Times of India

The Union Budget for fiscal 2025-26 allocated Rs 13,416.2 crore to India's Department of Space, highlighting a focus on space exploration and satellite technology. Funds for Isro's commercial arm NSIL were increased, and customs duty on satellite components was removed. Additionally, the National Geospatial Mission was launched, and the Atal Tinkering Lab initiative will expand to 50,000 schools.

Eight Maoists were killed in a confrontation with security forces in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Several weapons, including an Insas rifle and BGL, were recovered from the site. The operation involved multiple security units and was based on intelligence regarding Maoist presence in the area.

In Muzaffarnagar, UP, a 21-year-old woman was gang-raped, murdered, and set on fire by her brother-in-law and two accomplices. The brother-in-law, fearing blackmail exposure, hired the men with a Rs 40,000 bank loan. Her remains, identified through partially-burned personal items, were found in a forest, leading to an FIR registration under sections of murder and gang-rape.

Ashneer Grover accuses Salman Khan of stirring up drama by claiming not to know him during his appearance on Bigg Boss 18. Grover insists they met when Salman was his company’s brand ambassador, despite Salman's assertions otherwise.

Eight Aam Aadmi Party MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after resigning from AAP, accusing it of straying from its founding ideals of transparency and anti-corruption. They cited a lack of internal democracy and centralisation of the party. This mass resignation strikes a significant blow to AAP ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections on February 5.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights major tax reliefs for the middle class in the Union Budget 2025, leading to substantial savings across various income brackets compared to 2014 under the previous Congress government. The rebates now extend up to Rs 12 lakh income, with even higher earners benefiting from reduced tax liabilities, showcasing a more progressive tax system.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced zero income tax for up to Rs 12 lakh under the new tax regime. The standard deduction for salaried employees will be Rs 75,000. The rejigged tax slabs introduce a 10% tax rate for income between Rs 8-12 lakh, with varying rates for higher incomes.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the second asset monetization plan for 2025-30 in the Union Budget 2025, targeting Rs 10 lakh crore by monetizing government assets for reinvestment in new infrastructure. The plan builds on the success of the first initiative from 2021, which achieved significant monetization goals.

Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu shares his view on Virat Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy, suggesting that Kohli needs time to regain his confidence rather than playing domestic cricket. Despite Kohli's recent struggles, Rayudu believes in Kohli's abilities and urges respect and patience for the batting icon to rediscover his form.

During the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways, three fans ran onto the field to touch Virat Kohli’s feet, causing a security breach. Kohli requested leniency for the fans, who were subsequently escorted out. Delhi won the match, with Kohli posing for photos post-victory.

Income Tax Slabs FY 2025-25 New versus Old Income Tax Regime: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant income tax relief for the middle class in the Union Budget 2025, eliminating tax for incomes up to Rs 12.75 lakh. Taxpayers must compare deductions under the old regime versus the new lower rates to determine the most beneficial option.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2025 proposes customs duty exemptions on lithium-ion battery waste, investment in an AI Center of Excellence for education, and a National Geospatial Mission. Measures include support for gig workers, increased duties on interactive flat-panel LCDs, and amendments to encourage private sector participation in nuclear energy. Infrastructure expansion for IITs is also planned.

Opposition leaders criticized the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not addressing the middle class and small business owners. The budget favored corporate loans over relief for common citizens, with significant allocations to Bihar ahead of upcoming elections, while neglecting states like West Bengal.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced transformative tax reforms aiming to benefit India's middle class. Key highlights include no income tax for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh, with a simplified tax rate structure. The measures are expected to substantially reduce taxes for the middle class, creating a buzz on social media with various reactions and memes.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. Rs 4.88 lakh crore is for revenue expenditure and Rs 1.92 lakh crore for capital expenditure. Significant measures were also announced for the middle class, agriculture, and rural development.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025-26, marking her shortest full budget speech at 1 hour and 14 minutes. Notable past achievements include delivering the longest budget speech in 2020 and presenting India's first paperless budget in 2021. Sitharaman has continuously highlighted economic priorities and policy changes during her tenure.

​​Gurajada Appa Rao (1862–1915) was a prominent Indian playwright, poet, and social reformer, best known for his contributions to Telugu literature. Born in Rayavaram village in the Vizianagaram district of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Appa Rao grew up in a period marked by social transformation influenced by British colonial rule and the Indian Renaissance. His literary works and reformist ideas left a lasting impact on Telugu culture, making him a revered figure in the annals of Indian literature.