TOPS Core group slashed to 42 from 120; 52 para-athletes included

CHENNAI: Finally, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) list in both Core and Development groups have undergone a much-needed overhaul. Some disciplines have seen a considerable number of omissions while sports like shooting and badminton have not seen much change. The Core group has been slashed to 42 from 120 during the Olympics in 2024. Some sports like equestrian, fencing, golf, sailing and tennis have been dropped altogether, at least for the time being. TOPS, sports ministrys flagship programme for elite and up-and-coming top athletes in select Olympic disciplines, needed an overhaul after the Paris Olympics last year. However, TOPS Chief Executive Officer was appointed only in December and the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) was also reconstituted and held its first meeting in early January. This meeting served more like an induction/orientation programme. A decisive step needed to be taken as early as possible because we are already into the sixth month into the LA2028 Olympic cycle. The first serious MOC meeting was held on February 11 under sports secretary Sujata Chaturvedi in the chair. As highlighted by this newspaper, TOPS needed to make some hard decisions regarding the list of athletes and going by the numbers in Core 42 it seems to have shown some intent. The list just before the Olympic Games in Paris rose to 120 athletes. It is understood that addition can be done on the basis of exceptional results by athletes. The objective of the TOPS is to provide assistance to athletes without any hindrance that includes foreign training, international competition, equipment and coaching camp. The athletes get a stipend of Rs 50,000 in Core and Rs 25000 in development. Pruning TOPS list, incentives to Indian coaches core issues at MOC meet In athletics the numbers have come down from 32 to just three. The 4x400m relay teams have been shifted to development group and only three athletes figure on the Core list double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, Avinash Sable, who has made a considerable improvement in his 3000m steeplechase timing and won medals at Commonwealth and Asian Games and long jumper Murali Sreeshankar have been retained. The development group has about 13 individual athletes like Shaili Singh, Jyothi Yarraji and two six-member 4x400m mens and womens teams. The Athletics Federation of India right now is in the rebuilding process of the relay teams, women in particular. Similarly, in boxing only two boxers have been included Tokyo Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and multiple world championships medallist Nikhat Zareen. Rowing has been shifted to the development group where three rowers have been added. Former world No 1 badminton player Kidambi Srikanth who has been struggling for form over the last couple of years has been dropped from the list along with Ashwini Ponappa and her partner Tanisha Crasto has been shifted to the development group. Since squash has been included in the LA2028 Olympics, five players including Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna, Velavan Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh and Ramit Tandon have been part of the development group. Interestingly, only Dhinidhi Desingu is the only swimmer in the development group. Srihari Natarj was part of the Core programme earlier. There are 52 para-athletes in Core group. Earlier there were 59. Though the Wrestling Federation of India is not recognized by the sports ministry despite its affiliation with the United World Wrestling (UWW), there are six grapplers in the Core group. Paris Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, Nisha Dahiya Deepak Punia and Chirag are in Core, while there are 26 players in development the highest in any sport. As reported by this newsapaper, another interesting move by the TOPS has been the six-monthly evaluation of athletes. There are a few parameters they have identified that included both physical and mental/psychological besides their projected results. However, the weeding out will be done yearly. To monitor hiring of coaches by respective athletes, the TOPS has initiated a move to have more accountability among all stakeholders the athlete, SAI and the National Sports Federations (NSFs). TOPS Core Group: Archery: Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhagat, Dhiraj Bommadevara; Athletics: Avinash Sable, Neeraj Chopra, M Sreeshankar; Badminton: PV SIndhu, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty; Boxing: Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain; Shooting: Manu Bhaker, Palak, Esha Singh, Sarbjot Singh, Shiva Narwal, Mehuli Ghosh, Ramita, Nancy, Elavanil Valarivan, Rudrankksh B Patil, Arjun Babuta, Divyansh Singh Pawar, Sift Kaur Samra, Swapnil Kusale, Akhil Seoran, Aishwary Pratap Singh, Maheshwari Chauhan, Anant Jeet Singh Naruka; Table Tennis: Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula; Weightlifting: Mirabai Chanu; Wrestling: Antim Panghal, Nisha Dahiya, Reetika Hooda, Aman Sehrawat, Chirag and Deepak Punia. Development group: Archery (11), athletics (25), badminton (14), boxing (10), shooting (19), squash (5), rowing (3), swimming (1), Table Tennis (7), wrestling (26).

Ganesh Rai and BP Bajgain told me to speak against ASKCBKS : Samsong Tamang

Most wanted criminal from Darjeeling, Samsong Tamang, was arrested on Wednesday in Bodhgaya through a The post Ganesh Rai and BP Bajgain told me to speak against ASKCBKS : Samsong Tamang appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Holding tax relief for Gaya people as roads reclassified

Kushinagar to be developed as international tourist destination, says Minister Shekhawat

NEW DELHI: Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has issued directions to authorities to spruce up lighting and various other amenities to facilitate visitors with walking disability at Kushinagar, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Uttar Pradesh. After reviewing the arrangements in place at Parinirvana Stupa, also known as Mahaparinirvana Temple, located among the ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries founded during the 5th century AD, the minister said it would be developed as an international tourist attraction. According to Prime Minister Modis vision, Kushinagar in UP will be developed as an international tourist place. Today I reviewed the arrangements of the Mahaparinirvana Temple. I instructed ASI to provide better lighting and ramp facilities for tourists in the temple, he posted on social media platform X. It is believed that Gautama Buddha died in Kushinagar and attained parinirvana. Kushinagar is the central point of the Buddhist circuit, which consists of pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Sarnath and Gaya. In the Union Budget earlier this month, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled plans to boost growth of tourism with special focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha. Continuing with the emphasis on places of spiritual and religious significance in the July Budget, there will be a special focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha, the finance minister had said. The Centre in recent years has been focusing on promoting sites related to Buddha. It organised the first Asian Buddhist Summit in Delhi last year. The summit, themed Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia, featured prominent Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across the continent, fostering dialogue and understanding while addressing contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community. Earlier, in 2023, the first of its kind event a two-day international conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage was held in Delhi in 2023. The programme brought together Central Asian, East Asian, South Asian and Arab countries on a common platform to discuss Shared Buddhist Heritage. In this series, an International Airport at the Lord Buddhas Parinirvana in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated in 2021.

Six persons bitten by street dog at Kangayam

Samsong Tamang Arrested In Bodhgaya

After nearly two weeks of intense searching, police tracked down and arrested Samsong Tamang in The post Samsong Tamang Arrested In Bodhgaya appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Palash Vaswani on why Sooraj Barjatya choose him to direct Bada Naam Karenge, how stars changed OTT: 'Ab yeh ho gaya ki bada star lao' | Exclusive

Director Palash Vaswani discusses the response he is receiving to his latest OTT directorial, Bada Naam Karenge, and how stars have changed the dynamics of OTT.

Capitals opt to bowl and bring back Prasad; UP Warriorz hand debut to Chinelle Henry

UP Warriorz left out legspinner Alana King and medium-pacer Saima Thakor for Chinelle Henry and Rajeshwari Gayakwad

WPL 2025: Niki Replaces Radha As DC Win Toss And Elect To Bowl First Against UPW

Batter Niki Prasad: Batter Niki Prasad replaces left-arm spin all-rounder Radha Yadav in the playing XI as Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first against UP Warriorz in match six of WPL 2025 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. It is also the venues final match of this season, which means both DC and UPW would be looking to sign off with a win after coming into this game on the back of losses in their last games respectively. After winning the toss, Meg said her decision to bowl first came due to the track record of matches being won by teams batting second. That has worked well so far, we'll have to make early inroads against a challenging opposition. We've got good depth in our squad, the last match wasn't our best, we'll come hard today. We're looking to improve, we can do a lot of things better and we're excited, she said. UP Warriorz skipper Deepti Sharma said she also wanted to bowl first, and added that pace bowling all-rounder Chinelle Henry and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad come in for leg-spinner Alana King and pacer Saima Thakor. Chinelle, who plays for West Indies, gets to make her WPL debut after coming in as an injury replacement for regular skipper Alyssa Healy. We would have bowled first as well, but we need to get a good total which we can defend. The more matches you play, the experience and learning is always there. It's very good for women's cricket, she said. Playing XIs Delhi Capitals: Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Niki Prasad, Sarah Bryce (wk), Jess Jonassen, Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, and Minnu Mani Playing XIs Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

Rangayana workshop on theatre songs from tomorrow

Control room set up at Gaya Junction for assistance of pilgrims

Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan And Rekha Had A Koi.. Mil Gaya Reunion At The Roshans Success Party

For the gala night, Hrithik Roshan opted for a grey shirt under a black denim jacket, trousers and shoes while Rekha was seen in a black and white outfit with matching heels.

Hrithik Roshan and Rekhas mother-son Koi Mil Gaya reunion

Mumbai: At the star-studded success bash of Netflixs The Roshans, Hrithik Roshan shared a heartwarming moment with veteran actress Rekha as they reunited. The two, who had previously captivated audiences with their emotional performances in the iconic film Koi Mil Gaya, posed together, evoking fond memories of their powerful on-screen mother-son bond. The evening saw Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rekha Leaves Hrithik Roshan Blushing Big Time, Kisses Alka Yagnik At 'The Roshans' Party | WATCH

Rekha Ji won hearts with her usual charm at 'The Roshans' party last evening. Clad in an oh-so-glam outfit, she was seen playfully pointing at Hrithik Roshans face when paps asked, 'Jaadoo kahan hai?' leaving the 'Koi... Mil Gaya' star blushing hard. Rekha Ji also shared a sweet moment with Alka Yagnik, giving her a tight hug before planting a kiss on her cheek. Watch the video for more details! bollywood news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHOWSHAIndiaFollow Showsha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showsha_/Follow Showsha on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/showshaFollow Showsha on X: https://x.com/news18showshaFollow Showsha on Snapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/6YeotZeyMore entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:https://www.news18.com/entertainment

A Nail Pierced Her Head: Man Who Lost His Daughter, 7, In Delhi Stampede

Meri ladki ke kila ghus gaya (a nail pierced my daughter's head), said a man, whose 7-year-old daughter was among the 18 who died during a stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station late on Saturday.

If Hinduism is Talibanised, world would be destroyed: Sri M

You are not a conventional spiritual leader. You are married, have conducted padayatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and have been a mediator when political killings happened. What makes you different from other spiritual leaders? What you said is one of the factors that makes me distinct (smiles). But theres a slight correction to saying that Im not seen as a conventional spiritual person. I have a parampara. My guru was from Nath Sampradaya (Gorakhnath). In Nath Sampradaya, there are married and unmarried persons. My guru asked me to lead a normal life. Who is Sri M in reality? A spiritual leader, mystic or a social activist? If you ask that in depth, there is no Sri M, there is only the soul. My birth name was Mumtaz Ali Khan. The first letter starts with M. When I was given deeksha in Nath Sampradaya, a Nath name was needed. So I was called Madhukar Nath. He (guru) used to call me Madhu. That also starts with M. But what makes me happy is that the M in Sri M means manushyan or manav (human being). I am a human being and I am free of all other definitions. Sri was prefixed by someone. Even if you call me M, Im happy. If Im addressed as Mr M, Ill be the boss of James Bond (laughs out). In your autobiography, it is said that you undertook a journey at the age of 19. Why did you have to travel to the Himalayas to seek your spiritual purpose? At the age of nine, my guru placed his hands over my head. It was after that episode that spirituality manifested in me and changed my life. Till the age of 19, I was in Thiruvananthapuram and met a lot of spiritual leaders. But I did not think of accepting any of them as my guru. So, after hearing about gurus and yogis in the Himalayas, I was attracted to go there. I left without informing anyone. I had to face a lot of difficulties. Finally, I found Babaji at Vyasa guha. I was with him for three and a half years. Was the journey to meet your guru predestined? No. I dont encourage the word predestined as it denotes a fatalistic life. There is a blueprint that is predestined. But man has a brain and freedom to work within that blueprint. If there is a blueprint for 10 persons to go towards spirituality, only one person may go. Its our decision. If not, whats the use of the brain if everything is predestined? So, isnt there destiny? Destiny means what you make of your life. My statement can render astrologers jobless. But this is my belief. People say Guru Babaji is still there. Is that true? We call him Sri Guru Babaji in our parampara and not mahavatar. Yes, I believe so. In our parampara we dont consider him a human being. Any human should die once born. This is a being who was not born from the womb of a mother. He is actually a mayaroopam in our language, a body created for a specific functionality. Whenever he feels the function is complete, he would dissolve it. So he exists even now. There have been many godmen around us. Is Sri M one of them? There will be attempts to make me one but I wont allow it as there is no need for it (laughs out). What makes you different from them? Do I look like a godman? There are two dangers associated with godmen. One, the personality itself will be full of ego and will start thinking that whatever one says is right. Secondly, ones personality becomes more important than ones teachings. This is equally dangerous. I have told people that it is not me but what I say that is important. Names like Sri M, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar... arent all these a part of making the person godmen? Nobody is willing to call me M. Sri is actually a short form for Sriman (Mr). It was a royal family in Delhi that first used to call me Mr M. Their niece suggested calling me Sri M and the name stuck. Now it is very useful as it can be used as a pen-name (smiles). Most spiritual leaders relinquish their ties with families but you maintain family relations. How is that possible? Very difficult (laughs out). Its a tightrope walk. To maintain a family along with spirituality is very difficult. I was ready to take up sanyasa. But Babaji advised against it. He asked me to get married and experience problems faced by commoners. In my opinion, marriage has the capacity to cut the ego. If one moves to sanyasa without experiencing grihastha, he may later become distracted by some attractions. It is difficult to handle it unless you are exceptional. You were born in a traditional Muslim family. What attracted you to Hinduism? Rebirth is a theory for many but an experience for me. My life changed when Babaji placed his hand over my head. He didnt ask me to change. But when I introspected, I liked ancient Hinduism which provides for questioning, probing and accepting. In Upanishads, you can see dialogues. Nobody asks you to believe in something. There is another stream which asks you to believe only in one god. Suppose if I cannot believe it, there is no answer for it. Also, we may feel their arguments are contradictory. Then I thought there should be something else. And I started meeting swamis in the area. I also read spiritual books from the public library. I got attracted to this stream (Hinduism) because, in it, we learn through dialogues. But I havent changed my name. Is your name still Mumtaz Khan? Yes. I didnt feel the need to change it. Are you saying that you were attracted by the freedom in the Hindu religion? Yes. But that is my fear as well. If Hinduism is Talibanised, the world would be destroyed. There is a possibility for that. How do you view casteism? Isnt casteism the big bane of Hinduism? Yes. Casteism developed much later in Hinduism. Who authored Brahmasutra and Mahabharata? It was Veda Vyasa, whose mother was a fisherwoman. One should be judged by his life not by birth. Today, there are many Brahmins whose lifestyle is worse than anyone else (smiles). But Mahabharata is full of caste references Yes, there are caste references in the Mahabharata, but it was the social norm at the time. However, it is no longer necessary. When people achieve success in a certain field, they often try to pass it on to the next generation, which can lead to a system resembling caste. This happens in many areas, even business. Brahmins were universally respected. So they tried to perpetuate their position, making it hereditary instead of focusing on qualities. The varnashrama system, however, was originally based on qualities. Even when you say this, a Dalit cannot be a priest in Sabarimala... Its a difficult issue to address, and ideally, the criteria should be based on quality, not birth. I dont deny the role of genetic factors, but I believe that I may be more qualified than some Brahmins despite being outside the traditional hierarchy. Do you foresee a possibility of an India without caste? If the caste system ever ceases to exist in India, then it will become a true Hindu Rashtra. When I talk about Hindu, dont think of it as a political statement about a Hindu Rashtra. Its about understanding the essence of Hindu teachings. My definition of Hindu is a Sanatani definition. Your arguments seem contradictory when you say that some people are qualified for something... Theres no contradiction. People qualify themselves by practising and learning at home. They know the requirements and what needs to be done. Its difficult to train someone from outside the system because they havent been exposed to it from a young age. You once said Marxist ideology would have been different had Karl Marx read the Upanishads. What exactly did you mean? Marxs Das Kapital has no spiritual aspect, it is strictly economic. Had Marx read the Upanishads, there would have been a spiritual element in his philosophy. The dialectical aspect is fine, but it should not be reduced to materialism alone. How do you see the equation of Marxist leaders and yoga? Some time ago, Marxist leaders approached me with a request to teach their cadre yoga. But they didnt want to associate with orthodox centres. Yoga, as a practice, can be done even without being a believer. I agreed to teach them. They named the approach Chethana Yogam, and some of the cadre started practising it. About 1,000 volunteers even demonstrated their practice at an event in Kannur. Whats the difference between Communist yoga and normal yoga? No difference (laughs). The probable difference is they wouldnt say any chants of Ganesha or other deities before the commencement of the yoga. They would just do it. Some practices require the chant of om. They asked me if it was necessary. I told them if its difficult to chant om, they need to just say ooooo instead (laughs out). There are many who do it. Has CM Pinarayi Vijayan shown interest in learning yoga? I cant comment on that (smiles). Swami Vivekananda called Hinduism the mother of all religions. From what you say, Hinduism has different streams of thought. How much of a common ground or source do you feel all religions have? Islam speaks about formless God and Hinduism also has nirakara sankalpa? There is a correction. The Allah that Islam speaks of and the Parabrahma in Vedanta are not one and the same. There is a conceptual difference. In my opinion, Swami Vivekananda must have used the word religion as a general term, and not as a specific term. Second, Swamiji appreciated all schools of thought. Jains may or may not admit they are Hindus but they are also part of the whole structure. Buddhism may seem different, but basically, it is the same stream. These things are all rooted in ancient wisdom or teachings. Why do you say Allah is different? Because the concept is different. I have studied both. Allah is formless (nirakara) but is not without attributes (nirguna). Formless Allah gets angry and all. It is contradictory, but that is the concept. It is not Advaita although people think Allah is the only God, which means it is Advaitic. Allah is defined as a concept which is the only truth and nothing else is true. But Advaita is a concept which says everything is rooted in the same truth. In Advaita, according to Adi Shankara, the Supreme Brahman is the only truth. That truth you cannot contact, you cannot pray to it, you cannot worship it, and it does not have any attributes (nirguna). It has no personal qualities... nothing you can do to it. When you quieten your mind totally, when all ripples of thought cease fully, what remains is the Brahman. That concept and the concept of Allah is very different. In the science vs spirituality debate, science is logic and spirituality is faith. How can a person with a scientific mind be spiritual? Because spirituality is not non-scientific, and religion may appear to be based on faith. There are many things that the ordinary brain, in its present capacity, can explore. The most intelligent person quickly realises the limitations of so-called ordinary thinking. There are other modes of thoughts and experiences that are outside the systemic thoughts and experiences we have built up. The most intelligent person should understand the limitations of psuedoscientific thought and then go beyond it. Can spirituality and science go together? It should go together. There was a time it was moving together, and that has to come back.. And we need to be careful about pseudoscience. You have spoken about a particular verse in your book and also about naga loka. You claim to have met the naga. How does this relate to science? The only reason is science too has a prejudice. They are not ready to accept something which is beyond what they have defined as science. The definition of science has to be changed, just as our understanding of humanity, religion and spirituality must change with time. Some say your autobiography reads like a fantasy novel Yes, I tell kids that if they enjoy reading Harry Potter, they should read my book too (laughs out). Sometimes, truth is easier to understand through fiction because our minds struggle to conceive such possibilities otherwise. But lets keep an open mind. Unlike many sadhus who use intoxicants like ganja or ayahuasca, I dont consume any narcotics or alcohol. Everything I have seen and experienced is real for me, at least. Reality can be subjective. What is real for one person may not be real for another. You were born into a Muslim family but later followed a Hindu spiritual path. How do Islamic religious organisations perceive you? They are generally very angry with me. However, as I dont actively challenge them, they leave me alone. But they cannot accept my choices. In Shariah Islam, changing ones faith is considered blasphemy and is punishable by death. I have received threats, but I dont care. You were among those who played a key role in restoring peace in Kannur. How did that happen? When our padayatra was passing through Malappuram and Kannur, I was warned. But I decided to walk. On my right side were RSS workers, and on my left, CPM workers. That may have been a first in the history of Kerala. After the padayatra, I decided to make an attempt to bring peace. When I met some leaders, I knew that everybody was interested in stopping violence. I met the top brass in RSS in Delhi. On the Left partys side, the onus was on the district secretary, P Jayarajan. I met him. We held three meetings in Kannur with the top leaders of CPM and RSS, including Pinarayi Vijayan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Gopalan Kutty. We settled the issue and held a peace walk through Kannur, with all of them participating. The RSS is celebrating its 100th year of its formation. Your views on RSS... Many people harbour a lot of misunderstanding about RSS. Take the instance of the recent discussions around Gyanvapi Masjid (in Varanasi). What did RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat say? He said there is no need to excavate everywhere (under each mosque) to look for Shiva Linga. This is a message. All said and done, RSS is hundred percent nationalist. For them, the country is everything. If it is being threatened politically, physically or culturally, they object. It may be right or wrong, but they object. Thats my experience. Is that the reason you face opposition from Muslim fundamentalist groups? It could be. If there is one text, one scripture and one teacher, then there are chances of more such instances. But if we take this side (Hinduism), it offers variety. It isnt based on just one. Having one has its advantages, but there are disadvantages too. People who do namaz five times a day will do so irrespective of whether its a railway station or a bus stand. Their strength is that millions of people do namaz facing one direction at the same time. Will our people (Hindus) openly chant a gayatri mantra or sandhya vandanam? Our strength (that of Hinduism) is that we are ready to acknowledge that we need not always head in one direction. Im not saying that either of these needs to change. Theres something in between these two. We need to arrive at a consensus. You have stated that two women have majorly influenced your life your mother and your wife. Can you elaborate? Ive only one regret in my life my mother suffered a lot when I wandered around. Since there was no communication for three and a half years, they didnt even know whether I was alive. So, I still have a connection with my mother through my mind. My wife is a simple person. Theres a theory that whatever we experience in this life is because of our karma in past lives. Whats your take? Yes. I cannot think about Vedanta without considering the influences from my past lives. So, according to you, are there rebirths? Hundred percent! Its my experience. For me, its not a theory though it cannot be proven (smiles). Whats the ultimate truth? Its very difficult to define the ultimate truth. In my opinion, it is to discover the divinity in you. In the core of our being, theres divinity. Such a spark is present in all human beings. Spiritual life is to discover that spark. The aim is to discover your true self, who you actually are!

