After finishing as runners-up last season, Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, aim to kick off the 18th season of the Indian Premier League with a victory. Their quest for a second IPL title begins at their home ground, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where they face Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. SRH had eliminated RR last season with a commanding 36-run win in Qualifier 2.

As IPL 2025 gets underway, Sunrisers Hyderabad, boosted by their runner-up finish in Pat Cummins’ debut season as captain, look to go one step further and claim their second title. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, winners of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, are also vying for a second trophy.

Last season, RR’s title hopes were crushed by SRH in Qualifier 2, with the latter securing a 36-run victory in Chennai. Sunday’s clash marks the first afternoon match of IPL 2025, setting the stage for an intense contest before the much-anticipated CSK vs MI showdown later in the evening.

The wait is finally over! The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season kicks off tonight at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, promising an unforgettable night of cricket, entertainment, and spectacle. Fans are in for a treat as Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan will headline the star-studded opening ceremony, delivering a captivating monologue before the action begins.

Adding to the glitz, renowned artists Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla will take the stage, ensuring an electrifying start to the tournament. There’s even speculation about surprise performances from Bollywood stars Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor, along with a potential global act by OneRepublic, further fueling excitement.

As defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gear up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener, all eyes will be on cricket’s biggest icon, Virat Kohli, returning to Eden Gardens. However, the weather looms as an unexpected challenge—rain, heavy winds, and possible hailstorms could impact the game, as per the Indian Meteorological Department’s orange alert for Kolkata.

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony begins at 6 PM IST and will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioCinema. The match follows an hour later, setting the stage for another thrilling season of India’s grandest cricketing spectacle. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates, expert analysis, and real-time action from this unforgettable night!

Stay tuned and scroll down for the latest updates!

As Justin Trudeau formally resigns after over ten years in office, Mark Carney will take over as Canada’s next prime minister.

After taking the oath of office in Ottawa, Carney, the newly appointed leader of the ruling Liberal Party, will present his cabinet.

In the midst of rising tensions over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats against Canada, Carney, an economist and former central banker, is taking over as prime minister.

Before parliament reconvenes later this month, he is anticipated to call a federal election, which would put Canadians to the polls as early as late April. The media are invited to Rideau Hall to cover the event. The swearing-in event will be presided over by Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.

India and New Zealand are set for a high-stakes showdown as they battle for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The final, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, promises to be a thrilling contest, with Rohit Sharma’s in-form Indian side aiming to break their long-standing ICC ODI title drought.

India’s last triumph in an ICC ODI tournament came in 2013, making this match a golden opportunity to reclaim their dominance on the global stage. However, standing in their way is a determined New Zealand team that has historically had the upper hand in ICC knockout matches against the Men in Blue.

Complete List of ICC Champions Trophy Winners (1998-2025)

The 2025 Champions Trophy will mark a major international cricket event for Pakistan, as the country gears up to host its first ICC tournament in decades. Cricket fans worldwide are eager to see which team will emerge victorious and etch their name into history.

Scroll down for latest updates.

Hollywood’s biggest night is finally here as the 97th Academy Awards kick off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. With a fiercely contested race for Best Picture between Anora and Conclave, and first-time host Conan O’Brien at the helm, the 2025 Oscars promise drama, glamour, and surprises.

Leading the nominations is Emilia Pérez with 13 nods, but stiff competition from Wicked and The Brutalist keeps the race wide open. Beyond the awards, the ceremony will pay tribute to the firefighters who battled January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

As stars dazzle on the red carpet, anticipation builds for an unforgettable night in Hollywood.  Stay tuned for latest updates.

Virat Kohli once again etched his name in cricket history by becoming the fastest Indian batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The milestone came in signature Kohli style—a flawless cover drive off Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill continued his sensational form, keeping the momentum going for India. His aggressive approach against Shaheen Afridi neutralized the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, who was bowled for 20 after a promising start.

Pakistan had their chances but failed to capitalize. A moment of opportunity slipped through when Khushdil Shah misjudged a catch off Gill, leaving Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in disbelief. Mohammad Rizwan, too, could not hide his frustration as India maintained control.

Stay tuned for the latest score.

Rekha Gupta takes oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi today after being elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party during a meeting on Wednesday. A former president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), the 50-year-old leader secured a decisive victory in the Shalimar Bagh constituency during the 2025 assembly elections, winning by a margin of 29,595 votes.

UPDATE: Rekha Gupta has been announced as the new CM of Delhi. BJP opted for a women CM.

The BJP is set to announce Delhi’s next Chief Minister after a key meeting of its Legislature Party on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The meeting will take place at the party’s Delhi office, following their big win in the February 8 assembly elections, where they secured 48 out of 70 seats. Once the new leader is chosen, they will meet Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor to formally stake their claim to form the government.

The BJP has appointed Ravi Shankar Prasad and Om Prakash Dhankar as central observers for the decision-making process. The party is also preparing for a grand swearing-in ceremony on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan, with top political leaders, including PM Modi, expected to attend the event.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.

New Delhi Railway Stampede News LIVE: At least 18 people were killed, and 15 others were injured in a stampede-like situation at New Delhi Railway Station due to a huge rush on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 10 pm, prompting an emergency response.

“18 people, including 14 women, lost their lives in the stampede that occurred yesterday around 10 PM at New Delhi Railway station,” said Delhi Police.

What triggered the NDLS stampede?

News agency ANI reported, quoting police officials, that the stampede was triggered by a sudden surge in the crowd of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj at New Delhi Railway Station. Platforms 14 and 15 saw a significant increase in passengers, as many people rushed to the station in large numbers to travel to the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. The overwhelming crowd led to chaos, ultimately resulting in the tragic stampede.

Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level investigation and said that the situation at New Delhi station was under control.

Stay Tuned For Latest Updates

PM Narendra Modi is currently in the United States for a two-day visit, following his participation in the Paris AI Action Summit in France. His visit includes high-level talks with US President Donald Trump, marking the first bilateral discussion between the two leaders since Trump’s second-term inauguration. The agenda for their meeting includes enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, defense, technology, and immigration. Modi’s key focus will be addressing concerns over Trump’s “America First” trade policy, particularly with respect to tariffs, and exploring the possibility of a trade pact to avoid punitive measures.

Modi’s visit comes amid rising concerns in India over Washington’s stance on immigration, as the Trump administration recently deported a batch of 104 Indian illegal immigrants. Despite the challenges, PM Modi’s diplomatic outreach aims to strengthen India-US relations and address key issues through constructive dialogue and cooperation across various sectors.

As PM Modi commences his two-day visit to the US, stay tuned for LIVE updates.

Counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly Election 2025 commenced at 8 am today, with the top contenders, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), vying to form the government in the capital. Voting for all 70 seats of the Delhi Assembly was conducted on Wednesday, February 5.

Exit polls have predicted a comeback for the BJP in Delhi after 27 years, projecting the party to comfortably surpass the majority mark of 36 seats, possibly securing 10-15 seats more than that, thereby ousting the incumbent Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP. The Congress is forecasted to win a maximum of 0-3 seats.

The counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly Election 2025 began at 8 am today, February 8. Voting for the Delhi Assembly Poll 2025 was conducted in a single phase on February 5.

According to Election Commission of India (EC) data, the approximate voter turnout for the Delhi Assembly Election stood at 60.54 percent. The North East district recorded the highest voting percentage at 66.25 percent, while the South East Delhi district recorded the lowest polling percentage at 56.40 percent.

The incumbent AAP, BJP, and Congress are the key contenders in the Delhi Poll 2025. AAP is seeking a third consecutive full term in Delhi. The party, which dominated the last two assembly polls, secured 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 election, while BJP won eight seats. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, failed to win any seat in the last two polls and is predicted to perform similarly this time.

Exit poll results for the Delhi election were released on Wednesday evening, following the conclusion of voting. Most exit polls projected a comfortable victory for BJP, while the incumbent AAP is predicted to miss the chance of securing a third straight win. Exit polls forecast another poor performance by Congress.

The stage is set for Delhi residents to cast their votes and elect a new government on February 5. The polling follows intense campaigning by the three major political contenders: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress, which concluded on Monday evening.

Approximately 1.56 crore voters are eligible to participate across 13,766 polling stations in the capital. Among them, 83.76 lakh are men, 72.36 lakh are women, and 1,267 belong to the third gender.

All 70 assembly constituencies will vote in a single phase on February 5. The results will be declared on February 8.

The Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is seeking a third consecutive term after securing landslide victories in 2015 and 2020. Prior to AAP’s rise, the Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years. The BJP last held power in the national capital 27 years ago.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convenor and former Chief Minister, is contesting from the New Delhi seat. The BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma, former MP and son of ex-Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, to challenge him. Congress has nominated Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, for the same seat.

In 2020, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured 8 seats. Congress failed to win any seat. In 2015, AAP achieved a historic victory, winning 67 seats, with the BJP taking the remaining three.

Stay tuned for the latest updates

As the city prepares for the 2025 Assembly Elections, the competition for Delhi is intensifying. The stakes have never been higher as the AAP looks to win a third straight term, the BJP is working hard to end its ten-year hegemony, and the Congress is trying to make a comeback.

Election results for Delhi will be declared on February 8 after voting takes place on February 5. As the campaign draws to a close, prominent figures are luring voters with rallies and press conferences.

As the BJP vigorously targets the ruling party over corruption claims, the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is relying on its history in healthcare, education, and free electricity. With a new campaign plan, the Congress, which was once the most powerful party in Delhi, hopes to make up lost territory. With more than 1.55 crore voters registered, Delhi is expected to have a fierce battle of the seats

The battle for Delhi is heating up as the city gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections. With AAP eyeing a third consecutive term, BJP pushing hard to end its decade-long rule, and Congress striving for a comeback, the stakes have never been higher.

Voting for Delhi elections is on February 5, and the results are to be announced on February 8. The campaign trail is on its last stretch with major leaders holding rallies and press conferences to lure voters.

AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is banking on its track record in education, healthcare, and free electricity, while the BJP is aggressively targeting the ruling party over corruption allegations. Meanwhile, Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi, is hoping to regain lost ground with a fresh campaign strategy.

With over 1.55 crore registered voters Delhi is set for a nail-biting contest where every seat will count.

Stay tuned for latest updates

The 2025 Grammy Awards recognize the top musical achievements of the past year, with artists, producers, and fans eagerly anticipating the winners. Nearly three months after the nominations were announced, the ceremony is finally revealing who takes home the prestigious awards.

Beyoncé leads this year’s nominations with 11 for her album Cowboy Carter, surpassing all previous records to become the most-nominated artist in Grammy history with 99 career nods. She competes in the three major general categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter also secured nominations in these top categories. Eilish received seven nominations, matching Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Charli XCX. Meanwhile, Swift, Carpenter, and Roan earned six nods each, with Carpenter and Roan also contending for Best New Artist.

For the fifth consecutive year, Trevor Noah returns as the ceremony’s host. The event features performances by Eilish, Roan, Charli XCX, and Carpenter. While Swift is not on the lineup of performers, she will take the stage to present an award.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 today, marking a historic eighth consecutive budget under her leadership. This marks the second budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, raising considerable anticipation.

The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both Houses. As per the Parliamentary Bulletin, the session will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, which started on January 31, includes the budget presentation on February 1 and will run until February 13. The second phase is scheduled to begin on March 10 and will continue until April 4.

The much-anticipated Economic Survey for the financial year 2024-25 is set to be presented in Parliament, offering a detailed analysis of India’s economic trajectory. Released a day before the Union Budget, this annual report evaluates key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services, providing insights into trends, challenges, and policy recommendations to drive sustainable growth.

What Is Economic Survey ? 

The Economic Survey serves as a crucial document for assessing the country’s economic health. Published by the Ministry of Finance, it outlines the government’s perspective on financial developments, structural reforms, and future economic projections. The survey plays a vital role in shaping policy decisions, offering a roadmap for economic strategies and reforms needed to address growth barriers.

The survey is meticulously prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs, working under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). Once compiled, the Finance Minister presents the document in Parliament, setting the stage for informed discussions ahead of the Union Budget.

The Budget Session of Parliament kicked off today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. During her speech, she emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling the middle class’s dream of owning a home, as well as outlining several key initiatives and goals.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Economic Survey in both Houses of Parliament. This document, crafted by a team under the leadership of Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will provide an official overview of the country’s economic performance for the current financial year.

In addition to the Economic Survey, the government has also introduced 16 Bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, as part of the financial agenda for the session. The first full Budget under the Modi 3.0 government will be presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman on Saturday.

The first phase of the Budget Session will run until February 13, followed by a recess to allow members to review the Budget proposals. The session will then reconvene on March 10 and continue until April 4, encompassing a total of 27 sittings.

What is the Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is an important document that provides a comprehensive analysis of the country’s economy. It is divided into two sections: Part A focuses on the economic performance, covering fiscal trends and key macroeconomic indicators, while Part B addresses social and economic issues, such as education, poverty, and climate change. The survey also includes projections for GDP growth, inflation, and trade.

