India

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has allocated Rs 5,483 crore for aid to foreign nations, slightly higher than last year's Rs 4,883 crore, it was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday.

The MEA has been allocated Rs 20,516.61 crore, which is lower than the revised estimate of Rs 25,277 crore for 2024-25.

As much as Rs 6,750 crore constitutes the Overseas Development Assistance portfolio, which is up 20 per cent from last year's Rs 5,667.56 crore. This includes a budget for soft loans, grants for foreign countries, funding for cultural and heritage projects, and international training programmes.

As much as 64 per cent of the Rs 4,320 crore allocated for development schemes will go to India's immediate neighbours in keeping with demand-driven projects. These range from big infrastructure projects like hydropower plants, power transmission lines and integrated check posts to small grassroots community development projects and training programmes.

Bhutan, arguably India's closest partner, gets the biggest share of the external aid budget with Rs 2,150 crore. The previous year's revised outlay stood at Rs 2,543.48 crore.

The allocation is in tune with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which lays emphasis on regional development and connectivity.

India last year announced the doubling of its financial support for Bhutan's five-year plans from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore.

One of the key highlights in the Budget has been the continuance of Rs 100 crore for the development of Chabahar Port in Iran with a strategic eye on regional connectivity, especially the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

This comes after a 10-year agreement, which India signed with Iran for operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal and an investment of $120 million for port infrastructure development.

Maldives, on the other hand, has received the maximum increase in assistance, from Rs 470 crore in the revised 2024-25 budget to Rs 600 crore in 2025-26.

The hike is over and above the financial assistance provided by India to the island nation to overcome its balance of payments crisis in 2024.

While the Indian government resubscribed to these bonds and decided, on other help, the Maldives government was not in a stable condition to reach economic and security cooperation with China.

While keeping Nepal and Bangladesh with the budget allocations of Rs 700 crore and Rs 120 crore individually, the island nation of Mauritius has experienced a reduction to Rs 500 crore as against Rs 576 in the previous term.

Sri Lanka also gets the same amount as last year, which is Rs 300 crore.

Myanmar's allocation too has been reduced from Rs 400 crore to Rs 350 crore while Seychelles' aid has been reduced from Rs 37 crore to Rs 19 crore.

Afghanistan's aid, which was cut from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crore in the revised 2024-25 Budget, has been restored to Rs 100 crore.

While the allocation for African countries has gone up from Rs 200 crore to Rs 225 crore.

The assistance grants for countries in Eurasia and Latin America have been doubled to Rs 100 crore.

Disaster relief has gone up from Rs 60 crore to Rs 64 crore, reflecting India's proactive role in global humanitarian responses.

Bigger outlay for diplomatic missions and citizen services

The Budget also provides for the expansion of India's diplomatic reach. The allocation for Indian embassies and missions abroad has been increased by 9 per cent to Rs 4,206.22 crore, following the establishment of ten new diplomatic posts in 2024-25.

Moreover, the allocation for citizen-centric services, including passport issuance and implementation of the Passport Seva Project 2.0, has almost been doubled from Rs 1907.24 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 1,913.47 crore in 2025-26.

This includes allocation for the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, the South Asian University, and other international engagements. However, the specific outlay for EXIM Bank provisioning is not provided in this paper, and officials say that will be provided dynamically with regard to need.

India's focus on 'Vishwa Bandhu' with 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Look East' policies underlines its commitment to strong regional bonds, the nurturing of key allies, and the expansion of its global development footprint.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools in the next five years.

This initiative has been taken to cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation and foster a scientific temper among young minds.

The Union Budget also proposes to provide broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the BharatNet project.

In the higher education sector, the Union Budget 2025-26 says that the total number of students in 23 IITs has increased 100 per cent from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh in the past 10 years.

While presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday, Finance Minister Sitharaman said that additional infrastructure will be created in the five IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students.

Hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT, Patna will also be expanded.

To help students understand their subjects better, FM Sitharaman has proposed to implement a Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

The Union Finance Minister also announced to setting up of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling with global expertise and partnerships to equip youth with the skills required for "Make for India, Make for the World" manufacturing.

The partnerships will cover curriculum design, training of trainers, a skills certification framework, and periodic reviews.

The Union Budget also announced setting up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore.

While presenting the Union Budget, FM Sitharaman announced the allocation of Rs 20,000 crore to implement private sector-driven research, development and innovation.

In the next five years, under the PM Research Fellowship scheme, the provision of 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support is also proposed in the Budget.

Finance Minister Sitharaman has also proposed various development measures for nurturing innovation.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Feb 1 (IANS) The ‘Animal Welfare Fortnight’ celebrations in Gujarat, organised annually by the state Animal Welfare Board, will continue until February 13, extending the usual period to align with the Union government’s recent initiative. The celebrations began on January 14 and were originally scheduled to end on January 30.

