Congress Releases Third List of 16 Candidates For Delhi Assembly Elections | LIVE

Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed Thuglak 55th Anniversary program

He said, " ...In 2014, P Chidambaram in his budget, said and acknowledged that the Indian economy is challenged, he narrated a robust economy and left behind a challenged economy. In 10 years, they could only take India from the 12th largest GDP to the 11th largest GDP. What did PM Modi do in 10 years? He took India from 11th largest GDP to 5th largest GDP..."

BJP candidate from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay says, "... I have had a very happy and surprising experience from the first-time voters. I asked them how they think about Arvind Kejriwal. The information they have is very updated. I also asked them about PM Modi. These are my Muslim brothers and they are also first-time voters. Their experience is very good... They said that AAP and Somnath Bharti as done no work in the constituency..."
 

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi's allegations regarding bomb threats received in Delhi schools, Congress candidate from New Delhi seat, Sandeep Dikshit says, " This is a serious issue, if this case is related to an NGO, this particular thing also needs to be found out that if this was done by the organisation itself or any particular person of the organisation...if any political person's family member is related to that organisation, then that person needs to come out and clarify this thing..."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, " I want to wish the brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu on this auspicious occasion (of #Pongal2025). This is one celebration that all of India enjoys, we have Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra, Bihu in Assam, Lohri in northern parts of India, Pongal here, 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' is epitomised by the celebration a New Year today. My warmest greetings to all people of Tamil Nadu, I pray for their well-being and prosperity..."

Former AAP MLA Dharam Pal Lakda who joined Congress recently has been fielded from Mundka. Former Union Minister Krishna Tirath has been fielded from Patel Nagar.

On speculations over changes in the political scenario in the state after 'Kharmas', RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “There is no meaning to any speculation. There is nothing like that. If anyone thinks that something is going to happen, there is nothing like that. Now, directly elections will be held. Public will elect and we will accept their decision.”

BJD MP Sasmit Patra says, "The people of Odisha know the benefits and beauty of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna in the state. However, during 2024 elections the BJP had said that this is not a good program and if they came to power, they would stop it. They have been in power in Odisha for the past 7 months. If they have the guts, let them stop this program and the people of Odisha would answer back to them. Former CM Naveen Patnaik, when he was then CM, had implemented the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna with the priority being the 4 and a half crore people of Odisha and their well-being. None of his programs or schemes have ever been at all linked to politics or for any political gains. But unfortunately, the way the BJP is bringing about the Ayushman Yojana in Odisha, completely smacks of political opportunism and the manner of which the statements they are making is completely trying to score political brownie points. This form of discourse is extremely sad and unfortunate. The BJP Govt in Odisha should keep the priority of welfare for 4 and a half crore people of Odisha and desist from this temptation of indulging of political opportunism and political mud-slinging."

On Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, Madurai District Collector Sangeetha says, "There are a total of 75 people injured from which 30 people have sustained grievous injury and 45 people have minor injuries...One person has died. We will send an appeal to the government to give a CM relief fund to the deceased family...For tomorrow all precautions have been made..."

On 'One Nation, One Election', Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal says, "On December 17, 2024, the bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session. The bill has been sent to the JPC. The first meeting took place on January 8. We will bring it into discussion after the JPC completes its work..."
 

Chairperson of Delhi State Haj Committee & BJP leader, Kausar Jahan says, " Congress and AAP have always seen Muslims with the political point of view, they never did anything for the welfare of Muslims. Rahul Gandhi yesterday went to Seelampur and spoke about unemployment, their govt has been in power for decades, if they had done some work and thought about them, Muslims wouldn't have been in such a condition right now. AAP's whole politics is based on lies, Imams' were given fake promises but they (AAP)  are unable to pay even their salaries. On the other hand, Modi govt gave the benefits of central govt schemes, equally to Muslims as well. Muslims are the biggest beneficiaries of central govt's welfare schemes..."

Lt Gen DP Pandey (Retd) says, "We should be grateful to the Prime Minister that he expressed his gratitude on a public platform, a social media platform. There are a large number of defence personnel who retire after serving almost two decades in uniform and they continue to be a very important pillar of the society, contributing to the progress of the nation in all spheres of life. Many people also retire after almost four decades. They cross the ripe age of 58, 59, 60 and then they retire and they continue to contribute to society. The way they (retirees) are contributing to the society, they should be saluted and thanked for their service."

On various parties extending support for AAP for #DelhiElections2025,  AICC in-charge for Delhi, Qazi Nizamuddin says, " BJP's central govt and AAP's Delhi govt are busy in blame-game and people of Delhi are caught up in the middle. We are appealing to people, they should understand this. today, again they picked up the issue of bomb threat to Delhi schools...central govt has Police and BJP is levelling allegations on AAP, so what are you doing?...people are looking at Congress now...these two other parties are doing politics to divert the attention of people...

On INDIA alliance, Congress leader Salman Khurshid says, "...Our leadership will send a message, the alliance will stay intact, when different parties come together, in between some differences happen, so that gives away the feel that alliance is weak but that isn't the case, the alliance is strong and every member realises that this alliance is need of the hour"

After the CEC meeting, Congress president Devender Yadav says, " Discussions were held regarding almost all seats, in some seats, we need to have further discussions and we will do it soon. But now, the Delhi Congress has come fully into election mode and we are going to our constituencies and preparing to contest the elections"
 

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj says, "...I would like to remind Sanjay Singh that he was asking for proof of the liquor scam and the Delhi High Court found that Rs 90-100 crore were taken as bribe by the top leadership of Aam Aadmi Party and all that money was used for Aam Aadmi Party's activities in the Goa elections... When the Sheeshmahal case came to light, Sanjay Singh asked for proof, but the CAG report came and everything was cleared. I would like to tell Sanjay Singh that before making allegations and counter-allegations, he should look within himself..."

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva says, " Along with Bansuri Swaraj, we met the Election Commission and showed them certain documents regarding how AAP is trying to steal the mandate of Delhi, how they want to spread religious fanaticism in Delhi, how they want to cut the votes of poor, labourers and Purvanchalis...how the conspiracy is being hatched to cut their votes...On 23rd (December) the electoral roll was frozen, from 23rd (December) to 6th (January), in 12-13 days, inside Delhi, 5.01 lakh new applications for new votes have come...the applicants are aged 80, 70...so we told Election Commission, from where these people are coming from and that needs to be checked..."

On 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan', Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh says, "I want to appreciate PM Modi and thank him because he has understood the Constitution from the grassroots level to the top. Everyone should know the Constitution and respect it. Rahul Gandhi holds the Constitution and says that we have to save it, but he never respects the parliament... Have you ever seen this in America, China, or Britain? ... He just says that we have to save the Constitution but he comes to the parliament with the Constitution in his hand and wearing a T-shirt. He is disrespecting the parliament in this way. I feel very sad to see this..."

Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Singh says, "... I received a call some time ago and the caller identified himself as Lawrence Bishnoi and he asked for Rs 30 lakh, I denied and cut the call... He called again reminding me of Baba Siddiqui and asked for the money threatening to kill me the same way, but I cut the call... He called again and again and told me how he knew everything about me and I asked how to send the money... He then sent a scanner for the transaction... I have the number to DGP and he is doing his own investigation and I will file an FIR... I have had no cases on me now and no political enemies... Let the report come, this Rs 30 lakh will cost him a lot..."

On AAP National Convenor & Candidate From New Delhi Assembly Seat Arvind Kejriwal and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's statements, Co-incharge of Himachal Pradesh BJP, Sanjay Tandon says , "... It is surprising as to how they (AAP and Congress) are demeaning each other... But in Chandigarh, they are teamed up... They tried to show that they are fighting separately in Delhi but secretly have an alliance which is visible in Chandigarh... All this is being done because the BJP's power is rising... The situation in Chandigarh has worsened, no corporation has been formed in the last 10 months...they have no money for development work..."

MEA says, "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person. The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals."

On the statement of J&K CM Omar Abdullah on PM Modi, J&K CM Omar Abdullah's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani says, "...I am surprised at the kind of behaviour they wanted from Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. J&K CM Omar Abdullah put forth his point and asked the country's Prime Minister for statehood...They should remember the time when they (PDP) were in power... If he had made good decisions during their (PDP) tenure, we would not have had to face so many difficulties... The public has rejected them (PDP)..."

On the bomb threats received in Delhi schools, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "... The threats in various Delhi schools were sent by a juvenile... After investigation, it was known that their parents and guardians were associated with some NGOs who have been involved in activities like opposing Afzal Guru's execution... If a juvenile is doing this on his own, then what kind of education is he getting? Or is he just a pawn and his parents and the NGOs have a role in trying to disturb the environment and the law and order in Delhi for their political gain...?"

On the complaint of MCC violation against Delhi CM Atishi, Congress candidate from New Delhi seat, Sandeep Dikshit says, " This is a serious thing if you are using (official) vehicle, Model Code of Conduct variation will be applied on you, other parties might have done it too but that doesn't mean that you should do it too. BJP is violating Model Code of Conduct in various places...Election Commission take action against this as well like they take action against other parties..."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says, " I have visited here regarding the development of Satna district and Chitrakoot Dham... We have also held a meeting regarding development. We have discussed a lot so that everyone gets the benefit of all the schemes... I hope that our Chitrakoot Dham will develop like Ayodhya and it will bring good results. We will pray to God that this Maha Kumbh achieves its original objective... There is very good management there"

RJD MP Misa Bharti says, "It would be a haste to say something (on Bihar politics). A lot has happened in the last some time and a lot is going on. We have to wait and see what would come to the surface... Something is going on internally and it is too soon for me to say anything about it..."

On Panchjanya's 78th Anniversary, BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "As a voice against the influence of colonial mindset in India, an initiative called Panchjanya was started 78 years ago and one of the initial inspiration sources was our PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee... Today I can say that the voices of cultural consciousness have emerged in India from many places and due to this, the era of feeling of cultural pride has started in India and Panchjanya has played a crucial role in this and I've been inspired since childhood through its publications..."

On Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari's statement on Mahakumbh budget, "... Those whose instinct is negative see the negative in everything... This is the only astronomical event that happens based on the position of Jupiter and this in itself is a representation of India's scientific pride and prestige..."

On AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's statement, he says, "... It shows that he is seeing his defeat and due to the nervousness of this, he can make any statements... He is speaking out of his instinct and habit..."

A jeweller and his son allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison in Maharashtra's Nashik city, police said on Tuesday.While the exact reason behind the extreme step was yet to be ascertained, indebtedness may have led to the incident, which took place on Monday, they said.

 Delhi Police has registered an FIR against a PWD official for carrying election-related material in a government vehicle pertaining to Chief Minister Atishi, an official said on Tuesday.

The officer further said that the FIR has been registered for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

A complaint was initially filed by the returning officer against Chief Minister Atishi, alleging the use of a government vehicle for political purposes on January 7, he said.

Following a detailed investigation, police registered the FIR against the Public Works Department (PWD) official, south-east divisional executive engineer, for allegedly using a government vehicle for election campaigning.

 In a step aimed at enhancing public safety, Amethi Police has introduced a QR code-based monitoring system in the sensitive areas, utilizing technology to ensure effective policing and accountability. "This initiative will allow us to monitor police activity in real time through QR codes. A total of 160 sensitive locations across the Amethi, Gauriganj, Tiloi and Musafirkhana tehsils have been designated as hotspots where the police personnel will be deployed," said Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpana Rajat Kaushik.

