Budget Session Updates, Row Over Sonia Gandhi's Remarks, And Other Top Stories

Controversy and Budget discussions dominated the day as the Indian capital witnessed protests against a new government policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament on Friday, just as a controversy erupted over Congress MP Sonia Gandhi's remarks. The comment was labeled "unparliamentary" by opposition leaders, sparking criticism from both sides of the aisle.

According to sources close to the Prime Minister's office, Mr Modhi is expected to announce several tax cuts in his upcoming budget, which is set for release on February 1. Insiders hint at the possibility of a big relief package for middle-class taxpayers.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in the Bangladeshi capital as Shariful, father of one of Saif Ali Khan's assassins, arrived at the Indian High Commission to protest his son’s detention.

In a bizarre news clip that has gained significant media attention globally, Elon Musk was seen working out of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) office in Washington DC.

US president Donald Trump made headlines as he rapped angrily with a journalist whose line of questioning annoyed him while visiting the DC plane crash site.

These stories and many more are covered in today's issue of our Afternoon Digest, bringing the latest updates from around India.