Following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget announcement, which included an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on Futures and Options (F&O) and a raise in capital gains exemption limits, the Sensex fell dramatically. The index dropped 1,266.17 points to 79,235.91, while the Nifty fell 435.05 points to 24,074.20. The drop was exacerbated by the market's reaction to increased taxes on F&O securities. Despite the decline, the finance minister noted India's economic growth, with inflation stabilizing at 4% and core inflation at 3.1%.

In her 2024-25 Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a fiscal deficit estimate of 4.9% of GDP, an improvement from the 5.1% projected in the interim budget. The reduction aligns with market expectations and reflects the government's commitment to fiscal consolidation. Sitharaman aims to lower the deficit to 4.5% by 2025-26 and maintain a declining debt-to-GDP ratio beyond 2026-27. The budget includes expected borrowings of ₹14.01 lakh crore gross and ₹11.63 lakh crore net. Sitharaman, presenting her seventh consecutive budget, emphasized ongoing fiscal discipline.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced changes to the new tax regime in the 2024 Union Budget. The standard deduction has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. Revised tax slabs will also benefit salaried employees, with potential savings of up to ₹17,500. Additionally, the family pension deduction for pensioners has been raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. These changes will benefit around four crore salaried individuals and pensioners. The old tax slabs remain unchanged. These updates aim to provide tax relief to eligible individuals, effective from the current financial year.

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has sentenced 53 Bangladeshi nationals to 10 years in prison and one individual to 11 years for organizing protests against their home government. Three others received life sentences. The court also ordered their deportation after serving their sentences. The protests, held in the UAE, were in response to contentious quota reforms in Bangladesh. UAE authorities charged the defendants with inciting unrest and obstructing law enforcement. The Bangladeshi expatriates are among the largest foreign worker communities in the UAE.

In Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant investments for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Bihar will receive Rs 26,000 crore for road projects, airports, medical colleges, and sports facilities. A new 'Purvodaya' plan will enhance development in several eastern states. Andhra Pradesh will benefit from Rs 15,000 crore for the Pollavaram irrigation project and additional funds for capital development. Special financial support will be provided through multilateral agencies. These measures aim to foster economic growth and infrastructure development in these key states.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed opposition parties for the ongoing unrest, which has killed over 150 people. She imposed a curfew for public safety, but hopes to lift it soon. The violence began as protests against government job quotas, but escalated into calls for her resignation. The High Court's decision to scrap most quotas has not eased tensions. Hasina accuses the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami of inciting violence. She vows to suppress the militants and restore order. The situation remains volatile, with protests and clashes continuing across the country.

Over 44,000 people, led by Black women, participated in a Zoom call to support US Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, raising $1.5 million in just three hours. The event, organized by Jotaka Eaddy of 'Win With Black Women,' saw prominent speakers including Bernice King and Senator Maxine Waters. Harris expressed gratitude for the support and reaffirmed her commitment to the Democratic nomination following President Joe Biden's decision to step aside. The call, which exceeded Zoom's 1,000-person limit, highlighted the pivotal role of Black women in the Democratic Party.

Bihar allocated Rs 26,000 crore for road projects in Union Budget 2024. Projects include Patna-Purnea expressway, Buxar-Bhagalpur highway, and additional two-lane bridge over Ganga in Buxar. Government to formulate "Purvodaya" plan for Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh's development. Industrial node at Gaya to be supported under Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridor. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced these initiatives to boost connectivity and infrastructure in Bihar, despite no special category status. These projects aim to catalyze development in the eastern region.

Elon Musk revealed that his son Xavier, who transitioned and is now known as Vivian, was "figuratively killed" by the "woke mind virus" after Musk was allegedly deceived into consenting to puberty blockers. In an interview with Jordan Peterson, Musk said he was misled into signing documents for the treatment, believing it was crucial to prevent potential suicide. He now criticizes the treatment as misleading and harmful, claiming it was not explained that puberty blockers are akin to sterilization drugs. Musk condemned those promoting such treatments and vowed to combat the "woke mind virus," expressing profound regret and anger.              

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme in the 2024 budget, providing one month's salary as a Provident Fund contribution for all new employees entering the workforce. This initiative aims to benefit 210 lakh youths across various sectors. The move comes in response to dissatisfaction over job opportunities, which affected the BJP's performance in the recent general elections. The scheme is part of the government's efforts to address employment challenges and support young job seekers.