India, Feb. 1 -- The Union Budget 2025 presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman builds on previous editions by retaining its focus on the poor, women, youth, and farmers. The government's fiscal strategy aims to boost consumption through tax cuts and a reduced direct reliance on public capital expenditure, targeting a lower fiscal deficit: an ambitious approach.

The budget outlines significant investments in people (through skilling), the economy, and innovation. Key skilling initiatives include establishing five National Centers of Excellence in global partnerships, expanding capacity at IITs and medical colleges, launching enhanced research fellowships at IISc and IITs, creating 50,000 new Atal Incubation Centers in schools...