Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2025 proposes customs duty exemptions on lithium-ion battery waste, investment in an AI Center of Excellence for education, and a National Geospatial Mission. Measures include support for gig workers, increased duties on interactive flat-panel LCDs, and amendments to encourage private sector participation in nuclear energy. Infrastructure expansion for IITs is also planned.
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The US and China are locked in a fierce propaganda war over tariffs, each portraying the other as weak. China uses AI-generated videos mocking Americans’ health and economic ambitions, while also targeting US officials personally. Both sides deploy partisan “experts” to push their views. Social media is flooded with claims of China’s economic decline and growing unrest.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticised certain members of the higher judiciary, alleging compromise of judicial independence and integrity. She targeted ex-CJI DY Chandrachud's "prayed to God" remark regarding the Ayodhya verdict, arguing judges should rely on reason and logic. Moitra's comments sparked uproar in the Lok Sabha, leading to a temporary adjournment.
Novak Djokovic calls for a reform of tennis's anti-doping protocols, citing inconsistencies in the treatment of cases involving top players like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek compared to lower-ranked competitors. He highlights a lack of trust among players towards WADA and ITIA and urges for a more effective and transparent system.
China has identified a new strain of the mutated monkeypox virus, clade 1b, traced to a traveler from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Four related cases were found among close contacts. Authorities have urged citizens to report symptoms, avoid contact with infected individuals, and take precautions against rodents and primates.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the BJP-led government's decision to conduct former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's last rites at Nigambodh Ghat, deeming it an insult. The Congress had proposed a memorial location, but the government has not responded officially. State funeral arrangements proceed at Nigambodh Ghat.
Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has taken legal action against AAP leader Satyendra Jain for alleged corruption in a Rs 571 crore CCTV project. Jain is accused of waiving Rs 16 crore in penalties for Bharat Electronics Limited in exchange for a Rs 7 crore bribe. The project faced repeated delays and issues with camera functionality.
Pete Alonso's contract discussions with the New York Mets appear uncertain as the Toronto Blue Jays show strong interest in signing him. The Blue Jays are reportedly ready to offer a $116 Million deal, which surpasses the Mets' $70 Million offer. Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, might negotiate a better deal for him with the Blue Jays.
AIIMS doctors successfully removed a 15 kg ‘parasitic twin’ from a 17-year-old boy from Unnao, UP. The complex surgery took 2 to 2.5 hours, involving multidisciplinary specialists. The boy, previously isolated and facing emotional difficulties, is recovering well, with prospects for a normal life.
WWE SmackDown will take place at O2 Arena in London on March 28, 2025, featuring two major championship matches: LA Knight vs Braun Strowman for the United States Championship and The Street Profits vs Pretty Deadly for the Tag Team Championship. Additionally, there's a triple-threat contract signing with CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins for WrestleMania 41.
An event at IIT-Bombay on the 'science of begetting a good progeny' sparked controversy, with students claiming it promoted pseudoscience. The seminar, led by an Ayurveda expert, reportedly discusses various aspects of pregnancy. Critics argue that organizing such an event at a science institute gives it undue legitimacy.