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.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the acronym 'EMPLOYMENT' as the theme for Budget 2024-25, highlighting ten key priorities: Employment, MSMEs, Productivity, Land, Opportunity, Youth, Middle Class, Energy Security, New Generation Reforms, and Technology. She defended the 12.5% long-term capital gains tax as a simplification measure. Responding to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'kursi bachao' critique, Sitharaman emphasized BJP's electoral success and the government's commitment to all states, citing significant funding for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The budget also includes increased standard deductions and loans for higher education.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Union Budget 2024 as a boost for India’s 'Neo Middle Class,' stating it will support villages, the poor, and farmers. Social media reactions were polarized. Some applauded the budget for its focus on inclusive growth, while others criticized it as a gimmick, questioning its benefits for the tax-paying middle class. Comments like “another gimmicky budget” and “Vote maangne aao, janaab” reflect skepticism about its true impact. The budget’s focus on tribal, Dalit, and backward class empowerment also stirred debate.

Indian tennis icons Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have become the first Asian players to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held in Rhode Island on July 21, honored their remarkable careers. Amritraj, now 70, achieved peak rankings of 18 in singles and 23 in doubles, winning 28 titles. Paes, who played from 1991-2021, reached number one in doubles, securing 54 titles, including eight Grand Slam victories. Both players expressed pride in representing India on the global stage and credited their families for their success.

The Opposition has harshly criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024, labeling it a "kursi bachao" (power retention) Budget. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi claimed the Budget prioritizes NDA allies, such as the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, over the needs of the poor and unemployed. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed this sentiment, accusing the government of using special projects in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to retain power. Other leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and P Chidambaram, criticized the Budget for copying Congress's ideas while failing to address key issues.

The Netherlands is bracing for a rare heatwave this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar to a tropical 32°C. After a very rainy start to the year, the country will enjoy sunny and dry conditions from Thursday through Saturday. However, this summer-like weather will be brief, as rain and cooler temperatures are forecast to return on Sunday. The changeable weather is expected to continue into the following week. Residents are advised to take precautions against the heat and enjoy the brief respite from the gloomy weather.

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.