Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj features swanky cars, opulent chariots, and modern seers flaunting luxury alongside spirituality. Rolls-Royce, Mercedes Benz, and Audi Q7 are part of grand processions. While some seers arrive in gold-silver chariots, others prefer high-end vehicles, showcasing a blend of tradition and luxury to connect with the youth.
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Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai expressed confidence that the party's central leadership will decide on alliances for the 2026 assembly elections to challenge the ruling DMK. Amid speculation of a BJP-AIADMK alliance revival, Annamalai emphasised the aim to strengthen the party and address state issues like corruption and law and order.
Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the North Eastern Council, emphasized PM Modi's vision for the Northeast's development. He highlighted the significant infrastructure improvements, a 71% drop in violence, and the signing of peace treaties leading to over 10,000 armed youths joining mainstream society.
The Army is set to finalize orders worth Rs 10,200 crore for the Pinaka rocket systems' ammunition before the fiscal year ends. The contracts cover high-explosive and area denial munitions to enhance the capability of the already inducted and upcoming Pinaka regiments. Additionally, India is exporting Pinaka systems to countries like Armenia.
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.
Excerpts from a diary reportedly found on a deceased North Korean soldier in Russia’s Kursk region offer a rare glimpse into the mindset and tactics of North Korean troops allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces. The diary released by the Ukrainian forces reveals loyalty to Pyongyang, battlefield struggles, and controversial tactics. Ukrainian officials estimate that thousands of North Koreans are deployed, with heavy casualties reported.
The technology sector experienced significant losses following substantial reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Notable companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet, and Amazon saw massive declines in market value, with Apple hit the hardest due to heavy reliance on manufacturing in China, which now faces tariffs exceeding 50%.
Mumbai recorded its first near 40-degree temperature as the IMD Santacruz observatory noted a maximum of 39.2 degrees, surpassing last March's highest temperature. A heatwave warning for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad was issued, predicting hot and humid conditions. Temperatures might dip soon due to the late arrival of the sea breeze, bringing some relief.
NASA astronauts like Peggy Whitson, Sunita Williams, and Scott Kelly have set records for the longest space missions on the ISS, contributing significantly to research and exploration. Their extended stays in space have provided invaluable data on the effects of long-duration spaceflight, crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Vladimir Putin declared an Easter truce in the Russia-Ukraine war. The ceasefire started this evening and lasted till Sunday midnight. This announcement occurred after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned about pausing peace deal efforts. Rubio highlighted the need for quick progress. The conflict began in February 2022. It has caused widespread destruction and geopolitical tensions.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the Delimitation Commission will determine the criteria for delimitation, not based solely on population. She addressed concerns regarding the potential impact on southern states, criticized the DMK for distraction tactics, and clarified misconceptions around the National Education Policy.