PM Modi Inaugurates ISKCON Temple In Navi Mumbai

The United States has officially removed restricts on three major Indian nuclear entities- Indian Rare Earths Limited, the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)—just over a week after US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan announced the decision during his visit to New Delhi. 

Altogether 55 lakh pilgrims took the holy dip at Gangasagar, the confluence of the Hooghly river and the Bay of Bengal, in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti', officials said on Wednesday.

Thirty lakh devotees took the dip till Tuesday afternoon and the remaining 25 lakhs till early Wednesday morning as the rituals ended, the officials said.

The auspicious moment for the holy dip began at 6:58 am on January 14 and lasted for 24 hours till Wednesday morning.

After the holy dip, thousands of pilgrims were seen heading back to their destinations across the country.

More than 1.1 crore pilgrims visited Gangasagar Mela from January 1 to 15, officials said.

Thousands of pilgrims have already started for their destinations after completing the rituals.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Vinod Tawde on Wednesday took strong exception to Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's criticism of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and said he has forgotten the values of Maharashtra's social reformers.

Days after BJP leader Shah targeted Pawar by accusing him of practicing "politics of betrayal and treachery” in Maharashtra since 1978, the latter hit back, saying none of Shah’s predecessors who became Union Home Ministers faced externment.

Tawde waded into the war of war of words between Shah and Pawar, and launched a sharp attack on the former Union agriculture minister.

"Amit Shah's externment order was not for robbery or theft but was an act of patriotism in the context of encounter of Sohrabuddin (Sheikh), a LeT operative and Islamist terrorist. Protecting Dawood's aides, as some leaders have done, does not align with the values of Maharashtra shaped by (Maratha warrior) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (and social reformers), Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. Perhaps Pawar Saheb has forgotten this," Tawde said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate an Archaeological Experiential Museum and a sports complex in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hometown Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district on Thursday, said an official release.

A film on PM Modi's journey will also be released by Shah at the event, said the release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday.

Shah has been on a three-day Gujarat visit since January 14.

Spread over 12,500 square metres and built at Rs 298 crore, the Archaeological Experiential Museum showcases Vadnagar’s rich cultural history of over 2,500 years and its continuous human habitation through excavated archaeological evidence, the release said.

This is a first-of-its-kind museum developed in India where visitors will get an immersive experience of an archaeological site.

The museum displays over 5,000 artefacts, including ceramic assemblages, shell manufacturing (products and raw materials), coins, ornaments, weapons and tools, sculptures, play objects and organic materials like food grains, DNA, and skeletal remains, the PIB release said.

A day after supporters of jailed radical preacher Amritpal Singh floated a regional political outfit, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said it is up to the people to decide its fate and asserted that "seeds of hatred" will never grow on the state's soil.

"There have been attempts at polarisation and creating acrimony between two communities in the past, but they did not succeed," Mann said while replying to queries on the issue.

Radical leaders and supporters of Amritpal Singh announced the formation of 'Akali Dal- Waris Punjab De' in Muktsar district on the occasion of Maghi Mela on Tuesday.

Amritpal Singh, who was arrested in April 2023 and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate, was elected to Parliament from Khadoor Sahib. He is currently lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh Jail under the National Security Act.

Replying to a question on Amritpal Singh's party, Mann said, "People of Punjab are very wise. Anyone has the right to get a new party registered. What agenda is put forth by them and whether it is accepted by people, it is up to the public.

"People of the state have suffered in the past. I often say the soil of Punjab is very fertile, but seeds of hatred will never germinate here," he told reporters.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence irrespective of political affiliations, following a controversy over the death of a woman and three others falling critically ill after childbirth in a state-run hospital allegedly after administration of 'expired' intravenous fluid.

While the West Bengal health department initially formed a 13-member committee to probe into the incident, the state government on Monday also ordered a CID probe into the death of the woman.

"Any death is tragic and unfortunate. The state government has clarified its stance. A probe committee has been formed. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. The administration has taken steps irrespective of political affiliations," Banerjee said in a statement.

BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "First, it needs to be understood what Mohan Bhagwat said. He did not say that India did not become independent on 15th August 1947. He said that India did attain independence but it gained prestige after the construction of Ram Mandir. This is a manner of speaking, a phrase...It is painful that Rahul Gandhi calls himself the Leader of Opposition and he indeed is one, he calls himself mature but he deliberately stokes such controversy. He is trying to manufacture a controversy where there is none. There is no doubt that Ram Mandir and our cultural heritage is a very important issue. If Mohan Bhagwat spoke on this important issue, on prestige then I don't think anyone should feel bad...Today, Rahul Gandhi has admitted that he is fighting the Indian system...His fight is against the government, against India. I think there is no need to comment on the understanding of such a man. People of the country are intelligent. They understand everything."

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said availability of public toilets is an important duty of the state governments and Union territories and steps need to be taken to ensure that such facilities are accessible to all.

Issuing a slew of directions on a PIL filed by a lawyer, the apex court asked all the high courts, state governments and UTs to ensure availability of separate toilet facilities for males, females, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan while hearing the plea said public health is of paramount importance and creation of adequate public toilets also protects the privacy and removes the threat to women and transgender persons.

"The High Courts shall oversee and ensure that these facilities are clearly identifiable and accessible to Judges, advocates, litigants, and court staff.

"For the aforesaid purpose, a committee shall be constituted in each of the High Courts under the chairmanship of a Judge nominated by the Chief Justice and members comprising the Registrar General/Registrar of the High Court, the Chief Secretary, the PWD Secretary and the Finance Secretary of the State, a representative of the Bar Association and any other officers as they deem it fit, within a period of six weeks," the bench said.

“It is the most unfortunate thing that could have happened. People from our land are lured overseas with promise of jobs. When they reach Russia, they are being pushed into the frontlines. This is a big scam. I believe strong measures should be taken against it. I am hopeful that Centre will take action,” Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said at a press conference over the death of Thrissur youth at Russia-Ukthe raine war front.   
 

The returning officer for the New Delhi Assembly segment has directed the police to investigate an incident of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma allegedly distributing shoes to electors at a Valmiki temple in violation of the poll code.

Citing complaints received about the alleged act of "corruption," the returning officer has instructed the station house office of the area to initiate the action for violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and has sought an action-taken report at the earliest.

 The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to form a panel to explore the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles, saying automobiles choking Mumbai’s roads are a major contributor to the city’s worsening air quality.   

A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Girish Kulkarni directed the government to form a committee of experts and civil administrators within a fortnight to consider whether it will be feasible to phase out diesel- and petrol-based vehicles from Mumbai’s roads and permit only those running on CNG or electricity.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said opposing the Indian state itself has become the "new agenda" of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.Gandhi's remark earlier in the day that his party was fighting the "BJP, RSS and the Indian state itself" triggered a row with the BJP alleging that everything the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha does or says is in the direction of breaking India and dividing society.

BJP releases list of star campaigners for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested Chhattisgarh Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma in connection with an alleged liquor scam, officials said.

Slamming the move, Lakhma said he is being implicated in a false case.

The federal agency had on December 28 raided the premises of the ex-minister and his son Harish Lakhma in Raipur, Sukma and Dhamtari districts of the state as part of a money laundering investigation into the case.

The ED subsequently questioned Lakhma (71) and his son in the case.

Lakhma, who was called for questioning to the ED office here in the Pachpedi Naka area on Wednesday, has been arrested, official sources said.

The legislator was produced in a court here after his medical examination.

“I believe ISKCON will play major role in prosperity of the nation,” said PM Modi on Wednesday in Navi Mumbai. 

“India is not just a piece of land bound by geographical boundaries. India is a living land, a living culture, a living tradition. The consciousness of this culture is its spirituality,” said PM Modi while addressing the public in Navi Mumbai. 

“The followers of ISKCON are spread across the world, bound by the thread of devotion to Lord Krishna, there is another thread that connects them all and guides every devotee 24 hours a day. This is the thread of Sri Swami Prabhupada’s thoughts,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inaugurating ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai. 

“A museum based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana, aligned with the interests and appeal of the new generation, is also being developed here. A garden based on the 12 forests of Vrindavan has also been developed here.  This temple complex will become a sacred center that will enrich both faith and the consciousness of India,” said PM Modi. 

While addressing the public in Navi Mumbai, PM Modi said, “Thought & structure of ISKCON is incredible.” 

PM Modi addresses public in Navi Mumbai. PM Modi inaugurated ISKCON Temple at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai and offered prayers. He will address the event, shortly. Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and BJP MP Hema Malini share the stage with him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai. 

AAP releases a revised list of candidates. Sharad Chauhan to contest from Narela. Surinder Setia fielded from Hari Nagar.

Gautam Gambhir chooses not to respond 

Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was confronted by a Republic Media Network reporter at his residence in New Delhi. The reporter questioned Gambhir about the alleged internal feud within the team, which has been making headlines since India's 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

The Union Home Ministry has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute former Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy linked money laundering case, officials said on Wednesday.

The federal agency filed a chargesheet against the 56-year-old politician before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here last year after arresting him in March.

A fast-track immigration process for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders will be rolled out at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and four other other major airports from Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the 'Fast Track Immigration'“ Trusted Traveller Program' (FTI- TTP) at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad airports, the Union Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

A PMLA court here on Wednesday granted bail to former West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a personal bond of Rs 50 lakh.

Mallick, who held the Food and Supplies portfolio from 2011 to 2021, was arrested on October 27, 2023 by the ED from his residence in Salt Lake here in connection with its investigation into the alleged scam.

Five suspected peddlers have been arrested and contraband worth over Rs 3 crore seized in separate operations in Assam’s Cachar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

One operation was conducted at Silchar Bypass and the other at Sonai, he said.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday requested Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to send a team to examine the soaring price of air tickets from the state to other destinations.

Speaking through video conferencing at the launch of three flights of Alliance Air under viability gap funding by the state government, Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Civil Aviation minister for extending support in bringing Alliance Air to Manipur.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday filed his nomination from New Delhi constituency for the upcoming assembly elections and urged people to vote based on work and not "abuses".

Before filing his nomination papers, Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife Sunita, offered prayers at Hanuman and Valmiki temples. He then led a 'padyatra' from the AAP office to the New Delhi district magistrate's office, where he filed his nomination.

A thick blanket of fog enveloped many areas of Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday with Moga being the coldest place recording a low of 2.2 degrees Celsius.

The fog was also observed at many other places, including Amritsar and Ludhiana.

Rahul Gandhi's remarks that "we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself" triggered a row on Wednesday, with BJP president J P Nadda claiming that the Congress' "ugly truth" has been exposed by its own leader.

Nadda alleged on X that it is not a secret that Gandhi and his ecosystem have close links with urban naxals and the deep state who want to "defame, demean and discredit" India.

He said Gandhi's repeated actions have also strengthened this belief.

State-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (GTDC) has paid a dividend of Rs 45 lakh to the state government for the financial year 2023-24.

The cheque of dividend was presented to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant by GTDC chairman Ganesh Gaonkar in the presence of tourism minister Rohan Khaunte and others on Tuesday.

 The Supreme Court on Wednesday barred from declaring the Bihar legislative council by-election result for the seat previously held by expelled RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh.

On July 26, last year, Singh was expelled from the Bihar legislative council for unruly behaviour in the House.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed disagreement with Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan's suggestion of a 90-hour work week and recalled that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and BR Ambedkar had advocated that workers should not be made to work for more than eight hours in a day.

Addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road here, Kharge lauded the work done by L&T Construction in constructing the new party headquarters.

Four Naxalites, involved in more than 40 incidents of violence and carrying a collective bounty of Rs 32 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Wednesday, police said.

The cadres, including a couple, turned themselves in before senior police officials here, citing disappointment with the "hollow" and "inhuman" Maoist ideology and exploitation of innocent tribals by senior cadres, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar said.

The Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the 'caste census,' likely to be placed before the state cabinet on January 16, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stressed that its contents should be made public.

 The Supreme Court on Wednesday protected former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination, from arrest till February 14.

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice to the Delhi government and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Khedkar's plea seeking anticipatory bail.

The matter was posted for hearing on February 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met MLAs of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra over lunch here.

The luncheon meeting was held at the INS Angre auditorium, a state government official said.

 In an alleged attempt to derail a passenger train, a large rock was placed on the tracks on the Bareilly-Pilibhit line near Bijauria railway station, officials said on Wednesday.

The rock broke into two pieces after being struck by the engine of train no. 75302, which was going from Tanakpur to Bareilly City on Monday, they said.

The Kerala government has decided to declare as ‘deceased’ the people who went missing in the devastating landslide in Wayanad last year which will help provide compensation to their families.

The decision comes as a huge relief to the kin of people who were reported missing in the disaster.

As per a government order issued on Tuesday, local, district and state level committees will be formed including revenue department officials to examine the list of missing people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner in the world.

Speaking after the commissioning of three naval warships here, Modi said India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

A destroyer, a frigate and a submarine were commissioned together for the first time on Wednesday, he noted, adding that all the three are 'Made in India'.

The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative has made the country strong and self-reliant, the prime minister said.

Port sector development among major initiatives of my 3rd term, work on Vadhavan port started, says PM Modi in Mumbai

India is on a speedy path to becoming the third largest global economy: PM Modi in Mumbai.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable, while asserting that his force is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation.

In his address at the 77th Army Day celebrations here, he also said ceasefire is maintained along the Line of Control (LoC) but "attempts to infiltrate continue".

He said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable.

"Our Army is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation," the Army chief said.

On the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Today is a very big day for India's maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to Indian Navy. Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together."
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Guard of Honour on his arrival in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Prime Minister will dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai today. 

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shortly dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard.   

Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths collected all documents related to the fake passport scam from Kolkata Police and started examining them, a senior officer said on Wednesday.

After going through the documents, the central probe agency is likely to lodge an FIR in this connection, he told PTI.

Situation along northern border sensitive but stable: Army chief

Army Day celebrations in Pune reflects our deep link with heritage of the region: Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi. 

 Hectic efforts continued for the second day on Wednesday to rescue three labourers trapped under the debris after an under-construction well caved-in at a village in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, police said.

Teams of the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were making all efforts for the last 16 hours to rescue the three persons, including a woman, at Khunajhir Khurd in the district, Collector Sheelendra Singh said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday greeted Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on her birthday.

The leaders extended their greetings and prayed for her health and long life.

Today, on Army Day, we salute the unwavering courage of the Indian Army, which stands as the sentinel of our nation’s security. We also remember the sacrifices made by the bravehearts who ensure the safety of crores of Indians every day. 

Pune: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi says, "...Today, our country is standing on the threshold of a new era and is progressing smoothly towards the goal of a developed India. For our country to move ahead on the path of progress and development, a stable and secure environment is necessary, in which the Indian Army plays an important role... I am confident that we will continue on the path of progress to make the Indian Army a Modern, Agile, Adaptable, Technology enabled and future-ready Force.."

A 65-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve near here, forest officials said on Wednesday.

Madevappa of Kaddatti Tribal village in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) along with his three friends entered the forest on Tuesday to collect faggots. Madevappa went to Pasuveswarar temple area and did not return till noon.

Police questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of a Trinamool Congress worker and injury to two others in West Bengal's Malda district, an officer said on Wednesday.

The investigating officers of Malda district police questioned 10 people, mostly locals, who were detained on Tuesday after the crime but no arrests have been made so far, the officer said.

Dense fog blanketed parts of the national capital on Wednesday morning, reducing visibility and disrupting over 100 flights and 26 trains.

The minimum temperature dropped to 6 degrees Celsius, 1.4 notches below normal, as the city experienced another chilly morning.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported minimum visibility of 200 metres in moderate fog with calm winds at Safdarjung and 150 metres in dense fog with calm winds at Palam around 5:30 am.

On the occasion of the 77th Army Day, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended their wishes.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday greeted the Indian Army personnel, veterans and their families on the Army Day and said their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and ensuring national security is an inspiration for all.

"The nation remembers with gratitude, the countless sacrifices you have made in service of the motherland," she said in a post on X.

The Army Day is observed on January 15 to commemorate the occasion when General K M Cariappa, who later became Field Marshal, took charge as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Indian Army for its determination, professionalism and dedication, and underlined his government's commitment to the welfare of armed forces and their families.

In posts on X on Army Day, he said, "Today, on Army Day, we salute the unwavering courage of the Indian Army, which stands as the sentinel of our nation's security. We also remember the sacrifices made by the bravehearts who ensure the safety of crores of Indians every day." 

 More than 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning due to dense fog resulting in low visibility.

An official said no flight diversions or cancellations have been reported so far.

"Low visibility and fog over Delhi may lead to some delays. We're keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be , safely and smoothly," IndiGo said in a post on X at 8.18 am.

A dense layer of fog engulfs Noida as winter's chill intensifies in Northern India.

SC to hear a plea of the mosque Committee challenging maintainability of 15 cases related to Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute.

Granted interim relief in a 2013 rape case, self-styled godman Asaram returned to his ashram in Jodhpur's Pal village, police said on Wednesday.

"He had been admitted in an Ayurveda hospital of the city for the past few days on parole and left for his ashram late on Tuesday," a police officer said.

 SC to hear Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh's plea challenging recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules.

A thick blanket of fog engulfed Delhi on Tuesday, reducing visibility to zero and disrupting train schedules, with the weather department forecasting light rain ahead.

A total of 39 trains were running late as of 6 am, with delays ranging from 30 minutes to four hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense to very dense fog (visibility less than 50 metres) in several parts of the national capital.

"Zero visibility has prevailed over Palam since 4:30 IST, with southeasterly winds blowing at 6-8 kmph," the IMD said.

Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel announced the launch of three of the world's highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday.

The Firefly constellation satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The launch took place around 1 am.

Pixxel organised a livescreening of the launch at its headquarters in Bengaluru.

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for allegedly posting AI-generated photos and videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the party's official X handle, police sources said.

The case was lodged under relevant sections at the North Avenue police station, they said, without giving details of the FIR.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen India's efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment its quest towards self-reliance.

Modi will dedicate the three combatants -- INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer -- to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday.

"Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned," he said on X.