Month: January 2026

The first Jallikattu event of the year and one of its most prominent traditional competitions was held in a grand manner at Periya Suryur in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

The event was organised in connection with the annual festival of Sri Narkadal Kudi Karuppannasamy Temple, on the second day of the Tamil month Thai.

For several years, the Jallikattu competition was conducted on a temporary village ground. Villagers had submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh seeking a permanent arena. Following this, with the approval of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Rs 3 crore was sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Department for the construction of a permanent Jallikattu arena.

The construction has now been completed, and the newly built Jallikattu arena was recently inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister.

The arena is equipped with adequate safety arrangements, a vaadivaasal (bull release point), barricades, and spectator facilities. A gallery has been constructed to enable spectators to watch the event comfortably.

A total of 750 Jallikattu bulls and 500 bull tamers are participating in the competition, which is being conducted in 10 rounds at the Suryur arena.

In this year’s competition, a car has been announced as the first prize, while a two-wheeler will be awarded as the second prize. Additionally, all participants will be presented with veshtis and sarees as gifts.

The event commenced with the ceremonial release of the temple bull, followed by an oath taken by the bull tamers. District Collector Saravanan flagged off the competition, marking the official start of Trichy district’s first Jallikattu of the year. (ANI)

Delhi’s air quality continued to remain a serious concern, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 346 at 7 am on Friday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Several areas across the national capital reported AQI levels above 300.

Anand Vihar recorded 354, Ashok Vihar 367, ITO 362, and RK Puram 374. Patparganj recorded an AQI of 372, Wazirpur 374, Chandni Chowk 370, and Dwarka Sector 8 369, according to CPCB data as of 7 am.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

The national capital is also experiencing a cold wave, with temperatures dipping to around 5.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Several airports across northern and eastern India witnessed severely reduced visibility due to dense to very dense fog, according to official data reported at 05.30 AM.

According to the visibility report, airports in Amritsar, Adampur, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Hindon, and Saharanpur recorded zero metres of visibility, with very dense fog prevailing in these regions.

Extremely poor visibility was reported across Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns about delays and disruptions in air and surface transport.

Palam reported 800 metres of visibility and Safdarjung 700 metres in Shallow fog today.

Meanwhile, moderate fog conditions were observed at several other locations. Varanasi and Jammu reported visibility of 200 metres, while Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh recorded 350 metres visibility. Kanpur and Gorakhpur saw visibility improve slightly to around 400 metres.

A day earlier, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 352 at 8 am, placing in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (ANI)

Early leads being reported from vote counting of the Brihanmumbai Mumbai Corporation (BMC) elections show the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance leadinging in around 52 wards, according to preliminary data that is coming in from the counting of postal ballots. The official figures from the SEC and the BMC are awaited.

According to the postal ballots counted till now, BJP has a lead in 35 seats, Shiv Sena 17 seats.

For the Thackeray brothers the morning is yet to bring good news as the Shiv Sena (UBT) is reported to be leading in 22 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, is leading in 8 seats till now. The Congress has 4 leads from the initial count.

The recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, according to the data released by the State Election Commissioner (SEC) on Friday.

The elections for India’s richest municipal corporations, which concluded on Thursday, were marred with allegations by the Shiv Sena (UBT)- MNS alliance, and subsequently refuted by the SEC.

The elections, which were conducted after a gap of eight years, marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, while the term of the last elected mayor, Kishori Pednekar, ended in March 2022. With the completion of the polls, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years.

Out of the total 1,03,44,315 voters in the electoral roll, a total of 54,76,043 exercised their right to vote. In total numbers of voters, around 3.7 lakh men exercised their franchise compared to women. A total of 29,23,433 men voted across the 277 wards, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender electors also cast their votes.

The exit polls have predicted a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the Thackeray brothers finishing second and Congress and its allies failing to put up a strong show.

In the 2017 elections, the undivided Shiv Sena had secured 84 seats out of the total 227. While being in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party at that point, the alliance had secured the halfway mark of 114 seats, with the BJP winning 82 seats. (ANI)

In an arena nestled on the slopes of the hills, bulls fight to show strength and for recognition. This age-old tradition in the Himalayan Nation is slowly fading, with bulls becoming more expensive and rarer even in villages.

The annual bull festival, which began over two centuries ago, continues to draw hundreds of revellers from across the nation despite the declining number of participating humpy bulls.

In 2025, a total of 16 pairs of bulls were taken into this very arena; this year, it has dropped to 13 as the annual bull fight commences in mid-January.

“We cannot find the calf in and around villages. I had to bring it from a far-flung area of another district. The local breed has almost become extinct, replaced by the hybrid ones. The local cows are now almost extinct, which is the cause. The hybrid ones also now cost 70 to one hundred thousand (Nepali rupees),” Lokman Shrestha, a bull owner who had been participating in the annual event for two decades and claims to have owned 16 matches till date, told ANI.

This annually held, over two centuries old tradition is still continued and maintained by the villagers in their own effort.

“Tractors have now replaced the bulls, previously used to plough the fields. People have now started to give up herding the bulls, all the grown-up young generations have started fleeing abroad, and the old generations- some have adapted the tractor to plough the field. Only those who have an interest are now herding the bulls,” Shrestha added.

The bull owners in this place are rare; they care for the bulls throughout the year and bring them out to fight to show the strength and might of their reared bulls.

Bull owners feed their bull with various cereals, rice flour, oils and vitamins to increase stamina and tame their pet, making it eligible for a fight. Its preparation for the bullfight starts around August- September, during the monsoon.

Farmers make sure their bulls develop both the habit and the will to fight. Once they identify these traits, take special care of them by providing additional training. Bullfighting practice is held occasionally and at various times throughout the year. The practice usually begins in the first week of November and continues every 10 to 15 days.

As per the guidelines and qualifications set by the organising committee and the locals of Tarkeshwor Rural Municipality, where the event is held, a bull used for mating or ploughing fields is unfit to take part in the contest.

The history of bullfighting events in Taruka, Nuwakot District, Nepal, dates back to 1887 B.S., when the then-Prince of Bajhang, Jay Prithivi Bahadur Singh, introduced it for entertainment during his visit to his maternal uncle’s house. Since then, the locals of Taruka Village, renowned for bullfighting, have continued the tradition over the years.

“I am here at Nuwakot to watch Goru Judhai (bull fight) on the occasion of Maghe Sakranti. I came here from Kathmandu after hearing about the annual event here, and I am happy to witness this event here,” Susan Kattel, a reveller who travelled from the capital to the bull wrestling venue, told ANI.

The first day of the 10th month as per the Lunar Calendar, Magh is noted with the feast of Molasses and the eateries, but the district of Nuwakot, about 75 kilometres from the capital Kathmandu, marks it with the bull fighting.

The annual festival of bull taming in Nepal which gives a reflection of the “Jalikattu” in India and the Spanish Bull fight.

The history of annual bullfighting dates back to Betrawati in the Rasuwa district. The Nepali victory over Tibet during that period initiated the annual bullfighting celebration in Betrawati, where 10 pairs of bulls fought to mark the day.

“In comparison to the bygone days, in the villages the population is slowly receding and the number of the bulls also follows the same trend. Last year, there were about 17 pairs of bulls fighting in the arena; the number has decreased slightly, but not noticeably. Many of the participating bull owners have been herding it just to take part in the events,” Surya Man Shrestha, locally elected member of the Tarkeshwor Rural Municipality, told ANI.

Continued for ages, this annual event not only has preserved traditional culture in the Himalayan nation with vivid cultural diversities, but it also has been contributing for tourism development of the area. (ANI)

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday called the demolition of Manikarnika Ghat not urban planning, but a “grave sin.”

In a post on X, she said that the bulldozers are not clearing debris to make way for progress, but are instead tearing through the historical fabric woven by figures like Ahilyabai Holkar.

“It is extremely regrettable that centuries-old religious and cultural heritage has been destroyed by running bulldozers at Manikarnika Ghat in Banaras. Manikarnika Ghat and its antiquity hold religious significance, and it is also associated with the memories of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Ji,” she added.

She accused that the ongoing redevelopment at Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat, the government’s ‘renovation’ is a mask for commercial greed, turning a sacred heritage site into a commercial hub while systematically dismantling the very temples and traditions that make Kashi eternal.”

“In the name of development, for the commercial interests of a few people, erasing the country’s religious and historical heritage is a grave sin. Even before this, many temples, several centuries old have been demolished in Banaras in the name of renovation. These conspiracies to erase the religious, spiritual, and cultural identity of Kashi must be stopped immediately,” added the Congress leader.

The plan for renovation and redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat was started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone in July 07, 2023. The total renovation cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 17.56 crore.

The administration Master plan is to streamline and widen the area from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat. This includes Better facilities for pilgrims visiting the ghats, Easier access and seating arrangements for those coming for cremations, and strengthening connectivity to Scindia Ghat.

