Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2025 budget in Parliament wearing a white silk saree with a magenta border and golden motifs. Each year, her saree choices draw public interest during budget presentations. This marks her seventh consecutive budget presentation, surpassing Moraji Desai's record.
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Over 20 BJP MPs, including Union ministers, skipped the introduction of the 'one nation, one election' bills in Lok Sabha, despite a party whip. While some absences were explained by official events with PM Modi, others cited personal reasons.
A 24-year-old lawyer from Gurgaon was arrested for firing shots at a wedding procession in Noida, leading to the death of a two-year-old boy. The police continue to search for a second suspect involved in the reckless gunfire. The arrested suspect admitted to being drunk during the incident and claims to have fired multiple rounds.
PM Modi hosted outgoing US NSA Jake Sullivan, highlighting the strides made in the India-US strategic partnership, especially in technology, defence, and AI. They acknowledged significant bilateral advancements over four years and discussed future cooperation, including missile export control policy updates. Modi appreciated President Biden's contributions and received a letter from him via Sullivan.
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency regarding the bail plea of Jammu and Kashmir MP Rashid Engineer in a 2017 terror funding case. Rashid, arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, seeks a swift decision on his pending bail application.
SN Subrahmanyan, chairman and managing director of Larsen and Toubro, highlights the reluctance of labourers to work due to welfare schemes and comfort preferences. This labour shortage challenges India's infrastructure growth. Similarly, engineering graduates and IT employees are unwilling to relocate or work from offices.
India bolsters its defence capabilities with a Rs 21,100 crore investment in 100 K-9 Vajra artillery guns and 12 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. This procurement addresses the need for enhanced firepower in high-altitude regions and replaces aging aircraft, contributing to a stronger national security posture.
At a pre-Budget meeting, PM Modi stressed the need for 7-8% growth to achieve developed nation status by 2047, considering global challenges and geopolitical tensions. Economists provided suggestions on boosting employment, farm productivity, exports, and the value chain, while addressing climate change and energy transition.
​​Defence middleman Sanjay Bhandari has won his appeal against extradition to India and has been discharged by the London High Court. The 62-year-old Indian national appealed against the decision to extradite him in December saying that he could face violence and extortion in Tihar jail if he was extradited to India.
China describes the rise in respiratory infections as a common seasonal trend during winter despite reports of a flu outbreak overwhelming hospitals. Authorities maintain that the situation is less severe than last year. Indian health officials state there is no need for alarm regarding a Human Metapneumovirus outbreak.
At UFC 314 in Miami, Donald Trump seemingly snubbed Cheryl Hines, wife of Robert Kennedy Jr., shaking Kennedy's hand but bypassing her. Hines, who previously opposed Trump's candidacy, appeared frustrated but later greeted Trump's granddaughter. Kennedy chuckled at the interaction, while Hines had previously been seen engaging with Trump's supporters at Mar-a-Lago.