Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy didn’t go as planned, with the superstar batter dismissed for just 6 runs in Delhi's match against Railways. A fan’s comment calling the event "blessed" due to Kohli’s presence sparked a response from former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin expressed disappointment over the remark, emphasizing the rich history of the Ranji Trophy and the importance of players like Sachin Tendulkar who regularly participated. He also praised Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan for his exceptional delivery that dismissed Kohli, calling him a "gold-dust performer."

The Union Budget 2025 introduced a zero-tax benefit for those earning up to ₹12 lakh. However, individuals with taxable income slightly above ₹12 lakh face a sharp tax jump. If income reaches ₹12.1 lakh, tax liability rises to ₹61,500, reducing take-home pay by ₹51,500 compared to someone earning ₹12 lakh. Full parity in take-home salary is only reached at ₹12.71 lakh, where tax amounts to ₹70,500. This structure means marginal salary increases can lead to lower take-home income, creating concerns over tax burden distribution.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the 2025 Union Budget, calling it "positive and forward-looking." The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, included several schemes for Bihar, which faces elections this year. Key announcements included tax relief, support for farmers, and a boost for the makhana industry. Kumar welcomed the changes, saying they would speed up Bihar’s growth. The budget also promised new airports for the state. However, the lack of benefits for Andhra Pradesh sparked criticism from Congress leaders. They accused the government of favouring Bihar due to the upcoming elections while ignoring Andhra’s needs.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in Budget 2025 that the annual limit for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on rent will increase from ₹2.40 lakh to ₹6 lakh. She also proposed extending the time to file updated tax returns from two years to four years. Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on education-related remittances will be exempt if the loan is from a recognised financial institution. Senior citizens will get a higher tax deduction on interest income, now doubled to ₹1 lakh. The budget also extends tax benefits for startups by five more years.

8 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday. The gunfight started around 8:30 am in the Gangaloor forest during an anti-Naxalite operation. Security personnel launched the operation on Friday after receiving intelligence about Maoist activity in the area. The District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and CRPF’s CoBRA unit took part in the mission. Intermittent firing continued throughout the morning. Patrolling and search operations are still ongoing to ensure safety and gather more details. More information is expected as the operation continues.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Budget 2025-26, bringing major changes in prices. Mobile chargers, cancer medicines, and EV batteries will become cheaper due to lower customs duties. Gold and silver duties are now 6%, while shipbuilding materials will be duty-free for 10 years. However, flat-panel displays, used in TVs and mobile phones, will get costlier as duties increase from 10% to 20%. The government also removed some exemptions on social welfare surcharges. Sitharaman said the budget focuses on the poor, youth, farmers, and women, aiming for balanced growth. This is the second full budget of Modi 3.0.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in Budget 2025 that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will pay no income tax under the new regime. The revised slabs include 5% for ₹4-8 lakh, 10% for ₹8-12 lakh, and 30% for incomes above ₹24 lakh. "The middle class provides strength to the economy," she stated. The move aims to ease financial burdens, boost disposable income, and drive economic growth. Experts believe the changes will increase spending, savings, and investment. This is one of the biggest tax reforms in recent years, benefiting salaried individuals and small business owners.

Two days after a deadly stampede near the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, police are investigating reports of a second incident in the Jhusi area. While 30 people have been confirmed dead, with 60 injured, there were claims of another stampede-like situation. DIG Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, assured that the footage from cameras installed at the site would be examined. Locals reported chaos at the Sector 21 crossing, with overcrowding exacerbating the situation. The UP government has announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025, revealing major tax relief for the middle class. She announced that no income tax would be levied on earnings up to ₹12 lakh. Sitharaman, who is presenting her record eighth consecutive budget, also outlined a focus on agriculture, MSMEs, and simplifying the tax system. She promised a new income tax bill next week that will be clearer and simpler for taxpayers. The budget also includes provisions to reduce compliance burdens and boost employment and investment opportunities in India.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman posed outside the Finance Ministry with her Budget 2025 tablet in a red ‘Bahi Khata’ sleeve, continuing her tradition since 2019. Dressed in a white-red Madhubani saree, she later proceeded to meet President Droupadi Murmu before heading to Parliament. The shift from the colonial-era briefcase to the Bahi Khata in 2019 and the digital transition in 2021 align with India’s Digital India push. “Moving out from the British handhold felt right,” Sitharaman had stated earlier. The Union Budget presentation will outline key economic policies and financial roadmaps for the year ahead.