
The Union Budget 2025, the second full budget of the Modi 3.0 government, will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. With three major themes—growth, demand, and employment—the budget aims to address pressing challenges like job creation, faltering consumption, and declining FDI inflows. Amidst predictions of a GDP slowdown from 8.2% in 2023-2024 to 6.4% in 2024-2025, the budget will also emphasize fiscal consolidation, targeting 4.6% by FY26. Tax relief, industry support, and demand-boosting measures are expected. Will this budget meet the nation’s expectations? All eyes are on February 1 for answers.