Name: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passes away at 92
Uploaded: 2024-12-26T22:41:26.000+05:30
Duration: T00M56S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The senior Congress leader had been admitted to AIIMS Delhi in a critical condition on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated.

Delhi Police has ramped up security arrangements for New Year celebrations, deploying over 10,000 personnel across key locations. The force aims to prevent hooliganism, enforce traffic regulations, and maintain law and order.

Delhi Police intensifies security for New Year celebrations

More than 10,000 police personnel from traffic and other units of the Delhi Police will maintain vigil.

The Delhi Police has intensified security arrangements and increased deployments in the border areas of the national capital for New Year celebrations, officials said on Thursday.
More than 10,000 police personnel, including traffic police are expected to be on the ground to rein in hooliganism and traffic violations, they said.
"After Christmas, we have made a robust plan for the security arrangements for New Year eve. We want everyone to welcome the new year with great zeal but no one will be allowed to breach the law," a senior police officer said.
According to police, additional pickets, barricades and personnel -- including paramilitary deployment -- will be made at the borders to tackle nuisance by people from the adjoining states, said the officer.
Delhi shares borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and lies close to Rajasthan. A large number of people from these three states arrive in the national capital for New Year celebrations.
The police said they have already deployed police personnel at more than 10 locations for Christmas, but now they have intensified their security and heavy deployment has already been done on more than 15 locations from where vehicles enter the national capital.
"The traffic police has already chalked out a plan to combat motorcycle stunts and drink driving. Additional forces from different police stations will be deployed to help the traffic police," another senor police officer said.
According to the police, there will be shift duties and SHOs have been ordered to be on the road with their teams to maintain law and order on New Year Eve.
Teams will impound two or four wheeler immediately if anyone is found indulging in stunt-like activities. Strict action will be ensured, said the police officer.
"For New Year celebration, our teams are checking bus stands, railway stations, hotels, dharamshalas, night shelters and other locations to verify if anyone is staying without providing proper documents. We have already launched our special drive to identify those who are staying illegally in the national capital," said the officer.
More than 10,000 police personnel from traffic and other units of the Delhi Police will maintain vigil.
A senior police officer of the Delhi Traffic Police said traffic personnel will be deployed in adequate strength. The main focus will be at Connaught Place, Hauz Khas, markets and near malls.
At Connaught Place, vehicles having valid sticker will be allowed to enter the Inner Circle area. The Delhi Police will distribute the stickers, the officer said, adding that extra deployed will also be seen at India Gate where people come to celebrate New Year.
Pickets will be placed at several areas across the city specially near the malls and party areas. The drunken driving drive will also be carried out and those found violating the rules will be penalised. The extra staff will be deployed near the hotels, the officer said.

In the 2023-24 financial year, BJP's political donations surged to Rs 2,244 crore, while Congress received Rs 288.9 crore. A large portion of these funds came from the Prudent Electoral Trust, highlighting a key source of party funding.

BJP and Congress see significant rise in political donations for 2023-24

Following the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to strike down the electoral bond scheme in February 2024, the focus now shifts to donations made directly or via electoral trusts.

