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.

In a recent Fox News interview, Donald Trump and his VP pick JD Vance called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Joe Biden, citing his unfitness to complete his term. Following Biden's announcement to not seek re-election, Vance emphasized that if Biden is unfit to run, he shouldn't serve as president. Trump concurred, suggesting a Democratic coup against Biden and criticizing former President Obama for undermining Biden publicly. This statement escalates the GOP's pressure on Biden's administration.

A Hindu temple in Edmonton, Canada was vandalized with graffiti painted on the walls, prompting condemnation from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Canada. The organization urged the government to take action against growing extremist ideology targeting the Hindu community. This incident is the latest in a series of temple vandalisms by Khalistani separatists, whose anti-India activities have surged following the death of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The VHP called for decisive action from Canadian authorities to protect the peaceful Hindu community. The incident highlights concerns about rising hate crimes and extremist ideology in Canada.

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.

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic Party's presidential nomination after gaining enough delegates. In a statement, Harris expressed pride in receiving broad support and thanked her home state of California's delegation for their role in putting her campaign over the top. This comes after Joe Biden's surprise exit from the 2024 White House race and endorsement of Harris. Biden made his first public comments since the announcement, paving the way for Harris to formally accept the nomination. Harris is set to become the Democratic Party's official presidential candidate, marking a historic milestone in her campaign.

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was detained in Dubai on criminal defamation charges filed by his former manager Salman Ahmad. He was later released on bail. Khan denied the allegations in a video statement, asking fans to disregard rumors. The defamation case is ongoing, with Khan expected to respond to the charges in court. The incident occurred at the Bur Police Station, where Khan was arrested and interrogated. The case is currently under investigation, with further details awaited. Khan's release on bail marks a temporary reprieve as the legal proceedings continue.

The Indian stock market opened on a positive note ahead of the Union Budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The NSE Nifty 50 rose 0.24% to 24,568.9, while the S&P BSE Sensex gained 0.28% to 80,724.3. Financials and public sector companies led the gains as investors eagerly await policy announcements in the Budget. The market is expecting key reforms and initiatives that could boost economic growth. The Budget speech is expected to outline the government's fiscal plans and priorities for the upcoming year, which could impact market trends and investor sentiment.

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.

Team India arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for the upcoming white-ball series, led by newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. The team landed in Colombo and took a two-hour bus ride to Pallekele, where they will play three T20I matches starting July 27. The ODI series, beginning August 2, will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board shared photos of the team's arrival on Instagram. Gambhir's leadership marks a new era for Indian cricket as they take on the hosts in the highly-anticipated series.

Donald Trump has demanded a refund for campaign funds spent against Joe Biden, who has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. Trump stated that Republicans should be "reimbursed for fraud" as Kamala Harris becomes the leading Democratic candidate. Biden's withdrawal came after weeks of pressure and a poor debate performance against Trump, raising concerns about his mental fitness. With Biden and top Democrats backing Harris, conservatives are quickly revising their strategy for the November election.