India, Feb. 6 -- Union Budget 2025-26, the first full budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, and our finance minister (FM)'s record eighth consecutive budget was released to much fanfare and jubilation. Departing from her signature straight shooter style, the FM teased the changes in direct taxes, before finally ending her speech with a flourish - declaring zero income taxes for those earning below Rs.12 lakhs annually.

Going beyond the headlines of income tax reductions, Budget 2025 is also significant for India's women - for it marks the 20th anniversary of gender budgeting in India.

We've come a long way since India's first gender budget in 2005-06. In 2025-26, the gender budget is a record Rs.4.5 lakh crores - the high...