Month: April 2025

India’s real GDP is revised downwards to grow at 6.5 per cent in the current financial year 2025-26 from earlier expectation of 6.7 per cent, highlighted Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra during the policy announcement on Wednesday.

The Governor highlighted that this growth projection comes after a strong performance of 9.2 per cent growth recorded in the previous financial year, 2024-25, as per figures released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).

He said “The real GDP as you are all aware, this year, as per the MOSPI figures, is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent. This is on top of a 9.2 per cent growth rate observed in the previous year, which is 2024-2025”.

Speaking on the outlook for the economy, Malhotra said the agriculture sector is expected to perform well this year due to healthy reservoir levels and strong crop production.

He noted that manufacturing activity is also picking up pace, with business expectations remaining positive. Meanwhile, the services sector continues to show resilience, contributing steadily to economic growth.

He acknowledged that growth is improving after a weak performance in the first half of the last financial year, although it still remains below the level the country aspires to achieve.

On the demand side, the Governor said the positive outlook for agriculture is likely to support rural demand, which remains strong. Urban consumption is also gradually increasing, helped by a rise in discretionary spending.

Investment activity, he added, has gathered momentum and is expected to improve further. This improvement is being driven by sustained and higher-capacity utilization, continued government spending on infrastructure, strong balance sheets of banks and corporates, and easier financial conditions.

He said “Investment activity has gained traction and is expected to improve further on the back of sustained, higher-capacity utilization, government’s continued trust on infrastructure spending, healthy balance sheets of banks as well as the corporates, along with the easing of financial conditions”.

However, Malhotra cautioned that merchandise exports may face pressure due to global uncertainties. On the other hand, services exports are expected to stay resilient and support the overall growth momentum. (ANI)

Punjab Kings all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and accumulated a demerit point after breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during their clash against Chennai Super Kings at the New PCA Stadium on Tuesday.

IPL released a statement on Wednesday to confirm that Maxwell had admitted to the Level 1 offence, which resulted in a sanction of 25 per cent of his match fees and one demerit point. The match referee’s decision is final and binding for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct.

“Glenn Maxwell, Punjab Kings’ all-rounder, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Chennai Super Kings at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh, on Tuesday,” the IPL said in a statement.

“Glenn Maxwell admitted to the Level 1 offence under article 2.2 (abuse of fixtures and fittings during the Match) and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction,” the statement concluded.

Maxwell, who Punjab acquired for Rs 4.2 crore, continued with his trend of underwhelming performances with the bat in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league. With the bat, his impact has been limited, and it stayed intact as he returned to the dressing room within the blink of an eye with a score of 1(2). Overall, he has mustered up just 31 runs in four appearances in the ongoing season.

While his bat has resorted to silence, Maxwell has found solace in the impact he makes with his off-spin. In his economical performance against the Super Kings, Maxwell returned with figures of 1/11 after bowling two overs. Overall, he boasts three scalps in four appearances for Punjab Kings.

Despite a flop show from Maxwell, Priyansh Arya inspired Punjab to a daunting 219/6 with his maiden century in the IPL. He broke the shackles and walloped to a 39-ball blistering century, which was topped up by scorching displays from Shashank Singh (52) and Marco Jansen (34). In reply, despite a belligerent start from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, CSK faltered in the middle overs and fell 18 runs short of victory. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that countries affected by US tariffs are eager to negotiate and make deals with him, offering to do anything to secure an agreement.

While speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump said he was a better negotiator than Congress.

He said, “I’m telling you- these countries are calling us up, kissing my a**. They are dying to make a deal- ‘please sir make a deal, I’ll do anything, I’ll do anything sir'”.

Trump’s comments were made in the context of his administration’s tariff policies, particularly with countries like China. He emphasized his ability to negotiate better deals than Congress, citing China’s 104% tariffs as an example.

He added that although some ‘rebel’ Republicans argue that he must allow Congress to make a deal, he believed that if that were the case, China wouldn’t have been slapped with 104 per cent tariffs, and vice versa.

