India's Budget Session Begins: President's Address Highlights Heritage and Development; Opposition Gears Up for Debate

India's Parliament commenced its Budget Session on Wednesday, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both houses. Her address emphasized the nation's rich heritage, historical milestones, and cultural unity, referencing celebrations of significant anniversaries and figures. The President expressed her pleasure in inaugurating the session, marking it as a year of rapid progress and heritage celebration. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget on February 1st. The session, spanning two phases until April 2nd with 30 sittings, will see the first phase concluding on February 13th, followed by a break, with the second phase resuming on March 9th. Meanwhile, opposition parties have convened to strategize, planning to raise critical issues such as MGNREGA, Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir during the session. A multi-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held to ensure smooth proceedings, while opposition leaders met separately to coordinate their parliamentary approach.