2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC

The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC (BFC) prepare to battle it out for the title at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. For both teams, this match represents the completion of a cycle in their respective journeys, with significant storylines unfolding for each side. Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan SG has had a remarkable turnaround this season. After a rough start, including a heavy 0-3 defeat to Bengaluru in September, Molina’s team bounced back with a record-breaking run. Now, with the League Shield in their grasp, Mohun Bagan is aiming for a historic ISL ‘double’. Having lost the final to Mumbai City FC last season, this is their chance to make amends and clinch their first-ever double at home. The Salt Lake Stadium, where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, will be a fortress in their bid to secure the title. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC, under the leadership of Gerard Zaragoza, enters the final with renewed focus and determination. Though they endured a tough patch earlier in the season, Zaragoza reflected on a significant moment from the past—a crushing 0-4 loss to Bagan last April. Now, the BFC side is back with a vengeance, confident and hungry for a strong finish to the season. Zaragoza highlighted how far his team has come since that defeat, with the club now poised to challenge for the trophy. The match promises to be an exciting showdown. Mohun Bagan SG will likely have the edge with the support of their passionate fans at Salt Lake, but Bengaluru FC won’t be an easy opponent. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Sunil Chhetri continues to perform at the highest level, and Zaragoza faces a pleasant dilemma regarding whether to start his star striker or bring him on as a substitute. With both teams motivated by personal narratives and historical goals, this final is set to be a fiercely contested affair. The battle between Mohun Bagan’s ambition for a double and Bengaluru’s hunger for redemption will make for a compelling end to the season.

Salah Chooses Legacy Over Lucrative Move, Signs New Liverpool Deal Despite £500m Saudi Offer

Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until he turns 34—a decision that sees him prioritising sporting ambition over financial gain, despite a staggering £500 million offer from Saudi Arabia. The Egypt forward, who stirred uncertainty back in November by saying he was “more out than in,” wasn’t being disingenuous—just honest about his situation. His desire to stay at Liverpool had never truly wavered, but the conditions had to be right for both parties. A breakthrough came late in March during talks involving Salah, his agent Ramy Abbas Issa, and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. By early April, the formalities were wrapped up, and even teammates like Andy Robertson were caught by surprise when the news emerged. Salah’s new contract will not involve a pay cut—he is set to earn close to £400,000-per-week, a figure that reflects both his continued brilliance and the difficulty of replacing a player who has already registered 54 goal contributions this season. While the Saudi Pro League had been confident—right up until last week—that they could entice Salah to the Middle East, the pull of European football and unfinished business at Liverpool proved stronger. Sources confirmed that Salah could have earned upwards of £500 million had he accepted the Saudi offer. But in contrast to Real Madrid’s €1 billion (approx. £859m) offer to Vinicius Jr, Salah chose the path of legacy. Liverpool’s upcoming changes—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid, which may free up financial space—likely helped in structuring deals for Salah and, soon, Virgil van Dijk, who is also expected to extend his contract. Salah, who has been with Liverpool for eight years, now looks set to complete a decade at the club. His obsessive professionalism and top-tier physical condition mean those close to him believe he still has at least three elite years ahead. With ambitions of winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and a long-standing desire to clinch the Ballon d’Or, Salah remains deeply driven. His commitment is not just about personal goals—he also wants to be in peak form for Egypt’s World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Off the pitch, his decision was also influenced by his family’s comfort in Merseyside, with wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan thriving in Liverpool. Ultimately, Salah’s story is one of loyalty, ambition, and belief—a decision to chase greatness in Europe rather than riches in the Gulf.

ED Seizes 32 Properties Worth Crores Linked to Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and His Network

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 32 immovable properties allegedly owned by former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, his family members, and close associates. The seizure, part of a larger money laundering probe, has unearthed a web of dubious real estate transactions and inter-family property transfers that suggest systematic efforts to conceal illicit wealth. According to the ED’s chargesheet, as many as seven plots worth ₹6.61 crore located across Bhopal were registered under Aviral Building Construction Company, a firm jointly owned by Saurabh Sharma and his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal. Additionally, two properties in Indore valued at ₹1.77 crore were traced to the same entity, bringing the total value of the company’s assets to ₹8.38 crore. Investigations revealed that Sharma’s mother, wife, and mother-in-law also hold a significant number of immovable assets. Uma Sharma, Saurabh’s mother, owns five properties—one in Bhopal and four in Gwalior. In Gwalior, she holds two plots valued at ₹30.33 lakh and ₹26.54 lakh respectively, along with agricultural land worth ₹14.24 lakh and an additional bigha valued at ₹19.51 lakh. A double-story Housing Board house at E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹1.67 crore, is also in her name. Divya Tiwari, Saurabh’s wife, gifted a land parcel worth ₹32 lakh in Mugalia Kot, Bhopal to her mother Rekha Tiwari. Another high-value property, located in Bhairopur, Bhopal, is jointly owned by Divya and Rekha and is valued at ₹1.20 crore. Rekha Tiwari herself owns two agricultural lands—one at Sevaniya Gaud, Bhopal, worth ₹72 lakh and another in the city valued at ₹20 lakh. The mother-daughter duo also jointly operate the Rajmata Bharatmata Shiksha and Social Welfare Committee in Bhopal, under which a plot worth ₹25.53 lakh in Indore is registered. Sharma’s associate Sharad Jaiswal is also in possession of numerous properties. These include a MIG flat in Ratnagiri, Bhopal (₹14.75 lakh), a plot in Hinautia Alam (₹25.62 lakh), a LIG flat in Alankar Heights (₹25.50 lakh), and another smaller plot in Hinautia Alam (₹9.23 lakh). Sharad also co-owns a ₹4.20 crore plot in Emaar Continental City, Indore with Kushal Mangal, and another ₹4.10 crore plot under Emaar India Limited in collaboration with Ganesh Infrastructure (linked to Ripusudan Pachauri). A property worth ₹1.84 crore—a two-floor house in E-7/78, Arera Colony, Bhopal—is registered under the name of Instant UR Infrastructure, a firm believed to be connected to Sharma’s network. Another high-value plot on AB Road, Indore, worth ₹1.80 crore, is also owned by the same entity. The ED has termed these property acquisitions and inter-family transactions as a deliberate attempt to launder and distribute illicit wealth. The investigation is ongoing, and further action, including arrests and additional attachments, is expected in the coming weeks.

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.

JCO Martyred in Fierce LoC Gunfight in Akhnoor; Infiltration Bid Foiled by Army

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was martyred in a gunfight with militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu late Friday night. According to officials, the encounter erupted when alert army troops detected the movement of a group of heavily armed militants near a stream in a dense forest area of Keri Bhattal. The troops engaged the militants in a fierce exchange of fire that lasted for several hours. The JCO was initially injured during the firefight and later succumbed to his injuries. However, the infiltration attempt was successfully thwarted by the Indian Army. Following the incident, the area was cordoned off and additional reinforcements were rushed in. A large-scale search operation is currently underway to ensure no militant is hiding in the vicinity. This is the second major militant-related incident in the region within a span of two months. On February 11, two Army personnel, including a captain, were killed and another injured in an IED blast triggered by militants in the same area. The latest encounter comes just days after India and Pakistan held a brigade commander-level flag meeting in Poonch district to address border management issues. The meeting, the second of its kind since February, was aimed at reducing tensions following multiple incidents of cross-border firing and an IED attack. The Indian Army has since lodged a strong protest with Pakistani counterparts regarding continued cross-border terror activity and violations of the ceasefire agreement. It’s worth noting that ceasefire violations had significantly reduced after India and Pakistan reaffirmed the ceasefire pact on February 25, 2021. However, recent developments suggest a worrying uptick in hostilities along the LoC.

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.

Ajay Devgn Returns as Amay Patnaik in High-Stakes Sequel ‘Raid 2’; Tamannaah Bhatia’s Dance Number Sparks Buzz

Ajay Devgn is back as the fearless Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Raid. The trailer of the film has already stirred excitement, promising an intense political showdown with Riteish Deshmukh stepping in as the menacing antagonist, Dadabhai. Joining the cast this time is Vaani Kapoor, adding further intrigue to the action-packed drama. Tamannaah Bhatia’s Electrifying Dance Number Leaked Amidst all the buzz, a leaked video featuring Tamannaah Bhatia has gone viral, showing the actress performing a high-energy dance number for the film. Donning an elegant ivory outfit, Tamannaah is seen preparing for a power-packed performance, as confirmed by glimpses shown in the official trailer. A source close to the production revealed, “Tamannaah has officially begun filming for the high-energy dance number in Raid 2, and the buzz on set is electric.” Following the success of her previous chartbusters like Kaavaalaa and Aaj Ki Raat, expectations are sky-high for this track. The makers have reportedly created a lavish set adorned with shimmering lights, vibrant hues, and strobe effects to elevate the visual spectacle. While fans continue to speculate about the track’s singer, it has been confirmed that it’s not a collaboration with Yo Yo Honey Singh—keeping the anticipation alive. Plot and Release Date Raid 2 dives deeper into themes of corruption, power, and justice. The story pits Devgn’s resolute Amay Patnaik against Riteish Deshmukh’s Dadabhai—a charismatic yet ruthless politician. The trailer reveals gripping confrontations, intense mind games, and a battle of ideals between the two leads. Deshmukh’s portrayal of the antagonist adds a fresh and layered dynamic to the narrative, balancing charm with underlying menace. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, who also helmed the first installment, the film is now slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2025, after being postponed from its original November 2024 schedule. Legacy and Production The first Raid film, released in 2018, was inspired by a real-life income-tax operation in the 1980s. It garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, setting high expectations for the sequel. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar, Raid 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with Panorama Studios. With a gripping story, stellar performances, and a glamorous musical twist, Raid 2 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s biggest cinematic spectacles.

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.

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