February 2025

Delhi elections: 8 AAP MLAs join BJP days before polls

Eight Aam Aadmi Party MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after resigning from AAP, accusing it of straying from its founding ideals of transparency and anti-corruption. They cited a lack of internal democracy and centralisation of the party. This mass resignation strikes a significant blow to AAP ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections on February 5.

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Budget 2025: Govt to set up National Manufacturing Mission to boost Make in India initiative

The government announced the establishment of a National Manufacturing Mission to further promote the Make in India initiative. The mission will focus on ease of doing business, workforce readiness, MSME sector, technology availability, and product quality. Sectors will be identified based on objective criteria, and facilitation groups will be formed for select products and supply chains.

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No big bang in defence budget

India’s military modernization continues with a modest budget hike of 9.5%, bringing the overall defence budget to Rs 6.8 lakh crore. The capital outlay of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for modernization faces challenges due to major operational shortfalls and unspent funds. Significant investments are planned for indigenous and international defence procurement.

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How opposition reacted to the Union Budget 2025-26

Opposition leaders criticized the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not addressing the middle class and small business owners. The budget favored corporate loans over relief for common citizens, with significant allocations to Bihar ahead of upcoming elections, while neglecting states like West Bengal.

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‘Andhra Pradesh cruelly ignored’: Congress’ dig at Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget amid bonanza for Bihar

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s eighth Union Budget for 2025-26 included significant announcements for Bihar ahead of elections, sparking criticisms of political bias. Opposition leaders also pointed out the neglect of Andhra Pradesh and accused the government of ignoring vital welfare policies. Measures include new airports in Bihar, increased FDI in insurance, and initiatives for the marine sector.

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Union Budget 2025: Who is Gurajada Appa Rao? Famous Telugu poet quoted by Nirmala Sitharaman

​​Gurajada Appa Rao (1862–1915) was a prominent Indian playwright, poet, and social reformer, best known for his contributions to Telugu literature. Born in Rayavaram village in the Vizianagaram district of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Appa Rao grew up in a period marked by social transformation influenced by British colonial rule and the Indian Renaissance. His literary works and reformist ideas left a lasting impact on Telugu culture, making him a revered figure in the annals of Indian literature.

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