In the financial year 2023-24, the BJP witnessed a substantial increase in political donations, receiving around Rs 2,244 crore from individuals, corporate entities, and trusts, a sharp rise from the Rs 723 crore it received the previous year. In contrast, the Congress party's donations for the same period amounted to Rs 288.9 crore, significantly higher than the Rs 79.9 crore reported in 2022-23.
The recent data published by the Election Commission revealed that a considerable portion of both parties' funding came from the Prudent Electoral Trust. The BJP received Rs 723.6 crore from the trust, while Congress secured Rs 156.4 crore. Notably, this trust has been a significant source of funding for both parties, contributing to more than a third of BJP&rsquo;s donations and over half of Congress' funds in 2023-24. Prominent donors to Prudent Electoral Trust included large corporations such as the Serum Institute, ArcelorMittal, Megha Engg &amp; Infra Ltd, and Bharti Airtel.
It&rsquo;s essential to highlight that these donation figures do not include funds raised through electoral bonds, as political parties only disclose electoral bond donations in their annual audits. Following the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to strike down the electoral bond scheme in February 2024, the focus now shifts to donations made directly or via electoral trusts.
In addition to national parties, some regional parties disclosed their electoral bond receipts for 2023-24. BRS received Rs 495.5 crore, DMK reported Rs 60 crore, and YSR Congress collected Rs 121.5 crore from the now-defunct bond scheme. BJP&rsquo;s donations saw an impressive 212% rise from the previous year, which is typical in the lead-up to elections. For context, prior to the 2019 general election, BJP reported Rs 742 crore in donations, while Congress declared Rs 146.8 crore.
Prudent Electoral Trust also contributed significantly to regional parties, including Rs 85 crore to BRS, Rs 62.5 crore to YSR Congress, and Rs 33 crore to TDP. Interestingly, BJP declared donations of Rs 3 crore from Future Gaming and Hotel Services, a company owned by Santiago Martin, also known as the &lsquo;Lottery King&rsquo; of India. Martin&rsquo;s company, which was a major donor through electoral bonds, is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department.
Other national parties reported mixed donations, with AAP seeing a decrease in donations, reporting Rs 11.1 crore compared to Rs 37.1 crore in the previous year. CPM&rsquo;s contributions slightly increased, reaching Rs 7.6 crore. Some regional parties, such as BSP and BJD, reported no significant donations, while the Samajwadi Party saw a sharp decline in its donations, receiving only Rs 46.7 lakh in 2023-24 compared to Rs 33 crore the previous year.

A controversy has erupted over Congress's display of distorted India maps in Belagavi to commemorate the 1924 Congress session. BJP accuses Congress of omitting key regions like Gilgit and Aksai Chin, calling it vote bank politics.

BJP accuses Congress of misrepresenting India's map

A controversy has erupted over Congress's display of distorted India maps in Belagavi to commemorate the 1924 Congress session. BJP accuses Congress of omitting key regions like Gilgit and Aksai Chin, calling it vote bank politics and demanding police action.

The BJP Karnataka unit termed the "incorrect depiction" of the Indian map as a way to appease its "vote bank".

A controversy has erupted over the alleged misrepresentation of the India map on the posters displayed by the Congress to commemorate the centenary of 1924 Congress session in Karnataka's Belagavi, with the BJP dubbing it as "vote bank" politics by the national party.
The ruling Congress has put up these posters throughout Belagavi town as part of celebrations for the centenary event.
According to BJP, the Indian map featured on the posters omits the Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as well as the Aksai Chin region, currently under the Chinese administration, which are integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The national unit of BJP strongly criticised the Congress.
In a post on &lsquo;X&rsquo; it said, &ldquo;RaGa's Mohabbat ki Dukaan is always open for China! They would break the nation. They've done it once. They'll do it again.&rdquo;
The BJP Karnataka unit termed the "incorrect depiction" of the Indian map as a way to appease its "vote bank".
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/INCKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCKarnataka</a>, has shown utter disrespect for India&rsquo;s sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressInsultsIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressInsultsIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/ql9JG73Dm9">pic.twitter.com/ql9JG73Dm9</a>
&mdash; BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka/status/1872143366634582301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;@INCKarnataka, has shown utter disrespect for India&rsquo;s sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful!&rdquo; the party posted on &lsquo;X&rsquo;.
Hitting out at the Congress, BJP&rsquo;s Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal demanded that the police register a case against the organisers.
&ldquo;The publication of an incorrect map of India not only constitutes a breach of Geospatial information standards but also violates the law,&rdquo; Yatnal said in a post on &lsquo;X&rsquo;.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The publication of an incorrect map of India not only constitutes a breach of Geospatial information standards but also violates the law. U/s 74 of the IPC, displaying a wrong map of India is a clear offense. It is also a violation under the National Honor Act. This is the way&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/9ddsUM5si0">pic.twitter.com/9ddsUM5si0</a>
&mdash; Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasanagoudaBJP/status/1872166182725316766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to him, under section 74 of the IPC, displaying a wrong map of India is a clear offence. It is also a violation under the National Honour Act.
&ldquo;This is the way how the Congress celebrates its historic CWC session by distorting the map of India, not showing PoK as part of Indian territory. Shame on @INCKarnataka.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I appeal to the @SPBelagavi to register a case against the organizers for wrongfully depicting the map of India immediately,&rdquo; he said.

