Budget 2024 Live Updates: Sitharaman emphasized increased funds for PM Garib Kalyan Yojana in Budget presentation

 The Finance Minister also highlighted the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), emphasizing that savings through DBT channels have enabled more funds for the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, a welfare program for the economically disadvantaged. "With the pursuit of Sabka Saath, the govt has assisted 25 crore people to get freedom from multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years," Sitharaman stated during her Budget speech.

12:19 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Finance minister Sitharaman announces free ration for 80 crore people

Addressing concerns about food security, Sitharaman announced the elimination of worries through the provision of free ration for 80 crore people. "The worries about food has been eliminated through free ration for 80 crore people," said Finance Minister.

12:19 (IST) Feb 01

India Budget Live: Sitharaman highlighted India's stride towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in Interim Budget

Sitharaman acknowledged the challenges posed by the once-in-a-century pandemic but noted that the country successfully overcame them, continuing its stride towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) committed to Panch Pran and laying solid foundations for the Amrit Kaal. Sitharaman said, "The country overcame the challenges of once in a century pandemic to clang stride towards Atmanirbhar Bharat committed to Panch Pran and laid solid foundations for the Amrit Kaal."

12:18 (IST) Feb 01

Budget Live: 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', said Sitharaman stressing the continuity of inclusive development vision in Budget 2024

Presenting the Interim Budget for the fiscal year, Sitharaman highlighted the government's commitment to inclusive development under the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas." "In the second term, our government strengthened its vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas," stated Sitharaman, emphasizing the continuity of the government's commitment to the welfare of all citizens.

12:15 (IST) Feb 01

Budget India Live: Indian economy witnessed profound positive transformation in the last 10 years, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

In the interim budget presentation on the floor of the Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that the Indian economy has undergone a profound positive transformation over the last decade. "Indian economy witnessed profound positive transformation in the last 10 years," said Sitharaman, while presenting Budget 2024 in the Parliament.

12:08 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 analysis: CRISIL view

The adoption of nano DAP on a large scale should bring down the fertiliser subsidy bill. A bottle of nano DAP costs 50-55% lesser than an equivalent 50 Kg bag of conventional DAP. Subsidy on ‘phosphatic’ fertilisers, on average, accounts for 18-20% of the fertiliser subsidy bill

12:07 (IST) Feb 01

Modi government is focused on more comprehensive GDP, governance, development and performance

FM Sitharaman while announcing the Interim Budget

12:05 (IST) Feb 01

We continue on path of fiscal consolidation to reduce fiscal deficit to 4.5% in 2025-26

FM Sitharaman

12:04 (IST) Feb 01

Budget India Live: Benefits for startups

·      Tax benefits for start-ups will be extended to March 31, 2025.

·      Investments by sovereign wealth funds and pension funds will be tax-free for one extra year.

·      The government will withdraw some outstanding direct tax demands.

12:01 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman concludes her interim budget speech, it was just a few minutes short of an hour

11:55 (IST) Feb 01

India Budget Live: No announcement for taxpayers

"I do not propose to make any changes to taxation and proposed to retain same tax rates for direct and indirect tax rates including import duties," said FM Sitharaman.

11:52 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 analysis: CRISIL View

·      The 11.1% higher capex budgeted for infrastructure is lower than what has been the run rate in the previous years. This implies the private sector will have to step in if the growth momentum has to be maintained

·      India's milch animal yield at 10-12 litres per day is around 50% lower than the global average. The investment in preventing foot and mouth diseases can help improve the yield

·      Compressed biogas (CBG) blending mandate should accelerate blending, but availability and transport remains a challenge

·      The development of commodity-specific economic rail corridors can de-congest existing lines, mostly in the eastern part of the country. This is supportive of faster freight movement and turnaround times and should help reduce the logistics cost for India from 12% of GDP, improving competitiveness, especially manufacturing, against peers.

·      Having a focused approach to improve freight movement will help in achieving the National Rail Plan targets of 50% modal share over the medium term.

11:51 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Sitharaman says 'our government' to present Full Budget in July

In the full Budget in July, our government will present a detailed roadmap for our pursuit of Viksit Bharat, says FM Sitharaman

11:50 (IST) Feb 01

Union Budget 2024 India: FM Sitharaman is now speaking about government's tax reforms

11:49 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 live: I appreciate taxpayers for their continued support, says FM Sitharaman

11:47 (IST) Feb 01

Budget live: Revised estimate of fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, says FM Sitharaman

11:45 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Capital expenditure target

FY25 capex target set at Rs 11.1 lakh crore, up 11.1%: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

11:44 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 live: FDI - First Develop India, says Sitharaman

FM says the government will push for bilateral treaties with foreign partners in the spirit of 'First Develop India'.

