Month: January 2025

Actor and model Milind Soman took a dip in Triveni Sangam at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, along with his wife Ankita Konwar.

Taking to Instagram, actor Milind Soman shared a series of pictures in which he was seen taking a holy dip in the Sangam. He also expressed his condolences for the victims of the stampede which occurred in the dawn of Wednesday.

In the photos, the actor is wearing a yellow dhoti while taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam. Sharing the pictures, he wrote:

“Blessed to be at the Mahakumbh with @ankita_earthy on the very special day of mauni amavasya! Such a spiritual space and experience reminds me of how small and insignificant I am in the vastness of existence and how every moment that we are here is so special. Even though my heart is full, I am saddened by the events of last night, and my prayers are with the families who lost loved ones. Har Har Gange! Har Har Mahadev!!”

On the same day, veteran actor-turned-politician Hema Malini also took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

“It is my good fortune that I got the opportunity to take a ‘snan’ on this auspicious day,” the BJP MP said.

Apart from Hema Malini, several other celebrities, including Sunil Grover, Kabir Khan, Guru Randhawa, Avinash Tiwary, Mamta Kulkarni, and Anupam Kher, have also participated in the grand religious gathering. (ANI)

Tariq Hamid Karra, Congress J&K President, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi delivered a scathing critique of the RSS-BJP, accusing them of fostering an agenda of hatred and not condemning Nathuram Godse’s act of murder.

“First of all, I will say that this was not a murder of just some man, this was the murder of humanity on 31st January 1948,” Karra stated. He further emphasized, “It is not only our political duty but also our human duty to honour such personalities, to keep that ideology alive, so that more and more young people are motivated to follow that ideology.”

Karra also took aim at the RSS-BJP alliance for failing to condemn the actions of Godse. “We have to prepare our cadres, especially the young people, so that they do not only take Gandhian and Nehruvian philosophy and ideology to the battlefield, but also the ideologues of those who have heated up the market of hatred, whether it is Golwalkar ji, or Savarkar ji, or Nathuram Godse,” he said.

Karra demanded, “When Nathuram Godse carried out the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, have they condemned Nathuram Godse’s action till date? And if he has not, then why has he not done it? On one hand, you call him the father of the nation, and on the other hand, you worship that person (Godse).”

Turning to economic and foreign policy, Karra criticized the government’s failures. “Their economic policy has failed, their foreign policy has failed, and their GDP growth is lagging behind. You do not increase the country’s credibility just by building roads,” he said.

Karra also addressed the ongoing debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and Waqf Amendment, arguing that these measures are products of an agenda of hatred. “These are all outcomes of the agenda of hatred, which they want to keep free in the whole country,” he remarked.

He further added, “If you look at it from one side, minorities as a whole, not only Muslims, look at what is happening with the Dalit society, look at what is happening with the Christian society… surprisingly, they say that Hindus are in danger.”

Karra concluded, “On the one hand, you say that there are 17 crore Muslims in the minority, but in a country of 140 crore, when you say that the majority is in danger from the minority, it not only shows your weaknesses, but also shows your nefarious designs.” He described the government’s policies as the “outcome of that nefarious design, which 70-75 years ago, in fact 100 years ago, their ancestors drafted, and today they believe if not now, then never.” (ANI)

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has confirmed that “both aircraft are in the water” and 64 people were flying in the American Airlines aircraft and three were aboard the military helicopter that collided mid-air. She said that the fire department and EMS supported by the fire departments and police departments from across Washington metropolitan region are executing rescue operation in the Potomac River.

While addressing a press conference on the plane collision, Bowser said, “The focus now is rescuing people, and that’s what all of our personnel are focused on.” She said that the rescue operation is being conducted in a very “dark and cold conditions.”

Bowser said, “We are here to brief you on the very tragic events of this evening, where we know a passenger plane coming to the airport here collided with a military helicopter. Our fire department DC Fire and EMS supported by the fire department and police departments from across Washington metropolitan region are executing rescue operation in the Potomac River. They are working diligently in very dark and cold conditions, cold water to execute this rescue operation. We have had the opportunity to be briefed by American Airlines officials. I’m told that American Airlines leadership is on the way to Washington as well and officials are in the airport talking to families now.”

During the press conference, DC’s Fire and EMS Chief John A Donnelly Sr said that search-and-rescue efforts are underway are in the water and described the conditions as “dangerous.” He said that recovery efforts will likely take several days.

Donnelly said, “The challenges are access. The water. that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep, there is wind, there is pieces of ice out there so it’s just dangerous and hard to work in.” He said, “The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in,” CNN reported.

He said, “If you can imagine, the river is a large black spot at night with no lights on it, except for a few buoy lights.” John A Donnelly Sr said he expected the probe into the collision to take longer.

During the press conference at Reagan National Airport, John A Donnelly Sr said that there are currently about 300 responders working in a search-and-rescue operation at the Potomac River, according to CNN report.

He said, “At 8:58 (p.m.), the first units arrived on the scene and found an aircraft in the water and began rescue operations. This incident has grown,” he said. An alert was first sounded at 8:48 p.m.” He said the conditions were dark, windy and cold.

At the news conference, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and COO, Jack Potter, said that the Reagan National Airport will be closed until at least 11 am ET Thursday. He said there is no effect to the Washington area’s other airport, Dulles International Airport, according to CNN report.

A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines plane with 64 on board and a Military helicopter on Wednesday night led to a devastating crash in the Potomac River, CBS News reported. The collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, both of which crashed while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

18 bodies have so far been recovered from the site, with no survivors found so far, and emergency responders continuing search efforts into the night. The commercial flight, American Eagle Flight No. 5342, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Washington, DC.

The jet, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, which had three soldiers aboard. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred around 9 pm local time as the aircraft was approaching Runway 33 at the airport. All flights were grounded immediately, and emergency teams were deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations.

A police official on the scene confirmed to CBS News that three debris fields were visible in the river, and by 11:30 pm ET, at least 18 bodies had been recovered. “No survivors had been found so far,” the police official said. The search operations were expected to continue throughout the night. The FAA also confirmed that the crash involved a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operated by American Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. (ANI)

In response to the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Rewa Division to ensure proper arrangements for the safety of devotees travelling to the Maha Kumbh.

CM Yadav emphasized the need for stringent measures at the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border to prevent any untoward incidents during the devotee’s visit to Maha Kumbh.

Speaking to ANI, the Madhya Pradesh CM expressed his condolences to the people who lost their lives in the stampede at Maha Kumbh.

“Yesterday, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a tragic incident happened during the ‘Sangam Snan’. A lot of people lost their lives. May their soul rest in peace. I received information that of the deceased people, three were from Madhya Pradesh…I request you all to stay safe wherever you all are,” he said.

CM Yadav is currently on a four-day visit seeking investment opportunities and inviting industrialists to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS) to be held in Bhopal on February 24-25.

At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified.

Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said, adding that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college.

Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit.

Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant ‘snan’ dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami–Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)

The meeting between members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has concluded and the final report on the bill has been submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla.

During the submission, JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal and committee members Nishikant Dubey, Tejashwi Surya, Sanjay Jaiswal and others were present. No opposition members were present during the submission of the report.

After submitting the report, JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal lauded the members of the committee for their “significant contribution” to the constitution of the bill.

Pal stated that over the last 5 months, the committee conducted several meetings and met hundreds of delegations across the nation, adding that a report has been made after detailed deliberation and several cross-examinations.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “In the last five months, we conducted 38 meetings, met 250 delegations and members, met former judges, vice-chancellors… Report has been made after detailed deliberations. Today we submitted that report… We did several steady tours and visited several states. All members of the JPC have made their contributions to the formation of the bill. I believe that the bill which was brought with the intention to benefits and for the welfare of poor, will fulfil it.”

When asked about opposition MPs’ absence during the submission of the report, Pal stated, “All have their own engagements. I had invited all. All opposition MPs participated in the important meetings of the amendment. They participated in the voting. They also came in the adoption. We concluded our meeting. All made significant contributions to the making of the bill and participated in the detailed deliberation and cross-examinations.

Commending the JPC efforts, committee member and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that no other committee has done as much work as this committee has done in the history of JPC.

“No other committee has done as much work as this committee has done in the history of JPC. We received 1.5 crore representations from all over the nation and 38 meetings of JPC were held…I think after the independence of India no such Bill has been introduced for the rights of the poor Muslim families…The politics of vote bank will come to an end,” Dubey told ANI.

Another member and BJP MP Tejashwi Surya said that this new bill would bring transparency, accountability and professionalism in the management of Waqf properties in the country.

Surya said, “It’s a very important day. The report has been submitted it’s a very important day as the report has been submitted to the Speaker. Over the last six months, detailed discussions and deliberations were held by the JPC regarding the amendments to the work factor. For a very long time, work properties were mismanaged. There was opaqueness in the management of the waqf properties. Many people who were in charge of the management of the waqf properties had themselves swindled and encroach the waqf properties.”

“On the other hand, there was also multiple instances of encroachment of government lands, private lands, lands belonging to other faiths by the people who claim to be representative of the waqf boards. So both these problems have been addressed effectively by the amendments that the Government and the MPs have introduced in the new Bill. This new bill is going to bring transparency, accountability and professionalism in the management of waqf properties all over the country….” he added.

On Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill adopted the draft report and the amended revised bill. However, the opposition leaders also submitted their dissent notes on the report.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Tuesday cleared the Waqf Bill 1995 with 25 amendments across 14 clauses/sections.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is likely to be presented during the Budget Session of the Parliament. 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 Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

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. (ANI)

Ahmedabad made history on January 25 and 26, 2025, as it hosted India’s largest-ever concert with British band Colplay captivating an audience of over 2.5 lakh people and setting new records in event management and tourism.

The concert, which took place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, saw 1.3 lakh tickets sold, drawing music enthusiasts from across India and beyond.

The successful execution of the event was a result of seamless collaboration between the Gujarat government, local authorities, and the concert organizers.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government provided exceptional support to the event, ensuring top-notch security, traffic management, and transportation for the concertgoers.

Departments such as the police and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation worked in coordination to ensure the concert’s success.

The concert not only marked a milestone for Coldplay in India but also highlighted the growing potential of India’s live concert economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized this achievement, saying, “You must have seen fabulous pictures of the Coldplay concert organised in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It shows that India has a massive scope for live concerts. Big artists from around the world are attracted towards India… I expect the state and the private sector to focus on needed infrastructure and skills.”

Gujarat, which recently hosted the G-20 Summit and Cricket World Cup in 2023, further solidified its position as a hub for international events.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said in a press note, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has successfully hosted major international events such as the G-20 Summit and the Cricket World Cup in 2023. With the world-class infrastructure in place, the state continues to attract global events. The success of the Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad further reinforces Gujarat’s position as a premier destination for international gatherings.”

In addition to the concert, Ahmedabad’s metro services saw a record-breaking surge in ridership. Over two days, the metro recorded an astounding 4,05,264 passengers, surpassing previous records set during major sporting events.

The concert weekend generated Rs 66 lakh in metro revenue. This figure eclipsed the numbers seen during the 2023 Cricket World Cup and IPL events.

The success of the Coldplay concert was also due to meticulous planning and robust security measures. Over 1,800 police personnel, including senior officers, were deployed to ensure safety and order during the event.

Two dedicated control rooms and advanced CCTV systems monitored the venue, ensuring the highest levels of security for attendees.

Furthermore, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation ensured cleanliness and sanitation, clearing over 1,500 tons of waste within 48 hours.

The extensive waste management operation involved 492 sanitation workers, 14 JCB machines, and 27 trucks, which maintained a pristine environment around the concert venue.

The Coldplay concert also contributed significantly to the local economy. Over 900 flights arrived at Ahmedabad International Airport in just three days, bringing in a large number of visitors.

This influx of tourists not only attended the concert but also explored Ahmedabad’s rich cultural offerings. The surge in visitors boosted local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and street vendors, contributing to an economic upliftment.

Coldplay came to India on January 16 for the band’s musical tour. Chris along with the members of ‘Coldplay’ had concerts lined up in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Their last show of the Indian leg of the Music of the Spheres tour was conducted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Republic Day.

Chris paid a heartfelt tribute to India by singing patriotic tracks such ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Maa Tujhhe Salaam’ during the Ahmedabad concert on Sunday.

The soulful performance immediately enthralled the audience, and they reciprocated with loud cheers and applause.

He ended the concert with, “Salute to Mother India” and extended Republic Day wishes to everyone.

In another special moment during his concert, Chris also dedicated a beautiful song to the Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah. In a cheeky dig, Martin admitted that he didn’t like him “destroy” the English batting lineup with his fiery bowling.

“O Jasprit Bumrah, my beautiful brother. The best bowler in the whole of cricket. We did not enjoy watching you destroy England, wicket after wicket,” Chris can be seen singing the song in a video shared on Disney+ Hotstar’s Instagram handle.

Sunday’s show was live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Chris Martin concluded the concert by expressing gratitude and love for the vibrant crowd. (ANI)

Singer-songwriter Madonna has called out Donald Trump’s administration for “dismantling all the freedoms we have been fighting for,” reported Variety.

In a post on X, she posted a selfie and wrote, “It’s so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years,”, adding, “Don’t give up the Fight!”

“In the first week of Trump’s second term as president, he issued executive orders to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion positions at executive branch departments and agencies; repealed directives preventing government discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and allowing transgender people to serve in the military; and required the government to recognize only two genders — male and female — on passports and other official documents,” as per the outlet.

Madonna, a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, has previously also spoken out against Trump. After he won the 2016 election, she delivered an impromptu speech at the Women’s March on Washington.

“Welcome to the revolution of love, to the rebellion, to our refusal as women to accept this new age of tyranny, where not just women are in danger but all marginalized people, where being uniquely different right now might truly be considered a crime. It took this horrific moment of darkness to wake us the fuck up,” she said, as per the outlet.

Other pop icons have also slammed Trump in the wake of the executive orders. Lady Gaga said, “I am one of many people that supports [the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized] communities. And we’re not going down without a fight. We will stick together. It’s going to be hard but I’m up for it. We’re up for it. And I just want everyone to know how deeply they’re loved and not invisible,” reported Variety. (ANI)

Over 45.11 lakh pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh till 8 am on Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Information Department said in a release.

More than 10 lakh Kalpwasis are present at the Sangam, while the total number of devotees who took a holy dip at the Sangam on Thursday morning stood at over 55.11 lakh.

With this, the total number of devotees who have performed snan at the sacred confluence since the beginning of the Mahakumbh has surpassed 275 million as of January 29 on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’. Authorities have intensified arrangements to ensure smooth crowd management and seamless facilities for the devotees.

On Wednesday, a stampede-like situation arose at Mahakumbh in the early hours, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

Meanwhile, after a brief halt due to the stampede-like situation, saints continue to arrive, though in smaller processions, at the Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said. He said twenty-five bodies have been identified.

The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the day of the Second Shahi Snan.

Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit.

“A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM’s, Chief Secretary and DGP’s control rooms throughout the day,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the devotees who lost their loved ones in the incident.

“The accident that happened in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government,” PM Modi said on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep sorrow over Wednesday’s situation at the Mahakumbh and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

In a post on X, Shah mentioned being in regular contact with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and local authorities to monitor the situation.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Mahakumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration,” he said. (ANI)