However, in line with the Union government’s decision to observe the period from January 14 to February 13 as ‘Livestock and Animal Welfare Awareness’ month, the state Animal Welfare Board has extended the 'Animal Welfare Fortnight' event until February 13. This extension is in response to a nationwide effort aimed at increasing awareness of modern animal husbandry practices and promoting the welfare of livestock.

The Union government launched this initiative through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, to encourage the adoption of better practices for the welfare of animals across the country.

Additionally, the Animal Welfare Board of India has designated February 2, marking the occasion of Vasant Panchami, as ‘Insect Welfare Day’. This day will be celebrated with the objective of highlighting the importance of insects in maintaining ecological balance and promoting their welfare.

During this extended period, various programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns are being conducted across the state to engage the public and promote animal welfare. These initiatives focus on educating citizens about modern animal husbandry practices, the significance of the humane treatment of animals, and the ecological importance of insects.

Gujarat ranks fourth in the country with 1,689 gaushalas (cattle shelters), following Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Gujarat is also home to a diverse range of insect species, including 177 beetle species, 84 species of butterflies and moths, and 60 species of dragonflies and damselflies.

The state also hosts 67 species of insect pollinators, with Hymenoptera being the most dominant order. These insects play a critical role in agriculture, particularly in pollination, contributing to crop productivity and ecological balance.

The Directorate of Animal Husbandry in Gujarat oversees various aspects of animal welfare, including vaccination programs, treatment camps, and artificial insemination services.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Feb 1 (IANS) Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday criticised the Union Budget 2025-26, terming it as "disappointing" as the state government had demanded a special industrial package for five border districts to promote employment and development.

He said the Budget "is focused on Bihar's election, catering to the BJP's political interests rather than addressing the needs of the nation".

Addressing the media here, Cheema expressed disappointment that none of the demands made by Punjab during the pre-budget meeting held in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on December 20, 2024, were met in the Budget.

He contended that the Budget failed to mention the names of states other than those ruled by parties in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, highlighting the Prime Minister's bias towards specific states.

Detailing the demands put forward by Punjab in the pre-budget meeting, the Finance Minister emphasised that Punjab, as a border state, has demanded a special industrial package for its five border districts to promote employment and development. He said the state has also demanded Rs 1,000 crore for strengthening police infrastructure along the 500-km hostile border with Pakistan.

Furthermore, he expressed disappointment that long-standing demands for the Rajpura to Chandigarh railway line and Vande Bharat Rail services from Amritsar and Bathinda to Delhi were also ignored in the Budget.

In response to a media query about the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee, he said the BJP-led Union government harbouring animosity towards Punjab did not address the demand for a package to encourage crop diversification what to talk about MSP guarantee.

"Punjab, which contributes about 21 per cent of rice and 51 per cent of wheat to the central pool, needs support to move away from this crop cycle," said Cheema, while mentioning that the state-Centre formula to resolve the issue of stubble burning was presented in the pre-budget meeting but was ignored in the Budget.

Furthermore, there was no mention of the release of funds from the Rural Development Fund and the National Health Mission, which are pending with the Centre, nor any solution provided for the annual loss of Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 crore to Punjab due to high interest rates on the Cash Credit Limit (CCL).

Cheema criticised the Union Budget for increasing the limit of the Kisan Credit Card rather than focusing on increasing their income, which, he argued, would further increase farmers' debt.

--IANS

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Patna, Feb 1 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, which includes seven significant announcements aimed at promoting development in Bihar, coinciding with the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Finance Minister Sitharaman has announced the formation of the Makhana Board to support and promote the cultivation and marketing of makhana (fox nuts), a significant crop in Bihar.

She also announced the expansion of IIT Patna by enhancing the infrastructure and academic programmes of the premier institute to foster higher education and research.

She announced the establishment of the National Food Technology Institute in Bihar. It will be dedicated to food technology, aiming to boost the food processing industry and create employment opportunities.

A separate Budget has been allocated for the development of the Western Kosi Canal, which is expected to improve irrigation facilities and benefit the agricultural sector.

She also mentioned plans to upgrade the Bihta Airport to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Apart from that, Finance Minister Sitharaman also pointed out the expansion of Patna Airport to handle increased passenger traffic and improve infrastructure and the construction of three new greenfield airports in Bihar to improve air connectivity and support regional development.

These initiatives are seen as efforts by the Central government to bolster development in various regions of Bihar, including Magadh, Mithila, and Seemanchal, ahead of the state Assembly elections.

Bihar has long-standing demands for special state status, a topic that has been a point of contention among political parties.

