Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant tax relief in the Union Budget, raising the nil-tax threshold to Rs 12 lakh, relieving nearly 1 crore taxpayers. She also extended the time frame for filing updated returns to 48 months. The changes signify the government's response to middle-class concerns and aim to ease bureaucratic hurdles in taxing regimes.
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The anointment of film actress Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandeleshwar by Kinnar Akhara has caused internal disputes. Rishi Ajaydas, claiming to be the founder, removed Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from her post for procedural violations. Tripathi dismissed the claims, stating Ajaydas is not a member and legal action will be taken.
India's space program is set for significant milestones with the confirmed launch of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite in June 2025, designed to monitor Earth's surface changes. Furthermore, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will journey to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4, conducting crucial research in microgravity and marking a new era for Indian astronauts.
Noel Tata, alongside Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, has joined the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust board. The Trust has also welcomed two Tata group executives, RR Shastri and Jamsheed Poncha, as new appointees.
Chief Minister Atishi at Delhi's Republic Day event highlighted the AAP government's initiatives in education, healthcare, and infrastructure over the past decade. She emphasized the importance of fulfilling the dreams of freedom fighters and ensuring equal opportunities, citing improvements in government schools, free healthcare, free electricity, and expanded transport facilities in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Smruti Mandir in Nagpur, paying homage to the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, and the second chief, MS Golwalkar. He left a note highlighting the inspiration drawn from their legacy and values for serving the nation.
India has intensified its diplomatic response to Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, briefing foreign envoys, including China, on the cross-border connections of the attackers. The government has revoked visas for Pakistani nationals in India, advising Indian citizens against traveling to Pakistan.
A heated exchange occurred in the Bihar Legislative Council between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Rabri Devi over reservation issues. Protests by RJD members in green T-shirts led to Kumar calling the protest 'bogus' and making personal remarks about Devi's tenure as Chief Minister, provoking a strong response from the opposition.
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned shortly before the ICC Champions Trophy amid scrutiny over mishandled funds and unprepared venues in Pakistan. The ICC board was dissatisfied with the progress of the stadiums. ICC chairman Jay Shah confirmed the major restructuring ahead and thanked Allardice for his contributions to global cricket advancement.
President Trump's new strategy to resolve the Ukraine conflict by engaging directly with Russia raises speculation about his intentions to weaken the Sino-Russian alliance. China, feeling marginalized and uneasy, fears a potential US-Russia rapprochement that could isolate Beijing and shift US focus entirely towards countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US for its support following criticism from Donald Trump and JD Vance. In a video message, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's appreciation for American aid and stressed the need for peace and security guarantees. This comes after a European leaders' summit aiming to reinforce support for Ukraine.