Tag: Indian Government

Politics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Holds the Longest Tenure

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a historic benchmark by becoming the longest-serving Finance Minister of India. A seasoned economist and senior BJP leader, Sitharaman has held the position of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister since 31 May 2019.

She has now presented eight Union Budgets — a record unmatched in recent Indian history, second only to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. In February 2024, she equaled Desai’s record of six budgets, and by 2025, she surpassed it by delivering her eighth budget. Her legacy also includes being the first person to present a Union Budget in the newly inaugurated Indian Parliament building, adding another historic milestone to her tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s political journey is as remarkable as her policy work. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2016, representing Karnataka, and had earlier served as a member from Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016. On 3 September 2017, she was appointed India’s Defence Minister — making her only the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi, and the first full-time female Defence Minister of the country.

Born on 18 August 1959, Sitharaman has consistently balanced economic prudence with political responsibility. Her long and continuous service in key ministerial roles demonstrates her influence and leadership within the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Her unprecedented run as Finance Minister marks a turning point in India’s political and administrative history, particularly with regard to women’s leadership in top executive roles.

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MHA Notifies Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025

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New Delhi | 3rd September 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, introducing significant provisions impacting regional mobility and humanitarian relief.

📌 Key Provisions of the Order

  • Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan: Continuing the tradition of open borders and close bilateral ties, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can still enter India without the need for a passport or visa.
  • Persecuted Minorities from Neighbouring Countries: Religious and ethnic minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before 31 December 2024 are exempt from certain immigration rules.

🌍 Context & Significance
India has historically shared special border arrangements with Nepal and Bhutan, allowing free movement of people as part of longstanding cultural and economic ties.

The exemption for persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan aligns with India’s humanitarian stance towards displaced communities fleeing religious persecution. This provision also complements the framework of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), though it functions as a separate administrative relief.

🔎 Implications

  • Reinforces India’s regional diplomacy with close neighbours.
  • Extends legal relief and recognition to minorities who sought refuge in India before the cut-off date.
  • Provides clarity for immigration and enforcement agencies in handling cross-border cases.

📖 Conclusion
The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025 reaffirms India’s commitment to both regional integration and humanitarian values. By balancing open-border arrangements with neighbouring states and offering exemptions to persecuted groups, the policy reflects both strategic and compassionate governance.

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