The Union Budget 2024 was announced on 23rd July by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. While the budget touched upon varied sectors of priorities for the government, it has raised several questions for the middle class. Are the taxes simplified enough? Will the standard deductions given matter much? What should be the right approach to investing? In the episode of Money Matters, Certified Financial Planner and SEBI Registered Investment Advisor Kalpesh Ashar in conversation with Mid-day’s Katyayani Kapoor explains various aspects of personal finance related to this year’s budget. From the widening of the tax slabs, raising STT on F&O, and raising taxes on Capital Gains to the new pension scheme for minors, in this video Kalpesh Ashar busts the myth and explains how these reforms can impact you. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the traditional `halwa` ceremony, which takes place before the Union Budget is announced. Gandhi had made fun of the ceremony, calling it "budget ka halwa," and criticized the event for not including diverse groups like Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis. He pointed out that these communities were missing among the participants. Sitharaman defended the ceremony during a lively debate in the Lok Sabha on July 29. She addressed Gandhi’s comments, explaining the ceremony’s importance and responding to his concerns about diversity. Her reply aimed to clarify the purpose of the ceremony and counter Gandhi’s critique. Watch video for more.