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.
Parliamentarians from various parties have hailed the Union Budget 2025 for its inclusive development approach and focus on key areas such as infrastructure and economic growth. Special attention has been given to the state of Bihar, with MPs expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'. While critics have linked these provisions to the upcoming Bihar elections, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the budget, stating that the state deserves these developments regardless.
In the latest Union Budget for 2025-26, the state of Bihar has received a major boost with the announcement of a specialized Makhana Board. This will aim to improve production, processing, and marketing of makhana, which is currently the second budget in a row to prominently feature Bihar. With a majority share in makhana production in the country, this development is set to benefit thousands of farmers and enhance the productivity of land in the Kosi-Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions of the state. As this superfood gains popularity globally, Bihar is poised to play a significant role in its exports.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2025-26 announcement has sparked excitement in Bihar as the state received noteworthy developments, including Greenfield airports, aid for farmers, and a boost in economic progress. As Assembly elections approach, netizens have taken to social media with hilarious memes and witty reactions, including Swiggy's clever post celebrating "Bihar supremacy." One user even humorously shared an edited image depicting a futuristic Bihar under the Budget's influence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, on his 101st birth anniversary. A towering figure in Indian politics, Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as "Jan Nayak", devoted his life to the ideals of equality and empowerment of marginalized communities. From his early days in the freedom struggle to his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, Thakur remained committed to public service and championing the rights of the underprivileged. His most notable contribution was abolishing the compulsory English language requirement in high school examinations, which opened up doors for higher education and opportunities for countless students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Thakur's selfless and principled leadership continues to inspire every generation of the country.
Political leaders from Bihar, including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, and RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta, have welcomed the posthumous honouring of former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi with the Padma Bhushan. The decision has been praised as a matter of pride for the state, as Modi was a dedicated and meticulous political worker who played an important role in the success of the Bihar turnaround. Even opposition parties such as RJD and Congress have acknowledged his contribution to the political landscape.
Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has revealed the state's focus on agriculture and IT sectors in the upcoming budget for 2025-26. He stated that discussions with various stakeholders, including government officials, industrialists, and residents of Patna, have taken place to incorporate their insights into the budget framework. The government aims to align with the Central government's innovative budgeting approach to drive growth, employment, and investment in Bihar. The budget session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly is set to commence soon, coinciding with the Union Budget session in the Lok Sabha.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi meets BPSC aspirants in Patna and lends his ear to their demands for reforms in the Bihar Public Service Commission exam. In the wake of police brutality against the protesters, Gandhi expresses solidarity with the students and calls for the state government to address their legitimate demands. Other political figures, including Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, also call for support for the students' cause.
A massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet near the Nepal border this morning, resulting in the death of 126 people and severe damages to buildings in the region. The tremors were felt in several parts of India, including Bihar, Delhi-NCR, Assam, and West Bengal. The National Center for Seismology has reported several subsequent earthquakes in the same location, with the strongest measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The high-altitude area of Dingri County on Mount Everest has faced building collapses amidst freezing temperatures.
Sumit Singh, the Science and Technology Minister of Bihar, has sparked a political row by calling RJD's recently announced scheme for women an abuse. Responding to the announcement made by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav about 'Maai, behen samman yojana', Singh stated that the name itself sounds like an insult and questioned the intention behind such a scheme. However, RJD has strongly condemned Singh's statement and stated that it reflects the mentality of those who hate women and the state of Bihar. The scheme, which promises to provide Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women, aims to promote the prosperity and empowerment of women in the state.