Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced a record allocation of ₹2.62 lakh crore for Indian Railways under the 2024-25 Budget, with ₹1.08 lakh crore earmarked for safety upgrades. This includes the installation of the ‘Kavach 4.0’ safety system, which integrates hardware, software, and data management. The funds will also address old tracks, signaling systems, and construction of new flyovers and underpasses. This move follows recent train accidents in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Vaishnav noted increased demand for general travel and the production of 10,000 additional general coaches.

The Congress has criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, claiming it neglects farmers by allocating only 3.15% of the total budget to agriculture and allied sectors, down from 5.44% in 2019-2020. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the government's silence on demands for legal status for MSP and farm loan waivers. He also criticized the new Employment-linked Incentives (ELIs), arguing they fail to address job scarcity and gender inequality in the workforce. Despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's promises for sustainable farming and technological integration, Ramesh asserted the measures fall short of addressing core issues.

The Supreme Court has ruled against reconducting the NEET-UG exam, stating insufficient evidence of a systemic breach in the question paper. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, heading a three-judge bench, emphasized that a retest would significantly impact the two million students who appeared for the exam. The court acknowledged leaks at certain centers but noted that data from the National Testing Agency and IIT Madras showed no mass-scale leak. The CBI investigation continues, and further action will be taken if more beneficiaries are identified.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024-25 introduced significant changes to the new tax regime while keeping the old regime unchanged. The standard deduction for salaried employees under the new regime is increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. The revised tax slabs now include 0% for income up to ₹3 lakh, 5% for ₹3-7 lakh, 10% for ₹7-10 lakh, 15% for ₹10-12 lakh, 20% for ₹12-15 lakh, and 30% for income above ₹15 lakh. These changes offer up to ₹17,500 in tax savings for salaried individuals.

In the 2024 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chose not to increase taxes on tobacco products, keeping cigarette prices unchanged. This decision benefited ITC, India’s leading cigarette producer, whose shares surged by 4.67% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), closing at ₹488.35. Tobacco taxation falls under the GST Council's jurisdiction, with additional National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) adjustments during the budget. Cigarettes significantly contribute to ITC’s revenue, accounting for over 80% of net profit. The company's stock opened at ₹467.05 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), peaking at ₹489.80.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as visionary and inclusive. He highlighted its potential to strengthen the middle class, improve education and skills development, and empower tribal, Dalit, and backward communities. Modi emphasized the budget's focus on manufacturing, infrastructure, and economic participation of women, small traders, and MSMEs. With strong plans to continue lifting individuals out of poverty, the budget aims to energize the aspirations of the neo-middle class and create unprecedented opportunities for the youth.

During a NEET-UG hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reprimanded senior advocate Mathews Nedumpara for interrupting another lawyer. Nedumpara claimed seniority, but the CJI warned him to respect the court's decorum. When Nedumpara refused to back down, the CJI threatened to call security to remove him. The advocate eventually left the courtroom. The incident highlighted the CJI's commitment to maintaining order and decorum in the court. The hearing continued without further disruption, ensuring a smooth proceeding. The CJI's firm stance asserted his authority and upheld the court's dignity.

In Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant changes in customs duties. The government is reducing duties on cancer medicines, mobile phones, gold, silver, and seafood, aiming to lower retail prices. Gold and silver duties will drop to 6%, potentially boosting demand and curbing smuggling. Conversely, customs duties on ammonium nitrate and non-biodegradable plastics will rise by 10% and 25%, respectively. These measures reflect the government's efforts to address public health and environmental concerns while impacting various sectors.

In the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced revised tax slabs under the new tax regime, aimed at benefiting salaried individuals. The standard deduction was increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, saving taxpayers Rs 17,500 annually. New tax slabs include 0% tax on income up to Rs 3 lakh, 5% on Rs 3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, and varying rates up to 30% for incomes above Rs 15 lakh. Additionally, deductions for NPS contributions were raised from 10% to 14%, and family pension deductions increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000.

In a bid to boost employment, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme in the 2024 Budget. The government will contribute one-month's salary to the Provident Fund of all new employees across sectors. This move aims to benefit 210 lakh youths entering the workforce. The initiative comes after the BJP faced discontent over job opportunities in the general elections. The government hopes to address employment concerns with this scheme, providing financial support to new entrants in the job market. The move is expected to have a positive impact on youth employment.