Ahead of the interim budget, the Indian government released a concise report on the economy's health. The report suggests India could become a 5 trillion-dollar economy within the next three years.

Budget 2024: India's economic health report

Indian Navy comes to the rescue again. INS Sumitra successfully rescued two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours. The first hijacked vessel was the Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman and the second was Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi.

Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours

The confederation of Indian industry urges a 20% increase in infrastructure spending. This, coupled with a call for extended manufacturing incentives and import duty adjustments, sets the tone for an economic blueprint aiming to propel growth in the face of political transition.

Industry expectations from India's budget

India and Saudi Arabia on Monday kicked off their inaugural joint military exercise Sada Tanseeq at Mahajan in Rajasthan to deepen military cooperation, the Indian Army said in a statement.

India, Saudi Arabia conduct inaugural joint military exercise underway in Rajasthan

The city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia hosted the second Open Yoga Asana Championship. The event was organised by Al Veda Saudi Arabia club with both boys and girls participating in the event.

Saudi Arabia Open Yoga Asana Championship in Makkah | First event held in Jeddah in 2022

Ramgarh Shekhawati, an enchanting heritage town of wall frescoes, often known as the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan. WION takes you to this hidden treasure.

Heritage rediscovered: Unveiling Ramgarh's hidden treasures

<p>A pioneering scientific initiative, SPAI, has reported a population of 718 snow leopards in India. This comes the Indian Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, unveiled the outcomes of the inaugural Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme during the National Board for Wildlife meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday (Jan 30).</p>

<p>The population estimates are as follows - 477 snow leopards in Ladakh, 124 in Uttarakhand, 51 in Himachal Pradesh, 36 in Arunachal Pradesh, 21 in Sikkim, and 9 in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Facilitated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) as the National Coordinator, the SPAI was executed with the collaborative support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, and WWF-India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spanning over 70 per cent of the potential snow leopard range in India, the SPAI systematically covered approximately 120,000 square kilometres of critical snow leopard habitat. It includes the trans-Himalayan region, such as Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2024-will-there-be-income-tax-reform-685558">Budget 2024: Will there be Income Tax reforms?</a></p>

<p>Conducted from 2019 to 2023, the SPAI used a meticulous two-step framework.</p>

<p>The first step involved assessing snow leopard spatial distribution, aligning with the 2019 guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</p>

<p>In the second step, snow leopard abundance was estimated through camera traps in identified stratified regions.</p>

<p>Throughout the SPAI exercise, a comprehensive effort was made, including surveying 13,450 km of trails for recording snow leopard signs and deploying camera traps at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rcb-fever-goes-global-somali-pirates-captured-by-indian-navy-sport-cricket-franchise-jersey-685556">RCB fever goes global: Somali pirates captured by Indian Navy sport cricket franchise jersey</a></p>

<p>The results revealed snow leopard occupancy in 93,392 square kilometres, with an estimated presence in 100,841 square kilometres, capturing images of 241 unique snow leopards.</p>

<p>Historically, the snow leopard range in India was undefined due to a lack of extensive nationwide assessments.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ahead-of-interim-budget-imf-raises-indias-growth-forecast-to-65-for-next-financial-year-685554">Ahead of interim budget, IMF raises India's growth forecast to 6.5% for next financial year</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ahead-of-interim-budget-imf-raises-indias-growth-forecast-to-65-for-next-financial-year-685554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The report also mentions the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC is proposed, with a primary focus on long-term population monitoring, supported by well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys," as per a release.</p>

<p>Consistent monitoring is deemed essential for ensuring the long-term survival of snow leopards, and the report suggested adopting a periodic population estimation approach, every fourth year, in the snow leopard range in a bid to spot challenges faced and also lay out conservation methods.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A pioneering scientific initiative, SPAI, has reported a population of 718 snow leopards in India. This comes the Indian Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, unveiled the outcomes of the inaugural Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme during the National Board for Wildlife meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday (Jan 30).

A pioneering scientific initiative, SPAI, has reported a population of 718 snow leopards in India. This comes the Indian Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, unveiled the outcomes of the inaugural Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme during the National Board for Wildlife meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday (Jan 30). The population estimates are as follows - 477 snow leopards in Ladakh, 124 in Uttarakhand, 51 in Himachal Pradesh, 36 in Arunachal Pradesh, 21 in Sikkim, and 9 in Jammu and Kashmir. Facilitated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) as the National Coordinator, the SPAI was executed with the collaborative support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, and WWF-India. Spanning over 70 per cent of the potential snow leopard range in India, the SPAI systematically covered approximately 120,000 square kilometres of critical snow leopard habitat. It includes the trans-Himalayan region, such as Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Also Read | Budget 2024: Will there be Income Tax reforms? Conducted from 2019 to 2023, the SPAI used a meticulous two-step framework. The first step involved assessing snow leopard spatial distribution, aligning with the 2019 guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). In the second step, snow leopard abundance was estimated through camera traps in identified stratified regions. Throughout the SPAI exercise, a comprehensive effort was made, including surveying 13,450 km of trails for recording snow leopard signs and deploying camera traps at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights. Also Read | RCB fever goes global: Somali pirates captured by Indian Navy sport cricket franchise jersey The results revealed snow leopard occupancy in 93,392 square kilometres, with an estimated presence in 100,841 square kilometres, capturing images of 241 unique snow leopards. Historically, the snow leopard range in India was undefined due to a lack of extensive nationwide assessments. Watch | Ahead of interim budget, IMF raises India's growth forecast to 6.5% for next financial year × "The report also mentions the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC is proposed, with a primary focus on long-term population monitoring, supported by well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys," as per a release. Consistent monitoring is deemed essential for ensuring the long-term survival of snow leopards, and the report suggested adopting a periodic population estimation approach, every fourth year, in the snow leopard range in a bid to spot challenges faced and also lay out conservation methods. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s snow leopard population stands at 718, reveals first-ever scientific survey

