Morning Digest | Resources for States raised sharply in Budget, says Sitharaman; U.S. shoots down unknown object flying off Alaska coast, and more

Here’s a select list of stories to read before you start your day

Resources for States raised sharply in Budget, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted that resources for States have been raised sharply in the Union Budget 2023-24, called out Opposition-ruled States like Kerala, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh for hiking taxes on petroleum products, and red-flagged irregularities in West Bengal’s implementation of schemes such as PM Awas Yojana. Ms. Sitharaman said the Narendra Modi government “doesn’t keep just one person, but everybody and the country, in mind, while taking decisions.”

U.S. jet shoots down unknown object flying off Alaska coast

A U.S. military fighter jet shot down an unknown object flying off the northern coast of Alaska on orders from President Joe Biden, White House officials said. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the object was downed because it was flying at about 40,000 feet (13,000 meters) and posed a “reasonable threat” to the safety of civilian flights. Officials said the object was far smaller than the previous balloon, did not appear to be maneuverable and was travelling at a much lower altitude.

IMF, Pakistan fail to strike deal on bailout package

Cash-strapped Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have failed to reach a staff-level agreement on a much-needed $1.1 billion bailout package aimed at preventing the country from going bankrupt. Pakistan, whose foreign exchange has dropped below $3 billion, is in desperate need of financial assistance and a bailout package from the IMF in order to avoid an economic collapse.

Delhi court convicts four under UAPA for being part of al-Qaeda