The Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress forged an alliance on Monday for the upcoming Chandigarh mayoral polls.

Under the arrangement, the AAP will fight for the mayor's seat while the Congress will contest the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal said in Chandigarh.

The development came amid the two constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) holding talks over seat sharing for this year's Lok Sabha polls.

But the state units of both parties in Punjab appear reluctant so far to make any concession to the other side.

The Congress and the AAP have been separately claiming that they will win all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.

After announcing the alliance of his party with the AAP for the January 18 polls, Bansal said, "This is the beginning of the end of the BJP's misrule in Chandigarh."

Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky said AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar Tita will contest the polls for the mayor's post while Congress nominees Gurpreet Singh Gabi and Nirmala Devi will fight for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor respectively.

Congress candidate Jasbir Bunty has withdrawn his nomination for the mayor's post, while AAP nominees Neha Musavat and Poonam have withdrawn their candidatures for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor respectively.

Speaking on the alliance with the Congress, the AAP's Chandigarh in-charge Jarnail Singh said, "Together, we will easily win this election and finally, Chandigarh will have a mayor from a party other than the BJP."

Singh said the mayoral polls will set an example that the AAP and the Congress together can defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

'To end the dictatorship of the BJP, the AAP and the Congress have decided to fight this election together. The BJP has done nothing for the welfare of Chandigarh and its people but now, all of it will change. With the AAP mayor, Chandigarh will see new heights of development and public welfare projects,' he said in a statement.

With the AAP and the Congress deciding on a tie-up for the Chandigarh mayoral polls, the contest is going to be two-way and observers believe that the two parties will have an edge over the BJP.

In the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 14 councillors. It also has an ex-officio member MP who has voting rights. The AAP has 13 councillors and the Congress seven.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor in the House.

The polls for the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor will be held on Thursday. The mayor is elected by the councillors through secret ballots.

Hence, the possibility of cross-voting cannot be ruled out. The Congress abstained from voting in 2022 and 2023, leading to the BJP's victory in the mayoral polls.

Elections for the three posts are held every year during the five-year term of the House.

This year, the mayor's seat has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.   -- PTI

All for the sake of his girlfriend. 

Singh was caught in Punjab's Faridkot on January 7 when he tried to appear in the government recruitment exam for 'multi-purpose health workers' in place of Paramjeet. 

He even carried fake Aadhaar and voter ID cards. 

But his fingerprints did not match the biometric record of the original candidate, according to the police. 

The invigilators reported the matter to the police, they said. 

The Fazilka resident has been booked for cheating, Faridkot Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Jasmeet Singh said.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president G Rudra Raju on Monday tendered his resignation to the party high command in Delhi, setting off speculation that Y S Sharmila is highly likely to assume that role and take on her brother Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"Yes, today he (Rudra Raju) resigned," Andhra Pradesh Congress leader Janga Goutham confirmed to PTI.

According to a source, Rudra Raju sensed a hint from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) that it is inclined to appoint Sharmila as Andhra Pradesh PCC president and pit her against her older brother, YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Sharmila has already expressed her willingness, saying she is ready to work anywhere that the Congress party fields her, whether it is Andaman & Nicobar Islands or anywhere else.

The source said the new PCC president could be announced only in a few days' time.

Recently, Sharmila merged her YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) with the Congress at Delhi in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, and emerged as a newly-minted frontline Congress leader of Andhra Pradesh.

The state is soon set to hold elections to the legislative assembly, along with the Lok Sabha polls.   -- PTI

Several seers on Monday came out strongly in support of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol at the temple in Ayodhya, which is scheduled for January 22, amid criticism of the exercise by some 'shankaracharyas' on the ground that the temple is not fully constructed yet.

Endorsing the ceremony, they noted that when the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony at the Somnath temple in Gujarat was done, it was far from complete and asserted that the exercise in Ayodhya was in line with scriptures.

Shashikant Das of Saryu Aarti said in a statement that the auspicious occasion in Ayodhya has come after a wait and struggle of 500 years and nothing should be done to take away from the enormity of the occasion.

The contribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in making it happen should be acknowledged, he said, asserting the entire country will be overflowing with joy on the occasion.

Mahant Narayan Giri of Dudheswar Mandir said the consecration ceremony is an event of great fortune and it was unfortunate that some people were raising an issue over it.

