Afternoon brief: SC allows Subramanian Swamy to submit representation on Ram Sethu, and all the latest news

Here are today's top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Ram Sethu news: SC allows Subramanian Swamy to submit representation to centre The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy to submit a representation to the government on declaring the Ram Sethu - a chain of limestone shoals off Tamil Nadu's south-eastern coast - as a national monument.

Five Lok Sabha seats of Uttarakhand to go to polls in 1st phase on Friday

Polling for the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand will be held on Friday, with the BJP aiming to retain the seats for a third time, while the Congress seeks to regain lost ground. Over 83 lakh voters will decide the fate of 55 candidates, including prominent BJP and Congress contenders. Campaigning ended with both parties highlighting different issues to woo voters.

I consider myself as 'gopi' of Lord Krishna, says BJP MP Hema Malini in Mathura

Actress-turned-politician Hema Malini, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Mathura as a BJP candidate for the third time, considers herself a "gopi" of Lord Krishna. She emphasizes serving the people of Mathura and vows to prioritize the development of Braj 84 Kos Parikrama and cleaning the Yamuna river. Malini expresses gratitude to PM Modi, Amit Shah, and J P Nadda for the opportunity to serve.

Dr. Dinesh Shahra, Pioneer of Yellow Revolution Reveres Ayodhya's Cultural Legacy during his visit to Iconic Ram Mandir

Dr. Dinesh Shahra, industrialist and philanthropist renowned for his Yellow Revolution contributions in India, visited Ayodhya, paying homage to Lata Mangeshkar and admiring the city's progress. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially at Ram Mandir, and expressed willingness to support Ayodhya's development. Shahra's Sanatan Living series promotes Indian wisdom, and his initiatives like Green Gold Day reflect his commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Centre eases FDI norms for space sector to boost offshore investment

The government has amended the FDI policy in the space sector to attract offshore investors in satellite manufacturing and launch vehicles. The liberalized entry routes aim to attract potential investors in Indian space companies. The amendments allow up to 74% FDI in satellite activities under the automatic route. Elon Musk's visit coincides with the notification, as approvals for his Starlink project are nearing finalization.

India not reaping benefits of democratic dividend: Raghuram Rajan

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan criticized India for not benefiting from democratic dividends, emphasizing the need to focus on improving human capital and job creation. He highlighted the importance of enhancing skills, creating apprenticeships, and addressing job-intensive sectors like leather. Rajan also discussed the trend of Indian innovators setting up outside India and the challenges they face. He called for a shift in mindset to enable entrepreneurs to thrive globally.

India is 'one of the strong performers': IMF

The International Monetary Fund projects India's growth rate at 6.5% in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies globally. India is ahead of China, with a projected growth rate of 4.6%. The IMF expects India's growth to remain strong at 6.8% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2025, driven by domestic demand and a rising working-age population. Global growth is estimated at 3.2% in 2023, projected to continue at the same pace in 2024 and 2025.

'I don't know how he…': Father of man arrested for firing outside Salman Khan's house

Joginder Shah, father of Sagar Pal arrested for firing outside Salman Khan's residence, expressed shock over his son's involvement. Pal and Vicky Gupta, both from Bihar, were arrested in Gujarat. Shah, a daily wager, said his son was never involved in crime before and was a simple person working in Jalandhar. Mumbai Police confirmed Pal and Gupta fired outside Khan's Bandra residence and were apprehended in Gujarat. No family members have been arrested.

India to test 130 km strike range Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile for IAF

India is set to test the 120-130 km strike range Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile, enhancing the Air Force's capabilities. The Astra Mark-1 with a range of 90-100 km is already in use. The Mark-2 will provide an edge in air combat and can be exported to friendly countries. Development of longer-range versions is also underway. The MoD has a contract with BDL for supplying Astra Mark-1 missiles.

Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud delivers the Valedictory Address at the ABA India Conference 2024

Chief Justice of India, Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, highlighted concerns about philanthropy creating social hierarchy at the American Bar Association India Conference 2024. The event also saw the launch of the Indian Law Firms Pro Bono Club by leading law firms to address the shortage of pro bono legal services in India, aiming for a collaborative effort to fulfill the institutional obligation of providing free legal aid.

On 8th day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers at Delhi's Jhandewalan temple

On the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees gathered at Delhi's Jhandewalan Temple for early morning prayers and 'aarti'. The festival, celebrating Goddess Mahagauri, features chanting of mantras and holy songs. The nine-day festival began on April 9 and will end on April 17, culminating with Rama Navami. People fast, worship Durga, and perform rituals like Ghatasthapana during Navratri.

US NSA Jake Sullivan postpones India visit, second time in 2024

US NSA Jake Sullivan has called off a visit to India due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The visit was to review the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. The decision was influenced by efforts to de-escalate West Asia tensions. A smaller review meeting was held previously, with plans for a larger meeting before India's general elections. US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell will proceed with a visit this week instead.

Azam Khan supporters face 'loyalty test' in Rampur

The absence of Azam Khan has left SP loyalists in Rampur conflicted over voting for the party's "alternative" candidate. With Khan, his wife, and son in jail, the SP has fielded Mohibullah Nadvi in his place. The BJP's Lodhi won the last bypoll in Rampur, where Khan had been a dominant figure. The SP unit wanted Akhilesh Yadav to contest, but Nadvi is now the party's candidate. Rampur will vote on April 19.

Vigilance dept issues notice to health min's OSD; AAP dispensation hits back at LG office

The Delhi government's Vigilance Directorate issued a show cause notice to the health minister's former OSD RN Das over alleged irregularities in COVID procurement worth ₹60 crore. Das denied involvement during his tenure. The government accused LG's office of targeting ministers' staff. LG's office did not respond immediately. Das has seven days to respond to the notice.

Record ₹800 cr worth of cash, liquor, other inducements seized in Rajasthan ahead of polls

Over 800 crore worth of cash, liquor, precious metals, and other suspected inducements seized in Rajasthan ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Rajasthan ranks first in the country for seizures, with a record ₹812.77 crore worth since March 1. Seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, gold, silver, and freebies. Authorities have made seizures worth ₹4,650 crore nationwide.

Omar Abdullah challenges Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest LS polls against him

NC vice-president Omar Abdullah challenges DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls against him instead of making statements. Abdullah is campaigning in Chenab valley for INDIA bloc candidate Choudhary Lal Singh. He accuses Azad of targeting NC at BJP's behest. Abdullah criticizes BJP for failing to deliver on promises post Article 370 revocation.