Following are some of the keyhighlights of the Union Budget 2013-14 presented by finance minister P. Chidambaram in Parliament today:

Walking the tight rope ahead of next year’s elections, finance minister P. Chidambaram today offered minor sops to income tax payers but slapped a 10 per cent surcharge on ‘super-rich’ individuals and corporates, levied an inheritance tax and raised duties on mobile phones, cigarettes and luxury vehicles.

Finance minister P. Chidambaram today presented his eighth annual budget in Parliament, the second highest by anyone in the country after a record ten by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

A woman died after she and her husband were pushed out of a running Shatabdi train by two Railway Protection Force men Wednesday.

It could well be the geekiest marriage proposal when an Australian physicist got down on his knees to propose to his scientist girlfriend, pulling out a scientific report rather than a ring.

Best-selling French writer, veteran diplomat and concentration camp survivor Stephane Hessel has died at the age of 95, his wife announced on Wednesday.

Lost in Translation star Scarlett Johansson said that she has formed an all-girl band, which she describes as a “super force.”

Singer-actor Justin Timberlake has confirmed a new collaboration with Mumford & Sons singer Marcus Mumford.
The pair have recorded a track for the new Coen brothers film Inside Llewyn Davis, which stars Timberlake and Mumford’s wife Carey Mulligan, reported Ace Showbiz.

Ted star Mila Kunis has become the spokesmodel for luxury jewellery company Gemfields.
The 29-year-old actress signed up to promote the brand, which is known for its commitment to ethical gem mining, reported OK magazine.

In a shake-up in her cabinet, Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa today sacked three ministers and inducted an equal number, all of them first-time MLAs.