Narendra Damodardas Modi is the 14th Prime Minister of India. Narendra Modi assumed the office of the prime minister on May 26, 2014, after his Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Lok Sabha elections held that year. Before becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for over a decade.
Narendra Modi was born to Hiraba and Damodardas Modi in Vadnagar in Gujarat’s Mehsana district on September 17, 1950. In the 1970s, Narendra Modi joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh before going on to join the Bharatiya Janata Party in the late ’80s. In 2001, he took over as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, a post he occupied until 2014. In 2019, Narendra Modi won a second term as the Prime Minister of India.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent.
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that he would reduce reciprocal tariffs from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed the India-US trade deal, stating the final tariff number will be 18 and whether that takes an hour or two days.
US President Donald Trump has shared the India Today Magazine cover featuring himself and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'Newsmakers of the Year 2025' on his Truth Social platform.
A massive showdown erupted in parliament on Monday after Rahul Gandhi tried to quote from former army chief Naravane's unpublished memoir claiming the government showed no political will against Chinese incursions in 2020.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for not letting him speak on ex-Army chief MM Naravane's memoir in Lok Sabha.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly violating parliamentary rules and defying the Speaker's authority during the discussion on the President's address in Lok Sabha on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s 140 crore citizens are no longer content with being the world’s fastest-growing economy and want the country to become the world’s third-largest economy “as soon as possible.” He said the Union Budget gives equal importance to multiple sectors and lays the groundwork for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Highlighting Nari Shakti, Modi praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling the Budget historic for underscoring India’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “As a woman Finance Minister, Nirmala ji has set a new record by presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time,” the Prime Minister said, lauding her leadership and consistency.
On this Special Report, Karishma Sudhani provides live updates as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Kartavya Bhavan ahead of the Union Budget for FY 2026-27. The report highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'reform express' that is 'human centric' and focused on technology. Sudhani notes that the budget making team features key women leaders, including Secretary of Economic Affairs Anuradha Thakur, marking a significant shift in the ministry's leadership. The discussion underscores expectations for major customs reforms and the continued digital transformation of the budget process through the tablet-based 'Bahi Khata'. The Finance Minister is expected to present the annual financial statement at 11:00 AM, with India Inc eyeing a 7% growth rate. The programme explores the transition of the Finance Ministry to its new headquarters and the strategic focus on consolidating the government's reform agenda through both direct and indirect tax measures.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the landmark trade deal between India and the European Union. He describes the agreement as a 'holistic, comprehensive vision of a developed India' that will safeguard labor-intensive sectors and create millions of jobs. Minister Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government for a 'lack of courage of conviction,' noting they aborted trade talks in 2013 due to a weak understanding of economic fundamentals. He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight free trade agreements with 37 developed nations in the last four years. Goyal emphasizes that these deals insulate the Indian economy while attracting capital and technology to help India become a developed nation by 2047. The Minister asserts that the complementarities between India and the developed world will allow markets to flourish and provide 140 crore Indians with better quality standards and economic opportunities.
On this Special Report, Maria Shakil and Piyush Mishra analyze the expectations surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 13th budget. Maria Shakil highlights the consistent rise in social sector spending, noting that 'the projection is 73K, it is likely to go up again' for the Awaas Yojana residential scheme. Piyush Mishra, reporting from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's residence, details potential reforms including a 50% hike in Kisan Samman Nidhi from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 and a reduction in the Ayushman Bharat age limit from 70 to 60 years. The discussion covers the transition from the traditional briefcase to the digital budget and the political significance of these schemes ahead of assembly elections in five states. The bulletin outlines the customary pre-budget schedule, including the Finance Minister's meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before tabling the budget in Parliament at 11 AM, with a focus on providing relief to the common man and salaried individuals through increased standard deductions.
As Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman presents her ninth consecutive Budget and the common man expects further relief as offered by the Finance Bill 2026-27, India Today tries to look at the hilarious side of it all in its latest So Sorry episode. Watch here.
