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.
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 1 (ANI): Hollywood actor Richard Gere on Tuesday joined in celebrations in Dharamshala and the surrounding regions of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 90th birthday of 14th Dalai Lama While the Dalai Lama's birthday falls on July 6 as per the Gregorian calendar, festivities began on June 30 in accordance with the Tibetan calendar. The event has been attracting spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers who have been arriving from different parts of the world. Gere, is among the prominent people who have congregated in Dharamshala for the occasion that is attracting global spiritual leaders, dignitiaries and well wishers. Speaking to ANI during the event at Nechung Monastery, Gere remarked, "We're here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness's 90th birthday, his good health, his strength and compassion. Nechung is one of my oldest friends... this monastery is very important to me and my son. "He's been to my home in the US. He's also very close to my son, and it's always a delight being here. I've seen the pleasure of being here many times, so I feel like I have a connection with Nechung now. It's always a delight being here," Gere said. In a significant ritual held at the Nechung Monastery, the Nechung Oracle, regarded as one of the protector deities of the Tibetan community, entered into a trance state to bless the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leaders. CTA President Penpa Tsering, ministers, parliamentarians, and many Tibetan devotees were present for the event. Tsering explained the relevance of the ceremony, "This is the invocation of the Nechung Oracle. Nechung, along with Palden Lhamo, is an official protective deity of the Tibetan administration. We seek guidance from the oracle during periods of difficulty and uncertainty." On June 30 celebration at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a brief public appearance and reaffirmed his dedication to peace, compassion, and service to the Tibetan people and the broader global community. The celebrations has drawn numerous interfaith leaders, underlining the Dalai Lama's influence beyond Buddhism. Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram said, "Dalai Lama ji is a blessing to the world. His message is clear: peace over conflict. We are here to celebrate his 90 years of love and healing." Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati emphasised the Dalai Lama's example of compassion in the face of adversity. "He has taught us that even amidst hurt, one can still choose love, forgiveness, and truth." Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni echoed the message of non-violence and dialogue, "Religion is meant to connect, not divide. On this occasion, we reiterate that war solves nothing, dialogue and understanding are the paths forward." From July 2 to 4, Dharamshala will host a three-day international Buddhist conference, bringing together senior monks and scholars from various global traditions. The event will culminate in a major address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is expected to speak on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a topic of considerable interest within the global Tibetan and Buddhist communities. Additionally, the International Buddhist Confederation will host a special commemorative event on July 13 in New Delhi. (ANI)
PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP) -- Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world's largest religious gathering. Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati -- where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth. Here's what to know abo ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 27 (ANI): A female student was allegedly gang-raped inside a law college in Kolkata's Kasba on Wednesday evening. The police have arrested all three accused within 24 hours. The three accused, named as Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), were former students or staff members of the same law college. Also Read | Student Gang-Raped at South Kolkata Law College: Police Arrest 3 Youths for Sexually Assaulting Young Woman Inside Law College. According to the police, the accused named in the FIR will be produced before the A.C.J. ...Read More >
West Bengal News: A West Bengal woman on Thursday accused Padma Shri recipient Swami Pradiptanandaji, also known as Kartik Maharaj, of repeated rape over a decade. The woman also claimed that the people from his ashram forced the victim to go through abortion on the pretext of giving her a job. The victim lodged an FIR against the seer at Nabagram police station seeking a strong action against him. While reacting to the allegations, Trinamool Congress claimed that the alleged acts of the seer have defamed the monk community, adding that the accused is close to the BJP. However, Kartik Maharaj ...Read More >
Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday participated in a mass plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. While speaking to ANI, Pradhan stated that the plantation of trees under this initiative increased hope for nature, fulfilled the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and was also a significant step towards making India a net-zero country by 2070. Also Read | West Bengal: Woman Accuses Padma Shri Awardee Kartik Maharaj of Rape and Forced Abortion, Monk Dismisses Allegations As Conspiracy. He fu ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 7 (ANI): Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan arrived at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Friday and said that the 'Sanatana' culture embodies the oneness of being and that all the differences dissolve in it. Speaking to the media here, Arif Khan highlighted the Indian culture of seeing divinity in humanity, asserting that "manav" (humans) are a reflection of "Madhav" (God). Khan also noted that India's heritage, values, and ideals continue to be celebrated at the Mahakumbh, fostering unity among people beyond personal familiarity. "We should always not ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 27 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations in Ahmedabad on Friday. On the occasion of 148th Rath Yatra, the Gujarat CM pulled the chariot at the Shree Jagannathji Mandir. Union Home Minister Amit Shah early today offered prayers at the Ahmedabad's Jagannath Temple and performed the Mangala Aarti. Also Read | Punjab: Jailed Gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria's Mother Harjit Kaur Among 2 Shot Dead by Unidentified Bike-Borne People in Batala, Terrifying Video Surfaces. Taking to his official 'X' handle, Amit ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, as thousands of devotees began pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour. Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. Also ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Some people experienced suffocation and reportedly fell unconscious due to high humidity during the Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri on Friday, prompting an immediate medical response, officials said. According to officials, ambulances were rushed to the spot after some people complained of breathing difficulties and were reported unconscious due to the humidity. Those affected were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals and provided with necessary medical assistance. Speaking on the incident, Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, 'Due to high humidity, one or ...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 >
New Delhi, December 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government is committed to providing every facility to the devotees visiting Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Ahead of his visit to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, PM Modi said that he will take stock of the works related to the Maha Kumbh and also inaugurate and launch multiple development projects. PM Modi Prayagraj Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Arrive in Prayagraj Today To Launch Development Projects Worth Around INR 5,500 Crore. "Along with making the Maha Kumbh of faith divine and grand, we are committed to providi ...Read More >
Digha (West Bengal) [India], June 27 (ANI): The first-ever Rath Yatra at the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha is set to begin soon on a 1 km route on Friday. ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das said the festival is inspired by the Puri Rath Yatra and added that West Bengal Chief Minister will join the event at 2 pm. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, June 27 2025: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. Speaking to ANI, Radharamn Das said, "Digha Jagannath Yatra is inspired by Puri Rath Yatra. ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
DEHRADUN, India - Tibetans in exile celebrate the 90th birthday of spiritual leader the Dalai Lama next week, an occasion overshadowed by uncertainty about the future of the role and what it means for their movement. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist -- who Tibetans say is the 14th reincarnation of the 600-year-old post -- will reveal if there will be another Dalai Lama after him. The inevitable change ahead brings wider concerns for Tibetans over the struggle to keep their identity alive after generations in exile, following a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. The ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the year-long commemoration marking the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, will be held on Saturday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, beginning at 9 A.M. The Prime Minister is scheduled to formally inaugurate the centenary celebrations at around 11 A.M. and he will also address the gathering on the occasion. PM Narendra Modi To Begin 5-Nation Tour on July 2 To S ...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 >
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A parliamentary delegation from New Zealand and Fiji on Wednesday highlighted their solidarity with the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for freedom. The event, which was held on Tuesday, followed the Central Tibetan Administration's official commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Also Read | Joe Biden Slams US President-Elect Donald Trump's Tariff Approach, Calls 'Action a Major Mistake'. The delegation, which included New Zealand Members of Parliament (MPs) Joseph Mooney, Ingrid L ...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: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Preparations for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, set to commence on Friday in Puri, are in their final stages, with elaborate arrangements in place for the grand festival. District Magistrate Siddharth Swain and Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal provided updates on the planning underway to ensure a smooth and secure event. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi's Demand for Digital Voter List of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and Vidhan Sabha Polls Legally Untenable, Say Experts. Officials stated that elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Yatra. Pu ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will hold a meeting on Friday. During the meeting, the committee will record evidence of experts/non-official witnesses in connection with the examination of the subject 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been the chairperson of the Committee of the External Affairs since September 2024. India has strongly condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka, criticising the role of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in allowing the destruction and projectin ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Friday extended his greetings on the occasion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, praying for happiness, prosperity, and good health for all. He said the holy journey plays an important role in preserving the religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the people and takes it to greater heights. In a post on X, JP Nadda wrote, 'Heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath Ji's Rath Yatra. This holy journey is significant for preserving the religious, cultural, and spiritual herit ...Read More >
Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint protest march of their parties in the city on July 5 against what they allege is imposition of Hindi in the state's schools from Class 1 through the new three-language policy. This will be the first time they will come together on a political platform after Raj Thackeray's decision to quit Shiv Sena to form MNS nearly two decades ago.There has been speculation of a reunion of the estranged cousins for the coming civic polls, and the protest march is being seen as the first step in that direction, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.Uddhav and Raj had ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Friday accorded approvals to a slew of industries. Among those are Krishnapatnam Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which is set to establish a 350 MW Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Thamminapatnam and Mommidi villages of SPSR Nellore district with a Rs 1,225 crore investment, creating 575 jobs. Furthermore, the government also waived off a Rs 54 crore extension of time fee, contingent on project completion within two years as per the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024. The government also allocated 22.80 acres at MPSEZ in N ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations marking the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, a revered Jain spiritual leader, philosopher and social reformer. The event, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust. The tribute programme aims to commemorate the enduring legacy of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, known for his profound contributions to the promotion of Jai ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the centenary celebrations of the revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital on Saturday. The celebrations mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute to the spiritual leader, being organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj also graced the occasio ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that with cleanliness and yoga, the country will move towards realising the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' at a fast pace. Preparations for International Yoga Day 2025 have begun with the launch of a cleanliness campaign on May 27, and daily yoga classes are underway for the grand event on June 21. CM Saini said, 'When Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of Yoga at the United Nations, 177 countries agreed. Today, Yoga, derived from our land, has reached everyone globally. The Prime Minister has worked to spre ...Read More >
Thousands of pilgrims, including foreigners, congregated in Digha, West Bengal, for the Rath Yatra festival. The Chief Minister, along with cabinet members, initiated the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Rituals commenced in the morning with 'Pahandi Vijay' at the newly-built Jagannath Dham Temple, followed by the idols being placed on the chariots amid devotional chants and festivities.Thousands gathered from different parts of the state to attend the Rath Yatra fe ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured today with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand here. Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati'." The event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rash ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 27 (ANI): The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has witnessed an extraordinary surge in devotees, with over 6.019 million pilgrims taking the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers as of 12 pm on Monday, as per Uttar Pradesh government. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday took a holy dip at the Sangam Triveni in Prayagraj in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. Also Read | Uttarakhand Becomes First State To Implement Uniform Civil Code; CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches UCC Portal, Credits People for Implementatio ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 26 (ANI): After its vast and largely volunteer-led support effort to feed the multitude at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year, the Adani Group has now turned its attention to another of India's most iconic religious festivals -- the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Held annually at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, the nine-day chariot procession draws millions of pilgrims from across the country and beyond. For the Adani Group, corporate social responsibility has always extended beyond infrastructure, education and healthcare. Increasingly, it includes ...Read More >