The driver of the BEST bus, involved in an accident here last month that claimed seven lives, was driving in a rash and negligent manner and it is hard to believe there was any fault in the vehicle, a sessions court has said while refusing him bail.

Additional Sessions Judge V M Pathade rejected the bail application of the accused driver, Sanjay More (54), on January 10.

The court refused to accept More's contention that the accident was due to a technical/ mechanical fault with the bus, as per the detailed order, made available on Tuesday.

Though More has claimed that the accident occurred due to poor maintenance of the bus or brake failure or a mechanical or technical defect, there is no material to prima facie support this contention, the court said.

At least six Army personnel were on Tuesday injured in a landmine explosion in a forward village in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.The troops were on patrol duty when one of the soldiers accidentally stepped over the landmine near Khamba Fort in Nowshera sector around 10.45 am, triggering the explosion, the officials said.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday attacked Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal, saying that Delhi has voted for Arvind Kejriwal three times; however, he (Arvind Kejriwal) has forgotten all his promises.

Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said, "Delhi has voted for Arvind Kejriwal three times. Arvind Kejriwal had vowed that he would not join hands with any party... But the world saw that AAP joined hands with Congress. Arvind Kejriwal forgot all his promises. Delhi has recognized Arvind Kejriwal's corrupt face. We will give concrete houses to the slum dwellers of Delhi, we will build good roads in the slum colonies. 5 February is the day to say goodbye to Arvind Kejriwal."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday celebrated Makar Sankranti with residents of Shantiniketan Society in the Memnagar area of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The society was beautifully decorated with colourful kites and rangoli.

Union Home Minister along with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel received a warm welcome from women, children, members of the society and the locals while traditional 'dhol nagara' and cultural dances further enriched the celebration.

Shah also enjoyed flying kites from the rooftop. Further, the Home Minister and CM Bhupendra Patel wished everyone a joyful Makar Sankranti.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday strongly opposed the interim bail plea of Tahir Hussain, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. He has sought interim bail to contest and campaign in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections.

The Delhi police argued before the Delhi High Court that although they were willing to grant custody parole to facilitate Hussain, they could not support his release on interim bail.

The police emphasized that "the right to fight elections is not a fundamental right" and expressed serious concerns over the potential consequences of allowing Hussain to campaign.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addresses 9th Armed Force Veterans' Day in Pune.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the celebration of 150th foundation day if Indian Meteorological Department and launches 'Mission Mausam' on Tuesday in Delhi.

He also releases IMD vision 2024 document which will set the future plans for the department till 2047.

Congress Candidate from Delhi's Kalka ji assembly seat files nomination at district election office on Tuesday. 

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates 920 residential buildings & Police Station Constructed by Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation at Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigma 

The number of devotees who reached Sannidhanam (the main temple in Sabarimala) on Tuesday to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa at the hill shrine of Sabarimala on the occasion of Makaravilakku reached 27,949 by 9 AM, the Kerala Public Relations Department informed.

The temple's reception of the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharnam (sacred jewels of Lord Ayappa)' is the most important event in the hill shrine on the day of Makaravilakku.

The sacred jewels arrive in three separate boxes. This year, the 'Thiruvabharanam' started its journey from Pandalam on January 12, in accordance with the tradition that the sacred jewels leave for Sabarimala two days before Makaravilakku. The auspicious procession stops at various temples before finally reaching Sannidhanam during the evening hours on the day of Makaravilakku.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Tuesday hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying that he has taken credit for the works carried out by previous Congress governments in Delhi. He also accused Kejriwal of collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in previous elections against Congress.

"He (Kejriwal) has done a huge farziwada (scam) in Delhi. Was the liquor scam saving the country? Aiyaashi ke mahal main rehna desh bachana tha? Was it saving the country when you fought with the BJP to defeat Congress everywhere? He took credit for the works done by Congress (in Delhi)," Dikshit, who is the Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency, told ANI.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji Assembly seat Atishi on Tuesday filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Polls, scheduled on February 5.

The AAP filed her nomination at the District Election Office.

Atishi is in the electoral fray against the BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress' Alka Lamba for the Kalkaji seat.

V Narayanan has assumed charge as the chairman of ISRO, replacing S Somanath, the Space Agency said.

In a statement, the ISRO said, "Dr V Narayanan, Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), assumed the charge of Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO on the afternoon of January 13, 2025." Prior to this, Narayanan served as the Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a key facility responsible for the development of propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft.

Assam celebrated the annual harvest festival Magh Bihu with great traditional fervour on Tuesday as people burnt traditional Meji (bonfire) in the morning.
The bonfires are usually made with firewood, green bamboo, hay, and dried banana leaves.

On the occasion, young people take blessings (Ashirbad) from elders, reinforcing bonds of respect and love within families. Across the state, traditional sports such as buffalo fights, cockfights, egg-breaking competitions, and Tekeli Bhanga (breaking of pots) are also held.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left for Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces.
"Leaving New Delhi for Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh posted on X.
Later in the day, the Defence Minister will be attending the event along with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Chief of Defence Staff (C

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supremo Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said that the tradition of the country was one which started from Lord Ram, Krishna and Shiva. He said that Indian gained its true Independence on the day Ram temple was consecrated.

"What is our tradition of 5000 years? The one which started from Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva," Bhagwat said while addressing a gathering at an event in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, adding, "The true independence of India, which had faced many centuries of persecution, was established on the day of Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. India had gained independence but it was not established."

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Padi Koushik Reddy has been granted bail by a court. This comes after he was arrested on Monday.

While speaking to the media, Reddy stated he would not be intimidated by such false cases and wouldn't stop questioning the Revanth Reddy government about its six guarantees.

"We won't be intimidated by these false cases, and we won't stop questioning the Revanth Reddy government about its six guarantees. It is saddening that I am being arrested just for asking an MLA who was sold over that he was sold over. It's sad that especially on a festival day, they're targeting me and keeping me away from my home." Reddy told reporters.

Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Tuesday morning met with an accident after her car hit a tree in Belagavi district of the state, Mrunal Hebbalkar, son of the minister said on Tuesday. She and Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi Basavaraj escaped a major accident while sustaining minor injuries.

This happened after the driver lost control of the vehicle, trying to avoid a dog on the road, and hit a tree. The accident occurred around 6:00 in the morning at Ambadgatti village near Kittur Taluk. Minister Hebbalkar sustained minor injuries on her back and face while Basavaraj took a minor hit to the head.

A road accident occurred near Kalyani Dam in Chandragiri Mandal in Andhra Pradesh on Monday night, leaving 30 people severely injured. The collision involved two RTC buses, one travelling from Tirupati to Pileru and the other coming from Madanapalle to Tirupati, said the police.

According to the police, the accident happened around 10 pm when the two buses crashed into each other, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Madanapalle-bound bus was trapped in the cabin and had to be rescued by emergency responders.

As the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 is being performed on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday and several Akharas have reached the Sangam to take the holy bath, DGP Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar informed the total number of devotes who had taken dip in the Sangam has crossed the 10 million mark.

Delhi and other parts of North India continued to have chilly weather with foggy skies.

In the national capital, the temperature was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am today. The air quality in the city was recorded as 'poor' with AQI logged at 252, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.'

A thin layer of fog was blanketing Akshardham Temple and the Mayur Vihar area as the cold wave continued in the national capital.

Devotees thronged the Lord Ayappa Temple in Kerala's Sabarimala on the occasion of Makaravilakku festival on Tuesday. The temple's reception of the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharnam (sacred jewels of Lord Ayappa)' is the most important event in the hill shrine on the day of 'Makaravilakku'. The sacred jewels arrive in three separate boxes.

This year, the 'Thiruvabharanam' started its journey from Pandalam on January 12, in accordance with the tradition that the sacred jewels leave for Sabarimala two days before 'Makaravilakku'.

The world-renowned three-day Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu's Madurai kicked off on Tuesday, with Avaniyapuram village holding its first-day event which features 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers.

The best bull will be awarded a tractor worth Rs 11 lakhs, while the best bull-tamer will receive a car worth Rs 8 lakhs, alongside other prizes. The other two Jallikattu events in Madurai will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and January 16 respectively.

As celebrations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 begin in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, many personalities from across the globe have been flocking to the ghats in the city, taking a dip in the holy confluence (Sangam) of Ganga and Yamuna.

The latest among many to attract attention at the Maha Kumbh festival is Laurene Powell, wife of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who has been participating in the cultural festivities. Reacting to this, Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri on Tuesday morning said that such was the tradition that those who have never seen it want to partake in.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Spear Corps recently visited the Red Shield Division in Manipur to review the operational preparedness and troop welfare, said an official statement.

The visit was aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities and morale of the division, focusing on ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and the overall security situation in the region, an official statement said.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Spear Corps, visited Indian Army units stationed at Kumbi and Andro in Manipur on 13 January 2025.

As festivities for the 2025 Maha Kumbh mela commence, seers like devotees take a dip in the holy confluence on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Many Akharas headed by the seers lead their processions towards Triveni Sangam.

After taking a dip in the holy Sangam on Tuesday morning, Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj from Anand Akhara said that those who can visit the Maha Kumbh were "extremely" fortunate. Advocating for peace, the seer said that the religious texts have always upheld peace.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said that the 'Snan' on Makar Sankranti will be bigger than Monday's holy bath.

Manoj Kumar Singh that the government have been working on the preparations of Maha Kumbh for over one and half years to provide better facilities for the tourists and devotees.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The 'Snan' on Makar Sankranti will be bigger than today's 'Snan'. For one and a half years, the state government was preparing for this in collaboration with the fair administration. Works worth about Rs 7 thousand crores have been done in Prayagraj city and the Mela area which is on 4,000 hectares. We intended that whatever better facilities are available for the tourists and devotees, should be provided to them," Singh said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 'Mission Mausam' on the occasion of the 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department on Tuesday.

PM Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, according to an official release.

'Mission Mausam' aims to make our country a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart' nation. The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers.

The first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti began as Sadhus from Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam -- a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati river.

Sadhus of the 13 Akhadas of the Sanatan Dharma will be taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam one by one.

The 13 akhadas are divided into three groups -- Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav) and Udaseen. The Shaivite akhadas include Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani,Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada, Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada and Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti.

Biden announces $770 one-time payment to victims of the California fires

The procession of Niranjani Akhada is heading towards the Triveni Sangam for the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.

Sadhus of the 13 Akhadas of the Sanatan Dharma will take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam -- a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati river.

Before the procession, Niranjani Akhada, Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara are marching towards the Triveni Sangam to take holy dip on Makar Sankranti.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed UGC-NET scheduled for January 15 on account of festivals, including Pongal and Makar Sankranti. The revised exam date will be announced later, the agency announced on Monday.

"The NTA has received representations to postpone the exam on January 15 on account of festivals, including Pongal and Makar Sakranti. In the interest of the aspirants, the exam has been postponed and a new date will be announced later," Rajesh Kumar, Director (Exams), NTA, said.

Devotees on Tuesday took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Makar Sankranti which marks the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Mahakumbh.

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival which marks the transition of the Sun from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere.

Expressing happiness, Alka Dadwal, a devotee from Mumbai said, "There is diversity in unity... people from all over the country have come to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela. I feel really good that I have come here. I also got the occasion to celebrate Makar Sakranti.." Dadwal said speaking to ANI.