Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a National Manufacturing Mission to further boost the 'Make In India' initiative across industries, as the country becomes a bright spot on the global manufacturing map.
Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the Finance Minister said that the National Manufacturing Mission would support clean tech, and build an ecosystem for solar cells, EV batteries, and high voltage transmission equipment manufacturing at the local level.
The credit guarantee cover is to be enhanced for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore from Rs 5 crore and investment and turnover limit for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively.
The government will also introduce customised credit cards with a Rs 5 lakh limit for registered MSMEs.
The Finance Minister also announced Centres of Excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) for education, to be set up with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore.
The Union Budget focuses on 10 broad areas, including supporting MSMEs and promoting exports, agricultural growth and rural prosperity, manufacturing and financial inclusion, inclusive growth and development and a special focus on the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
"A scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban workers to be set up. Social Security Scheme for the welfare of online platform workers would also be set up," said FM Sitharaman.
The government will also launch a focused product scheme for the footwear and leather sector, creating 22 lakh new jobs while generating significant exports.
The Budget Session of Parliament, which commenced on Friday, will be conducted in two phases - the first started on January 31 and will conclude on February 13, while the second phase will begin on March 10 and end on April 4.
New Urban Community Health Centre to reduce patients rush in GBP Hospital: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday laid foundation stone of 50-bed Urban Community Health Center here at Agartala and said that the present government is working diligently to improve health infrastructure and services in the state.
Govt determined to develop sports infrastructure in Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated football turf, athletics track and hockey ground here at Agartala Dasarath Deb Sports Complex at Badharghat and said that the government is determined to develop facilities and platform for sports persons in the state.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.