News brief: Big stories of the day

Budget 2019: India increases significant contribution to Maldives; BIMSTEC to get similar funds as SAARC

The interim Budget saw India increase its contribution substantially to the Maldives while bringing support to SAARC and BIMSTEC Secretariat at the same level.

Defence Budget increased over Rs 20,000 crore; crosses Rs 3,00,000 crore for first time

An outlay of Rs 3.05 lakh crore was set aside for the defence Budget for 2019-20 which was a hike of around Rs 20,000 crore compared to allocation of Rs 2.85 lakh crore in the current fiscal.

Budget will take India on path to development: PM Modi

After the government presented its final Budget, PM Modi while addressing the nation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country. "Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country."

INF treaty with Russia has been invalidated: Germany

Germany said on Friday that Russia had "de facto invalidated" a landmark cold war missile reduction treaty which the US is poised to abandon, with Europe anxious at the prospect of a new arms race.

Firmly support EU efforts to safeguard Iran nuclear deal: China

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the country highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran.