India

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) The festivals of Lohri and Pongal were celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Lohri celebrations held at Naraina Vihar in the national capital. The PM also attended the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

Local residents expressed their happiness and shared their reactions. Artists who performed at the Pongal and Sankranti celebrations at the residence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, where PM Narendra Modi was present, shared their views. An artist says, "We felt very proud when he came and spoke about the culture of India and the Sankranti festival".

Several others said, "Today, PM Modi came to celebrate Lohri with us." They added, "We felt really good that the PM came among us; it felt like a family member had come to visit us." One person said, "I don’t have words to express my joy." Another shared, "We are proud to be Hindus, and it felt wonderful that the PM came here. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to be with us, and it made us feel really happy."

Earlier, in a post, the Prime Minister wrote, that Lohri has a special significance for several people, particularly those from Northern India. It symbolises renewal and hope. It is also linked with agriculture and our hardworking farmers. This evening, I had the opportunity to mark Lohri at a programme in Naraina in Delhi. People from different walks of life, particularly youngsters and women, took part in the celebrations. Wishing everyone a happy Lohri!”

In the pictures, PM Modi can be seen affectionately interacting with a young child and taking a selfie with another child.

During the Pongal celebration at G. Kishan Reddy’s residence, PM Modi engaged with the artists present and greeted them with folded hands. He shared pictures on social media platform X, writing, “Attended Sankranti and Pongal celebrations at the residence of my ministerial colleague, Shri G. Kishan Reddy Garu. Also witnessed an excellent cultural programme. People across India celebrate Sankranti and Pongal with great fervour. It is a celebration of gratitude, abundance and renewal, deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of our culture. My best wishes for Sankranti and Pongal. Wishing everyone happiness, good health and a prosperous harvest season ahead.”

During the Pongal celebrations, PM Modi also lit the Bhogi Agni (the ritual fire).

“Truly Honoured to host Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji on this auspicious day of Bhogi and for the Sankranti and Pongal celebrations at my official residence in New Delhi, today. A special pooja was performed by Hon'ble PM to mark the significance of this sacred festival. May this festival season bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and good health to the people of India. Sincere thanks to Hon'ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla ji, Hon'ble Governor of Haryana Shri Dattatreya Garu, Actor and Padma Awardee Shri Chiranjeevi Garu, Badminton star and Padma Awardee Smt PV Sindhu, Hon'ble Union Ministers, Hon'ble MPs, officials of various ministries, cine artists and other dignitaries for taking part in the event,” Kishan Reddy wrote on X.

Lohri is a major festival for the Sikh community, particularly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. It marks the harvesting of Rabi crops and the end of winter. On this day, prayers are offered to Lohri Mata. In the evening, friends, relatives, and families gather around a bonfire, circling it while offering jaggery, peanuts, rewari, gajak, and popcorn as part of the ritual.

Pongal, on the other hand, is dedicated to the Sun God. According to tradition, it signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s six-month-long northward journey (Uttarayan). A sweet dish called Pongal is prepared for the occasion and first offered to the deities. Sometimes, cows are also given the prasad, after which it is shared with family members.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Political temperatures in Delhi are going up ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled to be held on February 5. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of causing a loss of Rs 2,000 crore in the 'Sheesh Mahal' project.

The Union Minister said that Kejriwal must provide clarification on the budget and approval of the project, and that in the coming days, the AAP leader would have to answer these questions.

In a conversation with IANS, Hardeep Puri questioned why this project continued during the pandemic when construction activities were halted. He said that the Kejriwal government approved this project.

The Union Minister claimed that a loss of more than Rs 2,000 crore had been caused to the exchequer due to the liquor scam.

Hardeep Puri said that Kejriwal must provide clarifications on the budget and approval of the Sheesh Mahal project, and the former Delhi CM would be held accountable for these questions in the future.

Regarding the construction of the Prime Minister’s residence, Puri said that the PM’s house has not yet been built.

He explained that under the Central Vista project, only Kartavya Path has been completed so far, while the Prime Minister’s residence is still under construction.

Hardeep Puri pointed out that while Kejriwal raises questions about the PM’s bungalow, he should first focus on the status of his own Sheesh Mahal. He also advised Kejriwal to get his health checked, as the approval for the Prime Minister’s residence project was granted earlier, and work is still ongoing.

The Union Minister further said that the Central government launched the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme in 2015, which has provided permanent homes to 4 crore people. He mentioned that 3,000 flats have been built in the Kalkaji area of Delhi.

Hardeep Puri accused Kejriwal of not fulfilling the promises made in his electoral manifesto. He claimed that the Delhi government has failed to provide basic facilities such as clean water and toilets in the past five years, while the Central government has built over 11 crore toilets.

The Union Minister added that Kejriwal has also not implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme in Delhi.

--IANS

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Gurugram, Jan 13 (IANS) A 22-year-old youth was shot dead by unknown persons at Rithoj village here in Gurugram on Sunday night, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Harsh Kumar. Police said that Kumar received one bullet injury on their head from a close range, which led to his death on the spot.

It is said that Harsh had gone to his hut 50 meters away from his home to smoke hookah at night, and he was killed by an unknown person. On Monday morning when his mother went to wake him up, it was discovered that he had been murdered.

After committing the crime, the accused fled from the spot without any resistance. A police team from Bhondsi Police Station rushed to the spot and told reporters that the police had certain clues about the suspects.

The deceased's uncle, Kapil, told the media that a few youths from their village had a dispute with the deceased over an unknown petty issue and suspects of their involvement in the crime.

"We are not sure those people are behind the killing or not but we will share their details with the police," the deceased's uncle told reporters.

Meanwhile, a case of murder has been registered against an unknown person at the Bhondsi Police Station.

"The motive behind the killing is yet to be known. However, the family have suspected an alleged involvement of some people in their village. They will be questioned. Those behind the killing will be arrested soon," Sandeep Kumar, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police said.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the people of Odisha for the MoU signing between the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and family Welfare and Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Department for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the eastern state.

PM Modi said that this scheme will ensure the highest-quality healthcare at affordable rates, particularly the Nari Shakti and the elderly of Odisha.

Replying to a post on X by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Prime Minister on Monday wrote: "Congratulations to the people of Odisha! It was indeed a travesty that my sisters and brothers of Odisha were denied the benefits of Ayushman Bharat by the previous government. This scheme will ensure the highest-quality healthcare at affordable rates. It will particularly benefit the Nari Shakti and the elderly of Odisha."

Earlier, CM Majhi on his X handle expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the signing of MoU for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in Odisha.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodiji for bringing Odisha on board this transformative scheme, which is focused on providing quality and affordable healthcare for all. In Odisha, beneficiaries will have access to cashless treatment at over 30,000 government and private hospitals across the country. Nearly 3 crore individuals from 1.3 crore families are set to benefit from this initiative," wrote Majhi.

The Odisha Chief Minister also declared that Ayushman Bharat Mandirs will be established in every Panchayat of Odisha with the goal of delivering healthcare services to rural areas.

"An instructor will be present at each Mandir, and we will also provide additional facilities and services alongside healthcare workers. The Government of Odisha remains committed to transforming the healthcare sector through various initiatives, paving the way toward a 'Viksit Odisha' by 2036 and a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047," added Majhi.

It is pertinent here to mention that Odisha on Monday became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

The Health and Family Welfare department of Odisha on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority under the Union Health Ministry for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.

It will provide a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per annum with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.

A total of approximately 1.03 crore families will come under the converged scheme with 67.8 lakh families supported by the Union government.

Addressing the gathering, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda remarked: "Today is a historic day for Odisha. AB PM-JAY is not only the world's largest health coverage scheme, but also the fastest to be implemented since conception."

He said that approximately 45 per cent of India's population is benefited through the AB PM-JAY scheme.

J.P. Nadda added that the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card launched in October 2024 will benefit approximately 6 crore people aged 70 years and above.

The Union Health Minister also stated that since the inception of the AB PM-JAY scheme, 8.19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded, with Rs 1.13 lakh crore spent on providing healthcare to the poor.

Quoting a recent Lancet study on Southeast Asia, J.P. Nadda revealed that AB PM-JAY has increased access to healthcare for cancer patients by 33 per cent.

On the occasion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi mentioned: "People from our state, who were previously receiving treatment in around 900 empaneled hospitals, will now have access to cashless and quality treatment in over 29,000 government and private empaneled hospitals."

He stated that the converged schemes of GJAY and ABPM-JAY will cumulatively benefit around 4.5 crore people of Odisha with the help of a single card.

"The AB PM-JAY world’s largest health assurance scheme launched in 2018 by PM Modi insuring health coverage to more than 50 crore people in the country. However, for political reasons, in Odisha, the people were kept out of it as it was not implemented by the then state government. In order to correct the mistake, the state government took the decision to implement ABPM-JAY in the state as early as possible," said Majhi.

He said around one crore families in Odisha are provided health assurance under the state government's scheme Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana.

CM Majhi further said that every month, 1.50 lakh patients receive cashless treatment amounting up to Rs 350 crore at empaneled private hospitals.

"However, there are certain limitations. At present, the beneficiaries are availing cashless treatment at only 900 empaneled private hospitals. Also, the people staying outside the state are deprived of the service under the scheme. These twin flaws will be corrected through the implementation of ABPM-JAY. The beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment in more than 29,000 government and private hospitals in India," added CM Majhi.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) The festival of Lohri was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Lohri celebrations held at Naraina Vihar in the national capital. The PM also attended the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

In a post, the Prime Minister wrote, "Lohri has a special significance for several people, particularly those from Northern India. It symbolises renewal and hope. It is also linked with agriculture and our hardworking farmers. This evening, I had the opportunity to mark Lohri at a programme in Naraina in Delhi. People from different walks of life, particularly youngsters and women, took part in the celebrations. Wishing everyone a happy Lohri!”

In the pictures, PM Modi can be seen affectionately interacting with a young child and taking a selfie with another child.

At the Pongal celebration at G. Kishan Reddy’s residence, PM Modi engaged with the artists present and greeted them with folded hands. He shared pictures on social media platform X, writing, “Attended Sankranti and Pongal celebrations at the residence of my ministerial colleague, Shri G. Kishan Reddy Garu. Also witnessed an excellent cultural programme. People across India celebrate Sankranti and Pongal with great fervour. It is a celebration of gratitude, abundance and renewal, deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of our culture. My best wishes for Sankranti and Pongal. Wishing everyone happiness, good health and a prosperous harvest season ahead.”

During the Pongal celebrations, PM Modi also lit the Bhogi Agni (the ritual fire).

Lohri is a major festival for the Sikh community, particularly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. It marks the harvesting of Rabi crops and the end of winter. On this day, prayers are offered to Lohri Mata. In the evening, friends, relatives, and families gather around a bonfire, circling it while offering jaggery, peanuts, rewari, gajak, and popcorn as part of the ritual.

Pongal, on the other hand, is dedicated to the Sun God. According to tradition, it signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s six-month-long northward journey (Uttarayan). A sweet dish called Pongal is prepared for the occasion and first offered to the deities. Sometimes, cows are also given the prasad, after which it is shared with family members.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 13 (IANS) The Sonamarg tunnel, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, is an economic game changer whose short-term and long-term benefits cannot be overstated.

Built at 8,562 feet above sea level in the Gagangir area of J&K’s Ganderbal district, the 6.4 km long double-lane tunnel was completed at a whooping cost of Rs 2,700 crore.

The tunnel bypasses the Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch of the Srinagar-Sonamarg road, which is prone to avalanches and heavy snowfall during the winter months, making the tourist resort of Sonamarg unavailable to visitors and locals. In fact, the residents of Sonamarg and Neelgrad villages would migrate before winter to lower heights in the Ganderbal district as the villages remained inaccessible during winter. These hardy souls will not have to abandon their homes now.

Thanks to the Sonamarg tunnel, after Gulmarg, this tourist destination can become a world-famous ski resort given its lofty slopes and high snowclad pastures.

The Sonamarg tunnel will open new avenues of employment for the local youth, and give year-round work to pony wallahs, sledge operators, and tour and travel operators, in addition to boosting the local economy through trade and tourism.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) oversaw the Z-Morh tunnel constructed by APCO Infratech Private Ltd.

Once the Zojila tunnel across the Zojila Pass is completed, it will make all-weather access from Sonamarg to Dras in the Kargil district possible.

National Highway-1 connects Kashmir with Ladakh and lies south of the Line of Control (LOC).

The highway was under attack during the 1999 Kargil conflict and has strategic significance in connecting two northern regions of India - Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Zojila tunnel will start from Baltal in the Ganderbal district to Minimarg in Dras and will have an approach road of 18 km. It is expected to be completed by 2028.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) The residents of Munirka village, falling under the RK Puram Assembly constituency have been facing drainage problems for the past many years but unfortunately none of the elected representatives including the councillor and legislator from the area took note of their problems.

As the capital gears up for Assembly elections, many voters from the Munirka village spoke to IANS and shared their persistent pain because of the overflowing drains in the area.

Parmila Tokas is currently the MLA from here and she has been given a ticket by Aam Aadmi Party for the third time.

Dirty sewer water accumulates on the roads and streets due to which school-going students and office-goers face a lot of problems. Those operating shops also face a lot of trouble.

Many locals said that the local MLA didn’t make any effort to solve the sewer problem.

An elderly woman said, "We are facing a lot of trouble because of the broken sewer. I fall every day. The government should take note and repair the road and drains here."

“Clogged drains are a big problem for all of us living here. We have to get them cleaned on our own. Repeated requests to the administration fall on deaf ears. The legislator doesn’t pay heed to our complaints. We have to get them cleaned on our own, at our own expense,” said another local resident.

Another local said, "Sewer water has been flowing here for the last seven-eight days. Despite being a local, the MLA has not done any work."

A woman pointed to the drain water, flowing on the streets and said the residents of the area have been subjected to suffer because of the overflowing drains.

"The problem is quite severe. Children have to wade through sewer water in the morning. Close relatives have stopped coming home."

Another woman said, "Sewage water has been flowing on the road for a week. Sewer water is also coming into the house. Only we know how we are living our lives."

Meanwhile, the elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are to be held on February 5 and the counting of votes is scheduled for February 8.

--IANS

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Muzaffarnagar, Jan 13 (IANS) BJP leader and former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan on Monday wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, complaining about the attitude of the police.

In his letter, Balyan also raised the issue of his security being withdrawn. He alleged that his security had been taken away because he raised his voice against the corruption of the Muzaffarnagar Police.

He further stated in the letter that he was attacked during the Lok Sabha elections, and if he is attacked again, the responsibility would lie with the state government officials.

He also informed CM Yogi Adityanath about the encroachment of land belonging to a temple and dharamshala in Khanupur village by Mansurpur Distillery.

In the letter, former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan stated: "The land of the temple and dharamshala in Khanupur village was illegally transferred with the collusion of previous government officials to Mansurpur Distillery. On January 1, in connivance with Muzaffarnagar police, the distillery occupied the land and filed false cases against the villagers."

He added that the Muzaffarnagar police officers might not have brought this matter to the Chief Minister's attention.

The BJP leader also mentioned that he, along with the villagers, went to the Mansurpur police station on January 12 in protest.

He further stated that he had previously lodged complaints with senior police officers regarding the involvement of Muzaffarnagar police in property disputes, but no action had been taken so far.

In his letter to CM Yogi Adityanath, Balyan demanded immediate action on this matter.

He wrote: "Considering your life's journey, I am confident that you will take just action regarding the land encroachment of the temple and dharamshala."

Regarding the withdrawal of his security, Balyan stated that while he was not concerned about his own safety, the attitude of the police towards a former Union Minister raised concerns about the condition of ordinary BJP workers.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) The battle for Delhi is witnessing a fierce rivalry among political parties to woo and lure the voters, particularly from slum dwellers in various parts of the capital.

As those living in slums take centre stage in Delhi Assembly elections, IANS undertook a reality check of the slum dwellers of Geeta Colony, their living conditions and also about the development in the past 10 years of the AAP government.

Many residents of Geeta colony shared that they are facing problems of water scarcity, and poor hygiene and their multiple complaints have gone unheard despite their multiple appeals to the administration.

Chandravati, a local resident said that they have to struggle to get clean drinking water on a daily basis.

“Party leaders forget us after getting elected. They come here just to ask for votes. They give us assurance with folded hands but after the elections are over, no one comes to take cognizance of our problems. People living in slums are remembered only during elections,” she said.

Kiran Devi venting her anger with the local legislator said that they have been left to fend for themselves.

“There is a water problem, there is a drainage problem,” she said.

“We face water crisis in all seasons including Summers and Winters. We drink water by buying a water bottle for Rs 20,” she stated.

Sulekha said that during elections everyone comes to seek vote. But after getting votes, no one comes to show their face. Delhi government has done one good thing a road has been built here. But the water problem has not been solved.

Shyam Mishra however, looked convinced with the incumbent government. He said that the local MLA has worked in our colony.

“We will support the Delhi government in the elections. They have made electricity-free,” he said.

Gopal Singh said that the Delhi government has not done any work and demanded that the needs of children and the elderly should be addressed.

Vinay said that the local MLA hasn’t done anything. The people of the colony do not even recognise the MLA.

“The local MLA got his son a ticket from here. If he had worked, he would not have needed to get a ticket for his son. Delhi needs change this time and it should start from here,” he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, January 13 (IANS) Acting swiftly on the recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium, the Centre on Monday cleared the appointment of Patna High Court's Chief Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran to the apex court.

In a post on X, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was pleased to appoint Justice Chandran as a Supreme Court judge.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, Chief Justice, Patna High Court, to be a Judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office," said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the name of Patna Chief Justice Chandran for elevation as a judge of the apex court.

"While recommending his name, the Collegium has taken into consideration the fact that there is no representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court from the High Court of Kerala," said a statement released by SC Collegium.

Justice Chandran was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in November 2011 and was elevated to the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on March 29, 2023.

"He has served as a Judge of the High Court for more than 11 years and as a Chief Justice of a big High Court for more than a year. During his long tenure as a Judge and Chief Justice of the High Court, Mr Justice Chandran has acquired significant experience in diverse fields of law,” the SC Collegium said.

In its meeting, the apex court Collegium deliberated on and discussed the names of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of the High Courts eligible for appointment to the Supreme Court.

Born on April 25, 1963, Justice Chandran stands at serial no. 13 in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges. He obtained a law degree from Thiruvananthapuram’s Kerala Law Academy Law College and started practice in 1991. Before elevation, he served as Special Government Pleader (Taxes) of the Kerala government from 2007 to 2011.

--IANS

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