The Opposition has criticised the Central government for not addressing this issue in the Budget.

In the previous year's Budget, presented in July 2024, the government allocated significant funds for infrastructure projects in allied states, including Bihar. This included more than Rs 60,000 crore for infrastructure projects in Bihar, aiming to strengthen the coalition and promote regional development.

The current Budget's announcements are perceived as strategic moves to garner support in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections, reflecting the Central government's focus on regional development and political considerations.

--IANS

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Vadodara, Feb 1 (IANS) In a crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Gujarat has seized 597 boxes of foreign liquor valued at Rs 38.98 lakh from a container on the Vadodara-Savli road.

The police have arrested the container driver and another person, and a complaint has been registered at Manjusar police station. Acting on a tip-off, the LCB team set up surveillance on the Vadodara-Savli road. During their patrol within the Manjusar police station limits, officials intercepted a suspicious container.

Upon inspection, they discovered the liquor consignment and immediately detained the driver Mohammad Shadab Amjad Ali Khan and Arbaaz Shakeel Ansari, both residents of Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.

In addition to the Rs 38.98 lakh worth of liquor, the police also seized the container vehicle and mobile phones, bringing the total value of confiscated goods to Rs 49.08 lakh. The arrested individuals have been booked under prohibition laws, and further investigations are underway.

The operation, led by Unarmed Head Constable Devraj Singh, marks another success in Vadodara Rural LCB’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal liquor trade. Authorities have intensified patrols across the district, ensuring strict enforcement of prohibition laws.

In the two years leading up to March 2023, authorities seized illicit liquor and drugs valued at over Rs 6,400 crore. This includes Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 197.56 crore, locally brewed liquor valued at Rs 3.99 crore, and beer bottles amounting to Rs 10.51 crore.

In the three years up to March 2024, the police confiscated approximately 1.85 crore bottles of foreign liquor and over 20 lakh bottles of beer. One prominent route involves the transport of illegal liquor over a 400 to 500 km stretch, traversing the coastal line from the Union Territory of Daman to Palghar in Maharashtra, then veering through the hills of Palghar to reach Nashik city or its outskirts. This path leverages the hilly and dense forest terrain in northern Maharashtra, providing cover from law enforcement agencies.

--IANS

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Shimla, Feb 1 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Saturday expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2025-26, labelling it "inequitable" as the major part of it is focusing on Bihar.

In a statement, he highlighted several key areas of concern and called for immediate revisions to address the needs of the wider population of his state.

The Chief Minister said the Budget has once again failed to address the pressing issues that plague the country, particularly unemployment, poverty and rising prices.

He said the apple growers, who contribute significantly to the state’s economy, are facing severe financial constraints and this Budget "offers no measures to alleviate their struggles or increase the import duties on apples, which would have provided much-needed relief".

Sukhu said unfortunately the Budget "fails to address the issue of expansion of rail network in Himachal Pradesh. A robust rail network is essential for economic growth, yet it remains overlooked".

He said the allocation for interest-free loans of states of Rs 1.5 lakh crore has not been increased and the tough conditions attached to it do not favour small states like Himachal Pradesh due to cost disabilities. He said the cessation of GST compensation has put Himachal Pradesh in a precarious financial position, resulting in an annual loss that the state can ill afford. He said a special financial package is urgently needed to mitigate this loss and support the state’s fiscal stability. The absence of such a package in the Budget is a significant setback, he added.

The Chief Minister said the benefits to the middle class in the form of income tax rebates have come too late in the day as the benefits of the new direct structure may just be used to rebuild the savings eroded during earlier years rather than giving a push to consumption and demand. "It's an anti-poor Budget, not futuristic. It is a total opportunistic budget," Sukhu said.

--IANS

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Varanasi, Feb 1 (IANS) In a landmark move, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Budget 2025, which promises no income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually, including standard deductions (totaling Rs 12.75 lakh). This historic step has been hailed by professors in Varanasi as a much-needed relief for the middle class, thanking the Modi-led government for prioritising their concerns.

Talking to IANS, Abhishek Singh, a professor at Uday Pratap College, expressed his enthusiasm: "This tax relief will significantly benefit the middle class. The rising taxes that we were burdened with will now decrease, offering much-needed relief to the common man."

Sanjeev Kumar, an assistant professor, added, "For a long time, people felt the government was drifting away from its citizens, particularly the working class. But this time, the Finance Minister has ensured that serving individuals, especially those with loans or educational burdens, will feel a tangible difference. The process of tax filing, which was once a hassle, has been simplified, and for that, we thank the Finance Minister and Modi ji. We truly appreciate this change."

Ashok Kumar Singh, from Harish College, noted, "It's great to see the government finally focusing on the middle class. We, in government jobs, always pay our taxes faithfully, and until now, we were often left out of exemptions. This change, though late, is a step in the right direction. Saving this money will allow us to invest in other avenues, and for that, we're grateful."

Narendra Pratap Singh, another professor, also weighed in: "The service class has often borne the brunt of the tax burden, while other classes received relief. The middle class has always paid its dues honestly, and it's heartening to see that the government is now acknowledging our contribution."

Ajay Prakash, a professor at Uday Pratap College said, "It is a big relief for the middle class. I will say that it is the best Budget in India so far. We will get benefits from it as it will save us more than Rs 10,000 in a month which can be used for other purposes."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the Union Budget 2025, calling it a "Janata Janardan Ka Budget" and emphasising its people-centric approach that will propel India's development journey.

Sharing his thoughts on the Budget, PM Modi described it as a significant milestone in India's growth trajectory.

"This is a budget for the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. It will fulfil the dreams of every citizen. We have opened up several sectors for the youth, and the common people will be at the heart of India's mission to become a developed nation. This Budget is a force multiplier," he said.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Feb 1 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday said it was unfortunate that the Union Budget 2025-26 did not go in for inclusive development of the nation and concentrated on poll-bound states even as he asserted the agricultural economy had been put in peril by ignoring all the demands of farmers including providing a legal guarantee on MSP.

Giving his reaction to the Budget, Badal said: "It is unfortunate that the focus was on Bihar and Assam which go to the polls this year even as an important state like Punjab has been completely ignored."

He said it was unfortunate that the government had failed to earmark funds for ensuring minimum support price (MSP) on all crops as per the assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi four years back. He said similarly no funds were earmarked for a comprehensive farm loan waiver which was needed across the country keeping in mind the distress in the agriculture sector.

Badal said no attempt was even made to rework the PM Fasal Bima Yogna and earmark more funds for it so that farmers could derive benefit from the scheme.

The Akali Dal leader said Punjabis were also looking forward to the allocation of funds to make diversification a reality by incentivising farmers to give up paddy cultivation. "Sadly the government failed to do this."

He said it was also unfortunate that no infrastructure or rail project had been earmarked for Punjab or any major institution.

"Punjab is in need of funds to revamp its canal irrigation system but these have also been denied to the state. The state has also been denied a special package for industry in the border zone even as there is no assurance on the reopening of trade with Pakistan from the Wagah-Attari border."

Badal said the Union Budget had also failed to simplify GST collection.

"The trade and industry has been calling for simplifying and rationalising the GST collection but this demand was also ignored."

He said it was also unfortunate that cuts had been imposed on the budgets of key sectors like education, transport and rural development even as nothing was done to tackle rising unemployment by creating job opportunities for the youth.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Welcoming an allocation of Rs 2.52 lakh crore for expansion of the railways, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday described Budget 2025-26 as ‘balanced’ and pro-middle class due to the new income tax exemption limit of Rs 12 lakh.

Talking to IANS, he also complimented Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for continuing India’s growth story by maintaining the Capital Expenditure momentum by allocating Rs 11.2 lakh crore.

He said the allocation for railways will further help take the network to every corner of the country, improve facilities for passengers and construction of new stations.

“The newly sanctioned projects may include 100 new Amrit Bharat trains, 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat trains and 1,000 flyovers and underpasses,” he said, promising new facilities for passengers including better safety, expansion of network and new stations.

Another interesting provision introduced by the Union Finance Minister is to allow maintenance, repair and operations (MROs) for the railway sector on the lines of existing facilities for airlines and ships. “This will help generate jobs through India-based operations related to repair of railway systems, motors and engines from anywhere in the world,” he said.

He also hailed the provisions in the Budget for India’s semiconductor and AI Missions.

Highlighting the sops offered to the salaried class in the Budget, Vaishnaw said, “The enhanced income tax exemption limit is a big gift for middle-class families. It will enhance savings and provide more funds for buying new homes and facilities, fulfilling their dreams,” he said.

Vaishnaw also appreciated the provisions for farmers in the Budget and hailed its schemes for generating new jobs.

Praising the proposals of FM Sitharaman, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh told IANS, “The Budget is sensitive, far-sighted and bold as it shows the courage to take decisions.”

He commended the steps taken by the government to involve the private sector in the Nuclear Energy Mission and set a target of generating 100 GW by 2047.

He said, “Gone are the days when India used to take cues from other countries. Now, we decide and set our own targets.”

“Decisions like allocation of Rs 20,000 crore for small modular reactors (SMRs) will gradually become points of discussion and I am sure such decisions will even surprise the world,” he said, adding that at least five indigenously developed SMRs will be operationalised by 2033.

--IANS

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