Category: India

A Kolkata-based passenger recently took to social media to express his disappointment with IndiGo airline’s handling of a delayed flight. Sharing a video on LinkedIn of a heated exchange with the cabin crew, Ritham Bhattacharjee slammed the airline over the “unprofessional behaviour” of the crew members while handling a flight that was delayed for five hours. The incident took place on a flight from Kolkata to Chenna on January 6. In the caption of the post, Mr Bhattacharjee revealed that passengers were kept inside the aircraft throughout the delay, with minimal compensation provided – a packet of chips and cookies.

“The CCU-MAA (Chennai to Kolkata) flight was delayed by five hours. To add insult to injury, the compensation offered was a paltry packet of chips and a single cookie. Passengers were forced to remain seated inside the aircraft the entire time, which is simply unacceptable,” Mr Bhattacharjee wrote.

In the following lines, he accused the cabin crew of being “extremely uncooperative and rude”. “The customer attendants and air hostesses on both flights displayed unprofessional behavior. Specifically, the attendees named Eram and team on the return flight were extremely uncooperative and rude,” he said.

Mr Bhattacharjee further expressed shock over this experience and demanded immediate action to resolve the matter. “It seems that IndiGo’s focus on being a low-cost airline has come at the expense of customer satisfaction. I request that you take immediate action to address these issues and provide better training to your staff. I hope that in the future, Indigo will prioritize customer experience and provide services that meet the expectations of its loyal customers,” he remarked.

Once the post gained traction online, IndiGo replied with a standard apology, stating, “This is not the kind of experience we’d like our customers to have. Please allow us some time to connect with you.”

The airline also argued that the crew member provided refreshments and water as compensation. “We understand the inconvenience caused by the flight delay due to adverse weather conditions in Kolkata. As part of our efforts to keep everyone informed, travel advisories were shared, and notifications were sent to the registered contact number. Our crew also ensured that refreshments were provided, and water was served multiple times during the wait,” the airline responded.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/video-indio-passenger-slams-crew-for-unprofessional-behaviour-during-flight-delay-airline-reacts-7492642

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to spacewalking after 12 years, stepping outside the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday alongside astronaut Nick Hague. Designated as US Spacewalk 91, the mission aims to perform crucial maintenance and upgrades on the orbital laboratory.

This marks Williams’ eighth career spacewalk and Hague’s fourth, with the duo working outside the ISS for approximately six and a half hours. Williams wore an unmarked spacesuit, serving as spacewalk crew member 2, while Hague donned a suit with red stripes as crew member 1.

The astronauts undertook a range of tasks, including:

•    NICER Repairs: Performing upgrades to the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope.
•    Rate Gyro Replacement: Installing a new rate gyro assembly to maintain the ISS’s orientation control.
•    Docking Adapter Maintenance: Replacing a reflector device for navigational data on an international docking adapter.
•    Future Preparations: Examining tools and areas needed for upcoming maintenance on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

NASA described the mission as critical for ensuring the smooth functioning and longevity of the ISS.

NASA announced another spacewalk, slated for January 23, involving Williams and colleague Barry Wilmore. The duo will:

•    Remove a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the ISS truss.
•    Collect material samples from the Destiny lab and Quest airlock to study possible microbial life on the station’s exterior.
•    Prepare a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm in case future replacements are required.

On a day-to-day basis, bizarre videos go viral on social media, and the internet goes into a frenzy over these posts. One such post is making rounds on social media, where an auto is riding on the road, but in the video, no one can be seen riding the auto. This video, which was shared months ago, has now gone viral, and the internet is calling it a ‘haunted auto,’ while also trying to explain how the auto is moving without a driver.
The video, shared by an Instagram handle delhi_se_sky, was captioned, “Haunted auto.” After the post went viral, many users have joined in to provide their theories about the video. Some have even called the auto a “Tesla auto,” referring to Tesla cars, which are mostly automatic.

In the purported video, it can be seen that an auto is riding on the road, but it appears that no driver is visible. However, according to some users, there is a person hiding in the back seat of the auto.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/haunted-auto-in-indian-streets-netizens-go-frenzy-with-theories-over-mysterious-viral-video-article-117298596

Indian national Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, on Thursday, was sentenced to eight years for an attempted attack on the White House with a rented truck on May 22, 2023.

The attack aimed to overthrow the democratically elected American government in order to replace it with a dictatorship fuelled by Nazi ideology, the Department of Justice said.

Kandula had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to a charge of willful injury or depredation of US property. Born in Chandanagar, India, he was a lawful permanent resident of the US with a green card. In addition to the prison term, District Court Judge Dabney L Friedrich ordered Kandula to serve three years of supervised release.

The Indian national flew on a commercial flight from St Louis, Missouri, to Washington D.C. on the afternoon of May 22, 2023, connecting through another airport on a one-way airline ticket, according to court documents, and arrived at Dulles International Airport about 5:20 pm, wherein he rented a truck at 6:30 pm.

He stopped for food and gas and then drove to Washington, D.C., where he crashed into the barriers protecting the White House and the President’s Park at 9:35 pm at the intersection of H Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest. Kandula drove onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians running from the scene. After striking the barriers, the truck backed up in reverse, then lurched forward, striking the metal barriers a second time. The second impact disabled the truck which began smoking from the engine compartment and leaking fluids.

Kandula next exited the vehicle and went to the back of the truck. From a backpack, he removed a flag, a three-by-five foot red-and-white banner with a Nazi Swastika in the centre, and brandished it. US Park Police and the US Secret Service officers arrested Kandula at the scene and took him into custody, the Department of Justice said.

According to the plea agreement, at the time Kandula crashed the truck into the White House perimeter, he was attempting to gain access to the White House to seize political power.

“Kandula’s intent was to replace the democratically elected government with a dictatorship fueled by the ideology of Nazi Germany and for himself to be put in charge of the United States. Kandula admitted to investigators that he would have arranged for the killing of the US President and others if necessary to achieve his objective. His actions were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion,” it said.

According to the Department of Justice, his actions caused USD 4,322 in damage to the National Park Service. This amount included costs for repairing the metal bollard barriers to their original condition and ensuring structural soundness, oil and chemical removal, spill cleanup, and disposal of fluids from the crashed U-Haul.

Kandula planned the attack for several weeks. Prior to renting the truck and crashing it on the White House grounds, he made several attempts to gain access to vehicles or armed security guards. For example, on April 22, 2023, Kandula requested 25 armed guards and an armoured convoy from a security company located in Virginia, federal prosecutors said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/world/indian-origin-man-gets-8-years-of-imprisonment-for-attempted-attack-on-white-house-9191702.html

Boosting Maharashtra’s potential to become India’s startup capital, the Small Industries Development Bank of India announced a Rs 200 crore fund to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Unveiled on ‘National Startup Day’, the initiative aims to empower startups across Maharashtra with Rs 30 crore allocated to each regional division. The funding underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem and spurring economic growth.

“With 26,000 startups, including the highest number of women-led ventures, Maharashtra is not just a participant but a leader in India’s startup revolution,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event organised by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society at the Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on Thursday.

Themed ‘Empowering innovation, elevating Maharashtra’, the event was attended by skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Nykaa CEO Falguni Nayar, and Marico Ltd chairman Harsh Mariwala. More than 1,000 startups representing diverse industries like technology, agriculture, and services showcased the state’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.

Fadnavis announced plans for innovation cities across the state to serve as hubs for cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. He introduced a draft startup policy, encouraging entrepreneurs to contribute suggestions to make it a national benchmark.

Highlighting regional contributions, he noted Mumbai’s position as a funding powerhouse, Pune’s rise as a technology hub, and the rapid development of Tier 2 and 3 cities like Nashik, Nagpur, and Kolhapur into thriving startup centres.

“Universities and incubators have become the backbone of this vision, enabling rural youth to transition from job seekers to job creators,” he said.

The event spotlighted women entrepreneurs with the Nykaa CEO praising Maharashtra for creating a safe and empowering ecosystem. “The state leads in women-led startups, offering ample opportunities for growth,” Nayar said.

The chief minister further highlighted the state’s distinction in having the highest number of women directors in startups, reaffirming the government’s focus on inclusivity. Additionally, he stressed on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the state’s startup future, urging entrepreneurs to leverage it to drive innovation and employment.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/national-startup-day-maharashtra-gets-rs-200-crore-boost-to-support-innovation-entrepreneurship-9191537.html

A group of 101 farmers will make a fourth attempt to reach Delhi by crossing the Shambhu (Punjab-Haryana) border on January 21 to press for their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Thursday.

The “jatha” (group) of 101 farmers, termed as Marjeevdas (those ready to sacrifice their lives), had earlier made three attempts to reach Delhi on foot on December 6, 8 and 14, last year, but their attempts were thwarted by the Haryana Police and paramilitary forces, who used tear gas shells, water cannons and pepper sprays to stop them from entering the state. Nearly 50 farmers were left injured in these attempts.

Unlike the earlier three attempts, this ‘Delhi Chalo’ march has been announced jointly by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political).

KMM convener Sarvan Singh Pandher said, “I don’t think the Union government is in any mood to hold talks with us. Our group of 101 Marjeevdas will make another attempt to reach Delhi on January 21. It is now up to the government to either fulfil our demands or kill us.”

Announcing the action plan, Pandher said farmer leaders Manjit Singh Rai and Balwant Singh Behramke would lead the group.

“We have been told, in the past, by BJP leaders that we can reach Delhi on foot (not on tractors). However, we were not allowed to reach Delhi by the Haryana Police and Centre even when we were marching peacefully. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow peacefully protesting farmers to reach Delhi, and let us continue our demand for a legal guarantee on MSP,” said Pandher.

The fresh move of protesting farmers came a day after a group of 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered its 52nd day on Thursday.

The new ‘jatha’ sat on the Haryana side of the border — Dallewal has been sitting on a hunger strike since November 26 last year at the Khanauri border point on the Punjab side.

Haryana ups security

The Haryana Police has enhanced security on its side of the border near Khanauri. It has already imposed Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning gatherings of five or more people.

The protesting farmers have expressed concern over Dallewal’s “deteriorating” health, saying he risks “multiple organ failure” because of the prolonged fasting.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/farmers-to-make-4th-attempt-to-reach-delhi-from-shambhu-on-january-21-101737052034781.html

In connection with Saif Ali Khan’s attack case, a staff nurse named Aliyama Philip (56) has recorded her statement with the police. She stated that the man who assaulted Saif had initially entered the room where she and another maid were sleeping along with Saif’s younger child, Jehangir aka Jehbaba (4). In her statement, Philip claimed that the accused, who spoke in Hindi and English, wanted the child and demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore from Saif.

The copy of the statement, which FPJ has accessed, reads that Philip has been Jehangir’s nurse for the past four years and has been taking care of the child.

The statement says, “On January 15, I fed Jehbaba, and around 11 pm, I put him to bed. Later, I and another nurse named Junu, who also takes care of Jeh, went to sleep in the same bedroom. At 2 am, I woke up to some noise. I noticed that the bathroom light was on; however, I thought it must be Kareena madam checking on the baby, so I went back to sleep. Something still didn’t feel right, so I sat up. That’s when I noticed the shadow of a man wearing a cap near the bathroom.”

Philip stated that when she approached the bathroom, she saw the man moving towards Jeh’s bed. “I immediately went to Jeh’s bed, but the man signalled me to keep quiet. Junu also woke up, but he threatened us not to raise an alarm. I picked up Jeh, but the man tried to attack me with a wooden object and a sharp weapon resembling a hacksaw blade, which he was carrying. My fingers were injured during the blade attack. When I asked him what he wanted, he tried moving towards Jehbaba’s bed, he said in English Rs 1 crore.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/saif-ali-khan-stabbing-case-56-year-old-staff-nurse-reveals-attacker-demanded-1-crore-ransom-for-actors-son-describes-violent-confrontation

Meerut, an hour’s drive from Delhi and home to a mere couple million people, is what in India’s crowded north is considered a small town. There isn’t a lot to recommend it to visitors, and it doesn’t exactly receive hordes of tourists. And yet, the city’s hotels have been all over the news recently.

The OYO Hotels chain, backed by Softbank Group Corp, announced last week that it would no longer allow unmarried couples to check into its hotels in Meerut and might extend that policy to other towns. Bookings could in theory be cancelled if guests can’t provide proof of their relationship.

Naturally, the policy has set off something of a firestorm. It has also underscored how companies may increasingly struggle to deal with India’s deepening social and political divisions.

OYO said it “respected” individual freedoms and personal liberty, but also felt bound to respond to complaints from what it described as “civil society.” Few have any doubt that, in this case, the term is a euphemism for the socially conservative right-wing groups that have claimed growing political influence under India’s Hindu nationalist government.

Companies everywhere must manage local politics, of course. But corporations that operate nationwide can’t afford to give too much away. Compromises in one part of the country can diminish trust in one’s brand elsewhere. Isn’t branding, at its core, the promise of a uniform experience?

True, OYO has thus far limited the new rules to one city. But activists in the much more prominent tech hub of Bengaluru are now demanding a similar ban there. Will OYO be forced to give in? And will the company expect couples to keep track of when they need to bring their marriage license as they travel from city to city across India?

When OYO launched about a decade ago, its promise was the exact opposite. Checking into a budget hotel in a strange town with one’s partner used to be a tense experience; couples never knew if they’d be the target of harassment or be denied a room. OYO, as one Indian columnist put it, “democratized access to private spaces for a burgeoning young population.” That was the company’s core value and the primary source of its appeal.

OYO isn’t the first firm to be tripped up by India’s internal divisions. Drivers for food-delivery service Zomato Ltd., the first app-based startup to be added to the benchmark BSE Sensex, have sometimes objected to handling pork or beef dishes, on religious grounds. Like OYO, Zomato sometimes tried too hard: It briefly announced a new segregated service for vegetarians last year before a national outcry forced it to backtrack.

Economists and officials sometimes argue that “mass services” — including hospitality chains and delivery services — can provide the jobs and growth that the country’s lackluster manufacturing sector cannot. Many of these companies have scaled up swiftly, are used by tens of millions of people, and include some of India’s fastest-growing employers. And they, in turn, tout the vast size of the potential market to entice investors.

With size comes with diversity, however. And, unlike toy makers or sellers of detergent, service-based companies must deal with customers as people. There’s no point achieving scale at the cost of your brand’s core appeal.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/oyo-is-making-a-mistake-with-unmarried-couples-policy-3357760

The video shows the club’s amenities, including a DJ and nail artists who offer services to the women who visit. The footage shows a lively atmosphere with snacks, pizza, wine, champagne, beer, and great lighting

Women-only hangouts to socialise with your girlfriends are rare in India. But one club in Bengaluru is experimenting with the concept and has been hailed on social media for being a safe space for women wanting to enjoy a drink and good music.

A video of the club, posted by a user named Deepanshi Singh on Instagram, reveals that this women-only club is located on Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore. What’s more interesting is that the staff at the club is also all-women. The club is called ‘Miss and Mrs’.

In the caption, Deepanshi mentions that the club offers snacks, unlimited beer, and liquor for just Rs 300, but this is only available for the first hour. After that, the price doubles.

The video also shows the club’s amenities, including a DJ and nail artists who offer services to the women who visit. The footage shows a lively atmosphere with snacks, pizza, wine, champagne, beer, and great lighting.

To date, the video has garnered over 82 lakh views, more than 1,93,000 likes, and has been shared over 2,18,000 times. Additionally, the video has received more than 1,500 comments.

In the comments, some users liked the concept, while some viewed it as anti-men.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/indias-first-women-only-club-is-in-this-city-watch-ws-ab-9189666.html

An advisor for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has alleged that Meta rigged its algorithm to suppress posts featuring Hindu Sadhus and pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Hours after Meta India on Wednesday apologised for CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s remarks, an official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting alleged that the social media platform has “rigged” its algorithm to prevent users from posting pictures from the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

In an X post, the Ministry’s senior advisor, Kanchan Gupta, wrote, “I’m told Meta has rigged its algo to try and prevent posting of photos of Hindu Sadhus and pilgrims at Mahakumbh 2025.”

“I have reason to believe this is true. US Tech-run Big Platforms are anti-India, anti-Sanatan Dharma. They are racist and propagandists of ‘3 Books’,” she wrote.

Zuckerberg’s remarks during a podcast, that the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections, snowballed into a controversy in India, with many Union Ministers calling the remarks “factually incorrect”.

Earlier today, Meta India apologised for the CEO’s statement and in an X post, wrote, “Dear Honourable Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mark’s observation that many incumbent parties were not re-elected in 2024 elections holds true for several countries, BUT not India.”

“We would like to apologise for this inadvertent error. India remains an incredibly important country for Meta and we look forward to being at the heart of its innovative future,” he wrote.

This came as Vaishnaw had debunked Zuckerberg’s remarks as misinformation and made it clear that Meta must uphold facts and credibility.

Later, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, had on Tuesday said that the panel will summon the firm following its chairman’s comments that India’s ruling dispensation lost the Lok Sabha election last year.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/mark-zuckerberg-remark-controversy-ministry-of-information-and-broadcasting-alleges-meta-rigged-ai-algorithm-maha-kumbh-mela-photos-posts-9189554.html

The court made the observation while granting bail to a man accused under sections 376 (rape), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code

The Allahabad High Court recently observed that if a sexually experienced married woman does not offer resistance, her physical relationship with a man cannot necessarily be considered against her will.

The court made the observation while granting bail to a man accused under sections 376 (rape), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

The case arose when a widow, aged 30, alleged that her 20-year-old brother-in-law had promised marriage and consistently engaged in sexual relations with her for two years. She further claimed to have become pregnant, only for the accused to pressure her into an abortion. When he subsequently severed contact and threatened her, she filed a complaint.

The court noted that the victim’s claims regarding pregnancy were not supported by medical evidence and pointed out that she had refused an internal medical examination.

The bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh highlighted the woman’s life circumstances, acknowledging her as a mother of three, capable of understanding the moral implications of her actions. The court underscored that an experienced adult’s participation in a relationship without visible resistance indicates consent, barring substantial evidence to the contrary. This observation, coupled with the lack of corroborative evidence on the pregnancy and allegations of coercion, raised doubts about the victim’s narrative.

The accused’s counsel contended that the complaint stemmed from personal grievances after he refused marriage. The counsel emphasised the age disparity between the parties, suggesting that the victim sought to implicate the man maliciously. They also argued that the allegations were unsupported by factual evidence.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/physical-relationship-not-against-will-if-married-woman-offers-no-resistance-allahabad-hc-9189798.html

In line with the government’s vision to transform this year’s Maha Kumbh into a “Digital Kumbh”, a virtual reality (VR) zone was set up at a camp in the Mela area on Wednesday.

Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan inaugurated its camp that houses the VR zone during the day. The camp is located across a sprawling nine-acre area in Sector 9 of the Mahakumbh Nagar.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Maha Kumbh and mythological stories through advanced 3D and VFX technology,” the organisation’s spokesperson Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti said.

The organisation has also planned a series of spiritual and cultural programmes across 33 days, expecting a massive turnout.

“We are expecting more than 20 lakh visitors from India and abroad this time, surpassing the 17 lakh visitors recorded during the last Kumbh,” Tapeshwari Bharti added.

A virtual reality zone is an interactive digital space where users experience computer-generated environments through devices like VR headsets. It immerses visitors in realistic visuals, sounds and sometimes touch, simulating a physical presence.

At the VR zone in the Maha Kumbh, mythological or cultural themes are recreated using 3D and VFX technology. Visitors can virtually explore ancient rituals or significant events, offering an engaging and educational experience.

Prominent personalities, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, MP and actor Ravi Kishan, BJP leader Anurag Thakur, and Padma Shri awardee singer Malini Awasthi, are scheduled to participate in these events, she claimed.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/virtual-reality-meets-mythology-at-maha-kumbh-with-unique-vr-zone-7482438

Source : https://www.reuters.com/pictures/scenes-indias-great-pitcher-festival-worlds-largest-gathering-humanity-2025-01-14/

Six shots were fired and punches were thrown at a residential society in Greater Noida during an altercation between a resident and security guards over parking. Gaurav Sisodia, who owns a pub in Greater Noida and lives at Radha Sky Gardens In Sector 16 B of Greater Noida, was allegedly drunk and fired with his licensed gun. Fortunately, none of the guards suffered injuries.

Police said they have arrested Sisodia and action will be taken based on probe findings.

Ashutosh Srivastav, who stays at Radha Sky Gardens, has said some residents and guards had been arguing over a parking dispute for days. He said the two sides exchanged blows and verbal abuses thrice on Monday. “Late at night, a resident opened fire in the name of self-defence. He fired six times. Thankfully, no security guard was injured. Gaurav Sisodia, who lives here and owns Tathastu pub in Greater Noida West, had a drunken brawl with the guards and opened fire,” he said in a video message.

Viral videos show Sisodia arguing with a guard and daring him to slap him. “Why should I slap you? You are harassing poor guards,” the guard says. “I am harassing poor people? You are misbehaving,” Sisodia is heard saying in Hindi. Then he adds, “Come on, just touch me once.”

In another video, Sisodia is seen threatening to hit the guards as some people, including women, try to hold him back. He abuses the guards and accuses them of molesting women. “I will shoot you,” he says, before grabbing a man by the collar as others try to pull them apart.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/delhi/drunk-pub-owner-fires-gunshots-at-security-guards-over-parking-dispute-in-greater-noida

On the occasion of the 77th Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Army’s pivotal role in the nation’s journey towards achieving a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, emphasising their dedication and valour.

He extended his greetings to the Indian Army, ex-servicemen, Veeranganas, and their families on Tuesday.

Army Day, observed annually on January 15, marks the founding of the Indian Army and celebrates India’s military independence. The day commemorates the historic transition of power in 1949 when General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India, handed over command to Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit.

The theme for the 77th Army Day is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena.”

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi expressed the nation’s pride in the Indian Army’s “indomitable courage, sacrifice, and incomparable dedication.”

He highlighted the Army’s professional excellence in addressing diverse challenges and its high standards of service.

“Our Army has a glorious history of dealing with the country’s inaccessible borders, disaster situations, and internal challenges. As an organised, disciplined, and strong force, the Indian Army has established a unique identity on the global stage,” the PMO statement read.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the transformative strides made by the Indian Army in recent years, particularly in adapting to modern demands.

“With changing times, the Indian Army is moving on the path of change. Unprecedented steps have been taken in the last decade to further strengthen the military forces, enhance the strategic capability of the country, and achieve self-sufficiency in defence production,” the statement noted.

“The determination and strong willpower of our armed forces will play a major role in building an ‘Atmanirbhar’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’,” the statement read.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-army-day-pm-modi-says-our-armed-forces-will-play-major-role-in-building-atmanirbhar-viksit-bharat-7476353

With her daring act, the Indian woman invited global attention to Maha Kumbh 2025.

One of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the Maha Kumbh, is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with over 35 crore pilgrims expected to gather at the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. As thousands flock to the holy city, a viral video has surfaced featuring a daring act by a woman from Uttar Pradesh. In the video, shared on Instagram, Anamika is seen holding the Maha Kumbh flag before boarding an aircraft in Bangkok, Thailand. Moments later, she jumps out of the plane and unfolds the flag mid-air, leaving viewers in awe. “Prayagraj girl skydiving with Maha Kumbh flag,” read the line accompanying the video.

The caption on the post read, “Inviting people all over the globe for the world’s largest human gathering—Maha Kumbh 2025.”

The video went viral in no time recording more than eight million views on Instagram. Reacting to the post, one person commented, “Congratulations for such a brave act.” Another Instagram user described it as a “Proud feat.” This person felt that it was an “Emotional moment” for him. A user responded, by referring to the video as, “Heart-touching.”

Recently, a young man named Abhay Singh aka Masani Gorakh, spotted at the Maha Kumbh Mela took the Internet by storm. Also known as IITian Baba, Singh caught the attention of social media after revealing that he had studied aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Later, he decided to leave the field of science and became a monk.

Around 3.5 crore devotees took the Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Today, the event entered its third day. Celebrated at the Triveni Sangam, Maha Kumbh takes place once in every twelve years. It celebrates the meeting of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati – the three sacred rivers.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/watch-woman-skydives-to-unfurl-maha-kumbh-flag-at-13000-feet-aa-9189124.html

The Union Home Ministry on Tuesday night granted approval to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute the Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the liquor excise policy case. The development came days ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. In December last year, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena gave his nod to prosecute the AAP Chief in the case.

In November 2024, the Supreme Court had directed the ED to take prior permission to prosecute public servants. After this, the ED wrote to Saxena for his approval alleging that Kejriwal is the “kingpin” of the alleged scam.

Last year, Kejriwal moved the Delhi High Court against the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the ED’s chargesheet in the alleged excise policy scam as there was no specific sanction under the PMLA.

The case is related to the now scrapped liquor excise policy implemented by the AAP government in November 2021. As per the policy, the Delhi government proposed an increase in the annual liquor vending license fee from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 75 lakh. It was scrapped in 2022 after Saxena ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in the policy.

Notably, the then deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was heading the excise department when the policy liquor excise policy was introduced in Delhi. The report highlighted that Sisodia ignored recommendations by the expert panel over the policy. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, released earlier this month, pointed out several “lapses” in the policy. The CAG report claimed that Rs 2,026 crore loss was incurred to the exchequer due to the implementation of the now scrapped Delhi liquor policy.

AAP bigwigs including the former Delhi CM, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Sisodia and former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain were arrested in connection with the case. They all are now out on bail, but the probe is still underway.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/trouble-for-arvind-kejriwal-ahead-of-delhi-polls-ed-gets-home-ministrys-mod-to-prosecute-former-cm-in-liquor-policy-case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three major naval combatants, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence and maritime capabilities.

PM Modi is also scheduled to meet the Mahayuti MLAs at INS Angre in the afternoon. He will inaugurate the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, later in the day.

At 4 PM: PM Modi inaugurates Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple at ISKCON

Rocket scientist V Narayanan will take over the mantle from current Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath on January 14. His elevation was announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

• Mr Narayanan completed his M Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur, where he was awarded a Silver Medal for achieving the first rank in the M Tech programme.
• The rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert joined ISRO in 1984 and rose through the ranks.
• He had earlier worked in the Solid Propulsion area of Sounding Rockets and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• Mr Narayanan played a key role in India’s development of the cryogenic engine, a technology that was denied to the country.
• He further contributed to the process planning, process control and realisation of Ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases and composite Igniter cases.
• Among his recent successes was when he headed the Failure Analysis Commitee for Chandrayaan 2, the mission in which the Vikram Lander crash landed. After he found a solution, Chandrayaan 3 became a glorious success when India Vikram safely landed at Shiv Shakti Point.
• Mr Narayanan is the head of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Kerala’s Valiamala since 2018. The centre is engaged in the development of liquid, semi cryogenic and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles, and transducers development for space systems health monitoring.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/people/v-narayanan-iit-graduate-and-cryogenic-engine-developer-to-lead-isro-7424436#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A massive fire broke out at the laddu distribution counter at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon. The temple administration took swift action and vacated the area as the flames spread.
The incident took place at the counter number 47 and is said to have been trigerred by a short circuit in the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system associated with the computer setup.

Notably, the incident occurred during the ongoing 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.

In her detailed post, Sonica Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyan’s words had been taken out of context and misinterpreted.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T)’s head of HR for domestic operations- Sonica Muraleedharan- took to LinkedIn to address the controversy sparked by the remarks made by company’s chairman and managing director SN Subrahmanyan (SNS). In her detailed post, Sonica Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyan’s words had been taken out of context and misinterpreted as she said that the comments were made during an internal discussion but the company’s never mandated or even suggested a 90-hour work week.

What Sonica Muraleedharan said on Subrahmanyan’s remarks

The comments were casual in nature and not intended to impose any such directive, she said, “SNS is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team’s well-being. He consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his demanding professional commitments while creating a nurturing and empowering environment for his team. Working under his leadership has been more than just a job – it has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons.”

She added, “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them. Instead of focusing on controversy, let’s celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the organization as a whole.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/lt-hr-head-on-chairmans-90-hour-work-week-casual-remarks-disappointed-to-see-9187859.html

The grand Maha Kumbh 2025 has officially begun today, January 13, in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Millions of devotees took a holy dip in river Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. Notable personalities from across the country and the world, Saints and spiritual leaders, are arriving in Prayagraj to participate in the major religious event. A video of a beautiful Sadhvi identified as Harsha Richhariya has captured the attention of internet users on social media amid this spiritual gathering. Netizens are left mesmerised by her beauty and they are eager to know more about this beautiful Sadhvi.

Viral Video of the Sadhvi

It can be seen in the video that the stunning Sadhvi sitting in a chariot while a YouTuber or a reported is asking her questions about her beauty and the reason behind her choosing this life. She was asked why did she choose to become a Sadhvi despite her being so beautiful. Her graceful response to this question has gone viral on social media.

When asked about her background, the she revealed, “I am from Uttarakhand and a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar.” Responding to the question about her beauty, she said, “I left behind what I needed to and embraced this path. I chose the life of a Sadhvi for inner peace.” She further shared that she is 30 years old and has been living as a Sadhvi for the past two years.

She further said, “When you achieve so much in life—acting, anchoring, traveling the world—you realize that none of it brings true peace. You may have fame and recognition, but no solace. When devotion starts to draw you in, you turn away from worldly connections and immerse yourself in prayer, hymns, and devotion to God.” She also confirmed in the interview that she had been an actress in the past.

Who Is Harsha Richhariya?

Harsha Richhariya is an actor, anchor and has also travelled around the world, as mentioned by her in the interview. Her Instagram stories show that she is still hosting wedding functions despite choosing to live the life of a Sadhvi. Her latest Instagram posts show her promoting the Maha Kumbh 2025 event. She has over 690k followers on Instagram with over 2,500 posts.

Her previous stories which dates back to November 2024, shows her hosting a destination wedding in Bangkok’s Hua Hin City. She has also shared stories which shows that she hosted another destination wedding in Myanmar’s Mandalay City after the event in Bangkok.

Netizens React

Many internet users are highlighting her previous life as an actor, anchor and fitness influencer and slamming her after her video from Maha Kumbh 2025 went viral on social media. One of the users shared her pics and said, “Let me tell you the whole truth about the woman who is being described as a divine Sadhvi in ​​Maha Kumbh… She is or has been an anchor, blogger, fitness trainer and he is being respected like a Mahatma Whereas she herself told that I am a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and have come from Uttarakhand Do all the disciples of Acharya ji get such respect? For more information about them, you can take the help of Google and Instagram. Without facts, I cannot write much even if I want to.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/who-is-harsha-richharya-the-beautiful-sadhvi-viral-for-her-past-and-present-looks-at-maha-kumbh-2025

The festivals of Lohri and Pongal were celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Lohri celebrations held at Naraina Vihar in the national capital. The PM also attended the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

Local residents expressed their happiness and shared their reactions. Artists who performed at the Pongal and Sankranti celebrations at the residence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, where PM Narendra Modi was present, shared their views. An artist says, “We felt very proud when he came and spoke about the culture of India and the Sankranti festival”.

Several others said, “Today, PM Modi came to celebrate Lohri with us.” They added, “We felt really good that the PM came among us; it felt like a family member had come to visit us.” One person said, “I don’t have words to express my joy.” Another shared, “We are proud to be Hindus, and it felt wonderful that the PM came here. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to be with us, and it made us feel really happy.”

Earlier, in a post, the Prime Minister wrote, that Lohri has a special significance for several people, particularly those from Northern India. It symbolises renewal and hope. It is also linked with agriculture and our hardworking farmers. This evening, I had the opportunity to mark Lohri at a programme in Naraina in Delhi.

People from different walks of life, particularly youngsters and women, took part in the celebrations. Wishing everyone a happy Lohri!” In the pictures, PM Modi can be seen affectionately interacting with a young child and taking a selfie with another child. During the Pongal celebration at G. Kishan Reddy’s residence, PM Modi engaged with the artists present and greeted them with folded hands.

He shared pictures on social media platform X, writing, “Attended Sankranti and Pongal celebrations at the residence of my ministerial colleague, Shri G. Kishan Reddy Garu. Also witnessed an excellent cultural programme. People across India celebrate Sankranti and Pongal with great fervour. It is a celebration of gratitude, abundance and renewal, deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of our culture. My best wishes for Sankranti and Pongal. Wishing everyone happiness, good health and a prosperous harvest season ahead.”

During the Pongal celebrations, PM Modi also lit the Bhogi Agni (the ritual fire). “Truly Honoured to host Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji on this auspicious day of Bhogi and for the Sankranti and Pongal celebrations at my official residence in New Delhi, today. A special pooja was performed by Hon’ble PM to mark the significance of this sacred festival. May this festival season bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and good health to the people of India”.

”Sincere thanks to Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla ji, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana Shri Dattatreya Garu, Actor and Padma Awardee Shri Chiranjeevi Garu, Badminton star and Padma Awardee Smt PV Sindhu, Hon’ble Union Ministers, Hon’ble MPs, officials of various ministries, cine artists and other dignitaries for taking part in the event,” Kishan Reddy wrote on X. Lohri is a major festival for the Sikh community, particularly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana.

It marks the harvesting of Rabi crops and the end of winter. On this day, prayers are offered to Lohri Mata. In the evening, friends, relatives, and families gather around a bonfire, circling it while offering jaggery, peanuts, rewari, gajak, and popcorn as part of the ritual. Pongal, on the other hand, is dedicated to the Sun God.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/prime-minister-narendra-modi-attends-lohri-sankranti-pongal-celebrations-extends-warm-wishes-to-the-nation-video

Ace singers Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and several other top artistes are scheduled to perform in the holy city of Prayagraj during the course of the Maha Kumbh that begins from Monday.

The Culture Ministry has set up a vibrant cultural space — ‘Kalagram’ — in the Kumbh Mela area to celebrate the confluence of art, culture and heritage of India.

Spanning an area of 4,000 hectares, it represents a harmonious blend of India’s rich cultural traditions and advanced organisational capabilities, the ministry said on Sunday.

The vibrant space, which also has seven ‘Sanskriti Aangans’ representing India’s diverse craft traditions, was inaugurated by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the holy city on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Maha Kumbh 2025.

Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day mega festival, from January 13 to February 26, is also expected to draw a large number of tourists and cultural aficionados aiming to explore what is billed as one of the largest religious gatherings on earth.

The Culture Ministry, in a statement on Sunday, shared names of some of the most celebrated singers who, it said are scheduled to perform in the holy city. The line-up includes names of Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Kailash Kher, Hans Raj Hans, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Maithili Thakur.

The vibrant Kalagram will host a magnificent 10,000-capacity Ganga Pandal, alongside three additional stages in Areil, Jhunsi, and Triveni areas, accommodating 2,000 to 4,000 spectators each, the ministry said.

Visitors will be greeted by a magnificent 35-ft wide and 54-ft high grand entrance, adorned with intricate depictions of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the mythological tale of Lord Shiva consuming ‘halahal’ (poison), setting a majestic tone for the journey within, it said.

A breathtaking 104-ft wide and 72-ft deep main stage, adorned with a stunning backdrop of the Char Dhaam, will serve as the heart of this celebration.

The ‘Kalagram’ will showcase a 360-degree visual and sound experience depicting the celestial descent of Ganga Avtaran, thus creating a spiritual and sensory marvel, at Anubhuti Mandapam, the statment said.

At Aviral Shashvat Kumbh Exhibition Zone, curated by institutions such as the Archaeological Survey of India, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), and the Allahabad Museum, the rich history and significance of the Kumbh Mela will be showcased through artifacts, digital display, and poster exhibitions, the ministry said.

This grand event will bring together nearly 15,000 artistes, including prestigious Padma awardees and Sangeet Natak Akademi honorees, performing across multiple stages set up in the historic city of Prayagraj, it said.

The audiences will also be treated to special week-long productions by the National School of Drama and Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, staged at the grand ‘Kalagram’ stage.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/maha-kumbh-shankar-mahadevan-kailash-kher-others-to-perform-at-prayagraj-3352109

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and BJP leader K Annamalai on Sunday greeted top Tamil star Ajith Kumar for his racing team having won third place in the Dubai 24H 2025 race on Sunday.

Held annually at the Dubai Autodrome, the racing event features high-performance GT and touring cars competing in a gruelling 24-hour format that tests speed, strategy and endurance.

“I am thrilled to hear that Ajith Kumar Sir and his team have secured third place in the 991 category at the 24H Dubai 2025. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to #AjithKumar Sir and his team for this remarkable achievement,” Udhayanidhi said in a post on ‘X’.

Annamalai termed the win a moment of pride for the country.

“Moment of pride for India as Shri Ajith Kumar avl secured 3rd place in the 991 category and Spirit of the Race in the GT4 category in the Dubai 24H Series.” “Shri Ajith Kumar avl is remarkable, excelling with distinction in every role he takes on and inspiring countless others with his passion and dedication,” he said in a social media post.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/udhayanidhi-annamalai-laud-actor-ajith-for-racing-achievement-3352149 

As Maha Kumbh began in the holy city of Prayagraj on Monday, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi described it as a very special day for those who cherish Indian values and culture, saying the massive religious event embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage.

“A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he said on X.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/maha-kumbh-2025-very-special-day-for-those-who-cherish-bharatiya-values-says-pm-modi-3352423 

Dhanashree Verma, wife of Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, shares a photo with her mother amid buzz around her marriage.

Dhanashree Verma, currently surrounded by rumours of a divorce from cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, recently shared heartfelt photos with her mother on social media, fueling further speculation about her personal life. Fans are now wondering whether Dhanashree has returned to her family home amid the ongoing buzz about her marriage.

On Sunday, she took to Instagram to post the pictures, where she is seen leaning on her mother’s shoulder with her eyes closed, her expression appearing calm yet reflective. The photos have left fans speculating about the state of her relationship with Yuzvendra Chahal. Some are even wondering if the photos hint at a move back to her parents’ home, adding fuel to the rumours about their relationship status. As caption, she just dropped a heart.

Dhanashree recently addressed the rumours surrounding her marriage in a strongly worded Instagram story, calling them baseless and devoid of fact. Expressing her anguish, she revealed that the past few days have been very challenging for her and her family.

Slamming the speculative chatter around her marriage with Chahal, Dhanashree said that her character had been assassinated through false narratives. She further said that the truth will always prevail and refused to offer any justification.

Source : https://www.news18.com/movies/dhanashree-verma-shares-photo-with-mom-amid-yuzvendra-chahal-divorce-rumours-fans-suspect-shes-left-home-9186587.html

A windowpane of a train headed from Surat to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh was damaged after a stone or stones struck its laminated glass surface while it was passing through Jalgaon in Maharashtra, showed a video, sparking fear among devotees.

The incident was reported from the B6 coach – which carried 13 people – women, children and devotees – of the Prayagraj Tapti Ganga Express.

“Today we have left for Prayagraj from Surat Udhna. Today is 12th January. All the passengers are with us. At least 3 km ahead of Jalgaon, a stone was thrown by some anti-social elements. We request the Railway Minister to provide security to us,” said Rajendfra Gupta, a passenger in the affected coach, showing the damaged window.

The video of the incident is steadily going viral on social media.

Around 45 per cent of the people in the train are going to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh.

The Central Railway and police have launched an investigation into the matter.

“A stone was thrown on this train, coming from Surat Udhna, near Jalgaon. In this case, immediate action was taken by the Railway Protection Force and four teams were deployed on the train. A complaint has also been lodged,” said Swapnil Neela, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway.

The train will reach Prayagraj in the morning.

The CCTV footage is being examined by the Railway Police.

This edition of Maha Kumbh, from January 13 to February 26, is expected to be a mega draw, as it is set to coincide with a special alignment of the planets.

The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, a battle between deities and demons for control of a pitcher, or kumbh, containing the nectar of immortality, and is held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati rivers.

During the battle, a cosmic fight called “Samudra Manthan”, or the “churning of the ocean”, four drops of nectar were spilt. One landed at Prayagraj, where the Kumbh is held every 12 years. The other drops fell in Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar, cities where smaller Kumbh festivals are held in intervening years.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/stones-thrown-at-train-headed-to-prayagraj-in-up-for-maha-kumbh-7458597

A delivery agent of a quick commerce platform has been arrested for allegedly delivering cigarettes to underaged coaching students in Kota’s Landmark City area, police said on Sunday.

Satyaprakash Koli (48) was nabbed while he was supplying cigarettes to coaching students on Saturday evening, SP Kota city Amrita Duhan said.

The arrest was made during a crackdown against sale and supply of cigarettes by quick commerce platforms to underaged coaching students, the police said.

The accused, who works for Blinkit, has been booked under section 77 of Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act and under section 9/11 of Rajasthan Prohibition of Smoking and Non-smoker’s Health Protection Act, the SP said.

The city police had already written to representatives of Blinkit company at its office in Landmark City asking not to sell and supply cigarettes to minor students, but despite the instruction, the company was found to be selling them to the coaching students, she said.

Investigation is underway to find out other personnel of the company involved in sale and supply of prohibited material to the minors, she added.

The police will also file a chargesheet against the company, Kunhadi Circle Inspector Arvind Bhardwaj said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/blinkit-delivery-agent-supplies-cigarettes-to-minor-students-in-kota-arrested-7458926

A saint belonging to the Juna Akhara, residing in Shanti Bhavan located in the Kankhal police station area of Haridwar, was found dead, said the police on Sunday.

Manoj Nautiyal, Police Station Head, Kankhal Police Station while providing information about the incident, said that the police received information about the incident from Shanti Bhavan’s apartment in Haridwar.

“The saint around 70 years old identified as Sureshanand was found hanging from the flat in Shanti Bhavan’s apartment in Haridwar. He had been living in rent at the flat for the past 5-6 months,” said the official.

The official said that upon receiving the information, the police reached the spot, cut open the outer gate, recovered the body and sent it to the district hospital for a post-mortem examination.

“When we reached the spot, the gate was locked from inside. The fire service team and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team were called. Upon cutting open the door, we found a baba, approximately 70 years old and he was found hanging from a fan,” said the official.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/juna-akhara-saint-found-hanging-in-haridwar-flat-probe-on-police-7459068

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on Monday to inaugurate the strategically important Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel in Ganderbal district, for which elaborate security arrangements have been put in place, with PM’s security team having taken over the venue of the event.

PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Sonamarg Tunnel at around 11:45 on Monday and inaugurate it. PM Modi is also likely to deliver an address from there.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and the Army are part of the security apparatus for Monday’s inauguration, officials cited in a news agency PTI report said, adding that extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols were being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event.

The sharpshooters have been deployed at vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, including through drones, is also being undertaken. The area is being monitored round-the-clock, the officials said.

“Security has been tightened near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place and the PM’s security team, comprising the SPG personnel, has taken over the venue,” they added.

The Special Protection Group (SPG) is an agency of the Government of India that protects the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family members.

The authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh national highway from Saturday to Monday citing “icy road conditions caused by inclement weather and to facilitate maintenance work by road maintenance agencies”. However, the PTI report said it is widely perceived that the arterial road link between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has been shut for the prime minister’s visit.

Z-Morh tunnel

Built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the strategic 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel is expected to make the Ladakh region more accessible by road throughout the year.

The work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed last year, with its soft opening done in February 2024.

The tunnel is vital in terms of the defence needs of the country in the Ladakh region, close to China border, and also connecting the youngest Union Territory to the rest of the country.

Z-Morh tunnel features

• The Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel is situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet and is 12-kilometre long.
• It comprises of the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
• Z-Morh tunnel is a two-lane road tunnel equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
• It is expected to enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
• The road to Sonamarg was rendered impassable during snowfall and severe winters due to the construction of the Z-morh tunnel in an avalanche-prone location. Because Sonamarg used to be closed during periods of severe snowfall, the tunnel is key to the region’s tourism industry.
• Along with the under-construction Zojila tunnel, the Z-Morh tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Baltal and Ladakh regions for military traffic as well apart from civilians.
• The tunnel is also expected to promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.

‘Engineering marvel’

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which oversees the project, has called the project an “engineering marvel” which is a game changer for the region.

Taking to microblogging platform X, NHIDCL said, “The Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir is a game-changer for the region, offering more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg. This engineering marvel is poised to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/zmorh-tunnel-inauguration-sonmarg-security-upped-kashmir-pm-modi-srinagar-visit-ladakh-101736733070813.html

On Sunday, the Congress party announced the “Yuva Udaan Yojana,” a scheme to provide financial assistance to educated but unemployed youth in Delhi. Under the initiative, the party promises Rs 8,500 monthly for one year to eligible beneficiaries if voted to power in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot clarified that the scheme encourages skill development and employment. “This is not a scheme where one will get money while sitting at home,” Pilot said.
He elaborated that beneficiaries would receive the financial aid through companies, factories, or organisations where they showcase their skills. “We want to ensure that people are absorbed in fields they are trained in, allowing them to enhance their skill sets,” Pilot added.

The Congress has unveiled multiple schemes ahead of the February 5 polling for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. On January 6, it announced the “Pyari Didi Yojana,” promising ₹2,500 per month for women.

On January 8, the party introduced the Jeevan Raksha Yojana, which offers free health insurance coverage for up to Rs 25 lakh.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/delhi-assembly-election-congress-announces-rs-8500-monthly-to-educated-unemployed-youth-if-voted-to-power-in-delhi-article-117173050

Starting today, the world will witness the largest gathering taking place on Earth in the ‘Sangam Nagri’ of Prayagraj. Settled at the confluence of holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Prayagraj is a city with religious significance like no other. And it is hosting the grandest religious festival celebrated ever- the MahaKumbh Mela 2025.
The 45-day event will see more than 400 million people thronging the town to be a part of once in a lifetime event. The Uttar Pradesh government has made an elaborate arrangement to cater to the tourists and the city has been decorated in a way to fill anyone with spiritual lightning the moment one arrives here. The Akharas are already here, along with those who will observe Kalpvas and live without any worldly affairs and strictly following the rituals.

The MahaKumbh 2025 will begin with Paush Purnima snan, one of the six ‘shahi-snans’ and will start the Kalpvas period that people observe for a shorter period to as long as one month.

Terrorism continues in Jammu and Kashmir, but recent intelligence reports suggest that local recruitment levels have fallen dramatically. Of the 140 terrorists active in J&K, about 80 percent are Pakistanis.
While this is a clear sign that fewer people in Kashmir are supporting terrorism and violence, and a huge plus, politically, the trend also helps security forces. For, terrorists will have fewer guides to go across the line of control to bring them over from launch pads, they will have less logistics support once they cross over and will get fewer intelligence inputs. To compensate for that, the terror handlers — mostly the ISI, Pakistan’s military intelligence agency— will need to train them more thoroughly and provide them with more resources, including ammunition, maps and medicines.
Of the 140 terrorists currently in J&K, about 80 are north of the Pir Panjal range and the rest in the Jammu area. Heavy snow— and this year has been particularly severe— has reduced infiltration in north Kashmir to a trickle.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/terrorism-declines-in-jk-80-of-terrorists-in-jk-are-pakistani-local-recruitment-plummets-article-117179123

In an horrific incident in Kerala, an 18-year-old girl was allegedly raped by nearly 60 people over a period of five years. The incident came to light during counselling that was conducted by child welfare committee. As many as 28 people, including minors, were arrested in connection with the case. A special investigation team has been formed to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident.
Ten more FIRs have been filed in the case in two police stations in Pathanamthitta district based on the statements of the girl, a release issued by Pathanamthitta District Police Chief said.
Per the police, the girl was exploited by her sports trainers, fellow athletes and classmates.

Several of the accused met the girl at the private bus stand in Pathanamthitta, from where she was then taken to various locations in vehicles and subjected to abuse, police said.

The probe also found that the girl while she was studying Plus-Two class last year was taken by a youth who was acquainted with her through Instagram to a rubber plantation in Ranni and raped her along with three others, reported news agency PTI.
Police investigations have revealed that the girl was gang raped at Pathanamthitta general hospital in January 2024.
Police are also focusing on gathering scientific evidence and examining mobile phones and other items as part of the probe.
A detailed investigation is ongoing, the District Police Chief stated.

The girl, who is now 18 years old, has alleged in her complaint that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals since the age of 13.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will fly to Spain for a diplomatic visit between January 13 and 14. This will be his first visit to the country as Indian foreign minister. The Ministry of External Affairs made announcement about this on Sunday (January 12).

During his Spain visit, Jaishankar with meet Spanish leadership and hold talks with Spain’s Foreign Minister Manuel Albares. The two leaders are likely to hold discussions on whole spectrum of bilateral relation. Talks are likely to touch upon global matters of concern as well.

The External Affairs Minister will also meet Indian community in Spain and address 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish President, was in India in October last year at the invitation of Indian PM Narendra Modi. This was his first visit to India and a first by Spanish president in 18 years.

During Sanchez’s visit, he and PM Modi noted renewal of bilateral relationship and fresh momentum Sanchez’s visit had provided to it.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jaishankar-to-mark-his-first-official-visit-to-spain-on-january-13-14

Two Kasaragod natives undertook a gruelling 8,000 kilometre and 223-days long journey by foot from north India to the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala here with prayers for world peace, a Travancore Devaswom Board said on Saturday.

Sanathkumar Nayak and Sampathkumar Shetty, who hail from Ramdas Nagar in Kasaragod district, left for Badrinath from Kerala on May 26, 2024, by train.

From there, they filled up their ‘irumudi kattu’ (the traditional bundle a devotee brings to the Lord Ayyappa shrine) and set off on foot for Sabarimala on June 3, TDB said in a release.

During their journey, they visited various pilgrimage centres and temples, including four monasteries established by Shankaracharya, and reached Sannidhanam via Ayodhya, Ujjain, Dwarka, Puri, Jagannath, Rameshwaram, Achankovil and Erumeli.

They stayed at various temples, ate local fare or cooked their own food as they walked 8,000 kilometres to reach the hill-top shrine.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/8000-km-walk-to-sabarimala-by-two-kerala-devotees-for-world-peace-3351070

A fire broke out in a two storeyed restaurant cum hotel, Rangoon Dhabha located on LBS Road, near JJ Jalebi in Kurla West on Saturday night. As per information by disaster management, the blaze was reported at 9.17 pm and as of 10.30 pm, the fire is declared Level 1 and has confined to five to six galas.

Four fire engines, three Jumbo water tankers are deployed on the spot for the fire fighting operations. No injuries are reported in the mishap so far.

However, as the incident has taken place in the congested area of Kurla LBS Road, the panic like situation has erupted among the residents and passersby, videos of the spot emerged online display.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-massive-fire-breaks-out-at-rangoon-zaika-dhaba-in-kurla-west-horrific-visuals-surface

The principal of a private school in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, is facing serious allegations after reportedly instructing 80 class 10 girls to remove their shirts for writing messages on them during a ‘pen day’ celebration. Following the incident, the administration has launched an inquiry, according to officials. The students were allegedly made to return home in their blazers, with no shirts underneath, a move that has sparked widespread outrage.
The incident took place at a reputed school in Digwadih under the Jorapokhar police station area on Friday. Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra confirmed the event.
According to the parents of the girls, the class 10 students, after finishing their examinations, were celebrating ‘pen day’ by writing messages on each other’s shirts. However, when the principal objected to the celebration, she reportedly ordered the girls to remove their shirts. Despite the students apologizing, they were all sent home shirtless, with only their blazers on.

“Several guardians lodged complaints against the principal. We also talked to some of the victim girls. The administration has taken the matter seriously. A committee has been set up to investigate the matter,” Mishra said.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/outrage-in-dhanbad-80-girls-forced-to-go-shirtless-after-principal-objects-to-pen-day-messages-article-117154049

A probe into the death of a law student who fell from the seventh floor of a high-rise apartment in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida on Saturday has revealed new details. A case has been registered as abetment to suicide, and the police are investigating the role of his friends and a suspected fight with his alleged girlfriend.

The student, identified as Tapas, was a resident of neighbouring Ghaziabad and an LLB student at a private university in Noida. According to the police, he had gone to the Supreme Towers apartment complex in Sector 99 to attend a party hosted by a friend in a seventh-floor flat. Several of his friends, including a woman he was allegedly close to, were present at the gathering. Tapas and the woman, both studying law but belonging to different communities, are believed to have had a fight earlier, police sources said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fight-with-girlfriend-a-noida-high-rise-party-new-info-on-students-death-7454720

A massive fire broke out in a chemical factory in Greater Noida on Sunday morning, causing loud explosions inside the industrial unit. The incident took place around 3:25 am at the ‘Shri Banke Bihari Aromatics’ factory.

The explosions prompted the employees to run out of the unit to save their lives.

No deaths or injuries have been reported yet, officials said. However, the fire has caused significant damage to the factory.

Visuals showed a massive blaze in the factory as officials continued their efforts to put off the fire. A dark smoke can also be seen

More than 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

According to the police, they also rescued around 25 cows – kept in a shed adjoining to the factory – by breaking down a wall.

“We received information about a fire in a chemical plant Shri Banke Bihari Aromatics in the village of Dujana Road under the jurisdiction of Badalpur police station. Acting swiftly on the incident, the Fire Service Unit rushed to the spot, and currently, the fire is being extinguished with the help of about 32 fire fighting vehicles. No casualties have been reported in the incident,” a senior police official said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/cities/massive-fire-at-chemical-factory-in-greater-noida-multiple-explosions-heard-7454763

The first anniversary celebrations of the Ram Lalla idol consecration ceremony in Ayodhya started on Saturday with a large number of devotees reaching the holy city to take part in events.

Religious and cultural programmes will commence in the Ram Temple complex starting Saturday. The anniversary celebrations began with the recitation of Yajurveda.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform the ‘abhishek’ of Ram Lalla. The grand aarti of the deity will take place around 12.20 pm, followed by an offering of 56 dishes to the deity.

The court of Ram Lalla is decorated with flowers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the consecration ceremony on January 22 last year, greeted citizens on the occasion.

“Best wishes to all citizens on the first anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This temple, built after centuries of sacrifice, penance and struggle, is a great heritage of our culture and spirituality.

“I am confident that this divine and magnificent Ram temple will become a great inspiration in the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India (Viksit Bharat),” he said in a post on X in Hindi.

Adityanath said in a post on X, “Jai Jai Shri Ram.”

Anup Mishra, a local resident who was at the temple to witness the anniversary celebrations, said, “We were not able to come to the Ram Janmabhoomi when the Pran Pratistha was done in January 2024, but we were fortunate enough to reach the court of Ram Lalla on the first anniversary of the ceremony.”

Another devotee, Sarla Maheshwari who has come from Bhopal, said, “We reached Ayodhya two days ago to take part in the anniversary celebrations, and felt excited that today we will see the deity.”

Scheduled from January 11 to 13, the celebrations aim to include common people, who were unable to attend the historic ceremony last year, alongside around 110 invited VIPs, according to the temple trust.

A German hangar tent has been installed at the Angad Teela site, capable of hosting up to 5,000 people. Common people will have the opportunity to witness the grand event, which include classical cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses at the pavilion and Yagnashala.

“The trust has decided to invite common people who could not attend the initial consecration ceremony last year. They will be allowed to join all three days of events at Angad Teela,” Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had earlier said.

The trust also said that invitation letters have been distributed to guests, including the 110 VIPs, many of whom missed the original pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024. “Those unable to attend last year will be included in this anniversary celebration,” Rai had said.

The trust also extended invitations to saints and devotees from across the country, with Rai urging residents and pilgrims to participate in the celebrations on at least one of the three days and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Ayodhya.

The pavilion and the ‘yagnashala’ will serve as key venues for the festivities.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/1st-anniversary-celebrations-of-ram-lalla-idol-consecration-ceremony-begin-in-ayodhya-3350862 

A man was found dead allegedly by suicide at his Ghaziabad home, while his wife killed herself by hanging from a pole in northeast Delhi

A man was found dead allegedly by suicide at his Ghaziabad home, while his wife killed herself by hanging from a pole in northeast Delhi after a domestic dispute, the police said on Saturday.

Vijay Pratap Chauhan (32) and Shivani (28), residents of Loni, Ghaziabad, had an argument earlier during the day of the incident, after which Shivani left their home and travelled to northeast Delhi.

The police said that she was later found hanging from an electric pole near the Loni roundabout in Delhi, about 8 km from their residence. It came after Vijay’s body was discovered at his home by one of his relatives. He had hanged himself inside the house, according to reports.

The locals immediately informed the police. Upon arrival, they found a mobile phone in Shivani’s pocket, which was turned off. After switching it on, officers contacted her family to inform them of her death, police stated.

A crime and forensic team examined the scene and confirmed there were no other injuries on Shivani’s body, police added.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/man-found-dead-in-ghaziabad-wife-hangs-herself-in-delhi-after-marital-spat-9185142.html

A 10-month-old child was admitted to AMCH, Dibrugarh where the case was identified during routine HMPV screening, officials said on Saturday.

A 10-month-old child tested positive for HMPV, the first such case in Assam this year, officials said.

The toddler was admitted to AMCH, Dibrugarh where the case was identified during routine HMPV screening at the Regional VRDL laboratory, ICMR-RMRC. The lab has reported over 100 cases of HMPV from the city since 2014, however, this is the first case of 2025, officials said.

Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal on Friday clarified that the HMPV is not a new virus and assured that the state government is fully prepared to implement necessary measures in line with the advisories issued by the central government.

AMCH Superintendent On HMPV Cases

AMCH superintendent Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said that the child was suffering from common cold and was admitted to the hospital for the same, after which he was detected with HMPV during routine test.

“Four days ago, the child was admitted at AMCH for the common cold issue. Yesterday, the child was detected with the virus after a test from Lahowal ICMR-RMRC,” he said.

He, however, informed that the toddler is stable.

Bhuyan said that it is a common virus that infects children till the age of five and there was “nothing to worry about”.

India’s HMPV Tally Rises

Since January 7, at least 10 cases of HMPV infection have been confirmed in India. Initially, cases were reported in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, followed by a confirmation in Gujarat on the same day. Two more cases were then reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra. On Wednesday, another case was confirmed in Mumbai, and one more case was reported from Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Health officials reported that of the total 11 HMPV cases, two were in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two in Chennai, and three in Kolkata. Two cases were also reported in Nagpur and one in Mumbai.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/10-month-old-child-tests-positive-for-hmpv-in-dibrugarh-first-case-in-assam-in-2025-india-total-tally-9185119.html

The CAG put out its report on the excise policy case of the Delhi government and flagged several “lapses” in the policy.

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the now-scrapped excise policy of the Delhi government flagged several “lapses” in the policy and claimed Rs 2,026 crore loss to the exchequer. This figure was put out for the first time to show the impact of the alleged liquor scam.

The report claimed that some bidders were running in losses, yet given licenses by the Arvind Kejriwal administration in the national capital.

CAG Report Points To ‘Lapses’ In Excise Policy

The CAG report highlighted significant lapses in the implementation of the excise policy, leading to a loss of approximately Rs 2,026 crores to the government. It said that the common man bore the cost while the AAP leaders “got kickbacks”.

The report further claimed that Manish Sisodia, who then led the excise department, and his group of ministers “ignored” the recommendations of the expert panel. It also said that there were violations in the issuance of licenses for liquor shops and the violators were not penalised “deliberately”.

The CAG report also said that many key decisions were taken arbitrarily without with approval of the cabinet or the Delhi LG.

Highlights From CAG Report

• It reveals that expert panel recommendations were ignored by group of Ministers led by Manish Sisodia.
• All entities were allowed to bid despite complaints.
• The financial condition of bidders was not red-flagged before issuing licenses.
• One entity showed loss, yet the license was renewed.
• Violations in issuance of licenses.
• Violators were deliberately not penalised.
• Lack of transparency in pricing.
• Cabinet approval or LG approval was not taken on many key decisions.
• Excise rules should have been placed before the legislative assembly for ratification but they were not.

Breakdown of Rs 2,026 Crore Loss To Govt

Detailing the loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the Delhi government treasury, the CAG report said that some retailers surrendered their licenses before the policy expired, and the government did not re-tender them which led to the loss of Rs 890 crores.

It said that the government made exemptions for zonal licensees, which caused a loss of Rs 941 crores.

The then-Kejriwal government allegedly waived license fee of Rs 144 crores due to COVID-19 restrictions, which led to further revenue loss, despite clear terms in the tender agreement stating no provision for force majeure.

The incorrect collection of security deposits resulted in a loss of Rs 27 crores, the report said.

BJP Slams Kejriwal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched an attack on Kejriwal over the report and said while Kejriwal leads his life in “luxury at the Sheesh Mahal”, many in Delhi are forced to live in slums.

“Due to the failure of Arvind Kejriwal, who lives in luxury at the Sheesh Mahal funded by the people of Delhi, many are forced to live in filthy and dilapidated slums. It is the Modi government that is fulfilling the dreams of these people for a dignified life and permanent homes. Today, at the ‘Slum Dweller’s Conference,’ slum residents will declare the end of Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘fraudulent rule’,” Shah posted on X.

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda slammed Arvind Kejriwal over the CAG report and said that it exposes him and his party ahead of the elections.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/some-bidders-in-losses-yet-got-license-cag-report-on-kejriwals-excise-policy-details-9185157.html

Bodies of three workers trapped inside a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district were recovered from the quarry today, taking the total bodies recovered so far to four. They were among nine workers who were trapped inside the mine on Monday after a sudden gush of water flooded the quarry.

The first one was brought out from the mine in Umrangsu on Wednesday.

One of the three labourers whose body was recovered from the mine this morning was identified as 27-year-old Ligen Magar, a resident of Dima Hasao. The identification of two other bodies is underway, an official said.

“Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve. Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold onto hope and strength in this difficult time,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X.

Dewatering of the quarry, which is about 310 feet deep, continued with specialised machines brought in by ONGC and Coal India.

Mr Sarma had earlier claimed that the mine was abandoned 12 years ago and was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation till three years ago.

”It was not an illegal mine but an abandoned one. The workers had entered the mine that day for the first time to extract coal,” he said on Friday.

He said the leader of the workers has been arrested and the police are conducting investigations into the case.

What’s Hampering Assam Mine Rescue

Multiple teams from various central and state organisations and all three arms of the Indian Armed Forces – the Army, Navy and Air Force – are involved in the operation to rescue the labourers who have been trapped in a flooded mine in Assam.

The water that gushed into the 3 Kilo Coal Quarry in Umrangsu, rescuers said, is now acidic and murky because it has mixed with coal. This has made visibility and manoeuvrability very difficult even for the team from the Navy, which includes clearance divers trained in deep-depth diving and recovery operations.

The divers from the rescue teams, they said, had to risk their lives to pull out the body that they did on Wednesday.

The murky water, an official said, is making it difficult even to use remote-operated vehicles.

Another aspect that is making locating the labourers difficult is that the 310-foot deep main shaft leads to four small tunnels in the ‘rat-hole’ mine, each of which branches out, creating a large network. There is no blueprint available for the rescue teams to refer to.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-rat-mine-body-of-2nd-worker-retrieved-from-umrangsu-mine-ops-on-to-rescue-7-trapped-7448273#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Maha Kumbh 2025, set to begin on January 13 and end on February 26 in Prayagraj, promises a unique experience for devotees this year. Starting from Shankar Mahadevan to Mohit Chauhan, several singers are set to add a musical touch to spirituality.

Shankar Mahadevan will perform on the opening day while Mohit will conclude the event with his soulful music. Other than these two, severall acclaimed artists, including Kailash Kher, Shaan Mukherjee, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Kavita Seth, Hariharan, Bickram Ghosh, Malini Awasthi Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Shovana Narayan, Dr L Subramaniam, and many others, will perform at the event, said the Ministry of Culture in a release.

The Ganga Pandal at the Kumbh Mela grounds will showcase performances featuring classical dance, folk music, and dramatic arts. These performances aim to tell stories of devotion, faith, and India’s cultural heritage, providing devotees and visitors with both a spiritual and artistic experience.

The performances will span classical music to folk traditions, featuring a star-studded lineup, including Ravi Tripathi (January 25), Sadhana Sargam (January 26), Shaan (January 27), and Ranjani & Gayatri (January 31). Other notable performances include Hariharan (February 10), Kailasa’s Kailash Kher (February 23), and the grand finale by Mohit Chauhan (February 24).

Other than this, as per reports, several Bollywood celebrities are also expected to attend the event while taking a holy dip at Sangam.
As per reports, several celebrities from the Hindi, South Indian, and Bhojpuri film industries are expected to visit Prayagraj and attend Maha Kumbh Mela. Among the stars anticipated to attend are Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Anup Jalota, Renuka Shahane, Ashutosh Rana, Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari, Akshara Singh, Rakhi Sawant, and others.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/maha-kumbh-mela-2025-shankar-mahadevan-shaan-mohit-chauhan-perform-amitabh-bachchan-alia-bhatt-ranbir-kapoor-2663235-2025-01-11

A special court in Pune on Friday granted bail to Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case filed against him by Satyaki Savarkar, the grand-nephew of Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

The MP/MLA court presided by Judge Amol Shinde allowed Gandhi’s bail plea on a surety bond of ₹25,000 after he appeared for hearing via video conferencing. Gandhi’s counsel Milind Pawar said.

Senior Congress leader Mohan Joshi stood as surety for Gandhi according to Pawar. The Court also granted permanent exemption to Gandhi from appearing in future hearings, Pawar added.

The defamation case stems from a comment Gandhi made during a speech in London in March 2023. In his statement, Gandhi allegedly referred to Savarkar’s writings about an incident where he and others had assaulted a Muslim man, a situation Savarkar reportedly found “pleasurable.”

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/pune-court-grants-bail-rahul-gandhi-savarkar-defamation-case

In his podcast debut with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was asked about viral memes featuring him and Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“PM Sir, as we are talking about other countries, if I may digress a little, I must say my favourite food is pizza, which originates from Italy. People often say that you know a lot about Italy. Would you like to share something about it? Haven’t you seen those memes?” Kamath asked the Prime Minister.
To this, the Prime Minister responded, “Wo toh chalta rehta hai. Main usmein apna time kharab nahi karta.” He further added that he is not a foodie and eats whatever is served to him.

“I am not a foodie. Whatever is served in any country, I eat happily,” PM Modi said, adding that if given a menu, he wouldn’t be able to order food. He recalled that he always relied on late BJP leader Arun Jaitley to order food for him. “It just needed to be vegetarian,” he said.

Earlier, Meloni had shared an image with Prime Minister Modi from the COP28 Dubai Summit. She posted the image with the caption, “Good friends at COP28,” with the hashtag ‘#Melodi’. The hashtag has been created by combining the surnames of the two leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recorded his first podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The podcast was released on Friday. Earlier, sharing the trailer of the podcast on X, PM Modi said, “I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/nikhil-kamath-hints-at-viral-melodi-at-podcast-pm-modi-says-ye-sab-to-article-117135969

Actor-director Anurag Kashyap’s Malayalam-language film ‘Rifle Club’ (2024) has been receiving tremendous adulation of late. Kashyap, the master of out-of-the-box flicks, is all praise for the Malayalam moviemakers’ flair for condensing the global into the local. He opines that Malayalam movies concentrate on wringing one’s creative juices to the last drop, unlike the “profit-driven” Bollywood, which restricts artistry. Kashyap plans to move to south India in the near future. However, despite his claims of restrictions on creativity in the Hindi movie industry, Kashyap has always been able to deliver unusual, spell-binding works.

In Haruki Murakami’s ‘Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman’, the protagonist meets a young man who claims that many useful things can be created out of vacuum or darkness. I would vouch that the same holds true for Kashyap’s works. Owing to the vile experiences he had when young, Kashyap invariably gravitates towards the shadows, whether as the main character’s pedophilic stepdad in Onir’s ‘I Am’ or, more recently, as a dacoit-cum-rapist in ‘Maharaja’.

Way back in the ‘90s, I remember watching ‘The Last Train to Mahakali’, one of Kashyap’s early works, with horrified fascination. A dedicated but decidedly eccentric doctor who has taken his virology experiments a little too far has been put behind bars. The doctor’s dedication to his work strips him of his moral compass; he sees nothing wrong in injecting his vaccines into unsuspecting people, resulting in their deaths. An exuberant young journalist, on her first assignment, sets up a meeting with the doctor, keen on unspooling his mind, and eventually ends up becoming one of his sacrificial lambs.

The banned ‘Paanch’, which was later released with a myriad of censor cuts, narrates the story of a group of artistes who thrive on music, drugs, expletives, alcohol, whimsical behaviour, dark humour, and a devil-may-care attitude. When they require funds to seal a music deal, the musicians hatch a kidnap plot involving the abduction of one of their cronies, who dies accidentally. Incidentally, ‘Paanch’ was reworked into the more polished ‘Shaitan’, in which five directionless youngsters run over and kill a couple of people during a reckless nocturnal driving spree. Subsequently blackmailed by a slimy cop to hush up the incident, the youngsters concoct a sham kidnap plot to abduct one of their own pals. What transpires is a series of misadventures, at the end of which the group’s plan is foiled by a cop who is battling demons of his own.

Most are familiar with Kashyap’s satirical take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic ‘Devdas (Dev D), in which the modern-day Dev isn’t shy about asking if Paro touches herself, and Paro sees nothing wrong with sending nudes to her childhood sweetheart. The scene indelibly etched in one’s psyche is the one where Paro laboriously cycles to the mustard fields with a bulky mattress tied to the backseat so that she can consummate her love with her childhood sweetheart. The scene is hilarious, freaky, and screams of woman empowerment — all at the same time. One is haunted by a paradoxical moment in ‘Raman Raghav 2.0 ’, which tells the tale of a serial killer who commits a slew of crimes across Mumbai’s suburbs. After ruthlessly bludgeoning a young mother to death, Raman does a recce of the room and finds a bawling infant. Raman picks up the child with great tenderness and starts feeding it with a bottle of milk lying nearby. This act of nurturing, following an irredeemable act of violence and destruction, is so bizarre that it stands out as a defining moment in cinema. There are similar compelling moments in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ as well.

The USP of Kashyap’s movies is his flair for exploring the heart of darkness with pure authenticity, without resorting to gimmicks to create shock value or titillate his audience. One feels that Kashyap has an unrivalled hegemony over tenebrosity, making him the undisputed Prince of Darkness.

May I point out that a few of Kashyap’s films are devoid of this darkness? Choked is a thrilling story of a weary bank employee who, during demonetisation, finds an unlimited source of money hidden under her kitchen sink. Meanwhile, Radhika Apte’s character in ‘Lust Stories 1’ opts for unusual ways of self-discovery post-marriage.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/the-shadowy-world-of-anurag-kashyap-3350359

A man in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district was left in shock when he received an electricity bill of about Rs two billion.

Lalit Dhiman, a businessman in Beherwin Jattan village, received a bill amount of Rs 2,10,42,08,405 for December 2024.

Mr Dhiman had paid just Rs 2,500 a month earlier.

He then went to the electricity board office and complained about it.

The officials told him that he received a high electricity bill due to a technical glitch. His bill was later reportedly rectified and brought down to Rs 4,047.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rs-2-10-42-08-405-himachal-pradesh-man-shocked-over-faulty-electricity-bill-7440509

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has revealed that his next guest on the podcast “WTF is with Nikhil Kamath” is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The announcement came with the release of a two-minute trailer in which PM Modi can be seen discussing his leadership journey, political philosophy, and personal experiences. Earlier, the Zerodha co-founder had released a trailer with a teaser of the upcoming episode of his podcast, where he was seen talking to a mysterious guest in Hindi.

In the trailer, Kamath was seen saying “I am sitting here in front of you and talking, I feel nervous.” In response, PM Modi smiled and said, “This is my first podcast, I don’t know how it’ll go with your audience.”

While PM Modi already hosts “Mann Ki Baat” and has been part of various television interviews, this will be his first appearance in the podcast format.

PM Modi also reposted Kamath’s post with the caption, “I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!”

In the extended trailer, Kamath revealed his ambition to explore the intersections between politics and entrepreneurship during the podcast. He also asked the PM to advise young people who want to enter politics. “Good people should become politicians… They should come with a mission, not just ambition,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi also reflected on his personal journey, recalling a speech he had given as Chief Minister where he admitted to having made an insensitive remark.

“Mistakes happen. I am human, not a God,” he said.

The two also discussed the Prime Minister’s two consecutive terms in office. “Growing up in a South Indian middle-class home, we were always told that politics is a dirty game. This belief is so ingrained in our psyche that it is almost impossible to change it. What is your one advice for people who think the same?” Kamath asked.

“If you believed in what you said, we would not be having this conversation,” PM Modi responded.

They also speak of global conflicts when Kamath says one should be worried about what is happening around the world. “I am not neutral. I am in favor of peace,” said PM Modi.

Source : https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/pm-modi-makes-podcast-debute-with-zerodha-co-founder-nikhil-kamath-mistakes-happen-i-am-human-12907087.html

The Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality on Thursday re-implemented stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan amid a sharp rise in air pollution levels owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to an official order.

Delhi’s air pollution levels showed an increasing trend and the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 357 at 4 pm, up from 297 on Wednesday, owing to “calm winds and foggy conditions”.

The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for strategising air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, directed authorities in the region to immediately implement curbs prescribed under stage 3 to prevent further worsening of the situation.

GRAP Stage 3, which was revoked on Sunday, entails a ban on non-essential construction work.

Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.

Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt.

Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.

During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/centre-re-implements-grap-3-curbs-in-delhi-ncr-amid-rise-in-air-pollution-levels-9183550.html

A video of a ticket examiner physically assaulting an intoxicated passenger on the Amritsar-Kaithar Express has drawn massive flak from social media users. Sheikh Tazuddin, a truck driver, was travelling from Bihar’s Siwan to New Delhi when the incident occurred. Tazuddin was reportedly consuming alcohol with two coach attendants – Vikram Chauhan and Sonu Mahato – in the M2 coach, according to a passenger. Under the influence of alcohol, he allegedly misbehaved with female travellers. The situation escalated when Tazuddin reportedly assaulted Chauhan and Rajesh Kumar, the travelling ticket examiner (TTE), who had intervened to mediate.
Viral videos captured the TTE and a coach attendant kicking and stomping on the passenger while shouting insults at him.

Last year, a similar incident sparked outrage among netizens when a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) was filmed brutally beating a passenger aboard the Baruni-Lucknow Express train. In the clip, the TTE can be seen repeatedly slapping the passenger while demanding he stand up from his seat. When the passenger resists, the TTE arrogantly pulls his muffler and throws it away. Another passenger, who is recording the incident, can be heard saying, “Maar kyu Rahe Ho?” (Why are you beating him? What is his mistake, sir?).

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/viral-video-ticket-checker-assaults-drunk-passenger-on-amritsar-katihar-express-article-117106018

A man in Delhi was reportedly killed by his colleagues, one of whom he used to make ‘reels’ with, who were allegedly angered by repeated insults by him at their workplace, police said on Thursday.

The 25-year-old victim has been identified as Golu, while the accused are Ranjeet (30) and Neeraj Verma (23), both residents of Delhi’s Rampura, news agency PTI quoted DCP (Northwest) Bhisham Singh as saying.

Golu frequently made reels with Ranjeet, the DCP said.

On Tuesday night, police received a PCR call complaining of foul smell emanating from a locked room in the Rampura area, the officer said, adding that on reaching the spot, a team of cops discovered a decomposed male body.

A case was registered and an investigation was initiated.

“Scrutiny of Ranjeet’s social media account provided crucial leads. Police raided multiple locations and apprehended two suspects,” the DCP added.

The accused revealed that Golu had been their colleague at a tent house and later at a footwear factory. The accused claimed Golu often reprimanded and humiliated them verbally and physically, police said.

On one occasion, Golu assaulted the accused, further fueling their resentment, the report quoted the police officer as saying.

Seeking revenge for their humiliation, Ranjeet and Neeraj lured Golu to a location, where they murdered him using a wooden stick, said the officer.

Similar incident in Gurugram

In a similar incident that took place in Haryana’s Gurugram this month, A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death by his colleague following a dispute over the quality of work.

The accused, Arjun Shavtal (22), a native of Assam, was arrested and the knife used in the crime was recovered, police said on Tuesday.

Police said they received information on Saturday evening that a man was stabbed to death at Hello Guest House in Sector 53. A police team rushed to the spot and dog squad and forensic experts inspected the scene.

The victim, Dalip Kumar hailing from Bihar was working as a housekeeping staff at the guest house, a police officer said.

An FIR was registered based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s brother following which the accused was arrested on Sunday, he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-man-killed-by-colleagues-over-insults-at-work-reels-help-cops-find-accused-101736471943104.html

Former international cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday reignited the language debate, pointing out that “Hindi is an official language and not the national language”. The 38-year-old India star’s remark – made while addressing students at an Engineering College in Chennai – has once again reignited the political storm with ruling DMK supporting the cricketer and the BJP asking him not to wade into the controversy.
Addressing the 23rd Graduation Day of Rajalakshmi Engineering College near Chennai, Ashwin was seen asking the students on how many of them knew Tamil, English and Hindi.
Predictably, Tamil received the most responce and Hindi the least.

“English students in the house..give me a yay. Tamil (students cheer loudly)…okay..Hindi (very little noise from the crowd),” Ashwin said.

The former cricketer shortly afterwards pointed out that “Hindi is an official language and not the national language” – a remark that drew loud cheer.
“How can Hindi be a national language when many states speak different languages,” DMK leader TKS Elangovan said.
The BJP, however, urged Ashwin not to reignite the language debate. “DMK appreciating this won’t be a surprise… I want to ask him, is he a national cricketer or a Tamil Nadu cricketer,” said BJP leader Uma anandan.

Several vehicles collided on the Delhi-Lucknow Highway due to dense fog on Friday morning.

The incident took place near the Bahadurgarh station area.

Meanwhile, a thick blanket of dense fog enveloped Delhi this morning, reducing visibility to zero which impacted air and train operations, according to officials.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/watch-several-vehicles-collide-on-delhi-lucknow-highway-due-to-dense-fog-3349254

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and actress-choreographer Dhanashree Verma are currently making headlines due to reports of trouble in her marriage. Several media reports have stated that the couple is planning to part ways and will announce their divorce soon. Amid the reports, Chahal was recently spotted with a mystery girl and their picture went viral within no time.

While netizens are curious to know who the mystery woman is, some Reddit users have uncovered her identity. They are convinced that the lady seen in the viral photo with Chahal is RJ Mahvash.

Amid Chahal and Dhanashree’s divorce reports, the cricketer’s Christmas lunch photos with Mahvash have also surfaced on social media. The said pictures were posted by Mahvash herself on her official Instagram account on December 25.

However, what added fuel to their dating speculation was Mahvash disabling the comments section of her post. “Christmas lunch con familia,” she had captioned the post which also featured three other people in the frame.

Who is RJ Mahvash?

Popular influencer Ankush Bahuguna’s recent encounter with digital scammers has sparked widespread skepticism online. In a detailed Instagram post, Bahuguna shared how he was allegedly “hypnotized” and isolated for 40 hours while being coerced into a financial transaction. However, as details of the incident emerged, many internet users began questioning the authenticity of his account, leaving the story under scrutiny.

In his Instagram video, Bahuguna explained that the incident began with an automated call claiming that his package had been cancelled. Intrigued, he pressed “zero” to connect with customer support—something he now calls “the biggest mistake of his life.” The scam escalated when a person posing as a representative accused him of being linked to a package with illegal substances, further claiming that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Over the next 40 hours, Bahuguna said he was subjected to continuous video calls, leaving him isolated from friends and family. The influencer claimed he lost both money and mental peace in the process.

However, not everyone is convinced by this account. A Reddit user recently raised questions about the plausibility of Bahuguna’s claims, picking apart his story point by point. The post read, “He said ‘apko detain krlengay, and they will [assault] you.’ Who in the world buys such nonsense from an official person?” The user further questioned why Bahuguna didn’t take simpler steps like hiding screenshots or sending evidence to trusted friends.

Pointing out potential exaggerations, the post added, “Every day, there’s one or another reel of drugs being confiscated at the airport. Ye national issue kaise bangya? Moreover, how did his family face a life threat?” The user argued that Bahuguna might have blown the situation out of proportion, citing inconsistencies such as the alleged timeline of events.

One of the most glaring critiques was directed at the lack of immediate action from Bahuguna’s friends. “One of his friends asked him if he was being held hostage, but this friend didn’t care enough to involve family or the police in this situation?” The post also raised suspicions about how scammers allegedly managed to keep Bahuguna compliant for 40 hours without raising red flags among those close to him.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Redditor speculated that the scam likely lasted only a couple of hours, with Bahuguna allegedly exaggerating the incident for engagement. “In a nutshell, I think iske sath 2-3 ghante ka scam hua, which he exaggerated for some account engagement,” the user concluded.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/exaggerated-too-much-internet-questions-influencer-ankush-bahuguna-over-claims-of-being-scammed-and-digital-arrest-101736395016340.html

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Odisha on Thursday. He will also remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express.

PM Modi arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the airport.

The Centre is organising the PBD convention in collaboration with the Odisha state government, which is being held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.

Delegates from over 50 countries have registered to attend the convention, themed ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’.

After the inauguration, PM Modi will remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The train will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and will travel to various tourism and religious destinations across India over three weeks. This initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate four exhibitions at the venue. He will then take a tour of the Exhibitions and Promotional Stalls of Union and State Ministries/Departments. The four exhibitions are — Vishwaroop Ram: The Universal Legacy of Ramayana – by ICCR; Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology – by MEA (being curated by Dr Masooma Rizvi); Bharat Bharatiya: Swadesh Pardes – Abhilekhiye Virasat par adharit Pradarshani – Launch of Oman Collection by National Archives of India; and the Exhibition on Heritage and Culture of Odisha by state Government of Odisha.

PM Modi will also visit the promotional stalls of Union Ministries (MSME, DST, MNRE, Ministry of Culture, AYUSH, MeiTy, Ministry of Tourism, National Health Mission, IRCTC, FIPI) and the state governments of Odisha, Maharashtra, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, etc

The PBD Convention will also feature a virtual address by Chief Guest Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

After the inaugural sessions, the convention has afternoon and evening sessions.

The afternoon is themed ‘Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills’. The session will be chaired by Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Labour & Employment and has several reputed speakers from the diaspora.

The evening session is themed ‘Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development’ to be Chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics & Information Technology; Information & Broadcasting and Railways The valedictory session will be held on Friday. The closing remarks will be made by President Droupadi Murmu, along with the presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

Source :https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-18th-pravasi-bharatiya-divas-launch-special-train-today-7432406

A 20-year-old Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) aspirant allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in his PG room in Rajasthan’s Kota district, police said on Wednesday.

The JEE aspirant was identified as Abhishek, a resident of Guna in Madhya Pradesh, who had been preparing for the JEE at a coaching institute in Kota since May last year. He lived in a PG room in Dakaniya area under the Vigyan Nagar Police Station here.

It is the second case of suicide by a coaching student within 24 hours in coaching hub Kota as another JEE aspirant from Haryana, identified as Neeraj (19), was found hanging from a noose in his hostel room late Tuesday evening.

Vigyan Nagar Police Station SHO Mukesh Meena told PTI that Abhishek (20), a resident of Guna in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in his PG room.

The deceased youth had been preparing for JEE-Mains at a coaching institute here since May last year, he added.

The SHO said that they received information in this regard around 7.45 pm on Wednesday following which the police personnel rushed to the spot.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/20-year-old-jee-aspirant-dies-by-suicide-in-kota-2nd-case-in-24-hours-cops-7431100

A village authority and civil society organisations of the Naga tribes in Manipur have condemned an alleged attack by members of the Kuki tribes on a woman over her attempt to build a house on a plot of land in the village, which the village authority says is exclusively a Liangmai Naga village.

The Konsakhul (Konsaram) Village Authority in a memorandum on Wednesday said the “Leilon Vaiphei were allowed to settle as tenants on land of the Konsaram Naga,” and now they must vacate the village land in 15 days.

The woman’s brother told reporters they went to build a house on a plot in K Lungwiram Naga village when some 30 men from the Kuki tribes came and assaulted her.

He alleged they also threatened to burn the equipment including a bulldozer if his sister insisted on building her house.

K Lungwiram village falls under Kangchup Geljang subdivision in Kangpokpi district, 45 km from the state capital Imphal. The Vaiphei tribe is part of the umbrella term Kuki.

“… You have blatantly ignored the fact that on humanitarian grounds Leilon Vaiphei were allowed to settle as tenants on the land of Konsaram Naga. Of late, you have been indulging in anti-social activities, targeting innocent Naga villagers in the Konsaram area, showing scant regard to our generosity and kindness,” the Konsakhul (Konsaram) Village Authority said in the memorandum.

“… As the lease agreement signed between the landlord (Konsaram) and the tenant (Leilon) have already expired, therefore you are hereby asked to vacate your village from the land of Konsaram within 15 days from the date of issuing this order. Failing which you will be forcefully evicted from our soil…” the village authority said.

The village authority sent the memorandum to the Manipur chief secretary, security adviser Kuldiep Singh, the state police chief and other officials.

The woman who alleged she was assaulted by men from the Kuki tribe appealed to Naga civil society organisations for help. She alleged the attackers broke her phone, and pushed and hit her. Her brother shared a video in which a group of men were seen charging towards a bulldozer in an open field.

“I am the person who was assaulted,” the woman told reporters, flanked by her brother. “I came to my village, wanted to build a house. The Kukis said I can’t build a house there. Some 10-20 of them came, attacked me. They broke my phone and pushed me down on the ground.”

Her brother alleged the men used “very bad language on her.”

No Kuki organisation in the district has given a statement on the matter yet.

Liangmai Naga Women Announce Blockade

A large number of women from the Liangmai Naga tribe announced an “indefinite blockade” of Makhan Gate, a key thoroughfare in the area.

Indigenous People’s Forum president Ashang Kasar sought immediate action from the district administration and law enforcement agencies, and assurance of safety and protection for the Naga villagers of K Lungwiram.

The civil society organisation said the “woman was physically assaulted and thrown to the ground while overseeing land levelling work using an excavator.”

“Video evidence has surfaced, clearly depicting Kuki individuals verbally harassing the villagers, threatening their safety, and using profanities. The victim, along with other witnesses, reported the mob’s unruly behaviour and their deliberate obstruction. This heinous act highlights a blatant disregard for peace and mutual respect. Such actions cannot and must not be tolerated,” the Indigenous People’s Forum, a civil society organisation, said. “The Kukis, who reside as tenants on Naga ancestral lands, must acknowledge and respect the rights and dignity of the landowners.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/woman-alleges-assault-by-kuki-tenants-over-land-naga-village-authority-in-manipur-sends-warning-7430651

Sheikh Hasina’s India Stay Extended: Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India stay has been extended by the Centre as part of a “long-term arrangement” amid calls for her extradition from Dhaka, official sources told CNN-News18.

Officials privy to the matter said her extended stay was a special arrangement as India has a tradition of taking care of its guests (referring to the Atithi Devo Bhava motto).

They said Hasina had stayed in India previously for a long while following her father’s assassination in 1975.

The news comes a day after the Centre extended Hasina’s Visa and two days after the Bangladesh interim government said it had revoked the passport of the ousted PM and 96 others over their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and the July killings.

Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 last year when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League’s (AL) 16-year regime.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide”. ICT has set the deadline for February 12.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/bangladesh-former-pm-sheikh-hasina-stay-longer-india-centre-visa-special-arrangement-extradition-calls-dhaka-latest-news-9182745.html

The first meeting of the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on the One Nation, One Election plan took place in Parliament on Wednesday in the presence of 37 out of the 39 MPs in the panel.

A detailed presentation was made by officials of the ministry of law and justice, led by the law secretary himself.

However, what drew everyone’s attention outside the committee room, where the meeting was taking place, was a large suitcase. This was being handed over to all the MPs as they stepped out of the meeting.

Upon further enquiry, it was revealed that the suitcase contained very important documentation.

This suitcase weighed a whopping 52 kg and is expected to be of great use to the members of Parliament on the committee.

The next question was what did the suitcase really contain? Officials present for the meeting informed the media that this suitcase had documents that the MPs could refer to for their study of the proposal.

“There are 23 volumes of documents that are enclosed in the suitcase, which includes 21 annexures of the report of the high-powered committee led by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind. The remaining two documents are the reports of the committee in English and Hindi,” an official told CNN-News18.

The 52 kg of documentation also includes material for the reference of the members, mentioning all the reports of the Law Commission and various court cases and references on the matter to date. In all, the documentation comprises 18,000 pages.

Meanwhile, the presentation made by law secretary Rajiv Mani was a crisp one. “The law ministry briefed about three important things, including the background of the subject, the rationale behind bringing such legislation, and the proposals in the bills, which the committee is to examine,” another official told CNN-News18.

While many MPs were spirited enough to carry the bag themselves up to their cars, it was interesting to see Dr Sambit Patra, a member of Parliament from the BJP, lift the bag and walk down the stairs, despite its weight, while some other members decided to take the lift to the ground floor so that they could go to their vehicles, and then others handed over the suitcase to their assistants to be taken to their cars.

The 39-member JPC is headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary and includes members of all major parties, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of the Congress, Sanjay Jha of the JD(U), Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, and TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee.

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the winter session and referred to the committee.

The Constitution (129th) Amendment Bill, 2024, says there is an imperative need for holding simultaneous elections for various reasons, as polls have become expensive and time-consuming.

The bill proposes to insert a new article 82A—simultaneous elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and all Legislative Assemblies—and to amend Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament), Article 172 (Duration of State Legislatures), and Article 327 (power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to legislatures).

The bill also provides that after its enactment, a notification is to be issued by the President on the date of the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election, and that date of the notification will be called the appointed date. The tenure of the Lok Sabha will be five years from that appointed date.

The tenure of all state assemblies, constituted by elections to the legislative assemblies after the appointed date and before the expiry of the full term of the House of the People, shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha.

Opposition parties have raised concerns over the bills while ruling NDA leaders say the burden on the exchequer will be lessened. Opposition MPs have questioned if the country is logistically ready to hold simultaneous elections, pointing out that recent polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand could not be held together with those in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/52-kg-suitcase-sparks-interest-as-mps-weigh-in-on-one-nation-one-election-at-first-jpc-meet-9182343.html

A 16-member police team from Jorhat, Assam, found themselves in hot water on Tuesday night when Google Maps mistakenly led them into Nagaland during a raid to catch a wanted criminal. The team, in pursuit of the accused, inadvertently crossed the border into Nagaland’s Mokokchung district, where locals mistook them for armed miscreants and detained them overnight.
According to a senior Assam Police officer, the team relied on GPS, indicating their target was in a tea garden within Assam. However, the location turned out to be in Nagaland, resulting in the unintended border crossing.
“The locals, spotting the team—13 of whom were in plainclothes—assumed they were miscreants carrying sophisticated weapons,” the officer said. The situation escalated when the locals attacked the officers, injuring one, and held the entire team captive.

On learning about the incident, the Jorhat police swiftly contacted the Mokokchung Superintendent of Police. A rescue team was dispatched, and five members of the Assam Police team, including the injured officer, were released that night. However, the remaining 11 officers were held captive until the following morning.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/googly-by-google-maps-gps-navigation-leads-assam-police-to-nagaland-villagers-hold-them-captive-article-117069262

The first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) bills was held Wednesday. The meeting saw intense discussions between opposition MPs and BJP leaders regarding the bill. Opposition MPs, including Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, questioned if ONOE would reduce expenditure. They also questioned if an estimate had been conducted after the 2004 general elections, when EVMs were used for the first time in all 543 parliamentary seats.
The BJP MPs countered claims that ONOE violated constitutional principles by dissolving state assemblies early and aligning their tenure with the Lok Sabha. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said that seven state assemblies were dissolved early in 1957 to ensure simultaneous elections, asking if then President Dr Rajendra Prasad and lawmakers, including those in Jawaharlal Nehru’s government, had “acted in violation of the Constitution.”
BJP MP VD Sharma defended the proposal, stating that “the idea of simultaneous elections was reflective of the popular will.” He cited a high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which consulted over 25,000 members of the public, with an overwhelming majority supporting the idea.

In an inspiring New Year’s Day meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, legendary Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed plans for India to become a global hub for music and entertainment.

Their conversation, captured in a video uploaded on PM Modi’s official YouTube channel, has sparked excitement about the upcoming Waves Summit 2025.

Diljit proposed the idea of a global music festival to showcase India’s unparalleled talent, referencing international events like Coachella. “Even if we’re sitting at a dhaba in Rajasthan and someone sings melodiously, their art rivals that of professional performers. India has such immense, untapped talent,” he remarked, emphasising the potential for India to host an event that draws audiences from across the globe.

It was at this point when PM Modi opened up and said “I have a dream”. PM Modi continued, “I have been thinking about it for many years, but now I am doing it. (The) Waves (Summit). This is my proposition. Such a large country and the largest number of films are made in this country (Diljit expresses his concurrence). We have the largest creative industry here (Diljit repeats the words in agreement). So I am creating a big movement called WAVES.”

Diljit listened, visibly in awe as PM Modi narrated how Diljit Dosanjh’s dream of India becoming a world musical stage will come soon true. “I am getting the world’s creative talents here (In India) during April (2025). Now the centre of the world’s creativity will be India,” PM Modi said as he also narrated the story of his meeting with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel where he told her how India’s daily life is entrenched in music and there are musical notes (Raaga) for every part of the day, from sunrise to sunset.

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/diljit-dosanjh-endorses-pm-modi-s-dream-of-making-india-the-epicenter-of-global-music-and-entertainment-at-waves-summit-2025/677e4cc0e4cc4f51c1984c8c

Tirupati temple, one of the major sacred places of worship in the country, is in news for a horrific stampede that claimed six lives and injured many others. The stampede broke out on Wednesday night (January 8). The mishap occurred at a time when devotees from across the country had gathered at the temple for 10-day Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam period which is to begin on Friday this week. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken cognisance of the mishap and is actively directing the efforts to provide relief to those affected.

How Did The Tirupati Stampede Took Place?

On Wednesday night, about 4000 devotees were queueing up for special darshan tokens.

Multiple media reports have said that a woman devotee now identified as Mallika suddenly fell ill while she was waiting in the queue

The queue was for one of the token counters at Bairagi Pattida Park.

HMPV, also known as Human Metapneumovirus, cases have been detected in India. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family and closely related to respiratory syncytial virus, HMPV affects the respiratory system causing mild to severe symptoms. The common symptoms of HMPV are fever, fatigue, coughing, congestion and difficulty in breathing.

What is HMPV virus?

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001. The virus accounts for 4-16 percent of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.

Can HMPV affect the kidneys?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr B VijayKiran, senior consultant nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Siliguri, West Bengal, said, “Anecdotal recent research has revealed intriguing connections between hMPV and kidney health. A study on hospitalized children found that hMPV infection may be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). The research suggests that AKI risk increases with age and the kidney injury may not be strictly related to respiratory complications.”

Impact on immunocompromised patients

“In transplant recipients, particularly kidney and lung transplant patients, HMPV can cause significant morbidity. Immunosuppressive medications can exacerbate the virus’s impact, potentially leading to severe respiratory infections, increased risk of complications and ARDS,” said Dr B VijayKiran.

The doctor noted down the symptoms. “Usual clinical Manifestations of a typical metapneumovirus infection include cough, fever, sore throat, runny or blocked nose and wheezing.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/hmpv-cases-surge-in-india-doctor-explains-its-link-to-kidney-complications-101736258176371.html

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday granted interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu on medical grounds in 2013 rape case.
Asaram Bapu was granted bail by a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, who directed him not to meet his followers post-release. He has been granted bail till March 31, 2025.
Granting interim bail to Asaram Bapu on medical grounds, the Apex court said that the 86-year-old convict is suffering from various age-related health conditions besides a heart ailment.

A trial court in January, 2023, had convicted Asaram in the 2013 case, filed by a woman who lived in his ashram near Gandhinagar when the alleged crime took place. Asaram is currently lodged in a Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan in another rape case.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/supreme-court-grants-interim-bail-to-asaram-on-medical-ground-in-2013-rape-case-article-117016668

Two children tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Nagpur, increasing the total number of cases of the respiratory illness to seven. The two children are aged seven and 14.
In the wake of the Nagpur cases, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has called for a meeting at 3 pm at St. George’s Hospital Health Centre. Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav will also be in attendance.
A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with the virus, while Bengaluru has reported two infections. This includes a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital. On Monday, Tamil Nadu reported two cases of HMPV, one each in Chennai and Salem.

Should You Worry?

The Union health ministry in a statement said HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections in people of all ages.
Calling it a seasonal disease which is prevalent in winter and summer, Union health ministry in a notification said, “Citizens are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. They must stay away from public places if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough or sneezing.”

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday assured that the people do not need to worry amid rising concern around HMPV as the health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday urged people not to panic amid concern about HMPV cases. Abitkar also advised people to follow the guidelines laid out by the government.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/hmpv-scare-two-kids-test-positive-in-nagpur-total-cases-in-india-increase-to-7-article-117017796

India’s economic growth rate is estimated to slip to a four-year low of 6.4 per cent in 2024-25, mainly on account of poor showing by the manufacturing and services sector, according to government data released on Tuesday.
The gross domestic product (GDP) rate of 6.4 per cent will be the lowest since the Covid year (2020-21) when the country witnessed a negative growth of 5.8 per cent. It was 9.7 per cent in 2021-22; 7 per cent in 2022-23; and 8.2 per cent in the last fiscal ended March 2024.
The first advance estimates of National Income for 2024-25 released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) is lower than the 6.6 per cent projected by the Reserve Bank in December 2024. It is also a tad lower than the finance ministry’s initial projection of 6.5-7 per cent.

The advance estimates will be used in preparation for the Union Budget to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha on February 1.

The economic growth slowed to a seven-quarter low of 5.4 per cent during the July-September period. It was 6.7 per cent in the first quarter (April-June).
The manufacturing sector output is expected to decelerate to 5.3 per cent from a high of 9.9 per cent recorded in the previous fiscal, NSO said.
The services sector, comprising trade, hotels, transport and communications, is estimated to expand at 5.8 per cent against 6.4 per cent in 2023-24.
On the other hand, the farm sector is estimated to record a growth of 3.8 per cent in the current fiscal, up from 1.4 per cent in 2023-24.
“Real GDP has been estimated to grow by 6.4 per cent in FY 2024-25 as compared to the growth rate of 8.2 per cent in Provisional Estimate (PE) of GDP for FY 2023-24,” NSO said.
Nominal GDP is likely to grow at 9.7 per cent in 2024-25 against 9.6 per cent in 2023-24.
According to the data, nominal GDP (GDP at current prices) is estimated to attain a level of Rs 324.11 lakh crore in 2024-25 compared to Rs 295.36 lakh crore in 2023-24, showing a growth rate of 9.7 per cent.
The size of the economy, as per the current estimates, is USD 3.8 trillion (@Rs 85.7/USD) during 2024-25.
Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, Icra opined that while the NSO’s implicit H2 FY2025 projections seem reasonable, some of the sectoral numbers could report higher growth prints.
“In our view, the GDP growth in FY2026 will be crucially influenced by global uncertainties as well as domestic uncertainties, amidst considerable base effects. Benefitting from an anticipated capex push in the upcoming Budget, we project the GDP growth at 6.5 per cent in FY2026,” she said.
Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, Crisil, said the decline in government capital expenditure, a key driver of post-pandemic recovery, during the second quarter is unlikely to be compensated for in the rest of the fiscal.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/indias-gdp-growth-likely-to-hit-4-year-low-at-6-4-in-fy25-says-govt-data-what-it-means-for-the-economy-article-117041178

The government has decided to set up a memorial for former president Pranab Mukherjee at the ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ area complex. Mukherjee died on August 31, 2020.Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former president, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and thanked him for honouring her father.

“The Competent Authority has approved the earmarking of a designated site within the ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ complex (a part of the Rajghat precinct) for erecting a Samadhi of Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India,” the government said in a letter to Sharmistha Mukherjee informing her of the decision.

After receiving the letter, Sharmistha Mukherjee sought an appointment with the prime minister to thank him for the honour.Mukherjee told PTI that she was happy that the government had recognised the contribution of her late father and former president towards the nation.

“Called on Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji to express thanks and gratitude from core of my heart for his government’s decision to create a memorial for baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it.”Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM,” Sharmistha Mukherjee said in a post on X, while sharing her pictures of the meeting with the prime minister.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/modi-govt-to-build-samadhi-for-pranab-mukherjee-at-rashtriya-smriti-amid-manmohan-singh-memorial-demands

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and held discussions on a wide range of topics, including technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Following the meeting in the national capital, Nadella took to X to thank the Indian leader for his leadership and support.

“Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji for your leadership. Excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first and work together on our continued expansion in the country to ensure every Indian benefits from this AI platform shift,” he said, sharing a photograph of the meeting.

PM Modi also replied to Nadella’s post, highlighting the importance of their discussions and welcoming Microsoft’s ambitious plans for India. “It was indeed a delight to meet you, @satyanadella! Glad to know about Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. It was also wonderful discussing various aspects of tech, innovation and AI in our meeting,” he said on X.

The meeting highlighted Microsoft’s growing engagement with India and its commitment to advancing AI-driven solutions in the country.

Earlier last month, the tech giant CEO met Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad.

Reddy had sought the IT major’s support to develop a strong ecosystem so that Hyderabad is recognised as a leading city in the world in the technology domain.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-meets-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-discusses-ai-and-innovation-9180056.html

A 66-year-old father, the adoptive parent of a 27-year-old woman with below-average intelligence, has approached the Bombay High Court seeking approval for medical termination of her pregnancy.

The woman, who is over 20 weeks pregnant, has refused to consent to the procedure and is not willing to disclose the identity of the father of the child prompting him to approach the court.

The Bench consisting of Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice Rajesh S Patil criticized the parents for allowing the woman to be out late at night.

“What kind of parenting is this?” the Court questioned.

It eventually referred the case to the medical board at JJ Hospital for evaluation of the fetus.

Although the case was initially adjourned for January 6, the medical board requested more time for its assessment, prompting the Court to postpone the matter to January 8.

The petitioner, who adopted the woman in 1998 when she was just six months old, explained that medical reports over the years indicated that she has below-average intelligence.

He further claimed that the woman has several other mental disorders including border line personality disorders and depression. She is not only violent but is also in need of constant medication, it was contended.

He also claimed that she had been sexually active since the age of 13 or 14 and often ventures out at night without informing him only to return in the morning.

As per the plea, he learned of his daughter’s pregnancy only on November 26 when she was taken to a hospital for a routine check-up.

The father argued that due to his financial situation and old age, he is unable to support a child financially.

He also pointed out that his daughter, who is also unemployed, is incapable of caring for a newborn. Additionally, the father described her as not only intellectually disabled but also violent, requiring treatment for behavioral issues.

According to him, she is physically and mentally unfit to endure a pregnancy and he believes that terminating it would be in her best interest.

In addition to seeking permission for the medical termination of pregnancy, the petitioner also called for an investigation by the police into the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy.

The Bench was not impressed and criticised the petitioner for lax parenting and reminded the parents that they chose to adopt the woman and could not abdicate their responsibility simply because she was violent and uncooperative.

“You chose to be her parent,” the court stated.

The Court also rebuked the parents for not lodging a first information report (FIR) with the police despite knowing that their daughter is a special child.

When the petitioner explained that they had not filed an FIR due to the lack of consent from the daughter, the Court clarified that the consent of the woman was immaterial in filing an FIR since anyone can act as an informant.

Further, the Court addressed the father’s claim of financial constraints as a reason for seeking the medical termination of pregnancy.

“Not having money is no ground for termination of pregnancy,” the Court made it clear.

It also remarked that old age should not be considered a valid reason to terminate a pregnancy.

“If we all start thinking of old age, no one will give birth to any child,” the Court said.

On the other hand, the Additional Public Prosecutor, representing the State, argued that the woman is not intellectually disabled. She pointed out that the woman had completed her 12th grade at a regular school and had not consented to the termination procedure.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/man-moves-bombay-high-court-termination-pregnancy-daughter-borderline-intelligence

Amid the surge in China, seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Bengaluru, India. The first reported cases of HMPV in India were an eight-month-old who is recovering in the hospital and a three-month-old who has been discharged. Later, a two-month-old also tested positive in Ahmedabad. Currently, China is witnessing an HMPV outbreak.

While India has confirmed five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat – the government of India and health experts have been emphasisng that there is no need to panic as the it is not a new pathogen, adding that regular flu shots or even the three Covid vaccine doses makes one immune to this infection.

State Advisory Against HMPV

India’s Union health ministry confirmed three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, including infants in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, with no recent travel histories. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, issuing precautionary guidelines similar to Covid-19. Gujarat reassures the public, while Maharashtra emphasizes vigilance and safety measures. Delhi hospitals are alerted for potential respiratory illness increases linked to HMPV.

Symptoms of HMPV

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked the Aam Aadmi Party’s government in Delhi at the BJP’s rally in the national capital’s Rohini, saying ‘AAP-da’ wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi. Referring to water shortages, water-logging and air pollution, PM Modi said that the AAP government turned every season in Delhi into an emergency.

“The entire Delhi is proud of Bharat Mandapam, YashoBhoomi, Kartavya Path…I feel sad that the ‘AAP-da’ people have wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi. There are several places in Delhi where cabs and autos refuse to come because of the long traffic jams…Today, a big newspaper has revealed the expenditure on ‘Sheesh Mahal’ based on a CAG report. When the people of Delhi were fighting with Covid, they were focused on building ‘Sheesh Mahal’. They are not bothered about the people of Delhi,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

“AAPda (calamity) turned every season in Delhi into an emergency, with water shortages, waterlogging, pollution,” he added.

PM Modi further said that AAP doesn’t have a vision for the development of Delhi. He said all development works in the national capital were done by the central government

“This ‘AAP-da’ government does not have a vision for the development of the people of Delhi. Even today, all the development works in Delhi are done by the central government. Delhi Metro has reached every corner of Delhi, this work has been done by the BJP. This Namo train service, highways, flyovers, everything is done by the Central government. Under PM Awas Yojana, the central government gives money to the poor to build houses,” he added.

PM Modi appealed to the people of Delhi to elect BJP in the upcoming assembly election.

“I want to appeal to the people of Delhi to give an opportunity to the BJP for the bright future of Delhi. It is the BJP which can develop Delhi. In the last 10 years, the government that Delhi has seen is no less than ‘AAP-da’. Now, we can only hear ‘AAP-da nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge’ in Delhi. Delhi wants development and the people of Delhi have trust in the BJP,” he added.

Earlier this week, reacting to PM’s ‘AAP-da’ attack, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said that the Aam Aadmi Party did several things in the last 10 years, whereas the BJP-led central government “did not do anything that PM Modi could mention in his speech”.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aapda-wasted-delhis-10-years-turned-every-season-into-emergency-pm-modi-101736067465424.html

Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik (Retd) shared his experiences with Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) over Indian soil, emphasising that many of these sightings are illusions rather than extraterrestrial encounters. He explained that atmospheric conditions, such as diffraction and refraction, can cause distant events to appear on radar as if they are happening locally.
He recalled an incident 14-15 years ago where a missile was fired at what was later identified as an illusion. Patnaik firmly ruled out the possibility of UFOs, offering a scientific explanation for the phenomena.
In an exclusive conversation with ANI’s Smita Prakash, he revealed, “There have been sightings from New Jersey to California,” noting that such phenomena are not limited to a single region.

He elaborated on his personal experience in the Bhuj area, where he described the occurrences as “an illusion which appears near real,” giving his assessment based on his firsthand knowledge.

When probed about a past incident, Patnaik recalled, “14-15 years back, we actually fired a missile…” but when asked what it was, he said. “It was an illusion.”
When asked, “You’re sure it wasn’t a UFO?”, he said, “No, 100%,” ruling out the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement.
Explaining his perspective on the phenomena, Patnaik suggested that atmospheric conditions play a crucial role in creating such illusions.
“Atmospheric diffraction, refraction, whatever happens, something which is happening thousands of miles away, gets reflected here and gets picked up by the radars also,” he explained, offering a scientific explanation for what may seem like unexplained aerial events.

A Board of Inquiry has been initiated following the crash of an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv in Porbandar, Gujarat, which claimed the lives of three crew members, including two pilots and an aircrew member.
The incident occurred at around 12:15 PM on Sunday when the ICG ALH MK-III helicopter, on a routine training sortie, crashed while landing at Porbandar airport.
“ICG ALH MK-III helicopter CG 859 met with a mishap at Porbandar Airport Runway at about 1215 hrs on January 5. The ICG helicopter had 2 Pilots and 1 Air Crew Diver at the time of the incident and was on a routine training sortie,” the ICG said in a statement.

Soon after the crash, the crew members were promptly recovered and rushed to the Government Hospital in Porbandar, where they were declared dead.

