Jan Suraksha Schemes Settle Over Rs 25,160 Crore in Claims Since 2015 Launch Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Saturday that the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have collectively settled claims worth Rs 25,160 crore since their launch in 2015. The schemes, part of the Jan Suraksha initiative, were introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9, 2015, to provide affordable financial protection to underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society. Marking their 11th anniversary, the schemes have been praised for their role in expanding insurance and pension coverage across India. Sitharaman highlighted that PMJJBY has settled claims exceeding Rs 21,500 crore for over 10.7 lakh families, while PMSBY has settled claims worth nearly Rs 3,660 crore for more than 1.84 lakh families. She emphasized the importance of the schemes in shielding citizens from life’s uncertainties and fostering long-term financial resilience. The data revealed that PMJJBY has recorded 27 crore enrollments, PMSBY 58 crore, and APY 9 crore since their inception. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary noted that the launch of the online Jan Suraksha Portal has simplified enrollment for citizens, eliminating the need to visit bank branches or post offices. He also highlighted the digitization of the claims process, which has expedited settlements and ensured timely support for bereaved families. Chaudhary reiterated the significance of the schemes in providing affordable insurance and security, underscoring their achievements over the past decade. As of April 29, 2026, the schemes have recorded significant female enrollments.#prime_minister_narendra_modi #finance_minister_nirmala_sitharaman #atal_pension_yojana #pradhan_mantri_suraksha_bima_yojana #pradhan_mantri_jeevan_jyoti_bima_yojana
IDBI Bank Shares Surge 8% After FM Reaffirms Disinvestment Plan IDBI Bank shares surged 8% in intraday trading on April 24, 2026, following a statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government’s disinvestment plan for the lender was reaffirmed, with Sitharaman assuring that the process would continue despite previous delays. The stock reached a high of ₹79.90 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) during the session, outperforming the broader market, which saw the Nifty 50 index decline by 1.03%. By 3 PM, the shares were trading at ₹76.36, up 3.5% from the previous close. Sitharaman’s remarks, made during a media interaction, addressed concerns about the privatisation of IDBI Bank. She emphasized that the disinvestment process had been publicly announced and would proceed as planned. The FM clarified that the government would not halt the stake sale, which had been paused earlier due to financial bids falling below the reserve price set by the inter-ministerial disinvestment group. The government and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) had initially aimed to sell 60.72% of IDBI Bank’s stake, which they had floated in October 2022. Bids for the stake were submitted on February 6, 2026, but failed to meet the reserve price, leading to the scrapping of the sale. Currently, the government and LIC collectively hold 94.71% of IDBI Bank’s shares, with the government owning 45.48% and LIC holding 49.24%. The disinvestment plan targeted the sale of 60.72% of the stake, but the process was paused after the bids fell short. Sitharaman’s reassurance has alleviated investor concerns about the timeline and execution of the privatisation process. Analysts have weighed in on the stock’s valuation and market dynamics.#nifty_50 #national_stock_exchange #idbi_bank #finance_minister_nirmala_sitharaman #life_insurance_corporation
New Financial Year 2026: What Gets Cheaper And Costlier From April 1, Full List The new financial year (FY 2026-27) begins on April 1, 2026, following the Union Budget 2026 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. This budget introduced significant policy changes affecting household expenses and consumer spending. Key adjustments include modifications to import duties, GST slabs, and tax structures, which are expected to influence the prices of various goods and services. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council simplified its structure from four slabs to two—5% and 18%—effective from September 22, 2025. These changes are now in effect, shaping the cost landscape for consumers. Items that are likely to become cheaper include 17 essential medicines, with reduced custom duties making treatments for conditions like diabetes and cancer more affordable. Electric vehicles (EVs) benefit from extended tax relief, lowering their cost for buyers. Leather goods and footwear are expected to see price declines due to duty-free import provisions aimed at boosting exports. Components for aircraft and microwave ovens will also become cheaper as customs duties on these items are lowered. Imported personal items, such as certain electronics and household goods, will face reduced tariffs. Locally manufactured smartphones and tablets will become more affordable, offering better upgrade options for consumers. Foreign travel and education expenses are projected to decrease due to reduced Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas education, medical treatments, and international tour packages. Seafood prices may drop as duty-free benefits apply to fish caught beyond territorial waters, benefiting both fishermen and consumers.#union_budget_2026 #goods_and_services_tax #finance_minister_nirmala_sitharaman #customs_duties #gst_council
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Emphasizes Preparedness and Coordination Amid West Asia Crisis Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of long-term readiness and efficient decision-making on Saturday, March 29, 2026, as he chaired the inaugural meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) tasked with monitoring the situation in West Asia. The gathering brought together key ministers including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister JP Nadda. Additional attendees included Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh. The IGoM convened to assess the broader implications of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, focusing on risks to energy supplies, domestic availability of essential goods, infrastructure resilience, and the strength of India’s supply chains. Singh stressed the need for a proactive, coordinated, and forward-looking strategy, urging vigilance amid the evolving crisis. He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from the conflict’s potential impacts, stating that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely tracking developments. The meeting also featured in-depth discussions on measures taken by the Indian government to mitigate disruptions. Singh reiterated the importance of swift action and collaboration across sectors to address challenges posed by the regional instability.#defence_minister_rajnath_singh #finance_minister_nirmala_sitharaman #parliamentary_affairs_minister_kiren_rijiju #oil_minister_hardeep_singh_puri #power_minister_manohar_lal
