Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at North Block on Saturday before presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha. This is her eighth consecutive budget, breaking Morarji Desai’s record. The budget speech at 11 a.m. will outline fiscal policies, taxation reforms, and developmental priorities.

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• Historic 8th budget by Sitharaman, surpassing Morarji Desai.
• Economic growth forecast: 6.3-6.8% in FY25 (Economic Survey).
• Key focus areas: R&D, MSME support, capital goods investment.
• Food inflation expected to ease in Q4 FY25, but weather risks remain.
• Forex reserves at $634.6B (Jan 2025), covering 90% external debt.
• Formal employment up, EPFO subscriptions doubled from 61L (FY19) to 131L (FY24).
• Budget priorities: rural development, infra expansion, social welfare.
• Tax relief likely for the middle class, alongside financial inclusion plans.