Correct option is D
The correct answer is (d) Budget Deficit
Explanation: A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues during a particular fiscal period, typically a year. In simpler terms, it means that the government is spending more money than it is collecting through taxes, duties, and other sources of income.
Information Booster:
Components of Government Budget
A government budget is a financial statement presented annually by the government that outlines its income (revenue) and expenditures (expenses). It consists of two main sections:
- Receipts (Income): This includes tax revenue (income tax, GST, customs duties, etc.), non-tax revenue (profits from public enterprises, interest receipts, etc.), and borrowings (loans from domestic or international sources).
- Expenditures (Expenses): This includes capital expenditure (investment in infrastructure, government projects) and revenue expenditure (salaries, pensions, subsidies, and interest on previous loans).
Several factors can contribute to a budget deficit, such as:
- Increased Government Spending: If the government spends more on public services, defense, infrastructure, or subsidies without a corresponding increase in revenue, it results in a deficit.
- Decreased Tax Revenue: Economic slowdowns, tax reductions, or inefficient tax collection can reduce government revenue, leading to a deficit.
- High Borrowing Costs: If the government has to pay significant interest on previous loans, this increases the expenditure, further widening the deficit.
- Economic Crisis or Emergency Spending: Situations like wars, natural disasters, or economic recessions may lead to higher government spending on recovery efforts and relief measures, causing a budget deficit.