Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her seventh Budget, with middle-class Indians eagerly awaiting tax relief. Despite 8.2% economic growth, private consumption lagged at 4%. To boost spending, the government may cut personal income tax for high-propensity spenders, benefiting individuals earning ₹5-15 lakh annually, who currently face 5-20% tax rates. This move could stimulate consumer spending, a key driver of India's GDP. The budget is expected to address this slowdown, with tax reforms aimed at putting more money in people's pockets to revive consumption and drive economic growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu ahead of presenting the Union Budget 2024, briefing her on the budget's provisions. As per tradition, President Murmu offered Sitharaman "curd and sugar" for good luck. The Union Cabinet, led by PM Narendra Modi, also met to approve the budget. Sitharaman is set to present her 7th consecutive budget at 11 am, marking a significant event in the Modi 3.0 government. This meeting marks a customary tradition before the budget presentation, ensuring the President's awareness and approval of the financial plans.

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, aimed at revamping Bengaluru's civic administration. The bill proposes dividing the city into five zones under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), with a three-tier structure led by the Chief Minister. The GBA will have enhanced planning and financial powers. The move aims to improve governance in the Greater Bengaluru Area through a more structured and efficient system. The bill is set to be tabled in the state Assembly during the Monsoon Session starting Tuesday. Experts see this as a significant step towards addressing the city's governance challenges.

The Indian Army prevented an infiltration attempt in the Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours today. The incident occurred at 3 am, resulting in an exchange of fire that injured one soldier. This is the second terror-related incident in the Jammu region within 48 hours. The Army's XVI Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps, confirmed the incident and stated that operations are ongoing. The incident highlights the continued security threats in the region, with the Army remaining vigilant and taking prompt action to neutralize infiltration attempts.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Modi 3.0 government's first budget today. The budget is expected to focus on income tax relief, infrastructure development, job creation, and increasing farmers' income. Experts predict a balance between populist measures and fiscal discipline. The government aims to boost middle-class consumption while maintaining economic growth. Key areas of attention include tax reforms, infrastructure investment, and initiatives to support farmers and job creation. The budget will have significant implications for the economy and citizens' lives, shaping India's financial trajectory for the year ahead. Fiscal responsibility is expected to be a top priority.

A fire broke out on the Indian Navy’s INS Brahmaputra at Mumbai dockyard on Sunday evening. The ship is now resting on its side. The fire was controlled by the crew and firefighters from nearby ships. Despite efforts, the ship couldn't be brought upright. One junior sailor is missing. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was briefed by Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. The Navy continues to search for the missing sailor. Follow-up actions to assess fire risks were conducted.

The Indian Navy’s INS Brahmaputra, undergoing refit at Mumbai’s naval dockyard, caught fire on Sunday evening. The blaze was contained by the crew and firefighters, but the ship, which is now lying on its side, could not be righted despite efforts. One junior sailor is missing, and a search is ongoing; all other personnel are accounted for. An inquiry has been launched to investigate the incident. The INS Brahmaputra, a guided missile frigate commissioned in 2000, is equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, and was undergoing maintenance when the accident occurred.

Security forces are gearing up for a major operation in Jammu's Rajouri-Poonch and Doda-Bhaderwah regions to combat a new wave of terrorism. About 40-50 terrorists, primarily from Jaish-e-Mohammed, have infiltrated the area. The operation, set to last several weeks, aims to sweep through the dense forests and secure the region. The Army has increased its presence, including Special Forces and additional troops, to close off escape routes. This follows a spike in attacks since 2020, which have claimed 51 security personnel lives in the region.

The Supreme Court has asked IIT Delhi to form a team of experts to review a disputed question in the 2024 NEET-UG exam. The issue arose when students were awarded marks for two answers to Question 19, despite only one being correct. A petitioner, who scored 711 out of 720, argued she was disadvantaged. The court pointed out the inconsistency and requested an expert opinion by tomorrow. The NEET-UG exam has faced allegations of a question paper leak and high perfect scores, prompting a CBI investigation and the arrest of several individuals.

A terror attack on an Army post in Rajouri's Khawas area, Jammu and Kashmir, was foiled early Monday. Soldiers quickly retaliated when terrorists opened fire, injuring one soldier. Security forces launched a search operation to find the attackers. The incident follows two high-level security meetings in Jammu, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi. The attack happened near the home of Village Defence Guard member Parshotam Kumar, who had previously received the Shaurya Chakra for bravery. Reinforcements were sent to the area, and the search for the terrorists continues.