The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee swiftly approaches Allahabad HC contesting a Varanasi court's ruling permitting Hindu prayers in 'Vyas Tehkana.' The Muslim side criticizes the hurried opening of the cellar, accusing the administration of bias. Varanasi court's order triggers first prayers in 31 years within hours. The Muslim faction emphasizes supporting evidence favoring them, claiming the Hindu side lacks proof predating 1993. Tensions rise, and legal battles intensify amid a complex historical and religious dispute. Supreme Court may intervene following the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's plea.

India's Interim Budget for 2024-25 reveals a 22% reduction in developmental assistance to the Maldives, allocating Rs 600 crore compared to the previous year's Rs 770.90 crore. The overall foreign aid allocation sees a 10% decrease, with Rs 4883.56 crore earmarked. Bhutan and Nepal lead in grants, receiving Rs 2068.56 crore and Rs 700 crore, respectively, despite reduced allocations. Amid a diplomatic row, India emphasizes tourism development in Lakshadweep. Aid cuts extend to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Latin American nations, while Sri Lanka, African countries, Mauritius, and Seychelles witness increased allocations.

Ahead of presenting Budget 2024-25, President Droupadi Murmu greeted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with a spoonful of sweet curd at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The customary gesture symbolized goodwill for Sitharaman and was also attended by Ministers of State and Finance Ministry officials. The tradition holds significance as Sitharaman detailed an interim budget outlining government expenses for the election year, with a comprehensive budget slated post-general elections. The heartwarming exchange garnered positive reactions, recognizing the significance of two influential women in key roles.

In the aftermath of the Varanasi district court's historic decision permitting Hindu prayers at Vyas ka Tahkhana within the Gyanvapi mosque complex, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain announced daily aarti timings. The schedule includes Mangla at 3:30 am, Bhog at 12 pm, Apranh at 4 pm, Sanykaal at 7 pm, and Shayan at 10:30 pm. The court's swift implementation faced criticism from the Muslim side, questioning the 'hot haste' in starting puja late at night, prompting them to move the Allahabad High Court challenging the decision. The Tahkhana, a cellar belonging to the Vyas family, holds significant religious importance.

Mumbai police released a pigeon detained for 8 months on suspicion of being a Chinese spy, after investigations revealed it was just a racing bird from Taiwan that had strayed into India. The pigeon was captured near a Mumbai port eight months back with two rings tied to its legs, carrying words that looked like Chinese, raising espionage concerns. Police held the bird and sent it to an animal hospital. However, it was finally identified as an open-water racing pigeon that had escaped and reached India. With its innocence proven after months of detention, the pigeon was set free into the wild on Tuesday, closing an avian spy saga.

After 31 years, puja was performed in the 'Vyas Tehkana' or the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi late in the night on Wednesday. This followed an order from the Varanasi district judge allowing the resumption of the practice that was discontinued since 1993. On Wednesday, The Varanasi district judge permitted the Vyas family and a temple-appointed priest to offer prayers in the cellar. The temple trust opened the southern cellar around 10:30pm on Wednesday and the puja was held at 3am. The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee has challenged the order in Allahabad High Court. The development marks prayers resuming at Gyanvapi mosque's southern cellar after 31 years. [Video: Hindustan Times X handle]

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India's economy is undergoing a profound transformation while presenting the last Modi government budget before the 2024 polls. She emphasized welfare schemes to uplift the conditions of the "garib" (the poor), "mahilayen" (women), "yuva" (the youth) and "annadata" (the farmer). 250 million people were brought out of poverty in 10 years and crop insurance reached 40 million farmers, said Ms Sitharaman. Inflation moderated as economic growth picked up due to tax reforms that widened the tax base and collections. The next 5 years will see unprecedented growth in India, the Finance Minister remarked.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman retained existing direct and indirect tax rates in Budget 2024, including no changes to import duties. Middle-class taxpayers will face no new taxes or get any new relief on incomes. "Keeping with the convention, I do not propose to make any changes relating to taxation and propose to retain the same tax rates for direct taxes and indirect taxes including import duties," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech on Thursday. Tax planning strategies can continue unchanged as deductions, exemptions, and tax-saving investments remain the same. No adjustments are needed for middle-class taxpayers as the tax framework remains unaltered. The budget maintains the status quo on tax rates across direct and indirect taxes. 

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, declared his refusal to accept defeat, stating on X, "As long as there is life, there is struggle," echoing poet Shivmangal Singh Suman's resilience. The arrest followed over seven hours of questioning in a money laundering case. Soren resigned before his arrest, triggering a political crisis. JMM legislative party leader Champai Soren emerged as his successor, staking claim to form the new government with 47 MLAs. Hemant Soren faces allegations linked to illegal possession of immovable assets and connections with the 'land mafia' in Jharkhand. The Enforcement Directorate seeks his remand for custodial interrogation.

India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, shared insights from the Ramayana in an interview with NDTV, highlighting Hanuman's diplomatic role. Jaishankar sees parallels in his own job, emphasizing the importance of using Indian examples. He noted Hanuman's envoy mission to Lanka, intelligence gathering, and activist diplomacy. Referring to Hanuman's tactics in Ravan's court, Jaishankar highlighted psychological advantages. The minister finds relevance in these ancient diplomatic strategies for today. In his conversation with NDTV Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, Jaishankar encourages the use of indigenous references in understanding contemporary scenarios.