India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has sparked a heated debate after suggesting Indian start-ups focus too much on lifestyle products like ice creams instead of tech innovations like AI chips. Speaking at Startup Mahakumbh, he contrasted India’s consumer apps with China’s deep-tech strides. While some entrepreneurs criticized his remarks as dismissive, others saw it as a call for bolder innovation. Investors like Mohandas Pai highlighted the lack of long-term funding for deep tech. A Nasscom report noted deep-tech start-ups in India raised $1.6bn in 2024, but more support is needed to compete globally in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy. (PC: Getty Images)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5% from 6.7%, citing global trade risks and policy uncertainty. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the revised outlook after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, also revealing a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate to 6%. Inflation is projected at 4% for the year, with a stable food price outlook and easing household expectations. The RBI noted strong services exports and remittances, a manageable trade deficit, and robust forex reserves. The central bank expects the monsoon to be normal, supporting agriculture and food price stability. (PC: India Today)

Indian authorities are making high-security preparations at select jails in Delhi and Mumbai for the anticipated extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, is accused of helping David Coleman Headley with logistics and surveillance for the attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody once he lands in India. Senior officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, are overseeing the arrangements to ensure safe detention and interrogation. Rana is currently fighting extradition from the U.S. after a court cleared the process. (The Hindu)

Network Rail has unveiled revised plans for London's Liverpool Street Station, aiming to enhance passenger experience while preserving its Victorian heritage. The updated design includes eight new lifts, an increase in escalators from four to ten, expanded concourses, and improved step-free access. Additional features comprise new entrances on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square, better signage, more cafes, shops, and enhanced transport connections. These changes address previous public objections to earlier proposals. The redevelopment is projected to cost hundreds of millions of pounds and seeks to accommodate the station's growing passenger numbers. (PC: BBC, Time Out, The Guardian & PBC Today)

The Supreme Court has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for delaying action on 10 bills passed by the state legislature. The Court emphasized that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor must either assent to a bill, withhold assent and return it with recommendations, or reserve it for the President's consideration. Simply withholding assent without communication is not permissible. The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, noted that the Governor appeared to have adopted his own procedure, which frustrates the provisions of Article 200. The Court urged the Governor to resolve the impasse, highlighting the limited options available to him under the Constitution. (PC: The Tribune)

A family in Kovaya village, Amreli district, Gujarat, experienced a harrowing encounter when a lion entered their home through the roof at night. The lion perched on a 12-foot-high kitchen wall, peering inside, as captured in a viral video. The intrusion caused panic among the residents, but prompt action from nearby villagers, who used torch lights and loud noises, successfully scared the lion away, preventing any casualties. Reports indicate that approximately five other lions have been spotted roaming the village market, suggesting increased lion activity in the area. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Lord Ram will be ceremonially crowned as King at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in May, according to The Indian Express. The coronation will follow the installation of Ram Durbar on the temple’s first floor. Unlike the grand January 22, 2024 pran pratishtha event, this ceremony will be more subdued. Sculpted in Jaipur from Makrana marble, the Ram Durbar features work by 20 artisans. Construction, led by Nripendra Misra, is nearly complete. A statue of Saint Tulsidas is also being added, and the International Ramkatha Museum nearby will showcase Ramayana-themed exhibits, including a holographic Lord Ram and artefacts from archaeological digs. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged with over 100 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), reflecting on the scheme's decade-long impact. Since its inception in 2015, PMMY has disbursed loans totaling ₹32 lakh crore to support non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. Notably, 74% of these loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, and 55% to individuals from SC/ST and OBC categories. Beneficiaries shared transformative stories, such as Kiran Kumari from Jharkhand, who expanded her toy business, and Munirabanu Malek from Gujarat, who now earns ₹25,000 monthly driving an auto-rickshaw. PM Modi emphasized that PMMY has liberated entrepreneurs from exploitative moneylenders, fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment across marginalized communities. (PC: UxDT & Mint)

A mother dog named Shakti in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony was caught on CCTV being dragged away by a leopard in front of her 10 puppies. Miraculously, she escaped the predator and returned, injured, to feed her pups. Despite a torn neck and a punctured food pipe, Shakti's maternal instinct prevailed. She was rescued by the NGO World For All and underwent surgery at Top Dogs Pet Clinic in Andheri. Tribal residents are caring for her puppies. “Food was dripping from her neck wound,” said Dr Makarand Chousalkar. Her bravery has gone viral online, earning widespread admiration and support. (PC: TOI/Facebook)

The government has increased the price of cooking gas by ₹50 per cylinder. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the hike on Monday. The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now be ₹853 for regular users and ₹553 for Ujjwala scheme users. The minister said prices are reviewed every few weeks. He also clarified that the recent excise duty hike on petrol and diesel will not affect consumers. The government said oil companies will adjust fuel prices based on global crude oil rates. The new cooking gas prices take effect immediately. (PC: Hindustan Times)