Month: January 2026

Ayodhya Food Commissioner, Manik Chandra Singh, on Saturday announced a strict ban on non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants within Ayodhya Dham.

The ban includes online deliveries, and authorities will penalise platforms violating the rule.

Speaking to ANI, Food Commissioner Ayodhya Manik Chandra Singh said, “… Non-vegetarian food has been banned from being served in hotels and restaurants in Ayodhya Dham.”

Singh also announced to take action against hotels and delivery platforms flouting rules.

“However, online delivery was still taking place through various platforms. We are ensuring that in these areas, meat will neither be served nor delivered through online platforms. We will also ensure that delivery platforms tied up with hotels strictly follow the rules, failing which strict action will be taken against them…,” added Singh.

Speaking on the ban, Shubham Srivastava, a hotel General Manager, welcomed it as a measure to preserve the sanctity of the Ayodhya Dham.

“Consumption of non-veg is prohibited in our holy scriptures; it is considered a sin in our religion. We, thus, are appreciative of this ban and aim to safeguard and maintain the holy spirit of Ayodhya Dham by not serving non-veg in our hotel,” he told ANI.

The decision aims to align with Ayodhya’s cultural and religious significance, respects local sentiments and pilgrim preferences.

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off a group of Ram devotees for Ayodhya Dham, describing the pilgrimage as a strong message of Sanatan faith, cultural unity, and spiritual consciousness.

A group of around 35-40 devotees was sent off by the Chief Minister at the Chief Minister’s Jan Seva Sadan on Raj Niwas Marg. The journey from Delhi to Ayodhya has been organised by the Valmiki Chaudhary Sarpanch Committee, enabling devotees to seek Lord Ram’s darshan at the newly constructed grand temple.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gupta said the pilgrimage is imbued with devotion, faith and Sanatan values, and further strengthens India’s rich cultural consciousness and spiritual traditions. She said the devotees were fortunate to receive the opportunity to seek Lord Ram’s darshan in the very first month of the New Year.

The Chief Minister noted that visiting the grand Ram Temple, offering prayers at the feet of Lord Ram and walking through the streets, lanes and temples of the holy city of Ayodhya is a divine and transcendent experience in itself. She said such journeys help deepen spiritual connection and reinforce cultural roots.

Referring to the construction of the Ram Temple, Gupta said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the grand temple in Ayodhya stands as a historic achievement. She described it as more than a religious structure, calling it a symbol of the dignity of faith, the honour of tradition and the reawakening of India’s national consciousness rooted in Sanatan values. (ANI)

Two-time Olympic medallist and Indian Javelin star Neeraj Chopra has parted ways with his Czech coach Jan Zelezny, according to Olympics.com.

Chopra ended his ties with coach Jan Zelezny after a year-long stint that was marked by mixed competitive results.

The report said that the exact reason for the split wasn’t revealed, and both agreed to part ways mutually on good terms.

“Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas,” Neeraj Chopra said, according to Olympics.com.

“The way he thinks about technique, rhythm, and movement is incredible, and I learned a lot from every single session we had together,” he added.

The Indian Javelin star added that he is proud of his friendship with someone who has been his idol all of his life.

“What I’m most proud about is the friendship I’ve built with someone who has been my idol all my life. Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best human beings I have ever met,” Chopra said.

Zelezny recalled that Chopra breached the 90-meter barrier for the first time.

“Working with an athlete like Neeraj was a great experience. I’m glad we met and were able to work together, that I got him to break the 90-metre barrier for the first time,” Zelezny said, according to Olympics.com.

“Our relationship is very positive also on the human side and we will continue to stay in touch, we will definitely meet at some training camp or, for example, on vacation with our families in Europe or India,” he added.

Neeraj and Zelezny were originally slated to work together until the end of the 2026 season.

Neeraj was earlier coached by German biomechanics expert Dr Klaus Bartonietz, who guided him to the gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a silver at Paris 2024 as well as the World Championships title in 2023, the report said.

Neeraj linked with Zelezny after Bartonietz stepped away from his role due to old age towards the end of 2024, it added.

During his stint, Zelezny made a few technical adjustments to Neeraj’s technique, which helped the Indian star to breach the 90m mark for the first time in his career at the 2025 Doha Diamond League in May.

Under him, Neeraj also won the Paris Diamond League, Ostrava Golden Spike and the inaugural NC Classic at home. Chopra also finished second at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial and Diamond League Final.

Chopra had a disappointing eighth-place finish at the Tokyo World Championships. The Indian was competing at the tournament with a back injury. Neeraj ended his season to focus on his recovery. (ANI)

Odisha Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed that the nine-seater aircraft that force-landed near Rourkela experienced “sudden drop in pressure and lost balance while flying, leading to the crash,” adding that a DGCA probe has been initiated.

Speaking to ANI, the Minister said that the IndiaOne Air type of aircraft (Caravan 208) bearing Regn. VT-KSS met with the accident just a few kilometres before the destination.

“A regular India One flight operating from Bhubaneswar met with an accident near Rourkela, around 8-10 kilometres before reaching its destination,” he said.

The Minister further stated that the aircraft, carrying passengers including the pilot, reportedly experienced a sudden drop in pressure and lost balance while flying at a relatively low altitude, leading to the crash. Six injured, including two crew members and four passengers, sustained injuries in the incident.

“The injured passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby local hospital, where they are now stable. By the grace of God, a major tragedy was averted. Had the impact been more severe, there could have been a significant loss of life and property,” Jena said.

The state government responded promptly by alerting the Directorate team and initiating coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

“We have spoken to the DGCA, which has begun an investigation into the incident. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” The Minister said.

The Minister further requested the passengers not to fear flying in aircraft after the incident, adding that the safety and security of passengers will be ensured.

Earlier, the Directorate of Aviation, in an official release, stated that the aircraft departed at 1227 hours with two pilots and four passengers, and the pilots ensured the landing, due to which lives have been saved.

Receiving the information of the crash, the District Administration reached out and shifted the injured pilots and passengers to the medical facilities at Rourkela. Currently, three passengers are being treated at J.P. Hospital, and two pilots, along with one passenger, are getting treatment at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH), Rourkela.

As reported, all are under medical treatment, and no fatalities have been reported. The accident has been reported to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation and all concerned.

As per the Regulations, the Airline shall report the details to the DGCA / Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for further action.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation (Commerce & Transport Department) has seized the matter and is extending all the support to the passengers through the District Administration and to airlines as needed.

Additionally, the Chief Minister has reviewed the situation and directed the concerned officials to extend all the support from the state to the passengers, pilots and authorities. (ANI)

Manoj Gaur, former CMD, Jaypee Infratech Ltd, has filed a regular bail plea in Patiala House Court in a money laundering case.

He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case registered in 2018, and has been running in judicial custody since November 18, 2025. He was arrested on November 13, 2025.

The bail application has been moved through advocate Farrukh Khan. The plea highlights that Gaur is 61 years old and has a 30-year medical history.

The bail application is likely to be heard by the Patiala House Court on Monday.

It is stated that Gaur’s detention, viewed in the backdrop of an eight-year-old ED case, documentary allegations, absence of personal gain, statutory divestment of control over companies, and serious medical infirmities, is grossly disproportionate and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

It is further submitted that continued incarceration of Manoj Gaur, despite the absence of any investigative necessity, would amount to punishment prior to conviction and would offend the settled principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, particularly in cases involving prolonged investigation and trial.

Gaur has deep roots in society and has substantial family, social, and professional ties within the jurisdiction of this Court, the plea said.

On November 13, the Court granted ED five days of custody of Gaur.

ED had submitted that it is a money-laundering case involving the funds of Home Buyers. Accused persons collected Rs. 13,000 crores but did not use the same to give accommodation to home buyers.

Counsel for the accused opposed the ED’s remand application. It was submitted that the ECIR was lodged in 2018. An arrest has been made after almost seven years.

Advocate Khan submitted that the ECIR is from 2018, and questioned what prevented the ED from 2018 to 2025. Now, Gaur has been illegally arrested.

The counsel had further submitted that the accused appeared before the ED and cooperated in the investigation. He also sent an email to the IO and requested another date to appear.

He was called and was made to sit till 8 at night, the counsel added. JayPee Infratech Ltd. (JIL) went into insolvency in 2017, and the motion was passed.

It was also submitted that there is no evasion by Gaur. He is a sick man. The counsel questioned why the man should be taken into custody when the company has been dissolved.

“The first FIR was lodged in 2017, and my statement was recorded thereafter. We are at the end of 2025, and the counsel for the accused has argued.”

ED had said that it arrested Gaur, former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M/s Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. (JAL) and former Chairman and Managing Director of M/s Jaypee Infratech Ltd. (JIL), under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The arrest took place following a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during the ongoing probe, an ECIR recorded by the ED under the PMLA, in connection with the Jaypee Group, the agency said in a release.

It is also said that the ED initiated an investigation against the Jaypee group on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by the Economic Offences Wings (EOW) of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police, based on complaints filed by homebuyers of Jaypee Wishtown and Jaypee Greens projects, alleging criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust against the company and its promoters.

The agency alleged that funds collected from thousands of homebuyers for the construction and completion of residential projects were diverted for non-construction purposes, leaving the homebuyers defrauded and their projects incomplete.

The ED investigation revealed that out of approximately Rs. 14,599 Crore collected by JAL and JIL from homebuyers (as per claims admitted by NCLT), substantial amounts were diverted for non-construction purposes and siphoned off to related group entities and trusts, including Jaypee Sewa Sansthan (JSS), M/s Jaypee Healthcare Ltd. (JHL), and M/s Jaypee Sports International Ltd. (JSIL), the ED said.

The investigation also revealed that Manoj Gaur is the Managing Trustee of Jaypee Sewa Sansthan (JSS), which received part of the diverted funds, the agency claimed.

Earlier, on May 23, 2025, the ED had conducted search operations at 15 locations in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Mumbai, including the offices and premises of M/s Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. and M/s Jaypee Infratech Ltd.

During the searches, ED seized a large volume of financial and digital records, along with documents evidencing the offence of money laundering and diversion of funds, ED said.

The agency has alleged that the investigation has established Gaur’s central role in the planning and execution of the fund diversion through a complex web of transactions within the Jaypee Group and its associated entities. (ANI)

Actor Vidyut Jammwal, known for his strong bond with nature and fitness, once again demonstrated his commitment to fitness and his love of pushing his limits.

On Saturday, the actor posted on Instagram, sharing moments from his time in nature as he followed his annual yogic routine, giving fans a glimpse into a side of his life away from film sets.

Vidyut posted a video of himself climbing a tree without clothes. This immediately caught attention on social media, and soon the clip went viral. The video also shows him sitting calmly in deep snow, offering prayers, and walking carefully on a thin rope across open plateaus.

Alongside the video, the ‘Commando’ actor also added a caption explaining the meaning of this ritual. In the note, he explained that, as a Kalaripayattu practitioner, he follows the yogic practice of “Sahaja,” which he described as a return to natural ease and instinct. He shared that the practice helps him connect more deeply with nature and his inner self.

“As a Kalaripayattu practitioner, I delve into the yogic practice of Sahaja once a year. Sahaja means returning to a state of natural ease and instinct, fostering a deeper connection to nature and inner awareness.

Scientifically, it activates numerous neuroreceptors and proprioceptors, enhancing sensory feedback and improving balance and coordination. This leads to greater body awareness, heightened mental focus, and a profound sense of grounding,” read his Instagram post.

Soon after the post was shared, fans chimed in on the comment section to share their reactions. Many praised his strength and discipline, while some compared him to a “real-life Tarzan.” One even called him the “strongest man on Earth.”

This is not the first time Vidyut has followed this ritual. In December 2023, he shared pictures from the Himalayan ranges, where he spent time in nature. For the actor, these mountain visits are part of a regular retreat he follows.

On the work front, Vidyut Jammwal is set to appear in Legendary’s live-action film based on the popular video game series Street Fighter. The actor will play Dhalsim, a yogi with fire-spitting abilities, a fundamentally peaceful man who fights to support his family. (ANI)

Former Indian diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar has warned that NATO could “completely disintegrate” if US President Donald Trump moves to occupy Greenland, saying such an action would undermine the alliance’s core principles of sovereignty, collective security and the rules-based international order.

Speaking with ANI, Sajjanhar said statements by senior US officials questioning Denmark’s claim over Greenland were alarming and revealed deep contradictions within the Western alliance.

This comes as Trump earlier said that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, a day after strikes on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Greenland was critical to US security due growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.”We need Greenland. … It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump said. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”

Referring to remarks by US Deputy White House Chief Stephen Miller, Sajjanhar said American officials were openly challenging Denmark’s sovereignty by arguing that the United States, as a NATO power responsible for Arctic security, had a greater claim over Greenland.

“They are not willing to talk to Denmark. They just want to occupy it,” Sajjanhar said, recalling Miller’s remarks questioning Denmark’s claim over the Arctic territory.

“The real question is what right does Denmark have to assert control over Greenland? What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?” Miller said during the interview with CNN on Monday afternoon.

Sajjanhar pointed out that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had repeatedly offered dialogue on cooperation, including commercial activities and mineral exploration, but had drawn a clear red line on sovereignty.

“She has suggested many times that we can discuss collaboration, commercial activity and exploitation of minerals. Except for sovereignty. Sovereignty is out of bounds. But Mr. Trump has not responded positively to any of that,” he said.

According to Sajjanhar, this demonstrated that the intent was not to negotiate but to coerce. “It is not as if they want to engage in negotiations. They just want to go and occupy it,” he added.

The former diplomat also criticised the muted response from European countries, noting that while several NATO allies had issued a joint statement backing Denmark, their opposition remained cautious.

“And can they (Europeans) expect that if they were to make a move, if they were to go into Greenland, what would be the status of NATO, the NATO alliance as such. And it will completely disintegrate. That is why they have been mealy-mouthed. Because they think that they need the support of the United States, both in the context of Ukraine, because if the United States would completely disengage itself from there, then it’s going to create very many difficulties,” Sajjanhar said, linking Europe’s hesitation to its dependence on Washington, particularly amid the Ukraine conflict.

He warned that if the US were to disengage from Ukraine, it would create serious difficulties for Europe, which explains why European leaders are trying to strike a balance, opposing Washington’s position on Greenland without firmly defending Denmark’s territorial integrity.

“And I think that is why they have been sort of, you know, so trying to balance while coming out against the US position on Greenland. So opposing it, but still not, you know, going to the extent that we are going to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of one of the European member states, he added.

Sajjanhar also referred to growing anxiety in the Western Hemisphere, including in Canada, as Trump has repeatedly mentioned countries such as Greenland, Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia and Mexico.

“Canada feels that it needs to come together with others because so many countries are being mentioned.. I think, fortunately for Canada, when he was mentioning Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Greenland, and I think till yesterday the discussion, the furore was who exactly will be after Venezuela, and as you mentioned very correctly, the Americans have said Greenland comes first. So, at least the Canadians must be heaving a temporary sigh of relief that they have not been mentioned by Mr. Trump like this,” he said. (ANI)

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday responded to AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s “hijab-clad woman as PM” statement, saying that even though it is constitutionally possible, India, being a Hindu nation, will see a Hindu person becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

“Constitutionally, there is no bar. Anyone can become the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu nation, Hindu civilisation, and we will always believe, and we are extremely confident that the Indian Prime Minister will always be a Hindu person,” he said, while speaking to the media.

Earlier, Owaisi said that one day a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of India, highlighting the inclusivity of the Indian Constitution

Speaking at the election meeting in Solapur, Maharashtra, on Friday, Owaisi argued that such inclusivity is not offered in Pakistan’s constitution, which restricts people of other religions from holding top posts.

“The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib’s constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country,” he said.

The remarks come amid intense campaigning for Mumbai’s upcoming civic elections, which are scheduled to be held on January 15. The results will be announced on January 16.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla sharply reacted to Owaisi’s remarks, challenging him to make a ‘Pasmanda’ muslim or hijab-clad woman the president of AIMIM.

“Hijabwali will become PM says Miyaan Owaisi. Miyaan Owaisi – constitution stops nobody, but I challenge you to make a Pasmanda or Hijabwali as your president of AIMIM first,” Poonawalla said in a post on X. (ANI)

Delhi Police have arrested three more individuals in connection with the Turkman Gate stone-pelting case, which erupted following a demolition drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the mosque.

With this arrest, the total number of accused persons held in the case so far has risen to 16, police said on Friday.

On Friday, the Delhi Police said they have arrested three more individuals, identified as Mohd. Naved, Mohd. Faiz and Mohd. Ubaidullah.

On Thursday, Delhi police also confirmed that 30 individuals have been identified for their alleged involvement in the violence.

The identification was made using CCTV footage and viral videos circulating on social media. Police teams have launched raids at multiple locations to take the remaining suspects into custody.

A video from a police bodycam, taken before the stone-pelting, was recorded when the encroachments began to be removed. Similar videos are being viewed from police bodycams, which may have captured rioters.

In a related development, the Delhi Police is set to issue a summons to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, asking him to join the investigation. Nadvi was present at the site shortly before the violence broke out. Police said that despite repeated requests by senior officers, he remained in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

The demolition drive was conducted near Turkman Gate, close to Ramlila Maidan, following directions from the Delhi High Court. Police said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 7 after several coordination meetings with the members of the Aman Committee and local stakeholders to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, the Tis Hazari court on Friday remanded eight accused to judicial custody till January 21. Accused persons were produced before the court following fresh arrests in the Turkman Gate stone-pelting case. Delhi Police sought judicial custody of all the accused persons.

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Sayesha Chaddha remanded the accused, namely Imran Farrukh, Imran Sultan, Mohd Affan, Amir Hamza, Mohd. Ubaid Ullah, Shahnawaz, Mohd. Athar, Mohd. Adil in judicial custody till January 21. (ANI)

Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany is scheduled to arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on January 12, a statement by the MEA said.

Merz would then visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in the Kite Festival.

He is then scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and issue press statements at Mahatma Mandir. He will also visit the Dandi Kutir.

On January 13, Merz will visit Bosch, followed by Nano Science and Engineering, CeNSE and then depart for Germany. PM Modi and Merz had met earlier on November 22 at G20 Summit.

The two leaders will review the progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has recently completed 25 years. Their discussion will also focus on further intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while also advancing collaboration in important domains of defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance, and engage with business and industry leaders of the two countries.

The visit is expected to build on the momentum generated by regular high-level political interactions and provide an opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and Germany to develop a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of both countries and the wider global community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz last held discussions on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where the two leaders agreed to further broaden the bilateral strategic partnership.

During that interaction, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to the German Chancellor for an official visit to New Delhi.

The visit is also taking place in the lead-up to the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27. (ANI)

The Union Budget 2026 is expected to focus on fiscal deficit control and debt sustainability as part of the government’s broader Viksit Bharat roadmap, Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) said on Saturday.

“The budget is part of the Viksit Bharat roadmap and the drafters will stick to the fiscal deficit. Also, the debt to GDP is the main indicator, so they will stick to that,” Dev said on the sidelines of an event organised by the SKOCH Group on macroeconomic indicators.

He said India has made steady progress on fiscal consolidation since the pandemic with the fiscal deficit reducing from about 9% during the COVID period to around 4.8% this year.

The government is targeting a fiscal deficit of about 4.4% going forward. Central government debt-to-GDP is estimated at 56.1%, while combined central and state debt stands at about 80%, which could decline to 76% by 2030, he said.

Outlining what is required to achieve the Viksit Bharat goal, Dev said sustained high growth depends on higher investment and better efficiency. “If you want to achieve 7 to 8 per cent growth, you need around a 35 per cent investment rate,” he said, adding that the current investment rate of about 30 per cent needs to improve.

He said improving the efficiency of investment is equally important. “The capital-output ratio has to be improved from the present 5 to about 3.5 to 4,” Dev said, stressing that better utilisation of capital is necessary to sustain higher growth.

Dev also highlighted the importance of total factor productivity, which he said includes gains from technology and efficiency beyond capital and labour. “This will improve the efficiency,” he said.

On global challenges, Dev said geopolitical tensions and tariff-related issues remain key uncertainties, prompting India to focus on self-reliance. “Now the geopolitical concerns are there, so India’s response to this is Atmanirbharata,” he said.

He said India aims to build competitive manufacturing capabilities while ensuring product quality. “We should produce competitive manufacturing and quality products, and others will invest in India,” Dev said.

Dev said reforms undertaken over the past decade and in recent months are aimed at boosting efficiency and attracting private capital. He cited measures such as the goods and services tax, income tax reforms, labour codes, liberalisation of foreign direct investment in insurance, and opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation.

“All these things will increase the efficiency and we need to have more private capital and also increase FDI,” he said.

He also stressed the role of states in achieving developed-country status. “It’s a large country and states also have to participate,” Dev said, adding that each state should have its own goals and implementation mechanisms.

On the growth outlook, Dev said India’s economy remains resilient despite global headwinds. “This year the projection is 7.4 percent growth,” he said, adding that growth next year is expected to be in the range of 6.5% to 7%.

He said India’s average growth over the post-COVID years has been strong at about 7.7%, reflecting underlying domestic strength.

Dev acknowledged global headwinds from geopolitics, tariffs and weakening multilateral institutions, but said global growth remains supported by investment in artificial intelligence-led development. “From India’s side, I think mostly there are tailwinds,” he said, pointing to a strong domestic economy and rising private investment. (ANI)