Month: February 2025

The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which is witnessing a huge influx of devotees, witnessed an effort to set a new Guinness World Record when as many as 15,000 sanitation workers participated in a cleanliness drive across multiple venues.

However, the final results of this record attempt are expected to be announced on February 27.

Rishi Nath, an adjudicator from Guinness, detailed the multi-layered evaluation process, including QR-coded wristbands, steward monitoring, and auditing teams across multiple venues.

“We have a multiple-layered evaluation system. The first system is the QR code system. So, each participant is given a wristband with a unique QR code. And as they enter the attempt area, that is scanned. And that data is logged into a central database. This happens across all four venues of the attempts. The second system is that when people are attempting the record, for every 50 participants, there is one steward who will observe them and make sure that all of them are adhering to the guidelines of the record attempt,” he told ANI.

“Finally, we have an auditing team with us. They are stationed across the five locations, and they will also look at the steward forms, look at the QR code count, and give us a final report. The announcement is going to take place on the 27th of this month,” Nath added.

As of February 23, over 620 million devotees had taken a dip in the sacred Sangam, and on Monday alone, more than 9 million devotees took part in the holy dip by 2:00 PM.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath shared that over 62 crore devotees have visited Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025. He added that the event had become a platform for people to express their gratitude towards their heritage, culture, and religion.

“Today, the total number of people who took the holy dip in Mahakumbh is going to cross the mark of 62 crore people. Now imagine, in this whole which religion or community exists where under a limited time period, the followers are coming to a place. Mahakumbh has become a medium to show gratitude towards one’s heritage, culture and religion…Almost every family has become a part of this event…”, CM Yogi said while addressing a gathering on Sunday.

The historic Maha Kumbh 2025 is nearing its conclusion. The last major bath will take place on February 26, which coincides with Mahashivratri. (ANI)

Actress Sridevi was considered one of the country’s biggest female superstars after she dominated the entertainment industry in an era dominated by superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, and Dharmendra. The actress breathed her last on February 24, 2018 in Dubai.

In a career spanning over five decades, Sridevi was honoured with several prestigious awards and was also given the Padma Shri — India’s fourth highest civilian honour — in 2013. The actress made her acting debut at the age of four with the 1967 Tamil film ‘Kandhan Karunai’. Later, in 1972, she made her first appearance in Bollywood in the 1972 film ‘Rani Mera Naam’.

Remembering the actress on her death anniversary, let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall some of the best performances of Sridevi in the film industry.

Sadma

A Remake of a Tamil movie, this film established Sridevi as one of the most powerful actors at the very early stage of her Hindi career. It was directed by Balu Mahendra.

Mr India

Sridevi was not only a powerful actor, but she was also one of the most successful commercial heroines in the Hindi industry. From ‘Hawa Hawai’ to ‘Kaate Nehi Katte’, Sridevi showed her range of versatility in this movie. The film was a super hit.

Chandni

Her white look in this film set a fashion trend back in the 80s. Helmed by Yash Chopra, this movie is also celebrated for its music. Sridevi gained immersive popularity for her role of Chandni in the film.

ChaalBaaz

Sridevi played twin characters in this movie: the tamed and submissive Anju and the boisterous and go-getting Manju. Sridevi’s comic timing was mostly talked about in this movie. This film branded Sridevi as one of the most talented and versatile actors in Bollywood.

Lamhe

Teaming up with her ‘Chandni’ director, Yash Chopra, one more time, Sridevi played double roles in this movie. For playing the dual roles of mother and daughter, Sridevi won accolades.

English Vinglish

After a 15-year-long hiatus, Sridevi made a pleasant comeback at the movies with Gauri Shinde’s directorial debut ‘English Vinglish’. The film received a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival. The present generation is perhaps more acquainted with Sridevi’s Sashi than her Chandni.

With seven years passed since her death, Sridevi’s legacy is still unmatched by the current stars. She was undoubtedly one of the most charismatic actresses on the silver screen who remained a mystery even in her death. (ANI)

Veteran filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Monday evening threw his birthday bash, which was attended by his close friends and several members from the industry.

A while ago, lovebirds Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted arriving at the venue. Both looked stylish as they posed for the paps.

Interestingly, the couple has collaborated with Bhansali for his next ‘Love and War’, which will also feature Vicky Kaushal.

Vicky, too, marked his presence at the birthday party of Bhansali.

Love and War will be the first collaboration of Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the actor’s 2007 debut Saawariya. While Vicky Kaushal has never worked with the filmmaker, Alia Bhatt teamed up with Bhansali in the 2022 drama Gangubai Kathiawadi.

The film was officially announced in January 2024. The original announcement on Instagram read, “We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Epic Saga ‘Love & War.’ See You At The Movies.”

It came with the signatures of the lead trio, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

‘Love and War’ is expected to go on floors in the coming months. (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for a heatwave in Mumbai and nearby areas for Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to IMD Mumbai, “A yellow warning has been issued for heat wave in Mumbai and nearby areas for today and tomorrow as the highest temperatures are expected to reach up to 37-38 degrees Celsius, which is nearly 5 degrees Celsius above normal temperature for the month of February.”

The IMD has also forecast a gradual rise in the minimum temperatures across Northwest India. According to predictions, the minimum temperature is expected to increase by three to five degrees Celsius over the next four days, followed by a drop of two to three degrees Celsius.

A gradual rise in the maximum temperature of the plains in Northwest India is also expected in the next 24 hours. Temperatures are likely to increase by two degrees Celsius before falling by three to five degrees Celsius.

No significant changes are expected in the maximum temperatures over Central India and Gujarat today. However, a gradual rise of two to three degrees Celsius is anticipated thereafter.

Hot and humid conditions may develop in isolated pockets of Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka until February 28.

Meanwhile, on February 20, Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir received a fresh spell of snowfall.

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, in a post on social media, predicted rain or snow at many places between February 26 and 28.

According to the weather department, temperatures across Srinagar city were recorded at 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered a low of minus 1 degree Celsius.

Additionally, the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh have been experiencing continuous snowfall over the past 24 hours, with the popular hill resort of Kufri witnessing light snowfall.

This fresh snowfall has delighted tourists visiting the region, as well as local tourism operators and orchardists. While tourists are excited about the snowfall, those in the tourism and horticulture industries are hoping for more snow to boost business and agricultural conditions further. (ANI)

Experiencing the magic of devotion, Bollywood leading ladies Katrina Kaif and Raveena Tandon performed an evening aarti at the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela on Monday.

While Raveena was joined by her daughter Rasha at the sacred event, Katrina was seen accompanied by her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal.

Prior to Aarti, Raveena and Katrina also attended the bhajan led by Parmarth Niketan Ashram, President Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Abhishek Banerjee also attended the spiritual gathering.

On devotees, including celebrities visiting Maha Kumbh in huge numbers, Swami Chidanand Saraswati told ANI, “Mahakumbh is an occasion of ‘Snan, Dhyan and Daan’ (holy dip, meditation and charity). Today, she (Katrina Kaif) took a holy dip, meditated and did ‘Annadaan’. She said that she sees god in everyone… Such a belief system keeps this nation alive. I support the thoughts of PM Modi. The way CM Yogi Adityanath has arranged everything, this is a Mahakumbh of ‘Vyavastha, Arthvyavastha and Astitva’ (arrangement, economy and identity)…This Kumbh is for everyone, those who have not visited till now should come here and take a holy dip…”

According to reports from the Uttar Pradesh government’s Information Department, nearly 630 million people had visited the holy site as of Sunday

Earlier, on Monday morning, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar took a holy dip at the Triveni sangam — the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

After completing the ritual at the Triveni Sangam, Akshay Kumar shared his appreciation, saying, “I thank CM Yogi ji for making such good arrangements here… The facilities are excellent, and everything is so well-managed.”Reflecting on his previous experiences, the actor reminisced about the 2019 Kumbh, saying, “I still remember when the Kumbh took place in 2019, people used to bring their own gathri (bundle of belongings)… but now many influential personalities like Ambani, Adani, and famous actors are coming. This shows how good the arrangements are.”

He further expressed his gratitude to the officials and security personnel, saying, “I want to thank all the officials and security personnel for taking care of everyone here. They have ensured the safety and comfort of all the devotees.”

The historic Maha Kumbh 2025 is nearing its conclusion. The last major bath will take place on February 26, which coincides with Mahashivratri. (ANI)

Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Monday remanded Zoya Khan, the wife of notorious gangster Hashim Baba, to the Special Cell for three days in connection with the Nadir Shah murder case. Earlier today, Special Cell formally arrested Zoya Khan in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Nadir Shah, a gym owner in Greater Kailash.

While seeking remand, the Delhi Police asserts that uncovering the broader conspiracy and determining Zoya Khan’s involvement in the crime is imperative. They have yet to apprehend another suspect, Saddam Ans Salman, who is also implicated in the killing. The police further informed the court that they needed to recover the weapons used in the crime. It has been revealed that all the accused communicated using app-based encrypted calls.

Noted the submissions, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Anuj Kumar Singh remanded Zoya Khan for three days of police custody.

Special Cell has earlier today formally arrested Zoya Khan, the wife of notorious gangster Hashim Baba, in connection with the murder of Nadir Shah, a gym owner in Greater Kailash.

During the hearing, Zoya Khan’s lawyer contends that her name was not mentioned in any of the arrested accused’s disclosures. He also pointed out that Zoya had cooperated with the investigation on two occasions when summoned by the investigative agency.

Zoya Khan stated, “My only crime is that I am the wife of Hashim Baba. I am not involved in any of the previous cases against him.”

Last week, Delhi’s Special Cell arrested Zoya Khan, the wife of gangster Hashim Baba, in a drug-related case. She was found in possession of 270 grams of heroin, estimated to be worth around Rs 1 crore.

In September last year, Nadir Shah was shot dead outside a gym in South Delhi’s Greater Kailash, in what is believed to be a fallout of a gang war. The shooter fired 11 bullets at Nadir Shah, hitting him with 8 of them. The victim succumbed to his injuries and died in the hospital. (ANI)

In a significant step towards enhancing tourism in Kullu district, the Himachal government has approved the construction of an Aerial Ropeway from Kullu Bus Stand to Peej Paragliding Point with an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore.

An official release said that the 1.20-kilometre ropeway would provide a safe and convenient transport option for tourists and improve accessibility to Peej village, which is 12 kilometers from Kullu by road.

Peej serves as the gateway to the picturesque Lug Valley, and this initiative is expected to boost tourism activities, strengthen the local economy and create new opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

The release said once completed, the ropeway would offer easy access to Peej Paragliding Point, making it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced paragliders. This project was a part of the government’s broader efforts to promote adventure tourism, religious tourism, and water sports tourism, recognizing the tourism sector as a key pillar of the state’s economy.

The government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is also taking pro-active measures to promote eco-tourism in the state, aiming to provide tourists with closer experiences of the wilderness and virgin ecosystems while ensuring the conservation of the natural resources, the release said.

With approximately two crore visitors arriving each year to experience the State’s majestic mountains, stunning landscapes, pristine rivers and diverse trekking opportunities, tourism in Himachal Pradesh is thriving like never before, the release said. (ANI)

The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) reports will be presented on the floor of the Delhi Assembly tomorrow (February 25), by the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

ANI has accessed the list of these reports. Sources familiar with the development say these reports include critical audits and assessments of various government programmes and initiatives. The ‘delay’ in presenting these reports had raised concerns about transparency and accountability of the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi NCT government.

According to sources, these reports 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, and 10-Performance Audit Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the year 31 March 2022.

Sources said out of 14 of these, 4 reports are Finance accounts and appropriation Accounts prepared by Controller of Accounts of Delhi government from 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Sources said that in 14 reports, 4 of them are Finance accounts and appropriation Accounts prepared by Controller of Accounts of Delhi government from 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Earlier, in December 2024, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena had censured former CM Atishi for failing to present CAG reports before the Assembly because of which he had also called for a special session on December 19-20. In a letter to former CM Atishi, Saxena emphasised 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.

CM Rekha Gupta has also accused the previous government of “misusing” people’s “hard-earned” money and said that they would have to account for every penny. “We remain true to the commitments we made for Delhi and they will be fulfilled,” Gupta said.

CM Gupta also added in a presser, “The most important thing is going to come. We said that we should put the CAG report on the House table in the first session. This is people’s hard-earned money which the previous government misused. They will have to account for each penny before the people.” (ANI)

Punjab Congress leader on Monday Pratap Singh Bajwa has made sensational claims, alleging that 32 AAP MLAs are in touch with him and ready to join the Congress.

Bajwa likened the situation to the “Eknath Shinde episode” in Maharashtra, where Shiv Sena MLAs defected to form a new government.

He further claimed that these MLAs are making ‘advance bookings’ just like people buy tickets for DSiljit Dosanjh’s show in advance.

“There will be an ‘Eknath Shinde episode’ in Punjab in the coming months. These MLAs are doing ‘advance booking’ to join the Congress, just like people buy tickets in advance for Diljit Dosanjh’s show,” Bajwa said while referring to the breakup of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, stated that these MLAs are leaving AAP because they see no future with the party. He emphasised that the Congress is not trying to destabilise the government; rather, the MLAs are coming to the party voluntarily.

“Our program is not to destabilise the government. The (AAP MLAs) themselves are coming to Congress. They understand that they have no future. Once elections are called, we will call them,” Bajwa told reporters, adding, “I am firm on my statement.”

Speaking on its effect on the INDIA bloc, he said, “If they want to leave the party willingly, how would it affect the alliance?”

Bajwa also made shocking claims about Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that he will soon join the BJP. He claimed that Union Minister Ravneet Bittu is mediating secret meetings between Mann and BJP leaders.

“Bittu is only pretending to protest outside the CM’s residence, while in reality, he is arranging secret meetings between the CM and BJP leaders,” Bajwa added.

The Congress leader predicted the fall of the AAP government in Punjab within the next four to five months, citing similarities with the Maharashtra political developments.

“The countdown of this government has begun. In the next four to five months, what happened in Maharashtra will happen in Punjab. This government will fall,” Bajwa added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav over his “Faaltu hai kumbh” remarks and said that those who believe in “jungle raj hate our heritage and faith”, and expressed confidence that the people of Bihar will not forgive those who speak ill of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

While addressing a rally in Bihar’s Bhagalpur, he highlighted the significance of the ‘Mahakumbh of Unity’, currently underway in Prayagraj. He emphasised that this celebration represents the largest gathering of India’s faith, unity, and harmony, with more attendees than Europe’s entire population taking a holy dip.

“More people than the entire population of Europe have taken a holy dip in this Mahakumbh. However, those from the ‘jungle raj’ are criticising this sacred event. Those who are against the Ram temple are seizing every chance to slander the Mahakumbh. I am confident that the people of Bihar will never forgive those who speak ill of this sacred occasion,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi said that the ‘Mahakumbh of Unity’ is currently underway in Prayagraj. It represents the largest celebration of India’s faith, unity, and harmony.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the BJP-led NDA government’s commitment to preserving India’s glorious heritage and building a glorious future.

“The BJP-led NDA government is working together to preserve India’s glorious heritage and build a glorious future. But these people of jungle raj hate our heritage, our faith,” added the Prime Minister.

This comes after Lalu Yadav, on February 16, 2025, had said, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai kumbh (Kumbh has no meaning. Kumbh is useless),” while answering his suggestion regarding crowd management for the Mahakumbh after Railway’s mismanagement led to the stampede at the New Delhi railway station that claimed the lives of at least 18 people.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also released the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which will transfer approximately Rs 22,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at the rally.

After releasing the instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, PM Modi said, “At this time, preparations for Maha Shivratri are also going on at this holy land of Baba Ajaibinath.In such a sacred time, I have the privilege of sending another instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi to crores of farmers in the country. Nearly Rs 22 thousand crores have reached the accounts of farmers across the country with just one click.”

“As soon as I clicked the button, I noticed the farmers even sitting over here checking their mobile phones and a spark shot up in their eyes,” he added.

“It is a great fortune to come to this land of Mandaraachal during the time of Mahakumbh. This land has faith, heritage and the potential of a developed India. This is the land of martyr Tilka Manjhi and is also a Silk City,” said PM Modi praising the state.

PM Modi said that Viksit Bharat has four pillars: the poor, the farmers, the women, and the youth!

He said that the NDA government prioritises farmer welfare at the Centre or in the state.

He emphasised the NDA government’s commitment to farmer welfare, citing the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which has credited around Rs1,600 crore to over 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar.

“Today the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana includes over 75 lakh farmer families as beneficiaries from Bihar itself. In their accounts, around 1600 crore rupees have been credited to their accounts. I congratulate them on this,” he said.

“A farmer needs good seeds for farming, adequate and cheap fertilisers, irrigation facilities, protection of animals from diseases and protection from losses during disasters. Earlier, farmers used to be surrounded by crises regarding all these aspects. Those who can eat animal feed can never change these conditions. The NDA government has changed these conditions,” said PM Modi.

Taking a jab at the Congress and RJD, PM Modi highlighted the stark contrast between the current government’s efforts and the past regimes, emphasising that while the Congress and the “Jungle Raj” government had allocated a meagre budget for agriculture, the NDA government has already transferred far more money into farmers’ bank accounts.

He asserted that only a government truly committed to farmers’ welfare could achieve such feats, not those plagued by corruption.

PM Modi pointed out that, unlike previous governments, the NDA ensured farmers weren’t left to face the challenges of natural disasters like hailstorms, floods, and droughts on their own.

He recalled the creation of the PM Phasal Bima Yojana in 2014, which has provided farmers with Rs. 1.75 lakh crore in claims during disasters.

He also noted the increase in India’s agricultural exports, which has led to better prices for farmers’ produce.

Highlighting the growing global recognition of Indian crops, he mentioned Bihar’s Makhana, which he described as a “superfood” now ready for international markets.

“When the Congress, Jungle Raj wale were in power, they had kept the total budget for agriculture, we have already sent many times more money than that in the bank accounts of you farmers. No corrupt person can do this work, only the government can do it which is dedicated to farmers’ welfare,” he said.

“Whether Congress or Jungle Raj, the difficulties of farmers do not make any difference. These people used to leave farmers to endure for themselves in times of rain, hailstorms and drought. In 2014, when you blessed the NDA, the BJP-led NDA made PM Phasal Bima Yojana for the farmers during natural calamities. To increase the incomes of the small farmers, NDA is encouraging Animal husbandry,” he said.

The Prime Minister also announced the formation of a Makhana Board to support farmers and promote Bihar’s Makhana, a “superfood” now ready for international markets. His vision is to have Indian-grown products featured in kitchens around the world.

Adding further, PM Modi said, “In the past years, due to the efforts of the government, India’s agricultural exports have increased a lot. Due to this, farmers have started getting higher prices for their produce. There are many agricultural products whose export has started for the first time. Now, it is the turn of Makhana from Bihar. This is a superfood, which now has to be delivered to the world markets. Therefore, in this year’s budget, an announcement has been made to form a Makhana Board for Makhana farmers.”

“My dream is that there should be some product grown by Indian farmers in every kitchen of the world,” said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Modi shared that this year’s budget continues to push forward his vision for farmers’ welfare, with the introduction of the ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana.’

This initiative will identify 100 districts across the country with the lowest crop production and launch special campaigns to boost farming in these areas.

He also celebrated the achievement of a significant milestone, revealing that the government had set a target to create 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the country, and this goal has now been accomplished.

PM Modi proudly announced that Bihar will host the 10,000th FPO, which will focus on crops such as maize, bananas, and paddy.

He said that the FPO has been registered in Khagaria district, marking an important step in supporting farmers and strengthening regional agricultural practices.

A huge crowd had turned up at the rally to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme launched on February 24 2019, provides annual financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per eligible farmer family. So far, more than Rs 3.46 lakh crore have been disbursed to more than 11 crore farmer families in the country through 18 installments.

The Bihar Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies is scheduled to be held in October or November this year. The last assembly elections were held in October-November 2020. (ANI)