From Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget presentation to Supreme Court’s NEET-UG retest rejection: Today's top 10 morning news headlines

1. FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents Budget seventh consecutive time for VIKSIT BHARAT, massive bonanza for NDA allies

In a historic moment, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Budget today, outlining a comprehensive roadmap aimed at bolstering various sectors and addressing critical socio-economic needs. Sitharaman underscored the government's commitment to inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives targeting the welfare of marginalized groups. "As mentioned in the interim Budget, we need to focus on four different castes: the poor, women, youth, and farmers," she stated.

2. Union Budget 2024: Employment to manufacturing, here are nine priorities outlined by FM Sitharaman

The Union Budget often outlines key priorities for the government's economic strategy and on Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget for the financial year 2024-25, which has identified nine priorities for generation ample opportunities. While presenting the budget in the Lok Sabha, the finance minister highlighted nine priorities to bolster the economy, which include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling and Manufacturing and Services. (Read the full story here.)

3. Union Budget 2024: What will be cheaper and what will be costlier?

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Union Budget on Tuesday. While presenting the Budget for 2024-25, she announced substantial reductions in customs duties on various items, including gold, silver, and platinum. The Finance Minister emphasised the government's efforts to streamline customs duties. "In 2022-23, we reduced the number of customs duty rates. I propose to further rationalize them after a review over the next six months," Sitharaman stated. (Read the full story here.)

4. Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: How did the politicians react?

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury says, "The issues like increasing unemployment, inflation and food prices were not addressed properly as they should have been. The government expenditure as per GDP has decreased. The economy will contract so the problem of the people will increase... Subsidies have been decreased." (Read the full story here.)

5. FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes customs duty reductions on gold, silver to per cent in Union Budget 2024-25

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha today, unveiling proposals aimed at bolstering India's economic resilience and fostering growth across key sectors. In a bid to enhance value addition in the precious metal jewellery sector, Sitharaman proposed significant reductions in customs duties. 

6. Supreme Court rejects NEET-UG retest request, cites insufficient evidence

On Tuesday, the SC ruled against demands made to reconduct the NEET-UG exams. The SC claimed that there wasn’t sufficient evidence that would make a direct link from a systematic link to the question paper. As per the court, re-conducting a fresh NEET-UG paper would have consequences for the 24 lakh students who appeared for the exams.

7. Cannot be jailed for more than 10 years... SC limits attempted murder punishment

The Supreme Court has set clear rules for sentencing attempted murder cases, following the original intention of the law and ensuring fair punishments. SC decided that someone found guilty of attempted murder can't be jailed for more than 10 years unless the sentence is life imprisonment.

8. Big disappointment: Tamil Nadu MK Stalin to boycott NITI Aayog meeting over Budget snub

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced his decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting on Tuesday, in Delhi, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed disappointment over the Union Budget, stating that Tamil Nadu has been completely ignored and therefore, he sees no point in attending the meeting.

9. US Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle formally resigns

US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down amidst escalating criticism over a security lapse that led to former President Donald Trump being wounded during a campaign rally. Cheatle, who had been in the role since August 2022, faced intense scrutiny and calls for resignation following the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

10. Kamala Harris secures majority spot as Democratic Party's presidential nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the majority support needed to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee at the upcoming convention. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, citing concerns about his age and health and simultaneously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, on Sunday. Biden pledged to remain in office as president until his term ends on Jan 20, 2025.