Today in History (July 24th, 1917)
On July 24, 1917, Dutch-born dancer and courtesan Mata Hari, whose name became synonymous with the seductive female spy, went on trial accused of spying for Germany. She was subsequently found guilty and, on October 15, 1917, was executed by firing squad.
Summary of Today’s News
Small servings, MANY PLATES
The Budget introduces income tax rate cuts of up to ₹17,500 annually, offering taxpayers an extra ₹1,458 per month. It commits ₹2 lakh crore over five years for job creation and skills development for 4.1 crore youth, with a focus on employment. Priorities include Employment, MSMEs, Productivity, Land, Opportunities, Youth, Middle Class, and Energy Security. The Budget emphasizes agriculture, fiscal consolidation with a 4.9% deficit target, and reforms in income tax, customs, and FDI norms.
Supreme Court declines petitions to cancel NEET
The Supreme Court has declined to cancel NEET (UG) 2024, held on May 5. The Court found no evidence of a systemic leak affecting the exam’s integrity, noting that any leaks were localized to Hazaribagh and Patna. The ongoing CBI investigation has resulted in multiple arrests. The Court agreed with the government that cancelling the exam would significantly impact the 23 lakh students, disrupting the admission schedule.
3 cancer drugs exempted from customs duty.
The Budget introduces full customs duty exemption for three cancer drugs—Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab—and adjusts customs duties on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors. The health sector receives ₹89,287 crore, an increase from 1.76% of total expenditure last year. The Health Ministry’s allocation rises to ₹90,958.63 crore, while the Ayush Ministry’s budget grows to ₹3,712.49 crore. The Anusandhan National Research Fund, with ₹1 lakh crore, supports research and innovation. The healthcare sector, however, notes unmet demands like increasing GDP healthcare spending and addressing GST issues.
Murray confrms retirement after Paris Olympics as sun sets on golden age.
Andy Murray has announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics, concluding a remarkable career at age 37. He plans to compete in both singles and doubles at his fifth Olympics. Murray’s career highlights include winning two Olympic gold medals in singles—defeating Roger Federer in 2012 and Juan Martin del Potro in 2016—as well as securing three Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, and the US Open in 2012.