India's biggest flop film was released in 1998, ended career of Hrithik Roshan's co-star as lead hero, had 3 superstars, earned just Rs..

To this date, Rajat Bedi is best known for his role as Raj Saxena in the 2003 superhit film Koi... Mil Gaya starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta. Rajat Bedi might not have given any solo hits in his career but he is considered to be a versatile actor.

Bihar student captivates audience with unique question at PM Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha, family expresses happiness

Bihar student captivates audience with unique question at PM Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha, family expresses happiness New Delhi: Viraj Kumar, a student from Gaya in Bihar, represented the state during Prime Minister Narendra Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha program, making his family proud and bringing glory to the state. Viraj, a class 11 student, not only [] The post Bihar student captivates audience with unique question at PM Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha, family expresses happiness appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Employee of finance firm shot in Gaya

BPCL refinery project in Andhra progressing at a brisk pace

NELLORE: The setting up of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) refinery at Ramayapatnam is progressing at a brisk pace with land acquisition and project planning moving forward swiftly. The refinery, with a proposed investment of Rs 95,000 crore, requires 6,000 acres of land, and officials have initiated steps to acquire an additional 10,000 acres to support future expansion. As part of the process, the State government has issued a declaration for acquiring 677.49 acres at Chevuru village. The move signals the States commitment to fast-tracking industrial growth in the region. Recently Industries and Commerce Secretary N Yuvraj and District Collector O Anand inspected land near Ramayapatnam Port, assessing potential sites for port-based industries. The team visited Alagayapalem, where they reviewed agricultural lands, and Karedu lake irrigation capacity. During the inspection, Yuvraj enquired whether the lake was rain-fed or linked to an irrigation project. The officials then proceeded to Chennayapalem before heading to Ramayapatnam Port, where they reviewed the Indosol Solar Energy Plant progress. Yuvraj went round the plant, discussing its progress with company representatives. The survey continued in Tenkayachetlapalem, where the Collector provided land details using maps, highlighting government and private land availability in Nellore district. Later, they visited Sarvayapalem and Anemadugu villages in Kavali Rural Panchayat, where land has been allocated for industries. We are evaluating potential locations for industrial expansion, ensuring that the required land is available for upcoming projects. The Ramayapatnam Port will play a crucial role in boosting industrial development in the region, said a senior official. The government is also accelerating plans for a mega industrial hub in Kavali, a move expected to strengthen Nellores industrial landscape. The development, linked to the Ramayapatnam Port, is designed to attract major industries and international investors, positioning the region as a strategic economic zone on the east coast. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has submitted proposals to the government for an industrial hub in Chennayapalem, Anemadugu and Tummalapenta, spreading 2,001.78 acres. The land acquisition is expected to be overseen by the AP Maritime Board. Experts believe this project will bring major changes to Kavali and the entire Nellore district. With the Ramayapatnam Port being developed as a key export gateway, the region is expected to become a prime location for industries relying on efficient logistics for domestic and international trade. Along with the industrial hub, Nellore is set to benefit immensely from the BPCL refinery and petrochemical complex. The Rs 95,000 crore project will be developed on 5,000 acres near Ramayapatnam Port, and is expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs, with an additional 100,000 jobs during the construction phase. These industries will boost employment, infrastructure, and economic growth across Nellore.

CM launches schemesworth Rs1k cr in Gaya

Mai Sudhar Gaya Hu, Aap Bigad Gaye Ho! Ranveer Singhs Meet & Greet Moments Are Always A Vibe!

Mai Sudhar Gaya Hu, Aap Bigad Gaye Ho! Ranveer Singhs Meet & Greet Moments Are Always A Vibe! N18S n18oc_ShortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

ED attaches Rs 60 lakh linked to Gayatri Prajapatis son

Gaya DSP gets bail in rape, extortion case

ED attaches Rs 60 lakh property linked to jailed ex-minister Gayatri Prajapatis son in money laundering case

Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Lucknow zonal office has provisionally attached property worth Rs 60 lakh linked to Anil Kumar Prajapati, son of former minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, under PMLA, 2002. The property was part of illicit funds acquired during Gayatri Prajapati's tenure as UP mining minister, with total attached properties now valued at Rs 50.97 Crore.

ED attaches moveable property in alleged disproportionate assets case against former U.P. Minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati

The probe revealed that as U.P. Mining Minister, he misused his official position and had acquired huge assets disproportionate to his source of income, the agency said

'Ye kahan gaya...': Vicky Kaushal REVEALS how his wife Katrina Kaif reacts when she sees Chhaava posters

Chhaava is slated for release in theatres on February 14. Apart from Vicky Kaushal, it also stars Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles. The film is set to depict courageous Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's, legendary reign, beginning with his coronation in 1681.

JIPMAT 2025 registration begins for 5-year management courses in IIMs: Direct link to apply, important dates here

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the application process for JIPMAT 2025, with the deadline for submissions set for March 10, 2025. The exam, aimed at admissions into IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Jammus Integrated Programme in Management, will be held on April 26, 2025.

Maha Kumbh: Over 73 lakh people take 'snan' at Sangam on Maghi Purnima

PRAYAGRAJ: Amid elaborate arrangements, over 73 lakh people took a dip at the Sangam till 6 am on Wednesday on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the Maha Kumbh mela here. The sacred bath began early Wednesday and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been monitoring the event from Lucknow. With the Maghi Purnima bath, the month-long Kalpavas will also end and around 10 lakh Kalpvasis' will start leaving the Maha Kumbh. The administration has requested them to follow traffic rules and use only authorised parking spaces. ! -2025, -, , ! Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 11, 2025 While lakhs of devotees are headed to the Sangam Nose to take a dip, the Uttar Pradesh government in a statement said that by 6 am, 73.60 lakh people, including 10 lakh Kalpwasis, had taken the ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam and other ghats. CM Adityanath has been monitoring the Maghi Purnima Snan since 4 am at the war room in his official residence in Lucknow, the statement said. Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and officials of CM Secretariat are also present at the war room, it said. Kumbh SSP Rajesh Dwivedi said, The movement of devotees is going on smoothly and we are taking care of all (crowd) pressure points. We have made elaborate arrangements during the previous 'snan' on Basant Panchami too. Our arrangements have been further augmented this time he said. Talking about security arrangements in place for today's snan, the SSP said, More deployment has been done at all the pressure points. Along with that, we are briefing people to ensure a smooth movement. Maha Kumbh: Prayagraj to turn into 'no vehicle zone' ahead of Tuesday's Maghi Purnima bath Meanwhile, Adityanath greeted everyone on the holy bathing festival. Heartiest greetings to all the revered saints, religious leaders, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come for the holy bath at the sacred Triveni in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj. May everyone's life be filled with happiness, prosperity and good fortune by the grace of Lord Shri Hari. May Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna and Maa Saraswati fulfill everyone's wishes, he said in the post. According to officials, elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the devotees take the sacred bath without any hassle. The fair area has been declared a 'no vehicle zone' from 4 am on Tuesday, while the entire city will become a no-vehicle zone from 5 pm onwards, with an exemption for emergency and essential services, they said. To avoid traffic chaos, designated parking lots have been marked for public and private vehicles. Prayagraj ADG Bhanu Bhaskar said special police forces have been deployed at all places where crowd management becomes challenging. The special traffic plan will remain in force till the completion of the ritual to ensure safe evacuation of devotees from the fair area in case of any emergency. Bhaskar said real time data is being collected from toll plazas and officials of neighbouring districts so that the number of vehicles coming and the routes can be monitored and regulated. Srinivas, who has come from Andhra Pradesh to take a dip, said, It feels good. The UP government has made good arrangements. Many thanks to Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi. Another devotee, Gayatri, said, I am very happy to be here at the Kumbh Mela on this auspicious occasion. The UP government has created a good atmosphere here. Actually being a Hindu, this is the first time I have really felt like an Indian. People have shown their religiousness and unity has been promoted. The state transport department has arranged 1,200 additional shuttle buses, which will be available for the devotees every 10 minutes, the officials said. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26 with the final Amrit Snan' on the occasion of Mahashivratri. A stampede during the Manui Amaswya 'Amirt Snan' on January 29 had left, according to the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 dead and 60 injured.

Suzhal The Vortex season 2 to premiere on Prime Video on February 28

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI) Tamil series Suzhal The Vortex will return for its second season on Prime Video on February 28, the streaming platform announced on Tuesday. The new chapter of the award-winning show, written and created by Pushkar and Gayatri, set against the backdrop of the Ashtakaali festival, an annual festival held []

IIM Bodh Gaya Field Investigator Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Bodh Gaya) has recruits Field Investigator Posts. Candidates With M.A Can Apply Online from 05-02-2025 to 26-02-2025.

IIM Bodh Gaya Research Assistant Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

Indian Institute of Management (IIM Bodh Gaya) has recruits Research Assistant Posts. Candidates With M.A, Ph.D Can Apply Online from 05-02-2025 to 25-02-2025.

Ranveer Allahbadia's vulgar joke: Mumbai police to question YouTuber, team

Trouble mounts for popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina and others for the vulgar joke they made during a recent show titled India's Got Latent. Ranveer later released a video and tendered an apology after the social media backlash. The Mumbai police on Tuesday is set to question Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, and others in connection with the case. Apart from the Mumbai, the Assam Police on Monday filed a case against Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina and others for allegedly promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussion. The issue is also likely to echo in the parliament as, following complaints from several MPs, a Parliamentary panel on information technology is discussing whether to summon Allahbadia. The podcaster may be issued a notice, seeking his appearance before the panel to answer questions linked to the row, NDTV reports. According to NDTV , Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena (UBT), has said she would raise the issue. Any abusive language in the name of comedy content crosses limits is not acceptable . You get a platform, that doesn't mean that you will utter anything. He is someone with millions of subscribers, every political has sat in his podcast. PM has given him an award... As a member of standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, I will raise this issue, she said on X. FIR against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia and others over vulgar discussion on 'India's Got Latent' show The issue is that during a recent appearance on the show, Ranveer Allahbadia asked a contestant whether they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their life or join them once and put a stop to it. During the episode, according to Hindustan Times , he grilled a contestant with the question that attracted the internets censure. Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day or join them to finish it once and for all? he asked. Guess what ?? He wasnt original either. He copied this from an English show. #RanveerAllahabadia pic.twitter.com/aF9wULqi2x Mahua Moitra Fans (@MahuaMoitraFans) February 10, 2025 The question momentarily surprised even Raina, who is known for his dark humour. What the f***? Raina asked. Kya ho gaya hai Ranveer bhai ko? another judge on the show was heard asking, the HT report said. The joke triggered social media backlash against comedian Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia.

