IAS Officer Officiates Wedding of Tsunami Survivor He Rescued 20 Years Ago

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently presented the Union Budget for 2025, which has been hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant win for middle-class families. According to the budget announcement, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh (approximately $14,500) will not be liable for income tax, a move aimed at providing financial relief amid rising living costs. In addition to tax exemptions, the budget outlines investments in infrastructure and various social programs, which officials claim will boost economic growth and create jobs. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government's commitment to fostering an inclusive economy that supports all citizens. The budget has sparked discussions among political leaders, with some opposition figures, such as Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, expressing concerns over fiscal priorities and the potential impact on public services. The budget proposal has received mixed reactions, with many in the middle class praising the tax benefits, while critics call for a more balanced approach that addresses inequality and public sector needs.

A United States military aircraft carrying 205 Indian migrants took off from San Antonio, Texas, on February 4, 2025, bound for Amritsar, Punjab. This deportation flight is part of an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration, which includes stricter border enforcement, according to a spokesperson from the US Embassy. The C-17 aircraft is expected to arrive in India within 24 hours. As part of broader immigration policies, recent measures also include the removal of deportation protections for around 348,000 Venezuelans in the US, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Trump administration claims these actions are necessary to combat illegal migration and protect US interests. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to the situation, stating that the Indian government welcomes the return of its citizens living illegally abroad and noted an estimated 18,000 Indian nationals currently undocumented in the US. Military flights have also been employed to deport immigrants to other countries such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.

India is currently experiencing an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, primarily in Pune, with approximately 160 reported cases since January. This uptick has led to five suspected deaths and overwhelmed local healthcare, with 48 patients in intensive care, 21 on ventilators, and others discharged, as stated by the Pune Municipal Corporation. According to experts, the outbreak is linked to a strain of the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, known to cause foodborne infections. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences suggest that prior infections play a significant role in GBS, with Campylobacter identified in about one-third of tested patients in previous studies. Professor Hugh Willison from the University of Glasgow highlighted that certain strains of Campylobacter can induce GBS by mistakenly attacking nerve cells. Health authorities are responding by conducting extensive surveillance, advising communities on food safety practices, and setting up dedicated hospital wards for GBS patients. The World Health Organization is collaborating with local health officials to monitor the situation amid rising public concerns.