BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla was elected as the new mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, thanks to cross-voting by three councillors. She won by a margin of two votes against AAP's Prem Lata. Congress and AAP leaders called for strict action against the cross-voters involved.
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The government has partially lifted a 31-month restriction, allowing the export of 10 lakh tonnes of sugar for the 2024-25 season ending in September. However, nearly two dozen mills are barred from exporting due to violations in domestic sales. The food ministry issued guidelines for allocation.
Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Wednesday. While BSE Sensex was above 76,100, Nifty50 was near 23,100.
The higher tax exemption limit and the revamped central KYC system, combined with the government's focus on ease of doing business, are expected to boost mutual fund investments. The new income tax slabs are set to increase disposable income, encouraging higher savings and investments.
Holi celebrates the triumph of righteousness and the arrival of spring, marked by mythological significance and vibrant traditions. The festival includes the burning of negativity on Holika Dahan and joyous color play on Rangwali Holi. Celebrations vary across India, fostering unity and new beginnings. Holi is celebrated over two days, each with its own special rituals.
Whitewashing of Sambhal Jama Masjid began following an Allahabad high court order. The court allowed decorative lighting without structural modifications. The mosque gained attention after a local court's survey order led to unrest in November 2024. The dispute involved claims the mosque was built over an ancient temple. Clashes occurred, raising debates around the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Central government for not releasing a photo of the Halwa ceremony ahead of the Union Budget, pointing out the lack of representation of OBC, tribal, and Dalit officers. He emphasized the importance of participation and highlighted findings from a caste census in Telangana, revealing significant underrepresentation of these communities.
Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark, has resigned following an investigation into inappropriate behavior toward a woman. Apologizing for his actions, he stepped down immediately, prompting a 4.9% drop in shares of parent company ABF. Eoin Tonge has been appointed interim CEO. Primark commits to maintaining a respectful work environment and high standards of integrity.
Abhishek Nayar has rejoined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) amidst the ongoing IPL season, shortly after his departure from the Indian cricket team's coaching staff. KKR announced Nayar's arrival through a social media post, even before an official statement from the BCCI.
Virat Kohli is poised to surpass Rahul Dravid's Test run record against Australia in the upcoming Brisbane Test. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill aims to overtake Yuvraj Singh's career Test run tally and Rishabh Pant is on the verge of eclipsing Sunil Gavaskar and ML Jaisimha's run records at the Gabba. The third Test begins on December 14.
Indian commercial banks wrote off Rs 12.3 lakh crore in loans between FY15 and FY24. Public sector banks accounted for Rs 6.5 lakh crore of write-offs in the last five years. Write-offs peaked in FY19 at Rs 2.4 lakh crore and fell to Rs 1.7 lakh crore in FY24. Banks continue recovery efforts despite write-offs, which do not waive borrower liabilities.