Bihar's CM Nitish Kumar praised the Union Budget for its developmental prospects, highlighting provisions such as the Makhana board and greenfield airports. He stressed these initiatives would benefit Bihar's foxnut cultivation and aviation connectivity. Kumar also emphasized the importance of expanding IIT-Patna and the revised income tax structure as beneficial for middle-class citizens.
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US Vice President JD Vance criticized European nations for curtailing free speech and insufficient defense spending. At the Munich security conference, Vance specifically condemned Romania's election annulment and the UK's arrest of a man for praying near an abortion clinic.
Elon Musk denied Starlink's operation in India after a device bearing its logo was found during a Manipur security operation. Musk stated Starlink beams were "never on" over India. The device, potentially smuggled from Myanmar, was allegedly used by insurgents. Starlink lacks operational licenses in both India and Myanmar.
India is considering increasing GST on tobacco products, including cigarettes, after the cessation of the compensation cess in 2026. A proposal to elevate GST to 40% plus additional excise duty aims to maintain tax revenue. A ministerial group will review post-2026 compensation cess scenarios.
A wild tusker entered a residential area in Therkkupalayam, Coimbatore, and took a bag of rice from a rented house occupied by guest workers from Bihar. The workers recorded the incident involving the elephant, which has been searching for easy food in the locality for over two years. Forest officials have deployed teams to monitor the tusker and prevent conflicts.
The Karnataka high court rejected the plea to transfer the MUDA scam investigation involving CM Siddaramaiah to the CBI. The court directed the Karnataka Lokayukta to continue its probe. Allegations suggest Siddaramaiah used his political influence for personal gain, with his wife also implicated.
Filmmaker Atlee faced a racist joke from comedian Kapil Sharma on "The Great Indian Kapil Show." Sharma's comment about Atlee's appearance drew criticism, including from singer Chinmayi Sripaada. Atlee responded by emphasizing judging people by their hearts, not their looks.
Calcutta high court questioned Bengal health department for not withdrawing Ringer's lactate intravenous fluid stocks from Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical after a stop-manufacture order due to the death of Mamoni Ruidas. The state was directed to compensate her family and file a report on the incident.
Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh were killed in an IED attack near the LoC in Jammu's Akhnoor sector, marking the first security fatalities in the region this year. The attack occurred amid increased hostilities along the LoC, prompting heightened security measures and a review of hostile activities by military officials.
President Trump, in his Davos speech, urges global companies to manufacture in the US with promises of significant tax cuts and reduced regulations, while warning of tariffs otherwise. He also addresses the Ukraine conflict, advocating for lower oil prices as a solution, and emphasizes preserving free speech and a merit-based system domestically.
Nigeria's women's U-19 cricket team made history by defeating New Zealand by two runs in a rain-affected ICC Women's U-19 T20 World Cup match. Noteworthy performances included Lilian Udeh's bowling and contributions from Udeh and captain Lucky Piety with the bat, marking Nigeria as West Africa's pioneering cricket team to achieve such a feat.