PM Modi Unveils ₹3,880 Crore Development Push in Varanasi: Major Boost to Connectivity, Education, and Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—his parliamentary constituency. The comprehensive package of projects spans infrastructure, education, energy, water, and urban renewal, underscoring a significant push toward holistic regional development. Focus on Connectivity and Transport To ease traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity, the PM laid the foundation for key road infrastructure. These include a major bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on NH-31 near Varanasi International Airport. Power Infrastructure Expansion Modi also initiated power projects aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity distribution network. These include the foundation of a 220 KV transmission substation at Chaukaghat (Varanasi), a 132 KV substation in Ghazipur, and an upgrade of the Varanasi electricity system—collectively valued at over ₹775 crore. Boost to Education and Smart City Initiatives As part of the Smart City Mission, the PM laid the foundation stone for the renovation of 77 primary schools and a new building for the Kasturba Gandhi School in Cholapur. He also inaugurated the Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College in Barki village, 356 rural libraries, and 100 new Anganwadi centres. Water and Sanitation Projects Several water-related projects were unveiled, including the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat on the Ganga River. Modi also inaugurated 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth ₹345 crore and announced improvements to six municipal wards in the city, along with aesthetic enhancements through landscaping and sculpture installations. Sports and Community Infrastructure To encourage sporting talent, the PM announced the development of a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium in Shivpur. Welfare and Cultural Recognition In a historic first, Modi distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens and handed out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for iconic Varanasi products such as tabla, painting, thandai, and tiranga barfi. Furthermore, he transferred over ₹105 crore as bonuses to milk suppliers in Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy. The event marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Varanasi under Modi’s leadership, aligning with the broader vision of modernization while preserving cultural heritage.

Gold Hits All-Time High Amid US-China Trade Tensions; Experts Predict Further Surge

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $3,238.82 per ounce (₹2.7 lakh) on Saturday, driven by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. The sharp rise marks a new record for the safe-haven metal, as global economic uncertainty continues to fuel investor demand. In the domestic market, gold prices had dropped earlier in the week, touching ₹88,200 on Tuesday, while globally, it stood at $3,000 (₹2.5 lakh). However, by Friday, prices rebounded sharply, reaching an all-time high of ₹96,000 in India and $3,262 (₹2.8 lakh) on the international market. In Ahmedabad, the price of 22-carat gold on Friday was reported at ₹85,660, while 24-carat gold touched ₹93,440 per 10 grams, reflecting the upward momentum. The surge is largely attributed to economic instability spurred by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have intensified friction with China. As geopolitical risks mount, investors have increasingly turned to gold as a secure asset. Market analysts anticipate that the rally is far from over. Forecasts suggest that gold prices could climb to $3,500 per ounce (₹3 lakh) by the end of the year, should global tensions persist or worsen.

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

Rashmika Mandanna Resumes Night Shoots for Horror Comedy ‘Thama’ with Ayushmann Khurrana

After celebrating her 29th birthday in the serene landscapes of Oman, Rashmika Mandanna is back to the grind, diving straight into night shoots for her upcoming horror comedy, Thama, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. The actress took to her Instagram stories to share a glimpse of the night sky, captioning it, “Shooting nights for the next couple of days… So the only posts and stories you’ll get of us is of either the moon or the camera lights or the stars (which in our city is impossible to see) Agreed?” Back in March, Rashmika had already teased her fans with snippets from the sets, revealing who’s behind her late-night work schedule. In a candid Instagram story, she posted a photo of director Aditya A. Sarpotdar sitting on a plastic chair and monitoring the shoot, writing humorously, “My director… Making me shoot night shoot every time… Ice bucket… Story of my life.” The director reshared it with a quirky caption of his own, “Where mortals fear the night, the vampires find their power,” to which Rashmika responded, “Wise words. Knows exactly how to make a Thama (vampire) happy!” A Dark Tale Unfolds in ‘Thama’ Thama tells the intriguing story of a resolute historian who delves deep into ancient manuscripts and uncovers long-buried secrets surrounding local vampire myths. As supernatural elements begin to stir, his quest becomes more than an academic pursuit—it transforms into a gripping battle for the soul of a town teetering on the edge. Directed by Munjya fame filmmaker Aditya A. Sarpotdar, the film marks his first collaboration with both Rashmika and Ayushmann. The screenplay has been penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, promising a unique mix of humor, horror, and emotion. Star Power and Maddock’s Expanding Horror Comedy Universe Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under the Maddock Films banner, Thama also features Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles. The film is part of Maddock’s ever-growing horror comedy universe, following hits like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. With its supernatural plot and a dash of romance, Thama is poised to be an eerie yet entertaining ride for audiences, delivering thrills, chills, and a fresh spin on vampire folklore.

Apoorva Mukhija aka ‘The Rebel Kid’ Breaks Silence on YouTube After ‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy

Popular content creator Apoorva Mukhija, better known as ‘The Rebel Kid’, made her YouTube return on Wednesday, April 9, with a new ‘Story Time’ video following the controversy surrounding an episode of India’s Got Latent. This marks her first detailed public response since the backlash erupted in February. Titled ‘Till I Say It Is’, the video premiered at 6 PM on her official YouTube channel and addressed the outrage that stemmed from her appearance on the controversial podcast-style episode hosted by comedian Samay Raina. The episode, which also featured YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Jaspreet Singh, and creator Ashish Chanchlani, drew sharp criticism for remarks deemed vulgar and inappropriate, particularly relating to sensitive subjects like sex and parenting. Apoorva, who commands over 3 million followers on Instagram, is widely recognized for her candid and quirky ‘Story Time’ videos where she affectionately refers to her audience as “cute little red flags.” However, her recent content has taken a serious turn after the episode of India’s Got Latent went viral for the wrong reasons. Accused of making an objectionable comment during the show, Apoorva faced severe backlash, including rape and death threats, which she revealed through Instagram posts upon her return to the platform. “Trigger Warning: This post contains mentions of acid attacks, rape threats, and death threats,” she noted, sharing screenshots of the abusive messages and stating, “And that’s not even 1%.” Others involved in the controversial episode — including Ranveer Allahbadia, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the producers — were summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and police. Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, has since returned to social media, promising to be more responsible in future, after the Supreme Court labeled his comments “vulgar” and gave him interim protection from arrest. Mukhija’s comeback video signals her attempt to move forward while confronting the intense scrutiny and harassment she has endured. While her loyal fans have welcomed her return, the incident continues to spark conversation around online accountability, content boundaries, and the dark side of internet fame.

Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly Splits Audience: A Mass Entertainer with Mixed Reviews

Ajith Kumar’s much-anticipated action entertainer Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, hit theatres on April 10 and quickly ignited a storm of reactions across social media. The film, which sees Ajith playing a retired gangster forced to return to his violent past, has drawn both high praise and sharp criticism, making it one of the most polarizing releases of the year. While many fans were blown away by Ajith’s signature massy entry, powerful screen presence, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, others were less impressed by the film’s weak screenplay and repetitive storytelling. Social platforms buzzed with hashtags like #GoodBadUgly and #AjithKumar, as fans engaged in heated debates over the film’s highs and lows. Some fans hailed the film as Ajith’s best entertainer in over a decade, even comparing it favorably to his hit film Mankatha. Comments poured in praising the “mass-loaded fan feast” and GV Prakash’s energetic background score. Ajith’s stylish look and charisma were particularly celebrated, with many calling it his best appearance in years. On the flip side, several viewers criticized the film for being too dependent on fan service, lacking originality, and trying too hard to recreate mass moments. Some labeled it “cringe-worthy,” citing unintentional comedy in fight scenes and over-the-top sequences that didn’t land well. Others felt the story was too thin and disconnected, making it appealing only to hardcore Thala fans. Despite the divide, one thing was clear—Ajith Kumar remained the central force carrying the film. While the ensemble cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Prabhu, Prasanna, Sunil, Rahul Dev, and Yogi Babu, had their moments, most fans felt their roles were underutilized. With its vibrant music, flashy action, and star power, Good Bad Ugly may not win over everyone, but it offers a nostalgic ride for Ajith’s loyal fanbase. Whether it’s a hit or miss will ultimately depend on how the general audience responds in the coming weeks. 4o

Tom Hiddleston Confirms Loki’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday: “It’s Not Over Yet”

Hollywood actor Tom Hiddleston is set to reprise his fan-favorite role as Loki in the highly anticipated Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. In a recent chat with ComicBook, Hiddleston expressed his excitement about returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hinting that the God of Mischief’s journey is far from over. “(I’m) very, very excited. It’s really remarkable that I can talk about it because mostly I’m in a position of knowing and not being able to say anything… it’s been an extraordinary chapter of my life playing Loki, and it’s not over yet,” he said. Hiddleston first took on the role of Loki in 2011’s Thor, and over the years has become one of the MCU’s most iconic and beloved characters. His appearances span across major titles including The Avengers (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He also made a surprise cameo in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Outside of the films, Hiddleston continued Loki’s saga through the Disney+ series Loki, which debuted in 2021, as well as in Marvel’s animated anthology What If…? Avengers: Doomsday, which is already generating major buzz, also brings back Marvel legends Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Chris Evans (Captain America), hinting at an epic-scale storyline involving multiversal stakes and fan-favorite characters. With Hiddleston confirming Loki’s return, fans are now speculating what version of the trickster god will appear — especially following the events of Loki Season 2, which saw him embrace a god-like fate beyond time. Whatever the direction, one thing’s certain: Loki’s story is still being written.

Jobless Teachers Begin Relay Hunger Strike Outside SSC Office in West Bengal

A section of teachers and staff who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court verdict annulling their appointments began a relay hunger strike on Thursday outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) office in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The protest follows a judgment that declared the entire 2016 SSC recruitment process as “tainted and vitiated.” The protesters, many of whom had gathered outside the SSC office building ‘Acharya Sadan’ since Wednesday night, expressed outrage not only over their dismissal but also over the alleged police action against fellow demonstrators outside the district inspector (DI) of schools’ office at Kasba on Wednesday. Teachers claimed they were baton-charged, kicked, and manhandled by law enforcement officers during the demonstration near Kasba Police Station. Joining the protestors, BJP MP and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay criticized the state administration, holding it accountable for the crisis. “Cases have been lodged against innocent teachers who lost their jobs due to the illegal acts of others,” Gangopadhyay said. He was accompanied by former Rajya Sabha MP Rupa Ganguly to the protest site, extending solidarity with the aggrieved educators. Gangopadhyay clarified that he had deliberately chosen not to meet Education Minister Bratya Basu on Wednesday in protest of the police’s handling of the demonstrations. He added that the BJP leadership supported his stance. As a judge, Gangopadhyay had ordered a CBI investigation in 2021 into alleged recruitment irregularities, which led to the termination of more than 25,000 teaching and non-teaching posts in state-run and state-aided schools. This decision was later upheld by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2024. The protesters contend that the SSC failed to distinguish between fraudulently appointed candidates and those who were rightfully recruited, thereby unjustly affecting many innocent individuals. The scam led to the arrests of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and others involved with the SSC during the controversial recruitment period, with both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate continuing their investigations into the matter.

Air India Express Pilot Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Landing Flight in Delhi

In a tragic incident, an Air India Express pilot, identified as Armaan, died of a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi on April 9. The incident took place at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. According to the airline, the pilot began to feel unwell following the safe landing of the aircraft. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Reports revealed that the pilot had vomited inside the cockpit after landing and later collapsed at the airline’s dispatch office at the airport. Air India Express released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague. “We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of profound grief. We are extending all possible assistance to them as we all cope with this tremendous loss,” the airline said. The airline also requested the public and media to respect the family’s privacy and avoid unnecessary speculation. They assured full cooperation with the relevant authorities as required. Captain Armaan’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, as colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional.

Messi’s Magic Lifts Inter Miami to First-Ever Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi turned in another vintage performance as Inter Miami came from behind to beat LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium, overturning a 2-0 aggregate deficit to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals for the first time in club history. ⚽ Match Highlights: 🔥 Key Moments: 🗣️ “The Chinese issue is serious,” — well, not quite the quote here, but Messi’s performance certainly was. His brace, including the game-winner from the spot, was a reminder of why he’s still a game-changer on the world stage. 🧤 Heroic Goalkeeping: Oscar Ustari was instrumental in the win, making 8 saves, including several crucial stops on Denis Bouanga, as LAFC peppered Miami with 21 total shots to Miami’s 13. 🏆 What’s Next: ⚽ Historical Significance:

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