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A sweet gesture: President Murmu offers ‘dahi-cheeni’ to Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of Budget 2025
President Droupadi Murmu offered dahi-cheeni to Nirmala Sitharaman before Budget 2025. This customary gesture was done during her visit to Rashtrapti Bhawan.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, shortly before the Union Budget 2025 presentation, offered 'dahi-cheeni' (curd and sugar) to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
This customary gesture, which is considered auspicious for good luck, was done during the finance minister's visit to President Murmu at the Rashtrapti Bhavan.
Minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary was also present on the occasion at the Rashtrapti Bhavan. Nirmala Sirtharaman was seen discussing the contours of the Budget proposals with President Murmu.
Watch the video here:
Later, Sitharman arrived at Parliament, from where she left for the Cabinet meeting where the Budget was ratified prior to its presentation in Parliament.
Sitharaman to present 8th consecutive Budget
Sitharaman will present her record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday at 11am in Lok Sabha. The Budget speech will outline the government's fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, taxation reforms, and other significant announcements.
Meanwhile, the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday, projected India's economy to grow between 6.3 per cent and 6.8 per cent in the next financial year 2025-26.
The survey, tabled a day before the Union Budget, highlights the country's strong economic fundamentals supported by a stable external account, fiscal consolidation, and private consumption.
It noted that the government plans to strengthen long-term industrial growth by focusing on research and development (R&D), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and capital goods.
These measures aim to enhance productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
"The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption. On balance of these considerations, we expect that the growth in FY26 would be between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent," it said.
The economic survey noted that food inflation is expected to ease in Q4 FY25 due to the seasonal decline in vegetable prices and the arrival of the Kharif harvest.
A good Rabi production is also expected to help keep food prices in check in the first half of FY26. However, adverse weather conditions and rising international agricultural prices pose risks to inflation.
(With inputs from ANI)
- 'Dahi-cheeni' symbolises good luckThe offering of 'dahi-cheeni' symbolises good luck and tradition in Indian culture.
- Economic SurveyThe Economic Survey predicts a growth rate of 6.3% to 6.8% for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Govt initiatives focus on R&D, MSMEs, capital goodsGovernment initiatives focus on R&D, MSMEs, and capital goods to drive long-term economic growth.
