Indian cricket team`s "spectacular" Test series victory in Australia found a mention in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s Budget 2021-22 Speech in the Parliament on Monday. 
 
"I can`t help but recall the joy that we as a cricket-loving nation felt after the Team India`s recent spectacular success in Australia," Sitharaman said while she heaped praises on India`s memorable win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
 
"It has reminded us of all the qualities that we as people, particularly our youth, epitomise of having abundant promise and the unsuppressed thirst to perform and to succeed," she added. 
 
The Indian team, after facing an embarrassing loss in the first Test in Adelaide where they were bowled out for their lowest Test score of 36, came back strongly in the next three matches to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy in an emphatic manner. The series saw Indian team register their first win at the Gabba in Brisbane -- a venue where Australia last suffered a defeat in 1988. 
 
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also praised the Indian cricket team, saying that the team`s hard work and teamwork which was on full display in Australia is inspiring. 
 
"This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back strongly and won the Test series in Australia. Our team`s hard work and teamwork was inspiring," Modi said during his monthly `Mann Ki Baat` programme. 
 
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on their part, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his appreciation and tweeted: "Thank you Shri Narendra Modi for your appreciation and words of encouragement. Team India will do everything possible to keep the tricolour flying high." 
 
India will next face England in a four-Test series beginning Friday in Chennai.

Indian cricket team`s "spectacular" Test series victory in Australia found a mention in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s Budget 2021-22 Speech in the Parliament on Monday.

Indian cricket team`s "spectacular" Test series victory in Australia found a mention in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s Budget 2021-22 Speech in the Parliament on Monday. "I can`t help but recall the joy that we as a cricket-loving nation felt after the Team India`s recent spectacular success in Australia," Sitharaman said while she heaped praises on India`s memorable win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "It has reminded us of all the qualities that we as people, particularly our youth, epitomise of having abundant promise and the unsuppressed thirst to perform and to succeed," she added. The Indian team, after facing an embarrassing loss in the first Test in Adelaide where they were bowled out for their lowest Test score of 36, came back strongly in the next three matches to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy in an emphatic manner. The series saw Indian team register their first win at the Gabba in Brisbane -- a venue where Australia last suffered a defeat in 1988. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also praised the Indian cricket team, saying that the team`s hard work and teamwork which was on full display in Australia is inspiring. "This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back strongly and won the Test series in Australia. Our team`s hard work and teamwork was inspiring," Modi said during his monthly `Mann Ki Baat` programme. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on their part, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his appreciation and tweeted: "Thank you Shri Narendra Modi for your appreciation and words of encouragement. Team India will do everything possible to keep the tricolour flying high." India will next face England in a four-Test series beginning Friday in Chennai.

Union Budget 2021: Sitharaman mentions team India's 'spectacular success' in Australia

India's finance minister&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;while presenting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget">Union Budget&nbsp;202</a>1 in Parliament on Monday said that the government is fully prepared to support and facilitate "economic reset" in India.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said the&nbsp;Budget&nbsp;rests on six pillars: health and well being, physical and financial capital infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India, reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&amp;D and minimum government and maximum governance.

Tabling the Union Budget 2021-22, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/nirmala-sitharaman">Sitharaman</a> said the total financial impact of all AtmaNirbharBharat packages, including measures taken by RBI, was estimated to be about Rs 27.1 lakh crore, with an amount of more than 13 per cent of GDP.

<h2>Key highlights of Nirmala Sitharaman's infrastructure&nbsp;plan in Union Budget 2021:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>The proposition of&nbsp;a sharp increase in capital expenditure and&nbsp;Rs 5.54 lakh crores allotted, which is 34.5 per cent&nbsp;more than the BE 2020-21.</li>
	<li>FY21 Capital expenditure at Rs 4.39 lakh crore; 3500 kms of national highway works in TamilNadu with an investment of Rs 1.03 lakh crore, 1500 kms of national highway road in Kerala at a cost of Rs 65,000 crore</li>
	<li>An enhanced outlay of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for Ministry of Road Transport and&nbsp;Highway</li>
	<li>702 km of metro rail already operation in 26 cities 1016 km in the works.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Eastern and western dedicated freight corridors to be commissioned by June 2022</li>
	<li>Power distribution: Consumers to be given a choice of more than one distribution company; share of public transport to be enhanced with an outlay of Rs 18,000 crore</li>
	<li>The DFI is proposed to be capitalized with Rs 20,000 crore and is expected to have a lending portfolio of at least Rs 5 lakh crores within three years' time</li>
	<li>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ujjwala Scheme will be extended to cover 1 cr more beneficiaries; will add 100 more districts to city gas distribution network</li>
	<li>7 port projects to be offered in private-public partnership mode; plan to support Indian shipping cos with subsidy</li>
	<li>Allocation of Rs 1,000 cr to Solar Energy Corporation of India</li>
	<li>Corporate bond market: Permanent institutional framework to be put in place to purchase investment-grade papers</li>
	<li>Hydrogen energy mission to be launched for generation using clean sources</li>
	<li>To allow depositors of stressed banks to access up to Rs 5 lakh&nbsp;as per DICGC; small companies threshold for paid-up capital hiked to up to Rs 2 crore</li>
</ul>