<p>As of January 31, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed significant business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank. This includes barring the acceptance of fresh deposits and conducting credit transactions after February 29. Moreover, on March 11, the RBI extended the restrictions by prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers.</p>

<h2><strong>Supervisory concerns and non-compliances</strong></h2>

<p>The RBI's action was prompted by a Comprehensive System Audit report, followed by a compliance validation report from external auditors.</p>

<p>These reports highlighted persistent non-compliances and ongoing supervisory concerns within the bank. The severity of these issues necessitated additional supervisory measures.</p>

<p>Effective from February 29, 2024, Paytm Payments Bank is restricted from accepting further deposits, conducting credit transactions, or enabling top-ups in customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags, and NCMC cards.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2024-all-eyes-on-capex-685506">Also read |&nbsp;Budget 2024: All eyes on the government's capex as India pushes for big-ticket infrastructure</a></p>

<p>However, allowances are made for interest, cashbacks, or refunds that may be credited at any time. The withdrawal or utilisation of balances by customers, across various accounts and instruments, remains permissible without restrictions, up to their available balance.</p>

<p>Post-February 29, 2024, the bank is barred from offering any banking services, excluding withdrawals and balance utilisation. This includes fund transfers encompassing services such as AEPS, IMPS, BBPOU, and UPI facilities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: Delhi witnessed its coldest January in 13 years: Weather department</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-witnessed-its-coldest-january-in-13-years-weather-department-685519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The RBI has mandated the prompt termination of Nodal Accounts associated with One97 Communications Ltd and Paytm Payments Services Ltd. This directive is to be executed expeditiously, with the deadline set for no later than February 29, 2024.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As of January 31, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed significant business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank. This includes barring the acceptance of fresh deposits and conducting credit transactions after February 29.

As of January 31, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed significant business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank. This includes barring the acceptance of fresh deposits and conducting credit transactions after February 29. Moreover, on March 11, the RBI extended the restrictions by prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers. Supervisory concerns and non-compliances The RBI's action was prompted by a Comprehensive System Audit report, followed by a compliance validation report from external auditors. These reports highlighted persistent non-compliances and ongoing supervisory concerns within the bank. The severity of these issues necessitated additional supervisory measures. Effective from February 29, 2024, Paytm Payments Bank is restricted from accepting further deposits, conducting credit transactions, or enabling top-ups in customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags, and NCMC cards. Also read | Budget 2024: All eyes on the government's capex as India pushes for big-ticket infrastructure However, allowances are made for interest, cashbacks, or refunds that may be credited at any time. The withdrawal or utilisation of balances by customers, across various accounts and instruments, remains permissible without restrictions, up to their available balance. Post-February 29, 2024, the bank is barred from offering any banking services, excluding withdrawals and balance utilisation. This includes fund transfers encompassing services such as AEPS, IMPS, BBPOU, and UPI facilities. Also watch | India: Delhi witnessed its coldest January in 13 years: Weather department The RBI has mandated the prompt termination of Nodal Accounts associated with One97 Communications Ltd and Paytm Payments Services Ltd. This directive is to be executed expeditiously, with the deadline set for no later than February 29, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: RBI enforces major business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank

The upcoming Indian budget session commences today with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses. The vote on account will be presented tomorrow.

India Budget 2024: President Murmu to address both houses as budget session set to begin

<p>In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space.</p>

<p>It is under such market conditions that commercial launch service providers NewSpace India Limited (NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization) and the French firm Arianespace have entered into a long-term strategic partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While eleven nations have demonstrated the capability to place their satellites into orbit, it must be remembered that very few of them (either government agencies or private entities) have the wherewithal to perform such launches in a dependable and consistent manner.</p>

<p>Operating a commercial ferry to space is a high-risk and low-return business, which is why there are very few operators in this segment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arianespace has been ferrying its customers' satellites to space since the early 1980s and the commercial arm of ISRO has been doing so since 1999. That makes both these entities credible and reliable launch service providers, with the legacy of having launched hundreds of customer satellites. Not many government agencies or private entities have such a track record.</p>

<h2><strong>Business potential - Communication satellites and LEO constellations</strong></h2>

<p>Communication satellites facilitate television broadcasting, satellite radio, satellite phones, and much more. Typically, communication satellites are bulky, owing to the large amounts of fuel that they carry, the number of transponders on board, and the long operational life of the craft, which is anywhere between five to fifteen years.</p>

<p>Satellites that are under this category can weigh anywhere between four tonnes to fifteen tonnes and there are very few rockets in the world that can put these satellites into orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u35sJyZ_qEQ?si=YGtiNWDNG-8fpc7D" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Startlink, EutelSat OneWeb, Project Kuiper, are among the popular entities, in addition to governments that are establishing constellations of hundreds (if not thousands) of satellites in low earth orbit (anywhere between 500-200 km&nbsp;above the earth).</p>

<p>Such constellations are meant to beam down high-speed (4G-like) internet to remote places on the earth, where conventional internet and communications services are unavailable or scarce.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fired-up-nasas-lucy-spacecraft-fires-main-engines-in-space-for-the-first-time-since-its-launch-685504">Fired-up! NASA's Lucy spacecraft fires main engines in space for the first time since its launch</a></p>

<p>With each launch, these entities look to loft a few dozen satellites into orbit and this requirement can be fulfilled by only very few rocket variants. Putting together a constellation requires regular and dependable launches in a time-bound manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Owing to evolving geopolitical scenarios, the use of Russian rockets by foreign customers has dwindled, following the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While China has capable rockets, their fleet is used predominantly to launch their own national or commercial missions and there is very limited exposure to international customers. This is why the list of medium-lift and heavy-lift rockets is very limited for prospective customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian LVM3 rocket and the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket are capable of undertaking these kinds of missions. India's LVM3 has placed communication satellites in orbit and also demonstrated how it can ferry 36 satellites in a single launch, to build a satellite constellation.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-moons-exist-outside-our-solar-systems-researchers-argue-on-discovery-of-exomoons-685419">Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons</a></p>

<p>The Ariane 5 rocket (retired in 2023) has undertaken hundreds of missions of such kind and proven its mettle, which is why Arianespace hopes to continue the same with its successor, the Ariane 6 rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of communication satellites, the Indian LVM3 can loft crafts weighing four tons, whereas the bigger variant of Ariane 6 can lift 11.5 tonnes.</p>

<p>When it comes to launching multiple satellites into low earth orbit, the LVM3 can launch payloads weighing a total of eight tonnes, and the bigger variant of the Ariane 6 can launch payloads weighing more than 20 tonnes.</p>

<p>The only rocket in the International market that operates in a comparable class is the SpaceX Falcon9 reusable rocket, which can lift more than 22 tonnes to low Earth orbit and communication satellites weighing more than eight tonnes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, NSIL announced that its 4.7 tonnes GSAT-20 satellite, a high-capacity communication satellite would be launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will NSIL and Arianespace work together to 'Lift big and earn big'?</strong></h2>

<p>While NSIL and Arianespace have the kind of rockets that are being sought by customers, they face a challenge in terms of the number of launches per year.</p>

<p>Given that both LVM3 and Ariane 6 are expendable rockets (unlike the reusable Falcon 9), each rocket has to be entirely built from scratch and launched. Therefore, there are obvious limitations on the manufacturing capacity and the infrastructure to perform more than a handful of launches per year.</p>

<p>In comparison, SpaceX Falcon 9 has done more than 290 launches in its 13 years of operations, with more than 91 Falcon 9 launches in 2023 alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to D. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, &nbsp;the long-term partnership between the two companies is to meet the Global commercial satellite launch service market needs. Together, both LVM3 and Ariane 6 would support customer needs, he says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborating on this, he said that the Indian LVM3 could ferry satellites for Arianespace if the French firm had a launch requirement from a customer and did not have a rocket available at that time.</p>

<p>Vice versa, the Ariane 6 vehicle would be used to launch the satellite for NSIL, when an Indian rocket is not available to meet NSIL's customer demands, he told WION.</p>

<p>As per this agreement, the respective entities would be launching their rockets from home soil - LVM3 from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota, India, and Ariane 6 from Kourou, French Guiana.</p>

<p>He believes that such an arrangement which combines the strengths of both established commercial launchers would help reach out to new markets and customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to achieve the capability of stepping up in times of need, he said that India is working with its homegrown industry to increase the production capacity of its LVM3 rocket. For context, the LVM3 rocket has been operational for almost a decade now and has flown seven missions (all successful).</p>

<p>While India has managed to improve the production capacity of the LVM3 and launched three of these rockets between October 2022 and July 2023, this is still inadequate when it comes to commercial operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Radhakrishnan told WION that the Indian establishment is working towards gradually ramping up to four or five LVM3 launches per year and eventually six to seven launches, considering the commercial demand that they expect.</p>

<p>With the Ariane 5 rocket retired in mid-2023, Arianespace is now working towards getting the Ariane 6 ready for its maiden flight, which is expected mid-2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space.

In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space. It is under such market conditions that commercial launch service providers NewSpace India Limited (NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization) and the French firm Arianespace have entered into a long-term strategic partnership. While eleven nations have demonstrated the capability to place their satellites into orbit, it must be remembered that very few of them (either government agencies or private entities) have the wherewithal to perform such launches in a dependable and consistent manner. Operating a commercial ferry to space is a high-risk and low-return business, which is why there are very few operators in this segment. Arianespace has been ferrying its customers' satellites to space since the early 1980s and the commercial arm of ISRO has been doing so since 1999. That makes both these entities credible and reliable launch service providers, with the legacy of having launched hundreds of customer satellites. Not many government agencies or private entities have such a track record. Business potential - Communication satellites and LEO constellations Communication satellites facilitate television broadcasting, satellite radio, satellite phones, and much more. Typically, communication satellites are bulky, owing to the large amounts of fuel that they carry, the number of transponders on board, and the long operational life of the craft, which is anywhere between five to fifteen years. Satellites that are under this category can weigh anywhere between four tonnes to fifteen tonnes and there are very few rockets in the world that can put these satellites into orbit. × Startlink, EutelSat OneWeb, Project Kuiper, are among the popular entities, in addition to governments that are establishing constellations of hundreds (if not thousands) of satellites in low earth orbit (anywhere between 500-200 km above the earth). Such constellations are meant to beam down high-speed (4G-like) internet to remote places on the earth, where conventional internet and communications services are unavailable or scarce. Also Read | Fired-up! NASA's Lucy spacecraft fires main engines in space for the first time since its launch With each launch, these entities look to loft a few dozen satellites into orbit and this requirement can be fulfilled by only very few rocket variants. Putting together a constellation requires regular and dependable launches in a time-bound manner. Owing to evolving geopolitical scenarios, the use of Russian rockets by foreign customers has dwindled, following the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While China has capable rockets, their fleet is used predominantly to launch their own national or commercial missions and there is very limited exposure to international customers. This is why the list of medium-lift and heavy-lift rockets is very limited for prospective customers. The Indian LVM3 rocket and the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket are capable of undertaking these kinds of missions. India's LVM3 has placed communication satellites in orbit and also demonstrated how it can ferry 36 satellites in a single launch, to build a satellite constellation. Also Read | Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons The Ariane 5 rocket (retired in 2023) has undertaken hundreds of missions of such kind and proven its mettle, which is why Arianespace hopes to continue the same with its successor, the Ariane 6 rocket. In terms of communication satellites, the Indian LVM3 can loft crafts weighing four tons, whereas the bigger variant of Ariane 6 can lift 11.5 tonnes. When it comes to launching multiple satellites into low earth orbit, the LVM3 can launch payloads weighing a total of eight tonnes, and the bigger variant of the Ariane 6 can launch payloads weighing more than 20 tonnes. The only rocket in the International market that operates in a comparable class is the SpaceX Falcon9 reusable rocket, which can lift more than 22 tonnes to low Earth orbit and communication satellites weighing more than eight tonnes. Recently, NSIL announced that its 4.7 tonnes GSAT-20 satellite, a high-capacity communication satellite would be launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. How will NSIL and Arianespace work together to 'Lift big and earn big'? While NSIL and Arianespace have the kind of rockets that are being sought by customers, they face a challenge in terms of the number of launches per year. Given that both LVM3 and Ariane 6 are expendable rockets (unlike the reusable Falcon 9), each rocket has to be entirely built from scratch and launched. Therefore, there are obvious limitations on the manufacturing capacity and the infrastructure to perform more than a handful of launches per year. In comparison, SpaceX Falcon 9 has done more than 290 launches in its 13 years of operations, with more than 91 Falcon 9 launches in 2023 alone. According to D. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, the long-term partnership between the two companies is to meet the Global commercial satellite launch service market needs. Together, both LVM3 and Ariane 6 would support customer needs, he says. Elaborating on this, he said that the Indian LVM3 could ferry satellites for Arianespace if the French firm had a launch requirement from a customer and did not have a rocket available at that time. Vice versa, the Ariane 6 vehicle would be used to launch the satellite for NSIL, when an Indian rocket is not available to meet NSIL's customer demands, he told WION. As per this agreement, the respective entities would be launching their rockets from home soil - LVM3 from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota, India, and Ariane 6 from Kourou, French Guiana. He believes that such an arrangement which combines the strengths of both established commercial launchers would help reach out to new markets and customers. In order to achieve the capability of stepping up in times of need, he said that India is working with its homegrown industry to increase the production capacity of its LVM3 rocket. For context, the LVM3 rocket has been operational for almost a decade now and has flown seven missions (all successful). While India has managed to improve the production capacity of the LVM3 and launched three of these rockets between October 2022 and July 2023, this is still inadequate when it comes to commercial operations. Radhakrishnan told WION that the Indian establishment is working towards gradually ramping up to four or five LVM3 launches per year and eventually six to seven launches, considering the commercial demand that they expect. With the Ariane 5 rocket retired in mid-2023, Arianespace is now working towards getting the Ariane 6 ready for its maiden flight, which is expected mid-2024.

Explained | Why India and France are betting big on heavy-lift commercial rocketry

In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, over 300 tourists were left stranded after a night of intense snowfall. Now all of them have been rescued by the state's police force.

Snowfall in North India leaves tourists stranded; Police rescues over 300 tourists in Himachal

<p>Near Line of Actual Control (LAC), the&nbsp;India-China border, a group of Ladakh shepherds displayed remarkable courage as they confronted Chinese soldiers attempting to obstruct them from grazing sheep, media reports said citing video footage. The viral video capturing the confrontation has garnered widespread admiration for the shepherds on social media.</p>

<p>Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, where a violent confrontation broke out between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the night of June 15-16 in the border region of Ladakh,&nbsp;local shepherds had refrained from grazing animals in the area.</p>

<p>The shepherds, seen in the widely-circulated video, reclaimed their grazing rights in the region and compelled People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers to withdraw, an act which is now hugely appreciated on social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin commended the resilience of the shepherds.</p>

<p>"It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers and nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong," he wrote in a social media post.</p>

<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA<br />
in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers &amp; nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong.<br />
I would like to thank <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> for such strong… <a href="https://t.co/yNIBatPRKE">pic.twitter.com/yNIBatPRKE</a></p>
— Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstanzinladakh/status/1752323717323968671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

<p><a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>"I would like to thank #IndianArmy for such strong civil-military relations &amp; looking after the interests of the border area population," he said adding, "I salute our nomads, who always stand to protect our land and stand as the second guardian force of the nation."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When did the incident take place?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, the incident took place earlier this month. The video showed a standoff between at least three Chinese armored vehicles and the shepherds.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-court-grants-hindu-devotees-worship-rights-in-sealed-gyanvapi-mosque-basement-685470">Varanasi Court grants Hindu devotees worship rights in sealed Gyanvapi Mosque basement</a></p>

<p>Despite alarms blaring from the vehicles, the shepherds stood their ground, vehemently asserting their presence on Indian territory.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-what-to-watch-out-for-685447">India Budget 2024: What to watch out for?</a></p>

<p>Even after the verbal confrontation, the footage does not show any violent act taking place.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arun-yogiraj-speaks-about-inspiration-behind-idol-of-lord-ram-685468">Arun Yogiraj speaks about inspiration behind idol of Lord Ram</a></strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arun-yogiraj-speaks-about-inspiration-behind-idol-of-lord-ram-685468/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>
<a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<p>As per the visuals, Chinese soldiers were not carrying any weapons with them.&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Near Line of Actual Control (LAC), the India-China border, a group of Ladakh shepherds displayed remarkable courage as they confronted Chinese soldiers attempting to obstruct them from grazing sheep, media reports said citing video footage.

Near Line of Actual Control (LAC), the India-China border, a group of Ladakh shepherds displayed remarkable courage as they confronted Chinese soldiers attempting to obstruct them from grazing sheep, media reports said citing video footage. The viral video capturing the confrontation has garnered widespread admiration for the shepherds on social media. Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, where a violent confrontation broke out between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the night of June 15-16 in the border region of Ladakh, local shepherds had refrained from grazing animals in the area. The shepherds, seen in the widely-circulated video, reclaimed their grazing rights in the region and compelled People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers to withdraw, an act which is now hugely appreciated on social media platforms. Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin commended the resilience of the shepherds. "It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers and nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong," he wrote in a social media post. It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers & nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong. I would like to thank #IndianArmy for such strong… pic.twitter.com/yNIBatPRKE — Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) January 30, 2024 × "I would like to thank #IndianArmy for such strong civil-military relations & looking after the interests of the border area population," he said adding, "I salute our nomads, who always stand to protect our land and stand as the second guardian force of the nation." When did the incident take place? As per reports, the incident took place earlier this month. The video showed a standoff between at least three Chinese armored vehicles and the shepherds. Also Read | Varanasi Court grants Hindu devotees worship rights in sealed Gyanvapi Mosque basement Despite alarms blaring from the vehicles, the shepherds stood their ground, vehemently asserting their presence on Indian territory. Also Read | India Budget 2024: What to watch out for? Even after the verbal confrontation, the footage does not show any violent act taking place. Watch | Arun Yogiraj speaks about inspiration behind idol of Lord Ram × As per the visuals, Chinese soldiers were not carrying any weapons with them. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Ladakh shepherds stand firm against Chinese troops, draw applause from Indian netizens

<p>The world's fifth-largest economy is waiting for the interim budget scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2024, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This will be her sixth budget in a row as finance minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, ahead of crucial national elections in the spring in which Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to tech startups cited in the media, they are hoping&nbsp;that Sitharaman will announce measures to strengthen the focus on supporting them develop more intellectual property within the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, there appears to be unanimity on the need to boost Research and Development within the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2024-indias-start-up-ecosystem-seeks-redemption-after-a-tepid-2023-685370">Budget 2024: India’s start-up ecosystem seeks redemption after a tepid 2023</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"In my opinion, startups in the current ecosystem require streamlined regulations and government support for initial R&amp;D funding to compete globally," Milan Sharma, founder and MD, 35North Ventures told Zee Business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For investors, better alignment of taxation on unlisted equities would allow better capital inflow," Sharma added.</p>

<h2><strong>Call for tax benefits for startup investors</strong></h2>

<p>According to Ravi Gupta, founder of Guptaji Invests, tax benefits must be given to the startup investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gupta told Zee Business that startup investors take "the highest risk by investing in an asset class that has the lowest success ratio".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India Budget 2024: President Murmu praises defence production crossing Rs 1 lakh-crore mark</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-president-murmu-praises-defence-production-crossing-rs-1-lakh-crore-mark-685425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The more strategic investments happen in fundable startups, the more India as a nation will become a better place to live, as what a proper startup does is solve a burning problem. But precautionary measures should be taken so that India will not become a 'tax haven' and investors don't do money laundering," Gupta added.</p>

<p>"Due to the Angel tax levy, investments are not happening much in the highest-risk asset class startups. Tax benefits to startups should be increased from 3 years to 5 years or more. The government should not consider it a revenue loss but rather an investment from the government side for a brighter future, a better India, and the best-case scenario to make India the best nation of all," he said.</p>

<p>From just 350 in 2014, India had over 90,000 start-ups in 2023. At least 111 of them are unicorns, start-ups that are valued at over $1 billion. India now has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world.&nbsp;</p>


The world's fifth-largest economy is waiting for the interim budget scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2024, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This will be her sixth budget in a row as finance minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, ahead of crucial national elections in the spring in which Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.

The world's fifth-largest economy is waiting for the interim budget scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2024, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This will be her sixth budget in a row as finance minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, ahead of crucial national elections in the spring in which Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. According to tech startups cited in the media, they are hoping that Sitharaman will announce measures to strengthen the focus on supporting them develop more intellectual property within the country. Furthermore, there appears to be unanimity on the need to boost Research and Development within the country. Also read | Budget 2024: India’s start-up ecosystem seeks redemption after a tepid 2023 "In my opinion, startups in the current ecosystem require streamlined regulations and government support for initial R&D funding to compete globally," Milan Sharma, founder and MD, 35North Ventures told Zee Business. "For investors, better alignment of taxation on unlisted equities would allow better capital inflow," Sharma added. Call for tax benefits for startup investors According to Ravi Gupta, founder of Guptaji Invests, tax benefits must be given to the startup investors. Gupta told Zee Business that startup investors take "the highest risk by investing in an asset class that has the lowest success ratio". Also watch | India Budget 2024: President Murmu praises defence production crossing Rs 1 lakh-crore mark × "The more strategic investments happen in fundable startups, the more India as a nation will become a better place to live, as what a proper startup does is solve a burning problem. But precautionary measures should be taken so that India will not become a 'tax haven' and investors don't do money laundering," Gupta added. "Due to the Angel tax levy, investments are not happening much in the highest-risk asset class startups. Tax benefits to startups should be increased from 3 years to 5 years or more. The government should not consider it a revenue loss but rather an investment from the government side for a brighter future, a better India, and the best-case scenario to make India the best nation of all," he said. From just 350 in 2014, India had over 90,000 start-ups in 2023. At least 111 of them are unicorns, start-ups that are valued at over $1 billion. India now has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world.

India Budget 2024: What startups expect from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

<p>The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said.</p>

<p>In its report to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session starts on Wednesday, the committee also recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as “sufficient punishment” for the transgression.</p>

<p>The MPs held “guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council” of States are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-sri-lankan-vessel-all-six-crew-members-safe-685213">Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe</a></p>

<p>The committee presented the report to Dhankhar, taking note of the situation that the suspended members would not be able to attend the special address of President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, the first address in the new building of Parliament, on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-murders-friend-after-being-pressed-for-unnatural-sex-detained-from-patna-685208">India: Man murders friend after being pressed for ‘unnatural sex,’ detained from Patna</a></p>

<p>The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-on-india-maldives-ties-685218">Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on India-Maldives ties</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-on-india-maldives-ties-685218/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president.</p>

<p>The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament were referred to the Privileges Committee.&nbsp;</p>


The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said.

The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said. In its report to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session starts on Wednesday, the committee also recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as “sufficient punishment” for the transgression. The MPs held “guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council” of States are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim. Also Read | Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe The committee presented the report to Dhankhar, taking note of the situation that the suspended members would not be able to attend the special address of President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, the first address in the new building of Parliament, on Wednesday. Also Read | India: Man murders friend after being pressed for ‘unnatural sex,’ detained from Patna The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House. Watch | Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on India-Maldives ties × The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president. The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament were referred to the Privileges Committee.

India: Rajya Sabha chairman revokes suspension of 11 opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege

Indian President Droupadi Murmu kicked off the budget session of the parliament with a joint address to both houses. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the last budget of the Modi government on the 1st of February.

Budget 2024: Indian parliament's budget session begins

The rear windscreen of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s vehicle was found broken during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Wednesday, triggering a political row in West Bengal. While Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that it could be because of a stone pelted by someone.

Applying sudden brakes had broken glass, says Congress

India's Interim Budget 2024–25 is slated to be tabled on February 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget in Parliament. Since this budget will be an interim one, it is unlikely to contain any significant announcements. Have a look at key budget promises delivered in the recent past.

Budget 2024: Key budget promises delivered in the recent past by the Modi government

Sculptor Arun Yogiraj, creator of the Ram Lalla idol installed at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir shares his journey of idol creation to WION. Watch in.

Arun Yogiraj speaks about inspiration behind idol of Lord Ram

<p>As India gears up for the upcoming general elections in April, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has revealed a list of 16 candidates, including notable figures such as Dimple Yadav, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, and Ravidas Mehrotra, from Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>This comes days after SP president Akhilesh Yadav expressed satisfaction with the alliance seat sharing between SP and Congress, emphasising the positive start in the state.</p>

<p>In an announcement on Saturday (Jan 27), Yadav shared in a post on X, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. ‘INDIA’ team and ‘PDA’ (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy will change history."</p>

<p>The candidates' list includes Akshay Yadav, Devesh Shakya, Dharmendra Yadav, Anu Tandon, Naval Kishore Shakya, Rajaram Pal, Utkarsh Verma, Anand Bhadauria, Shivshankar Singh Patel, Awadhesh Prasad, Ramprasad Chaudhary, and Kajal Nishad.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-based-tech-entrepreneur-donates-1375-mln-to-alma-mater-iit-madras-685187">US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 mln to alma mater IIT-Madras</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) faced a setback as Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar, severing ties with the combined opposition's&nbsp;alliance.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-encounter-with-naxalites-injures-security-personnel-685178">Encounter in violence-hit Indian state leaves security personnel wounded</a></p>

<p>In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her party's independent stance stating, "I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party, and in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-two-hijacked-vessels-in-less-than-36-hours-685151">Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-two-hijacked-vessels-in-less-than-36-hours-685151/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Uttar Pradesh, with its 80 seats, holds significant importance in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP's strong performance in this state has been a key factor in their national dominance. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 62 seats out of the total 80. BJP overshadowed the pre-poll alliance among the SP, RLD, and BSP, which only managed to secure 15 seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As India gears up for the upcoming general elections in April, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has revealed a list of 16 candidates, including notable figures such as Dimple Yadav, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, and Ravidas Mehrotra, from Uttar Pradesh.

As India gears up for the upcoming general elections in April, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has revealed a list of 16 candidates, including notable figures such as Dimple Yadav, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, and Ravidas Mehrotra, from Uttar Pradesh. This comes days after SP president Akhilesh Yadav expressed satisfaction with the alliance seat sharing between SP and Congress, emphasising the positive start in the state. In an announcement on Saturday (Jan 27), Yadav shared in a post on X, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. ‘INDIA’ team and ‘PDA’ (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy will change history." The candidates' list includes Akshay Yadav, Devesh Shakya, Dharmendra Yadav, Anu Tandon, Naval Kishore Shakya, Rajaram Pal, Utkarsh Verma, Anand Bhadauria, Shivshankar Singh Patel, Awadhesh Prasad, Ramprasad Chaudhary, and Kajal Nishad. Also Read | US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 mln to alma mater IIT-Madras Meanwhile, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) faced a setback as Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar, severing ties with the combined opposition's alliance. Also Read | Encounter in violence-hit Indian state leaves security personnel wounded In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her party's independent stance stating, "I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party, and in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP." Watch | Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours × Uttar Pradesh, with its 80 seats, holds significant importance in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP's strong performance in this state has been a key factor in their national dominance. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 62 seats out of the total 80. BJP overshadowed the pre-poll alliance among the SP, RLD, and BSP, which only managed to secure 15 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections 2024: Samajwadi Party announces names of 16 candidates from Uttar Pradesh

