The recently announced Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been strategically tailored to cater to the needs of the state of Bihar, which is gearing up for assembly elections later this year. With a strong focus on projects and schemes that benefit farmers and the youth in Bihar, the budget aims to secure the reigns of the state for the BJP-led NDA ahead of the upcoming polls. The minister's choice of a saree adorned with Madhubani art motifs further reinforces this focus on the Mithila region.
Bihar's Budget Allocation: Targeting Voters Ahead of Elections
Introduction
The recently announced Union Budget has been carefully designed to cater to the electoral needs of Bihar, a state facing assembly elections later this year. With an eye on securing the support of farmers and the youth, the budget allocates funds for projects and schemes that directly benefit these key demographics.
Background
Bihar is a large and populous state in eastern India, with a population of over 120 million people. The state has a long history of political instability and poverty, and has been ruled by various political parties in recent years. The current ruling coalition is the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Budgetary Allocations
The Union Budget has allocated a significant amount of funds to Bihar, including:
Significance
The budgetary allocations are seen as an attempt by the BJP-led NDA to secure the support of voters in Bihar ahead of the upcoming elections. The focus on farmers and the youth reflects the importance of these demographics in the state.
The Madhubani Art Saree
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's choice of a saree adorned with Madhubani art motifs also carries significant symbolism. Madhubani art is a traditional art form from the Mithila region of Bihar, and its presence on the saree signals the government's commitment to the region.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Madhubani art saree? It symbolizes the government's focus on the Mithila region and its commitment to the state of Bihar.
2. Why is the бюджет allocation important for Bihar? It aims to address the needs of key demographics, such as farmers and the youth, in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
3. What are some specific projects included in the budget for Bihar? Projects include irrigation projects, crop insurance, new schools and colleges, and skill development programs.
4. How has the opposition reacted to the budget allocation? The opposition has criticized the allocation as being insufficient and politically motivated.
5. What are the prospects for the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming elections? The budget allocation is seen as a boost to the BJP's electoral prospects, but the outcome of the elections will depend on a number of factors.
In a move that has sparked international criticism, the Nicaraguan parliament has approved a constitutional reform that grants full powers to President Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. This makes them the first-ever co-presidents of the Central American country, with control over state institutions and no term limits. The controversial measure was passed by the parliament, which is dominated by Ortega's party, and is retroactive, extending the couple's mandates until 2028.
In a recent announcement, the UK government confirmed that there will be no additional bank holidays in 2024, despite rumors that they were considering adding days off to commemorate World War Two victories. This news may come as a disappointment to some who were looking forward to potential time off, but it's important to note that employers are not required to provide paid leave on bank holidays. Here is a list of all the confirmed bank holidays for 2025 in England and Wales.
On Saturday, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and former UK PM Rishi Sunak attended the Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan along with Murthy's wife, philanthropist and author Sudha Murty, and her sister. The former PM was encouraged to greet the audience by his aunt-in-law, while the host acknowledged their past support for the festival and welcomed them back. The video of their appearance has garnered attention and reactions on social media. This comes as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Budget for the BJP government, addressing the struggling Indian economy with a focus on various sectors.
In her highly anticipated budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of measures aimed at uplifting gig workers and promoting economic growth. These measures include providing gig workers with ID cards and access to healthcare, as well as creating a Rs 10,000 crore fund for startups. The budget also includes a focus on promoting high-yielding crops, increasing credit for farmers, and boosting manufacturing and exports. However, the projected GDP growth falls short of the ambitious goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
President Donald Trump enacts stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, sparking a trade war with America's North American neighbors. Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau retaliates with a 25% tariff on USD 155 billion worth of American imports, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum vows to respond with tariffs of her own. The move has potential consequences for the global economy and may hinder Trump's efforts to lower consumer prices, despite his claims of protecting Americans and curbing illegal activity.
During her Union Budget 2025 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that no income tax will be payable on income up to Rs 12 lakh, providing significant relief to taxpayers, especially the middle class. However, this exemption only applies if a taxpayer takes relief under various sections of the income tax act. No major announcements were made for the railway sector, as the budget focuses more on increasing allocations for railways over highways.
With the announcement of the new tax regime, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced significant changes to the slabs and rates to benefit all taxpayers. Under the new system, taxpayers with normal income up to Rs 12 Lakhs will not have to pay any taxes, and those with income up to Rs 4 Lakhs will be exempted. The time limit for filing returns has also been extended to 4 years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an aggressive campaign targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the February 5 elections in Delhi. The BJP is projecting itself as the only solution to the capital's issues, accusing the AAP government of mismanagement and neglect in several key areas. The BJP is promoting a "double-engine government" with a BJP-led administration in both Delhi and the Centre, claiming it will ensure faster and more effective development. The AAP, BJP, and Congress are all vying for victory in the upcoming elections.
Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav in New Delhi and paid tribute to the Jain saint by releasing a commemorative stamp and coin. He praised the youth for their commitment towards the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer and stated that India will continue to celebrate these values for thousands of years. Modi also acknowledged the importance of spiritual teachings in a world plagued by numerous wars. He expressed his belief that India's identity lies in its pride and that modernity is its body and spirituality its soul.