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New Delhi (India), Feb. 1 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has begun presenting the Union Budget in Parliament today amid expectations of an increase in income tax exemption limits, to incentives for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector post the November 8 demonetisation drive.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan paid tribute to former union minister and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader E. Ahamed, who passed away this morning.

"I would have adjourned the House. But today's sitting has been fixed by the President for presentation of the Budget. Instead the House will be adjourned tomorrow as a mark of respect for E. Ahamed ji," the Lok Sabha Speaker said.

New Delhi [India], Feb 1 : With maximum focus on safety, speed and infra development, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the first Rail Budget subsumed in the General Budget today.

With higher expectations with the sector, the shares of rail-related companies are in focus. Shares such as Texmaco Rail, Kalindee Rail Nirman, Titagarh Wagons and Kernex Microsystems were down three percent to five percent intraday.

On the other hand, the investors are looking for a safety fund for railways reeling under a series of deadly derailments, development of new lines, station redevelopment and setting up of Rail Development Authority and High Speed Rail Authority in the Rail Budget.

New Delhi [India], Feb. 1 : Hollywood actor, Michael-John Wolfe, who is best known for his work in movies starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, has just made a video about an up-and-coming brand named Cuir Fashion and its customization feature known as Specliser.

Specliser is an online tool, using which users will be able to order customized leather shoes and reversible leather belts online. Reversible belts come in two colors. For example, it can be black from one side, brown on the other side and can be worn from either side. Cuir Fashion is essentially reviving the tradition of personalisation within the medium of leather.

Hyderabad/Patna [India], Feb, 1 : With all eyes set on the presentation of the General Budget, the people across the country stressed on cleanliness in the Indian Railways and expressed hope that the government will come up with initiatives aimed at ensuring that the trains run on time.

The frequent users of Southern Railways in Hyderabad say that although ticket prices are reasonable, there is a need for compartments to be cleaned well. Additionally, the trains should be more viable for physically handicapped people to use them.

One of the locals in Andhra Pradesh's capital city Hyderabad said that adequate medical facilities need to be available with a medical practitioner on board at all times so that any medical emergency can be resolved at the earliest.

New Delhi [India], Feb. 1 : ASSOCHAM President Sunil Kanoria lauded the Economic Survey that was presented on Tuesday, hailing it to be a correct analysis of the impact of demonetisation on society.

"One must compliment the Chief Economic Adviser for coming out with an honest assessment and suggesting that the credibility of the system would be strengthened if tax arbitrariness and harassment are ended," said Kanoria.

According to Kanoria, the Economic Survey rightly highlighted that the agriculture and informal sectors of the economy were impacted more by the note ban. He also added that remonetisation must be done expeditiously.

New Delhi [India], Feb 1 : The market on Wednesday opened on a flattish note with the Budget day ahead.

The Sensex traded up 16.91 points at 27672.87 and the Nifty traded up 8.20 points at 8569.50.

Shares such as Lupin, SBI, Adani Ports, Hero Moto and Wipro were among the major gainers while ICICI Bank, Infosys, TCS and Sun Pharma were among the losers in the Sensex.

The Indian rupee gained in the opening trade. It opened higher by 22 paise at 67.65 per dollar against previous close 67.87.

With the final countdown of the Budget, all eyes today are on the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is expected to project taxes and spending post demonetisation.