All eyes have turned to Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who will present the Interim Budget 2024-25 at Parliament today. The interim budget will provide estimates of the government's expenditure, revenue, fiscal deficit, financial performance, and projections for the upcoming months.

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All eyes are on the upcoming Interim Budget for 2024-2025, a crucial temporary financial plan designed to sustain essential government services until the new administration takes charge post-elections. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the Interim Budget 2024 during the Parliament's Budget session.

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Budget 2024: Indian markets marginally up ahead of interim budget

India is set to present its interim budget on February 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget in Parliament. But, what is the interim budget?

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India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the interim 2024 Union Budget. What were the key takeaways from her speech? @mollygambhir takes you through the big announcements.

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The Central Bank of India has imposed new restrictions on Paytm. The curbs will be effective from February 29th. What do they entail? Should you as a user be worried?

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The Indian government firm, Newspace India limited N-S-I-L has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with French firm Arianespace.

India and France enhance Aerospace partnership

<p>A Varanasi court has granted permission for Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana' area in the basement of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is representing the Hindu side, reportedly said, "Hindu side is&nbsp; allowed to offer prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tehkhana'. The District Administration will have to make arrangements within 7 days. Everyone will now have the right to perform puja."</p>

<p>Sudhir Tripathi, an advocate from the Hindu side, also said that the commencement of the puja is permitted within the next seven days.<br />
<br />
Advocate Jain said, "We intend to file a caveat in the Allahabad HC&nbsp;since the Muslim side has said it will appeal in higher court."<br />
<br />
Following the court's approval for puja at 'Vyas Ka Tehkhana' in the Gyanvapi mosque, petitioners and advocates on the Hindu side displayed a victory sign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the basement of the mosque, there are four 'tehkhanas' (cellars). Currently, one is under the ownership of the Vyas family, the former residents of the premises. Vyas has filed a petition requesting permission to access the cellar and resume the pooja claiming that it was stopped arbitrarily by an order of the then state government.</p>

<h2><strong>Next court hearing on Feb 8</strong></h2>

<p>The court has fixed February 8 as the date of hearing on an application by the Gyanvapi mosque committee saying that the plea should be dismissed. "The cellar is a part of the Gyanvapi mosque. So worship could not be performed. Therefore, pooja should not be allowed," the mosque committee lawyer Akhlaque&nbsp;Ahmad was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.</p>

<h2><strong>ASI report findings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) earlier presented a conclusive finding that a large Hindu temple once stood at the location of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Following this, four Hindu women approached the Supreme Court requesting a scientific survey of a sealed portion of the mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is submitted that for a proper and effective investigation, it is necessary that the ASI may be directed to undertake necessary excavation and use other scientific methods around the 'Shivlingam' (being claimed by Muslims as a fountain) for determining the nature of 'Shivlingam' and associated features without causing any damage to the object after removing artificial/modern walls/floors surrounding the 'Shivlingam',” according to the petition.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-weather-light-rain-expected-over-next-few-days-amid-dense-fog-and-dropping-temperatures-685466">Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog and dropping temperatures</a></p>

<p>The ASI&nbsp;survey revealed that modifications were made to the mosque using pillars and plaster from the pre-existing Hindu temple and that efforts were made to erase carvings on the pillars.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-election-2024-is-india-alliance-a-workable-idea-or-just-all-talk-685458">India Election 2024: Is INDIA alliance a workable idea or just all talk?</a></p>

<p>The ASI report, spanning 839 pages, stated, "Based on scientific studies/survey carried out study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure."&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-women-youth-farmers-poor-are-indias-pillars-of-growth-president-murmu-685454">India Budget 2024 | Women, youth, farmers &amp; poor are India's pillars of growth: President Murmu</a></strong></p>

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<p>Notably, the fountain area inside the mosque was sealed in 2022 following a Supreme Court order. The ASI conducted a scientific survey in response to a district court order from July 2023 to determine whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple.</p>
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A Varanasi court has granted permission for Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana' area in the basement of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque.

A Varanasi court has granted permission for Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana' area in the basement of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is representing the Hindu side, reportedly said, "Hindu side is allowed to offer prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tehkhana'. The District Administration will have to make arrangements within 7 days. Everyone will now have the right to perform puja." Sudhir Tripathi, an advocate from the Hindu side, also said that the commencement of the puja is permitted within the next seven days. Advocate Jain said, "We intend to file a caveat in the Allahabad HC since the Muslim side has said it will appeal in higher court." Following the court's approval for puja at 'Vyas Ka Tehkhana' in the Gyanvapi mosque, petitioners and advocates on the Hindu side displayed a victory sign. In the basement of the mosque, there are four 'tehkhanas' (cellars). Currently, one is under the ownership of the Vyas family, the former residents of the premises. Vyas has filed a petition requesting permission to access the cellar and resume the pooja claiming that it was stopped arbitrarily by an order of the then state government. Next court hearing on Feb 8 The court has fixed February 8 as the date of hearing on an application by the Gyanvapi mosque committee saying that the plea should be dismissed. "The cellar is a part of the Gyanvapi mosque. So worship could not be performed. Therefore, pooja should not be allowed," the mosque committee lawyer Akhlaque Ahmad was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. ASI report findings The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) earlier presented a conclusive finding that a large Hindu temple once stood at the location of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Following this, four Hindu women approached the Supreme Court requesting a scientific survey of a sealed portion of the mosque. “It is submitted that for a proper and effective investigation, it is necessary that the ASI may be directed to undertake necessary excavation and use other scientific methods around the 'Shivlingam' (being claimed by Muslims as a fountain) for determining the nature of 'Shivlingam' and associated features without causing any damage to the object after removing artificial/modern walls/floors surrounding the 'Shivlingam',” according to the petition. Also Read | Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog and dropping temperatures The ASI survey revealed that modifications were made to the mosque using pillars and plaster from the pre-existing Hindu temple and that efforts were made to erase carvings on the pillars. Also Read | India Election 2024: Is INDIA alliance a workable idea or just all talk? The ASI report, spanning 839 pages, stated, "Based on scientific studies/survey carried out study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure." Watch | India Budget 2024 | Women, youth, farmers & poor are India's pillars of growth: President Murmu × Notably, the fountain area inside the mosque was sealed in 2022 following a Supreme Court order. The ASI conducted a scientific survey in response to a district court order from July 2023 to determine whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple.

India: Varanasi court grants Hindu devotees worship rights in sealed Gyanvapi Mosque basement

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<p>Indian foreign ministry said Thursday (Feb 1) that it was extending financial assistance to Palestine both bilaterally and through the United Nations but warned that it had zero tolerance for terrorism. The statement comes as Israel has accused officials of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees of being involved in the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Deeply concerned over the allegations, welcome UN investigation..." MEA Spox on allegations of UNRWA personnel linked to Oct 7 Israel terror attack <a href="https://t.co/ceMp75Tvqq">pic.twitter.com/ceMp75Tvqq</a></p>
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<p>"On UNRWA, India is an important development partner of Palestine, and we have been extending assistance to them both bilaterally and through the United Nations. but at the same time, we have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and in this regard, we are deeply concerned at the allegations that the UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 terror attacks," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel’s allegations against UNRWA</strong></h2>

<p>As per Israeli account, several UNRWA officials were involved in carrying out the deadly Oct 7 attacks, including kidnapping Israeli citizens and setting up an operation room. Following these allegations, several nations, including the US, have suspended their aid programmes for the UNRWA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3Y_EUVk2IZbqv0wzJqzRDu" data-ved="2ahUKEwi10JDKs4qEAxU0xDgGHe7_Dgw4ChDF9AEoAHoECBsQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-rejects-reports-of-gaza-truce-ruled-out-freeing-thousands-of-terrorists-685279" jsname="YKoRaf">Netanyahu rejects reports of Gaza truce, rules out freeing `thousands of terrorists`</a></strong></p>

<p>The UN has now launched an investigation into the matter, a move welcomed by India. "We also welcome investigations launched by the United Nations in this regard," the MEA spokesperson added.</p>

<p>According to CNN, the UN has already suspended nine of the 12 UNRWA officials suspected of carrying out Oct 7 attacks on Israeli soil.</p>

<h2><strong>India ‘takes note’ of ICJ ruling</strong></h2>

<p>Indian foreign ministry also took note of the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released last Friday (Jan 26) which directed Israel to prevent “acts of genocide” in Gaza.</p>

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<p>However, the order stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive that has laid waste to the Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israeli PM Netanyahu says UNRWA is 'totally infiltered by Hamas'</strong></p>

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<p>“We have taken note of the provisional measures that the ICJ has given verdict on,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. It has to be noted that Jaiswal&nbsp;neither welcomed nor condemned the ruling.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian foreign ministry said Thursday (Feb 1) that it was extending financial assistance to Palestine both bilaterally and through the United Nations but warned that it had zero tolerance for terrorism.