The new Manikarnika Ghat will include VIP seating on the roof. In addition, special attention will be paid to the provision of ramps, viewing areas, seating arrangements, and other basic amenities. A wood plaza will also be constructed at Manikarnika Ghat, where mourners can purchase wood for cremations.

It is worth noting that the Manikarnika Ghat, the great cremation ground of Kashi, holds immense religious significance. According to religious beliefs, after death in Kashi, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the deceased, granting them salvation.

This is the only cremation ground in the world that burns pyres 24 hours a day, earning the name Mahashmashan (Great Cremation Ground), with people from around the world visiting the sacred site. (ANI)

People of Delhi can now have a “cruise experience” without going out of the city with the Delhi government preparing to start a cruise on the Yamuna river next month.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra told ANI in an interview that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will launch the Yamuna cruise recreational services.

He said a MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government regarding the cruise service.

“We are going to start a cruise on the Yamuna, most probably, sometime in February, the Chief Minister will dedicate it to the people of Delhi. We are bringing this in accordance with international safety standards. The upstream Wazirabad model is state-of-the-art… A joint MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government… It has a hybrid engine,” he said.

“The Yamuna has two phases in Delhi: upstream Wazirabad and downstream Wazirabad. For upstream Wazirabad, we are working to connect people with the Yamuna… Downstream Wazirabad, the sewage is being tapped first. Systems are being built to treat it. Treatment systems for the drains are being constructed so that clean water flows downstream,” he added.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Kapil Mishra had in October last year reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project, which aims to introduce recreational boat cruises and ferry services on the River Yamuna for residents and visitors in the national capital.

The project, located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is expected to provide a new green tourism experience and enhance connectivity through eco-friendly river travel. The initiative is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

River Yamuna, notified as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), stretches 1,080 kilometres from Delhi’s Jagatpur to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. As part of efforts to promote inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing facilities along a 6-7 km round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

After reviewing the on-ground progress, Sonowal said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable and modern waterways.

To support implementation, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with key departments of the Delhi Government, including Irrigation and Flood Control, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). The agreement focuses on developing cruise tourism along a four-kilometre stretch of NW-110.

The corridor will function as a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations, powered by electric-solar hybrid boats that can accommodate 30 to 40 passengers. The vessels will be equipped with safety equipment, including life jackets and public announcement systems.

The project is expected to revitalise recreational activities, enhance green mobility and reshape Delhi’s tourism landscape by offering new river-based experiences for residents and tourists.

The project is expected to revitalise recreational activities, enhance green mobility and reshape Delhi’s tourism landscape by offering new river-based experiences for residents and tourists.

Kapil Mishra, who also holds portfolios for Law and Justice, Labour, Employment, Development, Art, Culture, and Language, said the BJP government’s biggest achievement in Delhi is its direct connection with the people.

He said the Chief Minister and MLAs are addressing public concerns. He also took a dig at the previous AAP government, saying the first task of the BJP government is “fill the potholes which exist in every department”.

“The first achievement of this government is that its Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs are present among the people…. The first task is definitely to fill the potholes, and those potholes exist in every department,” he said.

“The previous government was disconnected from the people. This government is among the people. When we opened the Chief Minister’s office on the first day in the Delhi Secretariat, there was a thick layer of dust everywhere. People said the office never opens. Today, that office is never closed,” he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party won Delhi polls in February last year, returning to power in the national capital after 27 years. (ANI)

Vidarbha seamer Darshan Nalkande produced a brilliant bowling performance, claiming a five-wicket haul to restrict Karnataka to 280 in the first semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Karnataka’s innings got off to a shaky start as their openers failed to settle. Captain Mayank Agarwal was the first to fall, managing 9 runs. Soon after his partner’s dismissal, the in-form Devdutt Padikkal followed him, as he was dismissed by Yash Thakur for 4. Karnataka were 20/2 in 6.2 overs.

Karun Nair and Dhruv Prabhakar then attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 54 runs together. Prabhakar scored 28 before becoming Darshan Nalkande’s first victim of the match.

After Prabhakar’s dismissal, Nair found solid support from Krishnan Shrijith, with the pair putting together a crucial 113-run partnership that steadied Karnataka’s innings. Nair anchored the stand and played a composed knock, scoring 76 off 90 balls, including eight fours and a six, before being dismissed by Nalkande.

Shrijith followed soon after, having scored 54 off 53 deliveries with seven boundaries. He was dismissed by Yash Kadam.

Shreyas Gopal and Abhinav Manohar then added 55 runs to push the total forward. However, Nalkande returned to break the partnership, dismissing Gopal for his third wicket. He went on to remove Vidyadhar Patil and later picked up Abhinav Manohar to complete his five-wicket haul.

Nalkande finished with impressive figures of 5/48 from his ten overs.

Vijaykumar Vyshak was the last batter to be dismissed, scoring 17 off 11 balls before falling to Yash Thakur.

Among the other bowlers, Thakur picked up 2/64, while Nachiket Bhute returned figures of 1/46 and Yash Kadam claimed 1/39, as Vidarbha managed to keep Karnataka in check. (ANI)

In the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday at the Chief Minister’s residence between the Government of Uttarakhand and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under the “Healthy Border Campaign.” Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna were also present on the occasion.

The objective of this MoU is to provide integrated primary healthcare services to residents of 108 border villages across the districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi. This initiative is being launched as Phase I to ensure access to healthcare services in remote and border areas.

Under the MoU, ITBP headquarters, Northern Frontier, Dehradun, has been designated as the First Party, and the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, as the Second Party. As per the agreement, ITBP will arrange qualified doctors and paramedical staff and make MI Rooms and telemedicine facilities available. Border villages will be visited regularly as per a fixed schedule to provide healthcare services to local residents. Maintenance of beneficiaries’ medical health cards/records, along with proper management of equipment, medicines, and consumables, will also be ensured.

The Uttarakhand government will provide demographic data of the concerned villages and supply essential medical equipment at the initial stage. Based on consumption, a continuous supply of medicines and other materials will be ensured every six months. In emergency situations, evacuation, communication support, and responsibility for ownership and replacement of equipment will also be borne by the state government.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “The Healthy Border Campaign is an effective initiative toward improving the quality of life of citizens living in border areas. It will not only strengthen healthcare facilities but also promote trust, security, and stability in border villages. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the holistic development of frontier regions and termed this MoU a significant step in that direction.”

ITBP officials informed that, as per the current status of the earlier MoU between ITBP and the Uttarakhand Government for the supply of local products, 25 per cent supply began on a trial basis in November 2024, and 100 per cent supply commenced in March 2025. Under this arrangement, products such as live sheep/goats, live poultry, Himalayan trout fish, fresh milk, paneer, and TPM are being procured through various cooperative institutions. So far, approximately 3,79,650.23 kilograms and 3,25,318.72 litres of products have been procured, with a total estimated cost exceeding ₹11.94 crore. This initiative is directly benefiting livestock farmers, fish farmers, and dairy producers, while promoting local products and strengthening the rural economy.

The Chief Minister said, “This initiative will prove to be a milestone in making border areas self-reliant, connecting local citizens with livelihoods, and ensuring stability in regions linked to national security.” The state government remains continuously committed to the comprehensive development of border areas.

During the program, a detailed presentation was made on the proposed procurement of local products from vibrant/border villages for the year 2026. This includes the purchase of 4,00,000 kg of live sheep/goats worth ₹13 crore, 2,50,000 kg of live poultry worth ₹4 crore, and 82,000 kg of Himalayan trout worth ₹3.90 crore. In addition, 21,302 kg of paneer worth ₹0.79 crore, 4,73,532 liters of fresh milk worth ₹3.3 crore, and 1,40,018 litres of TPS worth ₹1.5 crore will be procured. After the MoU, procurement of 9,85,391 kg of vegetables worth ₹2.77 crore and 6,20,228 kg of fruits worth ₹3.50 crore is also estimated. In total, approximately 7,53,302 kg, 6,13,550 litres, and after the MoU, 16,05,619 kg of products will be procured, with an overall estimated cost of around ₹32.76 crore.

It was also informed that under upcoming MoUs and proposed agreements, a direct procurement mechanism from local livestock farmers for non-vegetarian products is proposed, eliminating the role of intermediaries and ensuring direct benefits to producers. Under the helipad agreement with the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, a total of 221 helicopter landings have been successfully conducted so far, strengthening connectivity and supply systems in remote and border areas.

Under future agreements, ITBP has identified 108 border villages in the first phase across Uttarakhand. Keeping in view the distance of these villages from Public Health Centres (PHCs) and veterinary centres, alternative arrangements will be made to enhance access to health and veterinary services. Additionally, MoUs are proposed for the procurement of local fruits and vegetables to encourage local farmers. An agreement is also proposed for procuring high-quality sugar from the State’s cooperative sugar mills. To ensure quick and effective mobility in remote areas, an MoU is also proposed for the use of UCADA helicopter services by ITBP.

The Chief Minister said, “This initiative is a significant step toward strengthening the Vibrant Village Programme and translating the concept of ‘Vocal for Local’ into reality. Through the Point-to-Point Model, direct procurement from farmers has been ensured, benefiting over 550 border residents, completely eliminating contractors and middlemen.”

He added that this system has created new employment opportunities in border areas and ensured a year-round supply of organic, fresh products, even during challenging seasons such as monsoon and winter. The availability of high-quality non-veg products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy items at the local level has benefited consumers and increased producers’ incomes.

This initiative is also promoting reverse migration by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities within local regions. From an environmental perspective, it has significantly reduced carbon emissions. Overall, this model contributes to achieving 10 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a socially, economically, and environmentally impactful and sustainable initiative. (ANI)

India’s healthcare sector recorded a cumulative deal value exceeding Rs 10,000 crore in the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year.

According to the EY-Parthenon India Q2FY26 Healthcare Sector Update, this resilient performance was supported by rising demand for high-end clinical specialities and steady capacity expansion by hospital chains.

The quarter saw a robust volume of mergers and acquisitions, including buyouts and cross-border transactions across the hospital, diagnostics, and speciality care segments.

Large hospital networks reported a 10-16 per cent year-on-year increase in average revenue per occupied bed. This growth was attributed to pricing discipline and a notable shift toward higher-acuity procedures.

Major hospital chains plan to add more than 18,000 beds over the next three to five years through a combination of greenfield projects and selective acquisitions. Multi-speciality hospitals saw revenue growth of 9-28 per cent, driven by complex specialities such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.

Kaivaan Movdawalla, National Healthcare Leader, EY Parthenon India, said, “Q2FY26 underscores the structural strength of India’s healthcare sector. What stands out is the sustained shift toward high-acuity specialities such as oncology, cardiology and neurology, reflected in rising occupancy levels and double-digit ARPOB growth across leading hospital chains. At the same time, diagnostics players are moving decisively up the value chain, with accelerated investments in genomics, oncology and AI-led testing platforms. This combination of clinical depth, asset expansion and technology adoption positions the sector well for durable, long-term growth.”

The diagnostics segment outperformed, with leading chains reporting 10-22 per cent year-on-year revenue growth. Growth in this area was driven by rising volumes in Tier III and Tier IV cities and increased demand for high-complexity testing. Several players reported EBITDA margins of 25-35 per cent, supported by operating leverage and network optimisation.

Amit Gupta, Partner – Healthcare and Life Sciences Investment Banking, EY said, “Investor interest in healthcare remains robust, reflected in sustained buyouts, strategic acquisitions and private equity investments across hospitals, diagnostics and speciality care in Q2FY26.

Investors are prioritising platforms with scalable regional footprints, robust unit economics and clear expansion pathways, especially into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. Integrated healthcare models and technology-enabled assets are increasingly favoured and are commanding premium valuations.”

EY expects sector momentum to sustain over the remainder of FY26, supported by rising healthcare utilisation, capacity additions coming on stream and continued investor interest.

While near-term margin pressures may persist for newly commissioned assets, medium-term fundamentals remain strong, underpinned by favourable demographics, expanding insurance coverage and increasing demand for specialised care. (ANI)

After 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing their son.

The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel.

Ketan’s father, Mukesh Mehta, said that the last time the Mehta family heard Ketan’s voice was on December 31, 2025. Mukesh Mehta said that Ketan spoke to his parents on New Year’s Eve, assuring them he was safe.

Having lost his phone, Ketan communicated via a colleague, an oiler named Pothi Diwakar. When the father recently managed to contact Diwakar, he was told that the IRGC had officially arrested 10 crew members, including Ketan.

The family has said they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy. “The MEA asked for his passport details, which we provided immediately. But since then, there has been no update, no clarity, and no reassurance,” said Mukesh Mehta.

Meanwhile, Ketan’s mother, Rajni Mehta, is inconsolable. She has not spoken to her son in over two weeks and fears for his basic safety in an Iranian detention centre.

The family has made a direct, emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene personally.

“The matter is grave. Our son is innocent and was just doing his job. We beg the Prime Minister to use his diplomatic influence to bring our son back home before it’s too late,” the father pleaded. (ANI)