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Continuing his remark against Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Savarkar always tried to break India into pieces, and the BJP-RSS is undertaking the same efforts. ?...Meanwhile, we are trying to unite India,? he said during a press briefing on Thursday in Khargaon, MP. In a previous press briefing, Jairam attacked the BJP for spreading falsehoods about Congress leaders.
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.
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.
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 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, 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NCP leader Sharad Pawar predicts Maha Vikas Aghadi could win 60-70% of Maharashtra's Lok Sabha seats. MVA allies Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress are contesting 21, 10, and 17 seats. Pawar expressed confidence in MVA candidate Shashikant Shinde in Satara and took a dig at BJP's struggles in Madha. BJP's Ranjit Naik Nimbalkar faces competition from Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil.
PM Modi criticized Congress and DMK for their "anti-Sanatana stance" in an exclusive interview with ANI. He highlighted the anger against DMK and the shift towards BJP in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi questioned Congress's alliance with DMK, emphasizing BJP's inclusive approach and praising Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai. He criticized DMK for its remarks against Sanatana Dharma and emphasized India's diversity as its strength. PM Modi refuted Congress's allegations of imposing one language and religion, citing his UN speech praising Tamil. He emphasized celebrating diversity and promoting mother tongues.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged Bihar to vote for NDA to end "goonda raj" and "dynasty politics." He criticized RJD, claiming they brought an 'identity crisis' and criminalized politics. Adityanath praised PM Modi's leadership, highlighting development and security. He also criticized Congress and RJD for questioning Lord Ram's existence. Adityanath emphasized the BJP manifesto's commitment to a developed India and anti-corruption. He urged Bihar to ensure a third term for Modi.
Over 6,500 polling personnel, 3,000 policemen, and 12 companies of Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Mizoram. Polling for the lone seat will be held on Friday. 8.56 lakh electorate, including 4.4 lakh women voters, are eligible to vote. Six candidates are in the fray, including representatives from ZPM, MNF, Congress, BJP, People's Conference, and an independent candidate.