Budget 2023: Do you know who gave the longest Budget speech? Everything interesting about the annual financial statement

It’s Budget Day and all eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as she will present her fifth Union Budget in Parliament today. This is this government’s last full-fledged Budget before the Lok Sabha polls early next year.

To get you all fired up about the Budget, here’s some trivia about the annual financial statement.

First Budget for India

The Budget was first introduced in India on 7 April, 1860 by James Wilson from East India Company to the British Crown. Independent India saw its first budget on 26 November, 1947 by then Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty.

2 hours and 42 minutes

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for delivering the longest speech while presenting the Union Budget 2020-21 on 1 February 2020. With two pages still remaining, she had to cut short her speech as she felt unwell. She asked the Speaker to consider the remaining part of the speech as read. During the course of this speech, she broke her own record — in July 2019, during her maiden speech, Sitharaman spoke for 2 hours and 17 minutes.

18,650 words

Manmohan Singh showed he was a real word wizard when he delivered the longest Budget speech in terms of words in 1991 under the Narasimha Rao government. In 2018, then finance minister Arun Jaitley’s speech was the second longest in terms of word count. It had 18,604 words and Jaitley spoke for an hour and 49 minutes.

800 words

That’s the length of the shortest budget speech till date and it was delivered by former Finance Minister Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel in 1977.

Maximum Budget

Former Prime Minister Moraraji Desai holds the record of presenting the most number of budgets in the history of the country. He had presented 10 Budgets during his stint as finance minister during 1962-69, followed by P Chidambaram (9), Pranab Mukherjee (8), Yashwant Sinha (8), and Manmohan Singh (6).

‘Shaayari’ and couplets read out

Budget speeches are most often long and pretty colourless. To inject some interest and awaken MPs, finance ministers have often peppered their speeches with shayaris and couplets.

In 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invoked legendary poets by including their verses in her Budget speech. Towards the beginning, Sitharaman read out a couplet by Rabindranath Tagore: “Faith is the bird that feels the light/and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

The lines are from Tagore’s poem titled Fireflies, translated from bilingual Lekhan (1926).

Also read: Union Budget 2023: What’s capex, fiscal deficit and non-tax revenue? Your go-to guide to Budget lingo

She also recited a couplet from Thirukkural: “A King/Ruler is the one who creates and acquires wealth,/protects and distributes it for common good.”

Penned by Thiruvalluvar, this is taken from the classic Tamil text consisting of 1,330 short couplets of seven words each, divided into 133 chapters.

Finance ministers before her have also recited poems during their Budget speeches.

In 2015, taking a dig at the UPA rule, Arun Jaitley borrowed these lines from a Hindi poem: “Kuch to gul khilaye hai, kuch abhi khilaane hai, par baagh mein ab bhi kaante kuch purane hain.”

Time matters

Until 1999, the Union Budget was announced at 5 pm on the last working day of February, a practice inherited from the British era. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha changed the Budget presentation ritual by announcing the 1999 Union Budget at 11 am.

There’s a leak!

Budget documents used to be printed at Rashtrapati Bhavan till there was a leak in 1950. The following year, printing was shifted to a press on Minto Road and then to the basement of North Block, which then became the permanent venue for the printing press of budget papers.

Mind your language

Until 1955, the Union Budget was presented in English. However, the Congress-led government later decided to print the Budget papers in both Hindi and English.

Paperless

For the first time in Independent India’s history, the Budget for 2021-22 was paperless. This was done keeping in view the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

• • Budget 2023: The full coverage

With inputs from agencies

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Budget 2023 LIVE Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget 2023-24 today

07:55 (IST)

Budget 2023 LIVE Updates

Budget needs to be a growth-oriented in line with economic outlook of India: USISPF

This year's annual budget needs to be a growth-oriented one in line with the country's economic outlook, a top American India-centric strategic and business advocacy group said Tuesday.

The previous budgets were focused on pandemic recovery.

This current budget needs to be a growth-oriented budget in line with India's economic outlook, said Mukesh Aghi, president of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum.

PTI

Budget 2023 LIVE Updates: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today, the last full Budget of the Modi government in its second term.

This year’s Budget holds much significance as the country is scheduled to have the next Lok Sabha election in April-May 2024.

The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President’s address. This year’s budget session is going to have 27 sittings till 6 April with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on 13 February. Parliament will reconvene on 12 March for the second part of the Budget Session and conclude on 6 April.

The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday tabled the Economic Survey for the Financial Year 2022-23.

The Economic Survey said that India’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is complete and the economy is expected to grow in the range of 6 per cent to 6.8 per cent in the coming financial year 2023-24. This is in comparison to 7 per cent this fiscal and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22.

Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 will also be delivered in paperless form.

Amid growing public expectations around the Union Budget 2023, top business leaders of the country have also put forward their suggestions for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Arihant Infrastructures, CMD, Ashok Chhajer told ANI that the government should focus on reducing home loan rates.

“The government should reduce home loan rates. The affordable housing segment, which is capped at Rs 45 lakh, should be changed to Rs 60-75 lakh which is the average cost of a house in Metro cities and 2-tier cities,” said Chhajer.

Hiranandani Group MD, Niranjan Hiranandani said the Budget should focus on further investments in roads, railways, ports, airports and highways, as well as slum rehabilitation schemes.

He added that if multimodal transport becomes successful in the next 2-3 years, the logistics cost can be reduced by 3-4 per cent for every item in the country.

“Logistics cost in India is 13 per cent. If our multimodal transport matters become successful in the next 2-3 years, we can reduce logistics cost by 3-4 per cent for every item in the country,” he added.

A key expectation of the healthcare sector from the upcoming Budget 2023 is an increase in expenditure on healthcare infrastructure, said experts in this field.

Keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in view, the Budget 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 focused on the country’s healthcare sector.

During the Budget 2022-2023, the Centre in its Budget announced rolling out an open platform for the National Digital Health Ecosystem which consists of digital registries of health providers and health facilities, unique health identity and universal access to health facilities.

Besides, Sitharaman also highlighted the launch of the National Tele Mental Health Programme, which included building a network of 23 telecentres to support the mental well-being of individuals, and families.

According to Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Senior Vice President, NATHEALTH and MD and CEO, Fortis Healthcare, “India is amongst the most preferred destinations globally for medical tourism and therefore, increased policy support is required to encourage, facilitate medical value travel to India, develop MVT as an organized sector.”

“Another critical area is addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals – by identifying doctors, nurses and technical staff willing to work in Tier 2/3 cities and looking at non-traditional ways to double the number of doctors. We should look at best practices adopted in universities abroad (fall/summer admission pattern) to increase seats in existing medical colleges,” he said.

Dr Ashutosh further said the sector needs lower-cost financing through tax incentives for both existing and new healthcare projects. For new projects, the Government should provide a tax holiday period of 15 years and for existing projects, tax relief for 10 years as re-investment support.

The Indian Medical Association(IMA) has recently submitted suggestions to the government of India for the Budget. The IMA has submitted overall twelve suggestions for the Budget.

Some of them include– IMA feels the opportune time to do so has arrived. It is expected that GOI will be able to take this monumental step. Universal access to Health including safe water, sanitation, nutrition, primary education as well as eradication of poverty is a cornerstone in the path to the wellness of a society and nation. Conceptualizing good Governance to attain the wellness of a people could mean clubbing together these services (clinical, public health and social determinants) under one roof. At least drinking water, sanitation and poverty alleviation should be clubbed with Health as Ministry for wellness.

The Union Budget 2023 is a much-anticipated event for the real estate sector in India. Industry experts and stakeholders have high expectations from the government as they hope to see a number of reforms and initiatives that can help boost the real estate market and encourage investment in the sector.

The area of interest for the real estate sector is tax incentives. Real estate developers and investors are hoping for tax breaks and other financial incentives that can help lower the cost of developing new projects and make it more profitable for them. This can also encourage more investment in the sector and help boost the economy as a whole.

Another key area of focus for the real estate sector is affordable housing.

Industry experts said many people are struggling to find affordable housing options with the increasing cost of living and rising real estate prices.

The government is expected to announce new initiatives and funding for affordable housing projects to make them more accessible to a wider range of people.

The realty sector is looking forward to an increase in tax rebates, policy reformation, receiving industry status, and the long-awaited single window clearance. In addition, the real estate sector is hoping to see increased investment in infrastructure and transportation systems. This can help improve the accessibility and livability of real estate markets, making them more attractive to potential buyers and investors.

The stakeholders in the tourism business in Himachal Pradesh are expecting special provisions for the state in the next Union Budget.

The stakeholders of tourism Industry stakeholders in the region said they were hopeful of certain special provisions in the Budget for boosting tourism industries in hill states such as Himachal Pradesh.

Local travel agents and hoteliers’ said they want special budgetary provisions in the field of tourism, which contributes significantly to the state GDP.

Hotel businesses are also looking at a special package to boost religious tourism and sought separate allocations for the development of infrastructure.

As the countdown begins for the presentation of the Union Budget for fiscal 2023-24, citizens across a wide spectrum of society have put forward their expectations.

The Union Budget, also comprising the Railway Budget, will be presented on the floor of the Parliament on 1 February, Wednesday.

Meanwhile, homemakers said rising inflation is eating into their household budgets, making it difficult for them to put a leash on their expenses. They said the rising prices of essential food items and LPG cylinders have added to their woes.

The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year (2023-24) commenced on 10 October.

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Indian Army to get big boost against China, Pakistan; will raise 2nd Dhanush regiment

New Delhi: With India facing formidable opponents in China and Pakistan across the Himalayan frontiers, the Indian Army has felt the need for a light artillery gun for several years now.

The indigenously developed Dhanush 155mmX45 caliber artillery guns which had faced complaints regarding quality, has now been cleared in the latest test.

The Indian Army has recommenced induction of the Dhanush artillery system and is raising a second regiment of the indigenously upgraded gun. The process of inducting the second Dhanush regiment into the Indian Army is scheduled to be completed in March. A regiment comprises 18 guns.

The induction of the second Dhanush regiment is crucial because the lightweight artillery guns are expected to give the Indian Army much-needed cutting edge during mountain warfare on the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) against Pakistan and China respectively.

With India and China facing off in a military standoff in Ladakh since early 2020, the Indian Army had felt an acute need of lightweight artillery guns in the Himalayas. As a result, the testing and induction of the Dhanush guns was accelerated.

The Indian Army had raised the first regiment of Dhanush artillery guns in March 2020. But after the delivery of Six guns, the Indian Army reported quality control issues with the artillery pieces and refused to take any more of the guns.

The Dhanush artillery was successfully tested at the Pokhran field firing range in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan last year. During the test, two Dhanush guns fired around 90 rounds and managed to hit targets at a range of 38 kilometers.

According to a report by Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), the Dhanush gun notched up 100% success in second-line firing.

The Indian Army had originally planned to induct all 114 Dhanush guns by March last year. However, several delays allowed time to fix issues with the artillery system.

The Indian Army is scheduled to raise four more regiments of the Dhanush artillery system by 2024.

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Union Budget 2023: What respite can India’s middle class expect?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the last full Union Budget of the Narendra Modi government on Wednesday (1 February) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

While the expectations of various sectors and income groups remain high, the middle class hit by inflation and job losses will be keenly watching Sitharaman’s fifth Budget speech.

Earlier in January, the Union finance minister said the government will continue to work for the middle class, saying she understands their pain as she herself “belongs to the middle class”.

As the middle class comprises a major chunk of India’s total population, let’s take a look at what Union Budget 2023 can have in store for them.

Tax reliefs

There has been no major relief to income taxpayers in the Budgets of the Modi government so far.

The income tax rates have remained stable since the financial year 2017-18.

Presently, around 5 per cent of India’s 140 crore population pays direct income taxes, out of which the majority is contributed by the middle class, according to Financial Express.

As per a Moneycontrol report, Sitharaman could announce measures that would benefit the middle class.

In the Union Budget for the financial year (FY) 2020-21, the finance minister had rolled out a ‘new tax regime’. This year, it is expected that the government will make it more alluring.

“The focus will be on exemption-free tax regime – a simple, straight, lower tax rate and no exemptions. Maybe that is the direction that the government is likely to strengthen rather than give all kinds of direct and indirect exemptions,” CJ George, MD and CEO of Geojit Financial Services, told Deccan Herald.

ALSO READ: A look back at some memorable speeches by finance ministers

Income tax exemptions

Amid high inflation, experts say the government should focus on increasing the exemption limit and standard deduction.

The income tax exemption limit has remained at Rs 2.5 lakh since 2014, while the standard deduction continues to be at Rs 50,000 since 2019.

Section 80C is the “only general Income Tax section available to everybody for saving some tax. This section covers a huge canvas from PPF/EPF, ELSS, NSC, NPS and SSY to Life Insurance policies, tuition fee and principal part of home loans. Even after increasing it to 3 lakhs, a major part of one’s investments in these instruments for a middle-income person remain taxable,” Colonel (retired) Sanjeev Govila, CEO of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning firm, told Moneycontrol.

“The 80C limit was last revised from Rs 1 lakh to 1.5 lakhs in FY 2014-15, 8 years back when the Cost Inflation Index (CII) was 240. It is 331 now and considering current inflation only at six per cent, it comes out to about 351 for the next FY for which this increase is being discussed. With that, the current limit should be about Rs 2.19 lakh. However, also considering that the government takes an unduly long time to revise this limit, it should go to at least Rs 2.5 lakh, and preferably to Rs 3 lakh,” Govila added.

ALSO READ: Decisive policy decisions required to create future-ready fintech industry

Job creation

The middle class is seeking job opportunities amid layoffs and high unemployment.

Union Budget 2023 can expand job-oriented sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure, as per India Today report.

The report also said citing experts that the Centre could introduce an urban employment generation scheme to provide some respite from the recent job cuts.

Affordable housing

India’s home loan market was valued at about Rs 24 lakh crore as of August 2022, which is expected to double in the next five years.

Pankaj Bansal, director of M3M India wrote for Financial Express that real estate has remained a “preferred choice” when it comes to secured investment.