The Indian economy is projected to contract 7.7 per cent&nbsp;in the current fiscal year, although the government forecasts growth of 11 per cent&nbsp;for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments.

The first part of the Budget Session is scheduled to continue till February 15 while the second part of the session will be held from March 8 to April 8. Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am to 2 pm and Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm with Zero Hour and Question Hour.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2021 in Parliament on Monday said that the government is fully prepared to support and facilitate "economic reset" in India.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2021 in Parliament on Monday said that the government is fully prepared to support and facilitate "economic reset" in India. Sitharaman said the Budget rests on six pillars: health and well being, physical and financial capital infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India, reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D and minimum government and maximum governance. Tabling the Union Budget 2021-22, Sitharaman said the total financial impact of all AtmaNirbharBharat packages, including measures taken by RBI, was estimated to be about Rs 27.1 lakh crore, with an amount of more than 13 per cent of GDP. Key highlights of Nirmala Sitharaman's infrastructure plan in Union Budget 2021: The proposition of a sharp increase in capital expenditure and Rs 5.54 lakh crores allotted, which is 34.5 per cent more than the BE 2020-21. FY21 Capital expenditure at Rs 4.39 lakh crore; 3500 kms of national highway works in TamilNadu with an investment of Rs 1.03 lakh crore, 1500 kms of national highway road in Kerala at a cost of Rs 65,000 crore An enhanced outlay of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for Ministry of Road Transport and Highway 702 km of metro rail already operation in 26 cities 1016 km in the works. Eastern and western dedicated freight corridors to be commissioned by June 2022 Power distribution: Consumers to be given a choice of more than one distribution company; share of public transport to be enhanced with an outlay of Rs 18,000 crore The DFI is proposed to be capitalized with Rs 20,000 crore and is expected to have a lending portfolio of at least Rs 5 lakh crores within three years' time Ujjwala Scheme will be extended to cover 1 cr more beneficiaries; will add 100 more districts to city gas distribution network 7 port projects to be offered in private-public partnership mode; plan to support Indian shipping cos with subsidy Allocation of Rs 1,000 cr to Solar Energy Corporation of India Corporate bond market: Permanent institutional framework to be put in place to purchase investment-grade papers Hydrogen energy mission to be launched for generation using clean sources To allow depositors of stressed banks to access up to Rs 5 lakh as per DICGC; small companies threshold for paid-up capital hiked to up to Rs 2 crore The Indian economy is projected to contract 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal year, although the government forecasts growth of 11 per cent for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments. The first part of the Budget Session is scheduled to continue till February 15 while the second part of the session will be held from March 8 to April 8. Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am to 2 pm and Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm with Zero Hour and Question Hour.

Union Budget 2021: Key highlights of physical, financial capital and infrastructure reforms introduced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament on Monday, at a time when India is recovering from the COVID-19 crisis.

The presentation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget">Union Budget&nbsp;</a>will&nbsp;begin with a speech by&nbsp;finance minister scheduled to take place at around 11 am.

Ahead of her third Budget presentation, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/nirmala-sitharaman">Finance Minister</a> and her team will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and will likely be accompanied by her deputy Anurag Thakur and other officials of the Finance Ministry.

The Union Cabinet will hold a meeting at 10:15 am before the presentation. Usually, the duration of the presentation ranges from 90 to 120 minutes. This year, the Union Budget will be delivered in paperless form for the first time.

The first part of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget"> Budget Session</a> is scheduled to continue till February 15 while the second part of the session will be held from March 8 to April 8. Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am to 2 pm and Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm with Zero Hour and Question Hour.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Saturday that the budget session will take up 38 legislative items.

Finance Minister had launched the "Union Budget Mobile App" for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience, according to the Finance Ministry.

The App facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and Finance Bill as prescribed by the Constitution.

In her speech, Sitharaman is likely to announce measures including a hike in infrastructure spending and tax cuts to boost the pandemic-hit economy when she presents the annual budget later on Monday, while deferring debt cut plans.

Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to increase spending by more than 15 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in 2021-22 with an emphasis on infrastructure and healthcare, say senior officials and advisers involved in budget preparation.

The economy is projected to contract 7.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the current fiscal year. However in its annual report on the economy to parliament on Friday the government forecast growth of 11 per cent&nbsp;for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the budget will be in continuation of government efforts to revive sectors impacted by pandemic, which has hit all economic activities and led to millions of job losses mainly in small businesses.

The government is likely to hike import duties on a number of high-end goods in a bid to raise more than 210 billion rupees in revenue, government sources said.

New Delhi is likely to rely heavily on privatisation of state-run firms and sales of minority stakes in large companies such as Life Insurance Corp to fund its expenditure programme.

It could aim to raise 2.5-3 trillion rupees from stake- sales in 2021-22, after raising just about 180 billion rupees in the current year, well short of its 2.1 trillion rupees target, government sources say.

Ahead of the Union Budget, Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday.&nbsp;

The survey unveiled two days before the Union Budget is broadly in line with forecasts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which has said it expected the country's GDP to contract by 7.5 per cent in the year ending March 31.

In the quarter ending June 2020, the GDP contracted by 23.9 per cent followed by a milder contraction of 7.5 per cent in the quarter ended September 2020.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament on Monday, at a time when India is recovering from the COVID-19 crisis.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament on Monday, at a time when India is recovering from the COVID-19 crisis. The presentation of the Union Budget will begin with a speech by finance minister scheduled to take place at around 11 am. Ahead of her third Budget presentation, the Finance Minister and her team will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and will likely be accompanied by her deputy Anurag Thakur and other officials of the Finance Ministry. The Union Cabinet will hold a meeting at 10:15 am before the presentation. Usually, the duration of the presentation ranges from 90 to 120 minutes. This year, the Union Budget will be delivered in paperless form for the first time. The first part of the Budget Session is scheduled to continue till February 15 while the second part of the session will be held from March 8 to April 8. Rajya Sabha will function from 9 am to 2 pm and Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm with Zero Hour and Question Hour. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Saturday that the budget session will take up 38 legislative items. Finance Minister had launched the "Union Budget Mobile App" for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience, according to the Finance Ministry. The App facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and Finance Bill as prescribed by the Constitution. In her speech, Sitharaman is likely to announce measures including a hike in infrastructure spending and tax cuts to boost the pandemic-hit economy when she presents the annual budget later on Monday, while deferring debt cut plans. Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to increase spending by more than 15 per cent year-on-year in 2021-22 with an emphasis on infrastructure and healthcare, say senior officials and advisers involved in budget preparation. The economy is projected to contract 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal year. However in its annual report on the economy to parliament on Friday the government forecast growth of 11 per cent for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the budget will be in continuation of government efforts to revive sectors impacted by pandemic, which has hit all economic activities and led to millions of job losses mainly in small businesses. The government is likely to hike import duties on a number of high-end goods in a bid to raise more than 210 billion rupees in revenue, government sources said. New Delhi is likely to rely heavily on privatisation of state-run firms and sales of minority stakes in large companies such as Life Insurance Corp to fund its expenditure programme. It could aim to raise 2.5-3 trillion rupees from stake- sales in 2021-22, after raising just about 180 billion rupees in the current year, well short of its 2.1 trillion rupees target, government sources say. Ahead of the Union Budget, Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday. The survey unveiled two days before the Union Budget is broadly in line with forecasts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which has said it expected the country's GDP to contract by 7.5 per cent in the year ending March 31. In the quarter ending June 2020, the GDP contracted by 23.9 per cent followed by a milder contraction of 7.5 per cent in the quarter ended September 2020.

Finance Minister Sitharaman to present Union Budget 2021 today; all you need to know

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.

The landmark case puts the city's independent judiciary on a potentially precarious collision course with China's authoritarian leadership as Beijing seeks to snuff out dissent in the restless financial hub.

Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and he is the highest profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges.

He has been charged with "colluding with foreign forces" -- one of the new security crimes -- for allegedly calling for sanctions on Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on dissidents.

The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997. It criminalises a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories.

Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time and grants China jurisdiction in some cases.

Another precedent-setting element of the law is no presumption of bail -- a hallmark of Hong Kong's independent common law legal system.

That is what Lai and his lawyers were seeking to challenge on Monday.

Lai was detained in December and initially granted bail after agreeing to a stringent list of requirements, including house arrest and no interviews or social media.

But he was put back behind bars days later by the Court of Final Appeal pending this week's full hearing.

Difficult balance

A panel of top judges will now&nbsp;have to balance the wording of Beijing's law against the city's common law traditions, its mini-constitution and its Bill of Rights which supposedly guarantee freedom of speech and a presumption of bail for non-violent crimes.

Legal analysts say the outcome will give an indication of whether Hong Kong's judiciary will serve -- or even can serve -- as any kind of constitutional brake against Beijing's security law.

"Today's hearing is likely to be the single most important and consequential court hearing in Hong Kong's post-1997 history," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong lawyer and author, told AFP.

Throughout the hearing on Monday judges challenged prosecutors on why bail should not be granted given Lai has agreed to strict house arrest measures.

Government lawyers countered that Beijing's law made clear it wanted those charged with security law crimes denied bail.

"The public simply cannot afford one act that endangers national security," prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court.&nbsp;

The judges are in a precarious position.

In Hong Kong's complex constitutional hierarchy the ultimate arbiter of the laws is Beijing's Standing Committee, which has showed an increased willingness in recent years to wade into legal arguments and make pronouncements.

China's state media have already declared Lai guilty and made clear authorities expect Hong Kong's judges to side with Beijing on national security.

Senior Chinese officials have recently backed calls to "reform" Hong Kong's judiciary, something opponents fear signals support for a more mainland-style legal system that answers to the Communist Party and where convictions are all but guaranteed.

Outside court on Monday, small groups of nationalist protesters gathered, two dressed as the coronavirus and holding banners that described Lai's newspaper as "poison".

Others heckled Lai's supporters, including 89-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, a veteran democracy advocate who was called a "dog" and a "traitor" by the pro-Beijing protesters as he entered court.&nbsp;

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year. The landmark case puts the city's independent judiciary on a potentially precarious collision course with China's authoritarian leadership as Beijing seeks to snuff out dissent in the restless financial hub. Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and he is the highest profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges. He has been charged with "colluding with foreign forces" -- one of the new security crimes -- for allegedly calling for sanctions on Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on dissidents. The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997. It criminalises a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories. Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time and grants China jurisdiction in some cases. Another precedent-setting element of the law is no presumption of bail -- a hallmark of Hong Kong's independent common law legal system. That is what Lai and his lawyers were seeking to challenge on Monday. Lai was detained in December and initially granted bail after agreeing to a stringent list of requirements, including house arrest and no interviews or social media. But he was put back behind bars days later by the Court of Final Appeal pending this week's full hearing. Difficult balance A panel of top judges will now have to balance the wording of Beijing's law against the city's common law traditions, its mini-constitution and its Bill of Rights which supposedly guarantee freedom of speech and a presumption of bail for non-violent crimes. Legal analysts say the outcome will give an indication of whether Hong Kong's judiciary will serve -- or even can serve -- as any kind of constitutional brake against Beijing's security law. "Today's hearing is likely to be the single most important and consequential court hearing in Hong Kong's post-1997 history," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong lawyer and author, told AFP. Throughout the hearing on Monday judges challenged prosecutors on why bail should not be granted given Lai has agreed to strict house arrest measures. Government lawyers countered that Beijing's law made clear it wanted those charged with security law crimes denied bail. "The public simply cannot afford one act that endangers national security," prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court. The judges are in a precarious position. In Hong Kong's complex constitutional hierarchy the ultimate arbiter of the laws is Beijing's Standing Committee, which has showed an increased willingness in recent years to wade into legal arguments and make pronouncements. China's state media have already declared Lai guilty and made clear authorities expect Hong Kong's judges to side with Beijing on national security. Senior Chinese officials have recently backed calls to "reform" Hong Kong's judiciary, something opponents fear signals support for a more mainland-style legal system that answers to the Communist Party and where convictions are all but guaranteed. Outside court on Monday, small groups of nationalist protesters gathered, two dressed as the coronavirus and holding banners that described Lai's newspaper as "poison". Others heckled Lai's supporters, including 89-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, a veteran democracy advocate who was called a "dog" and a "traitor" by the pro-Beijing protesters as he entered court.

Pro-democracy tycoon in landmark challenge to Hong Kong security law

The United States led governments around the world in calling for the restoration of Myanmar's democracy on Monday after the military staged a coup, arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians.

United States

The United States "will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed", White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

She added that the US opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of the November elections, which handed Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) an overwhelming landslide, but sparked allegations of vote irregularities by the routed military-backed party.&nbsp;

Newly appointed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on Myanmar's military "to release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in democratic elections on November 8."

Before the coup, Washington, alongside several other Western nations, had urged the military to "adhere to democractic norms" in a January 29 statement that came as the commander-in-chief threatened to revoke the country's constitution.&nbsp;

Australia&nbsp;

"We call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others who have been detained unlawfully," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said.

India

"We have noted the developments in Myanmar with deep concern. India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly" condemned the military's detention of Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other leaders.

"These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Singapore

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "grave concern about the latest situation in Myanmar," adding hopes that all parties would "exercise restraint."

The city-state advised Singaporeans in Myanmar to stay vigilant "in view of the fluid situation."

Canada

Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted that Myanmar’s military "wrote the Constitution this way so they could do this."

"The Constitution of 2008 was specifically designed to ensure military power was deeply entrenched and protected," he said.

The United States led governments around the world in calling for the restoration of Myanmar's democracy on Monday after the military staged a coup, arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians.

The United States led governments around the world in calling for the restoration of Myanmar's democracy on Monday after the military staged a coup, arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians. United States The United States "will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed", White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement. She added that the US opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of the November elections, which handed Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) an overwhelming landslide, but sparked allegations of vote irregularities by the routed military-backed party. Newly appointed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on Myanmar's military "to release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in democratic elections on November 8." Before the coup, Washington, alongside several other Western nations, had urged the military to "adhere to democractic norms" in a January 29 statement that came as the commander-in-chief threatened to revoke the country's constitution. Australia "We call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others who have been detained unlawfully," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said. India "We have noted the developments in Myanmar with deep concern. India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. United Nations UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly" condemned the military's detention of Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other leaders. "These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Singapore Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "grave concern about the latest situation in Myanmar," adding hopes that all parties would "exercise restraint." The city-state advised Singaporeans in Myanmar to stay vigilant "in view of the fluid situation." Canada Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted that Myanmar’s military "wrote the Constitution this way so they could do this." "The Constitution of 2008 was specifically designed to ensure military power was deeply entrenched and protected," he said.

Governments around the world condemn Myanmar's military coup

Nine landmark budgets and their impact on Republic of India

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Military takes control in Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi, senior leaders detained Trump names new lawyers to lead his impeachment defence team in Senate trial Navaln

Military takes control in Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi, senior leaders detained Trump names new lawyers to lead his impeachment defence team in Senate trial Navalny's foundation calls on Biden to sanction Putin allies

Morning news brief: Military takes control in Myanmar, Trump appoints new lawyers for impeachment trial and more

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden&nbsp;to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny's foundation (FBK) said it had submitted a list of 35 people in total in a letter addressed to Biden with eight named on a ''priority shortlist''.The letter said that seven of the 35 individuals are already on US sanctions lists.

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The move comes ahead of nationwide protests planned this weekend in support of Navalny, who is being held in detention ahead of a court hearing next week&nbsp;on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence.&nbsp;

Russian police detained 5,021 people on Sunday&nbsp;at unauthorised rallies nationwide in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, the OVD-Info monitoring group said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/toilet-brushes-and-blue-pants-unusual-symbols-of-russias-protests-360362" hreflang="en">Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests</a>

'Harsh tactics'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Twitter condemned "the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists by Russian authorities for a second week straight".

The Russian foreign ministry hit back, accusing the United States of&nbsp;"gross interference" in its affairs and of using "online platforms controlled by Washington" to promote the protests.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said he deplored the "widespread detentions and disproportionate use of force" against protesters and journalists.

"Russia needs to comply with its international commitments," he added in a tweet.

Navalny, 44, was arrested on January&nbsp;17 after returning to Moscow from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia last summer. He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies.

His dramatic return to Moscow despite the obvious threat of arrest and the second straight weekend of protests at his jailing pose a challenge for Putin who has dominated the Russian political landscape for over two decades.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's foundation (FBK) said it had submitted a list of 35 people in total in a letter addressed to Biden with eight named on a ''priority shortlist''.The letter said that seven of the 35 individuals are already on US sanctions lists. The move comes ahead of nationwide protests planned this weekend in support of Navalny, who is being held in detention ahead of a court hearing next week on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence. Russian police detained 5,021 people on Sunday at unauthorised rallies nationwide in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the OVD-Info monitoring group said. Also see: Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests 'Harsh tactics' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Twitter condemned "the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists by Russian authorities for a second week straight". The Russian foreign ministry hit back, accusing the United States of "gross interference" in its affairs and of using "online platforms controlled by Washington" to promote the protests. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said he deplored the "widespread detentions and disproportionate use of force" against protesters and journalists. "Russia needs to comply with its international commitments," he added in a tweet. Navalny, 44, was arrested on January 17 after returning to Moscow from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia last summer. He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. His dramatic return to Moscow despite the obvious threat of arrest and the second straight weekend of protests at his jailing pose a challenge for Putin who has dominated the Russian political landscape for over two decades.

Navalny's foundation calls on Biden to sanction Putin allies

Former US President Donald Trump&nbsp;announced Sunday that he had hired two new lawyers to head his defence team for his historic second impeachment trial.

Lawyers David Schoen and Bruce Castor will head the defence effort in the trial set to begin on February&nbsp;9, Trump's office said in a statement. Schoen had already been helping Trump and advisers prepare for the proceedings, according to the former president's office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-impeachment-defense-team-leaves-less-than-two-weeks-before-trial-360411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, have left the defence team in what one person described as a ''mutual decision''&nbsp;that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case.&nbsp;The change injects fresh uncertainty into the makeup and strategy of his defence team.

Trump, who left office January 20, faces trial on a charge that he incited the mob that stormed the US Capitol building in an effort to block his election loss to President Joe Biden.

The trial is historic both because it stems from&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;being impeached a second time during his four years in the White House, and is the first of a former United States president.&nbsp;

Forty-five Senate Republicans backed a failed effort last week to halt Trump’s impeachment trial, in a show of party unity that some cited as a clear sign Trump will not be convicted of inciting insurrection at the Capitol.

The trial, in which&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;faces a charge of "incitement of insurrection" is to begin on February 9.

But with just five Republicans joining all 50 Democrats this week in agreeing that the trial should go forward, it appears unlikely that 17 Republicans would vote against&nbsp;Trump, the minimum number needed to reach the two-thirds threshold for conviction.

Schoen previously represented Trump's former adviser Roger Stone, who was convicted in November 2019 of lying under oath to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump pardoned Stone in December 2020, weeks before leaving the office on January&nbsp;20.

Castor is a former Pennsylvania district attorney known for his decision not to prosecute entertainer Bill Cosby in 2005 after a woman accused Cosby of sexual assault. In 2017, Castor sued Cosby's accuser in the case for defamation, claiming she destroyed his political career in retaliation.

Cosby, 83, is now serving a three-to-10-year sentence in a state prison near Philadelphia after being found guilty in a 2018 trial of drugging and raping a onetime friend at his home in 2004.

Former US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he had hired two new lawyers to head his defence team for his historic second impeachment trial. Lawyers David Schoen and Bruce Castor will head the defence effort in the trial set to begin on February 9, Trump's office said in a statement.

