The Milkipur seat in Ayodhya has become a focal point as voting takes place in Delhi today, with a record 65% voter turnout reported by 5 PM. This by-election, triggered after Awadhesh Prasad vacated the seat to become an MP, is crucial for both local and state politics. With major political parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a fierce contest, the outcome could significantly influence Uttar Pradesh's political landscape ahead of the 2027 state elections. The seat's large Dalit voter base further adds to the stakes, as their support could be pivotal in deciding the winner.
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, raising it from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This move aims to provide enhanced financial support to 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, enabling them to access affordable credit for agricultural activities. Additionally, the government has increased the guarantee-free loan limit to Rs 2 lakh, allowing farmers to avail loans without collateral. The KCC scheme, launched in 1998, continues to simplify the loan process for farmers, supporting their efforts in crop cultivation and related activities.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman continued her break from colonial traditions by presenting the Union Budget 2025 using a digital tablet enclosed in a 'bahi-khata' style pouch. This marks her eighth consecutive Budget presentation since 2019, when she first deviated from the colonial-era practice of carrying a leather briefcase. Draped in an off-white handloom silk saree, Sitharaman posed for the traditional Budget photo outside her office, before meeting President Droupadi Murmu. The Budget marks the 14th consecutive presentation under the Narendra Modi government. Sitharaman’s digital approach symbolizes a modern and sustainable shift in India's fiscal processes.
On February 1, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history by presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget, a record-breaking feat in India’s fiscal history. This achievement brings her closer to the 10 budgets presented by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who holds the record for the most total budgets. Sitharaman’s tenure has been marked by her break from colonial-era practices, including her choice of a digital tablet to present the Budget. As India navigates a slowing economy and rising demands for tax cuts, Sitharaman’s approach to fiscal policy continues to shape the nation’s economic direction.
A devastating mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night, involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The crash, which took place around 9 p.m. EST, resulted in a massive fireball and prompted a swift emergency response. At least two bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, and search efforts continue for survivors. The FAA confirmed the incident, which caused widespread panic, and all flights at the airport have been grounded. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the inquiry.