Month: January 2025

An important list of reports is pending to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly, but none of these reports have been presented so far.

Highly placed sources familiar with the development of these reports have told ANI that these reports likely include critical audits and assessments of various government programs and initiatives. The delay in presenting these reports may raise concerns about transparency and accountability in the Delhi Assembly.

According to a highly placed source reports relating to Government of NCT of Delhi not laid in the legislature are:

1-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2021

2-Revenue, Economic, Social and General Sectors and PSUs for the years ended 31 March 2020 and 2021

3-Performance Audit of Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi for the year ended 31 March 2021

4-Performance Audit of Children in Need of Care and Protection for the year ended 31 March 2021

5-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2022.

6-Performance Audit on Liquor Supply in Delhi

7-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2023

8-Performance Audit on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services

9-Performance Audit Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India on “Functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation

10-Performance Audit Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the year 31 March 2022.

Earlier in December 2024, The Delhi LG censured Delhi CM Atishi for failing to present CAG reports before Assembly. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed concerns over the Delhi government’s failure to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and urged the Legislative Assembly to convene a special session on December 19-20.

In a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Saxena emphasized the government’s constitutional duty to present statutory audit reports before the legislature. He reminded the CM that these reports are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.

Saxena pointed out that despite consistent reminders, the CAG reports had been withheld for two years. He described the government’s failure to lay these reports as a “deliberate lapse” and criticized the administration for its lack of transparency.

Referring to the Delhi High Court’s recent order, Saxena highlighted an assurance from the Delhi government’s counsel that the reports would be forwarded to the Speaker within two to three days. Saxena also criticized the government for convening only five sessions in the last five years.

With the current Assembly’s term ending in February 2025, Saxena urged Atishi to consult with the Speaker and convene a special session to lay the CAG reports. He concluded the letter by sharing it with the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, underlining the bipartisan call for transparency. (ANI)

Kajal Aggarwal has expressed her happiness about being a part of Kannappa, which also stars Akshay Kumar and Prabhas.

On Monday, Kajal took to Instagram to share her look as Parvati Devi. She was seen donning a white saree paired with heavy jewelry.

“A dream role indeed! Happy to be starting 2025 on this divine note #Kannappa #HarHarMahadev #MAAParvatiDevi,” Kajal captioned the post.

Her divine look left fans in awe, exuding spiritual elegance. Reacting to her appearance, actor Tamannaah Bhatia commented, “So beautiful.”

The poster’s tagline read: “Mother who rules over the three worlds! The Trishakti who protects her devotees! In the sacred Sri Kalahasti shrine, resides the holy Jana Prasunambika!”

Kannappa is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced under Vishnu Manchu’s banners, AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory. The film also features Preity Mukhundhan, Mohanlal, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, and Mukesh Rishi.

The movie is set to release in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English. Kannappa is a mythological fantasy slated to hit theatres on April 25.

The story revolves around the legendary warrior Kannappa, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva. His transformation from a hunter to a warrior and eventually to a saint earned him the revered title of Nayanar.

The film’s music is composed by Mani Sharma and Stephen Devassy, while cinematography is handled by Sheldon Chau. (ANI)

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured the public that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an existing flu virus causing respiratory issues and is not a cause for panic, adding that the child exhibiting HMPV symptoms is stable and will be discharged soon, with no history of international travel. There is no emergency as of now. People should stay calm.

Speaking to media persons,Rao said, “This is not something which is unknown or new. HMPV is a flu virus and certain people catch respiratory problems and colds due to this virus.”

“He further added that the child with HMPV symptoms is normal and he will be discharged tomorrow. There is no need to panic. We are having a meeting with our panel and we will further discuss this with GoI, ICMR. These are regular symptoms. This is an existing virus. As of now, it is not a serious issue. Whether it is connected to China or not, we do not know. The child with HMPV symptoms has no history of travelling abroad. There is no emergency as of now. People should stay calm.”

Thereafter, CM Siddaramaiah, commenting on the situation, said, “It has been found in two children. I talked to Dinesh Gundurao, who is in charge of the health department… He took up a meeting with the department. Whatever decision it takes, the government will implement it. The government will take all precautionary measures and document this disease…”

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.

The 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 emphasised 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 Organisation (WHO) has been providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform public health measures.

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted a significant development in India’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in the metro network and Indian railways, stating that the country now has 1000 km of metro services.

While virtually laying the foundation stone and inaugurating multiple railway projects for Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi emphasised that these projects represent the nation’s progress and showcase the principle of “sab ka sath sab ka vikaas” (development for all).

“Our country has now over 1000 km of metro network… The projects that have been inaugurated today–for Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir–are a huge milestone in connectivity. It shows that the country is moving ahead together. This is ‘sab ka sath, sab ka vikaas,'” said Prime Minister Modi.

Notably, the Prime Minister inaugurated the New Jammu Railway Division, Charlapalli New Terminal Station, in Telangana and laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway.

Additionally, PM Modi reflected on the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade, describing it as a period of visible change that has improved the country’s image and boosted the confidence of the Indian people.

“The last decade has been the decade of visible transformation of Indian railways. The changes that have been brought about have changed the image of the country and have given confidence to the countrymen,” he stated.

According to a press release, the creation of the 742.1-kilometre Jammu Railway Division, comprising Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla; Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot; Batala-Pathankot; and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with the provision of a second entry with a cost of around Rs 413 crore. This environmentally friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city, like Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda.

The Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway would improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby areas and lead to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

PM Modi also marked the occasion of the Prakash Utsav of Guru Govind Singh, the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru. He praised the ideas of Guru Govind Singh, which continue to inspire the nation to pursue a prosperous and empowered future.

“Today is the Prakash Utsav of Guru Govind Singh–his ideas inspire us to have a prosperous and empowered India. I extend my best wishes to all on this occasion,” the Prime Minister concluded. (ANI)

Year of 2025 will see many new talents entering the Indian film industry. One of them is Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia.

On Monday, Akshay took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt note for Simar, who will mark her Bollywood debut with ‘Ikkis’.

He wrote, “I remember the first time I saw my photo on the cover of the newspaper. I thought that’s the ultimate happiness. But today I know the happiness of seeing your child’s photo here beats everything. I wish my mom was here today and she would have said ‘Simar puttar Tu tah Kamaal hai’. Bless you my baby, the sky is yours.”

Akshay also shared a newspaper clipping which features an article about Simar’s debut.

In the comment section, actors Huma Qureshi and Rakul Preet Singh gave a shout out to Simar.

While Rakul dropped a couple of red heart emojis, Huma said, “sim sim.”

‘Ikkis’ also features megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. The film is touted to be a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously and lived an exemplary life.

Veteran star Dharmendra is also a part of the film, which is directed by Sriram Raghavan. More details regarding the project have not been disclosed yet.

Speaking of Akshay’s upcoming projects, he is gearing up for the release of Sky Force. Set to release on January 24, 2025, just ahead of Republic Day, the film features Akshay as an Indian Air Force officer who embarks on a mission of vengeance after the death of several soldiers.

The high-stakes thriller, directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapur, promises breathtaking aerial combat, intense action sequences, and a gripping narrative that showcases the bravery of Indian soldiers.

Akshay is joined by debutant Veer Pahariya, who plays another IAF officer, and Sara Ali Khan, who portrays Veer’s wife. (ANI)

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President, MLA and Former Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Monday reached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) office in Hyderabad for questioning in a money laundering case over alleged financial irregularities linked to the Formula-E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023.

Speaking to ANI, KT Rama Rao alleged that the ACB is not allowing his advocates to accompany him to the ACB office.

“I am here as a law-abiding citizen respecting the honourable high court, respecting anit corruptions bureaus direction to appear before them. They are not allowing my advocates, not allowing me to have my rights. All I am seeking of the Anti-corruption Bureau is that they respect the high court judgement. High court in fact has reserved its judgement… all I am asking the ECB is to ensure that my rights are protected as an individual and a citizen. I am entitled to my lawyers being present with me but unfortunately, they seem to have a different opinion. I am a law-abiding citizen therefore I am here but if they don’t want to ensure that my rights as a citizen are protected, (I have the) right to walk away,” KT Rama Rao said.

On December 19, Telangana ACB registered a case against BRS working president and MLA Rama Rao over alleged payments, some of it in foreign currency without approvals, to conduct a Formula-E race in Hyderabad during the previous regime.

ED has also registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against KTR and others in the case.

ED filed the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) after the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KTR and others in the Formula-E funding case.

The FIR lists KTR as the primary accused, with senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and retired bureaucrat BLN Reddy named as the second and third accused, respectively. (ANI)

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)