Cushion from a high nominal GDP base will not be around in FY24. Budgeted expenditure will be vulnerable to pruning in case of shortfall in revenue realisation.
For years, experts have argued the case for rethinking the Centre-state relationship regarding the police. The time to debate police financing is running out.
A dedicated fund for start-ups in rural India is a much-needed thrust but Budget 2023 has unexpectedly slashed allocation to the agriculture ministry and reduced funds for MGNREGA by 33%.
See the political messaging in this budget. It is an uncluttered continuation from last year and is a statement of confidence, bordering on overconfidence.
Less than 2 months ago, panel chaired by BJP MP P P Chaudhary had recommended more than doubling allocation to foreign ministry, to 1% from 0.44% of overall budget.
No import duty on machinery required to manufacture lithium-ion cells for batteries used in EVs, specific budgetary allocation for scrapping & replacing old govt vehicles.
Disenfranchisement by institutional fiat is profoundly undemocratic. The effect of the ECI's new documentary process in Bihar will tilt the scales in favour of the BJP.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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