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.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the eighth budget of her career and the second one under the NDA 3.0 government on February 1, 2025. The Budget session of Parliament, which began on January 31, will be held in two parts and the Union Budget 2025 will be telecasted live on various platforms, including TV, mobile apps, and online portals. Zee Business, Sansad TV, Doordarshan, and YouTube will provide live coverage of the Budget, while Zee Business will also offer real-time analysis and updates on their blog. Budget documents, including the Finance Minister's speech, can be downloaded in PDF format from the official Union Budget website. Don't miss out on this crucial financial event, stay updated and informed with Zee Business.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) will meet today to vote on the final amendments to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. The JPC had already approved the bill with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling NDA, while rejecting 44 proposed changes by the Opposition. The JPC chairman, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, defended the committee's decision and stated that all amendments were put to vote and a majority of 16 voted in favor of the bill. However, the Opposition has raised objections and accused the chairman of bias and rushing the proceedings ahead of Assembly elections in the national capital.
In a significant turn of events, the NDA has rejected all amendments suggested by Opposition members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee's discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The ruling alliance has instead adopted their own set of changes, including increasing the number of non-Muslim members on the panel and allowing state government officials to oversee Waqf properties. The decision was reached after a clause-by-clause voting, where 16 ruling government MPs voted in favor of the amendments.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah makes scathing remarks against the Congress, accusing the party of distorting his statements on Dr BR Ambedkar and creating a false narrative. He also calls out the Congress for their history of disrespect towards Ambedkar and other leaders, and urges the media to present his full statement. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes Shah's comments and states that the BJP-led NDA government does not believe in the Constitution.
Opposition parties in the INDIA bloc are gathering signatures to impeach a High Court judge who made derogatory comments about Muslims. The motion is unlikely to pass due to the NDA bloc's majority, but this is the fifth attempt in recent years to impeach a judge, with past attempts failing as well. Video clips and transcripts of the judge's speech will be included in the complaint.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the release of the official notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2025 and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2025 today, December 11, 2024. Interested candidates can visit the UPSC website to view and download the notifications and register for the exams starting from today until December 31, 2024. The exams are scheduled to take place on April 13, 2025. The article also provides information on eligibility, application process, fee details, and payment modes.
Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand ceremony at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and NCP's Ajit Pawar also took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. This marks Fadnavis's third stint as CM, making him the youngest to hold the post in the state's history. The formation of the new government comes after weeks of negotiations and political turmoil in the aftermath of the state assembly elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi hosted a special screening of 'The Sabarmati Report', a film based on the Godhra train burning incident, for NDA MPs. The political leaders shared their thoughts on the film and congratulated the cast and crew for their commendable effort. The screening was attended by prominent politicians and even included the presence of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. Coinciding with the screening, actor Vikrant Massey also announced his retirement from films, thanking his fans for their support throughout the years.
The YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has changed its stance on the controversial Waqf Bill, which has been a point of contention between the NDA government and the Opposition INDIA bloc. The YSRCP's opposition to the Bill is being seen as an attempt to win over the state's Muslim population and consolidate its base among religious minorities. The party, which was previously silent on the issue, has now taken a vocal stance against the Bill, stating that it goes against the interests of the community.