On this news bulletin, an Unidentified speaker, serving as the National General Secretary of the NCP, addresses the controversial appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the reported demise of Ajit Pawar. The speaker states, 'It is the right time to take the right decision because today or tomorrow it was going to be happen,' justifying the move as a response to public sentiment and worker demands. During the interview, the spokesperson categorically denies allegations of 'parivarwaad' (dynasty politics) and rejects claims that the decision was orchestrated by the BJP to prevent a merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction. The discussion highlights the internal dynamics of the Mahayuti alliance, with the spokesperson asserting that the party leadership, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, acted independently to fulfill the mandate given by the public under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In this special report, the focus is on the sudden political transition in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a move congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister stated, 'I'm confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfill the vision of late Ajit Dada Pawar.' The bulletin explores the internal dynamics of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction and the potential for a merger with the Sharad Pawar group. While Sunetra Pawar takes over portfolios like Excise and Minority Affairs, the crucial Finance portfolio remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of the state budget. The programme further analyzes the impact of this leadership change on upcoming local body polls and the strategic power balance within the Mahayuti alliance involving the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endorsement of the new political leadership in Maharashtra. Following the recent administrative changes in the state, the Prime Minister has officially extended his support to the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister. Narendra Modi stated, 'Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar ji as she begins her tenure as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this position, this responsibility.' The Prime Minister further expressed his confidence in her leadership, noting that she would work tirelessly for the welfare of the citizens of Maharashtra. He emphasized that her tenure would be dedicated to fulfilling the vision of the late Ajit Dada Pawar. This development marks a significant milestone in the state's political history, as Sunetra Pawar becomes the first woman to occupy the post of Deputy Chief Minister. The programme highlights the Prime Minister's message and the expectations set for the new administration in Maharashtra.
Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP (AP) chief Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a ceremony in Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan on Saturday. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
In this special conversation, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal discusses the landmark India-European Union trade deal, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history'. Goyal highlights that the agreement will provide zero-duty access for Indian textiles, potentially creating six to eight million jobs. He contrasts the current government's 'courage of conviction' with the previous UPA administration's approach, asserting that India now negotiates from a position of strength. The Minister emphasizes that the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening doors for high-tech products and massive investments. Beyond trade, Goyal reflects on his father’s legacy on his 100th birth anniversary, sharing personal anecdotes about integrity and the importance of education. He also comments on the political transition in Maharashtra, wishing Sunetra Pawar success as she takes charge as Deputy Chief Minister following the passing of Ajit Pawar. The discussion underscores India's vision of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047 through strategic global partnerships.
In this exclusive interaction, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the significance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history.' He emphasizes that India now negotiates from a position of strength, backed by a robust economy projected to reach 30-35 trillion dollars. Goyal highlights how the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening vast opportunities for Indian exports in engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. He credits the successful negotiation to the leadership and empowerment provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister explains that the agreement, often referred to as the 'mother of all deals,' will transform India into a global manufacturing hub and provide consumers with cheaper access to high-tech products and life-saving drugs. The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of the partnership with the 27-nation bloc, noting that it reflects nearly one-third of global trade and offers a win-win scenario for both India and the European Union.
On this special report, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the strategic shift in India's trade policy and the successful negotiation of free trade agreements. Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government, stating, 'I think there was lack of courage of conviction when the Congress-led UPA government initiated talks 2006, 20 years ago.' He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight agreements with 37 countries, focusing on developed nations to safeguard labor-intensive sectors. The Minister emphasizes the potential for the textile industry, noting that zero-duty access to the European Union will allow India to compete effectively with nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. He predicts the creation of millions of jobs in sectors such as leather, footwear, and processed agricultural products, urging Indian industry to meet high-quality European standards to capitalize on these new global opportunities.
On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a high-level panel discussion following the tabling of the Economic Survey in Parliament. Joined by top economists including Sajid Chinoy and Sonal Verma, Zarabi explores the 'Reform Express' roadmap mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion highlights critical macroeconomic indicators, with Zarabi noting that the survey provides 'clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s upcoming budget presentation. The panel analyzes India's 7% GDP growth projection, the challenges of a hostile global trade environment, and the strategic debate over rupee depreciation as a shock absorber. Experts also discuss the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing and the necessity of rationalizing customs duties to boost export competitiveness. The programme concludes with expectations for fiscal prudence and a strong narrative on AI-driven digital infrastructure to sustain India's current economic momentum.
