Kerala made history by qualifying for their first Ranji Trophy final, narrowly defeating Gujarat with a two-run first-innings lead in a dramatic semifinal. Key performances included M Azharuddeen’s 177 runs and a crucial final moment involving Arzan Nagwaswalla and Salman Nizar. Kerala will now face Vidarbha in the final, carrying the hopes of their state.
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Net household financial savings in India improved from 5% of GDP in FY23 to 5.3% in FY24, and early indicators suggest a sharp rebound in the first half of FY25. This upturn is attributed to reduced household liabilities, boosted insurance savings, lower currency holdings, and robust capital market investments. Household debt also increased, reaching 41% of GDP in FY24.
Afghanistan's defence ministry reported launching retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions after Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Paktika province caused significant casualties, including women and children. The Taliban claimed their response targeted militant hideouts used to plan attacks in Afghanistan, while Pakistan insisted the Taliban are not sufficiently curbing cross-border militant activities.
Undertrials Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla remain in separate barracks at Meerut District Jail, experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from drug addiction. Muskan is accused of murdering her husband, Saurabh Rajput. Investigations reveal the couple’s long-term drug use and Sahil’s involvement with black magic.
A deadly stampede occurred at Tirupati's Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam ticket distribution, leaving six dead and over 40 injured. Witness D Venkata Lakshmi described the chaos, with people walking over others and pushing uncontrollably. Survivors blamed poor crowd management by police, noting the sudden gate opening led to the panic. The tragedy could have been prevented with better crowd control measures.
Baisakhi, a significant festival in North India, especially Punjab, marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest season. It commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a pivotal moment in Sikh history. Celebrations include vibrant cultural performances, fairs, and prayers for a prosperous harvest, bringing communities together in joy and gratitude.
Countries are tightening immigration rules while offering investment-based residency through golden visa programmes. These visas provide affluent individuals residency in exchange for financial investments, offering enhanced mobility, security, and access to employment, education, and healthcare within the host country.
Allahabad HC ruled in favor of a 17-year-old rape survivor, allowing her to terminate her 19-week pregnancy under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The court stated that a sexual assault victim has the right to choose whether or not to become a mother.
Amazon is delaying its mandatory five-day office return for some corporate employees until as late as May 2025 due to insufficient workspace in several US cities. This contradicts earlier guidance and impacts an unknown number of its 350,000 corporate staff. The delay follows employee pushback against the policy and existing challenges with the current hybrid model.
The White House announced President Trump is "fully fit" following his first medical check-up of his second term. The examination, conducted by Capt. Sean Barbabella, revealed a 20-pound weight loss since 2020 and improved cholesterol levels. While his blood pressure is slightly elevated at 128/74, his resting heart rate remains a healthy 62 beats per minute.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified the use of a military aircraft for deporting Indian 'aliens' from the US, citing it as a national security operation. He mentioned ongoing efforts to verify the citizenship of 298 identified individuals out of 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders.