King Charles III, who took the throne last year after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, has been diagnosed with cancer. This comes after a hospital visit for a prostate issue revealed another health concern. While details about the type and severity of the cancer are not disclosed. The 75-year-old king has been advised by doctors to take a break from his public duties.
PM Modi wishes speed recovery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent his best wishes for King Charles’ recovery. He expressed his hopes for the king’s speedy recovery and good health .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Posted on Twitter saying: “I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III,”
I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III. https://t.co/86mKg9lE1q
This news came after he went to the hospital for a procedure to fix an enlarged prostate, which is a gland that can cause problems when it gets too big. The doctors discovered the cancer after some tests, but they didn’t say what kind of cancer it is. Due to his health condition, King Charles has been advised by his doctors to reduce his public appearances for the time being.
Retired Army Soldier Arrested for Alleged Involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist Group:
On Sunday, February 4th, the Delhi Police apprehended Lashkar Suspect “Riyaz Ahmed”, a former Army soldier, with the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), at the New Delhi Railway Station.
This arrest follows recent actions by the Jammu and Kashmir Police who dismantled a LeT cell in Kupwara district, thwarting a planned series of attacks in the area. According to authorities, Ahmed played an active role in the plot alongside Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, collaborating with handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate the acquisition of weapons and ammunition.
About Riyaz Ahmed:
The Delhi Police stated that Riyaz Ahmed, a retired army member, was actively involved in planning with his friends to get weapons and bullets from across the Line of Control (LoC) with the help of LeT terrorists. They wanted to use these weapons for illegal activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
This arrest happened after the Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully stopped a group of terrorists operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Earlier, five associates of terrorists were caught in Karnah for smuggling weapons and bullets.
One of the arrested individuals, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, was found with a rifle, bullets, and pistols. Investigations showed that Bhat was in touch with two LeT terrorists in PoK, who were sending weapons to support their illegal actions.
PM Modi’s Vision for India – Third Largest Economy:
In his recent address to the Lok Sabha following the Interim Budget, PM Modi expressed unwavering confidence in fortifying India’s economy to secure its position as the world’s third-largest economic power during his third term.
Drawing upon a decade of governance experience and observing the robust current state of the economy, PM Modi affirmed, “Considering the remarkable progress and the swift pace of India’s advancement today, I assert with confidence that in our upcoming third term, India will proudly hold the rank of the third-largest economic power. I guarantee this with utmost certainty,” he declared during his speech for the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address this Monday.
He further emphasized the proximity of the third term, stating, “The commencement of our government’s third term is just around the corner, within the next 100-125 days at the maximum.”
PM Modi’s Response to Opposition and Vision for a Third Term Triumph:
The 73-year-old leader exuded confidence in securing a majority and outlined his plan for the upcoming term. Reflecting on the past, he stated, “In our initial term, we addressed the lingering issues inherited from the UPA era. The second term saw the establishment of the foundation for a new India, and in the third term, we aim to expedite the development of a prosperous nation.”
Modi emphasized that the forthcoming term would witness significant decisions, laying a robust foundation for the next millennium. He underscored, “Our third term will bring about monumental changes, setting a strong groundwork for the next 1,000 years.”
In response to the Opposition’s stance on the economy, Modi highlighted the substantial progress made, stating, “While the Congress was content with India ranking eleventh in the global economy, we’ve propelled to the fifth position today. Despite this remarkable ascent, they remain silent. We won’t let the nation wait for three decades, as they envisioned. I guarantee that in our third term, India will secure its place as the third-largest economic power.”
PM Modi Applauds President’s Address and Global Recognition of India’s Progress:
Additionally, the Prime Minister commended the President’s Address as a comprehensive document rooted in facts, showcasing the country’s rapid progress. He remarked, “The world is now witnessing the pace of our government’s efforts, along with our ambitious goals and unwavering determination.”
Paytm’s stock opened the day at ₹487.05, and by the end of the day, it closed at ₹608.8. Throughout the day, the stock’s value fluctuated between the highest and lowest points, both being ₹487.05. This means the stock didn’t go lower or higher than this range on that day.
