Union Budget 2025: Shashi Tharoor Calls It “Underwhelming,” Questions Its Impact
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has termed the union Budget 2025 as “underwhelming,” criticizing its narrow focus on specific voter demographics and lack of broader economic solutions. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV,Tharoor expressed concerns about the budget’s failure to address critical issues like unemployment,inflation,and investment.
“If you’re a Delhi voter or a Bihar voter and you’re earning a fixed middle-class salary, you may have reasons to cheer.But if you’re not, then I’m afraid there’s nothing in the budget for you,” Tharoor saeid. He emphasized that the budget offered little for the unemployed, particularly the “record amount of college-educated young people who can’t find jobs.”
Tax Relief: A Silver Lining or a Hollow Promise?
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant income tax cuts, aiming to boost consumption. Individuals earning up to rs 12 lakh annually will now be effectively exempt from income tax. “The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings, and investment,” Sitharaman stated in Parliament.Tho, Tharoor remained skeptical. “Yes, you’ve got some income tax relief, but on the whole, everything they’ve tended to announce hasn’t been matched in implementation,” he said. He warned of potential “fine print” in the upcoming Income Tax bill, which could alter the promised benefits.
The government plans to introduce a new Income tax bill next week, replacing the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. According to Sitharaman, the new bill will be “clear and direct in text,” simplifying tax administration and reducing litigation.
Middle-Class Woes: Inflation and Unemployment
While the budget provides some relief to the middle class, Tharoor argued that their real incomes continue to decline. “Even those who are salaried, and who will get some relief from this particular budget, their real incomes have actually been going down. Because your nominal income may be at a certain level, what you can buy for it is affected by inflation,” he explained.
Tharoor also highlighted the lack of focus on unemployment and investment.”We haven’t heard the Finance Minister saying very much about inflation. Then, there is the problem of unemployment, which I’ve addressed. But, there’s also the serious concern we have about investment,” he added.
Will Tax Cuts Boost Consumption?
Tharoor questioned whether the tax cuts would genuinely stimulate consumption. “As much as those people from the salaried middle classes will get more money in their pockets,they might not necessarily spend it,” he said. He argued that without addressing broader economic challenges,the budget’s impact would remain limited.
Key Takeaways from Union Budget 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Income Tax Relief | Individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh exempt from income tax. |
| New Income Tax Bill | To replace the 1961 Act, aiming for simplicity and reduced litigation. |
| Middle-Class Concerns| Real incomes declining due to inflation; unemployment remains unaddressed. |
| Criticism | Tharoor calls the budget “underwhelming,” questioning its implementation. |
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with its tax relief measures offering hope to some while leaving others skeptical.As Shashi Tharoor pointed out, the budget’s success will depend on its implementation and ability to address deeper economic issues. For now, the middle class awaits clarity on the fine print, while the unemployed and inflation-hit continue to seek solutions.
What are your thoughts on the Union Budget 2025? Share your views in the comments below.Kerala Left Wanting as Bihar Reaps Budget Bonanza
In a budget that has sparked heated debates, Kerala finds itself sidelined while Bihar emerges as the clear beneficiary. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor minced no words, calling it “not a generous budget” for Kerala, a state still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating landslide in Wayanad. “kerala certainly hasn’t got very much at all,” Tharoor lamented, highlighting the lack of central assistance for disaster relief. “They want the state to spend its own disaster relief funds,” he added, underscoring the disparity in support.
Meanwhile, Bihar, a key state in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold, has been handed a slew of developmental initiatives. The budget includes seven major announcements aimed at bolstering the state’s infrastructure and economy.Among these are the formation of a Makhan Board to promote makhana (fox nuts) cultivation, the expansion of IIT Patna, and the establishment of the National Food Technology Institute. Additionally, plans to upgrade Bihta and Patna airports, along with the construction of three new greenfield airports, have been unveiled.
The opposition has been speedy to criticize the Center for what they call a “bonanza” for Bihar, while “cruelly” ignoring Andhra Pradesh, another NDA ally. Tharoor questioned the priorities, asking, “Where are you going to generate jobs? And where’s the economy going to grow?” He emphasized that without inflation control, tax reliefs would do little to alleviate the struggles of the unemployed. “The unemployed are very, very much hurting,” he said, pointing to the lack of job assurances in the budget.
Adding to the concerns are US President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, if they create a rival to the US dollar. Tharoor warned, “If tariffs are imposed on us, it’ll hurt exports, which are already hurting.”
The budget’s uneven distribution of resources has left Kerala grappling with its own challenges while Bihar celebrates its gains. As the political fallout continues, the question remains: will this budget truly address the needs of all states, or will it deepen existing disparities?
| Key Highlights | Kerala | Bihar |
|———————|————|———–|
| Disaster Relief | No central assistance | N/A |
| Infrastructure | N/A | Airport upgrades, new greenfield airports |
| economic Initiatives | N/A | Makhan Board, IIT Patna expansion |
| Job Creation | No assurances | N/A |
The budget’s impact on Kerala and Bihar underscores the complexities of federal resource allocation. While Bihar’s progress plans are commendable,Kerala’s plight raises questions about equitable support in times of crisis.Revolutionary Breakthrough in Renewable Energy: Solar panels That Work at Night
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have unveiled a new type of solar panel capable of generating electricity even after the sun sets. This innovation, which could redefine the future of renewable energy, addresses one of the most significant limitations of conventional solar technology: its dependence on sunlight.
The new panels, developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University, leverage a process called radiative cooling. This phenomenon allows the panels to emit infrared radiation into the night sky, creating a temperature difference that can be harnessed to produce electricity. “This is a game-changer for the solar industry,” said Dr.Sarah Collins, lead researcher on the project. “by tapping into the Earth’s natural cooling process, we’ve unlocked a new way to generate clean energy around the clock.”
Traditional solar panels rely on photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity.While effective during the day, they become inactive at night, requiring energy storage systems like batteries to provide power after dark. The new technology eliminates this limitation, offering a more consistent and reliable energy source.
How It Works
The process hinges on the principle of radiative cooling,where objects release heat into the atmosphere as infrared radiation. The panels are designed with specialized materials that enhance this effect, creating a temperature gradient between the panel and the surrounding air. This gradient drives a thermoelectric generator, producing electricity without the need for sunlight.
“We’ve essentially turned the night sky into a power source,” explained Dr.Collins. “It’s a fully new approach to solar energy that could revolutionize how we think about renewable power.”
Potential Impact
The implications of this technology are vast.For regions with limited sunlight or high energy demands at night, these panels could provide a sustainable solution. Additionally, they could reduce reliance on battery storage systems, which are frequently enough expensive and resource-intensive to produce.
According to a recent study by the International Energy Agency,global solar energy capacity is expected to triple by 2030. Innovations like this could accelerate that growth, making renewable energy more accessible and efficient worldwide.
Challenges Ahead
While the technology shows immense promise, there are still hurdles to overcome. The current efficiency of the panels is relatively low,producing onyl a fraction of the energy generated by traditional solar panels during the day. Researchers are working to improve this by refining the materials and design.
“We’re in the early stages, but the potential is enormous,” said Dr. Collins. “With further development, we could see these panels integrated into existing solar farms and even urban infrastructure.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Technology | Radiative cooling |
| Energy Source | Infrared radiation from the night sky |
| Efficiency | Currently lower than traditional solar panels |
| Potential Applications | Nighttime energy generation, reduced reliance on battery storage |
| Development Stage | Early research phase |
The Future of Solar Energy
As the world transitions to clean energy, innovations like these nighttime solar panels are critical. They not only expand the capabilities of renewable energy but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Collins.“We’re excited to see how this technology evolves and how it can contribute to a greener planet.”
For more information on the latest advancements in solar energy,visit the Stanford University research page or explore the International Energy Agency’s renewable energy reports.
What are your thoughts on this breakthrough? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation about the future of renewable energy.