Akharas kickstarted the third grand 'Amrit Snan' at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj in the early hours of Monday, amid tighter protocols.

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Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that 'Import duties have been rationalised to allow Indian industry to source raw materials and promote domestic manufacturing and exports'. Watch this report for more details!

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India is reviewing its crypto stance. This is according to a Reuters exclusive report. Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth, in an interview with Reuters, mentioned shifts in crypto regulations across multiple jurisdictions as a reason for the change in India's approach to crypto regulations.

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India’s latest budget has introduced significant reductions in import duties on high-capacity motorcycles, a move experts say could ease long-standing trade tensions with the U.S. The story is significant as Canada hits the U.S. With retaliatory tariffs and warns trump of real consequences for his proposed policies.

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Free flow of thoughts is important to avoid conflicts linked to religious identities, India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval said. 

Doval's remarks came in the context of larger issues linked to conflict between state and religion during the release of the Hindi version of the Turkish-American scholar Ahmet T Kuru's book 'Islam Authoritarianism: Underdevelopment - A Global and Historical Comparison'. The book has been published by the Khusro Foundation.

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Backward classes constitute up to 56.33% of the Telangana population, making the largest chunk in the state, according to the caste survey report released on Sunday.

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Akharas kickstarted the third grand 'Amrit Snan' at ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj in the early hours of Monday, amid tighter protocols.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Akharas take holy dip during third Amrit Snan

The Embassy of India in Kinshasa, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/dr-congo" rel="dofollow">Democratic Republic of Congo</a>, on Sunday said it is closely monitoring the security situation in the central African country and asked all the Indian nationals in Bukavu &ldquo;to immediately depart to safer locations.&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Embassy issued three advisories during the day and recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan. There are about 1,000 Indian nationals in Congo. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the eastern Congolese city of Goma and are looking at expanding their area of control.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwandan-backed-m23-continues-to-advance-south-in-dr-congo-8676266" rel="dofollow">Rwandan-backed M23 continues to advance south in DR Congo</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "There are reports of M23 being only around 20-25 kms away from Bukavu. Given the security situation, we once again advise all Indian nationals residing in Bukavu to immediately depart to safer locations by whatever means available while the airports, borders and commercial routes are still open. We strongly recommend against any travel to Bukavu," the advisory said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In the latest advisory, the Embassy recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan and gave instructions to keep, at all times, all essential identity and travel documents with them; keep essential items such as medicines, clothing, travel documents, ready-to-eat food, water, etc. in a bag that can be carried easily, and monitor local media channels for updates.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-17-killed-in-dr-congos-goma-as-rwandan-backed-forces-seize-city-8661143" rel="dofollow"> At least 17 killed in DR Congo's Goma as Rwanda-backed forces seize city</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Indian Embassy also said that it is collating information on Indian nationals in Bukavu and asked them to urgently send relevant information such as full name, passport number, addresses in Congo and India, and contact number among other details. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The latest advisory has also given a number (+243 890024313) and a mail ID (cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals to contact in the case of an emergency.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-in-congo-400000-displaced-as-m23-rebels-advance-un-security-council-convenes-urgently-8655802" rel="dofollow">Crisis in Congo: 400,000 displaced as M23 rebels advance; UN Security Council convenes urgently</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Indian Embassy had originally issued the advisory for all Indian nationals in Bukavu, South Kivu in Congo on January 30 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Quoting the Congolese authorities, AP has reported that at least 773 people were killed in Goma and its vicinity this week amid fighting with Rwanda-backed rebels, who captured the city in a major escalation of a decade-long conflict. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Meanwhile, India had on Friday called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Congo and said it is closely following the developments in the central African country. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said about 1,000 Indian nationals are living in Goma. He, however, had said that most of them had moved to safer places following the start of the conflict. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jaiswal also said that there are around 1,200 Indian troops serving in the country as part of the MONUSCO (UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

world: The Embassy issued three advisories during the day and recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan. There are about 1,000 Indian nationals in Congo.

The Embassy of India in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday said it is closely monitoring the security situation in the central African country and asked all the Indian nationals in Bukavu “to immediately depart to safer locations.” The Embassy issued three advisories during the day and recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan. There are about 1,000 Indian nationals in Congo. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the eastern Congolese city of Goma and are looking at expanding their area of control. Also read: Rwandan-backed M23 continues to advance south in DR Congo "There are reports of M23 being only around 20-25 kms away from Bukavu. Given the security situation, we once again advise all Indian nationals residing in Bukavu to immediately depart to safer locations by whatever means available while the airports, borders and commercial routes are still open. We strongly recommend against any travel to Bukavu," the advisory said. In the latest advisory, the Embassy recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan and gave instructions to keep, at all times, all essential identity and travel documents with them; keep essential items such as medicines, clothing, travel documents, ready-to-eat food, water, etc. in a bag that can be carried easily, and monitor local media channels for updates. Also read: At least 17 killed in DR Congo's Goma as Rwanda-backed forces seize city The Indian Embassy also said that it is collating information on Indian nationals in Bukavu and asked them to urgently send relevant information such as full name, passport number, addresses in Congo and India, and contact number among other details. The latest advisory has also given a number (+243 890024313) and a mail ID (cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals to contact in the case of an emergency. Also read: Crisis in Congo: 400,000 displaced as M23 rebels advance; UN Security Council convenes urgently The Indian Embassy had originally issued the advisory for all Indian nationals in Bukavu, South Kivu in Congo on January 30 Quoting the Congolese authorities, AP has reported that at least 773 people were killed in Goma and its vicinity this week amid fighting with Rwanda-backed rebels, who captured the city in a major escalation of a decade-long conflict. Meanwhile, India had on Friday called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Congo and said it is closely following the developments in the central African country. In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said about 1,000 Indian nationals are living in Goma. He, however, had said that most of them had moved to safer places following the start of the conflict. Jaiswal also said that there are around 1,200 Indian troops serving in the country as part of the MONUSCO (UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian Embassy in Congo asks Indian nationals to 'immediately depart' to safer locations amid the conflict

India's budget has introduced a significant reduction in import duties on high-capacity motorcycles and luxury cars, a move that experts say could ease long-standing trade tensions with the U.S. But, the story is significant as Canada, Mexico, and China have hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs and warned Trump of real consequences for his proposed policies. Watch in for more details!

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The government has amended the Aadhaar Act to allow private entities to use Aadhaar authentication for delivering their services, according to a notification issued on Friday. Watch in for more details!

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With successive flight trials of a very short-range air defense system, India has shown its military prowess once again. Three flight trials of the very short-range air defense missile system were conducted from Chandipur off the coast of the Indian state of Odisha. Watch in for more details!

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In a remarkable conservation success story, India has doubled its tiger population in just over a decade, proving that large predators can thrive alongside human communities. Watch in for more details!

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Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today (Saturday, Feb 1) presented the Union Budget for 2025-26, a day after unveiling the Economic Survey. Watch in for more details!

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As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget on Saturday (Feb 1), her budget speech also highlighted on India's foreign aid to different countries, increasing aid for some of the nations, while reducing some for others.&nbsp;
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) allocated a total of Rs 5,483 crores in aid to foreign nations, which majorly covers allocations for neighbouring and strategic countries.&nbsp;
India's aid to foreign countries has given primacy to its "Neighbourhood First", with more than 60 per cent of the budget assigned for immediate neighbours.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2025-key-takeaways-from-major-tax-cuts-to-job-creation-push-8682017" rel="dofollow">Union Budget 2025: From major tax cuts to job creation push | 9 key takeaways</a>
<h2>Bhutan takes top spot&nbsp;</h2>
As per the budget, Bhutan continues to be India's largest foreign aid receiver, as it has been allocated Rs 2,150 crore in the 2025-2026 budget. The aid has been hiked from last year's allocation of Rs 2,068 crore.&nbsp;
<h2>Hike in Maldives aid&nbsp;</h2>
India has increased its budget for providing aid to the Maldives from Rs 400 crore to Rs 600 crore. The hike in Maldives aid marks great significance as it comes as Male tries to mend relations with Delhi.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-long-was-nirmala-sitharamans-2025-union-budget-speech-heres-how-it-compares-to-her-past-records-8681759" rel="dofollow">How long was Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025 Union Budget speech? Here&rsquo;s how it compares to her past records</a>
Out of the total allocated budget, Rs 1,80,000 crore has been earmarked to the armed forces for capital expenditure that largely includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships, and other military hardware.&nbsp;
Moreover, it has outlined Rs 6,81,210 crore as the defence outlay for 2025-26, higher than the current fiscal's allocation of Rs 6.22 lakh crore.&nbsp;
Also read: I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/implications-of-the-union-budget-2025-26-on-indias-sustainable-development-8682018" rel="dofollow">mplications of the union budget 2025-26 on India&rsquo;s sustainable development</a>
<h2>Reduction in Afghanistan's aid&nbsp;</h2>
According to this year's budget, Afghanistan's aid has been reduced from Rs 200 crore last year to Rs 100 crore in 2025-26.&nbsp;
This marks a sharp decline from the Rs 207 crore allocated to the country two years ago.&nbsp;
For some time now, India has been cautious in dealing with the Taliban government, as it has limited its engagement to humanitarian aid and economic cooperation.&nbsp;
<h2>Hike in Myanmar's aid&nbsp;</h2>
Myanmar's allocation has increased from Rs 250 crore last year to Rs 350 crore for 2025-2026 as the country has been dealing with the ongoing turmoil.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/simplified-kyc-process-coming-in-2025-with-new-central-registry-8681980" rel="dofollow">Budget 2025: Simplified KYC process coming in 2025 with new central registry</a>
<h2>Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh&nbsp;</h2>
India has allocated Rs 700 crore for Nepal, while the allocation for Sri Lanka has seen a hike from Rs 245 crore to Rs 300 crore.&nbsp;
The aid to Bangladesh remains unchanged at Rs 120 crore amid the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations.&nbsp;
<h2>Africa</h2>
Aid to African nations has been hiked to Rs 225 crore from Rs 200 crore last year.&nbsp;
<h2>Latin America</h2>
The aid for Latin America has also increased from Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the aid allocation for Chabahar Port in Iran stays the same at Rs 100 crore.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) allocated Rs 5,483 crores in aid to foreign nations, which majorly covers allocations for neighbouring and strategic countries. 

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget on Saturday (Feb 1), her budget speech also highlighted on India's foreign aid to different countries, increasing aid for some of the nations, while reducing some for others. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) allocated a total of Rs 5,483 crores in aid to foreign nations, which majorly covers allocations for neighbouring and strategic countries. India's aid to foreign countries has given primacy to its "Neighbourhood First", with more than 60 per cent of the budget assigned for immediate neighbours. Also read: Union Budget 2025: From major tax cuts to job creation push | 9 key takeaways Bhutan takes top spot As per the budget, Bhutan continues to be India's largest foreign aid receiver, as it has been allocated Rs 2,150 crore in the 2025-2026 budget. The aid has been hiked from last year's allocation of Rs 2,068 crore. Hike in Maldives aid India has increased its budget for providing aid to the Maldives from Rs 400 crore to Rs 600 crore. The hike in Maldives aid marks great significance as it comes as Male tries to mend relations with Delhi. Also read: How long was Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025 Union Budget speech? Here’s how it compares to her past records Out of the total allocated budget, Rs 1,80,000 crore has been earmarked to the armed forces for capital expenditure that largely includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships, and other military hardware. Moreover, it has outlined Rs 6,81,210 crore as the defence outlay for 2025-26, higher than the current fiscal's allocation of Rs 6.22 lakh crore. Also read: Implications of the union budget 2025-26 on India’s sustainable development Reduction in Afghanistan's aid According to this year's budget, Afghanistan's aid has been reduced from Rs 200 crore last year to Rs 100 crore in 2025-26. This marks a sharp decline from the Rs 207 crore allocated to the country two years ago. For some time now, India has been cautious in dealing with the Taliban government, as it has limited its engagement to humanitarian aid and economic cooperation. Hike in Myanmar's aid Myanmar's allocation has increased from Rs 250 crore last year to Rs 350 crore for 2025-2026 as the country has been dealing with the ongoing turmoil. Also read: Budget 2025: Simplified KYC process coming in 2025 with new central registry Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh India has allocated Rs 700 crore for Nepal, while the allocation for Sri Lanka has seen a hike from Rs 245 crore to Rs 300 crore. The aid to Bangladesh remains unchanged at Rs 120 crore amid the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations. Africa Aid to African nations has been hiked to Rs 225 crore from Rs 200 crore last year. Latin America The aid for Latin America has also increased from Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore. Meanwhile, the aid allocation for Chabahar Port in Iran stays the same at Rs 100 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today (Saturday, Feb 1) presented the Union Budget for 2025-26, a day after unveiling the Economic Survey.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (Feb 1) announced a major relief for the middle class in India with a special tax exemption for salaried individuals. The new tax structure is designed to reduce taxes for middle-income earners, leaving more disposable income for household consumption, savings, and investment, which can help boost economic growth.

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Sitharaman is presenting her record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday (Feb 1). The Budget speech is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the government's fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, and taxation reforms, along with other important announcements. 
Under the new tax regime, the government has introduced significant changes to benefit taxpayers, especially the middle class. One of the key highlights is the introduction of a "nil tax" slab for income up to ₹12 lakh, meaning individuals with income up to this threshold will pay no income tax. For salaried taxpayers, this limit increases to ₹12.75 lakh due to a standard deduction of ₹75,000.

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Under the new tax regime, the government has introduced significant changes to benefit taxpayers, especially the middle class. One of the key highlights is the introduction of a "nil tax" slab for income up to ₹12 lakh, meaning individuals with income up to this threshold will pay no income tax. For salaried taxpayers, this limit increases to ₹12.75 lakh due to a standard deduction of ₹75,000.

The revised slabs and rates aim to substantially reduce the tax burden for the middle class, leaving more money in their hands to encourage increased household consumption, savings, and investment. These changes are designed to provide substantial relief to taxpayers and support economic growth.

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Sitharaman is presenting her record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday (Feb 1). The Budget speech is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the government's fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, and taxation reforms, along with other important announcements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4% of the GDP..." Watch in for more details!

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced several key initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s healthcare and education sectors.

Over the next three years, all district hospitals will be equipped with cancer daycare centers, enhancing access to cancer care across the country.

Additionally, 75,000 new undergraduate medical seats will be created over the next five years, addressing the growing demand for medical professionals. Sitharaman also highlighted the establishment of five national centres for skilling, which will bring in global expertise to support the 'Make for India, Make for the World' initiative.

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Sitharaman is presenting her record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday (Feb 1). The Budget speech is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the government's fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, and taxation reforms, along with other important announcements.

The Economic Survey, which was tabled in the Parliament on Friday (Jan 31), forecasted a robust growth rate for India's economy, predicting an expansion between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent in the coming financial year (2025-26).

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Budget 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey to the Loksabha at about 12 p.m. Sitharaman will propose the budget for FY 2025-26 tomorrow, February 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. Ahead of the budget, the Indian middle class and taxpayers are looking for significant income-tax reductions and reliefs. Tax slabs are projected to change under future tax regimes, as is the increase in basic deductions.

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Rising costs, stubborn inflation, and soaring taxes—India's middle class is feeling the pinch like never before. As Budget 2025 looms the nation's backbone demands an overhaul to ease their financial burdens. Here's a comprehensive report on their wish list. Take a look.

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