The company’s overall value in the stock market, known as market capitalization, was ₹30,931.59 crores. This is the total worth of all its shares combined.
Looking at its performance over the past year, the highest price Paytm’s stock reached was ₹998.3, and the lowest was ₹487.05. This gives investors an idea of the stock’s stability and potential for growth or decline.
On that specific day, the trading volume on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for Paytm’s stock was 615,676 shares. This represents how many shares were bought and sold during the day.
In summary, Paytm’s stock had a day where it started at ₹487.05, went as high as ₹608.8, and closed at the same value. The overall value of the company in the stock market was ₹30,931.59 crores, and it traded 615,676 shares on the BSE that day.
Summing Up
In simple terms, the stock of the company behind Paytm, called One97 Communications Limited, has faced a significant drop for the third day in a row. This means that the value of Paytm’s shares has reached an all-time low.
As of now, each Paytm share is being traded at Rs 438.50, having fallen by 10%. This continuous decline is a result of concerns in the market after the Reserve Bank of India took action against Paytm Payments Bank Limited, a company associated with Paytm.
So, in a nutshell, Paytm’s parent company’s stock has been on a downward trend, reaching its lowest point, mainly due to regulatory actions against one of its associated entities, Paytm Payments Bank Limited.
The USSenate has introduced a bipartisan agreement worth $118 billion, aiming to enhance border security and offer crucial wartime assistance to Israel and Ukraine.
President Joe Biden, alongside Senate leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties, has been advocating for the provision of wartime aid to Ukraine. However, they have encountered challenges, particularly from conservative Republicans who are adamant about implementing measures to address illegal immigration along the Mexico border.
US Senate Strategic Funding:
The recently announced bill on Sunday signifies a substantial $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, whose efforts to resist Russia’s invasion have been hindered by a suspension of US shipments of ammunition and missiles.
Additionally, the agreement allocates $14.1 billion in military assistance to Israel, with $2.44 billion designated for enhancing security in the Red Sea, targeted at countering numerous attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on commercial shipping. Furthermore, $4.83 billion is earmarked to support allies in Asia amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
As part of the deal, the president would gain new authority to promptly expel migrants in the event of overwhelming asylum claims, while border applications would undergo accelerated and more stringent enforcement measures. Anticipated to be a focal point in the upcoming presidential election in November, illegal immigration takes center stage, with Republican front-runner Donald Trump vigorously campaigning on assertions of a perceived “invasion” from the southern border.
US Senate Ambitious Security Bill Faces Uphill Battle:
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed his intention to schedule a vote on the bill this Wednesday, characterizing the package as a “monumental step towards fortifying America’s national security globally and at our borders.” However, despite garnering support from key Democrats, the fate of the bill remains uncertain in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a majority.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson declared on Sunday that the Senate’s deal would be dismissed if it reaches his Republican-controlled chamber, deeming it “dead on arrival.” He criticized the bill, stating it falls short of expectations and won’t effectively address the border challenges created by the President. Johnson emphasized concerns about the bill’s provision that implies “the border never closes,” as highlighted by the lead Democratic negotiator.
I’ve seen enough. This bill is even worse than we expected, and won’t come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created. As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, “the border never closes.”
Indian Embassy Employee “Satendra Siwal” Arrested for Alleged ISI Links:
In a startling development, Uttar Pradesh police apprehended Satendra Siwal, an Indian national employed at the Indian embassy in Moscow, on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s ISI. The arrest has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, raising concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive information. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the extent of Satendra Siwal’s alleged involvement in spying activities. The incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by diplomatic missions in safeguarding national security.
According to an official statement, Satendra Siwal was taken in for questioning by the Meerut field unit of Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
Who is Satendra Siwal ?
Satendra Siwal, hailing from Shahmahiuddinpur village in Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, is the son of Jaiveer Singh. Since 2021, he had been working as an India-Based Security Assistant (IBSA) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow.
Employed initially as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Satendra Siwal later assumed the role of Security Assistant within the embassy’s staff.
Satendra Siwal Accused of Leaking Strategic Information to ISI Handlers:
During their investigation, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) employed both electronic and physical surveillance methods, uncovering Siwal’s engagement in activities against India in collaboration with handlers from Pakistan’s ISI. The ATS alleges that he exchanged sensitive information concerning strategic initiatives of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments in exchange for financial gains.
Satendra Siwal Arrested on Charges of Espionage:
An FIR was lodged against Satendra Siwal at the ATS police station in Lucknow, charging him under Section 121A of the IPC for waging war against the country and the Official Secrets Act of 1923, ultimately resulting in his apprehension.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged Satendra Siwal arrest and affirmed its cooperation with the investigative authorities involved in the case.
Leh Rises: Locals Rally for Ladakh’s Statehood and Constitutional Rights:
Despite the freezing weather, a large-scale protest unfolded in Leh, Ladakh, on Saturday. Residents orchestrated a full shutdown to emphasize their requests, such as Ladakh’s statehood. Thousands of people braved the cold to march through the streets, advocating for Ladakh to be recognized under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, providing tribal status. They also demanded job reservations for locals and parliamentary seats for both Leh and Kargil. Social media circulated videos capturing the immense crowd, all armed with signs and chanting slogans.
#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: Thousands brave the freezing cold as they march demanding statehood for Ladakh and protections under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory. (03.02) pic.twitter.com/gwsiGZBxXc
The big protests in Leh were put together by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Men and women braved the freezing cold to march in the main city of Leh. LAB and KDA, which represent different parts of Ladakh, have been pushing for Ladakh to become a state and be placed under the Sixth Schedule status ever since it became a Union Territory. In August 2021, LAB and KDA teamed up to make their demands louder.
Statehood Amid Dissatisfaction with Bureaucratic Rule:
People in Ladakh are not happy with the prolonged bureaucratic rule in their Union Territory. They believe that only by becoming a full-fledged state, with the ability to elect their own representatives, can their needs be addressed.
In January 2023, the Union Home Ministry formed a powerful committee, led by Minister of State Rai, to ensure the protection of land and employment for the people of Ladakh. According to PTI, representatives from Ladakh submitted a document requesting the establishment of a Ladakh Public Service Commission. They pointed out that the absence of such a provision limits the opportunities for students in Ladakh to secure certain government positions.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart, Lal Krishna Advani, will be awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna. The Prime Minister personally reached out to Advani, extending his congratulations for this significant honor.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed his joy, stating, “I am delighted to announce that Shri LK Advani Ji will be awarded the Bharat Ratna. I had the pleasure of speaking to him personally to convey my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”
I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honor. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK
LK Advani Monumental Contributions to India’s Development – PM Modi:
PM Modi praised LK Advani as one of the most esteemed statesmen of our era, highlighting his significant impact on India’s development. The Prime Minister emphasized LK Advani’s journey, which began with grassroots work and culminated in serving the nation as Deputy Prime Minister.
In the 1998 general election, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) took charge, bringing Vajpayee back as Prime Minister in March 1998. LK Advani secured his third term in the Lok Sabha and took on the role of Home Minister. However, the government faced another setback after just thirteen months when the All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by J. Jayalalitha withdrew its support. Subsequently, with fresh elections called, the BJP-led NDA once again secured a majority in the 1999 general election, and LK Advani clinched victory from Gandhinagar for the fourth term. He served as the Home Minister and later rose to the position of Deputy Prime Minister in 2002.
Lal Krishna Advani, born on 8 November 1927, is an Indian politician who held the position of the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004. A key figure in Indian politics, he played a crucial role in co-founding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist volunteer organization. Notably, Advani holds the record for being the longest-serving Minister of Home Affairs, serving from 1998 to 2004. Additionally, he has the distinction of being the lengthiest-serving Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In the 2009 general election, he was the nominated prime ministerial candidate for the BJP.
Pratibha Advani is an Indian talk show host, anchor, and television producer. She is the daughter of L. K. Advani, the former Deputy Prime Minister of India. Pratibha leads Swayam Infotainment, a media company focused on creating entertainment content for Indian television. She serves as the producer for two shows broadcasted on Doordarshan, a prominent television network in India.
The US military recently carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, specifically targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and associated militia groups. The strikes, conducted at 4 pm Eastern Time on Friday, hit over 85 locations. These included spots related to command and control operations, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle storage, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities connected to militia groups and the IRGC sponsors.
CENTCOM Statement on U.S. Strikes in Iraq and Syria
At 4:00 p.m. (EST) Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. U.S. military forces… pic.twitter.com/HeLMFDx9zY
Targeting Over 80 Sites in Iraq and Syria Against Iran-Linked Groups:
The US military launched a significant air attack, hitting over 80 targets in Iraq and Syria. The assault, which occurred around midnight local time (4 pm ET), targeted sites associated with Iran-linked militias and Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard. Using more than 125 bombs, the Central Command revealed that this was the initial strike in a series against these groups. The airstrikes unfolded over approximately 30 minutes on a Friday, with three sites hit in Iraq and four in Syria, according to Lt Gen Douglas Sims, the director of the joint staff.
US Responds to Drone Attack That Claimed Lives of Three Troops in Jordan
The US conducted airstrikes as a response to a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of three American troops in Jordan. According to the US, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of militias linked to Iran, was held responsible for the weekend attack on the remote Tower 22 logistics base near the Jordan-Syria-Iraq border. The strike occurred at night, hitting living quarters, leading to the death of three US army reservists and injuring over 80 others.
President Biden’s Warning:
After the attacks commenced, President Joe Biden issued a warning that the US would take action if any harm came to an American. In simple terms, he stated, “We don’t want trouble in the Middle East or anywhere else, but if you hurt an American, we will respond.” John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, emphasized that the responses started immediately and would continue beyond the initial night.
Sanctions and Charges Unveiled Amidst Airstrikes:
The US has introduced new penalties and charges targeting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which seem to align with the recent American strikes. The US Treasury Department has sanctioned six officials involved in the cyber-electronic command of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for activities aimed at critical infrastructure. Additionally, they are targeting a network of suppliers linked to providing materials and technology for Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle programs. Prosecutors have also seized $108 million linked to an oil laundering scheme, intended to fund the Guards’ elite Quds Force.
Today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the Interim Budget 2024 in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, making it her sixth consecutive budget presentation. Without bringing in popular but unsustainable measures, she decided to keep tax rates steady for both direct and indirect taxes. Sitharaman outlined a vision for the next five years, foreseeing remarkable growth and announcing a capital expenditure of Rs 11.1 lakh crore for the coming fiscal year – an 11 percent increase from the current one.
Notably, the government aims to bring down the fiscal deficit target to 5.1 percent of GDP in the next fiscal year, with a further reduction to 4.5 percent targeted for FY26. It’s essential to note that a more detailed budget will be presented once a new government is formed after the Lok Sabha Elections, given the interim nature of this budget.
Key Insights into : Direct and Indirect Tax Changes:
Nirmala Sitharaman suggests no changes in direct and indirect taxes, including import taxes.
The same tax rates for both direct and indirect taxes will stay in place.
Tax breaks for start-ups and investments by Sovereign wealth funds extended until March 31, 2025.
The focus is on improving services for taxpayers.
Tax reforms have broadened the tax base and increased tax collections.
The government will withdraw old disputed direct tax demands, benefiting 1 crore taxpayers.
Some tax benefits are proposed for pension funds.
The processing time for tax returns has significantly reduced from 93 days in FY14 to 10 days.
The GST tax base has more than doubled, according to the Finance Minister.
The number of tax filers has increased by 2.4 times, and direct tax collections have tripled since 2014.
Tax receipts for 2024-25 are estimated at Rs 26.02 lakh crore.
Direct tax collections have tripled in the last 10 years, and return filing has swelled to 2.4 times.
Key Insights into : Fiscal Announcements:
A spending plan of Rs 11.11 lakh crore is set for capital expenditure.
The capital expenditure makes up 3.4% of the GDP.
The Fiscal Deficit target for FY24 is now 5.8% of GDP, slightly revised from 5.9%.
The Fiscal Deficit target for FY25 is set at 5.1%.
The government aims to further reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.5% in 2025-26.
The Gross market borrowing target for FY25 is Rs 14.13 lakh crore.
Net market borrowing is expected to be Rs 11.75 lakh crore.
The revised expenditure for FY24 is Rs 44.90 lakh crore.
The estimated total revenue receipts for 2024/25 are Rs 30 lakh crore, up from the revised estimate of Rs 26.99 lakh crore.
Nominal GDP growth is projected to be 10.5%.
A budget of Rs 2.12 lakh crore is allocated for food subsidy.
The Divestment Target for FY24 has been reduced to Rs 30,000 crore.
The Divestment Target for FY25 is set at Rs 50,000 crore.
Key Insights into : Railway
The Railways receive a funding of Rs 2.4 lakh crore.
Three key economic railway corridors are introduced under PM Gati Shakti, aiming to enhance logistics efficiency and cut costs.
The Finance Minister unveils three economic corridors focused on energy, minerals, and cement.
Plans are outlined for improved port connectivity and high-traffic density corridors.
Urban transformation is promoted through initiatives like Metro rail and NaMo Bharat.
A total of 40,000 regular train bogies will be transformed into high-speed Vande Bharat ones.
Key Insights into : Defence:
The Defence Budget for FY 2024-25 is set at Rs 6,21,540.85 crore, constituting 13.04 percent of the total Union Budget.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the primary recipient of budgetary allocations.
Compared to FY 2022-23, the Defence budget for FY 24-25 has increased by approximately one lakh crore (18.35 percent).
It is 4.72 percent higher than the allocation for FY 23-24.
The budget breakdown includes 27.67 percent for capital, 14.82 percent for operational expenses, 30.68 percent for Pay and allowances, 22.72 percent for defence pensions, and 4.11 percent for civil organisations under MoD.
Tank Centurion passes through the Rajpath, at the 73rd Republic Day Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 26, 2022.
Key Insights into : Agriculture:
Encourage both private and public sector support for investments in post-harvest activities.
Focus on empowering dairy farmers.
Increase efforts to control Foot and Mouth Disease in livestock.
Expand the application of Nano-DAP (fertilizer) in all agro-climatic zones.
Provide crop insurance to 4 crore farmers through PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Establish five integrated Aqua Parks.
Introduce Blue Economy 2.0 to boost aquaculture.
Enhance the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana to improve aquaculture productivity, double exports, and create more jobs.
Provide direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore farmers under PM-KISAN.
Key Insights into : Tourism:
States will receive interest-free loans to boost tourism.
Money will be given to support tourism development in Lakshadweep.
Key Insights into : Health Sector:
Expand healthcare benefits to Aasha workers and Aanganwadi workers under Ayushman Bharat.
The government aims to establish hospitals in every district.
Initiate vaccination for cervical cancer in girls aged 9-14.
Speed up Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs to enhance nutrition delivery and early childhood care.
Allocate Rs 90,170 crore to the health sector, which is 13.8% higher than the revised estimate of Rs 79,220 crore for 2023/24.
Key Insights into : Renewable Energy:
Provide financial support to make wind energy more feasible.
Establish facilities for turning coal into gas and liquid.
Gradual requirement for mixing CNG, PNG, and compressed biogas.
Offer financial help for acquiring machinery to gather biomass.
Enable one crore households to receive up to 300 units of free electricity each month.
Key Insights into : Education:
For the education sector in 2024/25, a budget of Rs 1.25 lakh crore is anticipated, marking a 14.5% increase from the revised estimate of Rs 1.1 lakh crore in 2023/24.
Key Insights into : Houses:
Introducing a new housing initiative for the middle class.
The goal is to construct 2 crore houses through PM Aavas Yojana.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) is on track to fulfill its target of 3 crore houses, with an extra 2 crore homes planned for the next five years.
Key Insights into : PLI:
The PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme has been allocated Rs 6,200 crore as per the details in the India Budget 2024.