A deadly strain of avian flu, H5N1, has claimed the lives of three tigers and a leopard at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur. The animals, rescued from Chandrapur in December, have become the first wildlife casualties of this virus in India. In response to the outbreak, authorities in Maharashtra have issued a red alert for all zoos in the state, suspended animal transfers, and enhanced biosecurity measures.
Testing by the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) confirmed the presence of the virus in the deceased animals. This incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and protective measures against H5N1 in wildlife.

A circular issued by the Union Ministry on January 3 has further emphasised the seriousness of the situation. All zoos and wildlife rescue centers across India have been placed on high alert, with continuous monitoring to identify and isolate any affected animals. Efforts are being made to quarantine infected wildlife and relocate them to specialised centers to prevent further spread.

The virus, which has impacted hundreds of species globally, continues to pose a significant threat. Despite proactive measures being taken, it is unfortunate that three tigers and one leopard have already succumbed to the disease.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-zoosonhighalert-wildlife-at-risk-as-3-tigers-1-leopard-die-in-nagpurduetobirdflu-avian-influenza-h5n1-article-116980780

The Ramgopalpet Police Station in Hyderabad has issued a notice to popular actor Allu Arjun, advising him not to visit KIMS Hospital at Secundarabad to see the boy who was injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre.

“In view of the heightened public interest in this matter, and to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital’s operations and other patients, we recommend you to reconsider this public visit,” reads a notice issued by the Station House Officer, Ramgopalpet Police Station.

The actor apparently dropped his plans to visit the hospital on Sunday morning after receipt of the notice.

Allu Arjun reportedly planned to visit the hospital after his appearance at Chikkadpally Police Station on Sunday as per the conditions laid down by a city court while granting him regular bail.

The notice further states that if the actor still intends to visit the hospital, his management should coordinate with hospital authorities and police to plan his entry and exist in such a way that minimises inconvenience to the hospital inmates and the general public.

Allu Arjun was also advised to maintain his confidentiality to prevent any gathering of the public/media at the premises which could disturb the peaceful environs of the hospital.

The actor was warned that in case of lack of cooperation from his side, he would be held solely responsible for any negative consequences of his visit to the hospital.

Eight-year-old Sri Tej, who was injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premier show of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ on December 4, is still undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital.

Sri Tej’s mother, Revathi, was killed in the stampede, which triggered a huge row with the police booking the actor, his team and theatre management for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The police had claimed that Allu Arjun visited the theatre without permission and conducted a ‘roadshow’ which led to the tragedy.

The actor also came under criticism from various quarters for not consoling the family of the the person who died or visiting the injured boy at the hospital.

The actor’s father and producer Allu Arvind visited the hospital twice. During his last visit on December 25, he presented a cheque of Rs 2 crore to the victim’s family.

While Allu Arjun has given Rs 1 crore, Mythri Movies, the producers of the movie, have extended an assistance of Rs 50 lakh. The film’s director, Sukumar, has also given Rs 50 lakh to the family.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/police-notice-to-actor-allu-arjun-on-proposed-visit-to-hospital-7405602

The man accused of plotting the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was found in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh last week, was arrested in Hyderabad on Sunday night. Suresh Chandrakar, a distant relative of the journalist and a contractor, is believed to be the mastermind behind the murder. He had been missing since the murder came to light.

According to the police, Suresh Chandrakar was hiding at his driver’s home in Hyderabad. To track him, the police reviewed footage from 200 CCTVs and traced nearly 300 mobile numbers.

The police are currently questioning him, officials said.

Earlier, four bank accounts linked to Suresh Chandrakar were frozen and an illegally constructed yard owned by him was demolished.

Suresh Chandrakar’s wife has also been taken into custody in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district and is being interrogated, officials added.

Mukesh Chandrakar’s body was found in a septic tank in a shed owned by a contractor in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar last week. The independent journalist, who was also a contributing reporter for NDTV, was last seen leaving his home in Bijapur on New Year’s Day. When he did not return, the journalist’s brother, Yukesh, filed a missing complaint the next day.

After beginning an investigation, police found the 32-year-old’s body, not very far from his home.

According to a post mortem report, Mukesh Chandrakar was attacked with a heavy object and suffered severe injuries to his head, chest, back, and stomach. His body was identified through a tattoo on his hand.

Three PERSONS, including two of Chandrakar’s relatives, have been arrested in the case. While his cousin, Ritesh Chandrakar, was arrested from Raipur airport on Saturday, Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor, and Dinesh Chandrakar, another relative of the victim, were taken into custody from Bijapur.

How was Mukesh Chandrakar murdered?

Preliminary investigation revealed that the journalist’s cousin Ritesh and the supervisor Mahendra attacked Chandrakar with an iron rod, killing him on the spot, after an argument broke out between them during dinner. The duo then hid the body in a septic tank and sealed it with cement to conceal the crime. They also disposed of Chandrakar’s phone and the iron rod with which they killed him.

While Dinesh Chandrakar allegedly supervised the cementing of the tank, Suresh Chandrakar was believed to BE the person who came up with the plan.

Condolences pour in

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma called Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder “terrible, painful, and utterly wrong”. He also assured strong action.

The Press Association and the Editors Guild of India condemned the incident and urged the Chhattisgarh government to take steps to protect journalists, particularly those involved in field reporting and investigative journalism.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mukesh-chandrakar-suresh-chandrakar-key-accused-in-chhattisgarhs-journalist-murder-case-arrested-from-hyderabad-7408822

Vinay Hiremath, the co-founder of Loom, sold his startup to Atlassian for $975 million in 2023. Since then, he has found himself grappling with a lack of purpose. In a blog titled “I Am Rich and Have No Idea What to Do With My Life,” he shared his struggles, including declining a $60 million role, ending a relationship, and failed ventures in robotics and government reform.

Now 33, Mr Hiremath is in Hawaii studying Physics, aiming to build a new company. He admits his next venture doesn’t need to match Loom’s success but hopes it is fulfilling.

Who is Vinay Hiremath?

Born in 1991, Vinay Hiremath dropped out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign two years into the course. He transitioned from a small college town in Illinois to Palo Alto, California, to pursue his passion for startups.

His first significant role was as a Software Engineer at Backplane, a well-funded Silicon Valley startup that focused on creating online communities. At Backplane, Mr Hiremath met Shahed Khan, an intern who later became his co-founder at Loom.

Vinay Hiremath has funded startups, including Enterpret Company.

He co-founded Loom with Shahed Khan and Joe Thomas in the early 2010s. Loom is a video-sharing platform that enables users to create and share short-form videos. It currently serves over 14 million users and 2 lakh businesses, according to Forbes.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/indians-abroad/vinay-hiremath-indian-origin-entrepreneur-who-sold-975-million-firm-7409023

An investigation was started after a drone was spotted over the revered Jagannath temple in Puri in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

The drone was spotted over the temple around 4:10 am and it kept hovering for nearly half an hour, raising security concerns as the area is a no-flying zone.

Different teams have been formed to investigate the incident, a police officer said.

Expressing concern, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said, “Flying a drone over the temple is illegal and not acceptable. Strong legal action would be taken against the person who breached the security.” “The Puri SP has formed teams and started an investigation into the incident. I hope that the person concerned will be identified and the drone will be seized,” he added.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/drone-spotted-over-jagannath-temple-in-puri-triggers-security-concerns-probe-on-7404794

A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death by his colleague following a dispute over the quality of work, police said on Sunday.

The accused, Arjun Shavtal (22), a native of Assam, was arrested and the knife used in the crime was recovered, they said.

Police said they received information on Saturday evening that a man was stabbed to death at Hello Guest House in Sector 53. A police team rushed to the spot and dog squad and forensic experts inspected the scene.

The victim, Dalip Kumar hailing from Bihar was working as a housekeeping staff at the guest house, a police officer said.

An FIR was registered based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s brother following which the accused was arrested on Sunday, he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/haryana/gurugram-man-kills-26-year-old-colleague-over-quality-of-work-3342328

India reported the first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after eight-month-old baby tested positive in Bengaluru, claimed reports. The child is undergoing treatment and a private hospital and does not have any travel history, reported News18.

The state health department reportedly confirmed the case. As per the New18 report, the health department said that the tests of the baby turned out to be positive.

China is witnessing a surge in the HMPV virus triggering panic among the citizens. Several videos have emerged on social media claiming that hospitals are full of patients suffering for various virus, including influenza, COVID-19, HMPV and Mycoplasma pneumonia. China is downplaying concerns over the increase in HMPV cases. Beijing called it “annual seasonal reoccurrence”.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry.

The government said it is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China, reported IANS.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/breaking-first-hmpv-case-reported-in-india-after-8-month-old-baby-tests-positive-in-bengaluru-claim-reports

During the day, he works as a recruiter at a private company in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida. At night he turns into a US-based model on a soul-searching trip to India. His day job offered him security, and his nocturnal activities brought in the money through manipulation and blackmail. Tushar Singh Bisht, 23, was arrested from the Shakarpur area of East Delhi on Friday for defrauding over 700 women by posing as a model on dating platforms.

A resident of Delhi, Tushar has a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA). For the past three years, he had been employed as a technical recruiter at a private company in Noida.

His father works as a driver, his mother is a homemaker, and his sister is employed in Gurugram. Tushar, despite holding on to a stable job, descended into the world of cybercrime, largely motivated by greed and lust for women.

Modus Operandi

Using a virtual international mobile number procured through an app, Tushar created fake profiles on popular dating and social media platforms such as Bumble and Snapchat. He posed as a US-based freelance model visiting India, using a fabricated persona with photos and stories stolen from an actual Brazilian model. His targets were primarily women aged 18-30, whom he befriended through these platforms.

Once he gained their trust, Tushar would request their phone numbers and intimate photos or videos under the guise of friendship. Unbeknownst to his victims, he saved the visuals on his phone. Initially, these activities were conducted for personal amusement, but over time, they evolved into a systematic scheme of extortion, police said.

According to the police, Tushar used these visuals to blackmail women into giving him money. If a victim refused his demands for money, he would threaten to upload their explicit content online or sell it on the dark web.

The Victims

According to police findings, Tushar engaged with more than 500 women on Bumble and over 200 on Snapchat and WhatsApp. He accumulated a trove of intimate content, which he used to blackmail his victims. One such case came to light when a second-year Delhi University student filed a complaint with the Cyber Police Station on December 13, 2024. Her ordeal began in January of the same year when she connected with Tushar on Bumble. He introduced himself as a US-based model and initiated a friendship that later transitioned to private chats on WhatsApp and Snapchat.

During their exchanges, the victim shared personal photos and videos with him. When she requested to meet in person, he consistently avoided her under various pretexts. Soon after, he sent her one of her private videos and demanded money, threatening to leak or sell the material if she did not comply. Initially, the student succumbed to the pressure, paying a small amount while explaining her financial constraints as a student. However, Tushar’s incessant demands pushed her to confide in her family and lodge a formal complaint.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/500-on-bumble-200-on-snapchat-delhi-man-scams-700-women-as-us-model-7396611

There seems to be trouble in Yuzvendra Chahal’s paradise, with rumours of his split with his wife Dhanashree Verma intensifying. Chahal removed all pictures with Dhanashree from social media, prompting rumours of divorce between the husband and wife. However, Dhanashree continues to keep Chahal’s pictures on social media, leaving their fans wondering. However, on Saturday night, Chahal posted a cryptic story on Instagram, triggering chatter around the topic again. While the cricketer didn’t speak directly about his strained relationship with Dhanashree, one can read between the lines.

“Hard work spotlights the character of people. You know your journey. You know your pain. You know what all you have done to reach here. The world knows. You stand tall. You have worked with all your sweat to make your father and your mother proud. Keep standing tall like a proud son always,” Chahal’s Instagram story read.

There were rumours about the possible divorce of the couple on Saturday as both unfollowed each other on social media. Some reports quoted people close to them as claiming that ‘divorce is inevitable’ because of irrevocable differences.

Chahal got engaged to Dhanashree, a YouTuber, dance choreographer, and dentist who has participated in the reality show Jhalak Dheekha Ja, on August 8, 2020, and married her in a private ceremony on December 22, 2020, in Gurgaon.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/yuzvendra-chahals-cryptic-post-amid-divorce-rumours-with-wife-dhanashree-verma-7402295

The District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad has issued a notice to singer Chris Martin and the organisers of the Coldplay concert, instructing them not to use children in any form on stage during the concert scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26.

The organisers have also been directed to ensure that no children are allowed to enter the concert venue without earplugs or hearing protection.

The Unit has highlighted that sound levels exceeding 120 decibels during the concert could pose significant risks to children’s health.

Failure to comply with these directives will result in strict action by the District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad

The notice was issued in response to a complaint filed by Pandit Rao Dharnevar, Assistant Professor of Sociology in Chandigarh.

Speaking to ANI, Dharnevar stated that involving children in concerts featuring loud sounds and bright lights can harm their physical health and mental development. He further emphasized his commitment to taking similar steps in the future to safeguard children’s rights.

Earlier, Pandit Rao Dharnevar had also filed a complaint against Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana.

This complaint led the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, to issue a formal notice to Ludhiana’s District Commissioner, urging them to prevent the singer from performing certain songs during his live show on December 31, 2024.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coldplay-chris-martin-issued-notice-ahead-of-ahmedabad-concert-dont-use-7402564

Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla is witnessing a rare and age-old religious tradition that is believed to bring together the deities of the Spail Valley, showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. The four-day event was marked by a unique ‘rope-sliding tradition’ on Saturday in which a ‘jedi’ (a man belonging to the Beda caste) slid through a rope for at least one kilometer from one hill to the other.

A video of the event shows the 65-year-old man, Surat Ram, performing the ritual by sitting on a wooden raft and then sliding down the rope through what is called the “valley of death”. Shortly before he reached the other side of the hill, a rope that was attached to the man from one end, fell from the hands of people holding it on the other side. However, they got a hold of it immediately.

The rope (known as ‘munji’ – a sacred rope) was made adhering to strict rituals of celibacy and silence. It was also soaked in oil for the sliding to be smooth. According to Surat Ram, it took two and a half months for him to prepare the rope. He was assisted by four other people, he told news agency IANS.

Thousands of people had gathered in Dalgaon, a remote village in the Rohru sub-division of Shimla, to witness the tradition. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu also reportedly attended it.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/man-slides-across-himachal-valley-on-rope-as-ritual-returns-after-40-years-7402265

A class 5 student was kidnapped and raped by a 16-year-old boy she met on Instagram in Gujarat. The 10-year-old girl went missing from her home in Dhansura village in Aravalli district on Tuesday after which her parents filed a kidnapping case.

Police traced the minors the next day with the help of human intelligence and technical sources.

“When we interrogated the parents, we found the girl was using Instagram on her mother’s smartphone. She came in contact with a 16-year-old boy on the social media platform. They used to chat on the app and also talk over the phone frequently. The boy kidnapped her, took her to his home and raped her,” said police.

The survivor and her sister, also a minor, were using the popular social media application on the phones of their parents. They had created seven Instagram accounts but only two of them were active, the police said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/10-year-old-kidnapped-raped-by-16-year-old-instagram-friend-in-gujarat-7399961

A blanket of fog continued to cover parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) this morning, reducing visibility and affecting flight and train operations for the third straight day.

Over 160 flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were hit, with more than 155 delays reported for aircraft not equipped with advanced CAT III navigation systems. At least eight flights have been cancelled so far, officials said.

General visibility at the airport was zero at 7:30 am.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), in an update issued around 7 am, reassured travellers that landings and takeoffs were ongoing, but cautioned that non-CAT III-compliant flights might face delays.

Over 50 trains have been delayed across the national capital by an average of four to six hours due to near-zero visibility. The Railways have urged the passengers to travel only after checking the status of their train.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for dense fog during the morning hours, warning of reduced visibility across the city.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/dense-fog-continues-to-blanket-delhi-ncr-disrupts-flight-train-ops-7402461#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll