Month: January 2025

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)

Austria’s ruling conservatives on Sunday appointed Christian Stocker, the secretary-general of the Austrian People’s Party (OVP), as their interim leader after former Chancellor Karl Nehammer stepped down following the collapse of coalition talks, Al Jazeera reported citing local media.

His announcement on Saturday came a day after the liberal Neos party withdrew from the negotiations with Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP) and the Social Democrats (SPO).

Nehammer said, “After the breakoff of the coalition talks I am going to do the following: I will step down both as chancellor and party chairman of the People’s Party in the coming days.”

In a video shared on social media accounts, he said that “long and honest” negotiations with the centre-left were not successful despite a shared interest in fending off the gaining far right. He said that his party would not back steps which it believes would harm the economy or new taxes, according to Al Jazeera reported.

Karl Nehammer announced that he would enable “an orderly transition” and railed against “radicals who do not offer a single solution to any problem but only live from describing problems”.

Sharing the video statement on X, Nehammar wrote, “We have negotiated long and honestly. No agreement is possible with the SPO on key points. The People’s Party stands by its promises: We will not agree to measures that are hostile to performance and the economy or to new taxes. We are therefore ending negotiations with the SPO and will not continue them.”

In September last year, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the first parliamentary election in its history by getting close to 30 per cent of the vote. However, other parties did not agree to govern in a coalition with the eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO and its leader Herbert Kickl. In October, Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen asked Nehammer to form a coalition.

Nehammer’s statement came after he failed to reach an understanding with the Neos party. Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger said progress was not possible and that “fundamental reforms” had not been agreed upon.

After the resignation of the chancellor, the OVP is expected to convene to discuss potential successors. The political landscape in Austria remains uncertain, with no immediate possibility of forming a stable government as the political parties have differences with each other, the report said.

Alexander Van der Bellen might now appoint another leader and an interim government as the political parties try to find a way out of the deadlock. The next government in Austria faces the challenge of having to save 18-24 billion euros, according to the European Council, Al Jazeera reported.

Austria has been in recession for the past two years and is experiencing rising unemployment. The budget of Austria stands at 3.7 per cent of gross domestic product – above the European Union’s limit of 3 per cent. (ANI)

Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini slammed Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday, claiming that the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor “speaks a lot of lies” for the sake of votes and is involved in corruption.

The Assembly elections in Delhi are due in February and the dates for the same are expected to be announced in a few days.

“Arvind Kejriwal is involved in a lot of corruption…Just for the sake of votes, he speaks a lot of lies…The public of Delhi will teach a lesson to Arvind Kejriwal in the upcoming state elections…The public will form the government of BJP in Delhi,” CM Saini said.

His remarks come after Kejriwal said that both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress should officially announce that they are ‘contesting elections together’ against AAP.

“Arvind Kejriwal speaks a lot of lies, he also tried to get an alliance in Haryana. He first abuses the Congress party and then hugs them. He creates a lot of confusion among the public. Whatever corruption is done by Congress, Kejriwal has done 4 times as much,” the CM told ANI.

CM Saini also criticised AIMIM’s Assadudin Owaisi.

On Owaisi’s remark he said, “He (Asaduddin Owaisi) is in cahoots with the Congress party…These types of leaders are two sides of the same coin.”

Owaisi had yesterday claimed that there is “no difference between BJP and AAP.”

“There is no difference between (BJP and AAP). Both are ideologically alike. RSS is their mother. RSS created Jan Sangh and later BJP was formed in 1980. The other was grown in 2012-13 in a big institute and it is lab-grown,” he said.

Saini also slammed former UP CM and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav.

“When the Samajwadi Party government was in power, hooliganism was at its peak. Goons used to roam the streets… The Samajwadi Party government used to give protection to goons… But today after the formation of the BJP government under the leadership of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, all the goons are in jail,” Saini said. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Parvesh Verma has written a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, requesting her to open the “Sheesh Mahal”, the former official residence of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal for public viewing.

In his letter, Verma said that the residence has now become an important symbol of Delhi’s governance and administration history.

“I would like to bring to your attention that during the tenure of former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader, Arvind Kejriwal, the official residence was specially decorated and made grand. It is now popularly known among the public as “Sheesh Mahal.” The people of the New Delhi Legislative Assembly constituency, who have elected Kejriwal as their representative to the assembly three times consecutively, have a strong desire to visit and see this building. This residence has now become not just a place of residence but an important symbol of Delhi’s governance and administration history,” Parvesh Verma said.

“The public wishes to understand what the place looks like where their elected representative spent his tenure,” he added.

The BJP leader further requested CM Atishi to open the place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so that the people of Delhi can see it up close.

“This will not only fulfill the public’s expectations but also strengthen transparency and trust between the government and the people. I am confident that you will consider this proposal positively and take a prompt decision,” Verma said.

Verma, a former MP and son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, will be facing former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi CM Shiela Dikshit, in a three-cornered contest in the upcoming Delhi assembly election.

The assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February 2025.

Congress, which was in power in Delhi for 15 successive years, has performed poorly in the past two assembly polls, failing to win any seat.

AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. (ANI)

The highly anticipated trailer for ‘Sky Force’, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming patriotic thriller, was unveiled on Sunday, sending waves of excitement across the nation.

The film, which is set to release on January 24, in time for Republic Day (January 26) week, promises to offer a heart-pounding and inspiring journey into one of India’s most daring military operations.

During the trailer launch, Akshay Kumar, who plays the lead role of an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer in the film, was asked about his emotional connection to wearing a uniform and how it feels to embody a character beyond just being an actor.

His response reflected his deep dedication and personal connection to the military, especially given his own family background.

“My father was in the army, so this feeling is inbuilt in me,” Akshay explained, adding “When I wear a uniform, it automatically imbues me with strength. I’ve worn different uniforms before, but this is the first time I am donning the Indian Air Force uniform,” he added.

This patriotic thriller promises to deliver a compelling mix of high-octane air combat sequences, emotionally charged moments, and a gripping narrative centred around one of India’s most daring military operations.

Starring Akshay Kumar and debutant Veer Pahariya in lead roles, ‘Sky Force’ offers an exhilarating glimpse into India’s first and one of its deadliest airstrikes on Pakistan.

The trailer sets the stage for a thrilling journey filled with brave soldiers, heart-wrenching sacrifice, and stirring patriotism.

Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapur, ‘Sky Force’ follows the story of an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, played by Akshay Kumar, who embarks on a mission of vengeance after several Indian soldiers are killed.

As tensions escalate, Akshay’s character challenges the conventional mindset, urging his superiors to take action and execute the country’s first-ever airstrike in retaliation.

In a powerful dialogue, he says, “Doosra gaal neta dikhate hai, hum fauji nahi,” (Another cheek is extended by political leaders, not soldiers).

Alongside Akshay, Veer Pahariya makes his film debut as another IAF officer who teams up with him on the mission.

However, as the operation intensifies, Veer’s aircraft is shot down, and he is later reported “missing in action”.

The emotional toll of the mission is further depicted through the character of Sara Ali Khan, who plays Veer’s wife, anxiously awaiting news of her husband’s fate.

In addition to the main cast, actress Nimrat Kaur also stars in a pivotal role.

Speaking about the film, Dinesh Vijan, founder and producer of Maddock Films, in a press statement said, “The motto of our nation’s soldiers is never to leave any of their comrades behind. This commitment exemplifies the profound bravery and selflessness that define their service. Sky Force is a salute to that commitment. It is the story from an untold chapter in our nation’s history that demanded to be told.”

Vijan further expressed his pride in bringing this story to life, adding, “With Akshay Kumar helming the film and Veer Pahariya making his debut, we believe Sky Force will etch a lasting impression on the hearts of viewers everywhere. Some missions end, while others last a lifetime. Sky Force promises to last a lifetime.”

Jyoti Deshpande, President- Media and Content Business at Reliance Industries and a producer of the film, shared her thoughts on the film’s significance.

“Sky Force is not just a film; it’s a tribute to the bravery, patriotism, and indomitable spirit of our armed forces. This poignant story shines light on a significant chapter of India’s history, honouring the sacrifices of our unsung heroes,” she said, adding, “At Jio Studios, we take immense pride in bringing to life stories with purpose, and Sky Force is sure to inspire and evoke a deep sense of pride in every Indian.”

Akshay Kumar also shared the movie’s trailer on his social media handle and wrote, “This Republic Day, witness the untold story of a heroic sacrifice – the tale of India’s first and deadliest airstrike. Mission #SkyForce- In Cinemas 24th January 2025. #SkyForceTrailer is out now.”

The trailer of ‘Sky Force’ promises to be a visual treat with breathtaking aerial combat sequences, showcasing the courage and skill of the Indian Air Force officers.

‘Sky Force’ will hit theatres on January 24, 2025, just ahead of Republic Day. (ANI)

A delegation of Pakistan pilgrims will arrive on Monday in Ajmer to attend the annual Ajmer Urs.

“As per the schedule, they (Pakistan pilgrims) will arrive on January 6 and return via train on January 10 around pm. Around 100 people will come,” Gajendra Singh Rathore, Additional District Collector Ajmer told ANI.

“They will be accompanied to the Dargah in the presence of full security,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday visited the revered Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer on the occasion of the 813th Urs.

Following his visit, he posted a tweet on Post X, stating, “On the very auspicious occasion of the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, I had the privilege of visiting the revered Dargah Ajmer Sharif. On behalf of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, I offered the sacred chadar, a timeless gesture of faith, unity & peace that inspires millions.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented the Chadar that would be offered on his behalf at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the occasion of 813th Urs.

The chadar was presented to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui.

On Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Chadar offering on behalf of PM Modi at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council had said, “It is a tradition that PM Modi sends a Chadar on the occasion of ‘Urs’. Today Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju came to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah with the Chadar. All of us gave him a warm welcome. And then he presented the Chadar at the Dargah. After that, he read out PM Modi’s message in the ‘Mehfil Khana’… PM Modi’s message showed how everyone, belonging to any religion in our country, is united… Everyone should listen to that message…”

This ‘Chadar’ is offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. PM Modi has been sending a ‘Chadar’ to the shrine annually to mark the occasion.

Since assuming office as Prime Minister, Modi has offered a ‘Chadar’ to Ajmer Sharif Dargah ten times. This will be the 11th time he has participated in this tradition. Last year, during the 812th Urs, the ‘Chadar’ was presented to the shrine by then Union Minister Smriti Irani and Jamal Siddiqui, along with a delegation representing the Muslim community, on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The chadar, which is laid over the shrine (mazar-e-akhdas) of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, symbolizes devotion and respect. During urs festival offering a chadar is considered a powerful form of worship, seen as a means to receive blessings and fulfill vows.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most revered Sufi shrines in India. Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world gather here to celebrate the Urs festival, a significant event that commemorates the death anniversary of the Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty.

The 813th Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti commenced on December 28, 2024, and is observed with great reverence. The annual event attracts devotees from across the country and beyond, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the voters of the national capital to give Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a chance in the upcoming 2025 Delhi assembly elections. He took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, saying that the government has been no less than a “tragedy (AAP-DA).”

“We need to develop Delhi into the capital of Viksit Bharat. 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 BJP,” PM Modi said while addressing the ‘Parivartan Rally’ at Japanese Park in Rohini.

PM Modi further said that he had come to address the gathering after inaugurating development works for Delhi worth thousands of crores of rupees. He added that the coming 25 years will remain crucial for the future of the entire country and Delhi’s contribution was necessary in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission.

“I have just come here after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating development projects for Delhi worth thousands of crores of rupees. We are in the year 2025. The coming 25 years will be crucial for the future of Delhi and the entire country. These 25 years will witness India become a Viksit Bharat. We will be a part of it. These years will witness India transform into a new age of modernisation. The time, when India becomes the world’s third economic power, is coming soon and Delhi’s contribution is necessary for it,” he added.

PM Modi said that people trust the BJP because it is a party that believes in good governance. The BJP is dedicated to the development and welfare of every citizen, he added.

“In Delhi, only one voice is resonating. And that is why only one voice is echoing in Delhi. ‘You will not tolerate injustice, change is inevitable.’ Now Delhi desires a land of development, and I am delighted that Delhi places its trust in the BJP. The BJP is trusted because it is a party that brings good governance. The BJP works with a spirit of service, fulfils dreams, and is dedicated to development, committed to the welfare of every citizen,” PM Modi said.

He said that people continue to support the BJP, citing examples from Haryana to Odisha, saying that the ruling party at the Centre was given a chance to form governments with full majority in these states.

“That is why, once people place their trust in the BJP, they continue to support it. Be it in North India, Odisha, or recently in Haryana, where the BJP was given the opportunity to form the government with a full majority for the third consecutive time. In Delhi too, once again, people have blessed all our MPs, and we are confident that the BJP’s lotus will bloom in the assembly elections as well. I would urge all BJP workers to make people aware of the party’s resolutions and acquaint them with the vision of development,” PM Modi said.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Sunday interacted with school children while riding the Namo Bharat train from the Sahibabad RRTS station to the New Ashok Nagar RRTS station during its inauguration.

The Namo Bharat trains have now reached Delhi, marking the beginning of a new era of high-speed mobility options for the National Capital. (ANI)

Actor Allu Arjun has complied with the conditions set by the Nampally Court in his bail order, arriving at the Chikkadpally Police Station on Sunday.

The actor had been granted bail in connection with the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre, where a woman lost her life and a child was seriously injured during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ on December 4, 2024.

Allu Arjun’s visit to the police station is a part of the ongoing legal process following the incident, which garnered widespread media attention.

The actor is also expected to visit KIMS Hospital to meet the injured child, Sri Tej, who was hospitalized following the chaos that ensued when Allu Arjun waved to the crowd from the sunroof of his car during the ‘Pushpa 2’ premiere.

The actor had appeared before the Metropolitan Criminal Court at Nampally on January 4, Saturday, where he submitted the necessary sureties after being granted regular bail the day before.

His arrival at the court was accompanied by tight security, as he was escorted by police personnel. The media also gathered outside the court, capturing the moment as the actor arrived to fulfil the legal requirements.

Ashok Reddy, Allu Arjun’s lawyer, addressed the press following the court’s decision. He confirmed that the court had granted bail to the actor on the grounds that it was not a case of “culpable homicide not amounting to murder.”

He explained, “The conditions have been imposed that he (Allu Arjun) has to attend the police station. Bail has been granted… The court was convinced that this was not a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Therefore, the court granted bail.”

Reddy further stated that the actor was required to execute a bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties, which was a standard legal procedure.

He also mentioned that a quash petition, seeking to have the case dismissed, is still pending in the Telangana High Court. The next hearing for the petition is scheduled for January 21, 2025.

The tragic incident unfolded when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2’ at Sandhya Theatre.

The crowd, which had gathered to catch a glimpse of the popular actor, quickly became unruly as Allu Arjun waved to the fans from the sunroof of his car. In the ensuing chaos, a woman named Revathi tragically lost her life, while her child, Sri Tej, was severely injured.

The child, who had been on a ventilator for an extended period, showed signs of recovery reportedly on December 24, 2024, when he responded for the first time after 20 days.

Sri Tej’s father, Bhaskar, expressed his gratitude to Allu Arjun and the Telangana government for their support during this difficult time. “The child responded after 20 days. He is responding today. Allu Arjun and the Telangana government are supporting us,” Bhaskar shared.

In addition to his personal support, Allu Arjun’s family has extended financial help to the victim. His father, film producer Allu Aravind, has announced a contribution of Rs 2 crore to assist the family of the woman who lost her life in the incident. (ANI)

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa alleged that the ruling Aam Admi Party (AAP) is misleading the public with its announcements of schemes.

The Delhi assembly polls are expected to be held in February 2025.

On AAP’s proposed scheme of Rs 2100 monthly allowance for women, Bairwa told reporters, “Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi does what they say and the announcement of (schemes) by these people (AAP) remains unfulfilled…They work to mislead the public by making announcements. Now the people will not believe them….”

Earlier, BJP MP from Northwest Delhi and state general secretary Yogendra Chandolia alleged that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruined Delhi over the past 10 years. He further accused the AAP government of deceiving the innocent people of Delhi to secure victory in the upcoming assembly elections.

Chandolia highlighted that while 33 states in the country have implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, it has not been introduced in Delhi due to political malice. He criticized Kejriwal’s Mohalla Clinics, stating that they have become a refuge for animals and only exist to generate fake statistics.

He alleged that Kejriwal’s government is manipulating health statistics while government hospitals suffer from a lack of facilities, such as MRI machines, which forces people to endure long waiting periods. He further pointed out that despite Kejriwal’s promise to provide ration cards in his 2015 manifesto, not a single card was issued.

On December 22, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of registrations for the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana’. Under this scheme, AAP aims to provide women residing in Delhi with Rs 2,100 per month.

Following the announcement, the Women and Child Development (WCD) department of the Delhi government issued a clarification regarding the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ and said no such scheme has been officially notified.

Following the clarification by WCD, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that BJP exerted pressure on Delhi government officials to execute this. She added, “These notifications are false. We will take action against officials responsible for issuing them.”

On December 27, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena initiated an inquiry into the allegations that “non-government” people are collecting personal details of Delhi residents in the name of registration for Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) proposed welfare scheme ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’.

The assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February 2025 however, the Election Commission of India is yet to announce the dates.

Congress, which was in power in Delhi for 15 successive years, has performed poorly in the past two assembly polls, failing to win any seat.

AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eighth seats. (ANI)