Month: February 2025

In a bombshell announcement setting the cat among the pigeons, US President Donald Trump said that the United States will take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle dangerous weapons, get rid of the destroyed buildings and work for economic development of the area.

Trump, while addressing a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also affirmed that the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas will be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” Trump said at the press conference.

“I’m hopeful that this ceasefire could be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace that will end the bloodshed and killing once and for all. With the same goal in mind, my administration has been moving quickly to restore trust in the alliance and rebuild American strength throughout the region,” he added.

The US President also announced America’s departure from the “anti-semitic” UN Human Rights Council and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which drew a lot of flak over the allegations of links with Hamas.

He added that the US will enforce the “most aggressive possible sanctions” against Iran to drive its oil exports to zero, and diminish its capacity to “fund terror”.

“I’m also pleased to announce that this afternoon the United States withdrew from the anti-semitic UN Human Rights Council and ended all of the support for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which funnelled money to Hamas and which was very disloyal to humanity. Today I also took action to restore our maximum pressure policy on the Iranian regime. And we will once again enforce the most aggressive possible sanctions, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, and diminish the regime’s capacity to fund terror throughout the region and the world,” Trump further said.

Earlier in the day, Trump suggested that he envisions a future in Gaza that largely does not involve Palestinians. He also stressed on bringing “great stability” to the Middle East, adding that “everyone loves” the idea of US owning “that piece of land”, referring to the Gaza Strip.

“I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” Trump said in the Oval Office as quoted by CNN. “I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them. They live like hell. They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative.”

“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump told reporters in the East Room of the White House. He said later: “This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”

Netanyahu, who is the first foreign leader to visit the US after Trump’s return to the White House, held a meeting with the US President on Tuesday (local time).

Notably, US President Trump has been making similar assertions regarding the Gaza Strip in the past.

Last month, he suggested ‘cleaning up’ of the whole Strip and expressed the idea of moving Palestinians from the strip to some neighbouring countries.

Trump said he asked Jordan’s Abdullah II, a key US partner in the region, to take in more Palestinians in a Saturday phone call. Trump said he would like both Jordan and Egypt – which borders Gaza – to house Palestinian people. (ANI)

The sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is witnessing an unceasing wave of devotion as Mahakumbh progresses with an overwhelming influx of pilgrims, saints, and Kalpvasis.

By 8 a.m on Wednesday, over 3.748 million devotees had taken a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, increasing the deep spiritual fervor surrounding the grand religious congregation.

This includes more than 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 2.748 million pilgrims who arrived in the early hours to seek divine blessings.

According to Uttar Pradesh government data, the total number of bathers since the commencement of Mahakumbh has exceeded 382 million as of February 4, underling the event’s unparalleled spiritual and cultural significance.

With weeks still remaining in the Mahakumbh, the numbers are expected to soar even higher.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj today, as per a release. At around 11 AM, the Prime Minister will take a holy dip at the Sangam and offer prayers to Maa Ganga.

Prominent personalities from various fields have also taken the holy dip at the Sangam, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his Cabinet; producer Vinod Bhanushali and lead singer of British band Coldplay, Christ Martin, along with his girlfriend and actress Dakota Johnson, took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Saturday. On Tuesday, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also took holy dip accompanied with UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Mahakumbh 2025, which commenced on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. The Mahakumbh will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26.

The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The event has already attracted millions of devotees from across the country and around the world and is expected to set new records for attendance and participation. (ANI)

The total number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has risen to 166, with 130 confirmed cases, according to a press release from the Maharashtra Health Department on Saturday.

The Health Department said, “166 suspected patients and 5 suspected deaths of GBS have been found until now. Of these 130 are diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases. 33 patients are from Pune MC, 86 from newly added villages in PMC area, 19 from Pimpri Chinchwad MC, 20 from Pune Rural and 08 are from other districts. Out of these patients 52 have been discharged till now, 61 are in ICU and 21 are on ventilator.”

The Health Department also said that three new suspected GBS cases were reported on Tuesday.

The Public Health Department said that GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It is characterised by muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

Earlier Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired a high-level video conference meeting on Monday with Maharashtra’s key health and medical ministers to review the situation regarding the outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the state, as per a release.

According to the release, the meeting included Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and Jal Shakti Minister Gulab Raghunath Rao Patil. Also present were the Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as well as the Maharashtra government.

A situation update was presented by the Maharashtra government including public health measures taken by the state.

The Union Health Minister reviewed the public health measures being undertaken by the state health authorities including testing and treatment of patients affected by GBS.

He appreciated the endeavours put forth by the State health officials in handling the GBS outbreak. He emphasised that the situation was contained and under continuous monitoring.

Nadda also advised the state to work in coordination with the Centre to explore the possible causes of the outbreak to prevent recurrences in future.

He assured the State government of all support in the management of the disease.

As of Saturday, the total number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) rose to 149, with 124 confirmed cases, according to a press release from the Maharashtra Health Department. (ANI)

Priyanka Chopra gave fans a sneak peek into her ‘shaadi ka ghar’ as the wedding celebration of her brother, Siddharth Chopra, is set to begin.

Taking to her Instagram on Monday evening, the ‘Barfi’ actress shared a series of pictures where she can be seen enjoying dance rehearsals for her brother’s sangeet ceremony.

In one picture, PeeCee is seen sitting at the dining table with her mother-in-law, Denise Miller-Jonas, and father-in-law, Kevin Jonas Sr.

Her daughter, Malti Marie Jonas, is also soaking in the celebrations. One picture shows her happily drawing with other kids, while another shows her enjoying the beach outside their Mumbai residence.

Along with the pictures, the actress added a caption that read, “Shaadi ka ghar..!! And it begins tomorrow (red heart emoji) mere bhai ki shaadi hai (It’s my brother’s wedding) @siddharthchopra89 with @neelamupadhyaya!! Sangeet practice to fam jams. So good to be home. My heart is full, and so is my schedule. Who said a wedding is easy? No one… but is it fun? Absolutely! Looking forward to the next few days @drmadhuakhourichopra.”

Take a look

Siddharth Chopra got engaged to actor Neelam Upadhyaya in August 2024, after their roka ceremony in April 2024.

Meanwhile, the actress will next be seen in SS Rajamouli’s tentatively titled ‘SSB29’ alongside Mahesh Babu.

The film is written by Vijayendra Prasad and directed by Rajamouli. Further details about the cast are still under wraps.

Apart from this, the ‘Anuja’ movie, which is produced by her recently made it to the Oscars 2025 nomination list in the ‘Live Action Short’ category. (ANI)

This year actor R Madhavan has a lot of exciting projects lined up in his kitty. One of them is ‘Test’.

On Monday, the teaser of the film was unveiled. Nayanthara and Siddharth are also a part of it.

The teaser began with Siddharth shown as a cricketer. Then we saw characters of Madhavan and Nayanthara getting introduced.

Excited about the film, the team of TEST in a press note shared , “Life is a game! TEST is a story that mirrors how the drama of life and the battles we face mirror the intensity of sport. We are thrilled to have an ensemble of highly regarded actors like R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine and others, embodying each character with depth and emotion. A combination that has never been seen together before. TEST brings a story that will hit home hard, with themes of love, dreams, aspirations, choices and cricket. We’re extremely excited to be collaborating with Netflix to bring this powerful new film to audiences across the world.”

The film will be out on Netflix.

A day ago, Madhavan’s romantic drama ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ with Fatima Sana Shaikh was also announced. The film follows the journey of two distinct individuals–Shrirenu Tripathi (R. Madhavan), a Sanskrit teacher, and Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a French professor. (ANI)

Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would step down by November 15 or 16 and infighting was going on between Chief Minister and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

R Ashoka said, “There is no government in Karnataka. They are fighting for the CM chair. It is Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar. The microfinance issue is also big in Karnataka and many farmers died by suicide. There has been no development in the last 2 years. By November 15th or 16th, Siddaramaiah will go out and a new CM will come. Congress MLAs are divided. The government in Karnataka is in ICU.”

Earlier Union Minister of Heavy Industries and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy made a bold prediction, stating that the Congress-led government in Karnataka “won’t last until 2028.”

Kumaraswamy pointed to increasing dissatisfaction among Congress MLAs as a key factor in the government’s instability.

Speaking to the press, he said, “This government (Congress Govt in Karnataka) won’t last until 2028. There is a growing dissatisfaction among the Congress MLAs. We don’t know when it will explode, but let’s wait and watch.”

Kumaraswamy added that it was incorrect to suggest that the opposition was trying to destabilize the government.

“It’s not true that we are trying to topple their government; their MLAs and the people themselves are destabilising the foundation of this government,” he claimed.

The former CM highlighted a key concern regarding the government’s lack of funds allocated for development. He argued that Congress MLAs were unable to visit their constituencies due to financial constraints, which had contributed to widespread dissatisfaction within the party.

“There is immense dissatisfaction among them regarding the government’s actions, and it will soon come to the fore,” Kumaraswamy said. He further emphasized that this dissatisfaction was bound to lead to a breakdown in the government’s stability.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA BR Patil has resigned from his position as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political advisor. Patil resigned on Friday, January 31, saying he could not publicly reveal the reasons for the resignation yet. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on February 5, as per a release.

At around 11 AM, the Prime Minister will take a holy dip at the Sangam and offer prayers to Maa Ganga.

Mahakumbh 2025, which commenced on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. The Mahakumbh will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26.

In line with his commitment to promote and preserve India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, Prime Minister has consistently taken proactive steps to enhance infrastructure and facilities at pilgrimage sites.

Earlier, during his visit to Prayagraj on December 13, 2024, Prime Minister inaugurated 167 development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, improving connectivity, amenities and services for the general public.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk during his visit to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh-2025 participated in several significant spiritual activities.

In a post on X, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, “His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck Ji of Bhutan today visited the ‘Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre’ in Prayagraj, the holy symbol of spirituality and modernity, Mahakumbh-2025 and observed the divine, grand and digital form of Mahakumbh.”

Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the two leaders offered prayers at the Lete Hanuman Mandir and visited the Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre.

Sharing a post on X, UP CM wrote, “Today at Tirtharaj Prayag, His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk Ji had darshan and worship of Shri Akshayvat Ji.”

To ensure a smooth and secure bathing experience for devotees, saints, mahatmas, and Kalpvasis, an extensive police and security arrangement was put in place across the Maha Kumbh fair area.

Security personnel from various forces- including civil police, traffic police, mounted police, women police, fire brigade, PAC, STF, ATS, NSG commandos, paramilitary forces, and bomb disposal squads–were deployed at key locations such as intersections, pontoon bridges, Akhara routes, and bathing ghats.

The sea of devotees taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam continues. As per officials, more than 375 million devotees have so far taken the Holy Dip during the Maha Kumbh festival. (ANI)

The Cheetah family expands in Madhya Pradesh as Kuno National Park located in Sheopur district welcomed two cubs born to the Cheetah Veera on Tuesday. The total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno is now 26.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared the information and expressed pleasure over the arrival of cubs. He further extended greetings to the residents of the state and all the officers, veterinarians and field staff related to the project Cheetah on the occasion.

“Kuno National Park echoed again with the shrieks of little cheetahs. Two cheetah cubs mark their entry in Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Jungle Book’. I am very happy to share the information that the number of cheetahs is continuously increasing in Madhya Pradesh. Today, a female cheetah Veera gave birth to 2 little cubs. We welcome cheetah cubs on the land of Madhya Pradesh and I extend my greetings to the people of the state on the arrival of these little cubs,” CM Yadav wrote in a post on X.

The Chief Minister highlighted that with the growing population of cheetahs in the state, tourism is receiving a significant boost and opening doors for employment opportunities.

“I congratulate all the officials, veterinarians, and field staff associated with the project for their relentless efforts, which have led to Madhya Pradesh being known as the ‘Land of Cheetahs.’ With the growing population of cheetahs in the state, tourism is receiving a significant boost, opening new doors for employment opportunities. We remain committed to the conservation, enhancement, and restoration of not just cheetahs but all wildlife in the region,” he added.

With the addition of these two cheetah cubs, the number of total cheetahs at Kuno National Park has become 26, which contains 12 adult cheetahs and 14 cubs.

Project Cheetah was launched to revive the presence of extinct Cheetah in the country.

As part of the first-ever intercontinental translocation of the species, 20 cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park–eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Since their arrival, the project has faced challenges, with eight adult cheetahs–three females and five males–dying.

However, there has been some success in breeding, with 17 cubs born in India and 12 of them surviving. With the two new cubs, the Cheetah population rose to 26 at Kuno National Park. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday rebutted the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on China and said that the Army Chief’s remarks referred only to the disturbance of traditional patrolling by both sides and the Army Chief never spoke the words attributed by Gandhi at any time.

In a post on X, Singh said that Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Parliament on February 3 made false allegations about the statement of the Army Chief on the situation on the India-China border.

“The Army Chief’s remarks referred only to the disturbance of traditional patrolling by both sides. He also mentioned that these practices have been restored to their traditional pattern as part of the recent disengagement. Government has shared these details in Parliament,” Rajnath Singh said.

“The words attributed to the Army Chief by Rahul Gandhi were never spoken by him at any time. It is a matter of deep regret that Rahul Gandhi should indulge in irresponsible politics on matters of national interest,” he added.

“If at all there is Indian Territory into which China has come, this is 38,000 sq. km in Aksai Chin as a result of the 1962 conflict and 5,180 sq. km. illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963. Rahul Gandhi may consider introspecting about this phase of our history,” the Defence Minister added.

On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that “China is sitting inside this country is because ‘Make in India’ has failed” and said that India has an opportunity with the revolution in energy and mobility.

Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, Rahul Gandhi said that Prime Minister has denied that Chinese forces are inside our territory “but for some reason, our Army keeps talking to Chinese about their entry into our territory and Chief of Army Staff has said that the Chinese are inside our territory”.

Rebutting his claims, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted that during Rahul Gandhi’s speech, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha had asked the opposition leader four times to authenticate his claims, but the LoP spoke without providing necessary substantiation and left the House.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Kiren Rijiju said, “When the Leader of Opposition (Rahul Gandhi) was speaking today, the Speaker also said 4 times that he should authenticate his claims. But he spoke and left. LoP is a responsible post and they should present their statements with thoughtfulness. If we take Rahul Gandhi’s statement lightly, then in future too, any LoP would come and say whatever they feel like and leave. He should authenticate what he said otherwise the Chair should take action.” (ANI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday continued his attack on the Uttar Pradesh government over the Mahakumbh stampede incident and said that the government allowed this incident to take place.

Speaking to mediapersons, Yadav raised the question on why the Central government was not providing details of the actual number of people who died in the stampede that took place on January 29 this year at MahaKumbh venue in Prayagraj.

“If there was a huge gathering at that time, why was space not given in the Army premises? The Government allowed this incident to take place. Now, they do not want to give the details and if anyone tries to provide details, an FIR will be registered against them,” the Samajwadi Party chief said.

Further, Yadav, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh claimed that the government knew the time of the incident.

“Government knows the time of the incident. Imagine the number of deceased if the incident took place at 1 AM and Ambulances were coming till 11 AM. Several devotees could not even take a holy dip; they had to go back. Is this the kind of world infrastructure you want make? CM Yogi Adityanath said that he has made arrangements for 100 crore people…Now they are saying there is a conspiracy, the officials who are saying there is a conspiracy should be terminated by the Central Government,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

Earlier today, while speaking in the Lok Sabha, Akhilesh Yadav demanded transparency regarding the casualties at the MahaKumbh stampede, urging the government to present accurate figures on the deaths, treatment of the injured, and arrangements made for the event.

Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Akhilesh called for an all-party meeting to clarify the situation and recommended that disaster management and the lost and found centre be handed over to the Army.

Yadav also pressed for strict punitive action against those responsible for the tragedy and those who concealed the facts, questioning the government’s decision to suppress the numbers.

“For the Mahakumbh tragedy, there should be strict punitive action against those responsible and those who have hidden the truth should be punished. We ask the double-engine government, if there was no guilt, then why were the figures suppressed, hidden and erased?” he added.

“Log punye kamane aaye the aur apno ke shav lekar gaye hai (People came to earn merit, but they left with the bodies of their loved ones)” the SP Chief said.

A stampede occurred at the MahaKumbh Mela during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amawasya. As per the Uttar Pradesh government at least 30 people were killed and around 60 individuals sustained injuries. Several opposition leaders raised concerns over the government’s handling of the stampede during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual. (ANI)