He said holy 'kalash' and 'dhwaja' (flag) were installed in the Somnath temple 14 years after the consecration ceremony, which was attended by the then president Rajendra Prasad.

The then home minister Sardar Patel had played a key role in the temple's reconstruction, he noted.

The Ayodhya ceremony is taking place at an auspicious time in accordance with what scriptures stipulate, and there is an atmosphere of joy in the country, he said, adding that no one should oppose it.

Spiritual leader Devki Nandan Thakur said no one should make an issue about the event.

Citing a book, he said the Somnath ceremony had taken place in 1951 when even its sanctum sanctorum was not fully complete.

The sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya temple is ready and so is its first floor, he said, adding that Modi is the first prime minister who 'proudly lives like a sanatani'.

At least two of the four 'shankaracharyas' have criticised the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, claiming that it was wrong to do so when the temple is still under construction.   -- PTI

The book, that has references taken from Mukherjee's diaries, was launched on the occasion of his birth anniversary last month. 

"Called on PM @narendramodi ji to present him a copy of my book Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers. He was as kind to me as he always had been & his regards for Baba remains undiminished. Thank you Sir," Mukherjee said. 

Responding to her post on X, PM Modi showered praise on the former President for his "greatness, wisdom and intellectual depth". 

"Always a delight to meet you Sharmistha Ji and remember the memorable interactions with Pranab Babu. His greatness, wisdom and intellectual depth is clearly visible in your book!" PM Modi said in the post. 

In the book, she said her father felt he was not included in the cabinet of Rajiv Gandhi due to his "non-subservient" attitude. She also touched upon his assessment of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 

Sharmistha Mukherjee had joined the Congress in 2014. She unsuccessfully contested the Delhi assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015. 

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mukherjee had said in September 2021 that she has "quit politics".

Here's an interview with Sharmistha, and an excerpt from her book.

In an apparent attempt to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party's focus on the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Aam Aadmi Party has announced its plan to hold 'Sundar Kand' recital programmes across Delhi on Tuesdays.

The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be held on January 22 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present there.

AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he will join a 'Sundar Kand' recital event along with his wife in the Rohini area and invited people to attend such programmes to be held near their homes. 

'Sundar Kand' is one of the chapters in the Ramayana devoted to Lord Hanuman.

'The Aam Aadmi Party is tomorrow organising Sundar Kand recitals at many places in Delhi for the peace, happiness and progress of all. I will along with my wife join the devotees at a temple in Rohini for the Sundar Kand recital at 3 pm. You all are invited to attend the recitals near your homes as per your convenience,' Kejriwal posted on X.

AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, 'Sundar Kand recitation programme will be held in all Assembly constituencies and municipal wards on the first Tuesday of every month. Party MLAs, councillors and office bearers will take part in the programmes that will held at over 2,600 places in the city.'

He invited the people of Delhi to participate in the programme enthusiastically.  -- PTI

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai and other party leaders took a holy dip in the Saryu river in Ayodhya on Makar Sankranti festival on Monday and paid obeisance to Ram Lalla.

While the Congress top brass has declined an invitation to the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the party's Uttar Pradesh unit stuck to its plan to offer prayers in the holy city on Makar Sankranti.

The Bharatiya Janata Party took a swipe at the Congress leaders, calling them opportunists who can do anything for politics, but the Congress hit back. 

"Sankrant is an auspicious occasion and we wanted to have the 'darshan' of Ram Lalla and offer prayers as our ancestors have done. Calling it political is a mistake and sin by the BJP. The truth is that BJP is doing dirty politics in the name of religion," Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said.

Asked about the Congress leaders' visit, Union minister and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi said, "They are like 'barsati mendak' (rain frogs) They can do anything for politics... they have been doing appeasement politics, but I will say 'better late than never'.

"These people who had called Lord Ram a fictional character are now being awakened... they have started on the right path and they should now also clear their conscience," she said.

After the holy dip in the Saryu River, Rai and other Congress leaders headed for Hanumangarhi and the grand new Ram temple in Ayodhya.

To queries about Congress leaders not coming for Pran Prathistha on January 22, Rai said they have come to the pilgrim centre on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

"Isn't the statue of the deity Ram 'pran prathistit' ...we have come to pay respect to the god on a more auspicious day of Makar Sankranti," Rai told reporters.

Later he said that 'we prayed for peace' in the country.

The visit was announced by Rai before the Congress said that president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party president Sonia Gandhi and leader of the party in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have turned down an invite for the January 22 temple consecration ceremony and accused the BJP of making it into a 'political project' for electoral gains.

Earlier, in the day, Rai accompanied by leader of the Congress legislature party in UP assembly Aradhana Mishra Mona arrived in Ayodhya from the state capital Lucknow by road, state party leader Uma Shankar Pandey, said. 

Senior leader Deepender Singh Hooda arrived in Ayodhya separately 'Lord Ram is the symbol of our faith. We believe that Ram belongs to everyone, and Lord Ram is within every person. This is not the first time I have come to Ayodhya. I came here a year ago to offer prayers to Ram Lalla', Hooda said.  -- PTI

In a post on X, Modi said he and Putin also agreed to chalk out a road map for future initiatives. 

"Had a good conversation with President Putin. We discussed various positive developments in our Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership and agreed to chalk out a roadmap for future initiatives. We also had a useful exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including Russia's presidency of the BRICS," the prime minister said.

Ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony, the Congress on Monday said it is not an 'atheist party' that it would oppose a temple or religious ritual, but had declined the invite as it is a 'political' event.

The opposition party also alleged that the January 22 event is being held in a hurry because of the Lok Sabha polls.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury last week 'respectfully declined' the invitation to attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, with the party accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of making it a 'political project' for electoral gains.

Asked about it at a press conference, party leader Kanhaiya Kumar said, "The Congress believes in sarvadharma sambhav (equal respect to all religions)." 

"The Congress is not against any religion or religious event or sentiment. It believes in sarvadharma sambhav and this has been the case from the beginning. (Mahatma) Gandhiji also repeatedly stated this," he added.

As far as the invitation to the temple consecration ceremony is concerned, Kumar said someone goes to meet the god when the latter calls him.

"Is it a wedding that an invite is needed? Who are they to invite? When the god calls people, they go. We are bhakts (devotees). God is about personal faith and not a matter of display," he said.

"Everyone knows why are they (BJP-RSS) doing it. Anyone will tell you that this is being done in a hurry because of the election," Kumar alleged.

Hence, the Congress has 'respectfully declined' the invite to the 'political event' of January 22, he said.

"We will go to the temple, why won't we go? You will see that during this (Bharat Jodo Nyay) yatra itself, we will go to many temples. We will go to temples, gurdwaras, churches, mosques. The Congress is not an atheist party that it will oppose a mandir or any religious ritual. It is a party of all religions and people from all religions," Kumar stressed.

Only the Congress can organise the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra because it is a party that belongs to everyone, he said.

The Congress leader said the debate should not be centred around the January 22 temple consecration ceremony as that is a 'political event'.

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress had said on Friday that the ruling party has made the Ram temple consecration ceremony an 'out-and-out political event', which is being held without taking the advice of shankaracharyas and by disregarding religious procedures.

The opposition party had also said religion is a personal matter and anyone is free to go to Ayodhya for 'darshan', but the invitation that was declined was for the January 22 event, which has been subjected to 'massive politicisation'.   -- PTI

President Droupadi Murmu visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi on Monday and said every Indian citizen, who visits this museum will feel proud.

The President became the 'first visitor' to the 'Narendra Modi Gallery', which will be opened to the public from January 16, the Culture Ministry said in a statement.

She visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and 'saw the displays there with deep interest', it said.

During her visit spanning nearly one-and-a-half hour, President Murmu also visited the Constitution Gallery in the old building of the Teen Murti Bhavan which houses the museum.

The president expressed her appreciation for the Sangrahalaya and also wrote in the visitor book.

'I am convinced that every Indian citizen who comes here and sees the various galleries of the Sangrahalaya will feel proud,' she wrote.

The 'Narendra Modi Gallery' is located on the ground floor of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya here and its opening will come days ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The construction of the Ram temple and the rejuvenation of other temples has been showcased as part of a section called 'Sanskriti' and other sections in the soon-to-open gallery will include 'Vikas', 'Paryavaran' and 'Suraksha' among others.

The Culture Ministry said President Murmu spent some time seeing its various sections such as 'Sushashan', 'Paryavaran', 'Vikas', 'Antarrashtriya Sadbhaava', 'Vigyanodaya', 'Sanskritik Dharohar', 'Suraksha' and 'Jan Bhagidari'.   -- PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has moved the Bombay high court challenging the decision taken by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker to not disqualify 14 MLAs belonging to the rival faction headed by former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Petitions filed on January 12 by Bharat Gogavale, the chief whip of the ruling Shiv Sena against the 14 MLAs, said they were challenging the 'legality, propriety and correctness' of the January 10 order passed by Speaker Rahul Narwekar dismissing the disqualification petitions submitted by him against the rival camp assembly members.

In the petitions, Gogavale maintained the Thackeray group MLAs not only violated the whip but also voluntarily gave up the membership of the Shiv Sena political party by their acts and omissions following a split in June 2022.

The pleas claimed the Speaker had failed to consider that along with giving up the membership, the (Sena-UBT) members also voted against the Shiv Sena-led government in cahoots with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), thereby seeking to topple the ruling dispensation.

As per the HC's website, Gogavale's petitions would be taken up for hearing on January 22.

While Gogavale moved the HC on January 12, the Thackeray faction on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Speaker's order declaring the Sena group led by Chief Minister Shinde as the 'real political party' after its split in June 2022.

The Speaker had also rejected the Thackeray faction's plea to disqualify 16 MLAs of the ruling camp, including Shinde.  -- PTI

The Adani group, which is redeveloping Dharavi slums in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, claimed the flat size was "17 per cent more" than what is offered as part of slum redevelopment projects. 

The new flats will have a kitchen and toilet, Adani said in a statement, adding that earlier, the dwellers of informal settlements were given houses measuring 269 sq ft. 

Since 2018, the state government started giving them homes measuring 315-322 sq ft. 

The redeveloped area will also have community halls, recreational areas, public gardens, dispensaries and daycare centres for children. 

January 1, 2000, has been decided as the cut-off date to determine eligible residents. 

The "ineligible residents" will be provided accommodation under the proposed affordable rental housing policy, as per the state government's norms. 

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a special purpose vehicle, formed as a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government. The company won the contract to rebuild the largest slum clusters in Asia in November 2022.

Addressing a press conference, Rai said that the muhurat (auspicious timing) was decided by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Varanasi.

"The religious rituals will begin from Jan 16 and will continue till Jan 21. On Jan 22, 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony will take place. The idol for which 'Pran Pratishtha' will be done is expected to be around 150-200kg. On 18th January, the idol will be placed at its position in the 'Garbh Griha' of the temple."

He further said that the formal procedures of pre-Praan Pratishtha sacraments will start on January 16 and continue till January 21.

General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that the Pran Prathishtha' is expected to conclude by 1 pm on January 22.

"On Jan 20 and 21 darshan will remain closed to public," he added."There are Seven Adhivaasas in Pran Pratishtha ceremony and a minimum of three Adhivasas are in practice. There will be 121 Acharyas conducting the rituals. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid will be overseeing, coordinating, anchoring and directing all the proceedings of the ritual and the principal Acharya will be Luckshmikant Dixit of Kashi," he added.

He further said that the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will be conducted in the august presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwatji, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patelji, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanathji and other dignitaries.

Rai said that all acharyas of all schools of Bharatiya spiritualism, religion, a system of worship, tradition, Sants of more than 150 traditions, Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas, as well as leading figures of more than 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, Dwipavasi tribal traditions, will remain present to witness the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony on the premises of the Temple of Nativity of Lord Ram. -- ANI

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) based its estimate on feedback received from trade associations of 30 cities across different states. 

"This event not only resonates with religious sentiments but also brings a surge in economic activities. The faith and trust of people are leading to the creation of many new businesses based on the country's traditional economic system," Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary General of CAIT, stated.

 He said that approximately 30,000 different programmes by trade associations are being organised across the country in view of the Ram temple consecration. These include market processions, Shri Ram Chowki, Shri Ram rallies, Shri Ram Pad Yatra, scooter and car rallies, and Shri Ram assemblies. Markets are witnessing a high demand for Shri Ram flags, banners, caps, t-shirts, and printed 'kurtas' featuring the image of the Ram temple.

 "The demand for models of Ram Mandir has also seen a rapid increase, and it is expected that over 5 crore models will be sold across the country for which small manufacturing units are working day-night in many cities of different states," Khandelwal said. 

