Month: January 2025

The Peshwai of the Anand Akhada has arrived in Prayagraj on Monday as the nation prepares itself for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which is scheduled to begin on January 13.

The Anand Akhada camp began its journey from the Anand Akhada headquarters in Allahpur in Prayagraj and entered the Mela through Daraganj.

Anand Akhada worships Suryanarayana, the Sun God, as their presiding deity. The Akhada is also known for setting up educational institutions that teach Hindu scriptures, yoga, meditation, and martial arts.

Anand Akhada Acharya Mandleswar Balkanand Ji Maharaj announced that saints from around the world associated with Anand Akhada would settle in the Mela tents starting Monday and further mentioned that the Sun God, revered by the Akhada, would provide energy and spiritual growth to everyone at the Mela.

“Every seer of Anand Akhada from around the world will settle in the Mela tents from today… Our deity, the Sun God, will also be embarking on providing energy and spiritual growth to everyone in the Mela,” he said.

An atmosphere of spiritual fervour and devotion has filled the air in Prayagraj as the much-awaited Maha Kumbh Mela draws near. Seers from several major akhadas have already arrived at the campsite, including Niranjani Akhada, Ahwan Akhada, Atal Akhara, Mahanirvani Akhara, Niranjani Akhada, and Juna Akhada, the largest akhada in the Sanyasi tradition.

The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police have heightened security measures for a safe and grand Maha Kumbh celebration in 2025. As part of these security measures, personnel are checking all vehicles and identity cards of individuals entering the area. A bomb squad has also been stationed nearby for any eventualities.

Speaking to ANI, Jagdish Kaliraman, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Parade Area Kumbh, said that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and state police are doing daily drills to ensure the safety of people.

“Our random checks are ongoing. From a security standpoint, we conduct daily drills as instructed by senior officers. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and state police are all collaborating on this effort. When anyone enters, we ask for their identification and enquire about where they are coming from and where they will be staying. If any individual appears suspicious, we record their details and verify them with police officials of the state they are from to ensure that they have no criminal record.”

“Additionally, under the Parade police station, we are checking tents, shelters, and slum areas to verify the backgrounds of the residents and their living situations,” ACP Kaliraman said.

Uttar Pradesh police have also deployed thousands of AI-powered CCTVs, underwater drones, and state-of-the-art facilities for visitors and devotees.

The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

On Sunday, police and paramilitary forces conducted security checks and area domination patrolling to ensure security preparedness in the mela area.

Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed 40 electric buses for devotees, with 30 more buses expected from Lucknow to ensure seamless transportation across various routes. (ANI)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.

Ministry of Health in a release has stated that these cases were detected as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India.

The ICMR emphasized that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment.

The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia.

This infant is currently recovering and is in stable condition. Neither of the infants had any history of international travel, suggesting that the cases are local and not connected to outbreaks outside the country.

The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation through all available surveillance channels. Additionally, the ICMR will keep track of HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform public health measures.

Meanwhile, Following the recent reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on advised the elderly and pregnant women to wear masks, adding there is no need to panic as of now.

“We should all pay attention to some things in the context of the news that there is a major outbreak of viral fever and pneumonia in China. There are no reports of any viruses that are likely to become a pandemic or spread very quickly to other areas in China at this time,” George said.

She further said that since Malayalis are in all parts of the world, and expatriates from many parts of the world, including China, are coming to our country, we should be “cautious.”

“According to the available information, three types of viruses can be the cause of the frightening respiratory infections in China. They are Human Metanpneumovirus (HMPV), some variants of Covid 19, and Influenza A virus infections. There are no reports of any of these having genetic mutations that could lead to a pandemic. However, as mentioned earlier, we should be cautious,” she added.

The Health Minister said that infections, including human metapneumonia virus, are more likely to affect children and the elderly, so they, as well as those with other serious illnesses and people receiving palliative care, should be more cautious.

“Children should not be sent to school during illness. Those with respiratory symptoms should definitely use masks. There is currently no cause for concern. We are monitoring the situation in China,” she said.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. (ANI)

Police have arrested the main suspect in journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder case. The suspect had been on the run since the crime and has now been detained, an official said.

According to the Bastar Police, the accused identified as Suresh Chandrakar, was apprehended in Hyderabad on Sunday night by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Authorities are currently questioning him.

Mukesh Chandrakar was brutally murdered, and his body was found in a septic tank on the property of private contractor Suresh Chandrakar. Police have already arrested three individuals–Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Mahendra–in connection with the murder.

The search for a Bijapur-based journalist, who had been missing since January 1, ended tragically when his body was found in a septic tank on the premises of a private contractor in the district on Friday.

Mukesh Chandrakar was one of the interlocutors who played a key role in the release of a CRPF constable abducted by Naxals after an encounter in Bijapur in 2021. He was actively covering Naxal attacks, encounters, and other issues in Bastar.

Recently, Chandrakar had done a story on the alleged corruption in road construction.

An 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to catch Suresh Chandrakar who is accused in the murder of Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar.

Speaking to ANI, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was reporting on efforts to establish peace and combat naxalism in Bastar.

“Mukesh Chandrakar was covering the areas of inner Bastar, Bastar Junction, for establishing peace in Bastar, for ending the naxalism from Bastar. This murder happened through the conspiracy of Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar, the police immediately took action and registered an FIR. An 11-member SIT has been formed,” Chhattisgarh DyCM said. (ANI)

The inclement weather and cold wave conditions gripped the national capital in the early hours of Monday accompanied by a temperature dip and chilly winds.

As per the data of the India Meteorological Department, Delhi recorded 11.4 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am on Monday.

The MeT Department has predicted the minimum temperature for the day is 11 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 18 degrees Celsius.

However, the IMD also predicted a “generally cloudy sky with light rain” for the city on Monday.

As the inclement weather conditions persisted, many homeless people turned themselves to take refuge in night shelters.

Amid the plummeting temperature, a night shelter in Yamuna Bazar, near Kashmere Gate and near AIIMS was seen with all its beds occupied.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has also set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas of the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover.

In response to the chilly weather, residents of the capital were seen gathering around bonfires, while others took shelter in night homes as temperatures continued to drop.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, people take refuge in night shelter homes as the temperature falls and a dense layer of fog engulfs the city.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital continued in the ‘very poor’ category as the AQI stood at 316 at 6 am in the morning, as per the data of the Central Pollution Control Board.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good,’ 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101 and 200 ‘moderate,’ 201 and 300 ‘poor,’ 301 and 400 ‘very poor,’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe.’

On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the Stage-III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a significant improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

Stage-I and Stage-II measures, however, will remain in effect, officials said on Sunday.

The decision comes after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality data and the IMD/IITM forecasts, noting a downward trend in AQI levels.

Owing to the favourable meteorological conditions and better wind speed, the AQI of Delhi has been continuously improving and has been recorded as 339 at 4:00 PM and 335 at 5:00 PM and the trend/ forecast indicates the AQI levels to further go down_ As per the Air Quality & Weather, forecast provided by IMD/ IITM, there is a further likelihood of AQI of Delhi to remain in ‘Poor’ category in the coming days owing to favourable meteorological conditions, a release said.

The CAQM had on Friday invoked Stage-III curbs under the GRAP across the Delhi-NCR region amid another surge in air pollution levels. Earlier, GRAP Stage-III was lifted on December 27.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution based on the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI). GRAP Stage III entails a ban on nonessential construction work. Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage III. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available. (ANI)

As the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards kicked off the 2025 awards season, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia stole the spotlight with her film, ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ which secured nominations in two major categories: Best Director for Kapadia and Best Motion Picture in a Non-English language.

Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the Golden Globe Awards brought together a dazzling array of stars from both film and television.

The ceremony’s host comedian Nikki Glaser, marked the official start of the year’s prestigious awards season, with Hollywood’s elite, including Angelina Jolie, Ariana Grande, and Colman Domingo, gracing the red carpet.

However, for India, the evening held special importance, as Payal Kapadia’s film, ‘All We Imagine As Light’, earned global recognition with its Golden Globe nominations.

The film is in the running for Best Director, a category where Kapadia faces stiff competition from renowned filmmakers such as Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Sean Baker (Anora), and Edward Berger (Conclave).

The film also competes for Best Motion Picture in a Non-English language, alongside other critically acclaimed films like ‘Emilia Perez’, ‘The Girl with the Needle’, ‘I’m Still Here’, and ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’.

On the red carpet, Payal Kapadia looked radiant in a customized black dress, her hair tied in a messy bun.

The filmmaker posed with pride as she represented India on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards are broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, while in India, the ceremony is available for live streaming via Lionsgate Play starting January 6 at 6:30 AM IST.

Presenters at this year’s Golden Globes include a star-studded lineup of Hollywood royalty, such as Andrew Garfield, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Coolidge, Dwayne Johnson, and Gal Gadot, among others.

The Golden Globe festivities also included a pre-event ceremony known as the Golden Gala, where two iconic awards were presented.

Viola Davis was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her outstanding contributions to the industry, while Ted Danson received the Carol Burnett Award for his remarkable career in television.

The gala was a star-studded affair, with attendees such as Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, and Carol Burnett. (ANI)

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor was detained by the Patna Police in the early hours of Monday. He was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike seeking action against the alleged BPSC exam paper leak.

Additionally, Patna Police has vacated the place at Gandhi Maidan where Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor was sitting on a fast-unto-death with the protestors. Patna Police also conducted the checking of the vehicles leaving from the Gandhi Maidan.

Kishor was observing a fast-unto-death over BPSC irregularities, launched on January 2 in support of the protesting students, who are demanding a cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission exam.

He was taken into an ambulance by the police. Before being detained, the Jan Suraaj chief said that the party would file a petition in the High Court on January 7 over BPSC irregularities.

“It is not a matter of decision for us whether we will continue this (protest) or not. We will continue doing what we are doing now, there will be no change in it…We (Jan Suraaj Party) will file a petition in the High Court on the 7th,” said Prashant Kishor.

Earlier on Sunday, Prashant Kishor sat down with protesting students at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. He also urged the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav to lead the protest as he is a “tall” leader and also the Leader of Opposition (LoP).

Kishor was responding to remarks made by the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister. He stated that Yadav, being the LoP, should have taken the lead in the protest instead of him.

“He (Tejashwi Yadav) is a tall leader. He is also the LoP. He should have led the protests. I have been telling them to lead the protest. We will step aside. He said that he was coming to Gandhi Maidan with five lakh people. Students (and their issues) should be talked about. Politics can happen whenever. We don’t have any party banner here. We care about the agenda of the students,” the Jan Suraaj founder told reporters.

“This is not a dharna. This is the passion of the people of Bihar to better their conditions, to secure a better future. In this cold weather, some are singing and you can see people from across the board sitting here. I am tired of answering accusations. Look around, and spot the vanity van if you can. We will sleep here too,” Kishor said.

On Saturday, Tejashwi Yadav accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the issue of BPSC protest.

Speaking to ANI, he accused the independent movement of students of being politicised and said that these people joining the protest were the B team of the BJP.

“It is being completely politicised. We feel that the people of Bihar will have to recognise these people who are the BJP’s ‘B’ team and are trying to crush this independent movement. This is highly condemnable,” he said.

On the controversy surrounding Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor’s vanity van, Yadav stated, “An attempt was made to end the movement. Actors sit in the vanity van and the producer and the director make them sit, we know who is the producer who the director is, and why the actor was made to sit. Everyone knows.”

The students are calling for the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, conducted by the BPSC on December 13, due to alleged question paper leaks. (ANI)

Superstar Prabhas extended his warm wishes to actress Deepika Padukone as she celebrates her 39th birthday on Sunday. On this occasion, several other celebrities also chimed in to wish the actress ‘Happy Birthday.’

Taking to his Instagram handle, the ‘Baahubali’ actor called Deepika an ever-talented actress and wished her “joy, success and endless happiness”

Prabhas shared a beautiful snap of actress Deepika in which she was seen wearing a stylish dress. He wrote, “Happy birthday to the ever-talented @deepikapadukone ! Wishing you joy, success, and endless happiness.”

The duo were seen together in the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani in the lead roles. The film was a blockbuster at the box office and was one of the highest-grossing Hindi films in 2024

Set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2898 AD where nature has vanished and darkness prevails, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ marks the first instalment in the Kalki Cinematic Universe. The film follows the journey of Bhairava, a bounty hunter, as he navigates this dystopian future.

Meanwhile, actress Rakul Preet Singh also extended her heartfelt birthday wishes to Deepika Padukone. Sharing the ‘Chennai Express’ actress photo on her Instagram stories, Rakul Preet wrote, “Happy Birthday, Deepika! Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, and countless beautiful moments. May this special day bring you all the joy you deserve and may the year ahead be even more amazing than the last.”

On the work front, Deepika was recently seen with her husband Ranveer Singh in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama, ‘Singham Again’, where Deepika plays the fierce Shakti Shetty, aka Lady Singham.

The film also stars a powerhouse ensemble including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and Akshay Kumar.

Her future projects include the Hindi remake of the 2015 Hollywood film The Intern. In the project, she will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Deepika has earlier worked with Big B in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, ‘Piku’ and ‘Aarakshan’ among others. (ANI)

The special arrangements for Maha Kumbh devotees, including a floating self-propelled jetty for VIP bathing experience away from the crowd at Sangam have been set up this time to provide a seamless spiritual experience.

The self-propelled jetty is developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Prof Ranadev Datta of IIT Kharagpur said the government is making special arrangements for devotees at the Maha Kumbh.

“This time on the occasion of Maha Kumbh, the government is going to make some different arrangements for the devotees. If the devotees bathing in Sangam want to take a VIP bath away from the crowd then a floating self-propelled jetty is being constructed for them. Das & Kumar Company of Varanasi has been given the responsibility of building the VVIP jetty. This work is going on at a fast pace in Arail,” he said.

Yash Agarwal, from Varanasi’s Das & Kumar Company, highlighted innovative floating solutions for the Kumbh Mela, featuring comfortable seating, dedicated changing rooms, solar lighting & secure bathing areas, enhancing the overall experience for devotees.

“We specialize in designing floating jetties and pontoons. For the Kumbh Mela, we’ve created a comprehensive floating solution, featuring deep-water barricading, floating jetties, and change room jetties. Our innovative jetty system allows for comfortable seating and travel, providing a unique experience. The floating lounge on the jetty offers ample space for 4-5 people to sit comfortably. Additional amenities include dedicated changing rooms with mirrors, solar lighting for nighttime use, and a secure bathing kund with an enclosed area and safety net, ensuring a worry-free bathing experience,” he said.

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual congregation, is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents.

Rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the event signifies a celestial alignment that creates an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion.

The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

Pilgrims flock to the Sangam–the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct) rivers–to take the holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The Mahakumbh Mela is expected to host over 45 Crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India. (ANI)

A Board of Inquiry has been launched after an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed in Gujarat’s Porbandar, resulting in the deaths of three crew members, including two pilots and one aircrew member.

According to officials, 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.

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

The deceased have been identified as Commandant (JG) Saurabh, TM, Deputy Commandant SK Yadav, and Manoj Pradhan, Navik.

“The reasons leading to the incident are being investigated by a Board of Inquiry,” the ICG said.

The mortal remains of the crew who laid down their lives in the line of service to the nation will be cremated as per service traditions and honour.

Porbandar Superintendent of Police, Bhagirath Singh Jadeja, said that there were three crew members on board the helicopter who were rescued and rushed to a hospital.

“Unfortunately, three crew members lost their lives in the accident. Police and Coast Guard are investigating the incident,” the SP Jadeja told ANI. (ANI)