Thank god it’s Black Friday!

The most awaited day of the year for shopaholics, Black Friday, is almost here. The day, which falls on the Friday that follows Thanksgiving (November 25), denotes the commencement of the holiday shopping season, leading up to Christmas. It's the biggest retail sales day that lasts for 24 hours, where shoppers get the best of discounts and deals. With renewed enthusiasm among shoppers, brands hope sales go bigger and better.

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.

MVA could win 60-70 per cent of total seats in Maharashtra in Lok Sabha polls: Sharad Pawar

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.

'What is Congress's compulsion?': PM Modi on DMK leader's anti-Sanatan remark

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.

Vote for NDA to put end to goonda raj, dynasty politics in Bihar: Yogi Adityanath

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.

6,500 polling personnel, 3,000 policemen, 12 companies of CAPF to be deployed in Mizoram for polls

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.

2020 riots: HC asks ED to file submissions backing claim of Tahir Hussain's plea for nixing PMLA case not maintainable

The Delhi High Court asked the Enforcement Directorate to submit written arguments opposing former A leader Tahir Hussain's plea to quash a money laundering case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The court set a hearing for September and allowed Hussain's counsel to respond. The ED accused Hussain of laundering money during the riots. The court previously rejected his plea challenging money laundering charges.

LS polls: Seizure worth ₹4,650 crore made; 45% of them drugs

The Election Commission reports seizures worth Rs 4,650 crore, including drugs worth Rs 2069 crore, ahead of Lok Sabha elections, surpassing 2019 figures. Cash, liquor, and drugs constitute major seizures. Efforts to curb black money influence highlighted. EC's actions aim to ensure a fair electoral process. Stringent measures taken against officials aiding in campaigning. Helicopter searches conducted to prevent inducements.

Odisha fishermen demand compensation of ₹15K per month during fishing ban period

Fishermen in Berhampur demand Rs 15,000 per month compensation during the two-month marine fishing ban in Odisha. The ban, from April 15 to June 14, prohibits fishing by mechanised boats and trawlers. The Odisha Traditional Fish Workers Union urges support for affected fishermen and fisherwomen, citing Andhra Pradesh's Rs 10,000 aid. Odisha plans to provide Rs 4,500 per family as livelihood support during the ban.

On Ram Navami, 1,11,111 kg laddus to be sent to Ram temple in Ayodhya

1,11,111 kg of laddus will be sent to Ram temple in Ayodhya for Ram Navami on April 17. Atul Kumar Saxena of Devraha Hans Baba Trust stated that laddu prasad is also regularly sent to other temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Tirupati Balaji. Previously, 40,000 kg of laddu was sent for Pran Pratistha in Ayodhya on January 22.