LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to enhance crowd management and communication systems in the Mahakumbh Mela area for the upcoming Republic Day festival as well as Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami Amrit Snans. He asked the officials concerned to ensure robust security arrangements during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami on January 29 and February 3, respectively. CM Yogi held an aerial survey of the Mela area in Prayagraj on Sunday. Later, he held a meeting giving necessary guidelines regarding further arrangements. For better crowd management on special days, movement on the pontoon bridges should be kept one-way. The entire Mela area should be declared a no-vehicle zone on Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami. The sentiments of the devotees must be respected, and officials should proactively assist anyone in need, said the chief minister. The Chief Minister stated that in the coming days, several dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister, are expected to visit Prayagraj. Additionally, the state cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held here on January 22. During the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that approximately 1.5 crore devotees are currently present in the Mela area, and over 7 crore people have already taken a holy dip at Triveni. Fire breaks out at MahaKumbh Mela in Prayagraj; no casualties reported The Chief Minister cautioned the authorities to be prepared for an estimated footfall of 8 to 10 crore on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Additionally, large crowds are anticipated on Republic Day. He emphasised the need for robust arrangements to ensure the convenience and safety of the visitors. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply, proper maintenance of toilets and cleanliness, upkeep of pontoon bridges, and a well-planned crowd management strategy. He emphasised the need for a consistent public announcement system to keep the visitors abreast with traffic management and parking arrangements. He emphasised the need to improve mobile network services in the fair area, stating that reliable connectivity was essential for everyone, including the media, police, and devotees. He stressed the importance of enhancing tower capacity and coverage, especially in view of Mauni Amavasya. The Chief Minister directed railway authorities to implement special arrangements from January 25 to February 5 with utmost vigilance. He also stressed the importance of regular announcements about train schedules and platform numbers, ensuring that once a platform is assigned, it remains unchanged. Railway officials informed the Chief Minister that over 200 Mela Special Trains are planned for Mauni Amavasya. Additionally, the Chief Minister instructed the Transport Corporation to increase the number of shuttle buses and ensure their continuous operation to accommodate the large influx of devotees. The Chief Minister instructed officials to improve infrastructure and basic facilities across various sectors, emphasising the need for better drinking water supply and toilet arrangements in sectors related to Prayagwal. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Kalpvasis face no difficulties and directed authorities to prioritise their needs. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for effective coordination with local organisations for the smooth operation of the digital Lost and Found Centers. Additionally, he directed officials to set up bonfires at various locations in the Mela area to provide warmth and to ensure the safety of the ghats. He emphasised the active presence of the Water Police and Ganga Doots to maintain security and assist devotees effectively.
Kumbh Mela 2025: A family shares how they saved big money on flights and hotels at Prayagraj
A cost-effective travel plan to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh mela was shared by a man named Fundamental Investor, who recommended cheaper alternatives to expensive direct flights. This included flying to Lucknow, using local transport, and finding affordable accommodations. Social media users also shared their strategies, emphasizing planning and flexibility for significant savings.
Chhattisgarh to develop marine fossil park at 280-million-year-old site
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh's Manendragarh district is poised to attract history enthusiasts and geologists with the discovery of a 280-million-year-old marine fossil site along the Hasdeo River. Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park. The conspicuousness of this fossil site was first identified by structural geologist Professor S K Ghosh in 1954. Years later, in 2015, experts from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, confirmed the importance of the fossils found in this region. Acknowledging its scientific value, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) designated the site as a National Geological Monument in 1982, recognising its exceptional contribution to understanding the Earth's ancient history, a state government spokesperson said to TNIE. The Chhattisgarh governments decision to develop this site into a Marine Fossil Park is expected to attract both tourists and scientists from around the world. The Park will serve as a biodiversity heritage site, offering a unique opportunity to explore the story of the Earths evolution and the ancient organisms that once lived here, he added. The notable park will be of glaring pride not only just for Chhattisgarh state but for the entire Asia, offering a rare glimpse into the Earths ancient marine life. Researchers will have access to the valuable site for scientific studies, while visitors can explore opportunities to learn about the ancient exciting history of marine life. The findings of fossiliferous marine fauna suggest the massive expanse of salt water covering the earth surface in this part of the state. The Chhattisgarh government, while emphasising the site as meaningful and crucial, is working closely with teams from the Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow to assess the sites potential. Scientists are of the opinion that 280 million years ago, the region where the Hasdeo river is located was covered by a massive glacier. As geological changes took place, this region became a part of the Tethys Sea, allowing marine life to enter. While these species eventually became extinct, their preserved fossils continue to provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth. The initiative by Chhattisgarh promises to bring the state onto the global map, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the region and offering future generations the occasion to understand the Earth's ancient past.
Fire breaks out at MahaKumbh Mela in Prayagraj; no casualties reported
LUCKNOW: A major fire broke out in to the tents of Sector 19 at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Sunday. There was no report of any casualty. The fire which engulfed around 40 tents was triggered by the leakage of gas cylinder. It was then followed by a series of blasts in the gas cylinders. Two cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. Akhara Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra said. Firefighters have been pressed into service to douse the blaze, added Mishra. Visuals from the site showed plumes of smoke emerging. Upon receiving information, fire tenders reached the spot, and efforts are underway to extinguish the flames. Members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are also present on the site. Chief Fire Officer RK Pandey said efforts were underway to douse the flames. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni during the Maha Kumbh 2025. The CFO said no casualty was reported and firemen had controlled the fire. UP CM Yogi Adityanath, who had conducted an aerial survey of the Mahakumbh area in the morning, rushed the senior officials to the affected Sector 19. Besides, Fire brigade, teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF were already on the incident site engaged in relief and rescue work. It was the seventh day of the worlds biggest religious congregation of humanity. Significantly, ruling out any casualty or injury to anyone, Prayagrak DM Ravindra Kumar Mandar said that he got the information about the fire at the Gita Press tent in Sector 19 around 4:30 pm. VIDEO | Visuals from the area where a fire broke out at the Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. #MahaKumbh2025 #MahaKumbhWithPTI (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/hDyfSO7iQM Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 19, 2025 As the fire broke out in Gita press tent, it spread to 10 adjacent tents of Praygawal. The fore teams along with police and district administration teams rushed to the site and doused the flames immediately. There has been no loss of life or injury to anyone. The situation is normal and well under control, said the DM. Notably, in the Mahakumbh area, in order to handle any fire or fire-related accidents, four articulating water towers (AWT) equipped with advanced features have been installed. LWTs are normally used in high-rise buildings as they can douse the fire to a height of 35 metres. Moreover, as per the official sources, in order to make the Mahakubh area fire-free, over 350 fire brigade, 50 fire brigade stations, 20 fire post have been installed along with the deployment of over 2000 trained manpower with expertise in handling fire accidents. Meanwhile, in the Akhara area and other tents, fire protection equipment have been installed. As per the mela authorities including the deputy commandant, the investigation into the reasons of fire is on. #WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | A fire breaks out at the #MahaKumbhMela2025 . Fire tenders are present at the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/dtCCLeVIlN ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025
A woman accused staff at a Lucknow drug de-addiction centre of assaulting her husband, who was seeking treatment there. Despite repeated requests, the family received no updates. The victim was allegedly beaten and gagged when he tried to leave. Police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
1 dead, 2 injured in multi-vehicle pile-up amid dense fog in Uttar Pradesh
A dense fog caused a multi-vehicle pile-up near the Kamarouli railway crossing at 4am, resulting in the death of lorry driver Rohit Pandey and injuries to two others. The collision involved five vehicles as a lorry crashed into a stationary car at the closed railway crossing.
Rishabh Pant Set To Be Named Lucknow Super Giants Captain For IPL 2025
LSG, owned by Sanjiv Goenka, debuted in IPL 2022 and made a strong impression by reaching the playoffs in their first two seasons under KL Rahuls leadership.
Lucknow Diary: Crowd management classes for young officers
Crowd management classes for young officers Maha Kumbh, which is making new record of sorts with around 7.5 crore having taken holy sip in the past six days, is also imparting lessons in crowd management to the young officers. The UP government which has deputed young IAS and IPS officers to get a firsthand experience of crowd management in mela, has also written to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy to send budding cops to Maha Kumbh to learn a few lessons of not only crowd management but also handling situations of various hues, an experience which will come handy in their professional life ahead. Ram temple first floor ready To meet the deadline for the completion of Ram temple in Ayodhya, the construction committee headed by retired IAS officer Nripendra Mishra has engaged more workers taking their number to 1,600. While the first floor is ready and its ornamentation and embellishment work is on in full swing, the focus is on the seventh Mandapa and parkota (outer wall). The marble stairway connecting the first floor with the second has also been completed. Now the second floor is taking shape gradually and is likely to be completed by March. Moreover, 60% work on 16-ft spire has also been finished. Cricketer Rinku Singh set to tie the knot Another star couple is in the making in UP. Cricketer Rinku Singh, 27, and Priya Saroj, the sitting SP MP from Machhlishahr in eastern UP, are set to tie the nuptial knot anytime soon as the proposal for the same has already been sent from the star cricketers family to Sarojs father, who confirms it. As per the grapevine, both have been seeing each other for the last three years. Priya was elected to Lok Sabha in 2024 general election by defeating BJPs BP Saroj by a margin of 35,000 votes. Her father Tufani Saroj is sitting SP MLA from Kerakat. Namita bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
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Over 1000 women ascetics to receive 'diksha' during Mahakumbh
LUCKNOW: Besides the rare celestial alignment leading to Pushya Nakshatra after 144 years, the ongoing Mahakumbh is all set to be historical in many other ways. Deemed to be the biggest religious congregation of humanity, the event will witness the women power in the spiritual realm at play. The 13 Akharas (Hindu monastic orders) are gearing up to hoist the flag of Sanatan tradition yet again by inducting a new generation of women ascetics through Diksha during the upcoming Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya on January 29. The Snan would take place under the rare and pious Pushya Nakshtra. Mahakumbh 2025: 2.5 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam | Drone Visuals The event is also set to script a new chapter in Sanatans history as Prayagraj Mahakumbh records an unprecedented 1000 women ascetics receiving diksha. Sanyasini Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara Divya Giri mentioned that more than 200 women are set to receive sanyas diksha (initiation) under their Akhada during this Mahakumbh. The cumulative count of women to receive Diksha may exceed the 1000 mark, reaching a historic milestone. Registration for diksha ceremonies is already underway, and the ritual will tentatively be scheduled for January 27. MahaKumbh 2025: Over 7 crore pilgrims bathed at Sangam from Jan 11 to 16 In Sanatan Dharma, the decision to renounce worldly life and embrace asceticism is often driven by spiritual awakening or transformative life events, such as personal loss or disillusionment with materialism. According to Divya Giri, this year, those receiving initiation include highly educated women who are choosing the spiritual path for deeper self-realisation. Among them is Radhenand Bharti, a PhD scholar in Sanskrit at Kalidas Ramtek University in Gujarat. Hailing from Rajkot, Bharti shared that despite hailing from a prosperous business family, her quest for spiritual fulfilment led her to renounce worldly pursuits. She has been extending services to her Guru for the last 12 years and is now ready to enter the world of asceticism. The Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara has been at the forefront of acknowledging and elevating the contributions of women devotees within the Akhara system. Recently, it granted a new, prestigious title to its womens wing, renaming it Sannyasini Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara. This decision come after female ascetics proposed the change to their patron Mahant Hari Giri who approved it. For the first time, the womens wing will have its own dedicated camp at the Mahakumbh, bearing its new title. Divya Giri mentioned that this recognition symbolises progress in acknowledging the contributions and aspirations of Matrushakti (women power) within the traditionally male-dominated Akhara framework.
UP woman accuses Congress MP Rakesh Rathore of rape, threats
A 20-year-old woman has accused MP Rakesh Rathore of Sitapur of rape and exploitation since 2018. She claims he confined and raped her in 2020, threatened her, and forced her to sign blank papers. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case with assurances of protection for the victim.
Lucknow Woman Found Dead On Roadside, Brother Accuses Live-In-Partner Of Murder
The woman had Rs 1 crore insurance policy in which her live-in partner Girija Shankar was a nominee
Himani & Rajendra left city folk in splits with their act!
Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, directed by Suresh Bhardwaj, featured actors Himani Shivpuri and Rajendra Gupta, drawing a full house at the Sangeet Natak Academy. The play depicted the evolving bond between a doctor and a patient in a hospital setting, with witty puns and strong chemistry captivating the audience, leading to a standing ovation.
IPL 2025: LSG to announce its new captain Monday
New Delhi: IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is likely to announce its new captain ahead of the 2025 season when it holds a special press conference at the RPSG headquarters in Kolkata Monday. But the franchise, in its official communication, didnt state the nature of the topics of the press conference, which is expected []
IPL 2025: LSG To Hold Press Conference In Kolkata On Monday, Announcement On Captain Likely
South Africa T20I: IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is likely to announce its new captain ahead of the 2025 season when it holds a special press conference at the RPSG headquarters in Kolkata on Monday. But the franchise, in its official communication, didnt state the nature of the topics of the press conference, which is expected to be addressed by Sanjiv Goenka, the LSG principal owner and Chairman of the RPSG Group. After making the playoffs in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons, LSG missed the playoffs for the first time in 2024, as they finished seventh on the points table with a poor net run rate. Some franchise officials IANS spoke to have said either of the two things or both could happen in Mondays press conference: the announcement of a new LSG captain or unveiling of the franchises new jersey, considering that some players of the team are likely to be in attendance. In the IPL mega auction in Jeddah last year, LSG left everyone astonished by roping in India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for Rs 27 crore, making him the most expensive player ever sold at an IPL auction. With KL Rahul, their captain since the 2022 season, leaving the franchise ahead of the auction and moving to Delhi Capitals, LSG is highly expected to name Pant as their new captain. Pant had been DCs captain from 2021 to 2024 editions of the IPL, barring the 2023 season, which he missed due to recovery from various injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. But ahead of the retention deadline, he was released by DC, ending his nine-year association with them and was picked up by LSG in the mega auction. Other captaincy candidates which LSG have in their team are swashbuckling West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran, who was the sides top retained player for Rs 21 crore and even captained them once in Rahuls place, as well as South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram and Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh. Pant had been DCs captain from 2021 to 2024 editions of the IPL, barring the 2023 season, which he missed due to recovery from various injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. But ahead of the retention deadline, he was released by DC, ending his nine-year association with them and was picked up by LSG in the mega auction. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
QuackQuack hits 35 Million users, unveils key dating trends
As 2025 begins, QuackQuack, Indias most-downloaded dating app, celebrates an impressive milestone: reaching 35 million active users. The app, which has garnered a significant following across various age groups, is now firmly established as one of the countrys leading platforms for dating and social connections. To further understand its user base and improve its features, QuackQuack conducted an in-depth study of 10,000 active users who had been on the app for over six months. The survey aimed to reveal emerging trends, preferences, and areas of opportunity for the platform. The survey was conducted online over a week, involving participants from a diverse range of professional backgrounds such as healthcare, entertainment, marketing, finance, sports, and media, among others. The respondents were primarily aged between 18 and 40, with the majority coming from Indias Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, providing a comprehensive view of the apps demographic spread. QuackQuacks Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented on the achievement, saying, 2024 has been transformative for us. We hit 35 million users and 30 million app downloads, and weve seen record chat exchanges and matches. We hope that the insights from this survey will guide us in refining the dating experience and meeting the growing demands of our user base. Emerging Trends: Weekend Warriors and Cross-City Matches The internal survey highlighted two key trends that have defined user behavior on the app: the rise of Weekend Warriors and C-Cube , or cross-city connections. The weekend trend shows a significant surge in app activity, with a remarkable 11% increase in screen time during the weekends. This has resulted in 400.80 million screen views per month and 1.94 billion profile views annually. Cross-city connections have also seen a noticeable rise, particularly among users aged 28-35. More than 30% of users in this age group reported matching with people from outside their city, significantly broadening the scope of potential connections. The data also revealed that QuackQuack recorded approximately 5.18 million matches last year, including long-distance and local matches. Chat Before Match: A Game-Changer for Users A standout feature for many users is the Chat before Match option. Over 38% of active users indicated they engage in conversations before deciding to match with someone. This feature has led to over 53 million chats being exchanged each month. Participants have praised the ability to interact with others before committing to a match, creating more meaningful conversations and reducing the pressure of making a quick decision. Priyanka from Delhi shared her experience, saying, The Chat before Match feature is really useful. I might not match with more than one or two users a month, but I do get to interact with different types of people. Each interaction is an experience in itself. User Safety and Authenticity: Key Priorities for Daters Safety remains a top priority for users. More than 39% of individuals aged 18-28 voted user safety as the most important factor when choosing a dating app. Many emphasized that both men and women care about the apps verification process, which helps establish a secure dating environment. Nishant, a 26-year-old social media content creator, expressed, I chose QuackQuack because it had a thorough verification process during sign-up, which made it feel more secure. Another emerging trend is the rise of the UnFiltered movement . As opposed to heavily curated profiles, many users now prefer to upload more natural and unpolished photos. Among the 35,000 photos uploaded daily, a significant percentage of users are opting for authentic representation, signaling a shift towards transparency and relatability in the online dating world. Looking Ahead: The Future of QuackQuack and Dating in India As QuackQuack continues to grow, the app predicts an increase in rematches . The survey indicated that around 2% of monthly matches are rematches, as users are revisiting past connections they didnt pursue earlier. This highlights a growing trend of second chances in the digital dating space. Vijay, a 31-year-old user from Lucknow, shared his experience, saying, I reconnected with a woman I interacted with last year and didnt pursue, but this time, it just clicked. The data also points to a future where user expectations continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on authenticity, safety, and more meaningful interactions. QuackQuack is poised to remain at the forefront of the online dating scene in India, as it adapts to the ever-changing preferences of its growing user base.
Man murders abusive father in Rae Bareli, arrested
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Didnt violate judicial conduct: HC judge defends VHP meet remarks
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Sadhguru: Quality and scale of Maha Kumbh remarkable
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Couple awarded death for 2020 murder of six family members
UP: Couple sentenced to death for brutal murder of 6 family members
Lucknow: A special court here has sentenced a couple to death for killing six members of their family, including two children, in the Banthra police station area. Sentencing Ajay Singh and Roopa Singh to death, the court said execution of the sentence is subject to confirmation by the high court. The son of the accused 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 .
Porsche has launched the new electric SUV Macan and the updated Taycan sport saloon in India, priced between Rs 1.22 crore and Rs 2.53 crore. The company plans to expand its presence to 13 cities by the end of 2025, targeting Indore, Jaipur, and Lucknow next.
2 Held For Creating Fake Aadhaar Card, Social Media Account To Frame Lucknow Man In Rape Case
The accused have been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology for forgery and conspiracy.
Both Kohli and Pant were members of the Indian team that faced a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar series held in Australia.
Mysterious deaths in J&Ks Rajouri rises to 16 as elderly woman dies
SRINAGAR: The mysterious deaths in the Budhal village of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir have risen to 16 with the death of an elderly woman in a hospital on Friday. The deaths have occurred within 45 days. Officials said 60-year-old woman Jatti Begum breathed her last at GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri today. She was the wife of 65-year-old Muhammad Yousuf, who also died a few days ago. With the death of Jatti Begum, the mysterious death toll in the remote Budhal village has risen to 16. Among the dead, there are 12 children and four adults. The first few deaths in the village took place on December 5, 2024 when five members of a family including its head died due to the mysterious disease. The family of seven had fallen ill after a community meal in the village. Five days later on December 12, 2024, three children died of the same mysterious disease. On January 12 a family of ten fell ill after consuming another community meal. Eight more deaths have taken place since. The deaths are confined to three families, who are interlinked and related to each other. The mysterious illness has caused a scare in the village and villagers are very apprehensive about their health. The village comprises about 5700 people. Thousands of samples have been taken by different agencies from the village. The government has said all samples have tested negative for any viral or bacteriological etiology. The tests were conducted on different samples in some of the most reputed labs in the country. These include the National Institute of Virology Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control New Delhi, the National Institute of Toxicology and Research Lucknow, the Defence Research Development Establishment Gwalior, the Microbiology Department of PGIMER Chandigarh besides the ICMR-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, GMC Jammu, an official spokesman said. The team of state rapid response experts, including epidemiologists, microbiologists, and others from DHS Jammu, GMC Jammu, and Rajouri, visited the area to conduct detailed screening and collect contact tracing samples. Experts from NCDC, NIV Pune, and PGI Chandigarh also visited the area to assist in containing the situation. An official spokesman said the clinical reports, lab investigations, and environmental samples indicate that the incidents are not due to a communicable disease. The toxicological analysis conducted by CSIR-IITR has detected toxins in multiple biological specimens, he said. With health authorities not detecting any bacterial, or viral infection or disease in the deaths so far, the authorities have asked police to investigate the deaths. Police have formed an 11-member SIT for investigating the deaths. The SIT is headed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Budhal Wajahat Hussain. The team members would also include experts from forensic microbiology, paediatric and pathology departments. The SIT will utilise the services of experts from the Food and Safety departments, Agriculture, Jal Shakti and experts of FSL Jammu during the investigations.
Vishak is new Lko DM, Gangwar to be secy to CM
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3 get life term for mans murder in Ambedkarnagar
Students learning traditional arts to dazzle at Kumbh
Taps across mela area providing potable water with TDS between 250300
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DyCM visits injured jr resident at KGMU
Abhay Singh, known as the IIT-Bombay Baba, suggests changes in the education system and introducing spirituality to reduce student suicides. Singh, an IIT-Bombay graduate, left a promising career for spiritual pursuits. His story has sparked a debate on student-friendly education and the role of spirituality in combating stress and depression.
City doctor accused of killing wife in Pattaya
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ABAP chief steps in after row over model-influencers saffron attire at Kumbh
Devotees sway to Mahadevans melodies
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Congress accuse BJP of attacking Constitution
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Top tycoons set to take a spiritual dip
