The government is considering raising the standard deduction and adjusting income tax slabs in the upcoming Budget to alleviate middle-class burden. Concessions for health insurance and pension, and benefits for home loans are being discussed. However, officials prefer maintaining the new tax regime without additional exemptions to avoid complexities resembling the old system.
Related news
Singer Sonu Nigam has clarified that he is not on X (formerly Twitter) after discovering a fake account impersonating him. He expressed concerns about safety risks to himself and his family due to potential controversial posts from the impersonator. Fans urged him to take legal action against the impersonator.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the NEET UG 2025 city intimation slip on April 23, ahead of the May 4 exam. Over 23 lakh candidates can now check their allotted exam city at neet.nta.nic.in. The official admit card will be available by May 1. The offline exam will run from 2 PM to 5 PM in 566 cities. Candidates must carry valid ID and follow guidelines strictly. Results are expected by June 14, 2025.
Stock market recommendations: Somil Mehta of Mirae Asset Sharekhan recommends L&T Finance and Aarti Industries as top stocks to buy today. L&T Finance should be bought between Rs 148-150 Aarti Industries should be bought between Rs 440-460.
The University Grants Commission's draft notification to grade Higher Education Institutions based on National Education Policy 2020 implementation has faced opposition from non-NEP states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. They argue that their institutions and students could be disadvantaged by the proposed framework, which prioritizes NEP-driven criteria.
The Indian government has reduced import duties on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100% and on several types of wines to 100%, under pressure from the United States. The move comes just before PM Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump, where tariffs are a major discussion point.
Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic for continued diagnostic tests and treatment of bronchitis. Despite his diagnosis on February 6, he persisted with his duties but needed aid to read remarks. His health challenges include bronchitis and past lung surgery, necessitating wheelchair use. He previously had abdominal surgery and treatment for a respiratory infection.
Israel has for the first time publicly confirmed their involvement in killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, escalating tensions with Iran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued warnings against the Houthis, emphasizing previous successes against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syrian targets while vowing strong actions against the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen.
India and Pakistan are set to clash in Dubai on February 23, with key players Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan leading their teams. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah significantly impacts India's chances, with Mohammad Shami expected to shoulder much of the bowling responsibility. India are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They will begin their campaign in Dubai on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by the much-anticipated showdown against Pakistan on February... Expand
US President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, citing high tariffs from countries like India and China. He criticized allies and partners for unfavorably high tariffs and attributed opioid issues to China, Mexico, and Canada. The International Chamber of Commerce warned the move could lead to a 1930s-style Great Depression. Trump's claims included purported rising crime due to undocumented immigrants, despite studies showing otherwise.
Rohit Sharma is expected open for India in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, with KL Rahul moving to No. 3 spot. The team management is considering using two spinners at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Washington Sundar partnering Ravindra Jadeja. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests.