The government is expected to exceed its fiscal deficit consolidation target for FY25 due to slower-than-budgeted public capex in an election year, closing at 4.8% of GDP. For FY26, the fiscal deficit is projected to achieve the target of below 4.5% of GDP, with substantial RBI dividends aiding the target, despite weak growth and expenditure cuts.
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Kapil Dev wished the Indian cricket team luck for the 2025 Champions Trophy, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. The tournament will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. Jasprit Bumrah will miss the tournament due to injury, replaced by Harshit Rana. India's squad includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and key players.
Meghan Markle launched behind-the-scenes footage of her Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan,' but briefly removed it. Critics found similarities with Pamela Anderson’s 'Cooking With Love,' leading to speculation. Both shows feature gardening, cooking, and similar phrases. Meghan’s show, produced by Archewell Productions, adds controversy to the royal couple's £80 million Netflix deal projects.
RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav has publicly endorsed Mamata Banerjee to lead the INDIA opposition bloc, echoing similar sentiments from Sharad Pawar. Congress downplayed the matter, with Rahul Gandhi reportedly dismissing it as media hype. However, unease simmers among allies over Congress's perceived unilateralism and focus on the Adani issue, while concerns about Congress's electoral performance fuel the leadership debate.
Jasprit Bumrah set a new record with the best average among bowlers with 200+ Test wickets and became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets. He achieved this milestone in sub-20 average, surpassing legends like Marshall, Garner and Ambrose, and continued to excel in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is preparing to move into his official residence despite its haunted reputation. This decision comes after inspecting and repairing the historic site. Ishiba expresses little concern about the supernatural tales, even though past prime ministers and their families have reported unsettling experiences since the residence's construction in 1929.
India's spin-bowling legend Ravichandran Ashwin received a heartwarming welcome from his daughter and family upon returning to Chennai after announcing his retirement from international cricket a day earlier in Australia. Ashwin, India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, shared his daughter's touching message of support on social media after his arrival back home.
Aishwarya Rai, labeled as "one of the most beautiful women in the world," has faced criticism for her acting. Her husband Abhishek Bachchan defended her, highlighting her diverse roles. Aishwarya’s illustrious career includes winning the Padma Shri and Order of Arts and Letters. Rumors of marriage troubles circulate as they appeared separately at a wedding.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated the 'Nehru development model' failed the nation. He said the model impacted India's policies and systems. Jaishankar said the government is working to address its consequences. He highlighted the shift from openness to resilience in the global landscape. The minister emphasized self-reliance as crucial for national security.
Amidst a turbulent week in Parliament, including an altercation with BJP MPs and subsequent accusations, Rahul Gandhi enjoyed a family lunch at Delhi's Kwality Restaurant. Joined by Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Robert Vadra, and other family members, they savored the restaurant's famous chole-bhature. Rahul Gandhi shared photos of the gathering on Instagram, recommending the dish to his followers.
American private equity fund KKR will acquire a 51% stake in HealthCare Global Enterprises for Rs 3,203 crore, making an open offer for an additional 26% stake. Founder B S Ajaikumar will become non-executive chairman. The transaction is set to complete by the third quarter of this year.