Rescue and recovery operations are underway after an explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills claimed 18 lives. An NDRF team reached the Thangskai area to assist local authorities. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured strict action against those responsible and announced Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia for the victims (Pics/PTI)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, with her iconic red pouch in hand along with her team, is set to present her record ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Sunday at 11 am, as part of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. (PICS/ PTI)