Sat Feb 08 01:12:10 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Election Results, New Tax Bill, and International Relations Dominate Headlines

**New Delhi, February 8, 2025** – The counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly election is underway, with results expected later today. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress are vying for control of the national capital.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet approved a new income tax bill aimed at simplifying the direct tax law without increasing the tax burden. The government also announced a restructuring of its skilling initiatives, combining three programs into the Skill India Programme with an ₹8,800 crore investment.

International relations are also making headlines. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating a trade deal with India, with a visit from the UK Business and Trade Secretary planned for later this month. India anticipates a favorable decision from the US regarding the extradition of 2008 Mumbai terror attack suspect Tahawwur Rana.

Domestically, the Anti-Corruption Branch is investigating allegations of the BJP attempting to poach AAP candidates. A hostage-prisoner exchange is underway between Hamas and Israel. Tensions remain between India and Bangladesh following the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence, and Canada is strategizing its response to potential US tariffs. Finally, a concerning incident of violence against a Muslim man by a right-wing Hindu group in Bhopal has been reported. The man was seeking marriage documentation with a Hindu woman. The central government also owes Bihar ₹1,570 crore under the MGNREGS scheme, a fact highlighted amidst expressions of gratitude from Bihar MPs to the Prime Minister following recent budget announcements.

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