Two suspects in the Rameswaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru, Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, were captured by the NIA in the vicinity of Kolkata. Taha is a co-conspirator, and Shazib, the “mastermind,” is the one who detonated the IED in the cafe. Both live in Shivamogga district’s Thirthahalli and were members of the “Thirthahalli module,” which was influenced by IS and had aspirations to create an Islamic State Caliphate in the jungles of Karnataka. Since January 2020, they have been under the notice of investigating authorities and were also connected to the Al Hind terror module. The pair, who had been eluding authorities since 2019, were apprehended subsequent to years of evasion. Their capture represents a major step forward in dismantling the operations of terrorist groups operating in the area. Examine more closely

Lifestyle and Health

Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival spanning nine days, began on April 9 and continues until April 17. Each day, devotees observe fasts and worship different forms of Maa Durga. On the fifth day, Maa Skandamata, the warrior form of Goddess Durga, is revered. To honor her, devotees offer bananas as bhog. As part of the festivities, here’s a simple recipe for Raw Banana Chops: Peel and slice raw bananas, boil them, and coat with a spice paste made of tamarind pulp, curry leaves, and spices. Shallow fry until golden, sprinkle with chaat masala, and serve. Dig deeper

That’s all we have at this hour in our Afternoon briefing. Catch you in the evening.