India, Feb. 1 -- The Centre will establish five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling to equip the youth with the necessary skills for global opportunities, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget 2025 on Saturday, February 1.

Nirmala Sitharaman also said Rs.1.5 lakh crore will be provided towards 50-year interest free loans to states, for infrastructure development.

Also, an asset monetisation plan will be launched for 2025-30 period to infuse Rs.10 lakh crore capital in new projects.

Presenting the Budget for 2025-26, she also announced an outlay of Rs.500 crore for setting up a centre of excellence in artificial intelligence for education.

Further, the Budget outlay for Jal Jeevan Mission is...