The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, instructing them to be present in the House on the following day. The reason for this directive is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidential address delivered on January 31, 2024, in the Parliament.
Strategic Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
On February 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with key ministers to discuss the government’s strategy in the Parliament. The meeting included prominent figures such as Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Union Budget 2024-25 Presentation
On Thursday, the government presented the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The budget emphasized economic policies aimed at fostering growth, promoting inclusive development, enhancing productivity, and creating opportunities for various sections of society. The government pledged special attention to the eastern region, encompassing states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal, intending to make them growth engines in the pursuit of transforming India into a developed country by 2047.
No Changes in Tax Rates
In the interim budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that there would be no changes in tax rates. Additionally, the government plans to establish a high-powered committee to thoroughly examine challenges arising from rapid population growth. Sitharaman also committed to presenting a white paper on the economic performance of the BJP-led government over the past decade, comparing it to the previous ten years of the Congress-led UPA government.
Outlook for Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls
This budget marks the final one for the Modi government in its second term, with Lok Sabha polls expected in April-May of the current year. Finance Minister Sitharaman, who presented her sixth budget in Lok Sabha, expressed confidence in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returning to power.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Why did the BJP issue a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs?
a. To discuss the government’s strategy
b. Prime Minister Modi’s reply to Motion of Thanks
c. Budget presentation
Answer: b. Prime Minister Modi’s reply to Motion of Thanks - Who participated in the strategic meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
a. Only Lok Sabha MPs
b. Top government ministers
c. State Chief Ministers
Answer: b. Top government ministers - Which region did the government emphasize in the Union Budget for special attention?
a. Northern states
b. Southern states
c. Eastern states
Answer: c. Eastern states - What announcement did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman make regarding tax rates in the interim budget?
a. Decrease in tax rates
b. No change in tax rates
c. Increase in tax rates
Answer: b. No change in tax rates - What is the main focus of the white paper announced by Sitharaman?
a. Economic policies
b. Population growth challenges
c. Government’s achievements
Answer: b. Population growth challenges