Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visit to Guntur Mirchi Yard has stirred a political debate, with accusations of violating the election code ahead of the MLC elections. The Election Commission had reportedly denied permission for the interaction, but Jagan and his party leaders proceeded with the visit, drawing attention to what they claim is the AP government’s failure to ensure fair prices for chilli farmers.Jagan, accompanied by a l

The Department of Government Efficiency, known as the DOGE initiative, was introduced to streamline government spending by reducing the number of federal employees and eliminating programs that do not align with President Trump's policies. The initiative was presented as a necessary response to the growing $36 trillion national debt. One of its first major actions was the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, a move that has been met with both support and criticism. While

On Monday, the Germany Women’s Hockey Team arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, India, for their upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 matches. The team, led by co-captains Linnea Wiedemann and Sarah Strauss, will face Spain on February 15 and 16, followed by a crucial matchup against hosts India on February 21 and 22 at the Kalinga Stadium. After finishing as runners-up in last season’s Pro League behind the Netherlands, Germany has struggled for form th

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant changes to the income tax regime, offering relief to middle-class taxpayers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising the basic exemption limit to Rs 4 lakh and increased the income threshold for the rebate under Section 87A to Rs 12 lakh. This means individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh, with a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, can avoid paying taxes altogether. But for those earning more than Rs 12.75 lakh, choosing between the old

The Union Budget 2025 introduced a significant revision to the income tax exemption limit, raising it to ₹12 lakh. This change has sparked expectations of increased consumer spending, particularly in sectors such as automobiles and fast-moving consumer goods. With more disposable income available to middle-class taxpayers, the automotive industry is poised to see shifts in demand, with varying effects across vehicle segments. Analysts believe that while this tax policy revision may drive ov

The Andhra Pradesh government has established a strong and effective relationship with the central government, which has led to significant financial support for the state. Key leaders, such as Chandra Babu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, have played a crucial role in ensuring the state receives adequate funding, especially for critical infrastructure projects. This relationship was evident in the recent 2026 b

On Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Jagdambika Pal adopted the draft report and the amended Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The committee's report, which includes significant revisions to the bill, will be tabled in Parliament on Monday as part of the ongoing Budget Session. The amendments to the bill are aimed at ensuring the benefits of Waqf properties reach marginalized groups, such as the poor, women, and orphans. This inclusion marks a major development in the b

Income Tax: Union Budget 2025 introduces a revamped tax regime, with key reforms aimed at providing relief to the middle class. The new tax slabs are as follows: Up to Rs 4 lakh - 0% Rs 4-8 lakh - 5% Rs 8-12 lakh - 10%

Projected Economic Growth India’s economy is expected to grow between 6.3% to 6.8% in the financial year 2025-26 (FY26). This forecast comes from the Economic Survey 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. Economic Fundamentals The survey highlights that the

The Budget Session of 2025 began with controversy when Congress MP Sonia Gandhi made a remark about President Droupadi Murmu, calling her a "poor thing" after the President's speech in Parliament. Gandhi's comment, made while speaking to reporters outside Parliament, was in reference to the exhaustion Murmu appeared to show after delivering her customary address. The remark was immediately condemned by the BJP, who described it as a "derogatory comment" and demande

With the Union Budget 2025 just around the corner, India’s stock market is experiencing increased volatility. The India VIX, a key indicator of market fluctuations, surged by over 5% leading up to Budget day. Historically, the market has shown a mix of both gains and losses on the day of the Budget announcement and in the lead-up to it. The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 index has seen varying movements, with large swings in previous years, making it difficult to predict the immediate market re

In preparation for the Mauni Amavasya "Amrit Snan" on Wednesday, authorities managing the Maha Kumbh have issued a comprehensive safety advisory to ensure a smooth and secure experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend. The second Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings of the pilgrimage, and the authorities are taking extensive measures to manage crowd movement and safety. The fair administration, in collaboration wit

Rajesh Magow, the Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, has shared his expectations for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26, emphasizing the long-standing demand of the hospitality sector for "industry" status. Speaking ahead of the budget presentation on February 1, Magow stressed the importance of addressing this demand to unlock the full potential of the hospitality and tourism sectors. In an interview with PTI, Magow highlighted the government's commendable efforts

With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:

The Role of National Education Policy (NEP) in the Union Budget 2025: The Union Budget 2025-26 is crucial for shaping the future of India's education system, especially with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 being a significant focus. The BJP-led NDA government, entering its third term, continues to prioritize education and skill development. The NEP aims to modernize educati

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who led the team to victory in IPL 2024, has opened up about not being retained by the franchise for the upcoming season. In a candid interview, Iyer revealed that the lack of communication from the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team left him perplexed, making him uncertain about his future with KKR. He mentioned that despite winning the IPL title, there were no concrete talks regarding retention until just a week before the retention deadline,

Gavaskar's Take on Samson's Omission Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his thoughts on the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2024. Despite a stellar record and calls for his inclusion, Samson was left out of the 15-man squad, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant being preferred as the designated wicketkeepers. The omission has led to widespread criticism from fans and experts

Impact of China’s Export Restrictions on Indian Manufacturing: India’s manufacturing industry is facing significant disruptions due to China’s export restrictions, which are part of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. These curbs primarily affect industries in India that rely on raw materials, machinery, and components from China, such as the solar po

Months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented an interim budget in February to manage the government’s immediate financial needs. After the BJP-led NDA returned to power for a third term, she unveiled the comprehensive Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25 on July 23. While both budgets play a significant role in the nation's fiscal planning, their objectives and scope are different. An interim budget is a temporary financi

The Union Budget for the upcoming financial year is expected to include provisions for promoting artificial intelligence (AI) in India. According to sources, a special policy package for AI is being formulated, with a focus on AI-skilling schemes and the establishment of AI centres. Additionally, the budget is likely to allocate funds to support these initiatives, ensuring measures are in place to safeguard employment in light of AI's rapid advancement. The Ministry of Finance h