Today Top News Headlines in India – 4 February 2025 Latest Updates by Vizzve Financial

top trending news stories in India as of February 4, 2025:

1. 1.India's Sovereign Bonds Decision
   The Indian government has opted not to engage in direct debt switching with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for sovereign bonds maturing in 2025-26. The decision comes with a raised gross borrowing target of ₹14.82 trillion, signaling increased market-based borrowing amid economic uncertainties.

1. 2.Rising Temperatures Threaten Winter Crops
   India faces a warmer February than expected, with temperatures soaring above average. The heat poses a threat to winter crops like wheat, rapeseed, and chickpeas, particularly in agricultural regions such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This climatic shift could potentially reduce crop yields and increase dependency on imports.

1. 3.India vs. England ODI Series Starts on February 6
   The much-anticipated India vs. England ODI series kicks off in Nagpur on February 6. After a 4-1 loss in the T20 series, England will look to bounce back under the leadership of Jos Buttler. India returns with its star players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.

1. 4.WhatsApp Expands Digital Payments
   WhatsApp's payment services are now accessible to over 500 million users in India, up from the previous 100 million. The expansion aims to further integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, though concerns around fraud prevention and user education remain.

1. 5.Key Economic Events Impacting India
   India's economic landscape is set for key changes with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget presentation, addressing challenges like GDP growth and inflation. Additionally, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra is set to make his first interest rate decision, with calls for a rate cut to stimulate the economy.

1. 6.Political Showdown in Delhi as Assembly Elections Approach
   The political temperature in Delhi heats up with key leaders like Prime Minister Modi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge leading intense campaigns ahead of the February 5 assembly elections. Accusations and fierce exchanges dominate the political discourse as parties fight for voter support.

1. 7.Retired Kolkata Police Officer Arrested in Fake Passport Scam
   A retired Kolkata police officer has been arrested for his involvement in a fake passport racket. Investigations suggest that over 50 fraudulent passports were verified, leading authorities to uncover a larger network of passport-related crimes.

1. 8.Mumbai Woman Files Dowry Harassment Case
   A woman in Navi Mumbai has filed a case against her husband and in-laws, accusing them of dowry harassment and alleging a triple talaq divorce via video call. Police have initiated an investigation under relevant legal provisions.

1. 9.Mumbai Traffic Personnel Save Retired Cop from Burning Car
   In a heroic act, traffic personnel on the Mumbai-Nashik highway saved a retired cop from a burning vehicle. The officers, with the help of a water tanker, managed to control the flames and prevent a major disaster.

1. 10.Modi, Kejriwal, and Kharge Lead Delhi Election Campaigns
   With Delhi's assembly elections around the corner, major political figures are intensifying their campaigns. Heated exchanges between BJP, AAP, and Congress have set the stage for an intense electoral battle, with each party vying for the capital's support.

1. 11.Budget Boosts Middle Class with Tax Reforms
   India’s Union Budget has made significant moves to support the middle class, including tax-free income up to ₹1.2 million. Reduced duties on consumer goods and support for start-ups and gig workers aim to stimulate domestic consumption.

1. 12.India's Palm Oil Imports Reach 14-Year Low
   India's palm oil imports dropped significantly in January 2025, hitting a 14-year low. This is attributed to a shift towards soyoil and sunflower oil, driven by price dynamics and refining margins. This change could reshape India's edible oil market in the coming months.

1. 13.Modest Growth Predicted for India's Passenger Vehicle Market
   India’s passenger vehicle industry is expected to see a modest growth of just 1.5% year-on-year in FY25. Factors like urban market saturation, high fuel prices, and rising interest rates are expected to dampen consumer demand in the coming year.

1. 14.Political Campaigns Escalate Ahead of Delhi Elections
   As Delhi gears up for its assembly elections on February 5, political campaigns have intensified. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge have all led massive rallies, with pointed accusations and counterclaims.

1. 15.India’s Economy Faces Pressure Amid Global Trade Tensions
   With escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, India’s economy faces potential challenges. Analysts predict a slowdown in growth, with higher risks to exports and global investment.