Thousands of devotees offered prayers during the mandala puja at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, marking the end of the first phase of the pilgrimage season.

Mandala puja held at Sabarimala, over 32.5 lakh pilgrims visit this season

 Thousands of devotees offered prayers during the mandala puja at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, marking the end of the first phase of the pilgrimage season.

Thousands of pilgrims from Kerala and other states, who waited in queues for hours in and around the sannidhanam, attended the ceremonies.

Thousands of devotees offered prayers at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple on Thursday as the auspicious mandala puja was performed at the hill shrine. This marked the culmination of the 41-day-long first leg of the annual pilgrimage season.
The mandala puja was conducted in a deeply devotional atmosphere between noon and 12.30 pm after the idol of Lord Ayyappa, the principal deity, was adorned with the "thanka anki," the sacred golden attire brought to the sannidhanam (temple complex) in a ceremonial procession on Wednesday evening.
The temple will close for the night with the recitation of 'Harivarasanam,' temple authorities said.
They added that the Sabarimala temple will reopen at 5 pm on December 30 for the makaravilakku festival, which will conclude on January 14.
The rituals were led by the temple's head priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru, who adorned the idol with the sacred attire.
Thousands of pilgrims from Kerala and other states, who waited in queues for hours in and around the sannidhanam, attended the ceremonies.
Prominent officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board were also present near the sanctum sanctorum.
According to officials of the TDB, the apex temple body that manages the shrine, as of Wednesday, 32.5 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine, an increase of 4.07 lakh compared to the same period last year.
In 2023, 28.42 lakh devotees visited the shrine during this period.
Spot bookings were limited to 5,000 on December 25 and 26 as part of the arrangements for mandala puja. However, darshan was ensured for all devotees who arrived at Sabarimala, TDB officials said.
On Wednesday, when the 'thanka anki' procession reached the sannidhanam, over 62,000 devotees had darshan, they said.
By noon on Thursday, nearly 20,000 devotees visited the hill shrine through virtual queue and spot booking facilities before the temple closed, they added.

In a ceremony celebrating Veer Bal Diwas, Modi remembered the "unparalleled" sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, the Sahibzadas, who chose "unwavering courage and faith over submission to the Mughal Empire's oppression".

PM Narendra Modi calls for equipping youngsters with skills in emerging technologies

In a ceremony celebrating Veer Bal Diwas, Modi remembered the "unparalleled" sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh&rsquo;s sons, the Sahibzadas, who chose "unwavering courage and faith over submission to the Mughal Empire's oppression".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the "critical" role of youngsters in the nation&rsquo;s progress and called for adopting a futuristic approach to equip them with skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Speaking at an event on Veer Bal Diwas, Modi underscored the need to adapt to rapid changes and challenges across various fields, emphasising the government's "youth-centric" policies.
"This era has moved beyond machines to machine learning. AI is taking centre stage, and we can see its application replacing conventional software. It is essential to make our youth future ready to tackle these challenges,&rdquo; he said, asserting that the government is committed to supporting young talent and fostering their self-confidence.
In a ceremony celebrating Veer Bal Diwas, Modi remembered the "unparalleled" sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh&rsquo;s sons, the Sahibzadas, who chose "unwavering courage and faith over submission to the Mughal Empire's oppression".
"More than 300 years ago, on December 26, the Sahibzadas, despite their tender age, displayed unparalleled bravery and sacrificed their lives. They rejected every temptation and endured unimaginable torture, showing that for them, the nation&rsquo;s cause was supreme,&rdquo; he said, urging youngsters to draw inspiration from their legacy.
He noted that Veer Bal Diwas teaches an enduring lesson: "No matter how adverse the circumstances, nothing is greater than the nation's cause. Every act done in the interest of the nation is an act of valour."
The prime minister also interacted with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Seventeen children from 14 states and Union Territories were honoured for their exceptional contributions in fields like art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and environment.
Congratulating the awardees, Modi said, "These children have demonstrated what India&rsquo;s youth are capable of achieving. I extend my best wishes to all the winners on behalf of the nation."
He elaborated on the government&rsquo;s focus on empowering the youth through targeted policies.
"From startups to science, sports to entrepreneurship, a new wave of transformation is happening. Our policies prioritise giving strength to the youth. Whether it is the startup ecosystem, the future of the space economy, or sports and fitness, all our initiatives are youth-centric," he said.
Modi launched the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan', a programme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes through active community participation. The initiative aligns with the government&rsquo;s broader goal of ensuring the well-being of every Indian.
Modi also urged young Indians to embrace the values of courage, innovation, and service to propel the nation towards greater unity and progress.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with Tollywood actors and filmmakers to assure them of government support while stressing the importance of law and order.

Telangana CM Assures Tollywood Support Amid Allu Arjun Controversy

The meeting followed a tragic incident on December 4 during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, where a large crowd gathered to see Allu Arjun.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reassured Tollywood actors and filmmakers that his government stands firmly behind the Telugu film industry, emphasizing that law and order will not be compromised. This statement came after tensions arose between the state government and the film industry following the arrest of actor Allu Arjun, star of Pushpa 2.
In a meeting held on Thursday, Reddy addressed the concerns of Tollywood figures and clarified the government's stance. He stressed that while the film industry is valued, celebrities must take responsibility for their actions and manage their fanbases effectively to avoid such incidents in the future. The meeting, which took place at the Telangana State Police Command and Control Centre in Banjara Hills, saw the attendance of several prominent actors and filmmakers, including Nagarjuna, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej, Kalyan Ram, and Venkatesh. Directors like Koratala Siva, Anil Ravipudi, and K Raghavendra Rao, along with producers such as Suresh Babu and Allu Aravind, were also present.
The meeting followed a tragic incident on December 4 during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, where a large crowd gathered to see Allu Arjun. Chaos ensued when the actor waved to his fans from the sunroof of his car, leading to the death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to her young child.
While some Congress leaders criticized Allu Arjun for his actions, claiming the incident was purely accidental, CM Revanth Reddy had earlier accused the actor of violating safety protocols by organizing a &ldquo;roadshow&rdquo; in front of the theatre. Allu Arjun, however, refuted the accusations, stating that it was not a roadshow but a casual greeting to his fans.
The controversy intensified when Allu Arjun was arrested by Hyderabad Police on December 13 in connection with the incident. He was later granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court the following day. Despite the arrest, the actor continued to deny any wrongdoing, calling the allegations an attempt at character assassination.
The political fallout of the incident continues, with CM Reddy asserting that the police had denied permission for such an event due to safety concerns, a claim which Allu Arjun strongly disputed.

AAP leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh accuse Congress of undermining the party’s chances in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls and colluding with BJP.

AAP Accuses Congress of Collusion with BJP for Delhi Elections

Atishi echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the Congress is actively undermining the AAP.

The AAP launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Thursday, accusing it of colluding with the BJP for the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls to harm the prospects of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sanjay Singh alleged at a press conference here that the actions of the Congress are damaging the unity of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
"We had not said a single word against the Congress during the Haryana election. Yet the Congress seems to be reading out from the BJP's script. Its candidates' list looks as if it was finalised at the BJP office," Singh said.
He accused Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Sandeep Dixit of targeting the AAP, instead of focusing on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Ajay Maken has crossed all limits by calling Arvind Kejriwal anti-national. Despite campaigning for the Congress in past elections, Kejriwal now faces an FIR, while the Congress had never filed a single FIR against any BJP leader," Singh said.
Atishi echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the Congress is actively undermining the AAP.
"It is evident that Congress candidates like Sandeep Dixit and Farhad Suri are receiving support from the BJP. This collusion raises questions about the Congress's commitment to the INDIA alliance," she said.
The AAP demanded disciplinary action against Maken and other Congress leaders within 24 hours and said if no step is taken, it will push for the grand old party's expulsion from the INDIA bloc.
"We will ask the other parties in the alliance to remove the Congress," Singh said.
The Delhi Assembly polls are due in February.

President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 remarkable children, recognizing their excellence in fields such as art, culture, bravery, sports, innovation, and social service.

President Honors 17 Exceptional Young Achievers with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the young achievers, emphasising their role in inspiring a generation to excel and contribute to society.

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children from, recognising their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements in various fields, including art, culture and sports.
The award honours extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The President said that examples of patriotism among award-winning children reinforce our faith&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/BD94KqE3b0">pic.twitter.com/BD94KqE3b0</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1872183902846275891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The honourees -- seven boys and 10 girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and a citation booklet as part of their recognition.
Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate who was recognised for her excellence in art and culture.
Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she has become a bestselling author and founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART", which promote inclusivity and disability awareness.
Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, was honoured for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music and culture.
His songs, including hits like "Beder Dad Chane," have gained widespread popularity on social media, inspiring young people to connect with their roots.
Vyas Om Jignesh, a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, was honoured for his dedication to Sanskrit literature, having memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in more than 500 shows across India.
His contributions to cultural preservation have earned him national acclaim.
In the bravery category, Saurav Kumar, a 9-year-old, was awarded for saving three girls from drowning, while 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was honoured for rescuing 36 residents of a flat from a fire, displaying quick thinking and courage.
The award for innovation went to Sindhoora Raja, 15, for her technological contributions, such as self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson's patients, which have had a positive impact on many lives.
Similarly, cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar, 17, was lauded for founding Kashmir&rsquo;s first cybersecurity firm and launching the "Hack Free Bharat" initiative.
In sports, Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected region, was recognized for her silver medal at the Khelo India National Games, while 9-year-old Saanvi Sood's record-breaking mountaineering feats, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, won hearts.
Chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, at just 3 years old, made history as the youngest FIDE-ranked player.
President Murmu congratulated the young achievers, emphasising their role in inspiring a generation to excel and contribute to society.
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development had announced in a statement that it would celebrate Veer Bal Diwas and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar through nationwide activities, highlighting the achievements and potential of India&rsquo;s youth.

The millennia-old sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing is held once every 12 years at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.

India readies for 400 million pilgrims at mammoth Maha Kumbh festival

The millennia-old sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing is held once every 12 years at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.

Besides India's holy rivers, a makeshift city is being built for a Hindu religious festival expected to be so vast it will be seen from space, as the largest gathering in history.
Line after line of pontoon bridges span the rivers at Prayagraj, as Indian authorities prepare for 400 million pilgrims -- more than the combined population of the United States and Canada -- during the six-week-long Kumbh Mela.
The millennia-old sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing is held once every 12 years at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
But this edition from January 13 to February 26 is expected to be a mega draw, as it is set to coincide with a special alignment of the planets.
Beads of sweat glisten on labourer Babu Chand's forehead as he digs a trench for seemingly endless electrical cables, one of an army of workers toiling day and night at a venue sprawling over 4,000 hectares (15 square miles).
"So many devotees are going to come," 48-year-old Chand told AFP, who says he is working for a noble cause for the mela, or fair.
"I feel I am contributing my bit -- what I am doing seems like a pious act."
Kumbh Mela's Unmatched Scale
A humongous tent city, two-thirds the area of Manhattan, is being built on the floodplains of Prayagraj, formerly called Allahabad, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
"Some 350 to 400 million devotees are going to visit the mela, so you can imagine the scale of preparations," said Vivek Chaturvedi, the spokesman for the festival.
Preparing for the Kumbh is like setting up a new country, requiring roads, lighting, housing and sewerage.
"What makes this event unique is its magnitude and the fact that no invitations are sent to anybody... Everyone comes on their own, driven by pure faith," Chaturvedi told AFP.
"Nowhere in the world will you see a gathering of this size, not even one-tenth of it."
Around 1.8 million Muslims take part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The Kumbh numbers, according to Chaturvedi, are mind-boggling.
Some 150,000 toilets have been built, 68,000 LED lighting poles have been erected, and community kitchens can feed up to 50,000 people at the same time.
Alongside religious preparations, Prayagraj has undergone a major infrastructure overhaul, and huge posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dot the city.
Both are from the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with politics and religion deeply intertwined.
Nectar of Immortality
The Kumbh Mela is an ancient celebration, with its origins rooted in Hindu mythology.
Hindus believe that taking a dip in Sangam, the confluence of the rivers, will cleanse them of their sins and help them attain "moksha", setting them free from the cycle of birth and death.
According to legends, deities and demons fought over a pitcher -- or "Kumbh" -- containing the nectar of immortality.
During the battle, four drops fell to Earth.
One drop landed in Prayagraj.
The others fell at Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain -- the three other cities where the rotating Kumbh Mela is held on other years.
But the one in Prayagraj -- held every 12 years -- is the largest.
Organising authorities are calling it the great, or "Maha" Kumbh Mela.
The last Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in 2019 saw 240 million devotees, according to authorities -- but that was the smaller "Ardh" or half festival, spaced in between the main event.
"When you talk about the Kumbh, you have to talk about astronomy," said historian Heramb Chaturvedi, 69.
"Jupiter transits one zodiac sign in a single year," he added. "Therefore, when it completes 12 zodiac signs, then it is Kumbh."
Core to celebrations is giving alms to the "wise and learned, the poor and the needy", he said.
The Naga Sadhus
Some pilgrims have already arrived, including naked naga sadhus -- wandering monks who have walked for weeks from the remote mountains and forests where they are usually devoted to meditation.
They will lead the dawn charge into the chilly river waters on the six most auspicious bathing dates, starting with the first on January 13.
"I have come here to give my blessings to the public," 90-year-old naga sadhu Digambar Ramesh Giri, naked with dread-locked hair in a bun, told AFP.
"Whatever you long for in your heart you get at Kumbh."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Senior Superintendent of Police, Mahakumbh Nagar, Rajesh Dwivedi, said that the chief minister aims to make this year’s Maha Kumbh unforgettable, with a robust and hi-tech security system in place.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Security increased at temples, key locations ahead of New Year celebrations

Senior Superintendent of Police, Mahakumbh Nagar, Rajesh Dwivedi, said that the chief minister aims to make this year&rsquo;s Maha Kumbh unforgettable, with a robust and hi-tech security system in place.

Security measures have been strengthened at temples and key sites here to ensure safety during New Year celebrations, officials said on Wednesday.
The intelligence system has been activated across the Mahakumbh Mela area, Prayagraj and neighboring districts, they said.
Under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, comprehensive preparations have been made for a secure Mahakumbh. Multiple checkpoints have been set up to screen every individual entering the district, according to an official statement. Intelligence squads have also been deployed to monitor suspicious activities and maintain vigilance throughout the region, it said.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Mahakumbh Nagar, Rajesh Dwivedi, said that the chief minister aims to make this year&rsquo;s Maha Kumbh unforgettable, with a robust and hi-tech security system in place.
&ldquo;With the global spotlight on the Mahakumbh, the Mahakumbh Nagar Police has gone into full alert mode ahead of the New Year celebrations,&rdquo; he said.
Security has been significantly increased at temples and key locations, with a three-tier security system established across Prayagraj and surrounding districts to ensure the safety of every devotee, Dwivedi said.
Additionally, intelligence squads have been deployed to monitor suspicious activities and execute safety operations in coordination with senior officials, he said.
Multiple checkpoints have been set up by the Mahakumbh Nagar Police to further enhance the security system, he added.
Dwivedi stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adityanath have prioritised making this year&rsquo;s Maha Kumbh a &ldquo;Digital Mahakumbh.&rdquo; In line with this vision, AI-powered cameras have been introduced at the world&rsquo;s largest cultural event, along with drones, anti-drones, and tethered drones strategically deployed to enhance surveillance.
To ensure the cyber safety of devotees arriving from across the globe, robust cyber security measures have been implemented, including intensified cyber patrolling. The most skilled police personnel have been given important responsibilities to bolster the security system in Mahakumbh Nagar, he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The senior Congress leader had been admitted to AIIMS Delhi in a critical condition on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated.

Former PM Manmohan Singh dies at 92

Veteran Congress leader and two-time Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is no more.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has passed away at the age of 92.
The veteran Congress leader had been admitted to AIIMS Delhi in a critical condition on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated.
Singh, retired from Rajya Sabha earlier this year, ending a 33-year stint with the upper House of the Parliament.

Singh said many of the police personnel will undergo refresher courses, and arrangements for procuring new gear for mob control have been made.

New police recruits will undergo specialised training to handle law and order situations: Manipur CM

Singh said many of the police personnel will undergo refresher courses, and arrangements for procuring new gear for mob control have been made.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said the newly recruited personnel of the 10th and 11th India Reserve Battalion (IRB), who recently concluded training in Assam, would undergo specialised exercise so that they can be deployed for highway protection and handling the law and order situation.
During a visit to the Manipur Police Training Centre at Pangei in Imphal East district, the CM said the recruits would undergo specialised training at this centre before being deployed across the state.
"They will undergo specialised training at Pangei where they will be taught how to handle law and order situations. If the personnel are deployed in various police stations now, their morale may be down. So, we decided to keep them in one place and use their services wherever and whenever needed," the CM said.
"Some of them will be used for highway protection, while others will be used to tackle law and order situations," Singh added.
Singh also said many of the police personnel will undergo refresher courses, and arrangements for procuring new gear for mob control have been made.
The CM said construction and maintenance work at the battalion headquarters of 10th and 11th IRB at Nungba and Saivom are also going on currently, he said.
"Police are the backbone of society and cannot be demoralised. Many of them will undergo refresher courses to improve their physical fitness and mob control with full gear. Their identity needs to be protected also," Singh added.
Singh also requested recruits' parents not to approach ministers and MLAs for transfers and allow them to serve the state and nation.
"Today, I visited the Manipur Police Training Centre at Pangei to inspect the newly constructed barracks, which will soon be utilised for training purposes. Given the current law and order situation in the state, the newly recruited constables will undergo specialised training. This step is essential to enhance the strength and readiness of our police force to ensure safety and security across Manipur," he posted on X.
"We are committed to equipping our police personnel with the best facilities and training to meet any challenges," Singh said.
He also said houses are being made for internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are staying in schools and colleges.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi witnesses rainfall as an active western disturbance influences the region's weather. Cloudy skies and moderate showers are expected throughout the day.

Rain lashes parts of Delhi, more showers forecast

Weather department officials said an active western disturbance and its interaction with easterly winds were causing light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms.

Rain lashed parts of Delhi early on Friday, with the weather office forecasting more showers later in the day.
Weather department officials said an active western disturbance and its interaction with easterly winds were causing light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms over northwest and central India, including the NCR areas of Delhi.
The observatory at Safdarjung, the national capital's primary weather station, recorded 1.8 mm rainfall between 2:30 am and 5:30 am, and 7.3 mm after that till 8:30 am.
The Palam weather station recorded 11.3 mm rainfall, followed by Lodhi Road at 6.8 mm, and Pusa at 5.5 mm.
The Met office has forecast generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain during the day.
The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, 2.8 notches above normal.
The air quality at 9 am was recorded in the 'very poor' category, with a reading of 372, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
The 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 345 at 4 pm on Thursday.
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'.

He had appealed to the voters to give love, peace, fraternity and harmony a chance in India and urged the voters in Punjab to vote for development and inclusive progress.

When Manmohan Singh came out sharply against PM Narendra Modi during 2024 Lok Sabha polls

He had appealed to the voters to give love, peace, fraternity and harmony a chance in India and urged the voters in Punjab to vote for development and inclusive progress.

His delicate health notwithstanding, the politician former prime minister Manmohan Singh came out sharply during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when he accused his successor Narendra Modi of lowering the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the prime minister by delivering "hateful speeches" during the poll campaign.
In an appeal to voters in Punjab ahead of the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, Singh had asserted that only the Congress could ensure a growth-oriented progressive future where democracy and the Constitution would be safeguarded.
The senior Congress leader had also hit out at the BJP government for imposing an "ill-conceived" Agnipath scheme, which he termed as a threat to national security.
"The BJP thinks that the value of patriotism, bravery and service is only four years. This shows their fake nationalism," he had said in what is considered his last letter to voters of Punjab.
The Congress had released Singh's letter to the media on May 30.
Singh had said those who trained for regular recruitment were woefully betrayed by the Modi regime.
He had said, "The youth of Punjab, the son of the farmer, who dreams of serving the motherland through the Armed Forces, is now thinking twice about getting recruited only for a four-year stint. The Agniveer scheme endangers national security. The Congress party has therefore promised to abolish the Agniveer scheme."
Mounting an attack on Modi, he had said, "I have been keenly following the political discourse during this election campaign. Modi ji has indulged in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature. Modi ji is the first prime minister to lower the dignity of public discourse, and thereby the gravity of the office of the prime minister."
"No prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of the society or the opposition. He has also attributed some false statements to me. I have never in my life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of the BJP," the former prime minister had said.
"People of India are seeing through all of this. This narrative of dehumanisation has now reached its peak. It is now our duty to save our beloved nation from these forces of discord," Singh had said.
He had appealed to the voters to give love, peace, fraternity and harmony a chance in India and urged the voters in Punjab to vote for development and inclusive progress.
"I appeal to all the young minds to exercise caution and vote for a brighter future. Only Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution shall be safeguarded," Singh had said.
Modi had accused Singh of saying that Muslims had the first right to the country's resources.
"This narrative of dehumanisation has now reached its peak. It is now our duty to save our beloved nation from these forces of discord," Singh had said in the letter.
The former prime minister had noted that India was standing at a crucial juncture and, in the last phase of voting, "we have one final chance to ensure that democracy and our Constitution is protected from the repeated assaults of a despotic regime, trying to unleash dictatorship in India".
Lauding Punjabis as warriors, he had said they were known for their spirit of sacrifice indomitable courage and innate belief in the democratic ethos of inclusiveness, harmony, amity and brotherhood could protect our great nation.
"In the past 10 years, the BJP government has left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat. 750 farmers, mostly belonging to Punjab, were martyred while incessantly waiting at Delhi borders, for months together. As if the lathis and the rubber bullets were not enough, none less than the prime minister verbally assaulted our farmers by calling them 'andolanjeevis' and 'parjeevi (parasites)' on the floor of Parliament. Their only demand was the withdrawal of the three farm laws imposed on them without consulting them," he had said.
"Unprecedented unemployment and unbridled inflation have greatly widened inequality, which is now at a 100-year high. While the Congress-UPA, despite challenges, increased the purchasing power of our people, the misrule of the BJP government has resulted in depletion of household savings to a historic 47-year low," he had added.
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the rough world of politics, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, late on Thursday. He was 92.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

In a communication to all chief secretaries of state and union territories on Thursday, the home ministry also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.

National flag to be flown at half-mast during state mourning: Government

In a communication to all chief secretaries of state and union territories on Thursday, the home ministry also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.

A seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night, and during this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India, the Union Home Ministry has announced.
In a communication to all chief secretaries of state and union territories on Thursday, the home ministry also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
&ldquo;The government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India on December 26, 2024, at AIIMS hospital in New Delhi,&rdquo; the communication said. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the home ministry said, it has been decided that a seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout India from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
The national flag will also fly half-mast on the day of the funeral in all Indian missions and high commissions abroad, the home ministry said.
Singh, the architect of India&rsquo;s economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India is preparing for a landmark Deep Sea Mission, sending a human into the ocean depths, set to coincide with the country's human space mission in early 2026. This ambitious project aims to bolster ocean exploration and conservation efforts.

India Plans Historic Deep Sea Mission in 2026

The human space mission, initially planned for 2025, may not take place next year, but is now expected in early 2026.

The Centre is planning to send a human into the deep sea with the mission likely to coincide with the human space mission in early 2026, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science, Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 'Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami' at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), he recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned the Deep Sea Mission in the past Independence Day address.
"We are also planning to send a human into the deep sea. I was telling Ravichandran (Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences) that it would be a strange coincidence&mdash;one human in space and another in the deep sea. This will happen almost simultaneously," Singh said.
The human space mission, initially planned for 2025, may not take place next year, but is now expected in early 2026, he added.
"... one Indian up there, and one Indian in the deep sea. That will be once again, a record of sorts," Singh said, also emphasising the increasing importance of oceanic exploration in the country's journey toward becoming a 'Viksit Bharat'.
Advocating for the sustainable exploration and conservation of India&rsquo;s 7,500-kilometre coastline and its abundant marine resources, the minister said the government is working to create an ecosystem to support these efforts.
He told PTI Videos that the services and information provided by INCOIS are not only relevant to coastal communities along India's shoreline but also to people worldwide.
Lauding the state-of-the-art facility, he said the institute is providing services that contribute not only to the development of a 'Viksit Bharat' but also to India's significant contribution to the world.
Recalling the devastation caused by the 2004 Tsunami, Singh spoke about the crucial lessons learned and the transformative policies that followed.
He added that the tragedy catalysed the establishment of institutions like INCOIS, which now stands as a testament to India&rsquo;s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
An official release in 2023 said that as part of the Samudrayaan Mission undertaken by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, the country aims to send three individuals 6,000 meters below sea level for exploration.

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