<p>Police in Indian capital Delhi have arrested a 20-year-old man on for killing another man who he said used to force him into having ‘unnatural sex.’ According to a police officer quoted by news agency ANI, the incident came to light on January 19 when Kashmere Gate police station received a phone call about a dead body lying in an isolated place in DDA Park, Mori Gate. The body was lying “with blood on his mouth and a cut mark above his eye and blood was scattered around the body."</p>

<p>"After spot inspection, body was shifted to the hospital, where he was declared 'brought dead' by the doctor. Thereafter, the body was shifted and preserved at Mortuary 'Subzi Mandi'. Accordingly, a case u/s 302 IPC was registered at PS Kashmere Gate, and the investigation was taken up to trace the culprit," DCP North Manoj Kumar Meena was quoted as saying by ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3GqadMa03-fpSdog0B9dqq" data-ved="2ahUKEwivgM3Qm4WEAxXq2DgGHTk9Bl4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-top-cops-son-allegedly-killed-by-friends-over-financial-dispute-684188" jsname="YKoRaf">Delhi top cop`s son allegedly killed by friends over financial dispute</a></strong></p>

<p>After a detailed investigation, the man was finally identified as Pramod Kumar Shukla, a resident of Village Rudurpura, District Jalon, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Police obtained the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of the mobile phone of the victim, and an analysis of the IMEI revealed that one mobile number was occasionally used. The number belonged to Rajesh, a resident of Ghosai Chausa, Madhepura in eastern state of Bihar.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Delhi Police use AI to solve a murder mystery</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-delhi-police-use-ai-to-solve-a-murder-mystery-683310/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Police later arrested Rajesh from Patna on January 26 and brought him to Delhi for investigation.</p>

<p>During the investigation, Rajesh admitted that he had murdered Pramod on January 17. He said Pramod was his friend and used to pressure him to have ‘unnatural sex’ with him.</p>

<p>Police quoted Rajesh as saying that after killing Pramod, he stole his INR 18,500 and a keypad mobile phone and departed to Punjab state to evade arrest.</p>

<p>There, he bought a new phone worth INR 10,000 using the stolen money.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police in Indian capital Delhi have arrested a 20-year-old man on for killing another man who he said used to force him into having ‘unnatural sex.’ According to a police officer quoted by news agency ANI, the incident came to light on January 19 when Kashmere Gate police station received a phone call about a dead body lying in an isolated place in DDA Park, Mori Gate.

Police in Indian capital Delhi have arrested a 20-year-old man on for killing another man who he said used to force him into having ‘unnatural sex.’ According to a police officer quoted by news agency ANI, the incident came to light on January 19 when Kashmere Gate police station received a phone call about a dead body lying in an isolated place in DDA Park, Mori Gate. The body was lying “with blood on his mouth and a cut mark above his eye and blood was scattered around the body." "After spot inspection, body was shifted to the hospital, where he was declared 'brought dead' by the doctor. Thereafter, the body was shifted and preserved at Mortuary 'Subzi Mandi'. Accordingly, a case u/s 302 IPC was registered at PS Kashmere Gate, and the investigation was taken up to trace the culprit," DCP North Manoj Kumar Meena was quoted as saying by ANI. Also read: Delhi top cop`s son allegedly killed by friends over financial dispute After a detailed investigation, the man was finally identified as Pramod Kumar Shukla, a resident of Village Rudurpura, District Jalon, Uttar Pradesh. Police obtained the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of the mobile phone of the victim, and an analysis of the IMEI revealed that one mobile number was occasionally used. The number belonged to Rajesh, a resident of Ghosai Chausa, Madhepura in eastern state of Bihar. Watch: Gravitas: Delhi Police use AI to solve a murder mystery × Police later arrested Rajesh from Patna on January 26 and brought him to Delhi for investigation. During the investigation, Rajesh admitted that he had murdered Pramod on January 17. He said Pramod was his friend and used to pressure him to have ‘unnatural sex’ with him. Police quoted Rajesh as saying that after killing Pramod, he stole his INR 18,500 and a keypad mobile phone and departed to Punjab state to evade arrest. There, he bought a new phone worth INR 10,000 using the stolen money. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Man murders friend after being pressed for ‘unnatural sex,’ detained

Gravitas | Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reappeared after going missing for 24+ hours. How did a Chief Minister go missing? Here's what Molly Gambhir has to say. Watch to know more!

Gravitas: How did a Chief Minister go missing?

The Indian Navy has rescued Pakistanis from Somali Pirates in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistanis were sailing in an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by the pirates. Why did China not come to the rescue of the Pakistanis? Where was the great Western Armada? Time and again, India has rescued distressed ships in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Watch to know more!

India becomes the new security provider in the Arabian Sea

The Budget Session in Parliament began on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu's first address in the new Parliament building. Addressing both Houses of Parliament, the president spoke on the many accomplishments of the Indian government over the last year, including the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, India becoming the fifth largest economy in the world, Chandrayaan-3, and the G20 Summit. Listen in.

India Budget 2024 | Women, youth, farmers & poor are India's pillars of growth: President Murmu

<p>An interim Budget for 2024-25 will be presented by India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, months before the country holds its next general elections.</p>

<p>The complete budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be tabled in the Parliament after the new government's formation post the general elections.</p>

<p>Sitharaman, while speaking about the interim Budget in December, ruled out the possibility of any “spectacular announcement” in her sixth budget on February 1, adding that it will simply be a “vote on account” before the next general elections.</p>

<p>“No spectacular announcements come in that time (in a vote on account). So you will have to wait till after the new government comes in and presents the next full budget in July 2024,” the minister had stated while responding to a question regarding a “supercharged budget” in her address at the CII Global Economic Policy Forum.</p>

<h2><strong>What is an interim Budget and how it differs from a full-fledged budget?</strong></h2>

<p>The interim Budget presented by an outgoing government outlines its anticipated expenditures and receipts till the formation of the new government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-women-gear-up-for-budget-day-hoping-for-policies-that-drive-growth-and-equality-682322">Budget 2024: India’s women hope for greater gender equity</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, a comprehensive budget includes the different facets of government finances, which include earnings, spending, allocations, and policy declarations.</p>

<p>A complete budget is a strategic guide which charts the economic trajectory of the country for a complete fiscal year whereas only the financial information regarding the transitional period is provided in the interim Budget.</p>

<p>Also before the interim Budget, the government does not present the Economic Survey, which is a document prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and is generally presented a day before the Union Budget on February 1 each year.</p>

<p>This is because the regular budget process carries the chance of getting disrupted if there is a change in government.</p>

<p>In the wake of general elections to be held between April and May 2024, it is expected that a complete budget will be presented by the new government in July 2024.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Explained: India's interim budget 2024</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-indias-interim-budget-2024-684961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On February 1, FM Sitharaman will table an interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Parliament, which will come into effect from April 1, 2024.</p>

<p>In the past years, the incumbent government has always avoided major policy announcements during a vote on account, although no constitutional prohibition exists which stops the government from making substantial announcements.</p>

<h2><strong>Why it is called a ‘vote on account’?</strong></h2>

<p>An interim Budget conventionally is also called a ‘vote-on-account’ because it serves as an authorisation to incur specific expenditures which is necessary till a new government comes to power.</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India imposes certain limitations on the interim Budgets to ensure they have no undue influence on the voters. As per the limitations, the government is not allowed to propose major taxes or policy reforms in the interim Budget because that can influence people to vote in favour of the ruling dispensation.</p>

<p>"I am not going to play a spoilsport, but it is a matter of truth that the February 1, 2024, budget that will be announced will just be a vote-on-account because we will be in an election mode. So the budget that the government presents will just be to meet the government's expenditure till a new government comes to play," said FM Sitharaman&nbsp;in December.</p>

<p>Generally, a vote-on-account remains effective for a period of two months and can get an extension if required.</p>

<p>As per the Constitution's Article 116, a vote-on-account is an upfront allocation of budget from the ‘Consolidated Fund of India’ to the incumbent government and has been designated specifically to address immediate expenditure needs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An interim Budget for 2024-25 will be presented by India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, months before the country holds its next general elections.

An interim Budget for 2024-25 will be presented by India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, months before the country holds its next general elections. The complete budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be tabled in the Parliament after the new government's formation post the general elections. Sitharaman, while speaking about the interim Budget in December, ruled out the possibility of any “spectacular announcement” in her sixth budget on February 1, adding that it will simply be a “vote on account” before the next general elections. “No spectacular announcements come in that time (in a vote on account). So you will have to wait till after the new government comes in and presents the next full budget in July 2024,” the minister had stated while responding to a question regarding a “supercharged budget” in her address at the CII Global Economic Policy Forum. What is an interim Budget and how it differs from a full-fledged budget? The interim Budget presented by an outgoing government outlines its anticipated expenditures and receipts till the formation of the new government. Also read: Budget 2024: India’s women hope for greater gender equity Meanwhile, a comprehensive budget includes the different facets of government finances, which include earnings, spending, allocations, and policy declarations. A complete budget is a strategic guide which charts the economic trajectory of the country for a complete fiscal year whereas only the financial information regarding the transitional period is provided in the interim Budget. Also before the interim Budget, the government does not present the Economic Survey, which is a document prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and is generally presented a day before the Union Budget on February 1 each year. This is because the regular budget process carries the chance of getting disrupted if there is a change in government. In the wake of general elections to be held between April and May 2024, it is expected that a complete budget will be presented by the new government in July 2024. Watch: Explained: India's interim budget 2024 On February 1, FM Sitharaman will table an interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Parliament, which will come into effect from April 1, 2024. In the past years, the incumbent government has always avoided major policy announcements during a vote on account, although no constitutional prohibition exists which stops the government from making substantial announcements. Why it is called a ‘vote on account’? An interim Budget conventionally is also called a ‘vote-on-account’ because it serves as an authorisation to incur specific expenditures which is necessary till a new government comes to power. The Election Commission of India imposes certain limitations on the interim Budgets to ensure they have no undue influence on the voters. As per the limitations, the government is not allowed to propose major taxes or policy reforms in the interim Budget because that can influence people to vote in favour of the ruling dispensation. "I am not going to play a spoilsport, but it is a matter of truth that the February 1, 2024, budget that will be announced will just be a vote-on-account because we will be in an election mode. So the budget that the government presents will just be to meet the government's expenditure till a new government comes to play," said FM Sitharaman in December. Generally, a vote-on-account remains effective for a period of two months and can get an extension if required. As per the Constitution's Article 116, a vote-on-account is an upfront allocation of budget from the ‘Consolidated Fund of India’ to the incumbent government and has been designated specifically to address immediate expenditure needs. (With inputs from agencies)

India Budget 2024: What is an interim Budget? How is it different from a regular budget?

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news