India

Bhopal, Feb 9 (IANS) A 23-year-old woman died of cardiac arrest while she was dancing during a marriage function at a resort in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district.

The deceased has been identified as Parinita Jain, a resident of Indore, who had come to Vidisha to attend the marriage function of her cousin's sister.

A video surfaced on social media showed that Parinita was dancing on stage during the 'haldi' function where more than 200 guests were present.

A viral video showed while Parinita was dancing to a Bollywood song 'lehra ke balkha ke', she collapsed all of a sudden on stage on Saturday night.

It came to light when the video of the incident surfaced on social media.

Family members, who are doctors and were present at the function, tried to give her CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), however, she didn't respond.

She was immediately rushed to a private hospital where doctors declared her dead.

Parinita, who was a MBA graduate was living with her parents in Indore's South Tukoganj.

According to official information, one of her younger brothers also died of a heart attack at the age of 12.

However, this is not the first such incident when people dancing to music tunes collapsed and died in Madhya Pradesh.

In October last year, a 15-year-old boy died of cardiac arrest while he was playing cricket in Agar-Malwa district.

Similarly, a 73-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died on the spot while dancing on stage during a yoga programme in Madhya Pradesh's Indore.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Feb 9 (IANS) In a bid to ease examination stress for students, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will participate in a motivational interaction with students of Crystal International Public School in Ahmedabad on Monday as part of the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' initiative.

The nationwide eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' aims to encourage students appearing for board exams to tackle their studies without stress or fear. The program is designed to provide guidance and inspiration to students ahead of their board exams.

The live telecast of the event will be streamed in more than 40,000 schools across Gujarat through various digital platforms, ensuring maximum participation.

The event will bring together 14.3 lakh students from Classes 10 and 12, including those from science and general streams, along with students from Classes 6 to 12, fostering an environment of exam readiness and motivation across the state.

In Gujarat, recent studies have highlighted significant levels of stress among the youth, particularly in academic settings.

A study conducted among undergraduate students in the Mehsana district revealed that 41.05 per cent experienced stress, with varying degrees of severity: 9.32 per cent were mildly stressed, 12.18 per cent moderately stressed, 10.07 per cent severely stressed, and 9.47 per cent extremely severely stressed.

Similarly, research among medical students in South Gujarat found that 51.1 per cent of participants reported stress, with a mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score of 27.20 ± 6.58. The primary stressors identified included concerns about the quality of food in mess facilities, poor road connectivity on campus, and academic performance pressures.

A study conducted among undergraduate students aged 18-24 in the Mehsana district revealed that 41.05 per cent experienced stress, with varying degrees of severity: 9.32 per cent were mildly stressed, 12.18 per cent moderately stressed, 10.07 per cent severely stressed, and 9.47 per cent extremely severely stressed. A study focusing on higher secondary science students found that nearly 32 per cent experienced depression, with higher rates observed in female students (37.28 per cent) compared to males (29.90 per cent).

Additionally, 20.59 per cent of these students suffered from dysthymia, and 1.64 per cent were identified as having suicidal risk. Notably, students in Class 12 exhibited higher depression rates (38.06 per cent) than those in Class 11 (25.98 per cent). Among medical students in Gujarat, a study reported varying levels of depression severity: 29.4 per cent had minimal depression, 34 per cent mild, 19 per cent moderate, 12 per cent moderately severe, and 5.6 per cent severe depression.

--IANS

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Imphal, Feb 9 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi reacting to the Manipur Chief Minister N.Biren Singh’s resignation, said that he quit the post following “mounting public pressure”.

The LoP, who visited Manipur three times after the ethnic violence broke out on May 3, 2023, in a post on the X said: “For nearly two years, BJP's CM Biren Singh instigated division in Manipur. PM Modi allowed him to continue despite the violence, loss of life, and the destruction of the idea of India in Manipur.”

He added that the resignation of Biren Singh shows that mounting public pressure, the SC investigation and the no-confidence motion by the Congress have forced a reckoning.

“But the most urgent priority is to restore peace in the state and work to heal the wounds of the people of Manipur. PM Modi must visit Manipur at once, listen to the people and finally explain his plan to bring back normalcy,” he said.

The LoP’s third visit came during the second leg of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which started from Manipur on January 14 last year. The 67-day-long Yatra ended in Mumbai covering 85 districts of 14 states.

The Congress kicked off the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur with a promise to "bring peace and harmony" to the ethnic violence-hit state.

LoP Rahul Gandhi in his speech in the parliament and outside the parliament urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and restore peace and normalcy.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and parliament member Jairam Ramesh said that the Congress was all set to move a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers in the Manipur Assembly on Monday and sensing the climate, the Manipur CM has resigned.

