Markets fell, then rebounded: FM explains STT hike, volatility and debt roadmap

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the STT hike on F&O trading, citing heavy retail losses and aiming to curb speculation. She highlighted increased spending on health and education, not cuts, and outlined a target of 50% debt-to-GDP by 2030-31. The budget also includes significant rural employment funding and infrastructure projects for election-bound states, incorporating youth feedback.