11:42 (IST) Feb 01

For our tech-savvy youth, this will be a golden era. A corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore will be established with 50-year interest-free loan provided. It will be for long-term financing or re-financing with low or nil interest rates.

Union finance minister Sitharaman

11:40 (IST) Feb 01

Railway Budget 2024 live: Vande Bharat-like bogies, airports to be doubled

FM Sitharaman announces that 40,000 rail bogies will be converted to Vande Bharat standards. Airports to be doubled to 149. Indian carriers have placed orders for 1,000 new aircraft

11:38 (IST) Feb 01

Recently announced India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor will be game changer for India

Sitharaman

11:38 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman on strategy for Amrit Kaal

"Our government will adopt economic policies which will foster and sustain growth, facilitate inclusive and sustainable development, improve productivity, create opportunties for all and help them enhance their capabilities and contribute to generation of resources to power investments and fulfill aspirations. The government will take up next gen reforms and build consensus with stakeholders for effective implementation"

11:37 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Govt to increase defence outlay

Defence outlay to be increased by 11.1% to Rs 11,11,111 crore, which will be 3.4% of GDP

11:35 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan (research) is the motto of the Modi govt, says Sitharaman

11:34 (IST) Feb 01

Despite the challenges due to Covid, implementation of PM Awas Yojana Rural continued and we are close to achieving the target of 3 crore houses. 2 crore more houses will be taken up in the next 5 years to meet the requirement arising from increase in the number of families.

FM Sitharaman

11:33 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 live: FM on India's G20 presidency

"India as a G20 host showed forward way and built consensus for solutions for problems being faced by the world"

11:32 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Plan to set up more medical colleges

Our govt plans to setup more medical colleges by utilising the existing medical infra under various departments: FM

11:27 (IST) Feb 01

The economy is doing well. Inflation is moderate

Sitharaman

11:25 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 live: 1 crore households will get up to 300 units of electricity every month with rooftop solarisation, says FM

11:24 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 live: Women empowerment measures

FML Making Triple Talaq illegal, reserving one-third legislative seats for women highlight government's women empowerment programme

11:23 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: 'New world order post-Covid'

FM: Geopolitically, global affairs are becoming more complex. A new world order is emerging after the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to the crisis while India successfully navigated its way. India assumed the G20 summit after a very difficult time

11:23 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 Live Updates: Women, poor, youth, farmers in focus as FM Sitharaman presents pre-election Budget

 

Budget 2024 Live Updates: Women, poor, youth, farmers in focus as FM Sitharaman presents pre-election Budget

Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday made history by presenting her sixth consecutive budget, matching the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, just

 

12:29 (IST) Feb 01

Budget Live: Quoting US President Joe Biden's endorsement of IMEC during the 78th UNGA session, Sitharaman highlighted the project's potential to spur investment opportunities across two continents.

The Finance Minister recalled the historic announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside global leaders, announced this first-of-its-kind initiative involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US. The corridor aims to establish reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit networks, enhancing transhipment of goods and services across continents.

12:29 (IST) Feb 01

Budget India Live: Reiterating the significance of IMEC, Sitharaman emphasized its role as a strategic and economic game changer.

She highlighted its potential to encourage economic development through enhanced connectivity and integration between Asia, West Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Finance Minister underscored the visionary nature of this initiative, quoting support from global leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

12:28 (IST) Feb 01

Budget India Live: Success of India's G20 presidency in challenging times

Highlighting India's G20 presidency amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, FM Sitharaman stated that India successfully navigated global problems, addressing issues such as high inflation, interest rates, low growth, public debt, and climate change. She described the emerging new world order and credited India for building consensus on global solutions, showcasing the nation's resilience and leadership.

12:28 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 India | 'Vision for Viksit Bharat': Unprecedented development by 2047

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman outlined the vision for a prosperous India, in harmony with nature, equipped with modern infrastructure, and offering opportunities for all citizens. Expressing confidence from India's track record, she declared the next five years as a golden period for unprecedented development, aligning with the dream of developing India by 2047.

12:27 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 | IMEC: Transforming trade dynamics

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her interim budget speech, emphasized the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a strategic and economic 'game changer.' Quoting Prime Minister Modi's vision, she stated that the corridor would become the basis of world trade for centuries to come, marking a historic initiative on Indian soil.

12:26 (IST) Feb 01

Budget Live | 'Pradhanmantri Surydaya Yojana': PM Modi's vision for rooftop solar on 1 crore houses

Sitharaman revealed that the scheme is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of launching the Pradhanmantri Surydaya Yojana. The ambitious target is to install rooftop solar panels on one crore houses, reducing electricity bills for the poor and the middle class. PM Modi, on January 22 during the historic Pran Prathishta of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, expressed that this initiative not only benefits households but also contributes to making India self-reliant in the energy sector.

12:25 (IST) Feb 01

India Budget Live: Sitharaman's vision for free solar power and savings

The finance minister highlighted the potential impact of the initiative, stating that households could save up to Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 annually through free solar power and by selling excess electricity to power distribution companies. The emphasis on turning households into power-generating units aligns with the government's broader agenda of fostering self-reliance in the energy sector.

12:25 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 India | 'Power to the People': Finance minister Sitharaman announced ambitious plan for rooftop solarisation in Interim Budget

In a significant move towards decentralizing power generation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the central government's commitment to popularizing rooftop solarisation and providing free electricity to households. Presenting the Interim Budget in Lok Sabha, Sitharaman announced that one crore households will have the opportunity to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

12:22 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 Live Updates: Sitharaman concluded budget presentation with commitment to inclusive growth

The finance minister concluded her budget presentation with a positive outlook, signaling the government's determination to continue fostering inclusive growth and development.

12:21 (IST) Feb 01

India Budget Live: Finance minister reveals 34 crore Mudra Yojana loans for women entrepreneurs

Additionally, she revealed that 34 crore Mudra Yojana loans have been extended to women entrepreneurs, promoting financial inclusion and empowerment. "34 cr Mudra Yojana loans been given to women entrepreneurs," said Finance Minister.

12:21 (IST) Feb 01

Budget India Live: Sitharaman highlighted achievements in housing, water, and cooking gas access

"In the last 10 years, we have targeted every household for houses for all, water for all, and cooking gas for all," Sitharaman declared, emphasizing the comprehensive approach towards addressing basic needs and improving living standards.

12:21 (IST) Feb 01

India Budget Live: Sitharaman describes inclusive governance under PM Modi in Interim Budget

She reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive governance, describing the administration under Prime Minister Modi as "secularism in action."

12:21 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024: Finance minister Sitharaman celebrates Skill India Mission's success in Budget speech

Highlighting achievements in skill development, Sitharaman noted that the Skill India Mission has successfully trained 1.4 crore youth, contributing to their empowerment and employability.

12:20 (IST) Feb 01

Budget 2024 India: Sitharaman highlighted commitment to the poor, women, youth, and farmers in Budget 2024

Addressing the need to focus on four major pillars: the poor, women, youth, and annadatas (farmers), Sitharaman stated, "We need to focus on four major pillars -- poor, women, youth and annadatas."

12:20 (IST) Feb 01

What types of drones did Hamas utilize in their recent attacks?

 What types of drones did Hamas utilize in their recent attacks?

Hamas employed a variety of drones in their recent attacks on Israel. One notable addition to their arsenal was the Zouari, a loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone, named after the late Hamas engineer and drone pilot, Mohammed Zouari. These drones were utilized alongside thousands of rockets. Additionally, tactical armed drones were seized from raiding units that crossed the border. The attacks displayed a level of brutality and coordination, resembling state military force rather than typical terrorist tactics. The use of small, tactical drones played a crucial role in their operations, targeting Israeli observation towers, cameras, communications, tanks, soldiers, emergency responders, naval vessels, and energy infrastructure. The innovation in drone tactics by Hamas involves both quantity and quality, simulating mass with off-the-shelf drones and pioneering a combined arms model, showcasing an unusual level of sophistication for a terrorist organization. This capacity is partly attributed to Iran's sponsorship, and the global implications of this innovative approach are being closely watched, particularly as it may influence other violent non-state actors.

Drone Warfare has been used effectively in the Russia Ukraine war. How has Russia utilised the drones on the battlefield?

