Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Modi 3.0 Budget 2024, highlighting tax relief and job incentives. The new tax regime features revised slabs, with zero tax for incomes up to ₹3 lakh and a standard deduction increase to ₹75,000. First-time employees will receive one month's salary as Provident Fund contributions, benefiting 21 million people. The budget also includes major infrastructure projects in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, such as expressways and power plants. Key developments aim to support NDA allies and boost economic growth in these regions.

Lance Naik Subhash Chander was killed during an exchange of fire as Indian troops foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Battal sector, Poonch district. The firefight occurred during the night, and counter-operations are ongoing. This incident follows a twin terror attack in Rajouri, where a soldier and a civilian were injured. Recent months have seen a rise in terror attacks in the region, with security forces thwarting multiple infiltration bids and engaging in several encounters.

An Indian Army soldier was killed in a gunfight with militants who attempted an infiltration bid from across the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The clash occurred early Tuesday in the Krishna Ghati area as troops effectively engaged the infiltrators. Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal reported that the soldier, who was injured during the fight, later died in the hospital. This incident follows a similar confrontation in Rajouri district, where a militant was killed and both a soldier and civilian were injured. Search operations are ongoing.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud reprimanded senior advocate Mathews Nedumpara for disrupting a NEET-UG hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Nedumpara interrupted advocate Narender Hooda's arguments, prompting Chandrachud to order security to remove him from the courtroom. Despite Nedumpara's protestations, the Chief Justice asserted control, stating that lawyers cannot dictate courtroom procedure. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticized Nedumpara's behavior as "contemptuous." Nedumpara, known for previous courtroom conflicts, later issued a statement, forgiving the court for what he described as humiliation.

Nainital is grappling with severe erosion threats from the Baliyanala drainage system, which is exacerbating risks of landslides and structural collapses in the region. The situation has become critical with the Virbhatti bridge, a key link to the China border, facing imminent danger. Local residents are alarmed by the ineffective interventions from the irrigation department and are calling for immediate action. The ongoing erosion has also impacted residential areas and major roads. Past efforts to address these issues have fallen short, and authorities are urged to intensify their response to prevent further disasters.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced a record allocation of ₹2.62 lakh crore for Indian Railways under the 2024-25 Budget, with ₹1.08 lakh crore earmarked for safety upgrades. This includes the installation of the ‘Kavach 4.0’ safety system, which integrates hardware, software, and data management. The funds will also address old tracks, signaling systems, and construction of new flyovers and underpasses. This move follows recent train accidents in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Vaishnav noted increased demand for general travel and the production of 10,000 additional general coaches.

The Congress has criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, claiming it neglects farmers by allocating only 3.15% of the total budget to agriculture and allied sectors, down from 5.44% in 2019-2020. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the government's silence on demands for legal status for MSP and farm loan waivers. He also criticized the new Employment-linked Incentives (ELIs), arguing they fail to address job scarcity and gender inequality in the workforce. Despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's promises for sustainable farming and technological integration, Ramesh asserted the measures fall short of addressing core issues.

The Supreme Court has ruled against reconducting the NEET-UG exam, stating insufficient evidence of a systemic breach in the question paper. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, heading a three-judge bench, emphasized that a retest would significantly impact the two million students who appeared for the exam. The court acknowledged leaks at certain centers but noted that data from the National Testing Agency and IIT Madras showed no mass-scale leak. The CBI investigation continues, and further action will be taken if more beneficiaries are identified.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024-25 introduced significant changes to the new tax regime while keeping the old regime unchanged. The standard deduction for salaried employees under the new regime is increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. The revised tax slabs now include 0% for income up to ₹3 lakh, 5% for ₹3-7 lakh, 10% for ₹7-10 lakh, 15% for ₹10-12 lakh, 20% for ₹12-15 lakh, and 30% for income above ₹15 lakh. These changes offer up to ₹17,500 in tax savings for salaried individuals.

In the 2024 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chose not to increase taxes on tobacco products, keeping cigarette prices unchanged. This decision benefited ITC, India’s leading cigarette producer, whose shares surged by 4.67% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), closing at ₹488.35. Tobacco taxation falls under the GST Council's jurisdiction, with additional National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) adjustments during the budget. Cigarettes significantly contribute to ITC’s revenue, accounting for over 80% of net profit. The company's stock opened at ₹467.05 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), peaking at ₹489.80.