Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is leading the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer. AAC blocks with high fly ash content will now face a lower 12% GST. Conversely, used vehicles, including electric ones, see an increased 18% rate on sale.
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Akshay Kumar's *Kesari Chapter 2*, depicting the aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh, debuted on April 18, 2025, garnering positive reviews but a modest Rs 7.50 crore opening. Despite high expectations fueled by the sequel advantage and Easter holiday, the film's performance aligns with Sunny Deol’s *Jaat*. The film stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, coinciding with the massacre's 106th anniversary.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian embassy in India. The embassy criticized Russia's actions as a deliberate attack on Indian businesses, destroying medicines intended for children and the elderly, despite claiming a special friendship with India.
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with his wife Akshata Murty and her mother Sudha Murthy, visited the Taj Mahal, attracting many onlookers. Sunak, known for his tenure as the 57th British prime minister, also showcased his cricketing skills in Mumbai prior to this visit.
On Thursday, the election for the new president of the International Olympic Committee takes place at Costa Navarino, with seven contenders vying for the position. Key candidates include Sebastian Coe, David Lappartient, Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, and Kirsty Coventry among others. Each candidate brings unique qualifications and visions for the future of the IOC.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised allegations against captain Rohit Sharma for leaking dressing room information, defending him as an 'honest man'. A fan's accusation on social media led to the controversy. Rohit clarified his absence from the Sydney Test was due to poor form, emphasizing the team's resilience. Harbhajan demanded evidence and hinted at knowing the source.
Bajaj Finance is leveraging AI to boost its business. Their FinAI initiative aims to triple lead conversions, double back-office productivity, and improve front-line performance. AI will personalize customer interactions, like offering tailored product suggestions via interactive SMS.
In Agra's Garhi Rammi village, a Dalit wedding procession faced a violent attack allegedly by upper-caste individuals due to loud music played near their residences. The groom was assaulted, robbed, and guests were injured, prompting a police investigation and the detention of two suspects.
The NBA revamps its All-Star Weekend with a tournament-style format featuring legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley drafting the teams. The focus is on faster-paced games to 40 points. Rising Stars winners will join the All-Star roster, and increased prize money adds to the excitement, aiming to address concerns over competitive balance.
India celebrates the centenary of Raj Kapoor, the iconic "Showman" of Indian cinema. His family, along with Prime Minister Modi, paid tribute to his enduring legacy. While experts debate whether his films or music will be his most lasting contribution, his impact on Indian cinema and global audiences remains undeniable.
Former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe claims that Australian tactics wore down India's Rohit Sharma during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, causing his poor performance. Rohit averaged just 6.20 runs in the series. O'Keeffe also noted that Australia struggled to subdue Jasprit Bumrah but succeeded in pressuring other captains like Kraigg Brathwaite and Tim Southee.