 

Russia's Use of Drones: Russia has been known to use drones in various conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War. Drones can be utilized for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and even in offensive operations with weaponized drones. Russia might use drones for battlefield awareness, monitoring enemy movements, and supporting ground forces.

Ukraine's Use of Drones: Ukraine, being the target of aggression, may employ drones for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and monitoring of the conflict zones. Drones can provide real-time information on enemy positions, movements, and activities, aiding Ukrainian forces in strategic decision-making.

Future of Drones in Conventional Warfare:

1.    Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Drones offer an advantage in providing real-time data and enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield.

2.    Precision Strikes: Armed drones can carry out precise strikes on enemy targets, minimizing collateral damage and reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground forces.

3.    Electronic Warfare (EW): Drones equipped with electronic warfare capabilities can disrupt enemy communication and radar systems.

4.    Swarm Technology: The use of drone swarms, where multiple drones operate collaboratively, could become more prevalent, overwhelming enemy defenses.

5.    Autonomous Operations: Advancements in artificial intelligence may enable drones to operate autonomously, making decisions in real-time based on predefined parameters.

Lessons for India:

1.    Investment in Technology: India needs to continue investing in drone technology, including surveillance and armed drones, to enhance its military capabilities.

2.    Training and Integration: The armed forces should undergo specialized training for the effective use and integration of drones into conventional warfare strategies.

3.    Adaptability and Innovation: Given the evolving nature of drone technology, the military should remain adaptable and innovative in its use of drones for various purposes.

4.    Collaboration and Alliances: Establishing collaborations with countries that have advanced drone capabilities can facilitate knowledge exchange and technological cooperation.

5.    Legal and Ethical Considerations: Develop and adhere to robust legal and ethical guidelines regarding the use of armed drones to ensure responsible and lawful military operations.

6.    Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect drone systems from potential cyber threats and hacking attempts.

The specific lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict would depend on the details of the strategies and tactics employed by both sides, which may become clearer as more information becomes available. Additionally, the field of drone technology is rapidly advancing, and nations need to stay abreast of these developments for effective defense and security planning

Enhancing the professional standards of officers in the Indian Army involves a comprehensive approach

 

Enhancing the professional standards of officers  in the Indian Army involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the evolving nature of warfare and the multifaceted roles they play in nation-building. Here are several ways the Indian Army can contribute to the professional enhancement of officers:

 

Adaptive Training Programs:

 

Develop adaptive training programs that encompass a wide range of skills, including leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Incorporate scenario-based training to expose officers to diverse situations, preparing them for unforeseen challenges.

Cross-Functional Exposure:

 

Facilitate cross-functional exposure by rotating officers through different branches and units, allowing them to gain diverse experiences and perspectives.

Encourage joint exercises and collaborations with other branches of the military and even with other government agencies.

Continued Professional Development:

 

Establish a culture of continuous learning and professional development through regular workshops, seminars, and courses.

Utilize online platforms and technology to provide accessible resources for self-paced learning.

Mentorship Programs:

 

Implement mentorship programs where experienced senior officers guide and share their insights with junior officers.

Foster a mentorship culture that encourages open communication and the exchange of knowledge.

Specialized Training for Non-Traditional Roles:

 

Develop specialized training programs for officers engaged in non-traditional roles such as disaster relief, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

Collaborate with civilian experts to provide insights and training in areas where military expertise may be limited.

Strategic Partnerships:

 

Forge partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and research organizations to integrate the latest strategic thinking and technological advancements into military education.

Facilitate exchange programs with foreign military academies to expose officers to different military doctrines and practices.

Performance Appraisal and Feedback:

 

Implement a robust performance appraisal system that identifies strengths and areas for improvement.

Provide constructive feedback and create a mechanism for officers to learn from their experiences and mistakes.

Leadership Development Programs:

 

Design leadership development programs that focus on ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead in complex and dynamic environments.

Incorporate case studies and real-world simulations to enhance practical leadership skills.

Research and Innovation:

 

Encourage officers to engage in research and innovation, contributing to the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Establish platforms for officers to share their research findings and best practices.

Civic Engagement Initiatives:

 

Promote civic engagement initiatives that involve officers in community development projects, fostering a sense of responsibility beyond traditional military roles.

Recognize and reward officers for their contributions to nation-building activities.

By implementing these measures, the Indian Army can ensure that officers up to the rank of Lt Col are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare and contribute effectively to both organizational goals and national development