Railway Budget 2025: Key Allocations and Improvements
The Railway Budget 2025, announced on February 2, has allocated ₹2.52 lakh crore, maintaining the same level as the previous year. The budget prioritizes safety, infrastructure, and electrification enhancements. Key initiatives include the introduction of advanced trains like Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat to improve traveler facilities and accessibility. Additionally, modernization of the railway sector is emphasized, aiming to drive economic growth. The budget also focuses on upgrading railway stations, enhancing passenger amenities, and developing multimodal logistics parks to streamline freight operations.
Bombay High Court Quashes SC/ST Act Case Over “Public View” Criterion
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has quashed a case under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, on the grounds that the alleged offences did not occur in “public view,” a crucial requirement for prosecution. The complainant alleged assault and casteist abuse, but the court found no independent witnesses to support the claims. Consequently, charges under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST Act were dismissed, while other charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were upheld.
India U19 Women’s Cricket Team Wins T20 World Cup 2025
The Indian U19 women’s cricket team achieved a historic victory by winning the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. They defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the final on February 2, 2025. Led by Niki Prasad, the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing dominant performances. Gongadi Trisha was the star of the final, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs and taking 3 wickets for 15 runs. This victory marks India’s second U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Budget 2025: Comparative Analysis of Old vs. New Tax Regime
The Union Budget 2025 introduces revised income tax slabs under the new tax regime, simplifying the tax structure. Key changes include no tax for incomes up to ₹12 lakh annually. The new slabs are: 0-₹4 lakh (nil), ₹4-₹8 lakh (5%), ₹8-₹12 lakh (10%), ₹12-₹16 lakh (15%), ₹16-₹20 lakh (20%), ₹20-₹24 lakh (25%), and above ₹24 lakh (30%). The old regime retains existing deductions and exemptions. The new system aims to provide greater relief and simplify compliance for taxpayers, with a higher standard deduction of ₹75,000 for salaried employees and pensioners.
PM-JANMAN Initiative for Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Launched in November 2023, the PM-JANMAN package focuses on improving living conditions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. With a budget of ₹24,104 crore, the initiative aims to achieve 100% saturation of essential services like housing, water, and roads in PVTG habitations. Key interventions include housing through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, piped water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission, and mobile medical units via the National Health Mission. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is spearheading the program in collaboration with nine line ministries and state governments.
EU Resumes Monitoring at Rafah Border Crossing Amid Conflict
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for medical evacuations after being closed since May 2024. The European Union has resumed its civilian mission to monitor the crossing, enabling the transfer of injured civilians and Hamas fighters to Egypt. Initially, 50 injured fighters and 50 wounded civilians will be allowed to cross, with an additional 100 people, likely students, permitted on humanitarian grounds. This reopening is a significant development amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, addressing urgent medical needs.