 He informed that in the next week, more than 200 major markets in Delhi and a large number of smaller markets will witness Shri Ram flags and decorations. Delhi will also witness numerous cultural programmes, with folk dancers and singers coming from Vrindavan and Jaipur for performances in many markets, he added. PTI

 The speaker had also also rejected the Thackeray faction's plea to disqualify 16 MLAs of the ruling camp, including Shinde. In his ruling on the disqualification petitions on January 10, the speaker had not disqualified any MLA from the rival camps. 

 The ruling further cemented Shinde's position as the chief minister, 18 months after he led a rebellion against Thackeray, and added to his political heft in the ruling coalition which also consists of the BJP and the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in summer and state assembly elections due in the second half of 2024. 

 Narwekar had said no party leadership can use provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) to quell dissent or indiscipline within a party.

 The Shinde group had the support of 37 out of the total 54 Sena MLAs when party split in June 2022, the speaker had noted. The Election Commission had given the 'Shiv Sena' name and 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Shinde-led faction in early 2023. PTI

 The idol consecration of the temple will be carried out in a grand ceremony, which will attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries and seers. 

 The TSPC is a breakaway faction of the banned CPI (Maoist). Members of the outfit managed to escape from the spot after red rebels realised that they could be overpowered by the joint team of district police, Central Reserve Police Force and personnel of special force Jaguar, the officer said. 

 "The forest area has been cordoned off, and the operation is going on. Three firearms were recovered from the spot," the SP added. PTI

 The students were identified as G Dinesh (22) from Wanaparthy in Telangana and Nikesh (21) from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. Family members of the Telangana student are clueless about the cause of his death and also of his roommate's. 

 "Dinesh's friends who live in a nearby room called us on Saturday night and informed us about his death and his roommate's. We have no clue as to how he died," Dinesh's family members said. According to a family member, Dinesh went to Hartford, Connecticut in the US for higher studies on December 28, 2023 while Nikesh reached a few days later. 

 Incidentally, they were mutual friends of some common friends and became roommates after going to the US. 

 A member of Dinesh's family noted that they have sought the help of Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to bring back Dinesh's mortal remains. Wanaparthy MLA Megha Reddy has also chipped in to help bring back Dinesh's body. 

He called on the family members of the deceased student and comforted them. Further, a member of Dinesh's family said they had no contact with Nikesh's family members as the two went to the US only recently. Similarly, even the Srikakulam district administration does not have any information on Nikesh yet. 

 Srikakulam Police Special Branch DSP K Balaraju noted that even the district collectorate did not receive information on Nikesh or his family members. Expressing grief over the death of the student, Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy met the deceased student's family members in Wanaparthy town and conveyed his condolences. -- PTI

 Ten trains, including Vande Bharat, have been cancelled while 35 trains, including Doon Express, will run on alternate routes. 

The run of 14 other trains will also be affected. The Vande Bharat Express running from Ayodhya Cantt to Anand Vihar was earlier cancelled till January 15 for the ongoing works, said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Lucknow Division, Rekha Sharma. 

 Now, the cancellation has been further extended till January 22, she added. Doubling of Ayodhya railway section is being done on high priority for the consecration ceremony, said a Railways official. PTI

In the video Sachin Tendulkar's Video and Voice has been manipulated to make it sound like Tendulkar was promoting the app.

Tendulkar who spotted the manipulation took to X cautioning his fans and the public that that the video was fake and asked people to report such applications, videos and advertisements.

He also tagged the Maharashtra Cyber Police, Union Electronics and Information Technology Ministry and Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekar, in his tweet.

"These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers. Social media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and fake news. @GoI_MeitY, @Rajeev_GoI and @MahaCyber1," tweeted Sachin.

 Against the backdrop of a passenger assaulting a pilot onboard an IndiGo aircraft at the Delhi airport on Sunday, the minister said unruly behaviour is unacceptable. 

 "Incidences of unruly behaviour amidst this are unacceptable, and will be dealt with strongly in line with the existing legal provisions," he said.

 According to Scindia, aviation regulator DGCA will issue an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for airlines on better communication and facilitation of passengers to minimise discomfort in view of flight cancellations and delays due to adverse weather. 

 Operations at the Delhi airport on Sunday were significantly impacted by dense fog on Sunday resulting in diversion, cancellation, and delay of many flights. PTI

NHAI is also encouraging FASTag users to complete 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) process of their latest FASTag by updating KYC as per RBI guidelines,it added. To avoid inconvenience, the statement said users must ensure that KYC of their latest FASTag is completed. 

 It added that FASTag users must also comply with 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' and discard all the earlier issued FASTags through their respective banks. 

 "Only the latest FASTag account shall remain active as previous tags will be deactivated/blacklisted after 31st January 2024," the statement said. For further assistance or queries, FASTag users can reach out to nearest toll plazas or toll-free customer care number of their respective issuer banks.

 The second day of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed from Imphal West in Manipur in the early hours of Monday. Jairam Ramesh told ANI that Rahul Gandhi listened to the pain of the people in Manipur. 

 "People are asking us why PM Modi has not visited Manipur? Everyone wants Rahul Gandhi to raise this issue in parliament and ask the PM to come to Manipur and meet the people. You can see how many people have gathered here. Rahul ji listened to the pain of those who are not able to go to school and colleges and those who are still in relief camps," he said. 

 He further asserted that everyone in the violence-hit state wants a strong government. "There is no governance here since last 8 months. Two ministers here are working online; they are not even in Manipur. Everyone wants a government--a sensitive government and a strong government. This is also the question that you have the mandate; your party is in power here and in Delhi. You consider yourself a double-engine government; then why are the people in pain?" he added.

Read the Rediff.com interview with Sharmistha Mukherjee here. 

 In a statement, the airline said Katariya "assaulted" the co-pilot and that the matter had been referred to an independent internal committee for the inclusion of the passenger on the "no-fly list". 

 In the short video clip, other crew members could be seen shouting at him after he hit the pilot. 

 In another video clip, Katariya was seen being taken out of the aircraft by security personnel even as he apologised for his conduct. He was then taken to a police station and later arrested. 

 According to the police, the co-pilot of flight number 6E 2175, between Delhi and Goa, and other security personnel gave a complaint regarding one passenger assaulting and misbehaving with them in the flight.

 Katariya misbehaved and hit co-pilot Anup Kumar and created nuisance inside the aircraft, the complaint stated. The passenger was agitated as the flight was delayed for several hours, police said. The flight took off from Delhi at 6 pm after a delay of more than 12 hours, according to flight tracking website flightradar24. 

 In a statement, IndiGo said the passenger was declared unruly and handed over to the local law enforcement agencies for further action as per protocol. According to the airline, the incident is being referred to the independent internal committee for appropriate action and inclusion of the passenger on the 'no-fly list' as laid down in regulatory guidelines.

 Calangute Police sought the extension of her custody stating the investigation is yet to conclude. Seth (39) was arrested from Chitradurga in Karnataka on January 8 while she was travelling in the taxi with her son's body stuffed in a bag and brought to Goa. 

A court in Mapusa town remanded her in police custody for six days. 

 She is accused of killing the child in a Candolim-based service apartment in Goa. A senior police officer told PTI on Monday that the accused is not cooperating with investigators. 

 "We had asked for an extension of her custody as we wanted more time to interrogate her. We have to also conduct other formalities like taking her DNA sample," he said. The recording of the statement by Seth's husband Venkat Raman is over, he added. PTI

Family members alleged that it was a communal incident because the attackers were from another community, however, police denied that the dispute was on religious grounds. 

 Additional Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Singh said around 11 am on Sunday, two people were injured in a fight in Champapurwa. 

 Based on a complaint, an FIR was registered at the Gangaghat police station against Kale Khan and his associates, he said and added that one of the injured, Vinod Kashyap, died during treatment. 

 Kale Khan, Chhotu Khan, Suhail and Jamshed have been detained, Singh said. Citing the FIR registered on the complaint from Kashyap's wife, Superintendent Police (SP) Siddharth Shankar Meena denied dispute on religious grounds.

 While talking to reporters, the victim's family members claimed that Kashyap and his brother were attacked in Gangaghat Kotwali when they were collecting donations for the temple in Unnao to organise a programme on January 22 to mark the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. 

 One of the attackers was a history-sheeter and the incident happened due to a dispute, they alleged and added that both Kashyap and his brother were admitted to a hospital. -- PTI

President Droupadi Murmu will visit Meghalaya and Assam from January 15 to 17.

Today, the President will inaugurate the Meghalaya Games at the PA Sangma Stadium, Tura.

On January 16, the President will address the members of Self Help Groups at Baljek Airport, Tura and virtually lay the foundation stone for the new Integrated Administration Complex, Tura.  

On January 17, the President will grace the golden jubilee celebrations of the Karbi Youth Festival at Taralangso, Diphu, Assam.

 Deora also said he aspired to collaborate with a leader who values constructive ideas, and that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has acknowledged his potential. 

 The former Mumbai South MP on Sunday morning resigned from the primary membership of the Congress, ending his family's "55-year-old association" with the party. 

Hours later he joined the Shiv Sena at the official residence of Shinde. Deora later posted a statement on his social media account on X listing reasons for quitting Congress. 

 Deora, son of Congress veteran late Murli Deora, has been sulking since Congress' ally Shiv Sena (UBT) staked a claim on the Mumbai South parliamentary constituency for the upcoming elections. 

 Milind Deora was elected to Lok Sabha from Mumbai South in 2004 and 2009. He lost in 2014 and 2019 to Arvind Sawant who contested as a Shiv Sena (undivided) candidate on both occasions. 

 While admitting that his decision to part ways with Congress is deeply emotional, Deora stated that he aspired to collaborate with a leader who values constructive ideas, acknowledges his credentials and aims to leverage his abilities in Parliament for the progress of the nation and state.

 "Eknath Shinde ji believes in my potential and embodies the belief that hard work can achieve the impossible," he stated. 

 Without taking names, Deora criticised the Congress for its strong criticism of the Adani Group in recent years. "The party that once initiated the country's economic liberalisation now targets business houses as 'anti-national.' It has strayed from celebrating the country's diverse cultures and religions, fostering a division based on caste and creating a North-South divide. It has deviated from its ideological and organisational roots," he said. 

 Deora further said the Congress has not only failed to come back to power but has also failed to effectively serve as a constructive opposition at the Centre. 

 He went on to highlight the humble backgrounds of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. 

 "Today, we witness a chaiwala rising to become the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy and an autorickshaw driver serving as the chief minister of India's second-largest state. This transformation enriches the country's political landscape, affirming our egalitarian values," Deora added. PTI

 She said the party would not forge any tie-up for the Lok Sabha elections, due in April-May, and would go it alone. The party would consider aligning with any party after assessing the post-poll situation, she said. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had contested the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019 in alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

"We have established an internal committee, and the incident in question has been referred to them. The committee will determine appropriate action against the passenger, including the possibility of placing them on the 'No Fly List' under the unruly behaviour category," a senior IndiGo official said.

The incident occurred on Sunday, January 14, inside flight number 6E 2175 which was departing from Delhi to Goa. 

In a viral video, the agitated passenger, later identified as Sahil Katariya, was seen punching the co-pilot, identified as Anup Kumar, while he was announcing on board about flight delays. 

In the video, the co-pilot can be seen making an announcement. The passenger -- wearing a yellow jacket runs up him and slaps him on the face.

A flight attendant standing beside the co-pilot immediately comes to his rescue and stands in front him. The passenger is then pulled behind by another man as commotion spreads inside the cabin. The flight attendant can be heard shouting out "You can't do this; you can't do this" as the man who caused the commotion heads back to his seat.

The Delhi police have registered a case and started an investigation into the matter based on a complaint filed by Anup Kumar, the co-pilot of the IndiGo aircraft.

As per the Delhi Police, "Anup Kumar Co-Pilot of IndiGo Flight no 6E2175 and security came in Police Station and gave a complaint regarding one passenger namely Sahil Katriya who assaulted and misbehaved with copilot in flight no dt 6E2175 on dt 14/01/24 Delhi to Goa. He misbehaved in flight and hit the copilot and made nuisance inside aircraft . In this regard a complaint has been received from Co-pilot namely Anup Kumar. On the basis of complaint, a case vide FIR no 32/24 u/s 323/341/290 IPC and 22 aircraft rules has been registered and investigation taken up." -- ANI

After meeting Champat Rai in Ayodhya, Vinod Kumar told media that they are in constant touch with the nearby airports as there is no parking facility at the Ayodhya airport.

"We are in constant touch with nearby airports. Today's meeting was just a formal meeting. Landing details of almost 100 aircraft have reached us. Those aircrafts will disembark passengers here (in Ayodhya) and go to nearby airports like Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj because we have only 8 bays which will remain occupied," he said.