To boost the property sector, the Budget has to provide relief to the buyers.

Neeraj Bansal, co-head and COO-India Global, KPMG India, told Moneycontrol that the government should carry on with Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) in order to encourage people to buy affordable homes.

Bansal also suggested revising the price cap of affordable housing to incentivise buyers.

Pradeep Aggarwal, founder and chairman of Signature Global Group, also recommended the central government to extend CLSS till 2027, reported Moneycontrol. 

“Budget 2023-24 can push the government’s affordable rental housing scheme that was launched post the pandemic. COVID-19 put serious constraints on the lower income groups, causing many to step away from homebuying aspirations altogether. To add momentum to its Housing for All vision, the government can use the Budget to incentivise ARHCs (Affordable Rental Housing Complexes) which can fill the gap until homebuying capacity in the lower income groups improves,” Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

Other measures

Srikanth Subramanian, CEO of Kotak Cherry, wrote for Financial Express that the Union Budget must “target lower cost of living” for the middle class.

“For example, a petrol and diesel excise cut can help bring down prices of goods from vegetables to electronics due to lower transport and logistics costs. As disposable income increases, the tendency to spend and invest also increases,” Subramanian explained.

The Kotak Cherry CEO also mentioned in the Finacial Express report that the Budget is expected to leave more savings for the middle class that will improve the spending ability.

With inputs from agencies

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Budget session: Indian economy expected to grow at 6.5% in 2023-24, says economic survey

New Delhi: India’s economy is projected to slow to 6.5 per cent in the fiscal year starting April but will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world as it fared better in dealing with the extraordinary set of challenges the globe has faced, the Economic Survey 2022-23 said on Tuesday.

India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.5 per cent in 2023-24 compares with an estimated 7 per cent expansion in current fiscal year (April 2022 to March 2023) and 8.7 per cent in the previous year.

India third-largest economy in PPP terms

Like the rest of the world, India too faced an extraordinary set of challenges in tightening financial conditions and supply chain disruptions from a prolonged war in Europe but “withstood them better than most economies”, the annual document detailing the state of the economy said.

The survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stated that India is the world’s third-largest economy in PPP (purchasing power parity) terms and fifth largest in terms of exchange rate.

“Economy has nearly recouped what was lost, renewed what had paused, and re-energised what had slowed during the pandemic and since the conflict in Europe,” it said.

While it indicated that inflation may not be too worrisome, borrowing costs are likely to remain ‘higher for longer’ as entrenched inflation may prolong the tightening cycle.

Current account deficit may continue to widen

India’s recovery from the pandemic was relatively quick, with growth to be supported by solid domestic demand, and a pick up in capital investment, the Survey said but highlighted the challenge to the rupee with the likelihood of further interest rate hikes by the US Fed.

Current account deficit or CAD may continue to widen as global commodity prices remain elevated and because of strong economic growth momentum. If CAD widens further, the rupee may come under depreciation pressure, it said, adding the overall external situation will remain manageable.

On exports, it said the growth moderated in the second half of the current fiscal. Slowing world growth, shrinking global trade led to loss of export stimulus in the second half of the current year.

Pegging nominal growth at 11 per cent for 2023-24, the survey said the growth in the financial year beginning April 1 will remain strong relative to most global economies, led by sustained private consumption, a pick-up in lending by banks and improved capital spending by corporations.

The optimistic growth forecasts stem from a number of positives like the rebound of private consumption giving a boost to production activity, higher capital expenditure, and near universal vaccination coverage enabling people to spend on contact-based services such as restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and cinemas.

The return of migrant workers to cities to work on construction sites leading to a significant decline in housing market inventory is also a factor for the optimistic growth projection, it said.

The strengthening of the balance sheets of corporates, well-capitalised public sector banks ready to increase the credit supply and the credit growth to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector have also helped.

The survey said the growth is expected to be brisk in FY24 as a vigorous credit disbursal, and capital investment cycle are expected to unfold in India with the strengthening of the balance sheets of the corporate and banking sector.

Further support to the economic growth will come from the expansion of public digital platforms and measures such as PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy and the production-linked incentive schemes to boost manufacturing output.

India’s economy has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered inflationary pressures and prompted central banks, including India’s, to reverse the ultra-loose monetary policy they adopted during the pandemic.

The survey stated that the inflation projection by RBI at 6.8 per cent for current fiscal (FY23) is above the central bank’s tolerance limit but the pace of price increase is not high enough to deter private consumption or low enough to weaken investment.

According to the survey, the pressure on the Indian rupee could continue due to the tightening of monetary policy. CAD may also remain elevated as imports could remain high due to a strong local economy while exports ease due to weakness in the global economy.

India’s CAD was 4.4 per cent of GDP in July-September period, higher than 2.2 per cent a quarter ago and 1.3 per cent a year ago, as rising commodity prices and a weak rupee increased the trade gap.

The survey said there has been an improvement in employment conditions in India due to stronger consumption but a pick-up in private investment is essential to creating more jobs.

With inputs from PTI

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Zorawar Light Tank: Kalyani Group to enter race, compete with DRDO

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) may have to face a new competitor in the race to build a new light tank for the Indian Army.

The Kalyani Group may enter the race to build 354 light weight tanks for the Indian Army.

This may pose a challenge for the DRDO, which is working on a prototype for a light tank in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as part of Project Zorawar.

Accroding to a report by Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), the prototype developed jointly by the DRDO and L&T is expected to undergo mobility trials after its launch later this year.

The government may grant permission to the Kalyani Group to go ahead with its plans although the company – which has previously collaborated with American General Dynamics Land Systems – is yet to disclose its partner in this process.

American General Dynamics Land Systems has extensive experience in defence production, having previously developed a Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle, which is basically a light tank since it is an armoured, turreted and tracked vehicle with a large gun.

The Kalyani Group has given rise to speculations of a possible collaboration with Turkish military vehicle manufacturer Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi as documents made public by the company feature the TULPAR Light Tank developed by the Turkey based group.

However, it is not clear whether the image of the TULPAR Light Tank used by the Kalyani Group in its documents was for representational purposes or if it is actually trying for a collaboration with the Turkish defence manufacturer.

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India strongly condemns terror attack at mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar

New Delhi: India condemned the suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Pakistan’s Peshwar in which at least 92 people have died. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP claimed the responsibility for the attack which is one of the deadliest targeting security forces in the country in the recent years.

“India extends its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack in Peshawar yesterday (Monday, 30 January). We strongly condemn this attack, which has taken the lives of so many people,” spokesperson of the foreign ministry of India Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet.

India extends its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack in Peshawar yesterday. We strongly condemn this attack, which has taken the lives of so many people.

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 31, 2023

Suicide bomb attack in Pakistan mosque

Peshawar deputy commissioner Shafiullah Khan on Tuesday confirmed that at least 92 people have died and said more than 80 victims were still being treated in hospital following the blast at the mosque in a police compound in the city.

The Peshawar mosque blast is the latest sign of the deteriorating security situation in Peshawar, capital of the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan and the site of frequent attacks by TTP.

