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Economics graduate Nirmala Sitharaman is one of India’s most powerful politicians who has held various portfolios over the years. Sitharaman became popular for her hard-nosed decision-making ability economic insight and straight talking approach with the public. Nirmala Sitharaman is the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs in PM Modis government. She has one of the most important jobs because she manages Indias money and economic growth. Even though there are many problems today like rising prices and global economic issues she continues to make the big decisions that shape Indias financial future. From Madurai to North Block: Sitharaman’s Early Life and Political Rise Nirmala Sitharaman was born on August 18 1959 in Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Tamil Brahmin parents. She did her schooling from different cities as her father was in the Railways. She completed her graduation in economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College Tiruchirappalli. Sitharaman further did her post graduation in Economics followed by M.Phil from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi. Sitharaman started her career in the Business world briefly and worked in public policy research and international trade studies. Entered politics in 2006 when she joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Appointed as the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs in 2019 and has been serving since then. Profile Summary: Sitharaman’s Political Career Started Political Career with BJP Nirmala Sitharaman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2006 and since then has been working as a part of the party’s national committee. Worked as the National Spokesperson for BJP She served as the National spokesperson for BJP and was also elected as a Rajya Sabha member for the state of Gujarat. Known for Handling Press Questions She garnered national attention for her powerful yet succinct handling of questions from journalists during press conferences. Into the Union Cabinet In 2014 PM Modi appointed Sitharaman as the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in his cabinet. Here she dealt with India’s trade negotiations with various countries and was in charge of attracting investments into India. She was later promoted as the Defence Minister in 2017 and became India’s first full-time woman Defence Minister. Presently the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs PM Modi appointed her as the Finance Minister of India in May 2019 and she continues to serve the position. Sitharaman has handled full responsibility of India’s budget as the country’s first full-time woman finance minister. She has also presented Budgets during the pandemic crisis as Union Finance Minister. Legacy as Finance Minister Some of the key initiatives of Sitharaman as Finance Minister have been focused on: Reviving the economy from the impact of COVID-19 Building a self-reliant India on the back of infrastructure growth Reforming taxes and improving tax compliance Promoting startups and MSMEs along with manufacturing Growing the digital economy and promoting fintech Sitharaman has been vocal about not indulging in populist measures and keeping the deficit under control while pushing reform measures that would benefit the economy in the long-term. Commonly Known For Nirmala Sitharaman is popularly known for her blunt nature and handling of the media. Often members of the opposition and reporters push her with hard questions during sessions in Parliament and press meetings. Sitharaman is respected for coming back at her opponents with fact-based answers and remaining calm during such sessions. Family and Personal Life She is married to Parakala Prabhakar a political analyst and professor. He has previously served as the media advisor to the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu. Despite holding the top finance portfolio in the country Sitharaman likes to keep her personal life private. At the Centre of India’s Economic Challenges and Growth Ambitions The decisions taken by the Union Finance Minister can have wide-ranging effects on financial markets companies and common people. India is dealing with rising prices and global money problems while trying to grow its economy faster. Because of this Nirmala Sitharaman’s job in managing the countrys finances is more important than ever. Sitharaman in the Spotlight Ahead of Union Budget 2026 Union Budget 2026 will be tabled in Parliament tomorrow and Nirmala Sitharaman will be under the spotlight again. Everyone from investors to salary earners will be watching her announcements today. While majority expect the FM to curb inflation with some direct measures others hope for increased consumption government spending on infrastructure and higher growth. Her Budget will also signal government’s priority in the face of global challenges. Thus Sitharaman’s steps today will impact India’s medium-term economic outlook apart from immediate market reactions.