India Bids Emotional Farewell to Manmohan Singh, Top Leaders Attend Last Rites | LIVE

Rajesh Kamal, Circle Officer says, "Two trucks caught fire after a head-on collision near Sumerpur Mandi. Rescue operation underway. Fire engines are present at the spot and the fire has been brought under control. One truck driver is likely to be trapped; operation underway to rescue him."

Kalaburagi BJP leaders and workers today staged a protest at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi. They alleged that police refused to accept their complaint in the December 26 suicide case of a contractor named Sachin from Bidar.

BJP workers demanded the arrest of the accused Raju Kapanur, and the resignation of state Minister Priyank Kharge alleging the accused of being a close aide of Kharge

Congress leader Abhishek Dutt says, "...I want to ask Arvind Kejriwal and all its MLAs, why you are asking for the election cards of mothers and sisters of Delhi. If you intend to provide money - you should ask for the bank accounts. It's a technique used by Arvind Kejriwal to fool the people of Delhi. They have done this in Punjab as well...'
 

Here's what BJP leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said on row over memorial for ex-PM Dr Manmohan Singh. "It is very unfortunate. There should be no politics over death of someone, especially for a personality like Dr Manmohan Singh who served as the country's fourth longest prime minister. Government of India has left no stone unturned to respect Dr Manmohan Singh. It was historic the way PM Modi showed his respect to a former prime minister. Besides, Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has also clarified to Congress and Dr Manmohan Singh's family that space would be allocated for a memorial of the former prime minister. Despite this, Congress is doing politics over Dr Manmohan Singh's demise. Congress had continuously humiliated Dr Manmohan Singh when he was live."

Here's what Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said on Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's decision to order inquiries into Dikshit 's allegations of snooping and cash being brought from Punjab ahead of next year's Assembly elections in the National Capital.

"I thank him for that. I had raised certain concerns, and he is responding to them. In fact, all three concerns I mentioned to him are now being looked into. The suspicion I had about the cash movement has been confirmed by some officers from Punjab—that AAP would be sending large amounts of cash under the supervision of Punjab police. I have informed the Governor and LG that they should be very careful to ensure nothing crosses the border."

"Yesterday, when I learned that there was some hearing regarding our matter in the Supreme Court, I was initially happy that the Government of India and the Supreme Court are concerned about our well-being. I also hoped that the letter we had sent to the Supreme Court from our side would have been considered. However, instead of addressing that, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab government to take strict action against us. I was quite surprised by this," says farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

The NDRF team trains sailors in Prayagraj in view of the safety of pilgrims ahead of Mahakumbh 2025.

Maha Kumbh 2025 will be organised in Prayagraj from 13 January to 26 February 2025.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath met Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda and extended an invitation for Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025.

On Maha Kumbh 2025, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar says, "...This Maha Kumbh has its own speciality.  All the arrangements will be very good... Kumbh bath has special importance, so those who can go, must go..."
 

An earthquake has struck parts of the Kashmir Valley, marking the third tremor in the region within the last 24 hours. The tremor, felt across several areas, has caused panic among residents, though there are no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities are assessing the situation, and emergency teams are on standby.

This follows two earlier quakes, raising concerns about seismic activity in the region.

On ED issued summons to BRS working president KT Rama Rao, BRS leader Ravula Sridhar Reddy says, "We have been saying that the Formula E case, in which the ACB has filed an FIR against KTR, does not fall under the ambit of corruption, the government should explain how it is corruption... As a responsible leader, he will definitely respond to the notice in a proper manner. There is no corruption, there is no misuse of money. Certainly, KTR will come out clean in this case."

On the decision to abolish 9 districts and 3 divisions from the newly formed districts in the Rajasthan Cabinet meeting, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot says, "The state government took 1 year to take this decision. From this, it can be guessed how much confusion was in their minds regarding this work... Rajasthan is the largest state in the country... If three divisions were created, then they were created after some thought...In many ways, small districts are beneficial for the public. Gujarat is a state with less population than us (Rajasthan) but still, there are 33 districts there... We took this decision for good governance ..."

On meeting with CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding Parbhani violence, VBA Chief Prakash Ambedkar says, "... We urged the CM to rehabilitate and compensate the family of Somnath Suryavanshi, a victim of custodial death, including providing government job to a family member and Rs 1 crore compensation... It was highlighted that the lathi charge by local police was unauthorised, prompting a demand for accountability and a judicial enquiry, the CM agreed to address this issue... The government should compensate those whose houses were damaged during the police action, as the action violated the law..."
On the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh, he says, "... He (the former PM) was recognised for his progressive leadership, particularly for stabilising India's economy during challenging times, including guiding the nuclear bill (for Indo-US nuclear agreement)... He was warm, approachable and open to dialogue, valuing inputs from both allies and opposition members in Parliament..."

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh "reshaped" India's economy and set the stage for its "remarkable growth", Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Saturday as he expressed his condolences.Singh died on Thursday at the age of 92. He was the first Sikh to lead India and was prime minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014.

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) on Saturday announced a cash award of Rs 25 lakh for young Nitish Reddy, acknowledging his maiden Test century effort, which was crucial to India's fightback in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "There is a procedure to build a memorial but cremation is a process that can't wait... It was a direct communication that our party had extended. But, after that, the kind of politics Congress did, it shouldn't have been done on the day of grief. I want to tell the Congress and its supporters who are saying absurd things - while being in office if someone who has damaged the dignity of former PM Manmohan Singh - it's Congress party..."

BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "This is a new low in politics of India, thanks to the Congress party. Due to the Congres party - we are here to have a press conference on the day when the last rites of the former prime minister were done... BJP believes that there has to be dignity in death. The kind of politics Congress is doing, especially Rahul Gandhi - who has tweeted about the cremation is shameful. We in a cabinet meeting after the demise of the former PM Manmohan Singh - decided that since he was the PM and had a big stature - the cabinet wrote a letter to Congress and Dr Singh's family - where the cabinet said that we should build a memorial in his name so that the country and the world remember him for his positive works."

Author & daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, Sharmistha Mukherjee says, "CR Kesavan who was earlier in Congress and is now in BJP had tweeted about an incident where PV Narasimha Rao's body was not even allowed to come to AICC. His family wanted to do his funeral in Delhi, but that was also not allowed... when my father (Pranab Mukherjee) died, I was in Congress at that time and was active in politics...but I was surprised that no formal CWC was called and no resolution condolence message was passed...as much as I had an idea that this is a convention of Congress. Sonia Gandhi wrote a personal letter to me but what should have been done on behalf of an institution and an organisation was not done...It is a simple matter that if CWC had passed a resolution, what difference would it have made to anyone?..."

Chhattisgarh Congress chief Deepak Baij says, "Manmohan Singh ji was the Prime Minister of the country for 10 years. If we recall his works, he brought laws like Right to Information, Right to Education etc... Certainly, he has contributed to the growth of the country's economy, this can never be forgotten. His departure has caused an irreparable loss to the Congress party ..."

 On Contractor dies by suicide in Bidar, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "It's very clear that BJP is trying to politicise a suicide by a contractor. It is clear that the contractor has a view about the incident and the accused has a view about the incident. We are clear that both the views should be investigated and the truth should come out... The BJP can do whatever it wants. Everyone knows what they did and how many contractors committed suicide during their tenure..."

Haryana Cabinet expressed grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh & former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala and observed a moment of silence, ahead of the Cabinet meeting today
 

Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore says, "...Everyone has decided together that for the future of the children of Bihar... tomorrow all the students, all the youth, people concerned about their future will sit together under the Gandhi statue in Gandhi Maidan and together a plan will be decided as to how the future of the students of Bihar can be saved... This entire movement is of the students, it will be led by the students only... Bihar is the mother of democracy, no Nitish Kumar, no leader can make it a lathi system ..."

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "... The way Arvind Kejriwal is doing fraud by collecting data, just like the liquor scam (through schemes like Mahila Samman Yojna and Sanjeevani Yojna)... It is their (AAP) government and it was advertised in the newspapers quoting Atishi that 'we don't have any such scheme'... Collecting data and withdrawing people's money via OTP, is this the task he is left with?... Still you (AAP) want the LG to remain silent? An investigation will definitely be done... People are going to government hospitals because they are not able to get free treatment worth Rs 5 Lakhs in private hospitals in Delhi... Kejriwal, after running the government for 10 years, deceives the people by making them fill out fake forms... All those schemes by PM Modi that Kejriwal has not allowed to be implemented yet, will be implemented in Delhi.."

On the demise of former PM #DrManmohanSingh, Haryana Minister Anil Vij says, "His memories will live on... The way he guided the country with his decency and knowledge cannot be forgotten..."

Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore joins Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants who are sitting on protest demandingre-examination of the 70th BPSC exam

Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Assembly and BJP leader Jairam Thakur says, "The central government is continuously approving many projects for Himachal Pradesh at a fast pace... The length of the tunnel of Jalori Jot will be 4 to 4.2 kilometers... This scheme will not only benefit the locals but will also give wings to tourism in Himachal Pradesh... I am fully confident that the state government will also extend its cooperation... I express my gratitude to the central government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi ..."

BJP leader Parvesh Verma offers tea and rusk to the AAP workers protesting outside his residence alleging that he (Parvesh Verma) was found distributing money to the people in his assembly constituency.

Madras High Court on Saturday constituted an all-women IPS officers' SIT to probe an alleged sexual assault case in Anna University as well as the FIR leak case.

BJP MP Naveen Jindal on Saturday expressed his grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday, saying that the country has lost one of the great leaders.

"He brought several reforms for the nation and took several steps beneficial for the nation... The country has lost one of the great leaders," Naveen Jindal told ANI.

Mauritius flag will be flown at half mast on all government buildings until sunset on Saturday as a mark of respect to India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mauritius Prime Minister's Office announced in a statement.

 The Supreme Court on Saturday gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to shift to hospital.

As the final journey of Manmohan Singh began in New Delhi on Saturday morning, two tribals in a remote Odisha district, who were honoured by the former prime minister in 2012 for biodiversity conservation, recalled with tears cherished memories with the beloved leader.

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying, today is a sad day not only for India but for the world.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours, thousands pay tribute

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid to rest with full state honours after leaders and family paid last respects at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi.  

Mortal remains of former PM Manmohan Singh being taken for cremation after leaders and dignitaries pay their last respects at Nigambodh Ghat

Sikh priests, family members of former PM Manmohan Singh recite verses from Gurbani before his last rites.

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck pays last respects to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat, where his last rites will be performed.  

The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be performed shortly at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, Congress leaders, and others are present at Nigam Bodh Ghat.

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin have arrived in India to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ANI reported.

President Droupadi Murmu arrives at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi to pay her last respects to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar pays last respects to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat, where his last rites will be performed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his last respects to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge pays his last respects to former Prime Minister #DrManmohanSingh at Nigam Bodh Ghat.

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin have arrived in India to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: Sources
 

CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi pays her last respects to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat, where his last rites will be performed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Nigam Bodh Ghat to attend the last rites of former Prime Minister #DrManmohanSingh.

PM Modi arrives at Nigam Bodh Ghat to attend the last rites of Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. 

 Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat for his last rites.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at Nigam Bodh Ghat to attend the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Nigam Bodh Ghat to attend the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh

LOP Rahul Gandhi was present in the army vehicle that accompanied the mortal remains of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh brought at Nigam Bodh Ghat for his last rites. Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh died on 26th December at AIIMS Delhi

As India mourns the loss of a "visionary" leader with the passing of former Prime Minsiter Dr. Manmohan Singh, US President Joe Biden paid heart-felt tributes to him.

On a day when the two-time PM Manmohan Singh will be laid to rest with full state honours, the White House has released a statement to pay homage to the renowned economist who is credited with bringing historical economic reforms in the country.

The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were being taken to Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate. The mortal remains were kept at All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on early Saturday morning for the party workers to pay their final respects.

PM Narendra Modi to Attend Manmohan Singh's Last Rites at Nigambodh Ghat at 11:36 AM

Due to incessant rain, Delhi's air quality improved significantly. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 179 at 7am on Saturday.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe.
On Friday, Delhi's air quality has shifted from the 'severe' category to the 'poor' range. Today it has further improved to" moderate" category.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a temperature of 13.8 degrees C at 5.30 am on Saturday, according to the IMD.

Today, the minimum temperature is expected to dip to 12 °C, while the maximum temperature will reach 20.98 °C. The relative humidity is at 74%, accompanied by a windy day with gusts of up to 74 km/h. The sky is overcast with rain, making for a pleasant day. Sunrise occurred at 07:12 am, and the sun will set at 05:32 pm.

Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid his last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi.

Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), also paid her last respects to former Prime Minister.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid their last respects to the former PM at the Congress party headquarters.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur and his daughter Daman Singh on Saturday paid their last respects to him at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in the national capital.

Several politicians including Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid last respects to Singh.

The White House released a statement from President Joe Biden on the death of former Prime Minister #DrManmohanSingh, the statement reads, "Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh...During this difficult time, we recommit to this vision to which Prime Minister Singh dedicated his life. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and all the people of India..."

The mortal remains of former prime minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the Congress headquarters here from his residence in a flower-bedecked vehicle on Saturday.

Singh's mortal remains will be kept at the Congress headquarters for party leaders and workers to pay their last respects to him.

The former prime minister's last rites will be held at Nigambodh Ghat and his final journey will begin from the Congress headquarters.

Singh, who headed the Congress-led UPA government and is considered the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at 92. He was India's prime minister for 10 years between 2004 and 2014.

A seven-day national mourning will be observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to the former prime minister and during this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India, the Union Home Ministry has announced. 

A Bangladeshi national was arrested from Park Street area of the metropolis for allegedly residing in the country illegally, procuring fake identity cards, police said.

The person, a native of Narail in Bangladesh, was apprehended from Collins Lane on Thursday following a tip-off, they said on Friday.

He had been living in Khidderpore area of the city since 2023 at a rented accommodation.

A police officer said he procured a fake Aadhaar card with a North 24 Parganas address and a PAN card during his stay.

As the nation prepares to bid farewell to Dr Manmohan Singh, the commoners on early Saturday morning have also started gathering outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their last respects.

Jasmeet, a resident of East Delhi, said that she has come with her husband Hatendra Pal to pay tributes to Manmohan Singh who she credits for making India famous, globally.

"We have come here from East Delhi to pay our last respects to the late former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. He made India and the Sikh community famous. He was one of the best economists. We couldn't meet him when he was alive. But my husband and I came here to give a last tribute. We hope we are allowed in but if we are not allowed due to security reasons, then we will return from here," Jasmeet.

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone and requested to have the funeral of Dr Manmohan Singh at a place where his memorial can be built, according to a post by the Indian National Congress on X.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at the AICC headquarters.

  Mortal remains of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will be kept here at 8:30 am for the party workers to pay their last respects. After that last rites will take place as per the family rituals.

Six people stranded amid heavy snowfall on the Mughal Road in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir were rescued by police, officials said on Saturday.

On Friday night, two vehicles going from Shopian to Surankote got stuck in the snow at Chattapani, leaving their occupants stranded in challenging weather conditions, police said.

Train services on the Banihal-Baramulla section were suspended on Saturday due to heavy snow accumulation on the track, railway officials said.

Efforts to clear the track are underway.

Due to heavy snow accumulation on the track and continuous snowfall, train services on the Banihal-Baramulla section will remain suspended up to 1 pm on Saturday, the officials said.

Funeral march preparations underway at Nigambodh Ghat ahead of the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and reviewed the advancement of the US-India partnership in the four years of the outgoing Biden administration. "Delighted to meet @SecBlinken yesterday (Thursday) evening in Washington D.C. Reviewed the advancement of US-India partnership over the last four years. Agreed that our cooperation has strengthened in many domains, just as our comfort levels have grown correspondingly," Jaishankar said on Friday in a post on X.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday stressed the importance of constructing integrated complexes for offices directly connected to the public at district and divisional headquarters, the UP government said in a statement. During a review of ongoing construction works under the Revenue Department, he highlighted that integrated complexes are already being developed for administrative offices in Gorakhpur and Varanasi.

A female tourist was killed after a boulder rolled down a hilltop and struck a mini bus on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred in the landslide-prone Mehar area, where a rock hit the window of the mini bus, causing severe head injuries to the woman seated inside on Friday night, they said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met Congressman Michael Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for National Security Advisor, during which they had a wide-ranging conversation on the bilateral partnership between India and the US as well as current global issues.

The government will allocate space for a memorial of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and this has been communicated to his family and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the Union home ministry said on Friday night.

In a late-night release titled "Facts of the matter regarding memorial for Former Prime Minister Late Dr Manmohan Singh", the ministry said the government received a request to allocate space for a memorial for Singh from the Congress chief.

Immediately after the Cabinet meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Kharge and the family of Manmohan Singh that the government would allocate space for the memorial.

The High Commission of India here will open a condolence book for Singaporeans to pay their respects to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

The condolence book will be available for signing on December 30 and 31, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm, the High Commission has said.

Singh, who was India’s prime minister for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.

Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory ahead of the funeral of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, scheduled for Saturday.

The traffic advisory outlines restrictions and diversions on major routes in New Delhi, urging the public to avoid certain roads and use public transport to help ease congestion.

"The dignitaries of many of foreign country and other VIPs/VVIPS and the general public will visit Nigham Bodh Ghat on the occasion of state funeral of late Dr. Sh. Man Mohan Singh, Former PM of India on 28.12.2024," Delhi Traffic Police said in its advisory on Friday.

The Directorate of School Education, Haryana, has announced a winter break for students in all private and government schools from January 1 to January 15, 2025.

As per the official notice, all the schools in the state will be closed from January 1, 2025, to January 15, 2025. The schools will be reopened as usual from January 16, 2025.

Saturday with full State honours as the nation united in paying rich tributes to the departed leader at his residence a day after his death.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have the funeral of Singh at a place where his memorial can be built. He also said it would be befitting a leader of Singh's stature and in keeping with past traditions of having memorials of statesmen and former prime ministers at the very place of their funerals.

The government communicated the decision about Singh's funeral.

Incessant rains continued to lash parts of Delhi in the early hours of Saturday.

Heavy rainfall and gusty winds led to the uprooting of trees in several areas of the national capital.
In Sector-9, RK Puram, a portion of a road caved in, causing a motorcycle and a car to fall into the affected area.

Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag have deployed special assistance teams to provide immediate aid to vehicles affected by slippery roads and heavy snowfall.

According to an official release, these teams have been deployed at key points throughout the district to provide timely relief and ensure the safety of commuters facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions.