Nirmala Sitharaman
India Proposes 100% FDI in Insurance Sector with New Amendment Bill: Comprehensive Reforms for Policyholder Protection and Market Growth
Dec 16, 2025 04:22 pm CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025, which proposes increasing FDI limits in insurance to 100%, establishes a Policyholders' Protection Fund, and creates a framework for digital infrastructure in the sector. The comprehensive reforms aim to achieve "Insurance for All by 2047" while strengthening consumer protection and regulatory governance.
India's Economic Transformation: Rural Poor Closing Wealth Gap as Asset Ownership Soars
Dec 16, 2025 10:59 am CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reports significant economic progress in India, with rural areas experiencing remarkable growth in asset ownership and purchasing power. Data shows the Bottom 40% acquiring wealth faster than the Top 20%, dramatically reducing inequality across key consumer goods and positioning India as the fastest-growing major economy at 8.2%, despite global challenges.
India Approves 100% Foreign Direct Investment in Insurance Sector: A Major Reform for Market Growth
Dec 13, 2025 01:38 pm CST
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved a landmark bill to increase foreign direct investment in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, aiming to enhance market penetration, accelerate industry growth, and improve ease of doing business. The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 includes provisions for policyholder protection, requires top management positions to include Indian citizens, and forms part of comprehensive reforms to achieve 'Insurance for All by 2047'.
India's Lok Sabha Passes Health and National Security Cess Bill on Pan Masala Production
Dec 05, 2025 10:57 pm CST
The Lok Sabha has approved legislation imposing a cess on pan masala manufacturing facilities to fund national security and public health initiatives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed the revenue will be shared with states while maintaining the existing 40% GST rate on pan masala products. This new cess targets production capacity rather than consumption and represents 6.1% of gross total revenue in the current fiscal year.
India's Parliament Approves Increased Tobacco Excise Duty Bill Aligning With WHO Standards
Dec 05, 2025 02:16 am CST
India's Parliament has approved the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, raising tobacco taxation from 53% toward WHO's recommended 75% benchmark. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed the revenue will be shared with states while assuring support for tobacco farmers and beedi workers through existing welfare schemes and crop diversification programs.
Finance Minister Sitharaman Introduces Health Security Cess Bill to Strengthen National Security and Public Health Funding
Dec 05, 2025 12:51 am CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill in the Lok Sabha, proposing a production-based cess on items like paan masala to create dedicated funding for health and national security priorities. The bill establishes cess rates ranging from Rs 1.01-25.47 crore per machine monthly and includes comprehensive enforcement mechanisms for compliance.
Finance Minister Sitharaman Defends Multilingual Speech Rights After TMC MP Objects to Hindi Address in Parliament
Dec 04, 2025 08:46 pm CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman firmly responded to TMC MP Saugata Roy's objection to her Hindi speech during a Lok Sabha session on the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill. The minister defended her right to speak in multiple languages, highlighting Parliament's translation technology while suggesting Roy's complaint was a diversionary tactic to avoid substantive debate on the proposed legislation.
Finance Minister Confirms LIC's Adani Investments Follow Standard Procedures Without Ministry Interference
Dec 02, 2025 01:26 am CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified that LIC's investments in Adani Group companies follow strict due diligence protocols without any direction from the Finance Ministry. The state-owned insurer's investment decisions are made independently according to established regulations, with comprehensive oversight mechanisms in place. LIC's exposure to Adani Group represents a small portion of its diverse Rs 41 lakh crore investment portfolio spanning 351 publicly listed companies.
India's New Taxation Framework: Replacing GST Compensation Cess with Excise Duties on Tobacco and Pan Masala
Dec 01, 2025 10:44 pm CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced two new bills in the Lok Sabha aimed at restructuring taxes on tobacco and pan masala products after the scheduled phaseout of GST compensation cess. The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill and Health Security se National Security Cess Bill will maintain taxation levels on these "sin goods" while redirecting revenue toward public health initiatives and national security efforts.
India Achieves 8.2% GDP Growth in Q2: Finance Minister Sitharaman Highlights World's Fastest Growing Major Economy
Nov 29, 2025 12:02 am CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reports India's economy grew 8.2% in Q2 FY 2025-26, making it the world's fastest-growing major economy. This robust performance stems from fiscal consolidation, targeted investments, and business-friendly reforms, with the Modi government committed to sustaining long-term economic growth through continued policy improvements.