“This was a demand that the Congress has been making since early May 2023, when Manipur erupted. The Chief Minister’s resignation was belated. The people of Manipur now await a visit by our Frequent Flier PM who is off to France and the USA now - and who has found neither the time nor the inclination to go to Manipur these past twenty months,” Ramesh, who also visited Manipur several times during the past two years after the ethnic violence started, said in a post on the X.

Over 250 people including women and children were killed, over 1,500 injured and over 70,000 people displaced after the ethnic violence broke out on May 3 last year after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’, organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The rioting also left thousands of houses, government and non-government properties, and religious installations destroyed or damaged.

Over 60,000 Central security forces, including the Army and Assam Rifles, have been deployed in Manipur following the outbreak of violence.

In view of the ethnic strife in Manipur, approximately 50,650 men, women and children belonging to different communities have been displaced and are now sheltered in 350 camps set up in schools, government buildings and auditoriums in Manipur.

Thousands of displaced people, mostly belonging to Kuki-Zo tribals, also sheltered in Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya.

--IANS

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Imphal, Feb 9 (IANS) Around two years after the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur and crippled the state, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla a day before the crucial Assembly session.

A Raj Bhavan official said that the Governor accepted the resignation letter and requested Biren Singh to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.

He was accompanied by BJP's northeast in-charge Sambit Patra who came to Imphal from Delhi. In the national capital, he held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president, J.P. Nadda.

A top party leader told IANS that following the directions from the central BJP leaders, Singh submitted his resignation letter to Governor.

"Soon after his arrival in Imphal on Sunday afternoon, he went to the Chief Minister's secretariat and then went to Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation letter," the party leader, refusing to be quoted, said.

N. Biren Singh's resignation comes amid hectic political activities, with the opposition Congress already announcing to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government in the upcoming assembly session, set to begin on Monday.

In his letter to the Governor, Biren Singh expressed gratitude for the Central government's interventions and developmental initiatives, stating that it had been an honour to serve Manipur.

"I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri,” he said.

"My sincere request to the Central government through your good office is to continue with the same. I take the opportunity to enumerate the most important ones of them," Biren Singh said, citing these as maintaining the "territorial integrity of Manipur which has a rich and diverse civilisational history over thousands of years", cracking down "on border infiltration and to formulate policy for the deportation of the illegal immigrants" and "the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism".

He also listed the "stringent and fool-proof revised mechanism of FMR with the biometric being stringently applied" and "time bound and faster border which is underway".

Nongthombam Biren Singh, 64, took over as the 12th Chief Minister of Manipur on March 15, 2017, after leading the BJP to its first victory in the state, and retained power in the 2022 Assembly elections.

However, the ethnic violence between Meitis and Kuki-Zos that broke out in May 2023 in the state, had cast a cloud over his second term.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Raj Bhavan said that Singh along with a few ministers and other leaders met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and submitted his resignation letter.

A senior party leader said that it is likely that the party's central leadership in consultation with state leaders would announce the new leadership within the next couple of days.

Though there have been reports for quite sometime that Biren Singh may quit the chief ministerial position following the directions of the central leaders, the development on Sunday took everyone in the political as well as non-political circles by surprise.

During the meeting with the Governor, N. Biren Singh, was accompanied by BJP's northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha member from Puri constituency, Sambit Patra, state unit BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, several cabinet ministers and party leaders.

On June 30, 2023, Singh found himself at the centre of a political storm when he tried to resign following intense pressure over the state's ongoing ethnic violence.

The “resignation drama”, was marked by protests by thousands of his supporters, mostly elderly women and tore his resignation letter.

The protestors blocked his convoy as he attempted to reach Raj Bhavan. Singh got down from his vehicle and tried to convince them, but they refused to budge, forcing him to return home.

Several hour long demonstration outside Chief Minister's official residence culminated dramatically when Cabinet Minister L. Susindro Meitei read out Singh's resignation letter in front of the crowd, only for the women to snatch it from his hands and tear it apart.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 9 (IANS) The grandeur and spiritual essence of Mahakumbh 2025 are beyond words.

Devotees from across the world are gathering at Prayagraj's sacred Sangam, immersing themselves in the eternal traditions of Sanatan culture. While the event is a spectacle of faith, it is also witnessing deeply emotional moments that are leaving everyone moved.

One such heartfelt story emerged on social media platform X when two daughters traveled all the way from California to fulfill their 85-year-old father's wish of taking a holy dip at the Sangam.

On his birthday, when asked about his wish, he simply said, "I have everything, but if you ask, I wish to bathe in the Ganga during Kumbh."

Determined to make his dream come true, his daughters undertook the long journey to India, bringing him to Prayagraj.

Despite the exhaustion, their happiness knew no bounds upon seeing their father's joy after the sacred dip.

As the daughters shared the emotional moment on social media, it received overwhelming support from the netizens. The social media applauded the daughters who travelled from the US to Prayagraj to fulfill their father's wish of 'Sangam Snan'.

A user commented, "Your father is truly fortunate to have such wonderful daughters. You traveled half the world to fulfill his wish -- stay safe and embrace the divinity of Mahakumbh."

Another shared a personal experience, saying, "Fulfilling our parents' wishes is the greatest blessing. I felt the same when I took mine to Kashi and Ayodhya."

A foreigner added, "Indian families are incredible. The world calls the West 'developed' and India 'developing', but I believe it's the other way around."

Mahakumbh 2025 continues to be a melting pot of faith and emotions, where devotion knows no boundaries and stories of love and sacrifice inspire millions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, 9 Feb (IANS) The 15th edition of Aero India, "Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition", will commence at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10.

The theme of this program is ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities.’

Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq m and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India to date.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a testament to the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities.

He said that defence ministers or representatives from about 30 countries have come to participate in the event.

“The presence of air chiefs and secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event - not just for India, but for the entire international defence community,” said the Defence Minister.

Rajnath Singh described Aero India as a crucial platform, which will drive forward the government’s vision of a strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India.

“Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of ‘New India’. It is not just crucial for India’s defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. It will demonstrate our defence capabilities and forge global partnerships. Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress,” he said.

The Defence Minister said that the event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation.

Highlighting the transformation of the defence and aerospace sector in recent years, the Defence Minister said that India is not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India but has also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country.

“Advanced platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and C-295 Transport Aircraft are now being produced in India. We have also taken a firm resolve to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country. From the advanced variants of the Agni missile, the Astra missile system, and the Pinaka missile system to the cutting-edge Hypersonic missile system and the Akash air defence system, we have built numerous success stories,” he said.

The Defence Minister added that these achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening the defence sector, making India more self-reliant and secure.

He added that post-corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, the newly formed companies have started performing exceptionally well in defence production.

“Under a well-considered and well-developed plan, we have actively worked to empower the private sector in the defence and aerospace industries. Today, India has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security,” he added.

The Defence Minister further expressed confidence that defence production, having crossed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26.

He said that the defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore will surpass Rs 30,000 crore and further underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic superpower.

He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security but also impacts the economy.

“Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development,” he said.

The Defence Minister termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy.

He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

The 15th Aero India will be held between February 10 to 14. While February 10 to 12 have been reserved as business days, the 13th and 14th have been set up as public days for people to witness the show.

The India Pavilion will provide an opportunity for Indian defence Industries to showcase their design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities.

The grandeur show at India Pavilion would signify the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’ which encapsulates India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

India Pavilion will be divided into five distinct zones displaying Indigenous capabilities in aero aviation, land aviation and naval aviation, def-space and niche technologies domains.

More than 275 exhibits will be on display through various mediums, represented by the complete defence ecosystem of the country which includes DPSUs, design houses, and private corporates including MSMEs and start-ups.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 9 (IANS) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on Sunday, criticised the West Bengal government for creating hurdles for implementing several Central projects in the state under various pretexts.

The Minister was in Kolkata to deliver his address at a party programme titled "Budget Talk—A phenomenal step towards Viksit Bharat".

There, speaking to media persons at the sideline of the said event, Pradhan claimed that when he was the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, he had proposed a 7,101-km pipeline covering Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

He claimed that despite several rounds of dialogues with the West Bengal government even after seven years, the project could not be implemented in West Bengal.

Pradhan also said that similar non-cooperation from the state government is evident in the case of the implementation of railway projects in West Bengal.

"The BJP-led NDA government came to power in West Bengal in 2014. Since then the allocation under railway projects in West Bengal has been increased from Rs 4,000 crore to around Rs 14,000 crore. But because of non-cooperation, the practical implementation of the funds was not possible in West Bengal," he added.

Referring to the horrific rape and murder of a woman junior doctor in state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital within the hospital premises last year, Minister Pradhan said that the event reveals the state of law and order situation in West Bengal where even criminal elements can be inducted in the police under the garb of civic police.

The sole convict in the rape and murder case, Sanjay Roy, was an erstwhile civic volunteer with Kolkata Police.

"This is not just a matter of concern for India but for the entire country, where a criminal element can get inducted in social policing," he said.

He also added that if BJP had made substantial progress in increasing its vote share in West Bengal to more than 40 per cent in West Bengal, it also had a chance to win the election in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Ridiculing his claim, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee said that BJP will not be able to win from even 30 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal in 2026.

"Be assured, that there will be no position for BJP in West Bengal in 2026," Banerjee added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) The much-anticipated eighth edition of the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, is set to return in a new and expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests.

The 8th edition of PPC will begin on Monday at 11 a.m., where PM Modi will lead the gathering in sharing examination and stress management tips to students for overcoming exam-related anxiety.

Ahead of the PPC event, PM Modi on Sunday shared a ‘teaser’ of the event where he could be seen sharing light-hearted conversation with the students.

“Let’s help our #ExamWarriors overcome exam stress. Do watch ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ at 11 AM tomorrow, 10th February. #PPC2025,” said PM Modi, in a reminder to students and parents through a social media post on X.

In the video, PM Modi could be seen giving lucid explanation on how a top-class batsman focusses only on the ball, while keeping everything aside.

A couple of participating students also showcased their skills with one showing flower clapping technique while the other reciting a couplet.

The 2-minute video clip concludes with students speaking in one voice, “Very excited for Pariksha Pe Charcha.”

This year, the program will feature an impressive line-up of personalities, including spiritual leader Sadhguru, Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey, and Bhumi Pednekar, as well as sports icons Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, and Suhas Yathiraj.

Other notable guests include nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, entrepreneur Radhika Gupta, digital influencer Technical Guruji and other renowned personalities from diverse fields who will guide students on essential aspects of life and learning.

This year, 36 students from all states and UTs, have been selected from state/ UT board government schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sainik School, Eklavya Model Residential School, CBSE and Navodaya Vidyalaya.

'Pariksha Pe Charcha' session on Monday will mark PM Modi's 8th edition of the initiative, which has already set records with over 5 crore participants from all the states and union territories of the country.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 9 (IANS) Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is drawing massive crowds daily.

On Sunday, yesteryear actress and former Member of Parliament (MP) Jaya Prada took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam with her son. She praised the event's arrangements and expressed her joy at attending the Kumbh Mela.

Jaya Prada said, "I am thrilled. The devotion and reverence with which lakhs of devotees are coming to take a dip of faith in Triveni Sangam is worth seeing."

She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling the government's arrangements for devotees "commendable".

This time, special attention has been given to security, cleanliness, transportation, and other facilities in Mahakumbh 2025.

The state government has set up camps, health services, security deployments, and traffic management to ensure a smooth experience for devotees.

Many devotees from the country and abroad are coming to Prayagraj to organise Mahakumbh. This includes a large number of film stars as well as people associated with politics.

Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13 (Paush Purnima) is drawing an unprecedented number of devotees and pilgrims from across the world.

The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the devotees and is also receiving accolades from various quarters.

The camps, and medical services set up by the state administration along with efficient traffic management and sanitation in the world's largest religious congregation are drawing attention globally.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 9 (IANS) The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has announced that it will enter into a political alliance only with parties that recognise the leadership of its founder and Tamil superstar, Vijay.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the TVK confirmed that Vijay is the party's Chief Ministerial candidate.

This announcement comes amid speculation that TVK was in talks with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regarding a potential alliance.

Reports suggested that discussions included securing the Deputy Chief Minister's post and 60 Assembly seats for the 2026 elections.

However, TVK's statement has put all such rumours to rest.

Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu's most beloved actors, announced the launch of his political party in February 2024.

His fan group, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, had contested the 2021 local body elections, winning 115 seats.

During the party's launch, Vijay declared that TVK would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but would instead focus on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

He emphasised that the party aims to bring about fundamental political change in the state.

"Our goal is to contest the 2026 Assembly elections and lead the fundamental political change that people need," Vijay said.

He also addressed key issues affecting Tamil Nadu's political landscape: "On one hand, corruption is deeply rooted in society and administration, and on the other, politics of hate and divisiveness is taking over."

At TVK's inaugural rally on October 27, 2024, in Villupuram, Vijay introduced the party's ideological framework, which blends Dravidian principles with Tamil nationalism.

The rally, held in Vikkaravandi, drew a massive crowd of more than 300,000 people, marking a significant moment in the state's political history.

During his speech, Vijay criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing it of being a family-centric party that exploits the Dravidian identity for personal gain.

He also condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for promoting divisive politics.

Vijay urged TVK members to remain honest and engage with political rivals respectfully, particularly addressing criticisms from Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman with facts and decorum.

Vijay also advised TVK members to respond constructively and respectfully to criticism, including on social media platforms.

With its firm stance on leadership and ideology, TVK is positioning itself as a formidable force in Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections.

--IANS

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