Indian airlines, including Air India, Indigo, Vistara, and Akasa, have received 85 bomb threats in the last 24 hours, causing widespread concern and disruptions in flight schedules. These threats are being taken very seriously by authorities, as the safety and security of passengers is of utmost importance. The investigation into these bomb threats is ongoing, with officials working to determine the source and validity of the threats.
Leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States. They have lauded his efforts to deepen ties between the two nations and attract investments, especially in cutting-edge technology areas. The warm welcome accorded to PM Modi by world leaders and the Indian diaspora symbolizes his strong leadership. Additionally, his address to the United Nations is a testament to India's growing importance and role on the global stage.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed discomfort over the Finance Minister's decision to impose a GST on life and medical insurance premiums, citing it as a burden and deterrent for growth. This statement comes in the wake of criticism by opposition parties who have labeled the Union Budget 2024 as biased towards BJP's allies in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The BJP leader has urged for the withdrawal of this tax on priority and hopes for a consideration of his suggestion.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, Prime Minister Modi's budget allocations have favored Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, thanks to the political power of their regional leaders Nitish Kumar and N. Chandrababu Naidu. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, once a key ally of Modi, has been left behind with fewer financial support for his state. This illustrates the impact of regional leaders and electoral strategies on budget distribution, ultimately reflecting Yogi's diminishing influence. To learn more about the influence of politics on financial priorities, watch the full video.
In a recent NDA meeting ahead of the government's swearing-in ceremony, it was decided that Chandrababu Naidu's TDP will be given four portfolios and the parliamentary speaker position, while Nitish Kumar's JD(U) will receive two cabinet positions. The likely TDP candidates for the cabinet are Ram Mohan Naidu, Harish Balayogi, and Daggumalla Prasad, while senior leaders Lalan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur are proposed for the JDU. This decision comes after the parties secured significant Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar respectively.
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a holiday schedule for banks in May 2024, with customers advised to be prepared for up to 14 non-working days. These closures are due to a combination of religious holidays, state elections and weekends. Regional bank holidays may also be affected by the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Customers in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa, and Bihar will be affected due to these closures.