"The day PM's aircraft arrives, 1-4 bays will be occupied and only 4 bays will be left. Only if a person is important can he be accommodated here. Normal flights will continue on January 22 as well. Now we are preparing for further things. Everything will be finalised in 1-2 days," he added.

Regarding security, ADG Piyush Mordia also met Champat Rai and security-related arrangements were reviewed.

He has advised the people to come for darshan only after January 22. Arrangements have been made for this.

 A thick layer of fog was seen in several parts of the city, weather officials said. 

 On Sunday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 3.5 degrees Celsius, which was the previous lowest of the season. 

 This was a marginal dip from Saturday's 3.6 degree Celsius and Friday's 3.9 degrees Celsius -- both of which were the season's lowest on the day. The IMD has predicted very dense fog for Tuesday. 

It has predicted that cold wave conditions will prevail on Monday. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 382, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". PTI

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 720.33 points to reach an all-time peak of 73,288.78 in early trade. The Nifty also breached the 22,000 milestone, climbing 187.4 points to reach a lifetime high of 22,081.95. Among the Sensex firms, Wipro zoomed nearly 11 per cent even as the IT company on Friday posted 11.74 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,694.2 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2023. 

 The other prominent gainers were Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, State Bank of India and HDFC Bank. HCL Technologies on Friday reported 6.2 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 4,350 crore, highest ever on a quarterly basis, in the three months ended December 2023 on the back of growth in both services and software businesses. 

 Hindustan Unilever, Bajaj Finance, NTPC and Asian Paints were among the laggards.

According to official sources, the incident took place reportedly on Sunday.

As per the airline sources, the male passenger assaulted Anup Kumar, the pilot of the Delhi-Goa Indigo flight (6E-2175) while the latter was making announcement about the delay in departure at around 1 pm.

The viral video purportedly shows agitated passenger running from the last row and hitting the pilot.

"A passenger punched an Indigo capt in the aircraft as he was making delay announcement. The guy ran up from the last row and punched the new Capt who replaced the previous crew who crossed FDTL. Unbelievable !," a user posted on social media platform X.

The crew members were seen trying to calm the agitated passenger and urging others to stay buckled in. After the video of the incident went viral on social media platforms, the aviation security agency has taken cognizance and initiated a probe into the same.

Meanwhile, IndiGo has lodged a formal complaint against the passenger, and the process of filing a case is underway, the airline sources said.

Delhi police have assured appropriate action into the incident.

"We received a complaint and are taking appropriate legal action," a senior official with Airport police said.

On Sunday, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport witnessed chaotic scenes as dozens of flights were delayed due to dense fog and bad weather conditions. This left hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport for several hours.

The work is in its final stages. Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Sharad Sharma said that the Ram Temple Trust is considering installing these paintings in the courtyard of Ram Lalla.

 However, a final decision on this is yet to be taken. Apart from the men, who died waging the fight for the Ram Temple since 1949, the paintings will also feature slain Kar Sevaks from 1990 and thereafter.

 Karsevakpuram is an area in Ayodhya roughly two kilometres from the Ram Janmabhoomi site where the volunteers had taken refuge during the Ram Mandir movement, in a bid to escape arrest and police firing. At that time, it was a desolate area surrounded by guava trees. 

The place was also infested with monkeys back in the day and wasn't patrolled regularly by the police.

Renowned poet Munawwar Rana passed away at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences here on Sunday. He was 71 years old.

He was suffering from throat cancer for a long time.

Rana's daughter Sumaiya Rana told PTI that her father died at the hospital late on Sunday night and will be laid to rest on Monday.

The poet is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.

"He was hospitalised for 14 to 15 days due to illness. He was first admitted to Medanta in Lucknow and then to SGPGI where he breathed his last around 11 pm today," Rana's son Tabrez Rana told PTI.

Born in 1952 in Rae Bareli, Munawwar Rana was awarded the Gyanpeeth Award in 2014. His use of simple words in the poems made his works popular among the common people.

Rana's poem 'Maa', which is considered one of his most famous works, has a special place in the world of Urdu literature. 

Sharing a couplet from Rana's poem, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, in a post on X, condoled the poet's demise.

"The demise of the country's renowned poet Munawwar Rana ji is extremely heart-wrenching. Wishing peace to the departed soul. Heartfelt tribute," Yadav wrote.