India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Angul (Odisha), June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The sacred festival of Rath Yatra was celebrated with great devotion and traditional splendor at Jagannath Temple in Dev Bhumi, Jindal Nagar, Angul, drawing thousands of devotees to witness the divine journey of the Chaturdha Murti -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan. The day commenced with Mangala Arati at the Anasara Bedi, followed by a series of age-old rituals like Mailam and Tadapa Lagi. Devotees thronged the temple premises from early morning, immersing themselves in spiritual chants and devotional hymns. The highlight of the celebration was the grand Pahandi Bije procession, where the deities were ceremonially brought to their beautifully decorated chariots. The atmosphere was electric with the sounds of conch shells, gongs, and chants of "Haribol" reverberating through the air. Adding to the sanctity of the occasion, Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal, accompanied by his wife Shallu Jindal and his mother, Savitri Jindal, MLA from Hisar, Haryana, actively participated in the rituals. Naveen Jindal performed the revered Chhera Pahanra -- the symbolic sweeping of the chariot platforms, a gesture of humility and devotion. Speaking on the occasion, Naveen Jindal said, "I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone as Jagannath Yatra begins. I pray to the Lord for the welfare and happiness of all." At exactly 3 p.m., the much-awaited chariot pulling began. Hundreds of devotees and local villagers gathered with immense enthusiasm to pull the divine chariots -- a sacred act believed to bring blessings and prosperity. Rath Yatra, celebrated in June-July, marks the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their aunt's abode, the Gundicha Temple. The deities remain there for nine days before returning, symbolising love, unity, and devotion. About 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed to the seaside pilgrim town for the event.
The annual 'Kartheeka Brahmotsavams' began at the temple of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru at Tiruchanur here on November 28 (Thursday). Priests hoisted the 'Dhwajapatam', the sacred flag bearing the imprint of the divine elephant (the celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavati), atop the temple flag post as part of the 'Dhwajarohanam' ceremony, which signalled the formal launch of the nine-day fete. Under the guidance of the 'Pancharatra Agama' adviser Manikantha Swamy, the officiating priest (Kankana Bhattar), K. Srinivasacharyulu, and priest Babu Swamy conducted the rituals. Executive Office ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
Chennai: Hours before Union home minister Amit Shah was to arrive in Madurai, Thuglak editor and an associate of Shah, S Gurumurthy on Saturday met PMK founder S Ramadoss. The PMK leader, however, ruled out the possibility of meeting Amit Shah during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu.Gurumurthy met Ramadoss for the second time amid reported tension within PMK regarding alliance strategies and insistence by Anbumani Ramadoss to remain party president. The hour-long meeting took place at the T Nagar residence of A K Vijay Mahesh, son of former Union minister and PMK leader A K Moorthy, sources sai ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
Assam Beef Ban: A political row has erupted over the Assam government's decision to ban the public consumption of beef in the state with the Opposition labelling it "against the right to freedom" while the ruling BJP lauding the state Cabinet's call. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced on Wednesday that his government has decided to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): Responding on the arrest and denial of bail of Chinmoy Krishna Das the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urged Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote", the statement said. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' ho ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Karthigai Deepam 2024 is set for December 13, with rituals honoring Lord Shiva and spreading spiritual light. The lighting of lamps symbolizes victory over darkness and ignorance. Karthigai Deepam, one of the most cherished festivals in Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant celebration of light, spirituality, and devotion. In 2024, the festival will be observed on Friday, December 13, a day marked by the lighting of countless earthen lamps (deepam) to signify the triumph of light over darkness and good over ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Pakistan high commission on Wednesday said it issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples in Punjab province's Chakwal district. The group has been given visas to visit the Katas Raj temples from December 19 to 25. The temples are also known as Qila Katas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Under the provision of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year.Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. ...Read More >
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the naval dockyard for the commissioning ceremony of three naval vessels -- two warships INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer -- on Wednesday. The event will take place between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. According to a defence spokesperson, thies commissioning represents a crucial advancement towards fulfilling the national ambition to emerge as a global force in defence production and maritime security. Later, Modi will be at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai at 3.30 pm. Officials said that as part of his initiative to streng ...Read More >
Ayodhya: A new spiritual milestone was achieved in Ayodhya on Thursday with the grand Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Darbar at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath participated in the sacred rituals as the chief guest, underscoring the occasion's spiritual and cultural significance. The Ram Darbar, installed on the first floor above the sanctum of Ram Lalla, features intricately carved idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman. This event follows 498 days after the historic consecration of Ram Lalla on January 2 ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 5 (ANI): Pointing out the developmental works done by the Centre and his administration in Ayodhya, where Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is located, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that earlier bullets were fired on people coming to the city, but now people visiting the temple were welcomed with a shower of flowers. The Chief Minister was apparently referring to the police firing on karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi protest in 1990. Also Read | World Environment Day 2025: Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani Lauds PM Narendra Modi's ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): Thousands of devotees rejoice as they make their way to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple today, a momentous occasion in the spiritual and cultural landscape of India. Uttam Kumari Sheluwal, a local from Nepal, said,' We've come to Ayodhya to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, where our beloved Bhagwan Shri Ramchandraji resides. Our family's Ishtadev is Bhagwan Shri Ram, and we worship Mata Janaki too. We're thrilled to be here in Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram, and can't wait to have Darshan of Prabhu Shri Ram. We're grateful to Chief Minister Yogi ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed courts across the country to refrain from admitting or passing any new orders on pleas seeking surveys of mosques to determine if temples lie beneath them. This decision extends to existing suits, halting any further orders on the matter. The directive was issued as the apex court continued hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This Act prohibits filing lawsuits to reclaim places of worship or alter their character from what existed on August 15, 1947. Judicial Revie ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: In a massive incentive, the Law department has approved Rs 2.25 crore for Daitapati servitors of the Shree Jagannath Temple if they ensure a smooth Rath Yatra. A proposal in this regard was sent by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) recently. In a letter to the Srimandir chief administrator, the department informed that the government has approved Rs 2.25 crore as a 'special reward' for Daita servitors for disciplined conduct during the annual festival of the Trinity. The money will be paid from the SJTA funds and replenished with the allotment of funds as spe ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >
Ayodhya, Dec 5 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Opposition parties of trying to divide society, saying what Mughal ruler Babur's army did in Ayodhya and Sambhal is what is happening in Bangladesh. The chief minister, who was in the temple town for the inauguration of the 43rd Ramayan Mela, said Lord Ram united the whole society. "Had we given importance to unity and not let the strategy of nation's enemies succeed in creating social animosity, this country would have never become a slave. Our pilgrimages would not have become impure. A handful of inv ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Gundicha Temple, where the deities of Jagannath temple were born, is being prepared for a visual transformation through enhancement work before Rath Yatra on June 27."The beautification work includes stone-cladding of the outer boundary wall, landscaping and illumination arrangements to welcome the deities at their place of birth during Rath Yatra. The aesthetic transformation will give a visual delight to the deities and devotees," chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee told TOI.The temple's exterior boundary wall, previously co ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a story that reads like the plot of a high-stakes geopolitical thriller, Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered the presence of a mysterious Pakistani woman known as 'Madam N' - a suave and powerful business tycoon from Lahore with alleged orders straight from Pakistan's notorious spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Her mission was to infiltrate India through culture, faith and charm and to raise a ghost army of 500 spies scattered quietly across Indian soil. What began as a routine interrogation of arrested social media influencers turned into the stunning ...Read More >
Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Friday flagged off the first air-conditioned 'Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' from Durgapura railway station under the Devasthan department's Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme-2025. This initiative marked the beginning of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, carrying around 800 passengers.Under the scheme, 50,000 senior citizens will travel to 13 different pilgrimage sites via AC trains for the first time this year. The eight-day journey is the longest among the Devasthan department's pilgrimages, including visits to the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlin ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha BJP government has renamed 21 schemes launched by the previous BJD regime, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the assembly Thursday. The BJP government took oath June 12 after defeating the 24-year-old Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in the assembly elections. In a written reply to a query by BJD legislator Tusharkanti Behera, the Chief Minister said the state government has renamed 21 existing schemes and launched seven new ones. According to a statement, the BJP government has rebranded eight schemes that were named after the late Biju Patnaik, father of form ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Outgoing Governor Raghubar Das said Odisha's success in advancing on the path of development while preserving its traditions is truly inspiring. "Odisha has achieved recognition for its rich culture and glorious tradition. The enthusiasm and unparalleled hospitality of the people of Odisha has left a deep impression on my heart. Odisha's success in moving ahead on the path of development while adhering to its tradition is truly inspiring," said Das. He further stated that after spending more than 13 months in Odisha, he is leaving with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for t ...Read More >
Tirumala: As a mark of devotion and royal legacy, Mysore Rajmata Pramoda Devi Wadiyar donated two large silver Akhandas (eternal lamps) to Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala temple. The offering was received by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu on behalf of the temple administration at an official handover ceremony held at Ranganayakula Mandapam. Weighing approximately 50 kilograms each, the akhandas make for a total silver usage of 100 kilograms. The akhanda lamps being lit in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple through day and night, are considered a symbol of eternal ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Ayodhya Ram Mandir was open to the public in January last year. The first floor of the temple will have Raja Ram installed in his grand, kingly form. This step also involves performing Pran Pratishtha for several deities throughout the complex, including those in seven nearby shrines and seven additional mandapams. As the second phase of the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has started, let us tell you about the beautiful golden top (Shikhar) and the new first floor of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. About the First Floor of Ayodhya Ram Mandir The Ram Mandir T ...Read More >
Sagar (Madhya Pradesh): A banyan tree, believed to be 5,000 years old and spread over two acres in the Deori Kalan area, is 16km from the Sagar district headquarters. It is a storehouse of oxygen, say experts. A large number of people from different parts of the country flock to the 64-Yogini temple in this place. The temple is under the banyan tree. It stands as a rare treat to devotees visiting the temple. The pop roots of the tree are touching the ground. Thousands of bells are hanging from the branches of the banyan tree, which shows their faith in the temple and in the tree. The nation ...Read More >