Month: January 2025

Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that the priority of his party in the next five years will be to eliminate unemployment and for this, his entire team is focused.

Addressing a public rally in New Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area in support of AAP Candidate Mukesh Goel, Kejriwal said, “In the next five years, our priority will be how to eliminate unemployment. My entire team is focused on this. My team consists of very good and educated people–Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendra Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chadha–but their (BJP) team is made up of uneducated people.”

He emphasized that with the public support, they have done a lot of work in Delhi.

“The biggest being that Delhi now gets 24-hour electricity. But the BJP has governments in 24 states, and none of them provide 24-hour electricity. As soon as you press the button with the lotus symbol, your electricity will be cut off,” Kejriwal said.

Slamming the BJP, the AAP Chief claimed that if the people press the “lotus” button, the schools will fall apart.

“They (BJP) are saying that they will also shut down Mohalla Clinics. If it were up to them, they would poison the poor,” he said.

“If their government comes, inflation will be so high that living in Delhi will become impossible. If our government is formed, the first thing we will do is give Rs 2,100 to all the women in Delhi. We will provide free healthcare for the elderly, make bus travel free for students, and offer 50 per cent fare on the metro. We will bring a plan for free electricity and water for tenants,” Kejriwal added.

Sharpening his attacks further, Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of not building a single hospital, college or road in Delhi despite having a half government.

“They haven’t done any work. Their only focus was law and order, but they failed at that too. Today, Delhi is in the hands of eleven gangsters. Where is Amit Shah? Women are afraid to step out of their homes. All they do is abuse Kejriwal. The entire BJP, including Pravesh Verma, abuses me, calling me a Pakistani agent, a magician, a sample of something,” he said.

“Last time, we lost eight seats, including Gandhi Nagar and Vishwas Nagar. Yesterday, I visited there and it was heart-breaking. The roads were broken, and there were no Mohalla Clinics. The local MLAs fought with me and didn’t do any work. People are saying this time our government will form, and some seats might shift here and there. But if by mistake, the BJP wins anywhere this time, it will be difficult for you to stay there,” Kejriwal added. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital. The actor was admitted to the hospital following a stabbing attack at his Bandra residence last week.

As Saif reached his Bandra residence he waved to the media. The ‘Hun Tum’ actor looked healthy as he greeted the paps with a smile. Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor were spotted at the residence.

Security has been tightened at his Bandra residence and CCTV cameras have been installed

The actor suffered stab wounds to his thoracic spine when an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered his home with the alleged intent of theft last week.

Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries.

The auto-rickshaw driver, who rushed the actor to the hospital, had shared details of what happened and how he stepped in to help.

Speaking to ANI, the driver said he saw a woman trying to hire an auto-rickshaw at 2 am on Thursday.

“I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 a.m. when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto, but nobody stopped. I also heard calls for a rickshaw from inside the gate. I took a U-turn and stopped my vehicle near the gate. A man covered in blood came out, along with 2-4 others. They put him in the auto and decided to go to Lilavati Hospital. I dropped them there, and later I came to know that he was Saif Ali Khan. I saw him bleeding from his neck and back,” Rana had told ANI.

Police formed teams to probe the crime and a case was registered under various sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The accused was apprehended at Hiranandani Estate in Thane while attempting to flee to his native village. The police said he hails from the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh.

Saif underwent surgery to treat serious injuries, including the removal of a 2.5-inch-long blade.

The accused was taken to different locations by the Mumbai police as part of the investigation to recreate the crime scene.

Kareena Kapoor Khan had recorded her statement with Bandra Police, regarding the attack on her husband.

The statement was recorded on Friday evening at her residence in the presence of police officers.

She also took to her Instagram to share a statement, revealing that the day has been “incredibly challenging” for the family. The actress also thanked everyone for their support while also requesting privacy during this “difficult time”.

“It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage,” read the statement shared by the ‘Jab We Met’ actress.

“While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time,” the statement added. (ANI)

At least 66 people were killed and 51 others were injured in a massive fire that broke out at a hotel in northern Turkey on Tuesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing local authorities.

According to AA, the fire broke out at around 00:27 GMT in the restaurant area of the hotel, which quickly engulfed the building, as per Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin.

AA reported that emergency teams from neighboring cities, including firefighters, disaster response units, and medical teams supported by helicopters, were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities evacuated around 230 guests from the hotel as firefighting efforts continued. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said a judicial investigation was initiated by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, with six public prosecutors assigned and a five-person expert committee formed, AA noted.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had been monitoring the incident closely via relevant institutions since the moment the fire started. “I wish Allah’s mercy to our citizens who lost their lives … and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded,” he said in a post on X.

As per AA, Kartalkaya in the province of Bolu is one of Turkey’s leading winter tourism destinations that attracts thousands of visitors during the ski season. The resort is located around 295 kilometers east of Istanbul.

The resort is a popular destination for holidaymakers during the winter, particularly during school holidays, which begin in January and end in the first week of February, the report said.

Governor Abdulaziz Aydin stated that there were around 234 guests staying at the hotel, CNN reported, citing Anadolu Agency. Aydin mentioned that two of the victims died after jumping out of the building “in panic.”

Several videos, some posted on social media platforms and others broadcast by Turkish TV channels, showed flames coming out of the top floors of the hotel. In the video, some people tried to use tied bed sheets to escape the blaze. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to carry out huge rallies in Delhi, featuring top leaders including PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Manohar Lal Khattar and Nitin Gadkari.

Chief Minister and leaders of various states will also be joining the campaign ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, including Yogi Adityanath, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Deputy CM Bihar Samrat Choudhary.

PM Modi’s rallies are likely to be held in the last week of January. He is expected to address three to four rallies, a senior party source said.

The BJP is set to launch a series of rallies from January 23 to attract Purvanchali voters, featuring Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as the main face. Adityanath will address 14 rallies in various locations across Delhi, including Kirari, Outer Delhi, Keshav Puram, North West Delhi, Shahdara, Karol Bagh, Najafgarh, Mehrauli, Sahadara, South Delhi, and Mayur Vihar etc.

Other prominent Purvanchali faces, such as Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari, Nirahua, Smrat Choudhary, and Giriraj Singh will also hold rallies in different locations starting January 23. Additionally, the BJP will organise several bike rallies in areas with significant Purvanchali voters.

As part of its outreach efforts, the BJP has already held over 2,500 small meetings and drawing-room gatherings. On Makar Sankranti, the party aimed to hold around 70 “baithaks” (meetings) and has successfully conducted 50 so far. The BJP’s goal is to convince voters about the benefits of a BJP government and the various welfare schemes implemented by the central government.

With approximately 50 per cent of Purvanchali voters residing in Delhi, the BJP is focusing on maximising its votes in the upcoming polls. The party’s campaign may also gain traction among slum area voters who hail from Purvanchal.

Meanwhile, PM Modi will interact with BJP workers through the “Mera booth sabse Majboot” program online on January 21. (ANI)

Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sister Shweta Singh Kirti remembered him on his birth anniversary with an emotional post.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Kirti posted a video compilation of some of the ‘Chhichhore’ actor’s cherished moments. She also added an emotional note to celebrate his legacy.

In her note, Kirti remembered Sushant not just as an actor but as a “seeker,” a “thinker,” and a soul filled with “boundless curiosity.”

“Your light continues to shine in the hearts of millions. You weren’t just an actor; you were a seeker, a thinker, a soul filled with boundless curiosity and love. From the universe you admired to the dreams you so fearlessly pursued, you taught us all to reach beyond limits, to wonder, to question, and to love deeply,” she wrote.

“Every smile you shared, every dream you spoke of, and every piece of wisdom you left behind is a reminder that your essence is eternal. You are not just a memory–you are an energy, a force that continues to inspire,” Shweta continued.

“Bhai, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Today, we celebrate you–your brilliance, your passion, and your infinite soul,” she added.

Sushant passed away on June 14, 2020. He was found dead in his Bandra residence. He was 34.

Sushant began his career in the entertainment industry with TV shows like Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and went on to receive accolades for his performance in Ekta Kapoor’s Pavitra Rishta.

The actor transitioned to the big screen and was seen in movies like Kai Po Che, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Shuddh Desi Romance, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, Chhichhore, and Dil Bechara, among others.

He gained significant popularity after his biggest success, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. The actor was last seen in director Mukesh Chhabra’s Dil Bechara opposite Sanjana Sanghi, which was the official remake of the novel The Fault in Our Stars. The film was released on OTT. (ANI)

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been conducting its last meeting of field visits on Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow.

All the stakeholders including members of Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards and the Minority Commission participated in the meeting.

Before the meeting, speaking to ANI, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board said that they would put their points in front of the committee and hoped that action would be taken accordingly.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said, ” Today the joint parliamentary committee on Waqf (Amendment) has come to Lucknow. We, members of various Muslim organisations have come here, we will put forward our points and we are confident that our issues will be heard and action will be taken accordingly only.”

Earlier today, before the convention of the meeting, Rajya Sabha MP and JPC member Brij Lal said that this meeting is the last phase of the field visits of the committee, adding that the JPC will take suggestions from all the stakeholders and then the JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal will submit the report to the Parliament.

Brij Lal said, “We have held meetings at a lot of places till now… Many states in the country have been covered. This is the last phase of the field visits. All the stakeholders will participate including the Shia and Sunni Waqf boards and the Minority Commission. We will take their suggestions in this Act… Then JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal will submit his report to the Parliament…”

Earlier, Waqf Amendment Bill JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal expressed confidence in reaching a consensus on the committee’s report, confirming that the report will be presented at the upcoming budget session.

“We are going to present the report in the budget session,” Pal told ANI.

He further said that the JPC has been meeting continuously for the last 6 months, holding meetings across the country.

“The JPC has been meeting continuously for the last 6 months, holding meetings across the country. I am confident that we will all come to a consensus and present our report. Last time we had to present it in the winter session but it was extended, so we are going to present this report in the budget session,” the BJP MP added.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

Notably, the budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the union budget to be presented on February 1.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday while signing a series of executive orders and speaking to the press at the Oval Office said that he was fine with legal immigration.

“I like it,” he said.

He justified the stringent immigration policy, saying that a lot of companies would come to the US to avoid tariffs.

“I’m fine with legal immigration. I like it, we need people and I’m absolutely fine with it. We need it because we’re going to have a lot of companies coming in to avoid tariffs,” he said.

Talking about the normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, he said, “I don’t think I have to push them. I think it’s going to happen, maybe not quite yet, but Saudi Arabia will end up being in the Abraham Accords. Not in a very warm way”.

Abraham Accords are US-brokered agreements signed during Trump’s first term in 2020 that normalized Israel’s relations with several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Saudi Arabia is said to have postponed US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalize ties with Israel, after the eruption of the Gaza war in October 2023. It says it would not recognize Israel without a Palestinian state, as per Anadolu Ajansi.

When asked about his plans to take over Greenland, he said, “Greenland is a wonderful place and we need it for international security. I am sure Denmark will come along since it is costing them a lot of money to keep it. The people of Greenland are not happy with Denmark… Not for us, it is necessary for International security. You have Russian and Chinese boats and warships all over the place”.

Earlier on January 17, amid repeated assertions from Trump over the territory of Greenland, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told him that “only Greenland” should decide on its future, Politico reported.

The two leaders held a phone call on Wednesday, during which Frederiksen reiterated to Trump, Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede’s assertion that “Greenland is not for sale,” a press release from Denmark PM’s office stated. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi, saying that the manifesto released by the ruling party in the centre was “dangerous” for the national capital and country.

“BJP has released two Sankalp Patras so far, both are dangerous for Delhi and the country. We are constantly saying that we have made education free, if they come to power, they will stop free education and free electricity. Four days ago, in the first Sankalp Patra, they said that they will stop mohalla clinics,” Kejriwal said during a presser.

Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister, said that the BJP would stop education in government schools if they are voted to power.

“In today’s Sankalp Patra, they are saying that they will stop education in government schools. They have said that they will give free education only to needy students. I want to warn the people of Delhi that this is a very dangerous party. If you vote for them, your home budget would be so disturbed that you won’t be able to live in Delhi,” he added.

Kejriwal further said that his party’s government has made education free in Delhi with 18 lakh poor children enrolled in schools.

“We have made education free in Delhi. 18 lakh poor children are getting excellent education. They (BJP) will stop free education, medical treatment and electricity if they come to power,” the AAP convener said.

The BJP on Tuesday launched the second set of promises for the February 5 Delhi assembly polls with the launching of ‘Sankalp Patra’ Part 2.BJP Lok Sabha MP Anurag Thakur launched the Sankalp Patra in the presence of other senior BJP leaders from Delhi.

The second manifesto emphasises free education for students in government institutions, and the establishment of a welfare board for auto rickshaw drivers and domestic workers, ensuring life insurance for them. Additionally, the BJP has promised to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged corruption during the AAP’s tenure.

A total of 699 candidates are in the fray for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi in the elections to be held on February 5; counting of votes will take place on February 8.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats respectively out of a total of 70 seats while the BJP got only three and eight seats. (ANI)

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani joined hands with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to serve meals to devotees at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

The collaboration is part of the Mahaprasad Seva initiative, which will run throughout the Mela, till February 26, 2025.

Earlier, Gautam Adani, who arrived at Prayagraj Airport on Tuesday, expressed his enthusiasm about the spiritual gathering, remarking, “I am very, very excited for the Mahakumbh,” highlighting the event’s significance to millions of devotees across the world.

On January 9, the Adani Group and ISKCON announced their partnership to provide free meals to the vast number of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Mahaprasad Seva is expected to feed up to 50 lakh devotees during the Mela. The meals will be prepared in two kitchens, located inside and outside the Mela area, and distributed at 40 different locations throughout the Mela.

To assist the elderly, differently-abled, and mothers with children, special arrangements, including golf carts, have been made.

Adani had praised ISKCON’s dedication to seva, stating, “In the true sense, seva is the highest form of patriotism. Seva is meditation, seva is prayer, and seva is God.”

Reflecting on the partnership, he explained, “We have a wonderful experience and attachment with ISKCON. And even when we are thinking, what we can do from a Kumbh Mela standpoint, and when it was about the Prasadam, then immediately, the first thought was that the institution which can do it in the best manner is ISKCON.”

Guru Prasad Swamiji, known for his dedication to the service of humanity, praised Adani’s humility and selfless contributions.

“The Adani Group has always been a shining example of corporate responsibility and social service. What makes Gautam Adaniji outstanding is his humility – he never waits to be called but moves forward to serve selflessly. We are extremely grateful for his contribution,” Swamiji said, quoting ancient texts that emphasize serving the Supreme.

In addition to the Mahaprasad Seva, the initiative will also distribute five lakh copies of the Geeta Saar to devotees, further enhancing the spiritual experience of the attendees.

With a dedicated team of 2,500 volunteers, the project stands as a beacon of cooperation between the corporate world and spiritual institutions to serve humanity at one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. (ANI)