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CM Stalin on Union Budget

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 1 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday strongly criticised the Union Budget 2026-27, stating that it has as soon as once more ignored the pursuits of Tamil Nadu and failed to deal with the wants of any part of society.

‘The Union Government’s Budget, which was eagerly awaited, has delivered an excellent better disappointment than regular,’ Stalin mentioned in an announcement.

Referring to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the Chief Minister mentioned, ‘At a time when the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections are quick approaching, we had hoped that no less than this yr Tamil Nadu could be seen to the eyes of the Union BJP Government, and that our rightful voice could be heard. Shattering that expectation, the Union BJP Government has as soon as once more delivered disappointment.’

Criticising the general finances framework, Stalin mentioned, ‘In the Budget for the yr 2026-27 introduced at present in Parliament by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, the pursuits of Tamil Nadu have been utterly ignored. Moreover, the Budget accommodates no main schemes that might profit any part of society, be it the poor, girls, farmers, or marginalised communities.’

On tax devolution, he acknowledged, ‘We have persistently and strongly maintained that, within the system of tax devolution to states, the Union Government has continued to neglect developed states similar to Tamil Nadu. Once once more, the demand raised by Tamil Nadu and several other different states to extend the states’ share in complete tax revenues from 41 per cent to 50 per cent has been ignored.’

‘The announcement that the states’ share will proceed to stay at simply 41 per cent is deeply disappointing,’ he added.

Raising issues over the Finance Commission allocations, Stalin mentioned, ‘It is very regrettable that Tamil Nadu, which has the second-largest economic system within the nation and makes a major contribution to nationwide financial development,h has been allotted a decrease share of monetary devolution in comparison with different developed states.’

‘It is known that Tamil Nadu’s share of tax devolution will stay at a meagre 4.097 per cent over the following 5 years,’ he mentioned, including, ‘Preliminary estimates point out that this is able to lead to an annual lack of roughly Rs 5,000 crore in comparison with different comparable states.’

Highlighting GST-related issues, the Chief Minister mentioned, ‘It can also be condemnable that, at a time when the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have already adversely affected states’ revenues, Tamil Nadu’s share in Union taxes has been diminished by round Rs 1,200 crore this yr.’

On welfare schemes, Stalin mentioned, ‘While we now have repeatedly emphasised that the Union Government has not launched the Rs 3,112 crore sought by Tamil Nadu beneath the Jal Jeevan ingesting water scheme, it’s alarming that the allocation for this scheme estimated at Rs 67,000 crore within the 2025-26 Budget Estimates has now been slashed to a mere Rs 17,000 crore within the Revised Estimates.’

‘This seems to be nothing wanting an try and utterly stall the scheme,’ he added.

He additional identified reductions in different flagship schemes, saying, ‘After saying an allocation of Rs 19,000 crore within the earlier Budget for the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Development Scheme, the Revised Estimates now present solely Rs 11,000 crore.’

‘Likewise, for the Prime Minister’s rural housing scheme, the allocation has been diminished from the introduced Rs 35,832 crore to Rs 32,500 crore,’ he mentioned.

Commenting on the PM Internship Scheme, Stalin mentioned, ‘While Rs 10,831 crore was introduced for this scheme in final yr’s Budget, the Revised Estimates for 2025-26 allocate a paltry Rs 526 crore. This clearly signifies that the scheme has resulted in a significant failure.’

Expressing disappointment over pending dues, he mentioned, ‘There has been no announcement relating to the non-release of Rs 3,548 crore beneath the Samagra Shiksha scheme on account of Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the three-language coverage, nor concerning the pending Rs 3,112 crore beneath the Jal Jeevan Mission.’

‘The absence of any new schemes particularly for Tamil Nadu on this Budget exposes, within the clearest potential phrases, the step-motherly angle with which the Union Government continues to deal with the state,’ Stalin added.

He additionally famous, ‘Even the customary inclusion of a Thirukkural verse within the Union Finance Minister’s Budget speech is lacking this time. There are not any main schemes for Tamil Nadu.’

Concluding his assertion, the Chief Minister mentioned, ‘In complete its disappointment!’

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Union Budget 2026-2027 in Parliament at present.

Finance Minister introduced that Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors might be established, to help the mineral-rich States of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to advertise mining, processing, analysis and manufacturing. (ANI)

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Union Budget has failed the check of financial technique, financial statesmanship: Chidambaram

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New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Senior Congress chief P Chidambaram on Sunday stated the Union Budget offered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament earlier within the day ‘failed the check of financial technique and financial statesmanship.’

Addressing a press convention right here, Chidambaram, a former Finance Minister, stated he isn’t positive if the Finance Minister and the federal government learn the Economic Survey 2025-26 and even when they’ve, they’ve determined to discard the challenged and fall again on ‘their favorite pastime of throwing phrases on the folks’.

‘Every pre-budget commentator and author, and each scholar of economics, should be astonished by what she or he heard within the Finance Minister’s speech to Parliament at this time, Chidambaram stated.

‘I settle for {that a} Budget is greater than a press release of annual revenues and expenditure. In present circumstances, the Budget speech should lay out a story that addresses the most important challenges outlined within the Economic Survey launched a couple of days in the past. I’m not positive if the federal government and the Finance Minister had learn the Economic Survey 2025-26. If that they had, it seems they’ve determined to discard it utterly, and fall again on their favorite pastime of throwing words–usually acronyms–at the folks,’ he added.

Chidambaram stated he can rely a minimum of 10 challenges recognized by the Economic Survey and plenty of educated consultants.

‘The penal tariffs imposed by the United States have created stress for producers, particularly exporters; protracted commerce conflicts that may weigh on funding; the rising commerce deficit, particularly with China; the low Gross Fixed Capital Formation (approx. 30 per cent) and the reluctance of the non-public sector to speculate; the unsure outlook for the circulation of FDI (overseas direct funding) into India and the persistent outflow of FPI for the final a number of months,’ he stated.

‘The agonisingly gradual tempo of fiscal consolidation and the continued excessive fiscal deficit and income deficit, opposite to the FRBM. The persistent hole between formally introduced inflation numbers and the bottom realities when it comes to payments for family expenditure, training, healthcare and transport; the closure of lakhs of MSMEs and the battle for survival of the remaining MSMEs; the precarious employment scenario, particularly youth unemployment and rising urbanisation and the deteriorating infrastructure in city areas (municipalities and companies,’ he added.

Chidambaram stated none of this was addressed by the Finance Minister’s speech.

‘Even by an accountant’s requirements, it was a poor account of the administration of the funds in 2025-26. Revenue receipts had been quick by Rs 78,086 crore, whole expenditure was quick by Rs 1,00,503 crore. Revenue expenditure was quick by Rs 75,168 crore and capital expenditure was minimize by Rs 1,44,376 crore (Centre Rs 25,335 crore and States Rs 1,19,041 crore). Not a phrase was stated to clarify this depressing efficiency. Actually, the Centre’s capital expenditure has fallen from 3.2 per cent of GDP in 2024-25 to three.1 per cent in 2025-26,’ he stated.

Citing examples, he stated in income expenditure, the cuts have fallen in heads that concern the frequent folks.

He stated funds have additionally been minimize in essential sectors and programmes. Expenditure on the much-vaunted Jal Jeevan Mission was cruelly minimize from Rs 67,000 crore to a paltry Rs 17,000 crore,’ he stated.

The Congress chief stated that after the months-long train, the revised estimate of the fiscal deficit has adhered to the finances estimate of 4.4 per cent, and the projection for 2026-27 is that the fiscal deficit will fall by a meagre 0.1 per cent of GDP.

He stated the income deficit will stay at 1.5 per cent and famous that ‘it’s actually not a daring train in fiscal prudence and consolidation’.

The Congress chief stated the Finance Minister just isn’t uninterested in including to the variety of schemes, programmes, missions, institutes, initiatives, funds, committees, hubs, and so forth. ‘I counted a minimum of 24. I depart it to your creativeness what number of of those will likely be forgotten and vanish by subsequent 12 months,’ Chidambaram stated.

He stated months after the passing of the Income Tax Act, 2026, which can come into drive on 1 April, 2026, the Finance Minister has tinkered with some charges.

‘While the affect of the quite a few minor modifications needs to be examined rigorously, it should be remembered that the overwhelming majority of the folks don’t have any concern with revenue tax or revenue tax charges. As far as oblique taxes are involved, the typical individual will likely be involved with solely paragraphs 159, 160 and 161 of the speech. I welcome these minor concessions. Our verdict is that the Budget speech and the Budget fail the check of financial technique and financial statesmanship,’ he added. (ANI)

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Man killed, child critically injured in Aurora hit-and-run crash

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A person was killed and a child was critically injured on Friday night time after a 19-year-old driver ran a pink gentle, T-boned their automotive and fled the scene, in accordance with the Aurora Police Department.

Jonathan Garcia was arrested on suspicion of vehicular murder, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving after he ran from the crash close to Nome Park, Aurora police stated in a news launch.

The crash occurred at 8 p.m. on the intersection of East thirteenth Avenue and North Peoria Street when Garcia, driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer southbound on Peoria at excessive speeds, ran a pink gentle at East thirteenth Avenue and T-boned a Volvo sedan, police officers stated.

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Suspect arrested on suspicion of sexual assault at Aurora park

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A 21-year-old Aurora man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault after police say he attacked a girl strolling on the High Line Canal Trail in Expo Park in May.

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3 injured in Brighton home social gathering taking pictures after lady opens hearth

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Three individuals have been injured after a girl opened hearth outdoors a home social gathering in Brighton in a single day, police officers mentioned Saturday.

The taking pictures occurred at 12:26 a.m. close to Bridge Street and South Eighth Avenue, the Brighton Police Department mentioned in a news launch.

Witnesses advised police there was a battle taking place when a suspect drew a handgun and began taking pictures towards the home and folks standing within the entrance yard.

Officers on the scene discovered a 23-year-old lady, 18-year-old man and 24-year-old lady with gunshot wounds. The man was handled and launched from the hospital and the 2 ladies are in essential however steady situation, police mentioned.

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(SP)INDONESIA-JAKARTA-FUTSAL-ASIAN CUP 2026-GROUP C-JAPAN VS UZBEKISTAN

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(260201) — JAKARTA, Feb. 1, 2026 (Xinhua) — Fakhriddinov Shakhram (2nd R) of Uzbekistan and teammates have a good time throughout the group C match between Japan and Uzbekistan on the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 within the Indonesia Arena stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

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Tamayo Marukawa expresses ‘anxiety and confusion’ about foreigners previous to ballot – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – Remarks about foreigners made in a speech final week by Tamayo Marukawa, who’s making a comeback with the Liberal Democratic Party within the upcoming House of Representatives ballot, have sparked controversy on-line.

The speech by Marukawa, 55, was delivered on January 27, the day the election was introduced. Marukawa served three phrases as a member of the House of Councillors. In 2024, she ran within the common election for the House of Representatives however was defeated.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun, which reported on Marukawa’s speech in Shibuya Ward, she mirrored on the circumstances surrounding her defeat and the aftermath, citing an instance of one thing she “hadn’t realized if she had stayed in Nagatacho.”

She mentioned, “The number of foreigners in this city is increasing. I feel anxiety and confusion about them coming into the area where we live.”

Tamayo Marukawa (YouTube)

Marukawa, the previous Olympic Minister, is working in Tokyo’s seventh district within the House of Representatives election on February 8.

The election is her return. In 2024, Marukawa was reprimanded over a celebration faction slush fund scandal. Her tearful apology garnered a lot consideration, however the headwinds have been too sturdy and she or he suffered a crushing defeat within the common election. Since proportional illustration seats weren’t permitted to be overlapped, she was compelled to retire.

Marukawa’s feedback weren’t met favorably in some circles. Freelance author Sunaetsu Takeda posted on his X account on January 28 about Marukawa’s feedback, “These are the words of people who say they ‘draw a line between themselves and xenophobia.’ There is danger in using the phrase ‘area of ​​living.’”

Photojournalist Natsuki Yasuda identified, “There is no end to the number of candidates who use the ‘foreigner issue’ to ignore their own problems.”

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Ryoko Yonekura on conclusion of drug probe: ‘I am reflecting on my life’ – TokyoReporter

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Yonekura wrote on her web site, ‘I want to ask in your continued help sooner or later’

The put up Ryoko Yonekura on conclusion of drug probe: ‘I am reflecting on my life’ appeared first on TokyoReporter.

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Man on loss of life row over homicide of college college students dies in detention in obvious suicide – TokyoReporter

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OSAKA (TR) – A 41-year-old man on loss of life row for murdering two college college students died on the Osaka Detention House on Saturday in an obvious suicide, stories Nippon News Network.

According to Osaka Detention House, a employees member tried to get up Ryuji Kobayashi in his cell at round 7:50 a.m. When he didn’t reply, the employees member opened the door and located him collapsed with a futon cowl tied round his neck.

Ryuji Kobayashi (X)

Kobayashi was later confirmed useless at a hospital. He is believed to have taken his personal life.

In 2006, Kobayashi assaulted the 2 college college students earlier than burying them alive at a rubbish dump in Okayama Prefecture.

The remaining Supreme Court ruling, handed down in 2011, stated Kobayashi performed a number one function in orchestrating the assault of the 2 males, who had a dispute along with his pal.

A consultant of the Osaka Detention House commented on Kobayashi’s loss of life, “We deeply regret the death of an inmate. We will strive to prevent this from happening again.”

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Japan and UK leaders comply with broaden defence and safety cooperation amid shifting world tensions

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Tokyo [Japan], February 1 (ANI): Japan and the United Kingdom have agreed to considerably deepen strategic cooperation spanning defence, cybersecurity, financial safety and important provide chains, throughout a high-level assembly between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, reported JT.

The discussions held on Saturday (native time), which marked Starmer’s first official go to to Japan since taking workplace in July 2024, targeted on strengthening bilateral ties at a second of rising geopolitical uncertainty. Starmer described the partnership as very important towards a backdrop of ‘geopolitical, financial and technological shocks’ affecting world stability.

‘We set out a transparent precedence to construct a fair deeper partnership within the years to come back,’ Starmer mentioned after their bilateral summit on the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, underlining commitments to safety cooperation throughout each the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific areas.

Takaichi echoed this sentiment, noting that Japan and the UK have ‘steadily and concretely superior their cooperation,’ and confirmed that the 2 governments would maintain a two-plus-two assembly of overseas and defence ministers later this yr to additional improve bilateral safety collaboration, reported JT.

At a joint news convention, the leaders additionally signalled an intention to work extra intently in areas past conventional defence cooperation. Agreements have been reached on increasing ties in cybersecurity, power know-how, wind energy and nuclear tasks, in addition to crucial minerals provide chains, that are seen as important to financial resilience and technological competitiveness.

‘Our priorities for this partnership additionally embrace boosting development and financial resilience,’ Starmer mentioned, highlighting innovation, know-how and commerce cooperation as pillars of the evolving relationship.

Takaichi harassed the significance of strengthening provide chains, significantly for crucial minerals, in response to export restrictions and broader issues about world useful resource safety. She mentioned the talks included discussions on a free and open Indo-Pacific, in addition to developments within the Middle East and Ukraine.

Security cooperation was additional underscored by joint commitments to deepen cyber defence partnerships and speed up work on a next-generation fighter plane mission with Italy, which each nations see as important to future navy interoperability and technological edge. (ANI)

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