Highlights from the Last Economic Survey

The previous Economic Survey projected a growth rate of 6.5 to 7% for India’s real GDP. This optimistic forecast was driven by factors such as improved financial health in the private sector, a predicted rise in goods and services exports, favorable rainfall forecasts, and ongoing structural reforms in the economy.

On the inflation front, India was able to keep retail inflation at 5.4% for FY24, marking the lowest rate since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, food inflation rose to 7.5% in FY24, up from 3.8% in FY22.

The survey also provided a forward-looking perspective, stressing the importance of increased oilseed and pulses production, enhancing vegetable storage facilities, and closely monitoring the prices of essential food items.

President Murmu’s Address on Day 1 of the Budget Session

President Droupadi Murmu’s address on Day 1 of the Budget Session focused on the positive impacts of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide healthcare coverage for millions of citizens. She also touched upon the alarming issue of paper leaks that have been affecting the nation.

(Stay tuned for live updates)

A commercial aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., following a mid-air collision with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The exact number of passengers on board remains unknown.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near the airport. Footage of the incident captures the moment of impact, showing a bright flash of fire as the two aircraft collided.

The crash occurred on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Washington, D.C. Fire Services. Following the incident, all flights at the airport were temporarily halted while emergency teams responded.

The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department reported that the aircraft crashed into the river shortly after 9 PM. Fire department rescue boats were dispatched to the scene to assist with recovery efforts.

Reports are suggesting that the Aircraft involved in the Crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-700 operated by PSA, a Regional Airline operated by American.

The Flight was landing at the Airport, after flying from Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas. Up to 60 Passengers are said to have been onboard the Aircraft.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for 2025-26 on February 1, marking her eighth consecutive budget delivery. This will be the second full budget under the Narendra Modi 3.0 administration following the 2024 general elections. The budget announcement comes at a critical time for the government, with challenges such as a weakening rupee, possible tariff issues with former President Trump, and sluggish domestic demand. The session is scheduled to start at 11 am, and for the first time, both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open for trading despite the usual weekend closure.

This year’s budget holds significant weight given the recent economic slowdown, with GDP growth dropping to 5.4% in the July-September 2024 quarter. There are strong expectations for revisions in income tax slabs and incentives for businesses to foster investment and job creation. The budget is likely to focus on promoting rural development, infrastructure, and healthcare, while maintaining fiscal discipline. The government’s fiscal strategy is expected to guide the economy through the next few years, with an emphasis on stimulating growth in the first half of 2025.

Intense campaigns from opposing political parties are well started as the capital prepares for the Delhi Election, scheduled for February 5, 2025. As Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath campaign throughout constituencies, the city will see a number of rallies and public gatherings.

In the days preceding the election, political groups have also been exchanging jabs. On Monday, the Delhi AAP government claimed that there was a high ammonia level in the water and blamed the Haryana government for this “intentional” action. India’s Election Commission has ordered the Haryana government to provide a factual report on the issue today.

Voters will cast ballots in the 70-member Delhi Assembly on February 5 and count the results on February 8.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on February 1, marking her eighth consecutive budget delivery. The tradition of announcing the annual financial statement on February 1st continues, with Sitharaman having already presented six full budgets and two interim budgets. This will be the second Union Budget under the Narendra Modi 3.0 administration after the 2024 general elections. The budget presentation is expected to begin at 11 am.

The upcoming budget comes at a time when the government faces a weakening rupee, potential tariff threats from Trump, and sluggish domestic demand.

The budget announcement will take place on a Saturday, which means both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open for trading, despite their usual weekend closure. The exchanges have confirmed a live trading session for February 1 in an official circular.

This budget is expected to outline the economic course for the next three to four years and is likely to impact the Indian economy in the first half of 2025. Its significance has increased following a slowdown in India’s economic growth. The GDP growth rate dropped to 5.4% in the July-September quarter of 2024, the lowest in seven quarters, sparking calls for impactful fiscal actions.

Key expectations include taxpayers hoping for revisions to income tax slabs, particularly under the new tax regime. Businesses are anticipating incentives to encourage investment and job creation. Analysts believe the government may introduce initiatives aimed at promoting rural development, healthcare, and infrastructure while keeping fiscal discipline intact.

Interim vs Annual Budgets An annual budget outlines the government’s financial strategy for the full fiscal year, including allocations and revenue targets, and focuses on broad policy directions and sector-specific priorities. On the other hand, an interim budget is presented during election years or transitional periods. It covers essential government spending while avoiding significant announcements or policy shifts.

India celebrates its 76th Republic Day with grandeur, patriotism, and a spectacular parade showcasing the nation’s strength, culture, and achievements.

From the majestic Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path to the President’s address and special military displays, NewsX brings you live updates, key highlights, and exclusive coverage of the celebrations. Stay tuned for expert analysis, speeches, and insights into the significance of this historic day.

The anticipation for the Oscars 2025 is reaching new heights as film enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the announcement of this year’s nominations. With a lineup of exceptional films in the running, fans are excited to see which ones will earn a place on the prestigious nomination list.

Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott are set to announce the 97th Academy Awards nominees live from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre on January 23.

The nominations will be live-streamed on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and across the Academy’s digital platforms.

Viewers can also catch the live broadcast on the Academy’s YouTube channel and ABC-TV’s Good Morning America. The announcements will take place at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT, while Indian audiences can tune in at 7 PM IST.

A tragedy was witnessed in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Tuesday, as at least six people are feared dead after passengers on the Pushpak Express jumped onto the tracks in panic, only to be hit by the incoming Karnataka Express. The incident occurred at around 4:19 PM near Badnera Junction, sending shock waves across the region.

According to initial reports, passengers aboard the Pushpak Express, which was traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, noticed sparks while the train was braking. Fearing a fire onboard, the passengers panicked and began fleeing the train, jumping onto the tracks in a frantic attempt to escape. Tragically, as they attempted to cross the tracks, they were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling in the opposite direction.

Stay tuned for more updates.

The Sealdah Sessions Court on Monday, January 20, will pronounce sentence to the convict, Sanjay Roy, in the heinous rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor who met her death at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in December last year. Roy was convicted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das on January 18, 2025.

The incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, sparked widespread outrage across India. The young doctor was found dead in a seminar room at the hospital, triggering widespread protests by junior doctors for justice and proper security arrangements at government hospitals. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case after the trial, has asked for “maximum punishment” for Roy. He is accused of rape and murder. The court is likely to award a death sentence or life imprisonment.

Stay tuned for the latest update:

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts, marking a dramatic political comeback after being convicted of felonies. His running mate, JD Vance, took the oath of office administered by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

In his inaugural address, Trump declared that “the golden age of America begins right now.” He laid out his priorities on trade, immigration, and national security, sharply criticizing President Joe Biden, who sat nearby. Trump boldly stated that “America’s decline is over” and reflected on the assassination attempt he survived the previous year, saying he was “saved by God to Make America Great Again.”

Hours before the leadership change, outgoing President Biden issued pardons for several individuals, including General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress involved in the January 6 investigation. Additionally, Biden granted preemptive pardons to his brothers, James and Frank, his sister Valerie, and their respective spouses.

Here Are The LIVE Updates:

Saif Ali Khan, aged 54, was attacked in his Bandra West residence in Mumbai during the early hours of Thursday. The assailant, suspected to be a burglar, stabbed Khan multiple times before fleeing the scene.

The attack occurred around 2:30 AM when an unidentified individual entered Khan’s home. During a confrontation, the intruder stabbed Khan six times, with two wounds being particularly deep; one was perilously close to his spine.

Khan was promptly taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, stated that Khan arrived at the hospital at 3:30 AM and was immediately taken into surgery. The medical team, including neurosurgeon Dr. Nitin Dange and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leena Jain, is closely monitoring his recovery. Khan is currently reported to be out of danger.

The much-awaited Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, regarded as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, commenced in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima, marking the beginning of a 45-day celebration of faith and devotion.

Millions of devotees from across the globe are expected to converge at the holy Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The act of taking a dip in these waters is believed to cleanse one’s sins and grant spiritual renewal, making this an event of profound religious importance.

This year’s Maha Kumbh is particularly special, occurring after a 12-year cycle and under the rare celestial alignment of Pushya Nakshatra, a configuration that last graced the skies 144 years ago. This alignment is considered highly auspicious, amplifying the spiritual energy of the event.

Key Highlights and Rituals

The festival features six significant Amrit Snans (holy baths), beginning with the two inaugural baths on Paush Purnima (January 13) and Makar Sankranti (January 14). These days are expected to witness an unprecedented influx of devotees seeking divine blessings.

The subsequent Amrit Snans are scheduled as follows:

• Mauni Amavasya: January 29
• Basant Panchami: February 3
• Magh Poornima: February 12
• Mahashivratri: February 26

A major attraction of the Kumbh Mela is the grand procession of the 13 Akharas, or Hindu monastic orders. These Akharas ceremoniously march toward the Triveni Sangam via the elaborately constructed pontoon bridges, performing traditional rituals and chanting hymns, creating a captivating spectacle of devotion.

Spread over thousands of hectares, the event reflects not only the religious fervor of its participants but also the logistical and administrative efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government. From sanitation to security, every aspect has been meticulously planned to accommodate millions of pilgrims safely.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is a flu-like virus that causes mild respiratory infections. It spreads through direct person-to-person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.

In recent weeks, HMPV’s spread in China has sparked widespread concern, with memories of the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh. The hashtag Lockdown trended for days on social media, reflecting public anxiety.

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

HMPV primarily affects children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While symptoms for most people include cough, fever, and a blocked nose, children under two years old are particularly at risk.

When Does HMPV Peak?

Like many respiratory viruses, HMPV thrives during late winter and spring when colder temperatures and closed indoor spaces facilitate transmission. Northern China, currently experiencing a spike in HMPV cases, is expected to see low temperatures persist until March. Other northern hemisphere nations, including the US, are also reporting rising infection rates.

HMPV in India

India has reported 17 cases of HMPV so far. The breakdown of cases is as follows:  Gujarat has reported the most cases, 5 cases as of now. Maharashtra and West Bengal reported 3 cases. Southern states, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have reported 2 cases. Assam and Puducherry reported 1 case each.

While most infections remain mild, health authorities worldwide are keeping a close watch on developments.

Stay tuned for latest updates.

The Election Commission of India announced today that the Delhi Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on February 5, 2025, with the vote counting scheduled for February 8. The announcement was made during a press conference by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with other senior poll officials.

The current 70-member Delhi Legislative Assembly’s term is set to end on February 23, 2025, and elections must be held before that date to form a new House. Delhi has consistently held its Assembly elections in a single phase, and this year will be no exception.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aiming to secure a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is putting in every effort to change the political landscape. The Congress party, which was aligned with AAP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is contesting independently this time, targeting both the BJP and AAP.

During the press conference, CEC Rajiv Kumar also highlighted an important milestone for India, stating that the country is set to create a new record by surpassing one billion voters. “Electoral rolls were released yesterday, and we are nearing 99 crore voters. We are on track to become a nation with over one billion voters, which will be another significant achievement for democracy,” Kumar remarked.

In addition to discussing India’s electoral progress, he also noted that 2024 is being seen as the “year of elections globally,” with two-thirds of the world’s population in democracies participating in elections across different nations.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards are underway in Los Angeles, celebrating the year’s top talent in film and television. Host Nikki Glaser set a lively tone with her opening monologue, drawing big laughs with jokes about Ozempic, politics, and playful jabs at the star-studded audience.

Zoe Saldaña took home the first award of the evening for her performance in Emilia Pérez, the Netflix film leading this year’s nominations. Hiroyuki Sanada earned best male actor in a TV drama for his role in Shōgun. Kieran Culkin won best supporting actor in a film for A Real Pain.

The ceremony features a wave of fresh talent, with 26 first-time nominees, including Ariana Grande for her role in the musical phenomenon Wicked. On the TV side, the intense kitchen dramedy The Bear leads the pack with the most nominations.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday, leaving the nation in deep sorrow. Known for his economic acumen and soft-spoken demeanor, Singh was widely respected for his contributions to India’s progress.

Singh’s health deteriorated on Thursday evening, and he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Sources said that he was taken to the emergency department of the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he passed away.

Manmohan Singh’s legacy is deeply aligned with his position as a reformist leader who played the most important role in the reformation of India’s modern economy. When he was Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, he initiated huge economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy. They paved the way for the overall growth path of the nation and brought accolades both at home and outside the country.

Singh served as prime minister of India for ten years, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) from 2004 through 2014. He will be remembered for numerous social and economic initiatives such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) besides the improvement of education and healthcare. The political situations were not that smooth throughout his tenure but still, one can say he is admired for his strong integrity and firm stand for administration.

One Nation One Election Bill Live Updates: The government is set to present the “One Nation, One Election” bill in the Lok Sabha today. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to introduce two key pieces of legislation: the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill.

Both the BJP and Congress have issued a three-line whip, directing all their Lok Sabha MPs to be present. Additionally, Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha are scheduled to gather at 10:30 AM at the Central Parliamentary Party (CPP) office to discuss the implications of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal.

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