Echoes from an exile

Around 2,000 years ago, Sembavalam, Princess of Ayuta, a Pandian kingdom, embarked on a sea voyage to Korea from Tamil Nadu. The journey aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between the Tamil kingdom and Korean kingdom of Gaya. This sea route was traced once again in 1953. Six thousand Indian Army soldiers from then-Madras arrived at the 38th parallel the North and South Korean border. The military formed the Custodian Force India (CFI) to manage and repatriate 23,000 North Korean Prisoners of War (POWs) after the Korean War. The prisoners and the army were in a barbed wire enclosure called Hind Nagar at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The armed forces role was to safeguard and facilitate the return of POWs to North or South Korea or a third country. History, in its own way, repeated itself. Centuries apart, these Indo-Korean connections, distant yet intertwined histories, are now the focus of a unique performative art installation. The exhibition Limits of Change was commissioned, supported, and presented by the Inko Centre, a nonprofit centre exploring Indian and Korean culture. It seamlessly blended visual, literary, and performing arts, retelling the lives involved in the repatriation process through diary entries written by Major General TNR Nayar, also known as Captain N in the act. This show was conceptualised by Captain Ns daughter Parvathi Nayar, a multidisciplinary visual artiste, and her niece Nayantara Nayar. Parvathi shares, The show is a slice of forgotten Indo-Korean history, and still seems relevant to talk about these ideas. Its about looking at the past in a way to understand the present because these issues finding home and identity, cyclical violence and the importance of forgiveness keep coming up. These are things which are still so relevant in todays world. The exhibition sheds light on independent Indias first international military expedition showcasing archival photographs, records of strategic discussions among soldiers, and documented meetings with POWs. To get the facts, Parvathi spent six years researching CFIs role in the DMZ, retracing her fathers footsteps in the places he once walked. She says, The tour to DMZ was a little spooky and uncanny. My father actually walked in these places and its very different now. This was a space where my father was. It felt very close and good to go there. The exhibition is put together by Parvathi Nayar, a multidisciplinary visual artiste, and her niece Nayantara Nayar Artistic resonance The Story Museum unfolds across nine rooms, featuring intricate artworks origami birds, tattoo designs, barbed wire installations, and a 3D model contrasting the DMZs past and present. In the words of Captain N, A land, which is charred, broken, smoky ruins. The DMZ was the worst in the world. The area was nothing but bare, blasted and broken Earth. Nothing will grow here for many many years, if ever. Today, the once broken land has transformed into a thriving habitat for over 6,000 wildlife species, including the red-crowned crane, Amur leopard, and Siberian tiger. Each artwork provides an immersive experience, offering a deeper look into the lives of those who lived through these events. It is a collaborative effort. Parvathi was looking at the artistic expressions and I was looking at the storys dramatisation and working with the actors. We felt the need to make the designs (artworks) community-driven or involving more than one artiste project. And I always love the conversions of multi-arts, where lots of creative strengths come in, says Yog Japee, the projects director. Hence, the team opened it to individuals, colleges, and business firms to pitch artwork ideas. As a result, the entire barbed wire installation was done by an engineering firm. The intent was to try and bring you as close to the human experience, says Yog, adding We want as many senses of yours to experience what happened decades ago at the border. You are watching videos, listening to the actors lines, and reading the texts on the wall, all at the same time while each input has its potential towards what it does to your span of attention and experience. The storytelling is a bled of fiction and facts. Parvati believes, Fiction allows you to explore a very deep and profound truth. While the events mentioned in the narration are factually right, Parvati says, It (the act) did not necessarily happen to the same person but all the events did happen in the history. In his diary, the Major General wrote about change. It reads, My experience is that changes are eternal and may even be great and far-reaching; but they also have limits. When such limits are transgressed, even benevolent changes are apt to become self-defeating Those inconsequential changes which merely give a facade of modernity are decisively to be avoided. On forgiveness, also written in Ns diary, Yog shares, The line forgiveness is easier than you think said by Captain N, takes a while to sink in. It may resonate with you later. To touch another human being is what we are trying to achieve across art forms. More such thought-provoking lines are woven into the performance. The dialogues, setups of each room, and the artworks will leave you with lingering reflections on history and humanity. Limits of Change is on at Lalit Kala Akademi until February 20.

Divine transition

Last year, seven transwomen made history at the Ernakulam Siva Temple with their arangettam performance of Bharatanatyam. It marked the first time a group of transwomen got to perform classical dance at a temple event in the state. For the dancers from the Sri Sathya Sai Free Dance Academy, this was more than just a performance it was a moment of recognition and acceptance, made even more special by the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind. Daya Gayathri, Karthika Ratheesh, Sruthi Sithara, Sriya Divakaran, Mythili, Sandhya Ajith, and Sangeetha, under the guidance of their teacher Sanjana Chandran, cherish this milestone with immense pride. As someone who has been training in Bharatanatyam for many years, I found that performance particularly special. Yes, performing in front of the former President was overwhelming. But beyond that, it was an important step for inclusivity and visibility for our community, says Sanjana, a transgender danseuse who played a prominent role in Malaikottai Vaaliban by Lijo Jose Pellissery. As their teacher, I am proud to have trained my students for such a respected venue, helping them break barriers that I had to face alone in my journey. All of these firsts came together during that event. Members of Bharatanatyam Katcheri Standing from left: Mythili, Karthika Ratheesh, Sanjana Chandran, Sriya Divakaran and Rana V S Returning to the stage This year, on February 6, the group once again became a centre of attention with their performance at Durbar Hall Ground as part of the Ernakulam Siva Temples annual festival. However, due to challenges in training and health issues, only four of the original team Sriya, Mythili, Sandhya, and Karthika were able to perform. They, however, were joined by two new faces, Rana V S and Anoushka. Sanjana, too, took to the stage this year. Debutant Rana V S , who hails from Thrissur and is now settled in Malappuram, is on cloud nine. This was my first performance on stage with a live orchestra. I had wondered if I would ever perform a katcheri because I wasnt confident. Moreover, it is an expensive affair, she says. I have faced many struggles because of my identity. Getting this opportunity was a blessing. As an artist, the performance gave me a sense of acceptance. I never had the chance to wear a beautiful costume or proper makeup before. The one-hour performance featured a Bharatanatyam katcheri titled Tapasya and a classical dance drama, Gouri Thirumanam, depicting the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. According to Sanjana, the group often senses scepticism from others before their performances. Theres a common notion that transwomen arent professional dancers and that they perform just out of interest, she says. But that wasnt the case, Mythili asserts. After the performance, we received a lot of compliments. We noticed a shift in how people viewed us, she beams. There were other performances that day, both group and solo acts, but we received comments on how we stood apart from the rest. We dont want sympathy The dancers say they often feel that they are viewed through a lens of sympathy rather than merit. We dont want opportunities based on sympathy, says Sanjana, who received the Natvar Gopikrishna National Award in 2021. People often see us as individuals who have struggled enough to deserve a stage. Yes, we worked hard to secure a venue, but art doesnt have a gender. We should get opportunities because we are professional dancers, not because of our gender. Karthika, 31, from Kasaragod, points out that their performances are still framed by their identity rather than their craft. Our performances are often announced as performance by transgender artists, while other performers are not labelled in the same way, she notes. A woman dancer isnt introduced as performance by a woman; they are recognised by their name or the troupe they belong to. So, it often feels like a form of sympathy and a way to draw publicity. Hard to get venues Despite their groundbreaking performance last year, the dancers feel there hasnt been much change in securing venues. Sanjana acknowledges that her own fame has helped her find opportunities, but many emerging artists still face barriers. I ensure to include my students in most of the performances I am part of, she says. Its my way of supporting them. But that doesnt mean these performances come with good pay. Most of the time, the payment is minimal. Bharatanatyam comes with its own set of expenses, including costumes and preparation. The journey ahead is a challenge, Sanjana adds, particularly since well-known artists or those with a strong public profile tend to receive better opportunities and pay. We got this opportunity because we come under the Sathya Sai Trust. Otherwise, we wouldnt have had such exposure, she says. So far, we havent received direct invitations for any government programmes. I have reached out for performances. But, despite being a national awardee, I never heard back. I dont know if its because of my gender or something else. As a group, we can only say we will excel if given the opportunity to perform on any revered stage. Breaking stereotypes The Ernakulam Siva temple has been challenging biased norms for some time now. In recent years, the temple organisers have taken welcome steps towards inclusivity. Besides the performance of transgender dancers, the temple festival recently saw 44-year-old Lakshmi Devi playing the kurum kuzhal during a melam. Historically, women have been excluded from male-dominated art forms. It was a conscious decision to break that tradition, says Akhil Damodaran, devaswom officer at Ernakulam Siva temple. Even in the case of including transgender artists, our aim was to break gender norms. After all, we believe in the concept of Ardhanarishvara. Not many temples would take such steps. Here, we believe that the temple should be a space that welcomes anyone passionate about showcasing their art. We will continue with such progressive steps. We hope more temples get inspired, especially in rural areas.

Pariksha pe Charcha: Gaya boys question on leadership impresses PM

Suzhal: The Vortex Season 2 Confirmed: Everything You Need to Know

The highly anticipated second season of Suzhal: The Vortex is expected to land on Prime Video on February 21, 2025. Created by Pushkar and Gayathri, the series follows a new mystery surrounding the murder of activist lawyer Chellappa, bringing back familiar faces like Kathir and Aishwarya Rajesh. With the first season receiving critical acclaim, fans eagerly await another gripping crime thriller.

Former Maoist shot dead in Gaya

Man arrested for attempting to murder woman with knife in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyattinkara police have arrested a man for an attempt to murder his friend with a knife. The arrested person is Sachu, a native of Kodangavila. In the attack, Surya Gayathri, 28, a native of Venpakal, sustained injuries on her hands and other parts of her body. Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the spot, but the accused had fled from the scene. Surya Gayathri was immediately taken to Neyyattinkara General Hospital and later shifted to Medical College hospital. Her condition remains critical. The incident happened around 12pm on Friday when Sachu visited the woman at her house when no one else was around. While they were talking on the terrace, he attacked her with the knife.

'Sheesh Mahal khali karne ka waqt agaya': Twitter flooded with memes as AAP receives thrashing in Delhi Election

Delhi Election Results 2025: As Delhi's vote counting begins, the political future of the national capital hangs in balance. While AAP seeks a third consecutive term, exit polls indicate a possible BJP win. Social media is abuzz with reactions, memes, and speculations. By noon, clear trends are expected, setting the stage for the final result. Online discussions are expected to intensify as supporters react to the verdict, shaping the post-election narrative.

Nod to new South Coast Railway zone

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the establishment of a new zone of the Indian Railways South Coast Railway. This will include a portion of the Waltair division, which will be renamed the Visakhapatnam division. The new railway zone has been created in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and is expected to improve efficiency in railway operations. The decision is a partial modification of the Cabinets earlier decision in February 2019, which had retained the Waltair division in truncated form and renamed it the Visakhapatnam division. A government release said that Waltair is a colonial legacy that needed to be changed, explaining the name change. One part of the Waltair division, comprising approximately the sections between Palasa-Visakhapatnam-Duvvada, Kuneru-Vizianagaram, Naupada Junction-Paralakhemundi, Bobbili Junction-Salur, Simhachalam North-Duvvada bypass, Vadalapudi-Duvvada, and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant-Jaggayapalem (around 410 kilometres), will be retained as the Waltair division under the new South Coast Railway, the Cabinet said. The remaining part of the Waltair division, comprising approximately the sections between Kottavalasa-Bacheli, Kuneru-Theruvali Junction, Singapur Road-Koraput Junction, and Paralakhemundi-Gunpur (around 680 kilometres), will be converted into a new division headquartered at Rayagada under the East Coast Railway. The cabinet also approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central sector scheme Skill India Programme (SIP) till 2026 with an overlay outlay of Rs 8,800 crore from 2023-26. Briefing the media over Cabinet decisions, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, It is a mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create opportunities for the youths. Therefore, Rs 8,800-crore Skill India Programme has been approved and the focus will be on convergence and quality. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme the three key components are now combined under the composite scheme of Skill India programme. There are more than 2.27 crore beneficiaries under the three flagship schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The cabinet also approved the extension of the tenure of National Commission for Safai Karamchari (NCSK) for three more years. The total financial implication of the extension for three years of the NCSK Commission would be approximately Rs 50.91 crore, Vaishnaw said The present tenure of the Commission was to end on March 31 and it has been extended up to March 31, 2028.

Virtual world has effectively erased the barriers between music teachers and learners, say renowned Carnatic musicians Rajani and Gayatri

While acknowledging change is inevitable, they stress on the importance of preserving the roots of Indian classical music

'Aakhir woh din aa hi gaya': Netizens thank RBI for another 'gift to the middle class' after 5 years, check hilarious memes

The Reserve Bank of India has cut the key interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut in nearly five years. This move follows significant income tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025-26 and aims to boost economic growth and ease financial conditions.

JD(U) leader shot dead in Bihar's Gaya, three held

The incident took place on Wednesday night when armed assailants shot at local leader Mahesh Mishra in Churihara village in Belaganj area, a senior officer said

Nagidi Gayathri from Andhra Pradesh bags gold at the 38th National Games

Belonging to the fishing community of Nagayalanka village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Nagidi Gayathris ability to assess the water and adapt her strokes with precision sets her apart

Three Mahakumbh devotees run over by speeding train in Bihar

PATNA: Three people, including two women, were run over and killed by a speeding train in Bihar's Munger district early on Thursday. The deceased identified as Ram Ruchi Devi (65), Amit Kumar (41) and Usha Devi (61) were returning home after taking a holy dip at Sangam (Prayag Raj) on the occasion of Maha Kumbh. The incident took place when the victims were crossing a railway track near the Rishikund railway halt on the Jamalpur-Sultanganj railway section of East Central Railway. Locals said the victims came in contact with the Gaya-Howrah Express while crossing tracks. Poor visibility due to dense fog is being attributed as the reason for the tragedy. Eyewitnesses said that the train that hit the victims was coming from Bariarpur and heading towards Jamalpur. A big crowd assembled on the site after the incident. Government railway police and those from the railway protection force dispersed the mob and sent the bodies to a hospital for post-mortem examination.

Maha Kumbh Mela special trains from Vijayawada to have additional coaches

Train No .07093 and 07094, Vijayawada-Gaya-Vijayawada, which will run on February 5 and 8, will be augmented with two third AC and two sleeper coaches.

India-Bhutan strengthen defence ties: Lt Gen Batoo Tshering meets Rajnath Singh

The Chief Operations Officer (COO), of Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Batoo Tshering met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday and held discussions concerning a wide range of issues on bilateral relations, with a strong emphasis on defence cooperation. According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's readiness to support Bhutan in capability enhancement for defence preparedness, including provisioning of defence equipment and assets to augment the capacities of Bhutan, as per its national priorities and in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The top Bhutanese military commander is on a six-day visit to India from Saturday. This visit coincided with the two-day visit of the Bhutanese King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who was in India on February 2 and 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. During the meeting, Lt Gen Batoo Tshering expressed his gratitude for India's continued support in modernizing Bhutans defence infrastructure and training RBA personnel. He also reaffirmed the RBAs commitment to working closely with India to achieve a shared vision of regional peace and prosperity. The MoD highlighted that this visit was part of ongoing high-level engagements aimed at deepening bilateral defence and security relations. Chief Operations Officer (COO), Royal Bhutan Army, Lt Gen Batoo Tshering called on Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh in New Delhi today. Discussions focused on deepening #defencecooperation , capability enhancement & training support for RBA. Raksha Mantri reaffirmed Indias pic.twitter.com/EtBQfTYwOR Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 4, 2025 Upon arrival, he visited the Officers Training Academy in Gaya and several significant Buddhist cultural sites, reflecting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Bhutan. From February 2 to 5, the General has been in New Delhi, engaging in key discussions with senior Indian officials, including the Chief of the Army Staff, National Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Secretary, and Foreign Secretary. As part of his visit, he has also toured key military institutions, including the National Security Guard (NSG) in Manesar and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC). Before concluding his visit, General Tshering will travel to Kolkata, where he is scheduled to visit the Eastern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army. He will pay tribute at the Vijay Smarak and meet with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. The MoD emphasized that Lt Gen Tsherings visit is expected to pave the way for further collaboration between the two militaries. It is anticipated to deepen the strategic relationship between India and Bhutan, enhance their cooperation on matters of mutual interest and ensuring continued peace and security in the region.

Rebels BJP leaders meet Nadda and Santhosh; Yatnal offers to contest State presidential polls if a Lingayat is preferred

Gayatri Vasudeva Yadav appointed group chief marketing officer at Reliance

Gayatri Vasudeva Yadav has been named Group Chief Marketing Officer and EVP of Strategic Initiatives at Reliance Industries Ltd. Isha Ambani announced that Yadav, joining from Peak XV Partners, will collaborate with the Chairman's Office and key executives to enhance innovation, brand impact, and customer focus. Her appointment is expected to drive the company towards greater success and growth.

Ed Sheeran at Charminar, Hyderabadis say Ismail Bhai, Angrez mil gaya

Hyderabad: Global music sensation Ed Sheeran set Hyderabad ablaze with his electrifying concert at Ramoji Film City on February 2. The British singer-songwriter, known for his chartbusters, shared the stage with Bollywood singer Armaan Malik, creating an unforgettable night for music lovers. During his stay in Hyderabad, Ed Sheeran explored the historic charm of city Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Bihar achieves 100 per cent railway electrification, major infrastructure boost underway

NEW DELHI: Bihar has completed the electrification of all its railway tracks, marking a significant milestone in its infrastructure development. Alongside this achievement, over 58 new railway projects worth 86,458 crore are currently being implemented across the state. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the extensive railway progress in Bihar, emphasising that in 2009-14, only 64 km of new rail lines were built, whereas from 2015-25, we have laid down 167 km of new rail lines in Bihar. The most notable achievement is that Bihar now has 100 per cent electrified rail routes. He further stated that since 2014, a total of 3,024 km of railway routes in Bihar have been electrified. Additionally, the installation of the anti-collision device Kavach has been completed on 1,783 km of railway tracks, with tenders in progress for an additional 924 km. The Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated over Rs 10,000 crore to Bihar, which is set to hold elections for its 243-member legislative assembly later this year. The minister pointed out that while the UPA government allocated only Rs 1,132 crore for railway projects in Bihar between 2009-14, the current government has earmarked 10,066 crore for 2025-26. In Bihar, 12 Vande Bharat trains are now in operation, covering 15 districts with 22 unique stoppages. One Amrit Bharat Express also runs between Darbhanga and Anand Vihar Terminal, covering four districts with 11 unique stoppages, Vaishnaw announced. A total of 98 railway stations in Bihar are being redeveloped as Amrit stations, with work progressing on 85 of them. Key stations under redevelopment include Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,555 crore. The minister also assured that Patna Junction, along with other major stations, will undergo redevelopment to enhance passenger services with modern amenities. He further noted that since 2014, Bihar has witnessed the construction of 1,832 km of new rail routescomparable to the entire railway network of Malaysia. Currently, 57 infrastructure and rail service projects are underway in the state, aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving rail services.

'Bihar achieves 100 percent electrification of railway tracks'

NEW DELHI: Bihar has achieved 100% electrification of its railway tracks, with over 58 new projects worth Rs 86,458 crore currently being implemented. In the Union Budget for 2025-26, Bihar, which is set to hold elections for its 243-member legislative assembly later this year, has been allocated over Rs 10,000 crore. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at a special press conference on Monday, stated that 57 infrastructure and rail service projects are underway in Bihar. He mentioned that 98 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped as Amrit stations, with work progressing on 85 of them. Highlighting the progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure since 2014, Vaishnaw noted that 1,832 km of new rail routes have been constructed in Biharcomparable to the entire railway network of Malaysia. Comparing this with the previous UPA governments allocation during 2009-14, he pointed out that while only Rs 1,132 crore was allotted then, the current government has allocated Rs 10,066 crore for 2025-26. In 2009-14, only 64 km of new rail lines were built, whereas from 2015-25, we have laid down 167 km of new rail lines in Bihar. The most notable achievement is that Bihar has now 100% electrified rail routes, he asserted. Since 2014, a total of 3,024 km of rail routes have been electrified in Bihar, with Rs 86,458 crore invested in 57 ongoing projects, including new rail lines and other infrastructural developments. Vaishnaw also announced the installation of the anti-collision device Kavach on 1,783 km of rail routes, with tenders in progress for 924 km. In Bihar, now 12 Vande Bharat trains are in operation, covering 15 districts with 22 unique stoppages. One Amrit Bharat Express also runs between Darbhanga and Anand Vihar Terminal, covering four districts with 11 unique stoppages, he added. Among the 98 stations being redeveloped as Amrit stations, key locations include Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,555 crore. Vaishnaw also assured that Patna Junction, along with other major stations, will undergo redevelopment to provide high-standard services with modern amenities.

Fire at retail store in Hyderabads Shilparamam, second in 24hrs

Hyderabad: In the past 24 hours, Hyderabad has witnessed two fire incidents. The latest occurred on Sunday, February 2, when a massive fire broke out at the Murphy Comfort Private Limited retail store near Hyderabads Shilparamam in Uppal Bhagayath. The fire reportedly destroyed mattresses, pillows, and other cotton and foam-based materials. Upon receiving information, firefighters Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Budget Focuses on Railway: FM allocates Rs 2.55 lakh crore for Indian Railways

NEW DELHI: In her eighth straightUnion Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 2.55-Lakh-Cr to modernise Indian Railways, a slight decrease from last year's record allocation of Rs 2.62 lakh crore. The Gross Budgetary Support for 2024-25 was set at Rs 2,52,200 crore, reflecting a notable increase from the Rs 2,40,200 crore in the previous year, and a major rise from just Rs 28,174 crore in 2013-14. The previous budget focused on boosting industrial growth with strategic infrastructure investments. This included developing key industrial clusters at locations like Kopparthy on the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Corridor, Orvakal on the Hyderabad-Bangalore Corridor in Andhra Pradesh, and Gaya on the Amritsar-Kolkata Corridor in Bihar. Over the past decade, Indian Railways has significantly speed up its track-laying efforts. The completion of 31,180 kilometers of track, increasing from 4 kilometers per day in 2014-15 to 14.54 kilometers per day in 2023-24, highlights this progress. In addition, the electrification of 41,655 route kilometers between 2014 and 2024 has doubled the total distance electrified before 2014. The Railways also reported a first-ever freight record, with 1,588 million tonnes of goods transported in 2023-24, a marked increase from 1,095 million tonnes in 2014-15. This, along with total receipts of Rs 2,56,093 crore for the year, contributed to a net revenue of Rs. 3,260 crore. To further enhance safety, the Indian Railways has been actively implementing KAVACH an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, which was introduced in 2020. The technology automatically applies brakes if a loco pilot fails to respond. Currently deployed across 1,465 route kilometers and integrated into 144 locomotives, including Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the South Central Railway, the system is a key advancement in safety. The new version, Kavach 4.0, was approved in July 2024. By July 2024, over Rs 1,216 crore had been spent on Kavach, with an additional Rs 1,112 crore earmarked for the system's expansion in 2024-25. While Indian Railways relies heavily on its own resources to cover operational costs such as salaries, pensions, and maintenance, it still struggles to fully fund its capital expenditures, including new lines and wagons. As a result, the government continues to provide extra-budgetary funds and grants for these projects.

Hyderabad: HYDRAA saves park from encroachment in Patancheru

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has saved a park from encroachments at Gayathri Layout in Muthangi village of Patancheru mandal in Sangareddy district on Friday, January 31. On the representation of Gayathri Layout Residents Welfare Association, HYDRAA swung into action and carried out the demolition. Also ReadGHMC demolishes encroachments Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Jayshri Gayatri Food Products director attempts suicide after ED raids, names LJP leaders in note

BHOPAL: A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at premises linked to Jayshri Gayatri Food Products Pvt Ltd, Payal Modi, wife of the companys head Kishan Modi, attempted suicide by consuming poison at her residence in Bhopal on Thursday evening. In a purported suicide note, which has gone viral on social media, she blamed individuals associated with Union Minister Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), including his relatives Chandra Prakash Pandey and Ved Prakash Pandey, for her extreme step. The note also mentions life threats received by her husband from a US-based number. Payal Modi, who is also a director of the company, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhopal and is reportedly out of danger. She alleged that the ministers relatives were using his influence to harass her family. Meanwhile, her husband, Kishan Modi, has also been hospitalised since the ED searches were carried out on Wednesday. A senior Bhopal police official confirmed that the suicide note would be investigated. Attempts to contact the Union minister for a response were unsuccessful. The opposition Congress has questioned the fairness of the EDs actions, drawing parallels with a similar incident in December 2024, when Sehore-based businessman Manoj Parmar and his wife died by suicide, allegedly due to ED pressure. Congress spokesperson Shailendra Patel demanded a probe into the latest case, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in the agency and ensure it does not solely target opposition figures and traders. The ED had raided multiple locations linked to the company and its management in Bhopal, Sehore, and Morena as part of a money laundering probe. According to an official statement, the searches led to the discovery of 63 forged laboratory certificates used to export adulterated milk products and supply them domestically. Investigations revealed that Jayshri Gayatri Food Products had used falsified certificates, purportedly issued by BIS/NABL-recognised labs, to secure export approvals from the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) in Indore. Many of these certificates were either originally issued to other companies, forged, or fraudulently obtained. During the searches, the ED froze movable assets, including fixed deposits worth Rs 6.26 crore in the companys name, and seized Rs 25 lakh in cash. Luxury vehicles, including a BMW and a Toyota Fortuner, were also confiscated. Additionally, documents related to immovable assets worth over Rs 66 crore, owned by the company and Kishan Modis family members, were recovered along with other incriminating records. The probe was initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on an FIR and chargesheet filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal. The FIR alleged that the companys directors were engaged in the production and distribution of adulterated milk products, using forged lab certificates. Six months ago, the EOW had conducted similar searches at the companys premises in Madhya Pradesh over allegations of manufacturing and selling adulterated milk products. The company is accused of exporting these products to more than 20 countries, including those in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, using fake laboratory reports. The EOW has registered a case of cheating, forgery, and conspiracy to use forged documents as originals. Sources indicate that the company has made significant payments to entities in an African nation. In 2022, the Income Tax department had also raided multiple locations linked to the company, reportedly uncovering investments from influential individuals in Bihar.

Bhopal Food Company Director Consumes Poison After ED Raid, In Critical Condition

Payal Modi, director at Jayshree Gayatri Foods, consumed poison after ED raids found Rs 66 crore in unaccounted assets. ED seized cash, luxury vehicles, and froze Rs 6.26 crore.

HYDRAA demolishes makeshift shelters in Hyderabads Patancheru

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday, January 31, demolished makeshift shelters in Hyderabads Patancheru. The demolition was undertaken by HYDRAAs enforcement team at Gayatri Venture Park in Muthangi village in Sangareddy. Further details on the demolition drive are awaited. Since its inception, the agency has demolished illegal structures in Hyderabad and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

APTDC offering Kumbh Mela bus services for pilgrims

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is offering special Maha Kumbh Mela bus services for pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to various locations across Uttar Pradesh. According to an APTDC press release on Thursday, the corporation will run two special bus services, departing from Tirupati and Nellore on February 11 and February 12, respectively. For reservations, individuals can contact www.aptdc.in or visit tourism.ap.gov.in . APTDC officials said the first special service will depart from Tirupati at 6 a.m. on February 11. The service will stop at various locations, including Ontimitta, Kadapa Bypass, Orvakallu, Kurnool Bypass, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Chitrakut, Prayagraj, Kashi and Nagpur before returning. The tour will conclude in Telangana on February 17 and in Andhra Pradesh on February 18. The package cost of the tour will be between 20,000 and 22,000 for adults and between 17,200 and 19,000 for children, depending on the pickup point. However, pilgrims will need to pay their darshan, meals and refreshment charges. For additional information, pilgrims can contact APTDC officials at Tirupati, Kadapa, Kurnool and Hyderabad. The second special service will start from Nellore at 6 a.m. on February 12, travelling via Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Annavaram, Visakhapatnam, Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Chandipur, Gaya, Bodh Gaya and Kashi before reaching Prayagraj. On the return journey, the service will return to Vijayawada via Sri Kurmam and Arasavalli. The tour will conclude in Andhra Pradesh on February 18 and February 19.

Kurubas take out protest march in Kalaburagi over temple ownership dispute

They accuse Tahsildar of being biased in ordering that the temple in Melkunda (B) village be handed over to the Lingayat community

Internal Rift Widens in Karnataka BJP as Opposition to Vijayendra Grows

For decades, Yediyurappa was the undisputed leader of Karnataka BJP, building a strong Lingayat vote base

Tejaswi slams Vijay Kumar Sinha, says he is an immature politician

RJD leaders response comes a day after Sinha had alleged that illegal payments of more than 26.16 crore had been made for construction of three roads in Gaya division during Yadavs stint as Road Construction Minister

Karan Veer Mehra 'Majnu ban gaya hai', BB 18 winner call Chum Darang 'zehar' pens note with adorable pics, fans react

Karan Veer Mehra, in his poetic manner, penned a heartfelt note for his love Chum Darang with adorable photos, and his post went viral in no time.

Karan Veer Mehra 'Majnu ban gaya hai', BB 18 winner calls Chum Darang 'zehar', pens note with adorable pics, fans react

Karan Veer Mehra, in his poetic manner, penned a heartfelt note for his love Chum Darang with adorable photos, and his post went viral in no time.

Road construction scam worth 26 crore while Tejashwi Yadav was in charge: Bihar Dy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha

Illegal payments were made to the contractor, who is an associate of an RJD MP, during construction of three roads in Gaya division while Mr. Yadav was RCD Minister in 2016-2017, alleges V.K. Sinha

People Are Making Films for 5-StarRatings: Rakesh Roshan

Following the release of the docuseries The Roshans, chronicling the Roshan familys life and career, filmmaker-producer Rakesh Roshan talked to The Quint about the show, his decision to become a filmmaker, Hrithik Roshan as an actor, and more. Speaking about whether his own life inspired the underdog stories in his films Rakesh Roshan, who has directed films like Khudgarz, Khoon Bhari Maang, and Karan Arjun, said, When I started my career I was going through a lean period and then slowly I made it; I became more successful. I watch a lot of films, right from when I was 10, and I learned that a common man can relate to you if you show a common mans story. Roshan first made his acting debut in the 1970 film Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani and went on to star in films like Aankh Micholi, Khubsoorat, Aankhon Aankhon Mein, and Aakhir Kyon? In the 1980s, Roshan set up a production company before making his directorial debut with Khudgarz. When I was an actor, I wouldnt leave the set after my shot was done. I would sit on the set and watch the director to see what hes doing. Somewhere in me, I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker, Roshan recalled. Rakesh Roshan, Filmmaker I wanted to be like Raj Kapoor. When I became a producer and I would sit for scripting, the scenes wouldnt come out the way I imagined. I thought my imagination was better than what the director has given to the sequence or the film. That made me want to become a director and then I made 'Khudgarz'. Roshan went on to talk about his son, actor Hrithik Roshans potential as an actor, Hrithik has taken challenges and taken up different kind of roles, including breaking his image and doing a film like Super 30. I am very proud of him. I am very sure of his capabilities. He can do much more if some directors come to him with a good script; he can do wonders. He did Guzaarish very well; he did Koi Mil Gaya so well. Rakesh Roshan talked about dealing with his fathers demise, his own proudest moment as a father, the shift in the kind of films being made in the industry, and much more. Watch the full video for more. Hrithik Roshan Says Playing Karan Shergill 'Came Naturally' to Him In 'Lakshya'

After striking a hit chord at the Ahmedabad concert, Coldplays Chris Martin visits Mahakumbh with Dakota Johnson

British band Coldplay is all the hype lately, performing shows in India in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. After the last performance in Ahmedabad, Coldplays frontman and vocalist Chris Martin ensured a time off to visit the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela at Prayagraj on Monday, accompanied by his girlfriend actor Dakota Johnson. A video of the couple has been doing the rounds on social media where they are seen arriving at the Kumbh mela. The video captured by ANI showcases Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson sitting in the car surrounded by ever enthusiastic onlookers outside. Chris looked to be quite in the moment, filled with all the spiritual energy of the grand Mahakumbh. He was witnessed interacting with fans through gestures. At a point, he stuck his tongue out while posing for the camera. Reacting to the video, users expressed their views full of joy and admiration for the couple. One of them said, 5 concerts in two cities and now #Mahakumbhmela2025, Aadhar Card for Chris Martin please. While, another one even called him Krishna Martand, instead of Chris Martin. Someone said, Love how Chris and Dakota are embracing the Indian culture. Mahakumbh mela continues in full swing, the event visited by masses from all parts of the world. Started from January 13, 2025 the Mahakumbh will continue till 26 th February 2025. Devotees and pilgrims are reaching to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Till now, the grand event has witnessed a flock of over 14.76 crore devotees, who have taken the holy dip at the Sangam. Moreover, it is expected to attract an estimated 40 crore devotees. Coldplay in India The British band that is now a global sensation is out for its Music of the Spheres World Tour. Under which, it has performed five shows in India led by Chris Martin. The band includes guitarist Johnny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer and percussionist Will Champion along with manager Phil Harvey. The first three shows were held successfully in Mumbai. And the remaining two, back-to-back in Ahmedabads Narendra Modi stadium. Notably, its final one on the eve of Republic Day last Sunday, registered an attendance of 1.34 lakh people. Making it the largest ever concert in India, the first occasion where a ticketed concert had a crowd of a lakh. Prior to this, the concerts of singers Diljit Dosanjh and Justin Bieber saw 50,000 people. On 26 th January, Chris also sang his rendition of Vande Mataram at the concert, grabbing cheers and applaud from the audience. Star couple Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin earlier visited Shri Babulnath Temple in Mumbai, while in India. This visit was extensively shared on social media platforms with photos and videos of the couple trending online. Dakota Johnson had also reached to seek blessings at the Siddhi Vinayak temple along with Indian actresses Sonali Bendre and Gayatri Joshi.

Kharge Taunts BJP Leaders' Dip in Ganga

New Delhi/Mhow/Mahakumbh Nagar: On a day Union home minister Amit Shah took a dip at the Triveni Sangam at Mahakumbhnagar (Prayagraj), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday asked if poverty could be ended by taking a dip in the Ganga and alleged that BJP leaders were competing to take a dip for the cameras. Addressing the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan rally in Madhya Pradeshs Mhow, Mr Kharge said BJP leaders kept taking dips till it appeared good on camera, even as the Congress chief asserted that he was not questioning anyone's faith. He also extended his apology if anyone was hurt by his comment. Don't fall into the trap of false promises of (Narendra) Modi. Is poverty ended by taking a dip in the Ganga? Does it fill your stomach? I don't want to question anyone's aastha (faith). If anyone feels bad, I apologise, the Congress chief said. But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, labourers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips (in the Ganga), he said, adding that they (BJP leaders) keep taking dips till it appears good on the camera. Such people cant benefit the country. Our faith is in God --people perform puja at home every day, all women move out of their homes after performing puja, there is no issue. But we have an issue with the poor being exploited in the name of religion, the Congress president added. His remarks came hours after Union home minister Amit Shah took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Flanked by some top seers, Mr Shah took the dip at around 1 pm on Monday. The home minister also held an interaction with Junapithadheeshwar Mahamandaleshwar Acharya Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj and some other top seers aboard a cottage on a floating jetty. Reacting to Mr Kharges remarks, the BJP said while the whole world was talking about the Maha Kumbh, India's biggest Opposition party was negating it. Crores of people are pained to hear the statement made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Maha Kumbh, said BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra. Such statements against the Sanatan Dharm are shameful. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should explain their anti-Sanatan thinking Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should apologise to every person who has faith in Sanatan Dharma and the entire nation, Mr Patra added. During the Mhow rally, Mr Kharge also took a swipe at Mr Shah's remarks in the Rajya Sabha that had created a furore during the Winter Session. Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai -- Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion these days to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven), Mr Shah had said in a jibe at the Opposition. Referring to the remarks, the Congress chief slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, saying: They have committed so many sins that they cannot go to swarg (heaven) in 100 lives.

Yashashree wins third gold for Tamil Nadu; Army edges out ITBP to retain ice-hockey crown

Srinagar: Yashashree of Tamil Nadu on Monday won the third gold medal for her state in the final skating event of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 held at Leh, the capital of Ladakh. In the 500-metre womens long track at Gupuks, the frozen over pond replenished by the waters of Indus, she clocked 00:58:00 seconds, winning the gold. Riya Vilas Gayakwad of Maharashtra (1:04.31 secs) and Srija S Rao of Karnataka (1:04.93 secs) won silver and bronze, respectively, in the tightest of finishes. While host Ladakh won two golds on the final day to finish with four golds, the Indian Army edged out the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) by 2-1 to retain the ice-hockey title. The Army had lost to ITBP 3-1 in a league match on Saturday. Thirteen gold medals were at stake in the first phase of KIWG 2025. The second chapter of the snow games will be held at Gulmarg, the Kashmir Valleys premier ski resort, from February 22 to 25. Ladakh won two of the four golds decided on Monday. Their mixed relay quartet, comprising Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza and Padma Angmo, clocked 3:02.19 secs to strike gold. Maharashtra (3:03.78 secs) and Telangana (3:04.85 secs) won silver and bronze, respectively. The Ladakhi players romped past fancied ITBP 4-0 to finish on top of the womens round-robin league at Lehs NDS Stadium. Womens ice hockey started only last year and interestingly, Ladakh had lost the final match to ITBP by a 4-0 scoreline. Himachal Pradesh won the bronze, the Sports Authority of India said. Its media wing SIA Media quoted Padma Chorol, a senior member of the Ladakh womens ice hockey team. As saying, It feels amazing and its a big moment for our team. Last year, we lost to ITBP but this year, we made a strong comeback. He added, A huge thanks to our coach and the Khelo India administration for bringing this event to Ladakh and making this possible for us. KIWG 2025 toppers Ladakh (7 medals, including four golds) were followed by Tamil Nadu (five medals including three golds). Maharashtra finished with the maximum number of medals (10) but only two golds meant they finished third. Maharashtra had finished on top in KIWG 2024, winning 20 skating medals that included six golds. Telangana (2 golds) finished fourth and Karnataka (1 gold) fifth in KIWG 2025. DAY 5 RESULTS (Jan 27) ICE HOCKEY (Mens final at NDS): Indian Army beat ITBP 2-1; Losing semi-finalists Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh got bronze. (Womens final round-robin league at NDS): Ladakh beat ITBP 4-0 for gold; Himachal Pradesh won bronze. ICE SKATING (all finals) MIX relay (at NDS): 1. UT- Ladakh (Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza, Padma Angmo) 3:02.19 secs 2. Maharashtra (Ishan Darvekar, Vyom Sawant, Swaroopa Deshmukh, Anvayi Deshpande) 3:03.78 secs 3. Telangana (Pranav Madav, Vishnu, Nayana Sri, Geetika) 3:04.85 sec. 500m women long track (at Gupuks): 1. Yashashree (Tamil Nadu) 00:58.00 secs; 2. Riya Vilas Gayakwad (Maharashtra) 1:04.31 secs 3. Srija S Rao (Karnataka) 1:04.93 secs.

Sri Lanka Prepares for First Test Against Australia Without WAGs

In an interesting turn of events, it's unclear whether the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board took a leaf out of its Indian counterpart's book, but the home players won't have their WAGs (wives or Girl-friends), at least for the first Test match against the visiting Australians starting Wednesday. No, no wives or family members are with the home players in Galle, an SLC source confirmed from Colombo on Sunday evening. Adding a twist, both teams are staying in separate hotels due to insufficient room availability at the hotel where the home team is stationed. The source explained, Both teams had training on Sunday. On Monday, our team will have another training session in the afternoon. The four-day camp, an initiative by our head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, ended on Saturday. Unfortunately, two days were wasted due to heavy rain. Our players, with the help of about ten net bowlers, played matches throughout the day in this camp. It was the idea of our coach to create a match atmosphere in the camp. The original squad of 18 announced by the SLC has been reduced to 17, as injured Pathum Nissanka hasn't traveled with the team for the first Test. He may join before the second Test subject to his fitness. Interestingly, the selectors havent appointed a Vice-Captain to the Dhananjaya de Silva-led team. As both teams gear up for an exciting series, it remains to be seen how the absence of family support will impact the players' performance on the field. With intense training and strategic preparations in place, Sri Lanka hopes to make a strong start against the formidable Australian side. Tilak Varma Shines on Field as Parents Seek Blessings at Kumbh Mela In a thrilling match that went down to the wire, Tilak Varma emerged as a pivotal player in Team India's victory against England on Saturday. His poise, determination, and skill on the field were instrumental in turning the tide in India's favor, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe. As Tilak was shining on the cricket field, his parents, Namboori Nagaraju and Gayatri Devi, were experiencing a spiritual journey at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The father, speaking exclusively, shared, I am here in Kumbh Mela with my wife. We both took 'Shahi Snan' on Saturday and were fortunate enough to see Tilak playing a splendid match also the same day and had a hand in Indias win. Adding further, he said, We watched the match on a big screen here in our Varanasi hotel. We could also speak to Tilak after the match. Obviously, he was very happy and we were too. Tilak Varma's journey to cricket stardom started with humble beginnings. Born on 8 November 2002 into a Telugu family in Hyderabad, his father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, managed the household. He also has an elder brother, Tarun Varma, who, with his friends, enjoyed the match. A lifelong interest in cricket began early for Tilak, when he was spotted playing tennis ball cricket by coach Salim Bayash at the age of 11. Recognizing Tilak's raw talent, Bayash trained him at the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally. Despite the considerable distance, Bayash would ferry Tilak to and from the academy on his scooter, covering more than 40 kilometers each way, until Tilak's family relocated closer to the academy. Tilak Varma pursued his early education at Crescent Model English School and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans Public School in Hyderabad. He completed his secondary education at Lepakshi Junior College in Hyderabad. In the intense match against England, Tilak's performance was nothing short of spectacular. Tilak Varma in T20Is since his last dismissal - 318 runs in 174 balls at 182.75 SR with 24 fours and 22 sixes. His match-winning knock of 72 (N.O.) had 4 fours and five sixes. His calm demeanor, strategic play, and unyielding focus helped secure a crucial victory for Team India. This win not only showcased Tilak's burgeoning talent but also highlighted his potential to become a future star in Indian cricket. Tilak's parents are scheduled to return to Hyderabad on Monday. However, they have no plans to visit any match venues of the current series. Tilak Varma's journey from a young boy with a passion for cricket to becoming a key player in an international match is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coach. As Tilak continues to grow and make his mark in the cricketing world, fans eagerly await many more incredible performances from him.

WATCH: Anil Ambani, wife Tina Ambani offer prayers at Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds significant importance for followers of Buddhism.

Tilak Varma Shines on Field as Parents Seek Blessings at Kumbh Mela

As Tilak was shining on the cricket field, his parents, Namboori Nagaraju and Gayatri Devi, were experiencing a spiritual journey at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

Metro in Hyderabads Old City Open plots to be auctioned for land acquisition

Hyderabad: The Metro Rail project in the Old City of Hyderabad is gaining momentum as the Telangana government plans to generate funds through the auctioning of open plots in the Uppal Bhagayat Layout. The funds that will be raised by auctioning the plots will be used to fund land acquisition for the 7.5 km Metro Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Crocodiles and aliens: How Rakesh Roshan shot his movies

The veteran filmmaker discusses his classic films, from Khoon Bhari Maang to Koi... Mil Gaya, and rebuffs reports of his retirement

Third Eye: Cabinet meeting outside Capitals, historical tableau and song-and-dance time at Delhi PCC office

State governments are increasingly holding Cabinet meetings outside capitals, exemplified by UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Prayagraj and MP CM Mohan Yadav in Maheshwar. MP Cabinet sanctioned a liquor ban in 17 religious towns. Bihar's Republic Day tableau will highlight historic Nalanda University and Bodh Gaya. At Delhi PCC office, election excitement abounds with song releases and special sops announcements.

RERA fines DLF Garden City developers Rs 2.5 lakh

Hyderabad: The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) penalised the developers of DLF Garden City in Nandigama, Rangareddy district, Rs.2.5 lakh for failing to register the project under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). The authority was acting on a complaint filed by Savitha Malhotra, Babitha Gupta and others, alleged the non-compliance and misrepresentation by the developers. Launched in 2012 as a premium residential township, the project was a joint venture between DLF India Ltd. and Gayatri Infra Pvt. Ltd. The complainants alleged that despite obtaining layout approvals in 2012 from the HMDA, the developers failed to register the project under RERA when the Act came into effect in 2017. The buyers also claimed that the developers misrepresented facts, failed to secure completion or occupancy certificates and violated HMDA conditions, including completing development works and releasing promised land. Attracted by the developers promises, the complainants said, buyers entered into agreements and made payments. Later, they discovered that the land for the project, spanning 4,38,558 square metres, was jointly held by three other entities: Livana Builders and Developers Pvt. Ltd, Latona Builders and Constructions Pvt. Ltd and Chamundeswari Builders Pvt. Ltd. DLF India did not make any disclosure about this. In response, the developers argued that the project was exempt from registration, claiming it was an ongoing project approved before January 1, 2017. They stated that the project, being a plotted development, only required layout permissions and blamed delays in obtaining completion certificates on procedural issues. After reviewing the case, RERA dismissed the developers claims. It ruled that RERA applied to all ongoing projects that did not have completion certificates before its enforcement. The tribunal clarified that under Section 89 of the Act, Central legislation superseded conflicting state rules, invalidating the developers' request for exemption. Moreover, the projects final layout approval in 2019 placed it within the range of RERA, making registration mandatory.

Krishna water usage to be optimised during Kharif season

Vijayawada: Water authorities are optimising the usage of Krishna river water to meet drinking needs and for cultivation of crops raised during the late Kharif season. This is done as the Pulichintala project has only 40.77 tmc-ft of water against the FRL of 45.77 tmc- ft. Theres no expectation of immediate rainfall and inflow of water from upstream Krishna river; and no water is coming in even from the Nagarjuna Sagar dam. The officials are pinning their hopes on water coming from the Pulichintala project. The Prakasam barrage across the Krishna river serves over 13 lakh acres of land spread over parts of the erstwhile districts of Krishna, West Godavari, Guntur and Prakasam. Officials are ensuring water supply for crops raised in the late Kharif season at the tail-end areas covering Avanigadda, Konduru, Nagayalanka and others up to parts of Prakasam district to enable the farmers to raise crops for this season. As for drinking water, the authorities will supply water from February 15 to enable filling up of summer storage tanks in the villages and towns for some time so that such stored water can be utilised during the peak summer period-- April and May -- to avoid any shortage of drinking water to the people in the summer season. Meanwhile, officials said water will not be supplied for cultivation of crops raised as a second crop during the rabi season from January to April. This is part of the plans to optimise the use of available water. Krishna river conservator Ravi Kiran said, We have 40.77 tmc-ft of water in the Pulichintala project, which is the only source of water to Prakasam barrage at present. Hence, we will optimise use of water for cultivation of crops and would store water to meet the drinking water needs during the summer months. On the other hand, the state government has given its nod release of `294.20 crore for construction of a flood protection wall along the right margin of Krishna river downstream of Prakasam barrage from 0.900km to 2.610km at Tadepalli village/mandal in Guntur district. Water resources special chief secretary Sai Prasad issued GO on Wednesday giving the administrative sanction for construction of the flood protection wall. This will help avoid submergence of low-lying areas when Krishna river is flooded.

Sew On Wheelz offers doorstep tailoring services in Thiruvananthapuram

Sew On Wheelz is a mobile tailoring service run by Anish Unnikrishnan and wife, Gayathri

IIM CAP 2025 registration ends today: WAT and PI to begin on February 17, check details here

IIM Bodh Gaya closes MBA CAP 2025 registration today, January 23, 2025. The process includes Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) for eight IIMs. Candidates must select four preferred cities for PI/WAT while registering on cap2025.iimbg.ac.in. The PI/WAT rounds are scheduled from February 17 to March 15, 2025, as per the official website.

Speaker Ayyannapatru visits Mahabodhi Temple

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, along with his wife Padmavati, and Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju and his wife, visited the renowned Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya of Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant landmark in Buddhist history. During their visit, Ayyannapatru performed special prayers at the Bodhi Tree. He remarked, Places like the Mahabodhi Temple showcase India's spiritual heritage to the world. The atmosphere here gives immense joy to the mind. The delegation also engaged in meditation and spiritual contemplation, appreciating the temple's historical and cultural importance.

Dabur Chyawanprash special CSR Initiative at Mysore

Mysore: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps provide protection against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many Rasayana herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses. The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet. Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids. Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost ones immunity needs through changing weather cycles. Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor: Gaya Industrial Node To Propel Economic Development In Eastern India, Says Finance Ministry

After fire, norms changed at Kumbh

LUCKNOW: After Sundays fire, safety measures have been spruced up by the Maha Kumbh administration. It has been decided to set up a fire station for every 800 square metre of the mela area where over 1.6 lakh tents have been put up. On Tuesday, teams of police and fire services personnel started an awareness and checking drive to ensure that there were no illegal cylinders kept in any of the camps. An emergency meeting of the food and civil supplies department, fire safety officials and LPG distributors was also held. Besides, the fire safety department issued dos and donts for the devotees staying in the mela area. It was decided during the meeting that strict action would be taken against those found misusing domestic LPG or selling unauthorised cylinders. In all, 53 fire stations and 20 fire posts have been set up to deal with fire. More than 1,300 firemen and 300 fire-tenders are ready to deal with any eventuality, said a senior official of the fire safety department. Prayagraj and Lucknow have nine and 11 fire stations, while the mela area 53. This was the reason we could control the Sunday fire incident. Our set up is such that a fire tender will not take more than three-four minutes to reach any site in the mela area, the official says. More 4,300 fire hydrants have been strategically deployed to handle any emergency. The fire department was allocated a budget of `66.75 crore, while the overall budget for fire safety equipment and vehicles is `131.48 crore. Each akharas tents have also been equipped with fire safety gear. In preparation for the event, dozens of mock drills have been organised in collaboration with NDRF and SDRF, ensuring that all personnel were prepared to respond to emergencies. Special flights to be parked at 11 airports in 4 states In view of the massive air traffic expected for Mauni Amavasya on January 29 in the Maha Kumbh, arrangements have been made to park chartered and special flights at 11 airports spread across four states. These airports are situated within 600 km from Prayagraj. The Prayagraj airport is expected to handle more than 200 flights on January 29, when 8-10 crore devotees are expected to visit Maha Kumbh. The Airport Authority of India has already sought assistance from these airports situated in UP, Bihar, MP and Jharkhand. The airports which have been contacted for providing parking facilities are Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Gaya, Khajuraho, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Deoghar and Chitrakoot. The Chitrakoot airport will be reserved for emergency parking. The Prayagraj airport is already handling an unprecedented number of flights and passengers. Approximately 40,000 have either landed at or taken off from the airport which is an all-time record. Expecting a large number of international passengers, the airport has set up customs and 2 booked for spreading fake news at Mela Two persons have been booked for allegedly spreading fake news about the Maha Kumbh through social media. According to police, the two have uploaded a video of a runaway minor girl chatting with a sadhu and called it inappropriate. A complaint has been lodged. But the matter has turned out to be fake. PM to visit Maha Kumbh on Feb 5, Prez on Feb 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Maha Kumbh on February 5, according to sources. Union Home Minister Amit Shah may attend the mela on January 27, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on February 1 and the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is expected to part of the celebrations on February 10.

Bahuroopi 2025 evoked warm response, says Rangayana Director Satish Tiptur

DoP invites applications for franchise outlets in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Department of Posts (DoP) has invited applications for franchise outlets in Hyderabad Postal Division. Hyderabad City Postal Division, Senior Superintendent informed that the people under the Hyderabad Postal City Division should utilize the franchise opportunity to undertake booking of Inland Speed Post Non-COD (Document and & Parcel), Inland Registered Letters, Sale of Postage, Revenue, Central Recruitment Fee Stamps etc., Additionally, the franchisee may also act as a direct agent for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and provide related services. Apart from the delivery office areas, franchise outlets can also be opened in the densely populated areas of Nalgandla, Gopanapalle, Izzatnagar (Kondapur), Khajaguda, Shaikpet, Lanco Hills in Manikonda, Kavuri Hills or Gayatri Hills in Madhapur, Tejaswinagar Kulsumpura, Moosapet, Ramakrishna Math, Bar Associations like Criminal Court Nampally, Labor Court Abids, and Bar Associations. The Special Magistrate Court in Nampally, Principal and Additional CBI Courts in Abids, Central Administrative Tribunal at HACA Bhavan, CBI Court in Nampally, CGIT cum Labor Court, District Consumer Forum in Hyderabad, Special Magistrate Court in Panjagutta, which fall under Hyderabad Division can also open franchise outlets and utilize the facility. To know the details of commission paid for postal franchisees, qualifications, selection criteria, criteria, application form, etc., interest can send an e-mail to the office of Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Hyderabad City Division, Abids, at ssposhcdcity@gmail.com.

Koi Mil Gaya actor Rajat Bedi feels betrayed by Rakesh Roshan's film: 'They completely cut me out...'

Despite being part of the blockbuster hit Koi Mil Gaya, Bedi felt that the film's success did not translate to his own career.

Lingayats a divided lot, may cease to be a political force: Minister M.B. Patil

Lingayat concerns add new twist to caste census row in Karnataka

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced that the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, dubbed the 'caste census,' will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting. The report has faced delays due to administrative concerns and pressures from various caste groups. State ministers urged inclusivity for Lingayat sub-sects.

Jitan Ram Manjhi demands 20 seats for HAM in Bihar Assembly elections

PATNA: Patna: Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi has demanded 20 seats for his party in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled to be held later this year. Manjhi made this statement during a meeting with party workers, a day after leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) claimed they would win 225 seats in the elections. Though our workers have asked to contest 40 seats, we think we will contest at least 20 seats in the assembly elections. We will soon be holding a workers' meet in Patna's Gandhi Maidan where our demand will be validated, said Manjhi. HAM is a part of the BJP-led NDA at both the state and central levels. In the 2020 assembly elections, the party had secured only four seatsImamganj, Barachatti, Sikandra, and Tekari. Santosh Kumar Suman, son of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, currently serves as a minister in Nitish Kumars cabinet. Notorious 'Khan Brothers' of Siwan join Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV), eye Bihar assembly elections Manjhi himself won the Gaya (reserved) constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and was inducted as Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the Narendra Modi cabinet. Recently, HAM reclaimed the Imamganj assembly seat in a by-election held after Manjhi vacated the seat upon being elected as an MP. Meanwhile, the ruling NDA held a joint meeting of state presidents from its coalition partners at Bagaha in West Champaran district to strategise for the assembly elections. Addressing the media after the meeting, BJP state president Dilip Kumar Jaiswal expressed confidence in the NDA's prospects. The NDA would win 225 seats in the assembly polls, Jaiswal said. When asked about the seat-sharing arrangement, he added, The seat-sharing formula for the assembly election has almost been finalised at the meeting. There is no confusion on seat sharing among the coalition partners, he asserted. 'Tejashwi will become CM after Bihar assembly election': Lalu Prasad Yadav