediately condemned by the BJP, who described it as a "derogatory comment" and demande

With the Union Budget 2025 just around the corner, India’s stock market is experiencing increased volatility. The India VIX, a key indicator of market fluctuations, surged by over 5% leading up to Budget day. Historically, the market has shown a mix of both gains and losses on the day of the Budget announcement and in the lead-up to it. The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 index has seen varying movements, with large swings in previous years, making it difficult to predict the immediate market re

 As the Union Budget 2025 approaches on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to address rising concerns over high inflation and shrinking disposable incomes, with a focus on tax relief for salaried individuals. One of the most anticipated measures is the potential increase in the standard deduction for salaried employees. Under the current system, a standard deduction of Rs 75,000 is available for those opting for the New Tax Regime, while the Old Tax Reg

Rajesh Magow, the Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, has shared his expectations for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26, emphasizing the long-standing demand of the hospitality sector for "industry" status. Speaking ahead of the budget presentation on February 1, Magow stressed the importance of addressing this demand to unlock the full potential of the hospitality and tourism sectors. In an interview with PTI, Magow highlighted the government's commendable efforts

With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:

The Role of National Education Policy (NEP) in the Union Budget 2025: The Union Budget 2025-26 is crucial for shaping the future of India's education system, especially with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 being a significant focus. The BJP-led NDA government, entering its third term, continues to prioritize education and skill development. The NEP aims to modernize educati

Months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented an interim budget in February to manage the government’s immediate financial needs. After the BJP-led NDA returned to power for a third term, she unveiled the comprehensive Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25 on July 23. While both budgets play a significant role in the nation's fiscal planning, their objectives and scope are different. An interim budget is a temporary financi

The Union Budget for the upcoming financial year is expected to include provisions for promoting artificial intelligence (AI) in India. According to sources, a special policy package for AI is being formulated, with a focus on AI-skilling schemes and the establishment of AI centres. Additionally, the budget is likely to allocate funds to support these initiatives, ensuring measures are in place to safeguard employment in light of AI's rapid advancement. The Ministry of Finance h