The TTP is a US-designated foreign terrorist organisation operating in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On Monday, TTP officials Sarbakaf Mohmand and Omar Mukaram Khurasani claimed the blast was “revenge” for the death of TTP militant Khalid Khorasani last year.

More than 300 worshippers were praying in the mosque in when the bomber set off his explosives vest on Monday afternoon around 1:40. The blast ripped through the mosque and blowing off part of the roof.

It was not clear how the bomber was able to reach the mosque, which is in a walled compound, in a high security zone with other government buildings.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited a hospital in Peshawar after the blast and assured “stern action” against those behind the attack.

“The sheer scale of the human tragedy is unimaginable. This is no less than an attack on Pakistan,” Sharif tweeted.

With inputs from agencies

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Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE Updates: Budget will meet hopes, aspirations of common man, says PM Modi

11:28 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

This government gave befitting response on LoC and LAC, says President Murmu

From surgical strike to strict action against terrorism, giving befitting response on LoC and LAC, to abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and abolishing Triple Talaq, this government's identity has been that of a decisive one, said President Murmu.

11:23 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Government is stable, fearless, decisive, has taken ‘major’ decisions, says President Murmu

From abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to abolishing Triple Talaq, my government has taken major decisions, said President Droupadi Murmu at the joint session of Parliament.

Today, there is a stable, fearless and decisive government in the country that is working towards realising the big dreams, said President Murmu.

11:19 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Today, India is providing solutions to the world, says President Murmu

Today, India's self-confidence is at its highest and the world is looking at her from a different perspective. India is providing solutions to the world, said President Murmu to the joint session of Parliament.

11:19 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Have to build an India that will not have poverty, says President Murmu

That should be an India that will not have poverty, whose middle class will also be prosperous, an India whose youth and women will stand at the front to show a path to society and the country, an India whose youth stays two steps ahead of time, said President Droupadi Murmu.

11:18 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Have to build an India that will be 'aatmanirbhar', says President Murmu

By 2047, we have to build a nation that will be connected to the pride of the past and which will have all the golden chapters of modernity. We have to build an India that will be 'aatmanirbhar' and capable to fulfill its humanitarian duties, said President Murmu at the Parliament.

11:10 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Budget 2023 will meet hopes, aspirations of common people, says PM Modi

Amid the unstable global economic situation, India's budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens, the ray of hope being seen by world glows brighter-for this, I firmly believe that Nirmala Sitharaman will make all efforts to meet those aspirations, said PM Modi.

10:54 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

A look back at some memorable speeches by finance ministers

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present her fifth Budget on Wednesday (1 February) which will lay out the financial statements and tax proposals for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Sitharaman is the second female finance minister to present the Union Budget after Indira Gandhi, who delivered it for the financial year 1970-71.

From sharing personal anecdotes to quoting poetry, finance ministers have adopted unique ways to make their speeches more interactive in the recent past.

Read More

10:52 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

When will the Economic Survey be presented?

The Economic Survey will be tabled on Tuesday after the President’s address at 11 am.

10:49 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Credible voices from world of economy brings ray of hope, says PM Modi

Budget Session begins today and at the beginning itself, credible voices from the world of economy, have brought in a positive message, a ray of hope and a beginning of enthusiasm. Today is important, President will address the joint session of the Parliament for the first time, said PM Modi.

10:48 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Whole world has its eyes on India, says PM Modi

The President's first address to the joint session of Parliament is a matter of pride for our Constitution, and especially for respect of women. The whole world has its eyes on India, said PM Modi at Parliament.

10:35 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

BRS, AAP to boycott President's address to Parliament

BRS leader K Keshava Rao has said his party will boycott the President's address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament to protest against the BJP-led Centre's "failure on all fronts of governance".

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) too said it will boycott the address.

The President addresses members of both Houses in the Parliament's Central Hall on the first day of a session.

Rao, who is also the Bharat Rashtra Samithi's floor leader in Rajya Sabha, said his party is "boycotting in protest against the failure of BJP-led NDA government at the Centre on all fronts of governance".

He said the AAP will also join the BRS in the boycott.

PTI

10:22 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Sonia Gandhi to attend President's address as Kharge, other Cong MPs stuck in Srinagar

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will attend the President's address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday as party MPs, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, are stuck in Srinagar due to delayed flights.

Sources said the CPP chairperson will represent the Congress party during President Droupadi Murmu's first address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Several Congress MPs, including Kharge, will not be able to attend the President's address due to delayed flights from Srinagar on account of inclement weather, party leader Jairam Ramesh said.

PTI

10:16 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Expectations running high as Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to present her fifth Budget

With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman getting ready to present the last full budget of the Modi 2.0 government, expectations are high that she will meet the demands of all stakeholders, including the common man who is reeling under the price rise.

The finance minister has held several rounds of discussions with various stakeholders, and final touches are being given to the Union Budget for 2023-24 which will be unveiled in the Lok Sabha on 1 February.

PTI

10:13 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

What would be the theme of the survey?

The theme of the Economic Survey is something to watch out for as it encompasses the economic vision of India. The survey is likely to bring forth the points that matter related to India's inflation levels, and mounting pressure on the Indian Rupee due to RBI’s tightening of monetary policy.

The theme for last year’s economic survey was the 'Agile Approach.' It was primarily focused on India’s economic response to the COVID-19 crisis. 

09:52 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Inflation in India to come down to 5% in 2023 and 4% in 2024: IMF

According to the World Economic Outlook update released by the IMF on Tuesday, about 84 per cent of countries are expected to have lower headline (consumer price index) inflation in 2023 than in 2022.

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09:46 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Inflation in India to come down to 5% in 2023 and 4% in 2024: IMF

Inflation in India is expected to come down from 6.8 per cent in the current fiscal year ending 31 March to 5 per cent the next fiscal, and then drop further to 4 per cent in 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday.

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09:40 (IST)

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE

Nirmala Sitharaman to present Economic Survey in Parliament

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey in the Parliament after President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The pre-Budget document is prepared by the Economic Division of the Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs under the supervision of the Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.

Budget 2023 Expectations LIVE Updates: The wait for the annual national Budget is almost over as the Union government is set to table the Economic Survey on Tuesday.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the pre-Budget document in the Parliament after President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament.

The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators in the current financial year 2022-23 (April-March) and outlook for the next year.

The Economy Survey may also give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2023-24, to be presented on Wednesday.

The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Budget documents and presented day prior to the Union Budget.

The most important feature which many will look out for is its central theme.

Last year’s central theme was ‘Agile Approach’, which put emphasis on India’s economic response to the Covid-19 Pandemic shock. The preface of the Economic Survey 2022 stated that the “Agile approach” was based on feedback loops, real-time monitoring of actual outcomes, flexible responses, safety-net buffers and so on.

Along with the sectoral chapters, the Survey document also adds new need-based chapters that need focus.

The Economic Survey tabled in 2022 projected India’s GDP growth of 8.0-8.5 per cent in 2022-23, which the government felt will be supported by widespread vaccine coverage, gains from supply-side reforms and easing of regulations, robust export growth, and availability of fiscal space to ramp up capital spending.

Budget 2023 is likely to be the last full Budget of the Modi government in its second term with the next Lok Sabha election due in April-May of 2024.

Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 will also be delivered in paperless form. The Budget documents will be available on the ‘Union Budget Mobile App’ on both the Android and Apple OS platforms after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister.

The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year (2023-24) commenced on 10 October.

The first part of the session will be held from January 31 and will go on till February 13. The Parliament will reconvene after a recess for parliamentary committees to discuss the demand for grants of various ministries. The second part will begin on March 13 and will continue till 6 April.

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Italian woman abuses crew, creates ruckus on Abu Dhabi-Mumbai flight

Mumbai: A 45-year-old Italian woman was arrested by Sahara police on Monday for creating a ruckus on the Abu Dhabi-Mumbai flight. The complaint was lodged by the Vistara airlines cabin crew after the woman allegedly punched a cabin crew member and spat on another.

According to police officials, the incident took place after the aircraft took off from Abu Dhabi at 2.03 am (IST) on Monday.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the woman — Paola Perruccio, allegedly insisted on sitting in the business class despite holding an economy class ticket, assaulted the cabin crew when stopped, following which she took off some of her clothes and walked up and down the aisle in a partially naked state.

“At around 2.30 am, the woman, who was seated in the economy class, suddenly got up, ran to the business class and took a seat there. Two members of the cabin crew approached her to enquire if she needed help. When the flier did not respond, they requested her to return to her assigned seat. At this point, she started shouting at them and made aggressive gestures, leading the crew to suspect she was abusing them, “an officer from Sahar police station was further quoted as saying in the report.

The woman allegedly punched one of the crew members in the face and got into a heated argument with the other when the crew members tried to stop her from misbehaving. Soon after, when other crew members rushed to the aid of their stunned colleagues, the woman started stripping.

The woman was handed over to Air Vistara’s security officials after the flight landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at around 4:53 am.

After preliminary inquiries, the police on Monday afternoon registered a case against Perruccio, who according to details in her passport, was born in Sondrio, Italy.

The lawyer of the Italian woman passenger has argued that she had wanted to complain about the services on the Vistara flight and a ruckus which erupted with the cabin crew. Perruccio was granted bail on a Rs 25,000 deposit, according to Times of India report.

The report quoted her lawyer, Prabhakar Tripathi, as saying, “Details have been submitted before the court that Perruccio wanted to complain against Vistara because of the bad services provided to her. She was going to the washroom but was not allowed. The situation arose because of an on-flight ruckus between her and the crew members which ended in a case being filed against her. The court has also been told that police have seized her passport illegally.”

With inputs from agencies

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Union Budget 2023: A look back at some memorable speeches by finance ministers

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present her fifth Budget on Wednesday (1 February) which will lay out the financial statements and tax proposals for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Sitharaman is the second female finance minister to present the Union Budget after Indira Gandhi, who delivered it for the financial year 1970-71.

From sharing personal anecdotes to quoting poetry, finance ministers have adopted unique ways to make their speeches more interactive in the recent past.

With D-Day just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable budget speeches made by Union finance ministers.

Indira Gandhi’s Budget speech

The then-prime minister Indira Gandhi, who also held the finance portfolio, read out the Budget speech on 28 February 1970.

As was the convention then, the Budget was presented at 5 pm on the last day of February.

While earlier Budgets were just ‘dry recitation of facts’, experts point out Gandhi’s speech changed the tone from being a financial statement to a political one, Chakshu Roy, the head of Outreach, PRS Legislative Research, wrote for Indian Express.

With the Budget of 1970, she took the first step towards her 1971 general election slogan of “Garibi Hatao”, Roy said further.

While making announcements, she also lightly took a jibe at the smokers.

“I am sorry that the smoker’s pocket has to be touched once again. The duty on cigarettes is being enhanced with the increase ranging from three per cent to 22 per cent ad valorem depending on the value slabs. The cheaper varieties of cigarettes will go up by only one or two paise per packet of 10 cigarettes,” she said, as per Business Today.

“Assuming that the smoking community remains steadfast in its devotion, the additional revenue from this measure will be Rs.13.50 crore,” Gandhi added in jest.

ALSO READ: Budget 2023-24 Expectation: Government should increase access to housing by reducing cost of construction

Manmohan Singh’s historic speech

The Budget speech that changed the course of India was delivered by the then-finance minister Manmohan Singh under the PV Narasimha Rao government.

His landmark 1991 budget, which ended licence raj and kickstarted the era of economic liberalisation, is known as the ‘Epochal Budget’.

The Budget led to disinvestment in ineffective Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), easing of imports and permitting foreign investment.

The former prime minister, who is known for being reticent, did something unusual by opening up about his personal life, says Economic Times. 

He said during his speech, “I was born in a poor family in a chronically drought-prone village which is now part of Pakistan. University scholarships and grants made it possible for me to go to college in India as well as in England. This country has honoured me by appointing me to some of the most important public offices of our sovereign Republic. This is a debt which I can never be able to fully repay.”

The Congress leader also quoted French poet and novelist Victor Hugo’s famous words to stress on how it is time for India to take a “high seat at the global table”, noted Mint.

“…As Victor Hugo once said, ‘no power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come’,” the then finance minister said.

“I suggest to this august House that the emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea. Let the whole world hear it loud and clear. India is now wide awake. We shall prevail. We shall overcome,” Singh said as per Mint. 

With 18,650 words, this is the longest Budget speech in terms of word count. The second place is held by late finance minister Arun Jaitley whose 2018 Budget speech had 18,604 words.

ALSO READ: Budget 2023-24 Expectation: Decisive policy decisions required to create future-ready fintech industry

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speeches

On 1 February 2020, Sitharaman delivered the longest Budget speech when she spoke for 2 hours and 42 minutes.

She had to cut short her speech with two pages still remaining as she felt unwell, asking the Speaker to consider it complete, noted PTI.

Earlier, during her maiden Budget in July 2019, she ended the tradition of carrying the documents in a leather briefcase and replaced it with a red silk bag with the national emblem engraved on it.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister is the only woman to have presented four union budgets.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she also presented the country’s first paperless Budget for the financial year 2021-22.

She called her 2021 budget a ‘once-in-a-century Budget’ as it emphasised on “aggressive” privatisation strategy and “robust” tax collections, while reviving the economy by investing in infrastructure and healthcare sectors, PTI reported.

Other Budgets to remember

Yashwantrao B Chavan, the finance minister in the Indira Gandhi government, presented the ‘Black Budget’ for the 1973-74 financial year.

It was dubbed so as the fiscal deficit during that year was Rs 550 crore, PTI reported. The Budget came at a time when India was reeling under an acute financial crisis.

In 1977, the then finance minister Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel read out the shortest Budget speech with just 800 words.

P Chidambaram’s 1997-98 Budget is remembered as the ‘Dream Budget’ where he reduced tax rates to increase collections. He also slashed customs duty to 40 per cent and simplified the excise duty structure, reported PTI.

With inputs from agencies

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India is ‘disappointed’ in Australia for not reining in Khalistani elements: Indian High Commissioner in Canberra

New Delhi: The Indian High Commissioner in Canberra has condemned the violence against Indians in Australia.

Manpreet Vohra said, “India is ‘disappointed’ in Australia for not reining in Khalistani elements despite repeated requests.”

Meanwhile, Manpreet Vohra on Sunday paid his respects at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne, and discussed the community’s concerns over the temple’s recent vandalisation. The violence witnessed in Melbourne on Sunday was also discussed.

“Paid respects today at the sacred BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne, a place of spirituality and service. Discussed the peaceful community’s concerns over the recent attack by vandals, and the disturbing violence witnessed yesterday in Melbourne,” the Indian High Commissioner to Australia said.

On Sunday, men from alleged pro-Khalistani groups attacked Indians carrying the national flag in their hands, The Australia Today reported.

Taking to Twitter, The Australia Today said “five people were sent to the hospital after the attack.”

“Another video of #Khalistan goons running a mock in #Melbourne’s Federation Square Five injured one in Hospital,” The Australia Today tweeted.

After the video went viral, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the ‘anti-India activities’ by pro-Khalistani in Australia. “I strongly condemn anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani in Australia,” Sirsa tweeted.

“Anti-social elements that are trying to disrupt the peace & harmony of the country with these activities, must be dealt with strongly and culprits must be brought to books,” Sirsa wrote.

The Indian group was seen running away from the scene while the Khalistani group continued to hit them. One individual was seen breaking an Indian flag and throwing it on the floor.

Earlier, BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in the Mill park area of Melbourne was allegedly vandalised by anti-India elements with anti-India slogans written on the walls of the temple, located in the suburb of Mill Park, The Australia Today reported.

Patel, an onlooker shared how he witnessed the vandalised walls of the temple when he visited the site on Thursday.
“When I reached the temple today morning all walls were coloured with graffiti of Khalistani hatred towards Hindus,” The Australia Today quoted Patel as saying.

He added, “I am angry, scared and dismayed by the blatant display of religious hatred towards the peaceful Hindu community by Khalistan supporters.”

Issuing a statement to The Australia Today, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir stated that they are “deeply saddened and shocked by these acts of vandalism and hate.” It said that they have remained committed to “peaceful coexistence and dialogue to all faiths.” BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir further said that they have informed the authorities regarding the incident, as per The Australia Today report.

Various Hindu temples have recently been vandalised in Australia.

India condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with the Australian government in Canberra and asked for expeditious investigation against the perpetrators.

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Anand Mahindra shares 'Rise' story of sailor Preethi Kongara, says 'he wishes to go sailing with her'

Known for sharing inspiring and success stories of people from around the world, Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra is very active on social media and has earned quite a lot of followers and engagement.

In one such example, the industrialist recently shared how he is inspired by the story of a sailor from Telangana who made India proud by winning international awards for the country. Taking to Twitter, Anand Mahindra shared the story of the 17-year-old Preethi Kongara and noted how he feels overwhelmed after reading about her. Calling it a ‘Rise’ story, he also expressed his wish to meet her someday and go sailing with her.

“This is truly a ‘Rise’ story. I’m overwhelmed reading about her. So proud of Naandi India and Nanhi Kali for supporting her. And of Suheim Sheikh for coaching her. Maybe when Preeti has the time, I’d love to meet her and go sailing on my catamaran so she can coach me!” he tweeted.

This is truly a ‘Rise’ story. I’m overwhelmed reading about her. So proud of @naandi_india & @NanhiKali for supporting her. And of @suheim for coaching her. Maybe when Preeti has the time, I’d love to meet her and go sailing on my catamaran so she can coach me! https://t.co/QevwbTV3Tk

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) January 29, 2023

Notably, he tweeted his views by resharing the original post by Naandi Foundation CEO, Manoj Kumar. His post impressed a lot of people who took to comments and lauded Preethi’s achievements.

A user wrote, “Such a noble gesture and so much humility”, while another user wrote, “It’s heart-touching.”

Check more reactions:

For every find such as this, we are missing out hundreds. We need systematic talent scout not just in sports.. but in many other fields…

— Gana SK (@gansub) January 29, 2023

Proud Of You Dear #SHERO 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏🕉💐

— 🇮🇳🙏🕉 SShalini Jagiya 91+8377975166 (@uma_jagiya) January 29, 2023

What a heartwarming story ! Cheers to Preeti, you have a long way to go !! 🙌❣️ https://t.co/MzjivhND4S

— Sonika Dhayal (@SonikaDhayal) January 29, 2023

Wawa .. u right sports is poverty breaker.. good to see this news Thank you

— ajay jakhar (@AJAYJAKHARR) January 29, 2023

The Naandi CEO called it one of the ‘most inspiring stories’ where a grade 8 girl from a low-income community became the captain of India’s Sailing Team.

“Meet Preeti Kongara of Nallakunta Govt school whom Team Naandi India selected from Project Nanhi Kali in 2016 & brought to Suheim Sheikh to teach her sailing. Today, she’s India No 1 in the Olympic Mixed Double 470 Class of boat. Sports is a poverty breaker,” he wrote.

For the unversed, Preethi Kongara hails from Telangana and has received international recognition for winning a gold medal in the mixed-class event of the first Asian Games selection trials and then the Senior Nationals held in Mumbai.

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Union Budget 2023-24: Date, time and where you can watch presentation

The Union Budget 2023-24 announcement comes at a time when the world is facing rising inflation, global recession, ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and many other issues. This will be the last full budget before the general elections in 2024.

The Budget impacts every citizen and sector because it contains the details of expenditure and revenue receipts anticipated for the upcoming financial year. The preparation of this document takes a considerable amount of time.

The process starts in August-September each year, which is nearly six months prior to the final budget day, that is 1 February. The Budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance after its consultations with the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and all the other concerned ministries.

When to watch the Union Budget 2023?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2023-23 on 1 February. In line with the previous years, the presentation is expected to begin at 11 am. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on 31 January with the presentation of the Economic Survey of India. The session is going to continue till 6 April, with a recess from 14 February to 12 March to allow the department-related parliamentary standing committees to examine the demands for grants.

Where to watch the Union Budget 2023?

You can watch the live streaming of the Union Budget on DD News, Lok Sabha TV, Rajya Sabha TV, and other news channels. Viewers can also watch the announcement on the official YouTube and Twitter channels of Lok Sabha and Sansad TV.

Pre-budget consultations

Nirmala Sitharaman had reportedly chaired pre-budget consultations with the industry experts last month to gain a better understanding of what the economy wants. The industry bodies, experts, and leaders submitted their proposals for the upcoming Budget in these meetings.

Total amount of last Union Budget

In the last year’s Budget, the government had proposed to spend Rs 39,44,909 crore in 2022-23, showing a rise of 4.6 percent over the revised estimate of Budget 2021-22.

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Naba Kishore Das shot dead by cop: The Odisha minister with 145 cars and a love for guns

A regular attending of an event on Sunday turned fatal for Odisha minister Naba Kishore Das after he was shot dead by a police officer. The tragedy took place when Kishore Das, 60, was travelling to a programme to Brajrajnagar town in Odisha’s Jharsugada and Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister in the presence of police personnel and the minister’s supporters.

Video footage of the incident shows the ASI approaching Das’ vehicle and just as the minister steps out, the cop opens fire with his service gun. The minister is seen bleeding from the chest with people lifting him and placing him on the front seat of a car. Naba Das was then rushed the Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital and later airlifted to Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Despite best efforts by the staff at Apollo Hospital, the health and family welfare minister succumbed to his injuries in the evening. The medical statement from the hospital said, “On operating, it was found that a single bullet had entered and exited the body, injuring the heart and left lung and causing massive internal bleeding and injury. The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the pumping of the heart. He was given urgent ICU care. But despite the best of efforts.”

The state of Odisha has announced a three-day mourning period from and the national flag will fly at half-mast on the day of his funeral. Das’ last rites will take place at his home in Jharsuguda today. Leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their grief over the incident.

Meanwhile, ASI Gopal Das has been taken into custody to ascertain the reason for the shooting. According to Das’ wife, he suffered from a mental disorder for the last seven-eight years and that there was no personal enmity between her husband and the minister.

As the state is in deep mourning, let’s take a look back at the rise of Naba Kishore Das — who earned the reputation of being a strong grassroots leader and also the second richest minister in the state after Naveen Patnaik.

Rise of Naba Kishore Das

Naba Kishore Das hailed from Sambalpur district and studied English and Law from Sambalpur University. It is here that he was first exposed to politics and he was the students’ union president there.

After completing his education, he moved to the Jharsuguda district, known as the industrial belt of Odisha. It is there that he started his businesses of mining and transportation. In 2004, he entered the political arena from the Congress party and contested the Jharsuguda Assembly seat. He, however, lost that election to Biju Janata Dal’s Kishore Mohanty.

Five years later, in 2009, he once again contested from Jharsuguda and this time defeated Kishore Kumar Mohanty. His campaign at the time was glamourous, as he had roped in Bollywood’s Shakti Kapoor and Asrani to campaign for him.

He was able to retain his seat for the next Assembly election and displayed great organisational skills. His understanding of the people also made him very popular with the masses of Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda.

Switch to BJD and his growing wealth

In 2019, Naba Das quit the Congress and made the jump to the Biju Janata Dal. At the time, he had told then Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the people of his constituency wanted him to join the BJD.

“The people and voters of my area want that I should contest the next election 2019 from BJD as they want our area to develop and I should join hands with Shri Naveen ji, chief minister of Odisha,” had written in his letter to Gandhi.

Since then, he has only grown in stature and financially. His 2021 declaration showed that he had immovable and movable assets worth Rs 34 crore. Among his assets were 145 cars — 80 belonging to him and 65 were his wife’s — valued at Rs 15 crore.

Naba Das was also known for his love of firearms. According to an Indian Express report, he owned a revolver, a double-barrel gun and a rifle. When asked about his penchant for guns, he had said that he “kept the rifles for fancy and not for protection”.

He also listed several properties in New Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, and Rairakhol in Odisha worth over Rs 2.28 crore.

A week before his death, Das made the news when he donated a gold pitcher to the Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Though media outlets reported it was worth Rs 1 crore, he clarified that it was worth Rs 10 lakh.

Role in COVID

Das, who had earlier made headlines in 2015 for being suspended from the Assembly for allegedly watching objectionable clips in the House, was made the health and family welfare minister in 2019 in the Patnaik Cabinet.

When coronavirus struck the country in 2020, he was at the forefront of the state’s battle against the virus and also implementing the state’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), instead of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

A Times of India report states that Das was dedicated to development of health systems in the state and led the COVID-19 battle by sticking to appropriate behaviours such as social distancing and masking.

It was his efforts that saw the World Health Organization (WHO) praising the state for its handling of the pandemic and keeping the case load low.

With inputs from agencies

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Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas 2023: Know its history, significance and how it is observed

Today, 30 January marks the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or as we popularly know him, Mahatma Gandhi. It was on this date back in 1948 when Gandhi was assassinated by Nathursam Godse at the Birla House in New Delhi. The day is also observed as ‘Martyrs Day’ to commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters towards the country. Notably, Gandhi is also counted among those selfless freedom fighters who not only led several anti-British movements but also played a key role in India’s fight for independence.

It is pertinent to note that India observes Martyrs Day on several dates. Besides 30 January, it is also marked on 23 March every year.

Martyrs Day: History

While Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence and received the support of many, there were also people who were against his ideals and blamed him for various reasons. As a result of this, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948, just five months after India gained independence.

He died on the spot after being shot thrice at point-blank range during a prayer meeting at the Birla House. His death left the entire country in a state of mourning. It was after that when the Government of India announced that the day will be observed as ‘Shaheed Diwas’.

Martyrs’ Day: Significance

The day is observed to remember the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi towards the country. He is not just remembered in India but all over the world. His life story and message of truth, non-violence, and love inspired a lot of people who joined hands for independence under his guidance. His values are also recalled for being relevant in today’s time and so in the future.

Martyrs’ Day: How is it celebrated?

On this day, the Prime Minister of India along with the President, Vice President, Defence Minister, and the three Service Chiefs visit Raj Ghat in the national capital and pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. A two-minute silence is also observed across the nation in honour of those brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for the country.

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Odisha health minister Naba Das succumbs to injuries hours after being shot by cop

New Delhi: Odisha health minister Naba Das succumbed to his injuries on Sunday hours after being shot in the chest by a police officer in the Brajarajnagar area of state’s Jharsuguda district.

The minister was rescued and rushed to the Jharsuguda hospital immediately. He was then airlifted to Apollo Hospital Bhubaneswar.

ASI Gopal Chandra Das reportedly fired two shots at him.

The ASI was immediately apprehended by other police personnel at the spot and taken into custody. His firearms were also seized.

The incident took place near Brajarajnagar’s Gandhi Chhak, where the minister had gone to inaugurate a BJD party office. He was fired at as soon as he came out of his car while his supporters were garlanding him.

A high-level inquiry has been ordered to ascertain how the security lapse happened.

With inputs from agencies

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The Weather Report | January likely to end on a rainy note in north and south India

The Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring in India. It is a new beginning as the harsh cold weather starts to subside and folks get to spend more time outdoors working and farmers also nears the harvest season. In the North, it is that time of the year when mustard crops are harvested while in the South, rice harvesting begins in late January. Basant Panchami usually marks the beginning of the harvest season in various parts of the country.

Weatherwise changes are visible as the southern peninsula and eastern parts of India start to warm up transition towards the pleasant spring. Meanwhile, states in North and Central India will keep up with the wintery weather for another fortnight just before the pleasant weather starts in mid-February.

Winters this year have arrived late, also the Western Disturbances have been quite delayed, over the past week an active western disturbance caused heavy to very heavy snowfall over Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Towns in the region are buried in 2-3 feet of fresh snowfall.

During the period of 24-25 January, Gulmarg the most famous hill station in Kashmir recorded 86cm of fresh snowfall in the span of 48 hours on the other hand Koksar in Lahaul recorded a massive 71cm nearly 2.3 feet of fresh snowfall in the span of 24 hours on 25 January.

While continuing its record spree Dharamshala received 68.0mm in 24 hours till 25 January, setting the record of highest single day rainfall in the month of January after 1997.

Previous single day highest records are:

69.1mm on 20 January 1997
78.8mm on 31 January 1975
85.2mm on 26th January 1970

Meanwhile, the all time record of Dharamshala is 99.1mm from 5 January 1982.

Heavy rains and snowfall lashes parts of Himachal Pradesh on 25 January:

Rainfall:

Dehra Gopipur (Kangra) 93.0mm
Salooni 92.0mm
Nagrota (Kangra) 90.0mm
Chamba 73.0mm
Guler 69.0mm

Snowfall:

Gondhla 50.5cm
Salooni 45.7cm
Kukumsheri 32.3cm
Bharmaur 30.0cm
Keylong 23.0cm
Hansa 23.0cm

During the period of 24-25 January light to moderate rains occurred in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh while Delhi NCR experienced cloudy skies but remained rain free.

Rainfall ending 8:30am on 25 January in stations of Punjab:

Garhshankar 47.5mm
Hoshiyarpur 44mm
Nurmahal 16mm
Balachar 14.5mm
Chandigarh 13.5mm
Fazilka 12mm
Ropar 9mm
Samana 6mm

The western disturbance moved away on 26 January and skies opened up along with icy cold winds from the snow-clad mountains started blowing in plains of North India and night temperature’s have came down significantly, A temporary coldwave has hit parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as temperature’s fallen to sub zero in Rajasthan’s Fatehpur registered -2.3°c, Churu -0.5°c and Balasamand in Haryana at -0.1°c on Friday morning, the impact of coldwave continued on Saturday morning too.

This is the second spell of “frost” that hit rural areas of  Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan in the month of January leading to damage to standing mustard crops.

National Capital Delhi recorded 5.8°c and 6.0°c minimum temperatures on 27 and 28 January.

The weather conditions are not as cold in other parts of the country. East India to be specific is reeling under unprecedented high temperatures in the past week under the influence of the anticyclonic circulation that leads to a hold of dry and warm air in the atmosphere.

On Friday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 29.0°c which is 3° above Normal while the minimum temperature on Saturday morning was 17.6°c registered 4° above the climatological normal.

Similarly, other parts of the east are seeing minimum and maximum temperatures by 3 to 7°c above normal. Ranchi recorded 15.0°c (5° above normal), Bhubaneswar 18.5°c (3° above normal), Jharsuguda 16.6°c (4° above normal) and Raipur 19.0°c (5° above normal) on Saturday morning.

Transition starts in southern India

Temperatures have started rising in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka while parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala experienced rains in the mid week. Ending 8:30am on 25 January, Trivandrum recorded 53mm, Alappuzha 32mm, Kottayam 18mm, Kochi 16mm, Punalur 10mm, Valparai 30mm, Palakkad 3mm, Coonoor 3mm, Kozhikode 4mm, Mysore 21mm and Chikmagalur 10mm.

Despite good precipitation in North India in the past week pan-India winter rains continue to stay significantly below normal. The Country as a whole received 9.0mm rainfall against the normal of 15.2mm departure from normal stands at -41% in the period of 1 till 28 January.

Subdivision-wise seasonal rainfall in the period of 1 till 28 January, 2023:

• Southern Peninsula: Actual 2.1mm against the average of 7.3mm, -71% departure from normal.

• East & North East India: Actual 1.9mm against the average of 14.8mm, -87% departure from normal.

• North West India: Actual 25.7mm against the average of 30.1mm, -15% departure from normal.

• Central India: Actual 1.2mm against the average of 6.4mm, -82% departure from normal.

Current Synoptic features influencing weather in India as of 28 January, 2023:

• The Western Disturbance as a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies with its axis at 5.8 km above mean sea level now runs roughly along Long. 56°E to the north of Lat. 22°N.

• The low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal & adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto middle tropospheric levels persists. It is very likely to move gradually west-northwestwards and become a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 24 hours.

Thereafter, it would continue to move west-northwestwards, intensify further into a depression around 31 January over the southwest Bay of Bengal and reach near the Sri Lanka coast around 1 February.

All India weather forecast till 4th February:

North India

January is about to end on a rainy note in the northern states of the country, a fresh active western disturbance is to impact most parts of the western Himalayas and plains of North West India from 29th January along with that a cyclonic circulation will form over central parts of Rajasthan helping in moisture incursion from Arabian sea towards North India.

Under the influence of the combination of weather systems, a fresh round of moderate to heavy snowfall is expected across Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during 29-31 January. Parts of Shivalik ranges in the states to experience moderate rainfall.

Light to moderate rains are expected in many parts of Rajasthan on 29th January, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh on 29th and 30th January. Thunderstorms and isolated Hailstorms may occur in some of the plains during this spell.

The minimum temperature is all set to increase in the region during the next three days and coldwave conditions will abate but cold wave onditions will be observed in stations of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh on the 29 and 30 of January.

Expected rainfall accumulation in the states of North India till 4 February:

• Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: 70mm
• Uttarakhand: 60mm
• Himachal Pradesh: 60mm
• Punjab: 50mm
• Haryana 40mm
• Rajasthan: 30mm
• Delhi NCR: 20mm
• Uttar Pradesh: 20mm

Central India

The weather conditions won’t be as cold in the region as temperature’s have seen rising this weekend, On Sunday and Monday under the influence of the western disturbance over northern India, wind instability is all set to develop in interiors of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, under such circumstances light to moderate rains and thunderstorms pop-up over the region.

Scattered light to moderate rains along with isolated hailstorms may occur in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh during 29-30 January, minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to stay above normal in the region during the upcoming week.

Expected rainfall in the region till 4 February:

• Madhya Pradesh: 20mm
• Gujarat: 10mm
• Maharashtra: 1mm
• Chhattisgarh: 1mm<

East and North East India:

An anticyclonic circulation will continue to dominate the region, due the weather system dry and abnormally warm weather is expected in most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and states of North East India during the beginning of the week with minimum and maximum temperatures can be 2 to 5°c above normal.

By the weekend from 2 to 4 February, temperatures will once again fall. Northwest winds will be back in the region as the ridge is expected to weaken.

South India:

A very rare January end low-pressure area has formed in the south east Bay of Bengal while moving in the west direction it is expected to become well marked low pressure area by 29 January and intensify into a depression near the Sri Lanka coast on 31 January.

Under the influence of the upcoming weather system light to moderate rain is expected in many parts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai from 29 January till 2 February. Some parts in southern Tamil Nadu, South Kerala may experience moderate to heavy rains.

The wet spell may impact the ongoing harvest of the crops in rural Tamil Nadu.

Most parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa will continue to experience dry weather conditions with slight rise in temperatures as we head into February.

Expected rainfall in the region till 4 February:

• Tamil Nadu: 40mm
• Kerala: 20mm
• Andhra Pradesh: 5mm

The author, better known as the Rohtak Weatherman, interprets and explains complex weather patterns. His impact-based forecasts @navdeepdahiya55 are very popular in north India.

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