A budget is a formal financial document that outlines how a government intends to raise and spend funds over a predetermined time frame, typically a year. One of the most significant government policy papers in India is the Union Budget, which is delivered to Parliament by the Finance Minister. It provides a clear picture of the priorities and economic direction of the nation.
Revenue and spending make up the two primary sections of the budget. Revenue comes from both non-tax sources such dividends and fees and taxes like income tax, corporate tax, and GST. Expenditure demonstrates how the government intends to use these funds for things like infrastructure, welfare programs, health, education, defence, and interest payments.
The budget intends to foster economic growth while balancing revenue and spending. Tax policy is another important component of the budget. It determines tax rates, exemptions, and compliance guidelines that have an impact on people, companies, and investors. Tax changes have a direct impact on household savings, investment choices, and consumption, which is why both markets and citizens actively monitor the budget.
The fiscal deficit, or the difference between government revenue and expenditure, is another goal set by the budget. According to economic experts cited in major media, managing this imbalance is crucial to keeping inflation under control and preserving economic stability.
All things considered, the budget is more than just an accounting exercise. It represents the government's long-term development objectives, social commitments, and economic philosophy. Its statements may have an effect on public services, employment, prices, and general economic confidence.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Dr Ashok Lahiri, the newly appointed Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, discussed the recent fuel price hikes, the state of the Indian economy, and the impact of the West Asia conflict.
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The latest episode of Statecraft examines the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran as the sixty-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution expires.
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In this episode of Tech Today, we explore the massive environmental and energy costs of the AI revolution. From data centres straining global grids to Big Tech’s sudden pivot toward nuclear power, we look at the "power drought" that no one is talking about. Plus, we put the brand-new Xiaomi Pad 8 to the test and hunt for the best smartphone value in India. In this episode: The AI Energy Equation: Generating one AI image may use as much power as a full smartphone charge. We dive into how Microsoft, Google, and others are racing to secure energy for the future of AI. Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Is this the budget tablet that finally replaces your laptop for office work? We look at the productivity features, display, and performance of the latest from Xiaomi. Smartphone Buying Guide (Under ₹40,000): If you're looking to upgrade, we break down the best picks in the "premium mid-range" segment.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ban on social media for children below 16 during his recent budget presentation. The policy targets mobile phone dependency amongst youth and aims to protect young minds from addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, mental health risks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28 from Ajmer. The national drive will provide free vaccines to girls aged 14 to 14 years and 3 months across government centres.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Noida International Airport at Jewar next month, which is set to become India's largest airport.
The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has notified a significant hike in entry toll taxes for vehicles entering the state, effective from the next fiscal year.
In this edition of India Today, the focus is on India’s 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Colombo, which secured India’s progression to the Super 8s.
This clip of TMC MPs Sougata Roy and June Malia giggling and chatting during Lok Sabha proceedings has caught the internet’s attention. The moment surfaced while MP Chandrashekhar Azad was addressing the House.
In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the uproar in the Lok Sabha following Rahul Gandhi's critique of the Union Budget and the India-US trade deal.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a blistering attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, stating it was the Congress-led UPA government which surrendered India's interest before international organisations, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and "sold" the interest of poor and farmers.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who finally spoke in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, launched his most direct and scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing the centre of selling national interest to the United States in the trade deal.
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Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the Union Budget and the trade deal with the United States.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi used a martial arts metaphor to criticise the government during his remarks on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha today. “In martial arts, the sequence is grip, choke and tap. This grip also exists in politics. But in politics, the grip, choke and tap remain hidden,” Gandhi said, suggesting that political control is often exerted subtly and out of public view. His comments came as part of a broader critique of the government’s economic approach and policy direction during the Budget discussion.
In a significant parliamentary development, the opposition has moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging bias and the silencing of dissent.