Indian foreign ministry said Thursday (Feb 1) that it was extending financial assistance to Palestine both bilaterally and through the United Nations but warned that it had zero tolerance for terrorism. The statement comes as Israel has accused officials of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees of being involved in the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas. "Deeply concerned over the allegations, welcome UN investigation..." MEA Spox on allegations of UNRWA personnel linked to Oct 7 Israel terror attack pic.twitter.com/ceMp75Tvqq — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 1, 2024 × "On UNRWA, India is an important development partner of Palestine, and we have been extending assistance to them both bilaterally and through the United Nations. but at the same time, we have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and in this regard, we are deeply concerned at the allegations that the UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 terror attacks," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Israel’s allegations against UNRWA As per Israeli account, several UNRWA officials were involved in carrying out the deadly Oct 7 attacks, including kidnapping Israeli citizens and setting up an operation room. Following these allegations, several nations, including the US, have suspended their aid programmes for the UNRWA. Also read: Netanyahu rejects reports of Gaza truce, rules out freeing `thousands of terrorists` The UN has now launched an investigation into the matter, a move welcomed by India. "We also welcome investigations launched by the United Nations in this regard," the MEA spokesperson added. According to CNN, the UN has already suspended nine of the 12 UNRWA officials suspected of carrying out Oct 7 attacks on Israeli soil. India ‘takes note’ of ICJ ruling Indian foreign ministry also took note of the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released last Friday (Jan 26) which directed Israel to prevent “acts of genocide” in Gaza. "Taken note..." MEA Spox on ICJ orders on Israel, Palestine case pic.twitter.com/8Y0xB697DC — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 1, 2024 × However, the order stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive that has laid waste to the Palestinian enclave. Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu says UNRWA is 'totally infiltered by Hamas' × “We have taken note of the provisional measures that the ICJ has given verdict on,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. It has to be noted that Jaiswal neither welcomed nor condemned the ruling. (With inputs from agencies)

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<p>India's capital New&nbsp;Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana,&nbsp;experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million.</p>

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert, forecasting continued thunderstorms in and around the capital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-weather-light-rain-expected-over-next-few-days-amid-dense-fog-and-dropping-temperatures-685466">Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog, drop in temperature</a></strong></p>

<p>The downpour resulted in road blockages and subsequent waterlogging, adding to the challenges faced by Delhiites amidst the harsh winter conditions.</p>

<p>Commuters also grappled with delays in train schedules attributed to the heavy rain showers. The IMD took to X to communicate the occurrence of a thunderstorm accompanied by light to moderate-intensity rain in various parts of Delhi and NCR.</p>

<h2><strong>Where all rainfall will occur in Delhi-NCR?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Meteorological Department, a thunderstorm with moderate-intensity rainfall is anticipated over several locations in Delhi, including Narela, Alipur, Vivek Vihar, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Palam, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, and Mehrauli. In the NCR, areas like Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, and Greater Noida are expected to experience similar weather conditions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Delhi air pollution: Can artificial rain give respite?</strong></p>

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<p>The forecast extends to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with the IMD predicting the possibility of hailstorms&nbsp;and precipitation in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of these states.</p>

<p>The weather outlook from AccuWeather indicates that the region might continue to receive showers until late Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping to 9 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The maximum temperature in the national capital region on Wednesday was 18.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees below the season's normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMD's broader forecast encompasses light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Delhi on February 1. Notably, the IMD assured that cold wave conditions are unlikely to prevail over any part of India in the coming five days.</p>

<p>Additionally, regions in the western Himalayas, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have witnessed rain and snowfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's capital New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana, experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million.

India's capital New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana, experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert, forecasting continued thunderstorms in and around the capital. Also read | Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog, drop in temperature The downpour resulted in road blockages and subsequent waterlogging, adding to the challenges faced by Delhiites amidst the harsh winter conditions. Commuters also grappled with delays in train schedules attributed to the heavy rain showers. The IMD took to X to communicate the occurrence of a thunderstorm accompanied by light to moderate-intensity rain in various parts of Delhi and NCR. Where all rainfall will occur in Delhi-NCR? According to the Meteorological Department, a thunderstorm with moderate-intensity rainfall is anticipated over several locations in Delhi, including Narela, Alipur, Vivek Vihar, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Palam, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, and Mehrauli. In the NCR, areas like Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, and Greater Noida are expected to experience similar weather conditions. Also watch | Delhi air pollution: Can artificial rain give respite? × The forecast extends to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with the IMD predicting the possibility of hailstorms and precipitation in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of these states. The weather outlook from AccuWeather indicates that the region might continue to receive showers until late Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping to 9 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in the national capital region on Wednesday was 18.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees below the season's normal. The IMD's broader forecast encompasses light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Delhi on February 1. Notably, the IMD assured that cold wave conditions are unlikely to prevail over any part of India in the coming five days. Additionally, regions in the western Himalayas, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have witnessed rain and snowfall. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi-NCR witnesses moderate rainfall; thunder, hailstorm expected

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament today. This is Sitharaman's sixth Union Budget. This will be a interim budget as it comes just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. The full-fledged budget will be presented by the new government that comes to power after the elections.

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