Former US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he had hired two new lawyers to head his defence team for his historic second impeachment trial. Lawyers David Schoen and Bruce Castor will head the defence effort in the trial set to begin on February 9, Trump's office said in a statement. Schoen had already been helping Trump and advisers prepare for the proceedings, according to the former president's office. Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, have left the defence team in what one person described as a ''mutual decision'' that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case. The change injects fresh uncertainty into the makeup and strategy of his defence team. Trump, who left office January 20, faces trial on a charge that he incited the mob that stormed the US Capitol building in an effort to block his election loss to President Joe Biden. The trial is historic both because it stems from Trump being impeached a second time during his four years in the White House, and is the first of a former United States president. Forty-five Senate Republicans backed a failed effort last week to halt Trump’s impeachment trial, in a show of party unity that some cited as a clear sign Trump will not be convicted of inciting insurrection at the Capitol. The trial, in which Trump faces a charge of "incitement of insurrection" is to begin on February 9. But with just five Republicans joining all 50 Democrats this week in agreeing that the trial should go forward, it appears unlikely that 17 Republicans would vote against Trump, the minimum number needed to reach the two-thirds threshold for conviction. Schoen previously represented Trump's former adviser Roger Stone, who was convicted in November 2019 of lying under oath to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump pardoned Stone in December 2020, weeks before leaving the office on January 20. Castor is a former Pennsylvania district attorney known for his decision not to prosecute entertainer Bill Cosby in 2005 after a woman accused Cosby of sexual assault. In 2017, Castor sued Cosby's accuser in the case for defamation, claiming she destroyed his political career in retaliation. Cosby, 83, is now serving a three-to-10-year sentence in a state prison near Philadelphia after being found guilty in a 2018 trial of drugging and raping a onetime friend at his home in 2004.

Trump names two new lawyers to lead his impeachment defence team in Senate trial

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled Union Budget 2021, that aims to shore up an economy badly-hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The budget&nbsp;proposals rested on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&amp;D, minimum government and maximum governance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2021-key-highlights-and-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-360606">Union Budget 2021: Key highlights and takeaways from Sitharaman's budget</a>

From fiscal deficit to tax slabs, these are the&nbsp;10 key figures in Union Budget 2021:

<ul>
	<li>Government's fiscal deficit to reduce from&nbsp;9.5 per cent to&nbsp;3.5 per cent</li>
	<li>To raise 2.5 trillion rupees ($34.25 billion) via cash management bills in 2021/22</li>
	<li>Capital expenditure hiked 34.5 per cent&nbsp;to Rs 5.54 lakh crore in FY'22 to push growth</li>
	<li>Government&nbsp;proposes Rs 2.24 lakh cr outlay for healthcare&nbsp;for 2021-22, compared to Rs 94,452 crore in the current fiscal, an increase of 137 per cent</li>
	<li>To increase foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to 74 per cent, a move aimed at attracting overseas players</li>
	<li>Rs 1.75 lakh crore budgeted from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions, including two&nbsp;PSU banks and one insurance company, in the next fiscal year</li>
	<li>Rs 18,000 crore scheme to augment public transport in urban areas</li>
	<li>Rural infra development fund increased to Rs 40,000&nbsp;crore for the next fiscal from Rs 30,000 crore in FY21</li>
	<li>Under the Public-Private Partnership model,&nbsp;seven port projects worth more than Rs 2,000 crore investment were announced</li>
	<li>Import duties slashed on MSMEs: Uniform decrease&nbsp;to 7.5 per cent on semis, flat, and long products of non-alloy, alloy, and stainless steels</li>
</ul>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-finance-minister-announces-recapitalisation-of-rs-20000-crore-for-psbs-in-fy21-360616/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian bond yields jumped sharply on Monday after the government, in its annual budget presentation, announced plans to raise additional funds from the market over the next two months to bridge a deficit, even as shares rose on promises of reviving economic growth.

The Nifty Auto index climbed 4.6 per cent, while the Nifty PSU Bank index, which tracks state-run lenders, jumped 7.1&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;after Sitharaman said&nbsp;India&nbsp;would set up an asset reconstruction company to take over toxic assets.

India's economy is seen clocking a robust growth of 11 per cent&nbsp;for the coming fiscal year, after likely contracting 7.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the current fiscal year to March 31, an annual economic survey showed on Friday.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled Union Budget 2021, that aims to shore up an economy badly-hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The budget proposals rested on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, minimum government and maximum governance.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled Union Budget 2021, that aims to shore up an economy badly-hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The budget proposals rested on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, minimum government and maximum governance. Also read: Union Budget 2021: Key highlights and takeaways from Sitharaman's budget From fiscal deficit to tax slabs, these are the 10 key figures in Union Budget 2021: Government's fiscal deficit to reduce from 9.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent To raise 2.5 trillion rupees ($34.25 billion) via cash management bills in 2021/22 Capital expenditure hiked 34.5 per cent to Rs 5.54 lakh crore in FY'22 to push growth Government proposes Rs 2.24 lakh cr outlay for healthcare for 2021-22, compared to Rs 94,452 crore in the current fiscal, an increase of 137 per cent To increase foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to 74 per cent, a move aimed at attracting overseas players Rs 1.75 lakh crore budgeted from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions, including two PSU banks and one insurance company, in the next fiscal year Rs 18,000 crore scheme to augment public transport in urban areas Rural infra development fund increased to Rs 40,000 crore for the next fiscal from Rs 30,000 crore in FY21 Under the Public-Private Partnership model, seven port projects worth more than Rs 2,000 crore investment were announced Import duties slashed on MSMEs: Uniform decrease to 7.5 per cent on semis, flat, and long products of non-alloy, alloy, and stainless steels Indian bond yields jumped sharply on Monday after the government, in its annual budget presentation, announced plans to raise additional funds from the market over the next two months to bridge a deficit, even as shares rose on promises of reviving economic growth. The Nifty Auto index climbed 4.6 per cent, while the Nifty PSU Bank index, which tracks state-run lenders, jumped 7.1 per cent after Sitharaman said India would set up an asset reconstruction company to take over toxic assets. India's economy is seen clocking a robust growth of 11 per cent for the coming fiscal year, after likely contracting 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal year to March 31, an annual economic survey showed on Friday.

From fiscal deficit to capital expenditure: 10 key figures in Union Budget 2021

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if&nbsp;Google&nbsp;pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.

Australia has introduced laws that would force internet giant&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and social media heavyweight Facebook Inc to negotiate payments to domestic media outlets whose content links drive traffic to their platforms.

However, the Big Tech firms have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead. Those services include&nbsp;Google's search engine, which has 94 per cent&nbsp;of the country's search market, according to industry data.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has since spoken with Morrison about the new rules, the tech company told Reuters, and on Monday, Morrison said the software company was ready to grow the presence of its search tool Bing, the distant No. 2 player.

"I can tell you, Microsoft's pretty confident, when I spoke to Satya," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, without giving further detail of the conversation.

"We just want the rules in the digital world to be the same that exist in the real world, in the physical world," Morrison added.

A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed the discussion took place but declined to comment, because the company was not directly involved in the laws.

"We recognise the importance of a vibrant media sector and public interest journalism in a democracy and we recognise the challenges the media sector has faced over many years through changing business models and consumer preferences," the spokeswoman said.

Google&nbsp;declined to comment.

A day earlier, Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had requested a meeting over the law, and that they had talked, but that he would not back down on the change.

At a Senate hearing into the laws, Department of Treasury deputy secretary of markets Meghan Quinn said the Australian government would have limited ability to intervene if&nbsp;Google's departure hurt businesses which rely on its search function.

"The (media bargaining) code doesn't prevent the wholesale withdrawal of services, and there's difficulty in any of the legislative mechanisms we've got for someone to (be forced to) provide a service," Quinn said.

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if Google pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if Google pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday. Australia has introduced laws that would force internet giant Google and social media heavyweight Facebook Inc to negotiate payments to domestic media outlets whose content links drive traffic to their platforms. However, the Big Tech firms have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead. Those services include Google's search engine, which has 94 per cent of the country's search market, according to industry data. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has since spoken with Morrison about the new rules, the tech company told Reuters, and on Monday, Morrison said the software company was ready to grow the presence of its search tool Bing, the distant No. 2 player. "I can tell you, Microsoft's pretty confident, when I spoke to Satya," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, without giving further detail of the conversation. "We just want the rules in the digital world to be the same that exist in the real world, in the physical world," Morrison added. A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed the discussion took place but declined to comment, because the company was not directly involved in the laws. "We recognise the importance of a vibrant media sector and public interest journalism in a democracy and we recognise the challenges the media sector has faced over many years through changing business models and consumer preferences," the spokeswoman said. Google declined to comment. A day earlier, Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had requested a meeting over the law, and that they had talked, but that he would not back down on the change. At a Senate hearing into the laws, Department of Treasury deputy secretary of markets Meghan Quinn said the Australian government would have limited ability to intervene if Google's departure hurt businesses which rely on its search function. "The (media bargaining) code doesn't prevent the wholesale withdrawal of services, and there's difficulty in any of the legislative mechanisms we've got for someone to (be forced to) provide a service," Quinn said.

As Google eyes Australia exit, Microsoft talks Bing with Prime Minister Scott Morrison

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