The Uttar Pradesh Budget session, starting on February 18 and ending on March 5, will feature a joint sitting on February 20. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged constructive participation, and Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna promised a budget focused on welfare and balanced growth. Speaker Satish Mahana called for productive debates.
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India's tax policy has evolved significantly since the 1970s, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government imposed a 97.5% income tax rate to promote economic equality. This policy led to massive tax evasion and a shrinking tax base, prompting reforms. By Budget 2025, a more progressive tax framework is anticipated, focusing on growth and taxpayer relief.
During the winter months, there is an increased likelihood of transmission of respiratory diseases such as seasonal influenza (H1N1, H3N2), influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). HMPV, specifically, presents with symptoms similar to the common cold and typically resolves on its own within 3 to 5 days. As a result, there is no need for panic or misinformation regarding this illness, the release issued.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the recent Delhi poll verdict will ensure a government that addresses the citizens' interests and aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 aspirations. She highlighted the importance of prioritizing human development indicators and enhancing fundamental infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
Eight Maoists were killed in a confrontation with security forces in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Several weapons, including an Insas rifle and BGL, were recovered from the site. The operation involved multiple security units and was based on intelligence regarding Maoist presence in the area.
The Election Commission invited party leaders for discussions to enhance electoral processes, addressing concerns over duplicate electors’ photo identity cards. It acknowledged some electors share the same EPIC number but remain distinct in demographic details and polling stations. The issue stemmed from a previously manual process, now being rectified with the ERONET 2.0 update to prevent further duplications.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government in Punjab of targeting Bikram Singh Majithia by withdrawing his Z+ security cover. Badal linked this to a broader conspiracy and an alleged assassination attempt on his life.
Proactive measures by the CISF, including direct communication, counselling and a choice-based posting policy, have led to a significant 40% decline in suicides, from 25 in 2023 to 15 in 2024, bringing the suicide rate below the national average according to NCRB data.
Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday expressed scepticism about the Union Budget 2025, stating that he has "very little expectations" from the government. He added that the Union Budget should be in the interest of the people.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have criticized the state government for failing to maintain law and order after violence erupted in Nagpur. They accuse the administration and ministers of inciting tensions with provocative speeches to divert attention from key issues like inflation and farmers' distress.
Atishi, opposition leader in Delhi assembly, criticized the BJP government for slashing funds in key sectors like education and health in its budget. She claimed the move aimed to weaken public services and accused the government of hiding the Economic Survey to avoid revealing the 'hollow budget.' Atishi called the budget a 'jumla' and demanded the real figures be presented.