Weekly Roundup: News Highlights from April 8th to April 14th 2024

BJP Releases Manifesto 'Modi Ki Guarantee 2024' for Lok Sabha Elections

The BJP unveiled its 2024 Lok Sabha Elections manifesto, titled 'Sankalp Patra,' with the tagline 'Modi Ki Guarantee 2024,' in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president JP Nadda, and other senior leaders at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday, April 14th, 2024. Read more..

Israel War Escalates as Iran Launches Direct Attack

In its first direct assault on Israeli territory, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones, causing minor damage at an Israeli military facility. The attack occurred late on Saturday night (13th April, 2024), triggering air raid sirens across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, with Israeli air defenses intercepting most of the projectiles. Read more..

Asian Development Bank raises India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7%

After the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and Moody's, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 upwards to 7% from the previous estimate of 6.7%. 
Read more..

BSE Sensex Hits Record High: Nifty 50 Surges Above 22,700 in Positive Start to FY25

On Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, the BSE Sensex soared to reach a record high of 74,869. This surge marked a positive start to the first week of FY25, with benchmark indices closing on a high note for the third consecutive week. Additionally, the Nifty 50 surged above the 22,700 level.

Allahabad High Court: 'Kanyadaan' Not Mandatory for Hindu Marriages

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that 'Kanyadaan' is not a mandatory requirement for solemnizing a marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act. The Lucknow High Court bench made this observation while hearing a revision appeal filed by Ashutosh Yadav, stating that only 'saptapadi' (also known as 'saat phere' in Sanskrit) is an essential rite for such marriages.

Hardest Geezer Makes History: Russ Cook Completes First-Ever Run Across Africa

British adventurer and ultramarathon runner Russ Cook, famously known as the "Hardest Geezer," has etched his name in history by becoming the first person to traverse the entire length of Africa. Culminating his 352-day odyssey in Tunisia on Sunday, April 7th, 2024, Cook's extraordinary feat included enduring challenges such as being robbed at gunpoint and battling food poisoning. Read more..

Cyber criminals are using AI to Mimic Family Members Voice & Dupe People

Cybercriminals are escalating their tactics, using coercive methods like "digital arrest" and threatening to kidnap victims' children, especially those studying abroad. They employ AI software to mimic children's voices or send manipulated images to convince victims. Recently, a retired senior Navy officer lost Rs 68.49 lakhs to cybercriminals posing as Mumbai police. Read more..

Election Commission Introduces Home Voting for Elderly and Disabled

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced home voting for the first time in a Lok Sabha Election, aiming to facilitate voting for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now, voters above 85 years of age and PwDs with a 40% benchmark disability can opt for home voting. Read more..