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The Mahakumbh Mela has begun with vibrant preparations in Prayagraj, as the 'Amrit Snan' is set for Makar Sankranti on January 14. The Mela administration has confirmed the bathing schedule for the 13 Akharas, ensuring compliance with traditional customs. The Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will lead the event, departing from their camp at 5:15 am and bathing from 6:15 to 6:55 am. Following them, the Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara and Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand will take their turn. The All India Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara will be the first Bairagi Akhara, starting its ritual at 9:40 am. The Udasin Akharas will follow, with the Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara concluding the Amrit Snan. The Maha Kumbh, a significant religious event held every 12 years, will continue until February 26, 2025. Key bathing dates include January 14, January 29, February 3, February 12, and February 26. 
Published: Jan 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inFormer IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who gained notoriety for allegedly falsifying disabilities and forging a backward class certificate to pass the civil services exam, has appealed to the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court denied her anticipatory bail. The High Court described her actions as a "classic example of fraud," indicating intentions to deceive the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the nation. Khedkar is accused of attempting the exam beyond the allowed six attempts for general category candidates by altering her and her parents' names. She defended herself by asserting that her identity was verified through biometric data and claimed that only her middle name was changed. In July, the UPSC revoked her selection as a junior government officer, and two months later, the government dismissed her. Khedkar, who has denied all allegations, argues she is being targeted after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a senior official.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant statement, Sharad Pawar clarified that the INDIA bloc, an opposition alliance, is solely intended for national elections, aligning with remarks from Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Pawar emphasized that discussions about local and state elections have not occurred within the alliance, although he mentioned that decisions regarding local body elections will be made in the coming days. Raut expressed skepticism about forming alliances for local elections but reaffirmed the INDIA bloc's unity for Lok Sabha and assembly contests, urging Congress to take a leadership role in maintaining cohesion. The Congress party has indicated that its central leadership will determine its approach for local polls, which have yet to be scheduled. Amidst speculation of a softer approach towards the BJP by some alliance members, Pawar firmly rejected any notion of defection, asserting that no NCP member wishes to align with the BJP.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTelugu filmmaker Trinadha Rao Nakkina has issued an apology following backlash over comments he made about actress Anshu during the teaser launch of his upcoming film, *Mazaaka*, in Hyderabad. Rao suggested that Anshu, who is returning to acting after a 20-year hiatus, needed to gain weight for her role, referencing her appearance in the 2002 film *Manmadhudu*. His remarks drew widespread criticism on social media, labeled as "cheap," "sexist," and inappropriate. In response, Rao released a video stating that his comments were intended as humor and expressed regret for any offense caused. Anshu defended Rao, asserting that his words were misinterpreted and praising him as a respectful director. She expressed her excitement about her return to the industry and gratitude for the support she received during filming, urging everyone to focus on the film rather than the controversy.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's new central bank governor, Sanjay Malhotra, has indicated a shift in currency policy, allowing the rupee to fluctuate more freely while still intervening to manage excessive volatility. Since taking office in December, Malhotra has engaged with RBI departments ahead of his first monetary policy meeting in February, demonstrating an openness to letting the rupee depreciate in response to market conditions. This approach marks a departure from his predecessor, Shaktikanta Das, whose tight control resulted in low currency volatility and significant foreign exchange reserves. Following Das's exit, the rupee has fallen 2% against the dollar, exacerbated by a strong US dollar and rising oil prices. The RBI is monitoring the rupee's real effective exchange rate, which is currently considered overvalued. While aiming for greater depreciation to aid exporters, the RBI remains cautious due to India's high import costs, particularly for oil.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Kerala police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested 44 individuals in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a Dalit girl in Pathanamthitta, as confirmed by DIG S Ajeetha Begum. A total of 30 FIRs have been filed against 59 accused, with two suspects currently evading capture abroad; the police are considering issuing Look Out Circulars and potentially a Red Corner notice via Interpol for them. The investigation revealed that the girl, now 18, was reportedly gang-raped multiple times since the age of 13, with incidents occurring at various locations, including a rubber plantation and a hospital. The case emerged after her teachers alerted the Child Welfare Committee about changes in her behavior, prompting a police investigation. The SIT, led by Deputy SP P S Nandakumar, comprises over 30 officers and plans to expand after the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAs Delhi's election season heats up ahead of the February 5 polls, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Opposition BJP have resorted to musical jabs in their campaigns. The BJP unveiled a rap song criticizing AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, alleging the party has failed to deliver on promises related to health and education, with lyrics accusing him of deceiving the public. In response, AAP launched a Bhojpuri campaign song echoing the style of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari’s hit from the web series *Panchayat*, praising AAP's achievements over two terms and calling for Kejriwal's return to power. This use of Bhojpuri highlights the significance of voters from Purvanchal in Delhi. The election is poised to be a three-way contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress, with both parties exchanging serious allegations, including voter list tampering, as AAP seeks a third consecutive term after winning 62 of 70 seats in 2020.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe UK opposition, led by Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, appears largely ineffective following a significant electoral defeat for the Conservatives, who are described as rudderless after 14 years in power. Amid this political vacuum, tech billionaire Elon Musk has controversially stepped in, using social media to demand the dissolution of Starmer's government and a new election, while accusing him of neglecting child exploitation cases. Musk's comments have sparked backlash, particularly towards safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, whom he labeled a “rape genocide apologist.” The Home Office is monitoring Musk's social media for its potential influence on public discourse. Critics argue that while Musk raises valid questions about systemic failures in addressing grooming gangs, his interventions may deepen societal divisions and empower extremist narratives, complicating the political landscape in both the UK and Europe as he engages with far-right figures.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMeta is facing a summons from a Parliamentary Standing Committee in India following CEO Mark Zuckerberg's controversial comments regarding the 2024 general elections. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who chairs the committee on Communication and Information Technology, accused Meta of spreading misinformation and called for an apology to Parliament and the public. During a podcast, Zuckerberg claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a global decline in trust in incumbent governments, incorrectly suggesting that India’s ruling party lost in the 2024 elections. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refuted this, highlighting that India conducted a successful election with over 640 million voters, reaffirming trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. While the ruling BJP faced some setbacks, the NDA alliance maintained a majority with support from key allies, marking Modi's third consecutive term, a feat matched only by Jawaharlal Nehru in Indian history.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs Budget Day nears, the debate intensifies over the tax burden on India's middle class, particularly salaried individuals. Despite a significant rise in tax filings—from 3.35 crore in 2013-14 to 7.54 crore in 2023-24—many submit zero-tax returns, with the number of such filings doubling to 4.73 crore. Conversely, the actual number of taxpayers has increased from 1.66 crore to 2.81 crore. Following a corporate tax cut in 2019, personal income tax collections have surged by 141%, outpacing corporate collections, which grew by 83%. Individuals also contribute significantly to GST, with urban areas generating the majority of revenue. The middle class faces a steep tax burden; for instance, a Rs. 1 crore earner could pay nearly 40% of their income in taxes. With household savings at a low and insufficient wage growth, there are growing calls for tax relief and fair treatment for the middle class.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated Makar Sankranti in Ahmedabad on January 14, continuing his annual tradition of kite flying. Joined by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Shah enjoyed the festivities from the rooftop of a building in the Shantiniketan Society, where locals gathered to witness the event. Patel shared images on social media, highlighting the vibrant decorations of kites and rangoli created by society members. In his greetings, Shah emphasized the significance of Makar Sankranti as a celebration of Indian culture, energy, and progress, wishing the nation well on this auspicious occasion. The festival, marking the sun's transit into Capricorn, is celebrated under various names across India, including Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Bihu in Assam, while in Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan.
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