“I’ll see some rebel Republicans that want to grandstand say, ‘I think that Congress should take over negotiations.’ Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate,” he said.

Trump expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to negotiate effectively, suggesting that their involvement would lead to unfavorable outcomes for the US.

“Congress takes over negotiating to sell America fast because you’re going to go busted. I just saw it today. A couple of your congressmen said, ‘I think we should get involved in the negotiation of the tariffs, ‘” he mocked.

Trump said that Congress’s negotiations would make China the happiest, as China would not have to pay any tariffs; the US would pay them instead!

“Oh, that’s what I need- I need some guy telling me how to negotiate. I tell you, the happiest people in the world would be Chinese. They wouldn’t be paying 104 per cent. I tell, they’d be paying no per cent [instead] we’d be paying them 104 per cent,” he said.

Trump also announced plans to impose significant tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, aiming to encourage companies to establish manufacturing facilities in the US.

“Tariffs on pharma will be there because we don’t make our own pharma drugs; they are made in another country. The same packet in the US is priced at USD 10 or more. We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is, we are very big market. Very shortly, will announce a major tariff on pharma, and when these companies hear that, they will leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. And, they will be opening their plants here,” Trump said. (ANI)

In a sharp escalation of trade war between the United States and China, the world two largest economies, Donald Trump carried out his threat to inflict “additional 50 per cent tariffs” on China starting Wednesday. The White House announced that this will make America’s new tariff on China an unprecedented 104 per cent.

President Trump had given China 24 hours to roll back or “withdraw” the retaliatory 34 per cent tariff it imposed on US goods, failing which Chinese goods would be punished with additional tariffs. Beijing showed no signs of retreating and even dared Washington to do so.

Within hours of Chinese throwing the gauntlet, Donald Trump announced the drastic decision. The global markets are yet to recover from the shock and panic created by new US tariff regime.

According to a report by Fox Business, the White House move is expected to escalate the trade standoff between Washington and Beijing. The 104% rate includes existing tariffs and new duties under Section 301 of the Trade Act, according to officials familiar with the move.

The world faces an uncertain scenario with the two largest economies in the midst of a no-holds-barred trade war. Neither side is willing to blink as global markets have already experienced the biggest fall since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting that the world is looking at India and has hope from the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that his government has opened new possibilities through its policies and the decisions taken in the nearly 100 days of this year have strengthened the foundation for the future.

Addressing the Rising Bharat Summit organised by News 18, PM Modi said that those who thought that India will move slowly and steadily, they are seeing “fast and fearless India”.

“Despite global challenges, India raced fast and doubled the size of its economy in just a decade. People who thought India would move slowly and steadily now see a fast and fearless India. Undoubtedly, India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. Who is driving the unprecedented growth of the country? Youth of India, their ambitions and aspirations,” he said.

“We have opened up new possibilities through our policies. Now, income up to Rs 12 lakh is tax-free. Young professionals and entrepreneurs will greatly benefit from this change,” he added.

PM Modi said his government has opened up several sectors. He also talked about the achievements of his government.

“Similar to the space sector, the nuclear energy sector has now been opened up to private enterprises. Individuals connected to the gig economy will receive social security protection. People who were invisible to others are now at the centre of the policies. A term loan of Rs 2 crore will be available for entrepreneurs from the SC, ST, and women’s groups. Inclusivity is not just a promise; it’s a policy,” he said.

PM Modi said delay is the enemy of development.

“The country cannot function by simply delaying projects; it thrives on action and a fast pace of work. Delay is the enemy of development, and we are determined to overcome this challenge. The foundation stone for Assam’s Bogibeel Bridge was laid by former Prime Minister Devegowda ji in 1997, and the work was initiated under Vajpayee’s government. However, when the Congress Party came to power, the project was halted. The people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam faced difficulties, but the government at that time showed little concern. In 2014, when we were allowed to serve, the project was restarted. Remarkably, we completed the bridge in just four years, by 2018,” he said.

PM Modi also talked about the achievements of the MUDRA scheme.

“Over the last 10 years, 52 crore loans have been granted without a guarantee under the MUDRA loan scheme. The scale and speed of the MUDRA loans are unprecedented… Thanks to the MUDRA Yojana, 11 crore people have received loans for the first time to support self-employment,” he said. (ANI)

The trailer for actor Ajay Devgn’s crime thriller ‘Raid 2’ was unveiled in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The trailer shows Ajay returning as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who once again takes on the corrupt system. This time, he faces off against a dangerous politician, played by Riteish Deshmukh. The trailer begins with a strong punch, showing Ajay preparing for his next big mission–one that could shake the foundations of power. However, Ajay’s character is not alone–he has a strong team that’s ready to fight alongside him. Their goal is clear: wipe out black money and take down those who misuse their power.

Take a look

‘Raid 2’ is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar. The film, which will be released on May 1, is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and is a Panorama Studios production.

Raj Kumar Gupta has helmed the film, which is the sequel to the 2018 crime thriller that captivated audiences with its gripping story of tax raids and corruption.

Vaani Kapoor and Rajat Kapoor are also part of the film.

‘Raid’ was released in 2018 and also starred Saurabh Shukla and Ileana D’Cruz. It was inspired by a real-life raid conducted by the officers of the Income Tax Department in the 1980s. Ileana played Ajay’s wife in the movie

‘Raid 2’ is set to hit theatres on May 1. (ANI)

As the highly anticipated film ‘Jaat’ approaches its release on April 10, the star-studded cast, including Randeep Hooda, Viineet Kumar Siingh, and Sunny Deol, is gearing up to showcase their powerhouse performances in this high-octane action film.

Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, ‘Jaat’ promises to be a cinematic spectacle brimming with action and drama.

Speaking to ANI, Randeep Hooda, who plays the antagonist Rana Tunga, was asked about the essence of the title ‘Jaat’ and the significance of the term.

Hooda shared, “Actually, in the movie, Jaat is not just a community, an agent, or an individual; it’s an emotion. Jat people are known for their patriotism, justice, action, truth, daring, soft hearts, anger, and love. I am a Jat myself, and when I first heard of the movie, I thought, why am I not playing a Jat role? But then I realized that Sunny Sir is doing the Jat role, and I am happy to be part of this film in the role of Rana Tunga.”

“At the end of the day, the film glorifies the Jat community or emotion, and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” he added.

Randeep, known for his intense roles, also discussed his recent knee surgery and the challenges of returning to action films.

Reflecting on his experience with ‘Jaat,’ he said, “If you loose more weight due to malnutrition, it impacts your health. But I didn’t do it on purpose; it was part of the role’s requirements. Despite the discomfort, working in ‘Jaat’ was a huge relief. Coming back to action films, especially in a commercial film, was a great experience. I had a bit of pain, but I wanted to push through it, and I truly enjoyed myself.”

During the interview, Viineet Kumar Siingh, known for his diverse acting skills in movies like ‘Chhaava’, ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ and others, shared his excitement about joining ‘Jaat’.

When asked how he decided to take on his role, he said, “When I found out that Sunny sir was part of the film, I immediately agreed to do it. I didn’t even read the script at first; it was a no-brainer. The opportunity to work with someone like Sunny sir was too good to pass up.”

Viineet further elaborated on his quick decision-making process, “I met the director, Gopichand Malineni, who narrated the film to me. Within just ten minutes, everything was finalized, and I was ready to dive into the role.”

Both Randeep and Viineet agreed that while critical reviews are important, the true success of a film lies in its ability to connect with audiences.

“The box office collection shows how many people went to watch the movie,” Randeep explained, adding, “When the collection is high, it means that so many people showed up, and that’s the biggest reward for any artist. The love and respect from the audience, especially those who buy tickets and come to watch the film, is what truly matters.”

Viineet echoed this sentiment, stressing that the opinions of the audience hold more weight than critical reviews.

“Cinema is made for the people, and when they like it, that’s the ultimate validation. Whether it’s a hit or not, the audience’s reaction is the most important factor.”

Both actors also highlighted the importance of having complete trust in the director during the filmmaking process.

Randeep who recently made his directorial debut with the 2024 film ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, shared his perspective, saying, “As an actor, you must trust the director completely. Even though you bring your own viewpoint and suggestions to the table, the final decision should rest with the director. If the film is made from the director’s perspective, it will be a cohesive and good film.”

Viineet added to this, noting, “As an actor, my job is to surrender to the director’s vision. I come prepared, share my thoughts, and then leave it to the director. In the end, the director is the captain of the ship, and whatever suggestions I have, they are just that–suggestions.”

As the trailer for Jaat was unveiled in March 2025, fans were treated to a visual feast of high-energy action scenes, including a powerful moment where Sunny Deol delivers his iconic “Ye dhaai kilo ke haath ki taakat pura north dekh chuka hain, ab south dekhega” (The north has already seen the power of this two-and-half-kilo arm. Now, the south will see it).

This nostalgic reference to his memorable dialogue from ‘Damini’ (1993) left fans eagerly anticipating the film’s release.

With ‘Jaat’ set to impress audiences in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, the film promises to bring the magic of Sunny Deol’s action to a whole new audience.

Directed by Gopichand Malineni, ‘Jaat’ is a film that combines thrilling action sequences with deep emotional beats. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Samajwadi Party leader and former MLA Vinay Shankar Tiwari and one more person in connection with over Rs 700 crore bank fraud case, the agency said on Tuesday.

Alongside Tiwari, Ajeet Pandey, a key managerial figure at Gangotri Enterprises, was also taken into custody.

Both Tiwari and Pandey were arrested on April 7 during searches conducted at 10 locations in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj and Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai in the bank fraud case against Gangotri Enterprises Limited and others under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The searches were conducted at the residences as well as the office premises of Tiwari, along with other Directors and Contractors of Gangotri Enterprises Limited, to trace and unearth the Proceeds of Crime.

Both individuals were subsequently produced before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Lucknow. The court granted judicial custody for 14 days, following which Tiwari and Pandey were sent to Lucknow Jail. They were later granted to ED custody till April 11 by a special court.

Tiwari is a promoter of Gangotri Enterprises, a company that has been actively involved in executing government contracts. The firm is now at the center of a major investigation into large-scale financial irregularities.

ED initiated an investigation on the basis of the FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation after the company GEL committed a bank fraud of Rs 754 crore in collusion with its directors, promoters and guarantors.

ED investigation revealed that money was diverted and misappropriated, by way of siphoning off to various related paper concerns operated and controlled by main promoter of the company Tiwari, and his family members and relatives, causing wrongful loss to the consortium of banks to the tune of Rs 754 crore. “Many of his relatives are either directors, shareholders or guarantors in the company GEL,” ED said in a statement.

In this case, two Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) were issued. The first PAO, dated Noember 17, 2023, valuing Rs 72.08 crore and the second PAO, dated March 18, 2024, of Rs 30.86 crore, were issued and confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority.

“It has been found during the search that funds were diverted under the garb of investment and interest free loans and advances were given to its group companies. Some high-value properties were also transferred to Benami/paper entities without any consideration when the loan account turned NPA,” said the ED.

Search operations resulted in the recovery of several incriminating documents, it added. (ANI)

With a BJP leader taking potshots at “public spat” between two Trinamool Congress MPs and also over the “leaked” Whatsapp chat, party MP Saugata Roy expressed his anguish at the internal rift, stating that chats of the party being leaked and language used by party MP Kalyan Banerjee “is unfortunate”.

BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that two TMC MPs had a public spat at the headquarters of the Election Commission of India, where they had gone to submit a representation on April 4, 2025.

He also referred to some video clips and said that after public spat between two TMC MPs in the precincts of the Election Commission of India, the irate MP “continued slandering the ‘Versatile International Lady (VIL)'”.

Saugata Roy expressed his disappointment over the incident, which has caused embarrassment to the party and left it red-faced. He hoped that the party leadership will take cognisance of the matter.

“We are very sorry about this whole thing. The WhatsApp chats of the party being leaked is unfortunate. The language used by Kalyan Banerjee is unfortunate. I hope that the party leadership will take cognizance of the matter,” he said.

“Many of our party members wanted to complain to Mamata Banerjee, but whether they did or not, I don’t know. Kalyan Banerjee misbehaved with a lady MP, she protested and revolted and then all the MPs went against Kalyan Banerjee,” he added.

Answering a query about party MP Kirti Azad, Saugata Roy said he has long background. “Since he had been vocal in supporting Mahua Moitra, that’s why Kalyan Banerjee showed his anger,” he said.

Answering a query about purported remarks of Kalyan Banerjee relating to Kirti Azad, Saugata Roy said “this is third class comment”.

“Kirti Azad is a national-level cricketer. He was taken by Mamata Banerjee after he left the BJP. He won on his own steam, after this who will come into the party,” Saugata Roy said.

Saugata Roy also said he was not there “when this spat happened between Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra”.

“I was at Vijay Chowk… The spat took place in front of the Election Commission… After the Press Conference at Vijay Chowk, I went inside Parliament and when I came out after few minutes, I found Mahua was crying and complaining to several MPs about Kalyan’s behaviour… At that time, a number of our party MPs were gathered and discussed that Kalyan’s behaviour will not be tolerated anymore and that everyone will reach out to our supremo Mamata Banerjee,” he said.

Referring to the TMC MPs “public spat” at the EC office, Malviya said in a post on X that it appears the Trinamool Congress had instructed its MPs to gather at the Parliament office to sign the memorandum before proceeding to the EC.

“However, the MP carrying the memorandum skipped the Parliament meeting and went directly to the EC. This angered another MP, who confronted him when they came face to face at the Commission. A heated exchange followed, with the two shouting at each other — so much so that one of them asked the police personnel present to intervene,” Malviya alleged.

He also cited chats from ‘AITC MP 2024’.

“The matter escalated quickly and reached Mamata Banerjee, who reportedly asked both MPs to stand down. But the feud didn’t end there. It spilled over into the ‘AITC MP 2024’ WhatsApp group, where warring camps took sides and traded barbs. And in the middle of it all, the question still lingers: who exactly is the “versatile international lady”? That mystery is one for the world to unravel,” he added. (ANI)

National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday hoped that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir gets improved.

Sadiq comments came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting in Srinagar to review the security situation in J-K.

Speaking with ANI, Sadiq said, “We hope that the situation here gets improved. If that happens, there would be no one happier than National Conference. Several ministers, MLAs and members have been killed. We hope that the situation is improved as soon as possible,”

Sadiq also demanded the restoration of statehood in J-K.

“But more than that, the PM and HM of this country have promised us the restoration of statehood. We hope that we get the statehood as soon as possible so that we can take J&K ahead,” he added.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah chaired a meeting in Srinagar to review the security situation in J-K today.

Earlier in the day, Amit Shah said that three more groups had decided to sever ties with the Hurriyat Conference and hailed this development as a clear reflection of the growing trust in India’s Constitution under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

In a post on X, Amit Shah said that three more organisations–Jammu Kashmir Islamic Political Party, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Democratic League, and Kashmir Freedom Front– officially disassociated themselves from the Hurriyat.

Shah emphasised that this development aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a united and powerful Bharat.

“Three more organisations, namely Jammu Kashmir Islamic Political Party, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Democratic League, and Kashmir Freedom Front, disassociate themselves from the Hurriyat. It is a prominent demonstration of the people’s trust in the Constitution of India within the valley. Modi Ji’s vision for a united and powerful Bharat stands even more bolstered today, as so far 11 such organizations have shunned separatism, proclaiming unwavering support for it,” Shah posted on X.

The Home Ministry decided on March 11 to ban two organisations–the Awami Action Committee, led by prominent Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen, headed by Shia leader Masroor Abbas Ansari–for five years over alleged anti-national activities. (ANI)