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A video of a man forcing a live fish to drink beer has gone viral over social media, sparking outrage and animal abuse concerns.
In the bizarre video shared on Instagram, a man can be seen holding a Rohu fish as he tilts a beer bottle near its mouth, forcing it to drink. Another man stands beside him as they both laugh at the act.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blenheim-palace-golden-toilet-heist-thieves-carried-out-daring-heist-and-escape-in-five-minutes-8754952">Blenheim Palace Golden Toilet Heist: Lavatory artwork was stolen in just five minutes</a>
The unusual incident caught on camera evoked reactions from social media users. While some found it amusing, many criticised it, calling it animal cruelty. Many users also tagged People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), urging them to take action against the men.
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The clip was posted by a social media account &lsquo;Rare Indian Clips&rsquo; which has a following of over 21k. The account&rsquo;s bio reads, &ldquo;Posting here Rare Unseen Clips daily for you.&rdquo; The video has gained nearly 400k views within just a day since it was shared, with hundreds of comments.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accuses-aap-of-cheap-politics-refutes-ambedkar-modi-photo-swap-claim-8753507">BJP accuses AAP of &lsquo;cheap politics&rsquo;, refutes Ambedkar-Modi photo swap claim</a>
<h2>Social media reacts</h2>
While some joked, &ldquo;King(fish)er&rdquo;, referring to the beer brand, many others expressed outrage.
&ldquo;Not funny. Animal abuse,&rdquo; a user commented. While several commented that they didn&rsquo;t find it funny.
Another user wrote, &ldquo;@peta @petaindia requires some appropriate actions immediately.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-of-donald-trump-sucking-elon-musks-feet-plays-on-govt-screen-watch-8754577">AI video of Donald Trump sucking Elon Musk's feet plays on govt office screens - WATCH</a>
<h2>Can alcohol harm fish?</h2>
According to research conducted at New York University (NYU), Zebrafish showed changes in behaviour when exposed to alcohol. While moderately intoxicated fish swam faster, leading sober fish, ones with higher alcohol concentrations tended to lag behind and showed sedative effects, according to The Fisheries Blog.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-trump-humiliates-macron-subtly-at-white-house-snubs-awkward-handshakes-and-more-8753876">Watch | Trump 'humiliates' Macron: Snubs, tense handshakes and more from White House meet</a>
Alcohol can harm fish and lead to disorientation and impaired swimming. It may also lead to possible toxicity. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, prolonged exposure to alcohol in fish can affect their nervous system and organ function.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending | In the bizarre video shared on Instagram, a man can be seen holding a Rohu fish as he tilts a beer bottle near its mouth, forcing it to drink.

A video of a man forcing a live fish to drink beer has gone viral over social media, sparking outrage and animal abuse concerns. In the bizarre video shared on Instagram, a man can be seen holding a Rohu fish as he tilts a beer bottle near its mouth, forcing it to drink. Another man stands beside him as they both laugh at the act. Also read | Blenheim Palace Golden Toilet Heist: Lavatory artwork was stolen in just five minutes The unusual incident caught on camera evoked reactions from social media users. While some found it amusing, many criticised it, calling it animal cruelty. Many users also tagged People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), urging them to take action against the men. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rare Indian clips (@indianrareclips) The clip was posted by a social media account ‘Rare Indian Clips’ which has a following of over 21k. The account’s bio reads, “Posting here Rare Unseen Clips daily for you.” The video has gained nearly 400k views within just a day since it was shared, with hundreds of comments. Also read | BJP accuses AAP of ‘cheap politics’, refutes Ambedkar-Modi photo swap claim Social media reacts While some joked, “King(fish)er”, referring to the beer brand, many others expressed outrage. “Not funny. Animal abuse,” a user commented. While several commented that they didn’t find it funny. Another user wrote, “@peta @petaindia requires some appropriate actions immediately.” Also read | AI video of Donald Trump sucking Elon Musk's feet plays on govt office screens - WATCH Can alcohol harm fish? According to research conducted at New York University (NYU), Zebrafish showed changes in behaviour when exposed to alcohol. While moderately intoxicated fish swam faster, leading sober fish, ones with higher alcohol concentrations tended to lag behind and showed sedative effects, according to The Fisheries Blog. Also read | Watch | Trump 'humiliates' Macron: Snubs, tense handshakes and more from White House meet Alcohol can harm fish and lead to disorientation and impaired swimming. It may also lead to possible toxicity. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, prolonged exposure to alcohol in fish can affect their nervous system and organ function. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Man forces fish to drink beer, Internet expresses outrage over ‘animal abuse’

Is it possible to cover a five-hour journey in 30 minutes? May be YES! IIT Madras, with support from the Ministry of Railways, has developed a 422-metre-long India's first hyperloop test track. With the help of this, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes now.&nbsp;
It further means that once it becomes a reality, you can travel a distance of roughly 300 km from Delhi to Jaipur in less than half an hour.&nbsp;
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X, and wrote, "Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The hyperloop project at <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a>; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. <a href="https://t.co/S1r1wirK5o">pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o</a>
&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1894106186401943878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. Union Minister Vaishnav said that the first pod of 422 metres will go a long way in developing technologies.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-railways-minister-vaishnaw-lauds-bharats-first-hyperloop-test-track-watch-video-781953">India Railways Minister Vaishnaw lauds &lsquo;Bharat&rsquo;s first hyperloop test track,&rsquo; watch video</a>
"I think the time has come when, after the first two grants of one million dollars each, the third grant of one million dollars will be given to IIT Madras for further developing the hyperloop project," he added.&nbsp;
The railways plan to undertake the first commercial project soon.&nbsp;
The minister further said, "We&rsquo;ll decide on a site which can be used for good commercial transportation of, let&rsquo;s say, some 4,050 kilometres."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-elon-musks-hyperloop-still-popular-even-after-decade-of-setback-496171">Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback?</a>
<h2>Know about a hyperloop track</h2>
Hyperloop, referred to as the "fifth mode of transport", is a high-speed transportation system for long-distance travel.&nbsp;
It further allows trains to travel at very high speeds via special capsules in vacuum tubes.&nbsp;
"It involves an electromagnetically levitating pod within a vacuum tube, thus eliminating friction and air drag and potentially allowing the pod to reach speeds up to Mach 1.0," according to an official press release.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/500-meter-long-hyperloop-test-facility-to-come-up-in-india-iit-madras-students-team-secures-funding-478140">500-metre-long hyperloop test facility to come up in India, IIT-Madras students' team secures funding</a>
A Mach is around 761 miles per hour at sea level on a standard day.
Swiss professor Marcel Juffer came up with the first Hyperloop concept in the 1970s.&nbsp;
These hyperloops' vision is to reach speeds that are comparable to or even higher than those of flights by significantly lowering air resistance and friction.&nbsp;
"Hyperloop will be marked by its immunity to weather, collision-free commute, which can move at twice the speed of a plane, with low power consumption and energy storage for 24-hour operations," the release added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/virgin-hyperloop-first-successful-human-passenger-test-341873">Virgin Hyperloop completes first successful human passenger test</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

India News: The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. With the help of this technology, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes.

Is it possible to cover a five-hour journey in 30 minutes? May be YES! IIT Madras, with support from the Ministry of Railways, has developed a 422-metre-long India's first hyperloop test track. With the help of this, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes now. It further means that once it becomes a reality, you can travel a distance of roughly 300 km from Delhi to Jaipur in less than half an hour. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X, and wrote, "Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation." The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025 The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. Union Minister Vaishnav said that the first pod of 422 metres will go a long way in developing technologies. Also read: India Railways Minister Vaishnaw lauds ‘Bharat’s first hyperloop test track,’ watch video "I think the time has come when, after the first two grants of one million dollars each, the third grant of one million dollars will be given to IIT Madras for further developing the hyperloop project," he added. The railways plan to undertake the first commercial project soon. The minister further said, "We’ll decide on a site which can be used for good commercial transportation of, let’s say, some 4,050 kilometres." Also read: Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback? Know about a hyperloop track Hyperloop, referred to as the "fifth mode of transport", is a high-speed transportation system for long-distance travel. It further allows trains to travel at very high speeds via special capsules in vacuum tubes. "It involves an electromagnetically levitating pod within a vacuum tube, thus eliminating friction and air drag and potentially allowing the pod to reach speeds up to Mach 1.0," according to an official press release. Also read: 500-metre-long hyperloop test facility to come up in India, IIT-Madras students' team secures funding A Mach is around 761 miles per hour at sea level on a standard day. Swiss professor Marcel Juffer came up with the first Hyperloop concept in the 1970s. These hyperloops' vision is to reach speeds that are comparable to or even higher than those of flights by significantly lowering air resistance and friction. "Hyperloop will be marked by its immunity to weather, collision-free commute, which can move at twice the speed of a plane, with low power consumption and energy storage for 24-hour operations," the release added. Also read: Virgin Hyperloop completes first successful human passenger test (With inputs from agencies)

Jaipur to Delhi in 30 mins: India's first hyperloop test track unveiled at IIT Madras

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's latest post on X, where he can be seen posing for a selfie with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Secretary of State for Trade Jonathan Reynold, has further sparked the ongoing speculation about his rift with the grand old party.
The picture was shared following the discussions on the India-UK trade deal.
It captures a warm moment, with Tharoor flashing a bright smile as he stands alongside Goyal, who is equally beaming.
Taking to X, Tharoor wrote, "Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7kdxsqi-24t18emy-wenpkthi">
Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain&rsquo;s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce &amp; Industry Minister ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a>⁩. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome <a href="https://t.co/VmCxEOkzc2">pic.twitter.com/VmCxEOkzc2</a>
&mdash; Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1894225091149664308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
This comes amid growing speculations of strained ties between Tharoor and the Congress after he hailed the policies of Kerala's ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front government.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/important-match-today-shashi-tharoor-dodges-congress-rift-questions-8749967">Also read: &lsquo;Important match today&rsquo;: Shashi Tharoor dodges Congress rift questions</a>
<h2>Tharoor praised economic policies of Kerala govt</h2>
Tharoor sparked controversy within his party after praising both the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government in Kerala and PM Narendra Modi&rsquo;s meeting with US President Donald Trump.
In a newspaper article published on February 14, Tharoor praised the economic policies of the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While the Left party welcomed his comments, Congress leaders criticised Tharoor&rsquo;s stance.
"As a Member of Parliament from Kerala, I wrote this article focusing on a specific issue&mdash;the transformation of the industrial landscape through the growth of the startup sector. As a Congress worker, I take pride in acknowledging that it was former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who initiated this change," he said in his defence.
<h2>Tharoor applauds PM Modi</h2>
Later, the Congress MP voiced a rare praise for PM Modi after US President Trump called the Indian Prime Minister a "great leader".
"He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me," the US President said.
Referring to Trump's remarks, Tharoor said: "To hear a man like Donald Trump, whose defence secretary called him the greatest negotiator in the world, announcing that the Indian prime minister was a better negotiator than he was, that sounds like something Mr Modi can put in the bank, that sounds very good."
Tharoor&rsquo;s comments on PM Modi evoked strong reactions, prompting him to say that he spoke with India's interests in mind. "We cannot always speak only in terms of party interest," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Tharoor sparked controversy within his party after praising both the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government in Kerala and PM Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's latest post on X, where he can be seen posing for a selfie with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Secretary of State for Trade Jonathan Reynold, has further sparked the ongoing speculation about his rift with the grand old party. The picture was shared following the discussions on the India-UK trade deal. It captures a warm moment, with Tharoor flashing a bright smile as he stands alongside Goyal, who is equally beaming. Taking to X, Tharoor wrote, "Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome." Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce & Industry Minister ⁦@PiyushGoyal⁩. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome pic.twitter.com/VmCxEOkzc2 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 25, 2025 This comes amid growing speculations of strained ties between Tharoor and the Congress after he hailed the policies of Kerala's ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front government. Also read: ‘Important match today’: Shashi Tharoor dodges Congress rift questions Tharoor praised economic policies of Kerala govt Tharoor sparked controversy within his party after praising both the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government in Kerala and PM Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump. In a newspaper article published on February 14, Tharoor praised the economic policies of the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While the Left party welcomed his comments, Congress leaders criticised Tharoor’s stance. "As a Member of Parliament from Kerala, I wrote this article focusing on a specific issue—the transformation of the industrial landscape through the growth of the startup sector. As a Congress worker, I take pride in acknowledging that it was former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who initiated this change," he said in his defence. Tharoor applauds PM Modi Later, the Congress MP voiced a rare praise for PM Modi after US President Trump called the Indian Prime Minister a "great leader". "He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me," the US President said. Referring to Trump's remarks, Tharoor said: "To hear a man like Donald Trump, whose defence secretary called him the greatest negotiator in the world, announcing that the Indian prime minister was a better negotiator than he was, that sounds like something Mr Modi can put in the bank, that sounds very good." Tharoor’s comments on PM Modi evoked strong reactions, prompting him to say that he spoke with India's interests in mind. "We cannot always speak only in terms of party interest," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Shashi Tharoor's latest post with BJP's Piyush Goyal fuels Congress rift speculation

Rescue efforts to evacuate the eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in India's Telangana after a partial collapse on Saturday morning have entered their fourth day.&nbsp;
Nagarkurnool SP Vaibhav Gaikqad said on Tuesday morning that a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and rat miners have gone inside the tunnel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-report-delhi-govt-suffered-losses-of-rs-2000-crore-due-to-liquor-policy-8754958">CAG report: Delhi govt suffered losses of Rs 2,000 crore due to liquor policy</a>
"The locomotive is going up to 12 km, but on the next 1.5 km stretch, there is water. We have sent water pumps inside and will clear debris from the railway track so the locomotive reaches the 13.5 km mark," Gaikqad said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-ex-congress-mp-sajjan-kumar-gets-life-in-prison-8755027">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison&nbsp;</a>
Authorities have also reached out to the experts as reports emerged that vertical drilling from the top was ruled out.&nbsp;
The Nagarkurnool District Collector, B Santhosh, confirmed that experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) are being consulted before any further action is taken. He said that the stability of the tunnel is being thoroughly assessed while dewatering continues.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-to-receive-heavy-snowfall-over-the-next-three-days-8754920">Kashmir to receive heavy snowfall over the next three days</a>
"As of now we are not able to communicate with them (trapped). We are taking the advice of the Geological Survey of India and some other people. As of now, we are dewatering and going forward. But for the last 40 or 50 metres, we are not able to go. As of now, we are taking the advice of GSI and NGRI. L&amp;T experts have also come here," he told the news agency PTI.&nbsp;
Authorities at ground zero said that the teams were not able to go into the last 50 metres where the eight persons were trapped due to the accumulation of muck and debris.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pigs-got-dirt-vultures-got-up-cm-yogi-adityanaths-jibe-at-opposition-for-slamming-maha-kumbh-2025-8754696">&lsquo;Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025&nbsp;</a>
<h2>'Government is tirelessly working'&nbsp;</h2>
Bhuvanagiri MP Chamala Kiran Kumar of Congress party told news agency ANI, "The government is tirelessly working to rescue the workers. The Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy are monitoring the situation."&nbsp;
"The rescue teams are working on removing the debris. We got a call from PM Modi and our leader, Rahul Gandhi, to inquire about this incident. We are deploying all means to rescue the workers stuck in the tunnel," Kumar added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India News | Rescue operations for eight workers trapped in the tunnel collapse in Telangana have entered the fourth day, with no communication established yet.

Rescue efforts to evacuate the eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in India's Telangana after a partial collapse on Saturday morning have entered their fourth day. Nagarkurnool SP Vaibhav Gaikqad said on Tuesday morning that a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and rat miners have gone inside the tunnel. Also read: CAG report: Delhi govt suffered losses of Rs 2,000 crore due to liquor policy "The locomotive is going up to 12 km, but on the next 1.5 km stretch, there is water. We have sent water pumps inside and will clear debris from the railway track so the locomotive reaches the 13.5 km mark," Gaikqad said. Also read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison Authorities have also reached out to the experts as reports emerged that vertical drilling from the top was ruled out. The Nagarkurnool District Collector, B Santhosh, confirmed that experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) are being consulted before any further action is taken. He said that the stability of the tunnel is being thoroughly assessed while dewatering continues. Also read: Kashmir to receive heavy snowfall over the next three days "As of now we are not able to communicate with them (trapped). We are taking the advice of the Geological Survey of India and some other people. As of now, we are dewatering and going forward. But for the last 40 or 50 metres, we are not able to go. As of now, we are taking the advice of GSI and NGRI. L&T experts have also come here," he told the news agency PTI. Authorities at ground zero said that the teams were not able to go into the last 50 metres where the eight persons were trapped due to the accumulation of muck and debris. Also read: ‘Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025 'Government is tirelessly working' Bhuvanagiri MP Chamala Kiran Kumar of Congress party told news agency ANI, "The government is tirelessly working to rescue the workers. The Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy are monitoring the situation." "The rescue teams are working on removing the debris. We got a call from PM Modi and our leader, Rahul Gandhi, to inquire about this incident. We are deploying all means to rescue the workers stuck in the tunnel," Kumar added. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana tunnel collapse: 'Not able to communicate' with trapped workers as rescue efforts enter 4th day

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for a heatwave in Mumbai and nearby areas for February 25 and 26. Watch this report for more details!

Mumbai faces extreme heat, heatwave alert for Feb 25-26

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Feb 24) touted makhana aka foxnut as a &ldquo;superfood&rdquo; and said that it should be promoted globally. Addressing people at a rally in Bihar&rsquo;s Bhagalpur he revealed that he eats makhana &ldquo;at least 300 out of 365 days a year&rdquo; as he highlighted his government&rsquo;s plans to boost the production and marketing of the superfood.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accuses-aap-of-cheap-politics-refutes-ambedkar-modi-photo-swap-claim-8753507">BJP accuses AAP of &lsquo;cheap politics&rsquo;, refutes Ambedkar-Modi photo swap claim</a>
<h2>Makhana a &lsquo;staple&rsquo;</h2>
PM Modi said that makhana has now &ldquo;become a staple part of breakfast in cities across the country. It is a superfood that we must now take to global markets.&rdquo;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s why, in this year&rsquo;s budget, the government has announced the formation of a Makhana Board for the benefit of makhana farmers,&rdquo; he said.
He added that the government initiative will focus on value addition, better marketing strategies, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Eastern Indian state of Bihar.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-report-delhi-govt-suffered-losses-of-rs-2000-crore-due-to-liquor-policy-8754958">CAG report: Delhi govt suffered losses of Rs 2,000 crore due to liquor policy</a>
<h2>What is makhana?</h2>
Makhana, also known as foxnut or lotus seeds, is the seed of a Euryale ferox, a flowering plant extensively grown in marshy wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, and harvested for its seed.
The makhana seed is low-fat and high in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. It boasts a variety of health benefits including reducing heart disease risk and blood pressure.
<h2>India and makhana</h2>
In India, makhana is a popular snack used in a variety of dishes.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/food-recipe/makhana-vs-peanut-which-is-the-ultimate-snack-for-weight-loss-1728469267283">Makhana vs Peanut: Which is the Ultimate Snack for Weight Loss? </a>
India happens to be the biggest exporter of makhana. Last year, the nation exported 25,130 million metric tonnes of makhana overseas.
The top nations that import makhana from India are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
(With inputs from agencies)

Discover how Prime Minister Modi aims to take makhana, a recognized superfood, to global markets, highlighting its health benefits and economic potential for India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Feb 24) touted makhana aka foxnut as a “superfood” and said that it should be promoted globally. Addressing people at a rally in Bihar’s Bhagalpur he revealed that he eats makhana “at least 300 out of 365 days a year” as he highlighted his government’s plans to boost the production and marketing of the superfood. Also read | BJP accuses AAP of ‘cheap politics’, refutes Ambedkar-Modi photo swap claim Makhana a ‘staple’ PM Modi said that makhana has now “become a staple part of breakfast in cities across the country. It is a superfood that we must now take to global markets.” “That’s why, in this year’s budget, the government has announced the formation of a Makhana Board for the benefit of makhana farmers,” he said. He added that the government initiative will focus on value addition, better marketing strategies, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Eastern Indian state of Bihar. Also read | CAG report: Delhi govt suffered losses of Rs 2,000 crore due to liquor policy What is makhana? Makhana, also known as foxnut or lotus seeds, is the seed of a Euryale ferox, a flowering plant extensively grown in marshy wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, and harvested for its seed. The makhana seed is low-fat and high in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. It boasts a variety of health benefits including reducing heart disease risk and blood pressure. India and makhana In India, makhana is a popular snack used in a variety of dishes. Also read | Makhana vs Peanut: Which is the Ultimate Snack for Weight Loss? India happens to be the biggest exporter of makhana. Last year, the nation exported 25,130 million metric tonnes of makhana overseas. The top nations that import makhana from India are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. (With inputs from agencies)

Makhana the 'superfood' to be taken global, says PM Modi. Here's where India stands in foxnut export

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday (Feb 25) tabled the CAG report in the assembly which noted that the Delhi government suffered cumulative losses of over Rs 2,000 crore (USD 242.42 million) due to the 2021-2022 excise policy.&nbsp;
The Delhi government led by the Aap Aadmi Party (AAP) implemented the liquor policy on November 17, 2021. But it was scrapped at the end of September 2022 as corruption allegations were levelled against the party. AAP denies the accusations.&nbsp;
The investigating agencies have said that the profit margins of wholesalers were increased from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new policy. The agencies have also alleged that the new policy resulted in cartelisation and those ineligible for liquor licences were favoured for monetary benefits.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-ex-congress-mp-sajjan-kumar-gets-life-in-prison-8755027" aria-label="1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison&nbsp;</a>
The CAG report states that the reasons for the losses range from weak policy framework to deficient implementation.&nbsp;
The report also flagged violations in the process of issuing licences. It has pointed out that recommendations of an expert panel were ignored by then-deputy chief minister and excise minister Manish Sisodia.&nbsp;
The expert panel has been formed to suggest changes to the formation of the now-scrapped policy, which is just one of 14 on the previous Aam Aadmi Party government's performance to be tabled by the new Rekha Gupta-led dispensation.&nbsp;
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"The excise department suffered a loss of approximately Rs 890.15 crore on account of license fee from these zones owing to their surrender and failure of the department in re-tendering," the report added.&nbsp;
There was also a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 144 crore (USD 174.55 million) due to an "irregular grant" of waiver to the licensees because of Covid pandemic-related closure, the report said.&nbsp;
According to the report, the Master Plan Delhi-2021 prohibited the opening of liquor vends in non-conforming areas, but the Excise Policy 2021-22 mandated opening at least two retail vends in each ward.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pigs-got-dirt-vultures-got-up-cm-yogi-adityanaths-jibe-at-opposition-for-slamming-maha-kumbh-2025-8754696" aria-label="&lsquo;Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025">&lsquo;Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025</a>&nbsp;
The tender document for opening new vends had said no liquor stores would be located in a non-conforming area. In case, a vend was in a non-conforming area, it had to be considered with the prior approval of the government, said the report.
"The excise department did not take timely action to work out modalities for proposed vends in non-conforming areas and the initial tender was floated on June 28, 2021, without taking comments from the DDA and MCD,&rdquo; it said.
Licences were allotted in August 2021 even before this issue was sorted out and the vends were scheduled to start operations on November 17, 2021.&nbsp;
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), meanwhile, issued an order on November 16, 2021, disallowing vends in non-conforming areas, it said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-51-magnitude-earthquake-hits-kolkata-8753797" aria-label="India: 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Bay of Bengal">India: 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Bay of Bengal</a>
On December 9, 2021, the court exempted them from paying any licence fee in respect of mandatory vends in 67 non-conforming wards. This happened after the licensees approached the high court. It ended up in the exemption of the licence fee of Rs 114.50 crore (USD 138.78 million) per month.&nbsp;
"Non-sorting of this issue before notice inviting tender (NIT), resulted in this exemption and a cumulative loss of nearly Rs 941.53 crore," said the CAG report.
The report pointed out that 19 zonal licensees had surrendered their licences before the policy expired in August 2022 -- four in March 2022, five in May 2022 and 10 in July 2022.
The report mentioned that no re-tendering process was initiated by the excise department to operationalise the retail vends in these zones.&nbsp;
Consequently, no excise revenue accrued as licence fees from these zones in the months after surrender. Notably, no other contingent arrangement was put in place to continue liquor retail in these zones.
<h2>AAP MPs suspended&nbsp;</h2>
Earlier, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta expelled 12 AAP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Atishi, from the House for the day for raising slogans during Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's address.&nbsp;
While speaking on the CAG report, BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda said, "The BJP is committed to rooting out corruption in Delhi and has performed the constitutional duty and our commitment to the people of Delhi and the CAG report has been placed on the table."&nbsp;
"You saw this bizarre spectacle of 'AAPda' MLAs disrupting the House to prevent the CAG report. Just by delaying or by trying to prevent a CAG report from being laid on the table, they can not hide from the people of Delhi the massive corruption which has come out," he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India News | Understand the CAG's findings on policy violations, ignored expert recommendations, and the impact of non-conforming area liquor vends on revenue losses.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday (Feb 25) tabled the CAG report in the assembly which noted that the Delhi government suffered cumulative losses of over Rs 2,000 crore (USD 242.42 million) due to the 2021-2022 excise policy. The Delhi government led by the Aap Aadmi Party (AAP) implemented the liquor policy on November 17, 2021. But it was scrapped at the end of September 2022 as corruption allegations were levelled against the party. AAP denies the accusations. The investigating agencies have said that the profit margins of wholesalers were increased from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new policy. The agencies have also alleged that the new policy resulted in cartelisation and those ineligible for liquor licences were favoured for monetary benefits. Also read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison The CAG report states that the reasons for the losses range from weak policy framework to deficient implementation. The report also flagged violations in the process of issuing licences. It has pointed out that recommendations of an expert panel were ignored by then-deputy chief minister and excise minister Manish Sisodia. The expert panel has been formed to suggest changes to the formation of the now-scrapped policy, which is just one of 14 on the previous Aam Aadmi Party government's performance to be tabled by the new Rekha Gupta-led dispensation. Also read: Kashmir to receive heavy snowfall over the next three days "The excise department suffered a loss of approximately Rs 890.15 crore on account of license fee from these zones owing to their surrender and failure of the department in re-tendering," the report added. There was also a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 144 crore (USD 174.55 million) due to an "irregular grant" of waiver to the licensees because of Covid pandemic-related closure, the report said. According to the report, the Master Plan Delhi-2021 prohibited the opening of liquor vends in non-conforming areas, but the Excise Policy 2021-22 mandated opening at least two retail vends in each ward. Also read: ‘Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025 The tender document for opening new vends had said no liquor stores would be located in a non-conforming area. In case, a vend was in a non-conforming area, it had to be considered with the prior approval of the government, said the report. "The excise department did not take timely action to work out modalities for proposed vends in non-conforming areas and the initial tender was floated on June 28, 2021, without taking comments from the DDA and MCD,” it said. Licences were allotted in August 2021 even before this issue was sorted out and the vends were scheduled to start operations on November 17, 2021. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), meanwhile, issued an order on November 16, 2021, disallowing vends in non-conforming areas, it said. Also read: India: 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Bay of Bengal On December 9, 2021, the court exempted them from paying any licence fee in respect of mandatory vends in 67 non-conforming wards. This happened after the licensees approached the high court. It ended up in the exemption of the licence fee of Rs 114.50 crore (USD 138.78 million) per month. "Non-sorting of this issue before notice inviting tender (NIT), resulted in this exemption and a cumulative loss of nearly Rs 941.53 crore," said the CAG report. The report pointed out that 19 zonal licensees had surrendered their licences before the policy expired in August 2022 -- four in March 2022, five in May 2022 and 10 in July 2022. The report mentioned that no re-tendering process was initiated by the excise department to operationalise the retail vends in these zones. Consequently, no excise revenue accrued as licence fees from these zones in the months after surrender. Notably, no other contingent arrangement was put in place to continue liquor retail in these zones. AAP MPs suspended Earlier, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta expelled 12 AAP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Atishi, from the House for the day for raising slogans during Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's address. While speaking on the CAG report, BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda said, "The BJP is committed to rooting out corruption in Delhi and has performed the constitutional duty and our commitment to the people of Delhi and the CAG report has been placed on the table." "You saw this bizarre spectacle of 'AAPda' MLAs disrupting the House to prevent the CAG report. Just by delaying or by trying to prevent a CAG report from being laid on the table, they can not hide from the people of Delhi the massive corruption which has come out," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

CAG report: Delhi govt suffered losses of Rs 2,000 crore due to liquor policy

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case on Tuesday (Feb 25). He was accused of killing a Sikh father-son duo on November 1, 1984, after the assassination of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-congress-mp-sajjan-kumar-convicted-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-murder-case-8713804">1984 anti-Sikh riots: Ex Congress MP Sajjan Kumar convicted in Delhi case</a>
He was convicted in the case on February 12 under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly and murder etc.
Kumar was granted life in prison under section 302 IPC (murder), and 436 IPC (mischief by fire or explosive substance). Under sections 147 and 148, he was sentenced to two and three years behind bars respectively, with a fine.
This came after Kumar argued in the court that there was no ground for a death penalty against him in the case, claiming he was almost 80 years old and had shown good conduct while being jailed since 2018.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-delhi-court-defers-judgement-in-murder-case-against-sajjan-kumar-8698564">1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court defers judgement in murder case against Sajjan Kumar</a>
<h2>The 1984 riots</h2>
An armed mob allegedly resorted to large-scale looting and destruction of properties of Sikhs in the Punjabi Bagh area of Delhi in 1984. It was to avenge the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her security personnel. The mob first killed the father-son duo and then set their house on fire.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-takes-jibe-at-pm-modi-says-he-can-even-explain-god-how-universe-works-598632">WATCH | Ghost of Sikh riots haunts Rahul Gandhi's California visit, leader gets heckled by Khalistanis</a>
Sajjan Kumar was accused of the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar.
After the judgment, the family of those killed said they wanted the death penalty for Kumar.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-convict-serving-sentence-in-jail-dies-of-covid-19-310895">1984 anti-Sikh riots convict serving sentence in jail dies of COVID-19</a>
A protest was held outside the court before the judgment demanding the death penalty for the accused.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

INDIA NEWS | He was convicted in the case on February 12 under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly and murder etc.

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case on Tuesday (Feb 25). He was accused of killing a Sikh father-son duo on November 1, 1984, after the assassination of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. Also read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Ex Congress MP Sajjan Kumar convicted in Delhi case He was convicted in the case on February 12 under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly and murder etc. Kumar was granted life in prison under section 302 IPC (murder), and 436 IPC (mischief by fire or explosive substance). Under sections 147 and 148, he was sentenced to two and three years behind bars respectively, with a fine. This came after Kumar argued in the court that there was no ground for a death penalty against him in the case, claiming he was almost 80 years old and had shown good conduct while being jailed since 2018. Also read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court defers judgement in murder case against Sajjan Kumar The 1984 riots An armed mob allegedly resorted to large-scale looting and destruction of properties of Sikhs in the Punjabi Bagh area of Delhi in 1984. It was to avenge the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her security personnel. The mob first killed the father-son duo and then set their house on fire. Also read: WATCH | Ghost of Sikh riots haunts Rahul Gandhi's California visit, leader gets heckled by Khalistanis Sajjan Kumar was accused of the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar. After the judgment, the family of those killed said they wanted the death penalty for Kumar. Also read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict serving sentence in jail dies of COVID-19 A protest was held outside the court before the judgment demanding the death penalty for the accused. (With inputs from agencies)

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar gets life in prison

The MeT department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted a fresh spell of snowfall across various divisions of the Valley over the next three days. Kashmir Valley has been witnessing a major dry spell during the winter months of January and February.&nbsp;
The wet spell across the region will bring a lot of cheer and relief among the people of the Valley. Multiple water bodies and springs had dried up due to no precipitation in the region.&nbsp;
January and February 2025 received negligible precipitation, leading to the drying up of water bodies and glaciers and also causing rampant forest fires.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-ice-cricket-tournament-in-snow-clad-gurez-enthuses-locals-8745700" rel="dofollow">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Ice cricket tournament in snow-clad Gurez enthuses locals</a>
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir had to postpone the Khelo India Winter Games due to insufficient snow in the Ski Resort Gulmarg.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s already predicted that we will experience a wet spell, most likely from 25th to 28th February. At a few places tonight, moderate to heavy snow is expected, particularly over north and Central Kashmir. On 27 and 28, there might be moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly over south Kashmir and a few higher reaches of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal. A few places might witness very heavy snowfall. During the same period, light snowfall is expected over the plains of south Kashmir also and at a few places in Central Kashmir, said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-snowfall-and-rain-in-kashmir-valley-end-dry-spell-bring-respite-8740289" rel="dofollow">Fresh snowfall and rain in Kashmir Valley end dry spell, bring respite</a>
<h2>A dry Chillai Kalan</h2>
Global warming is impacting the weather patterns of Jammu and Kashmir drastically. With January 2025 being one of the driest 'Chillai Kalan' in many decades, the water bodies across the Kashmir division are drying up and are a cause for concern for summers. The MeT department and experts say the next three days of wet spell are going to be extremely important for replenishing the water bodies of the Valley. &nbsp;
The Met Department has advised people to halt farming activities for the next one week. The tourists are also advised to accordingly plan their travels.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Jammu region mostly rains are expected during next couple of days. Travellers and tourists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and have to follow traffic advisory. Farmers should stop spraying of fertilisers etc for the next week,&rdquo; said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT.&nbsp;
Areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg tourist destinations are also expected to receive fresh snowfall which will help the tourism to pick up again.&nbsp;

January and February 2025 received negligible precipitation, leading to the drying up of water bodies and glaciers and also causing rampant forest fires.

The MeT department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted a fresh spell of snowfall across various divisions of the Valley over the next three days. Kashmir Valley has been witnessing a major dry spell during the winter months of January and February. The wet spell across the region will bring a lot of cheer and relief among the people of the Valley. Multiple water bodies and springs had dried up due to no precipitation in the region. January and February 2025 received negligible precipitation, leading to the drying up of water bodies and glaciers and also causing rampant forest fires. Also Read: Jammu & Kashmir: Ice cricket tournament in snow-clad Gurez enthuses locals The Government of Jammu and Kashmir had to postpone the Khelo India Winter Games due to insufficient snow in the Ski Resort Gulmarg. “It’s already predicted that we will experience a wet spell, most likely from 25th to 28th February. At a few places tonight, moderate to heavy snow is expected, particularly over north and Central Kashmir. On 27 and 28, there might be moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly over south Kashmir and a few higher reaches of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal. A few places might witness very heavy snowfall. During the same period, light snowfall is expected over the plains of south Kashmir also and at a few places in Central Kashmir, said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT. Also Read: Fresh snowfall and rain in Kashmir Valley end dry spell, bring respite A dry Chillai Kalan Global warming is impacting the weather patterns of Jammu and Kashmir drastically. With January 2025 being one of the driest 'Chillai Kalan' in many decades, the water bodies across the Kashmir division are drying up and are a cause for concern for summers. The MeT department and experts say the next three days of wet spell are going to be extremely important for replenishing the water bodies of the Valley. The Met Department has advised people to halt farming activities for the next one week. The tourists are also advised to accordingly plan their travels. “Jammu region mostly rains are expected during next couple of days. Travellers and tourists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and have to follow traffic advisory. Farmers should stop spraying of fertilisers etc for the next week,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT. Areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg tourist destinations are also expected to receive fresh snowfall which will help the tourism to pick up again.

Kashmir to receive heavy snowfall over the next three days

The Maha Kumbh Mela area will be a no-vehicle zone from 4 PM on Tuesday, with the entire Prayagraj following suit from 6 PM onwards in view of the massive influx of devotees for the last special bathing date coinciding with Mahashivratri on February 26.
Authorities have imposed these restrictions to ensure smooth crowd movement.
However, vehicles carrying essentials will be exempted, according to an official statement.
The administration has urged all visitors to comply with the guidelines and cooperate with officials, according to the statement issued by the Mela Police.
"Devotees should bathe only at the nearest designated ghats based on their entry points. Those arriving from the Dakshini Jhunsi route should use Arail Ghat, while those from the Uttari Jhunsi route should head to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat. Pande Kshetra entrants have been directed to Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat. Devotees coming through the Arail sector should use Arail Ghat for bathing," it stated.
"Essential services, including the transport of milk, vegetables, medicines, fuel, and emergency vehicles, will not be restricted. Government personnel such as doctors, police officers, and administrative staff will also have free movement," it added.
February 26 marks both the concluding snan of the Maha Kumbh Mela and the festival of Mahashivratri.
In view of this, devotees are advised to bathe at their nearest ghats and offer prayers at local Shiva temples to prevent overcrowding at major pilgrimage sites, the statement read.
"To control the massive gathering, pontoon bridges will be managed based on crowd density. Officials have urged devotees to avoid unnecessary movement and return to their destinations promptly after completing rituals," it stated.
The Mela Police Administration has appealed to all visitors to follow these instructions and help maintain order during the grand religious event.
Being held after 12 years, this Maha Kumbh Mela started on January 13 and culminates on February 26. The mega fair has recorded a footfall of over 63 crore pilgrims and visitors, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Discover how Prayagraj transforms into a no-vehicle zone on February 26 for the Maha Kumbh Mela's final bathing day, ensuring a smooth flow of millions of devotees.

The Maha Kumbh Mela area will be a no-vehicle zone from 4 PM on Tuesday, with the entire Prayagraj following suit from 6 PM onwards in view of the massive influx of devotees for the last special bathing date coinciding with Mahashivratri on February 26. Authorities have imposed these restrictions to ensure smooth crowd movement. However, vehicles carrying essentials will be exempted, according to an official statement. The administration has urged all visitors to comply with the guidelines and cooperate with officials, according to the statement issued by the Mela Police. "Devotees should bathe only at the nearest designated ghats based on their entry points. Those arriving from the Dakshini Jhunsi route should use Arail Ghat, while those from the Uttari Jhunsi route should head to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat. Pande Kshetra entrants have been directed to Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat. Devotees coming through the Arail sector should use Arail Ghat for bathing," it stated. "Essential services, including the transport of milk, vegetables, medicines, fuel, and emergency vehicles, will not be restricted. Government personnel such as doctors, police officers, and administrative staff will also have free movement," it added. February 26 marks both the concluding snan of the Maha Kumbh Mela and the festival of Mahashivratri. In view of this, devotees are advised to bathe at their nearest ghats and offer prayers at local Shiva temples to prevent overcrowding at major pilgrimage sites, the statement read. "To control the massive gathering, pontoon bridges will be managed based on crowd density. Officials have urged devotees to avoid unnecessary movement and return to their destinations promptly after completing rituals," it stated. The Mela Police Administration has appealed to all visitors to follow these instructions and help maintain order during the grand religious event. Being held after 12 years, this Maha Kumbh Mela started on January 13 and culminates on February 26. The mega fair has recorded a footfall of over 63 crore pilgrims and visitors, according to the Uttar Pradesh government. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

No-vehicle zone imposed in Prayagraj for Feb 26, Maha Kumbh Mela’s final bathing day

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath slammed the opposition for criticising the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj saying people only got what they searched for at the religious gathering. &nbsp;
"Vultures got only dead bodies. Pigs got dirt," the UP CM said in the state assembly.&nbsp;
He further lashed out at the Samajwadi Party (SP).&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-fires-back-at-lalu-yadav-over-faaltu-hai-kumbh-remark-jungle-raj-leaders-abusing-maha-kumbh-8753344">PM Modi slams Lalu Yadav over &lsquo;faaltu hai Kumbh&rsquo; remark: &lsquo;Jungle Raj leaders abusing Maha Kumbh&rsquo;</a>
"Sensitive people got a beautiful picture of relationships. People with faith got a sense of fulfilment. Gentlemen got gentlemanliness, the poor got employment, and the rich got business. Devotees got clean arrangements... Devotees got God. It means that everyone has seen and felt things according to their nature and character," he said.&nbsp;
The CM even slammed the SP leader and former chief minister of UP Akhilesh Yadav claiming he appointed a "non-Sanatani" as the in-charge of the gathering in 2013. It referred to the time Mohammad Azam Khan was made in charge of the religious congregation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/from-akshay-kumar-to-raveena-tandon-bollywood-stars-rush-to-take-holy-dip-as-mahakumbh-nears-end-8753189">From Akshay Kumar to Raveena Tandon, Bollywood stars rush to take holy dip as Maha Kumbh nears end</a>
<h2>'Appointed a non-Sanatani as the in-charge'</h2>
"We have not played with faith like you. In your time, the chief minister did not have time to see and review the event and therefore he appointed a non-Sanatani as the in-charge of Kumbh," the UP CM added.&nbsp;
He added that the world's largest religious gathering has a message of unity.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katrina-kaif-visits-maha-kumbh-with-mother-in-law-veena-kaushal-meets-swami-chidanand-saraswati-8752011">Katrina Kaif visits Maha Kumbh with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal, meets Swami Chidanand Saraswati</a>
"All the people are bathing at one ghat. What can be a bigger message of unity than this and this is the true Sanatan Dharma too," Yogi Adityanath added.&nbsp;
He went on to claim that 2013 was a year of chaos, corruption and pollution for the state.&nbsp;
"But here I myself was reviewing Kumbh and am still doing it. This is the reason that whoever went to the Kumbh in 2013 saw chaos, corruption, and pollution. There was no water fit for bathing in the Triveni of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The prime minister of Mauritius is an example of this who refused to take a bath," Yogi Adityanath said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rarest-event-of-century-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-says-62-crore-devotees-visited-maha-kumbh-8749332">&lsquo;Rarest event of century&rsquo;: UP CM Yogi Adityanath says &lsquo;62 crore devotees visited Maha Kumbh&rsquo;</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

INDIA NEWS | TRENDING | The CM even slammed the SP leader and former chief minister of UP Akhilesh Yadav claiming he appointed a "non-Sanatani" as the in-charge of the gathering in 2013.

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath slammed the opposition for criticising the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj saying people only got what they searched for at the religious gathering. "Vultures got only dead bodies. Pigs got dirt," the UP CM said in the state assembly. He further lashed out at the Samajwadi Party (SP). Also read: PM Modi slams Lalu Yadav over ‘faaltu hai Kumbh’ remark: ‘Jungle Raj leaders abusing Maha Kumbh’ "Sensitive people got a beautiful picture of relationships. People with faith got a sense of fulfilment. Gentlemen got gentlemanliness, the poor got employment, and the rich got business. Devotees got clean arrangements... Devotees got God. It means that everyone has seen and felt things according to their nature and character," he said. The CM even slammed the SP leader and former chief minister of UP Akhilesh Yadav claiming he appointed a "non-Sanatani" as the in-charge of the gathering in 2013. It referred to the time Mohammad Azam Khan was made in charge of the religious congregation. Also read: From Akshay Kumar to Raveena Tandon, Bollywood stars rush to take holy dip as Maha Kumbh nears end 'Appointed a non-Sanatani as the in-charge' "We have not played with faith like you. In your time, the chief minister did not have time to see and review the event and therefore he appointed a non-Sanatani as the in-charge of Kumbh," the UP CM added. He added that the world's largest religious gathering has a message of unity. Also read: Katrina Kaif visits Maha Kumbh with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal, meets Swami Chidanand Saraswati "All the people are bathing at one ghat. What can be a bigger message of unity than this and this is the true Sanatan Dharma too," Yogi Adityanath added. He went on to claim that 2013 was a year of chaos, corruption and pollution for the state. "But here I myself was reviewing Kumbh and am still doing it. This is the reason that whoever went to the Kumbh in 2013 saw chaos, corruption, and pollution. There was no water fit for bathing in the Triveni of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The prime minister of Mauritius is an example of this who refused to take a bath," Yogi Adityanath said. Also read: ‘Rarest event of century’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath says ‘62 crore devotees visited Maha Kumbh’ (With inputs from agencies)

‘Pigs got dirt, vultures got...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's jibe at opposition for slamming Maha Kumbh 2025

Assam has once again etched its name in history with a spectacular and record-breaking Jhumur dance performance at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.

Assam creates history with record-breaking 'Jhumur' dance performance

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal early on Tuesday morning, with tremors being felt in Kolkata and several regions of West Bengal. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 6.10 a.m. at a depth of 91 kilometres.
The NCS confirmed the details of the earthquake on social media platform X, stating, "EQ of M: 5.1, On: 25/02/2025 06:10:25 IST, Lat: 19.52 N, Long: 88.55 E, Depth: 91 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal."
Kolkata, which lies in Seismic Zone III, is considered to have a moderate risk of earthquakes. While the city is not as prone to major seismic activity as regions like Northeast India, the Himalayas, or Gujarat, tremors are occasionally felt due to nearby seismic events, such as those in the Bay of Bengal, Nepal, or North-East India.
Shallow earthquakes, occurring at depths of five to ten kilometres, tend to cause more significant damage compared to those that originate deeper within the Earth's crust.
The earthquake on Tuesday, though of moderate magnitude, was located at a deeper depth, which helped to reduce the intensity of the tremors experienced on the surface.
The earthquake tremors caused momentary panic among the residents of the state. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
This earthquake follows a similar event on January 8, when mild tremors were felt in Kolkata following a powerful earthquake in Tibet and parts of Nepal. Similarly, North Bengal also experienced tremors but no significant damage was reported.
Earlier on February 17, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 shook Delhi with stronger tremors experienced in the capital. Delhi's epicentre on February 17 caused more intense shaking there, as it was located closer to the national capital.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, and while there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
<div class="post-content">
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
</div>

INDIA NEWS | The tremor was recorded at latitude 19.52 N and longitude 88.55 E, the IMD official said.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal early on Tuesday morning, with tremors being felt in Kolkata and several regions of West Bengal. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 6.10 a.m. at a depth of 91 kilometres. The NCS confirmed the details of the earthquake on social media platform X, stating, "EQ of M: 5.1, On: 25/02/2025 06:10:25 IST, Lat: 19.52 N, Long: 88.55 E, Depth: 91 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal." Kolkata, which lies in Seismic Zone III, is considered to have a moderate risk of earthquakes. While the city is not as prone to major seismic activity as regions like Northeast India, the Himalayas, or Gujarat, tremors are occasionally felt due to nearby seismic events, such as those in the Bay of Bengal, Nepal, or North-East India. Shallow earthquakes, occurring at depths of five to ten kilometres, tend to cause more significant damage compared to those that originate deeper within the Earth's crust. The earthquake on Tuesday, though of moderate magnitude, was located at a deeper depth, which helped to reduce the intensity of the tremors experienced on the surface. The earthquake tremors caused momentary panic among the residents of the state. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. This earthquake follows a similar event on January 8, when mild tremors were felt in Kolkata following a powerful earthquake in Tibet and parts of Nepal. Similarly, North Bengal also experienced tremors but no significant damage was reported. Earlier on February 17, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 shook Delhi with stronger tremors experienced in the capital. Delhi's epicentre on February 17 caused more intense shaking there, as it was located closer to the national capital. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, and while there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Bay of Bengal

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray was seen sharing a rare, candid moment with his estranged cousin, Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT), and Uddhav&rsquo;s wife, Rashmi Thackeray, at the wedding of the son of Mahendra Kalyankar in Andheri, Mumbai, on Sunday night (Feb 23).&nbsp;
The wedding function served as the unlikely setting for this interaction between the two brothers, who have been estranged for almost two decades.
The pictures from the wedding, where the two can be seen sharing a hearty laugh, have sparked speculation about a possible reunion ahead of the upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra.
This was the third public meeting between the cousins in the last two months, amid rumours of a rift in both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) camps.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-fires-back-at-lalu-yadav-over-faaltu-hai-kumbh-remark-jungle-raj-leaders-abusing-maha-kumbh-8753344">Also read: PM Modi fires back at Lalu Yadav over 'faaltu hai kumbh' remark; 'Jungle Raj leaders abusing Maha Kumbh'</a>
<h2>Why did Raj leave Shiv Sena?&nbsp;</h2>
Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena in November 2005, after which he floated his own political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), in March 2006.&nbsp;
At the time of his resignation, he had told the media, &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t wish a day such as today even on my worst enemy.&rdquo;
&ldquo;All I had asked for was respect (from Matoshree, the Bandra residence of Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son, Uddhav). All I got was insult and humiliation,&rdquo; he said.
Raj pointed fingers at Uddhav for the Shiv Sena split after Eknath Shinde's defection, saying the latter was to blame for the division.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What happened? Neither Fadnavis played any role nor Amit Shah. You have to give credit to Uddhav (Thackeray). After all, it did not happen only once,&rdquo; Raj said in an interview with a local channel.
"Even some people accuse Sanjay Raut and his statements behind the collapse of the government, but that is not so. He comes and gives statements with arrogance. After all, when I left, the reasons were the same,&rdquo; he said.
"People who were around Uddhav now were the same when I left," Raj said. &ldquo;Ask Shinde about the reasons. The reasons are the same,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Raj Thackeray left the Shiv Sena in November 2005, after which he floated his own political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), in March 2006.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray was seen sharing a rare, candid moment with his estranged cousin, Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT), and Uddhav’s wife, Rashmi Thackeray, at the wedding of the son of Mahendra Kalyankar in Andheri, Mumbai, on Sunday night (Feb 23). The wedding function served as the unlikely setting for this interaction between the two brothers, who have been estranged for almost two decades. The pictures from the wedding, where the two can be seen sharing a hearty laugh, have sparked speculation about a possible reunion ahead of the upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra. This was the third public meeting between the cousins in the last two months, amid rumours of a rift in both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) camps. Also read: PM Modi fires back at Lalu Yadav over 'faaltu hai kumbh' remark; 'Jungle Raj leaders abusing Maha Kumbh' Why did Raj leave Shiv Sena? Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena in November 2005, after which he floated his own political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), in March 2006. At the time of his resignation, he had told the media, “I wouldn’t wish a day such as today even on my worst enemy.” “All I had asked for was respect (from Matoshree, the Bandra residence of Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son, Uddhav). All I got was insult and humiliation,” he said. Raj pointed fingers at Uddhav for the Shiv Sena split after Eknath Shinde's defection, saying the latter was to blame for the division. “What happened? Neither Fadnavis played any role nor Amit Shah. You have to give credit to Uddhav (Thackeray). After all, it did not happen only once,” Raj said in an interview with a local channel. "Even some people accuse Sanjay Raut and his statements behind the collapse of the government, but that is not so. He comes and gives statements with arrogance. After all, when I left, the reasons were the same,” he said. "People who were around Uddhav now were the same when I left," Raj said. “Ask Shinde about the reasons. The reasons are the same,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav meet at wedding, fuel speculation of reconciliation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday refuted the claims of former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi about the removal of BR Ambedkar's photograph from CM Rekha Gupta's office. The party accused the Aam Aadmi Party chief of &ldquo;cheap politics.
BJP leader Amit Malviya confirmed that the photos of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh were still there and shared a picture of the CM&rsquo;s office to prove the point.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aap-bjp-clash-in-delhi-assembly-speaker-vijender-gupta-slams-aap-over-sloganeering-8753335">AAP, BJP clash in Delhi Assembly: Speaker Vijender Gupta slams AAP over sloganeering</a>
&ldquo;This is the room of the chief minister of Delhi, where the pictures of all the great men are still hanging. Liquor scam accused Arvind Kejriwal cannot go to the chief minister's office, so he is resorting to cheap politics to spread confusion,&rdquo; he wrote on X in Hindi.
&ldquo;The public humiliated him so much that he was not even able to show his face after the defeat, but still, he is not desisting from his cheap actions.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-are-they-to-question-us-delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-and-aap-leader-atishi-bicker-over-election-promises-8742908">Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and AAP leader Atishi bicker over 'election promises'</a>
<h2>AAP claims photo was removed</h2>
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Ambedkar&rsquo;s photo was removed from the CM&rsquo;s office and replaced with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
&ldquo;The new BJP government of Delhi removed Baba Saheb's photo and put up the photo of Prime Minister Modi. This is not right. This has hurt millions of followers of Baba Saheb. I have a request to the BJP. You can put the photo of the Prime Minister but do not remove the photo of Baba Sahib. Let his photo remain there,&rdquo; Kejriwal wrote on X.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rekha-guptas-first-act-as-delhi-cm-grand-yamuna-aarti-with-bjp-ministers-watch-8741057">Rekha Gupta&rsquo;s first action as Delhi CM? Grand &lsquo;Yamuna aarti&rsquo; with&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;|&nbsp;Watch</a>
Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi also accused the BJP of being &lsquo;anti-Dalit&rsquo; and &lsquo;anti-Sikh&rsquo;.
&ldquo;The BJP has shown its true anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh face. Photos of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh have been removed from the chief minister's office at the Delhi legislative assembly,&rdquo; she said.
BJP returned to power in the Delhi Assembly after 27 years following the landslide win in the elections, defeating AAP by claiming 48 of 70 seats.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending | AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Ambedkar’s photo was removed from the CM’s office and replaced with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday refuted the claims of former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi about the removal of BR Ambedkar's photograph from CM Rekha Gupta's office. The party accused the Aam Aadmi Party chief of “cheap politics. BJP leader Amit Malviya confirmed that the photos of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh were still there and shared a picture of the CM’s office to prove the point. Also read | AAP, BJP clash in Delhi Assembly: Speaker Vijender Gupta slams AAP over sloganeering “This is the room of the chief minister of Delhi, where the pictures of all the great men are still hanging. Liquor scam accused Arvind Kejriwal cannot go to the chief minister's office, so he is resorting to cheap politics to spread confusion,” he wrote on X in Hindi. “The public humiliated him so much that he was not even able to show his face after the defeat, but still, he is not desisting from his cheap actions.” Also read | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and AAP leader Atishi bicker over 'election promises' AAP claims photo was removed AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Ambedkar’s photo was removed from the CM’s office and replaced with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The new BJP government of Delhi removed Baba Saheb's photo and put up the photo of Prime Minister Modi. This is not right. This has hurt millions of followers of Baba Saheb. I have a request to the BJP. You can put the photo of the Prime Minister but do not remove the photo of Baba Sahib. Let his photo remain there,” Kejriwal wrote on X. Also read | Rekha Gupta’s first action as Delhi CM? Grand ‘Yamuna aarti’ with BJP ministers | Watch Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi also accused the BJP of being ‘anti-Dalit’ and ‘anti-Sikh’. “The BJP has shown its true anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh face. Photos of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh have been removed from the chief minister's office at the Delhi legislative assembly,” she said. BJP returned to power in the Delhi Assembly after 27 years following the landslide win in the elections, defeating AAP by claiming 48 of 70 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP accuses AAP of ‘cheap politics’, refutes Ambedkar-Modi photo swap claim

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday (Jan 24), strongly condemned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's remarks about the Maha Kumbh, emphasising that the ones who believe in "jungle raj", demonstrate a deep-seated hatred for India's cultural traditions.
He further expressed confidence that the people of Bihar will not forgive those who speak ill of the religious gathering.
While addressing a rally in Bihar's Bhagalpur, PM Modi underscored the significance of the 'Maha Kumbh of Unity' in Prayagraj, highlighting its importance as the largest gathering of India's faith, unity, and harmony.&nbsp;
"More people than the entire population of Europe have taken a holy dip in this Maha Kumbh. However, those from the 'jungle raj' are criticising this sacred event. Those who are against the Ram temple are seizing every chance to slander the Maha Kumbh. I am confident that the people of Bihar will never forgive those who speak ill of this sacred occasion," said the Indian prime minister.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7j9jwwc-p13cgghg-4kmiflq7">
बिहार में जंगलराज लाने वाले लोग आज पवित्र महाकुंभ को भी कोसने का कोई मौका नहीं छोड़ रहे। ऐसे लोगों को यहां की जनता-जनार्दन कभी माफ नहीं करेगी। <a href="https://t.co/oim6dAaTTK">pic.twitter.com/oim6dAaTTK</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1893989655542173787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
He also emphasised the BJP-led NDA government's commitment to preserving India's glorious heritage and building a glorious future.
"The BJP-led NDA government is working together to preserve India's glorious heritage and build a glorious future. But these people of jungle raj hate our heritage, our faith," added the Prime Minister.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-fires-back-at-maha-kumbh-critics-people-who-have-fallen-into-mentality-of-slavery-8749697">Also read: &lsquo;People who have fallen into mentality of slavery&rsquo;: PM Modi fires back at Maha Kumbh critics</a>
<h2>'Faaltu hai kumbh,' said Lalu</h2>
PM Modi's remarks came after former Union minister for railways and RJD chief Lalu Yadav, while responding to a question about crowd management suggestions for the Maha Kumbh following the New Delhi Railway Station stampede, bluntly said, "Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai Kumbh" (Kumbh is pointless, it's useless).&nbsp;
He had also condemned the mismanagement by the Indian Railways that led to the loss of 18 lives in the incident.
"The incident is very unfortunate and I offer my condolences to the victims. This is a mismanagement by the Railways that led to the loss of so many lives. The Railway Minister should take responsibility," the RJD chief told news agency ANI.
<h2>UP CM Yogi attacks Maha Kumbh critics: &lsquo;Vultures found dead bodies, pigs dirt&rsquo;</h2>
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fired back at critics, saying the ongoing Maha Kumbh has provided everything that devotees were looking for. "The vultures found dead bodies. Pigs found dirt," CM Yogi said in the UP assembly.
"Sensitive people got a beautiful picture of relationships. People with faith got a sense of fulfilment. Gentlemen got gentlemanliness, the poor got employment, and the rich got business. Devotees got clean arrangements... Devotees got God. It means that everyone has seen and felt things according to their nature and character," he said in the UP assembly.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

India News: While addressing a rally in Bihar's Bhagalpur, PM Modi underscored the significance of the 'Maha Kumbh of Unity' in Prayagraj, highlighting its importance as the largest gathering of India's faith, unity, and harmony.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday (Jan 24), strongly condemned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's remarks about the Maha Kumbh, emphasising that the ones who believe in "jungle raj", demonstrate a deep-seated hatred for India's cultural traditions. He further expressed confidence that the people of Bihar will not forgive those who speak ill of the religious gathering. While addressing a rally in Bihar's Bhagalpur, PM Modi underscored the significance of the 'Maha Kumbh of Unity' in Prayagraj, highlighting its importance as the largest gathering of India's faith, unity, and harmony. "More people than the entire population of Europe have taken a holy dip in this Maha Kumbh. However, those from the 'jungle raj' are criticising this sacred event. Those who are against the Ram temple are seizing every chance to slander the Maha Kumbh. I am confident that the people of Bihar will never forgive those who speak ill of this sacred occasion," said the Indian prime minister. बिहार में जंगलराज लाने वाले लोग आज पवित्र महाकुंभ को भी कोसने का कोई मौका नहीं छोड़ रहे। ऐसे लोगों को यहां की जनता-जनार्दन कभी माफ नहीं करेगी। pic.twitter.com/oim6dAaTTK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2025 He also emphasised the BJP-led NDA government's commitment to preserving India's glorious heritage and building a glorious future. "The BJP-led NDA government is working together to preserve India's glorious heritage and build a glorious future. But these people of jungle raj hate our heritage, our faith," added the Prime Minister. Also read: ‘People who have fallen into mentality of slavery’: PM Modi fires back at Maha Kumbh critics 'Faaltu hai kumbh,' said Lalu PM Modi's remarks came after former Union minister for railways and RJD chief Lalu Yadav, while responding to a question about crowd management suggestions for the Maha Kumbh following the New Delhi Railway Station stampede, bluntly said, "Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai Kumbh" (Kumbh is pointless, it's useless). He had also condemned the mismanagement by the Indian Railways that led to the loss of 18 lives in the incident. "The incident is very unfortunate and I offer my condolences to the victims. This is a mismanagement by the Railways that led to the loss of so many lives. The Railway Minister should take responsibility," the RJD chief told news agency ANI. UP CM Yogi attacks Maha Kumbh critics: ‘Vultures found dead bodies, pigs dirt’ Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fired back at critics, saying the ongoing Maha Kumbh has provided everything that devotees were looking for. "The vultures found dead bodies. Pigs found dirt," CM Yogi said in the UP assembly. "Sensitive people got a beautiful picture of relationships. People with faith got a sense of fulfilment. Gentlemen got gentlemanliness, the poor got employment, and the rich got business. Devotees got clean arrangements... Devotees got God. It means that everyone has seen and felt things according to their nature and character," he said in the UP assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi slams Lalu Yadav over ‘faaltu hai Kumbh’ remark: ‘Jungle Raj leaders abusing Maha Kumbh’

With a notable drop in air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday (Feb 24) withdrew Stage 2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Delhi&rsquo;s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 186&mdash;significantly below the Stage 2 threshold of 300&mdash;prompted the decision.
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-reschedules-departure-to-prevent-inconvenience-for-bhopals-class-10-12-exam-takers-8752741" aria-label="PM Modi reschedules departure to prevent inconvenience for Bhopal's class 10, 12 exam-takers">PM Modi reschedules departure to prevent inconvenience for Bhopal's class 10, 12 exam-takers</a>
<h2>Resumption of activities &nbsp;</h2>
Following the rollback of Stage 2 measures, several previously restricted activities can now resume:
- Coal and firewood use reinstated: Restaurants and hotels can once again use tandoors.&nbsp;
- Diesel generators permitted: These can be operated without restrictions.
- Construction and industrial activity resume: Sites and units previously halted under Stage 2 curbs can restart operations.&nbsp;
- Interstate buses allowed: Buses from NCR states can now enter Delhi without limitations.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-we-shouted-their-names-minister-speaks-on-survival-chances-of-trapped-workers-in-telangana-tunnel-8752331" aria-label="&lsquo;When we shouted their names&hellip;&rsquo;: Minister on survival chances of trapped workers in Telangana tunnel">&lsquo;When we shouted their names&hellip;&rsquo;: Minister on survival chances of trapped workers in Telangana tunnel</a>
The GRAP system classifies air quality into four stages:&nbsp; - Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300 &nbsp; - Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400 &nbsp; - Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450 &nbsp; - Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450&nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/human-calculator-14-year-old-indian-breaks-6-math-world-records-in-1-day-8752128" aria-label="&lsquo;Human calculator&rsquo;: 14-year-old Indian breaks 6 math world records in 1 day">&lsquo;Human calculator&rsquo;: 14-year-old Indian breaks 6 math world records in 1 day</a>
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict air quality will remain in the "moderate to poor" category in the coming days.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/panuati-iit-baba-gets-trolled-for-wrong-prediction-claiming-india-will-lose-champions-trophy-match-8751553" aria-label="Champions Trophy: IIT baba gets trolled for predicting India will lose game against Pakistan">Champions Trophy: IIT baba gets trolled for predicting India will lose game against Pakistan</a>
<h2>Continued pollution control efforts </h2>
Authorities will maintain pollution mitigation efforts despite the relaxation of restrictions, including:&nbsp; - Mechanised road sweeping and anti-smog gun deployment to control dust levels.&nbsp; - Water sprinkling in high-pollution areas to minimise airborne particulate matter.&nbsp; - Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to discourage diesel generator use.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;
&nbsp;

India News: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict air quality will remain in the "moderate to poor" category in the coming days.

With a notable drop in air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday (Feb 24) withdrew Stage 2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 186—significantly below the Stage 2 threshold of 300—prompted the decision. Also Read | PM Modi reschedules departure to prevent inconvenience for Bhopal's class 10, 12 exam-takers Resumption of activities Following the rollback of Stage 2 measures, several previously restricted activities can now resume: - Coal and firewood use reinstated: Restaurants and hotels can once again use tandoors. - Diesel generators permitted: These can be operated without restrictions. - Construction and industrial activity resume: Sites and units previously halted under Stage 2 curbs can restart operations. - Interstate buses allowed: Buses from NCR states can now enter Delhi without limitations. Also Read | ‘When we shouted their names…’: Minister on survival chances of trapped workers in Telangana tunnel The GRAP system classifies air quality into four stages: - Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300 - Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400 - Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450 - Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450 Also Read | ‘Human calculator’: 14-year-old Indian breaks 6 math world records in 1 day The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict air quality will remain in the "moderate to poor" category in the coming days. Also Read | Champions Trophy: IIT baba gets trolled for predicting India will lose game against Pakistan Continued pollution control efforts Authorities will maintain pollution mitigation efforts despite the relaxation of restrictions, including: - Mechanised road sweeping and anti-smog gun deployment to control dust levels. - Water sprinkling in high-pollution areas to minimise airborne particulate matter. - Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to discourage diesel generator use. (With inputs from agencies)

Coal, diesel generators allowed again in Delhi-NCR as CAQM revokes GRAP Stage II

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the two-day "Invest MP Global Investor Summit" (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday (Feb 24), welcoming entrepreneurs from over 60 countries.
He then extended a thoughtful apology in his opening remarks for his delayed arrival.&nbsp;
He explained that his departure from Raj Bhavan coincided with the scheduled timing of Class 10th and 12th exams, and he didn't want to cause any inconvenience to the students.
&ldquo;The delay occurred because when I arrived yesterday, I realised that today is the exam day for students of 10th and 12th grade. The exam time and my departure time from Raj Bhavan were clashing," PM Modi said.
&ldquo;To avoid this difficulty, so that the children could reach their exam centres on time, I thought that I would leave the Raj Bhavan only after all the students reach their examination centre. So, I deliberately delayed my departure by 15-20 minutes," he added.
<h2>MP among top states in terms of agriculture and minerals: PM Modi</h2>
PM Modi, during his speech at the GIS 2025 event, highlighted the global community's optimism regarding India's economic future.
&ldquo;Madhya Pradesh is the fifth-largest state of India in terms of population, It is among the top states in terms of agriculture and minerals," the Indian prime minister said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7j2hg1q-1g1zfe43-lmcassix">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Madhya Pradesh: At the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "First of all, I want to apologize for being late in coming here. The delay happened because when I reached here yesterday, one thing came to my mind that today there is an exam&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/dHWkPwIMh3">pic.twitter.com/dHWkPwIMh3</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1893902487217934709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;In the past two decades, MP has seen a lot of transformations. There were issues with electricity and water, and law and order was even worse. In such a scenario, industrial development was difficult. But in the past twenty years, with the help of the people, the BJP state government focused on governance. Two decades ago, people used to stay away from investing here, and now it is among the top states in the country for investment," he further remarked.
PM Modi also stressed the importance of water security for industrial development, stating, "Water security is crucial for industrial development. On one hand, we are emphasizing water conservation, and on the other, we are advancing with the mega mission of river interlinking."
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the GIS 2025 event, highlighted the global community's optimism regarding India's economic future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the two-day "Invest MP Global Investor Summit" (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday (Feb 24), welcoming entrepreneurs from over 60 countries. He then extended a thoughtful apology in his opening remarks for his delayed arrival. He explained that his departure from Raj Bhavan coincided with the scheduled timing of Class 10th and 12th exams, and he didn't want to cause any inconvenience to the students. “The delay occurred because when I arrived yesterday, I realised that today is the exam day for students of 10th and 12th grade. The exam time and my departure time from Raj Bhavan were clashing," PM Modi said. “To avoid this difficulty, so that the children could reach their exam centres on time, I thought that I would leave the Raj Bhavan only after all the students reach their examination centre. So, I deliberately delayed my departure by 15-20 minutes," he added. MP among top states in terms of agriculture and minerals: PM Modi PM Modi, during his speech at the GIS 2025 event, highlighted the global community's optimism regarding India's economic future. “Madhya Pradesh is the fifth-largest state of India in terms of population, It is among the top states in terms of agriculture and minerals," the Indian prime minister said. #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: At the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "First of all, I want to apologize for being late in coming here. The delay happened because when I reached here yesterday, one thing came to my mind that today there is an exam… pic.twitter.com/dHWkPwIMh3 — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2025 “In the past two decades, MP has seen a lot of transformations. There were issues with electricity and water, and law and order was even worse. In such a scenario, industrial development was difficult. But in the past twenty years, with the help of the people, the BJP state government focused on governance. Two decades ago, people used to stay away from investing here, and now it is among the top states in the country for investment," he further remarked. PM Modi also stressed the importance of water security for industrial development, stating, "Water security is crucial for industrial development. On one hand, we are emphasizing water conservation, and on the other, we are advancing with the mega mission of river interlinking." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi reschedules departure to prevent inconvenience for Bhopal's class 10, 12 examinees

More than a dozen First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against 140 social media handles for spreading ‘misleading content’ about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Watch this report for more details!

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: UP police on alert since 'objectionable video' of women surfaced

The rescue operations continue at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in India's Telangana to save the eight workers who were trapped in a tunnel after its roof collapsed in the Nagarkurnool district, Telangana minister J Krishna Rao said on Monday (Feb 24) that chances of their survival were very grim.
Rao said that the mud had piled up in the collapsed portion of the tunnel that was under construction. He said that rescue workers shouted the names of the eight trapped workers but did not get any response.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-tunnel-collapse-rescuers-race-against-time-to-save-8-workers-cm-review-efforts-8750667">Telangana tunnel collapse: Rescuers race against time to save 8 workers, CM reviews efforts</a>
&ldquo;To be honest, the chances of their survival are very, very, very, very remote,&rdquo; the minister said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Because, I went up to the end, almost just 50 metres short (of the mishap site). When we took photographs, the end (of the tunnel) was visible. And out of the 9-metre diameter (of the tunnel), almost 30 feet, out of that 30 feet, mud has piled up to 25 feet,&rdquo; he told PTI.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-tunnel-collapse-why-is-it-becoming-difficult-to-rescue-8-trapped-workers-8748354">Telangana tunnel collapse: Why is it becoming difficult to rescue 8 trapped workers?</a>
&ldquo;When we shouted their names also, there was no response...so, there is no chance at all,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Rat miners join rescue operation</h2>
A team of rat miners, who rescued construction workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand in 2023, has joined the rescue operation at the tunnel, the minister said.
He said that the rescue process could take three to four days to reach the workers because of muck and debris. He added that the process of clearing debris is underway. The officials are also exploring alternative routes to reach the site of the accident by clearing the debris.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-several-workers-feared-trapped-after-tunnel-roof-collapses-in-telangana-8746777">India | Several workers feared trapped after tunnel roof collapses in Telangana; CM Reddy reacts</a>
Despite rescue efforts from the Indian Army, NDRF, and other agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved as the workers remain trapped for over 48 hours. The authorities are trying to dewater the tunnel and pump oxygen inside.
&ldquo;Even assuming they (the trapped persons) are in the lower part of the TBM machine, assuming even if it is intact on the top, where is the air (oxygen)? Underneath, how the oxygen will go,&rdquo; he asked.
Those who are trapped inside the tunnel have been identified as Project Engineer Manoj Kumar and Field Engineer Srinivas from Uttar Pradesh, workers including Sandeep Sahu, Jataks, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu from Jharkhand, Sunny Singh from Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Gurpreet Singh from Punjab.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending | J Krishna Rao said that the mud had piled up in the collapsed portion of the tunnel that was under construction. He said that rescue workers shouted the names of the eight trapped workers but did not get any response.

The rescue operations continue at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in India's Telangana to save the eight workers who were trapped in a tunnel after its roof collapsed in the Nagarkurnool district, Telangana minister J Krishna Rao said on Monday (Feb 24) that chances of their survival were very grim. Rao said that the mud had piled up in the collapsed portion of the tunnel that was under construction. He said that rescue workers shouted the names of the eight trapped workers but did not get any response. Also read | Telangana tunnel collapse: Rescuers race against time to save 8 workers, CM reviews efforts “To be honest, the chances of their survival are very, very, very, very remote,” the minister said. “Because, I went up to the end, almost just 50 metres short (of the mishap site). When we took photographs, the end (of the tunnel) was visible. And out of the 9-metre diameter (of the tunnel), almost 30 feet, out of that 30 feet, mud has piled up to 25 feet,” he told PTI. Also read | Telangana tunnel collapse: Why is it becoming difficult to rescue 8 trapped workers? “When we shouted their names also, there was no response...so, there is no chance at all,” he added. Rat miners join rescue operation A team of rat miners, who rescued construction workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand in 2023, has joined the rescue operation at the tunnel, the minister said. He said that the rescue process could take three to four days to reach the workers because of muck and debris. He added that the process of clearing debris is underway. The officials are also exploring alternative routes to reach the site of the accident by clearing the debris. Also read | India | Several workers feared trapped after tunnel roof collapses in Telangana; CM Reddy reacts Despite rescue efforts from the Indian Army, NDRF, and other agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved as the workers remain trapped for over 48 hours. The authorities are trying to dewater the tunnel and pump oxygen inside. “Even assuming they (the trapped persons) are in the lower part of the TBM machine, assuming even if it is intact on the top, where is the air (oxygen)? Underneath, how the oxygen will go,” he asked. Those who are trapped inside the tunnel have been identified as Project Engineer Manoj Kumar and Field Engineer Srinivas from Uttar Pradesh, workers including Sandeep Sahu, Jataks, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu from Jharkhand, Sunny Singh from Jammu & Kashmir, and Gurpreet Singh from Punjab. (With inputs from agencies)

‘When we shouted their names…’: Minister on survival chances of trapped workers in Telangana tunnel

Fourteen-year-old Aaryan Shukla from Maharashtra, India, has set six mental mathematics world records in a single day, earning him the title of "the Human Calculator." His achievements, certified by Guinness World Records, include the fastest time to mentally add 100 four-digit numbers (30.9 seconds), 200 four-digit numbers (1 minute, 9.68 seconds), and 50 five-digit numbers (18.71 seconds).
He also recorded the fastest time to multiply two sets of 10 five-digit numbers (51.69 seconds) and two sets of 10 eight-digit numbers (2 minutes, 35.41 seconds). Additionally, he set a record for dividing 10 20-digit numbers by a set of 10-digit numbers in 5 minutes, 42 seconds. His calculations were completed faster than most people can enter numbers into a calculator.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-dan-bongino-deputy-fbi-director-picked-by-donald-trump-8752191">Who is Dan Bongino, deputy FBI director picked by Donald Trump?</a>
Shukla achieved these records at an event organised by Guinness in Dubai. His record-setting attempts were recorded and are available on the Guinness World Records website. In an interview, he credited his ability to yoga, which he said helps him maintain focus and stay calm. In addition to practising mathematics for five to six hours daily, he spends time on other interests, including reading and video games.
<h2>Record breaker</h2>
These six records add to Shukla&rsquo;s previous achievement of the fastest time to add 50 five-digit numbers, set a year ago. His father emphasised that their family does not have a history of exceptional mathematical abilities, describing Aaryan as "a one in a billion kind of person."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/timoth&eacute;e-chalamet-becomes-youngest-male-actor-to-win-sag-best-actor-award-for-a-complete-unknown-8752075">Timoth&eacute;e Chalamet becomes youngest male actor to win SAG Best Actor award for A Complete Unknown</a>
Shukla is among several young mathematicians who have recently gained attention for their work. In 2022, American high school students Ne&rsquo;Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson developed a new proof for the Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry. Their work, previously thought to be impossible, was published in American Mathematical Monthly in 2024, alongside nine other newly developed trigonometric proofs.

India News: Shukla achieved these records at an event organised by Guinness in Dubai. His record-setting attempts were recorded and are available on the Guinness World Records website.

Fourteen-year-old Aaryan Shukla from Maharashtra, India, has set six mental mathematics world records in a single day, earning him the title of "the Human Calculator." His achievements, certified by Guinness World Records, include the fastest time to mentally add 100 four-digit numbers (30.9 seconds), 200 four-digit numbers (1 minute, 9.68 seconds), and 50 five-digit numbers (18.71 seconds). He also recorded the fastest time to multiply two sets of 10 five-digit numbers (51.69 seconds) and two sets of 10 eight-digit numbers (2 minutes, 35.41 seconds). Additionally, he set a record for dividing 10 20-digit numbers by a set of 10-digit numbers in 5 minutes, 42 seconds. His calculations were completed faster than most people can enter numbers into a calculator. Also read: Who is Dan Bongino, deputy FBI director picked by Donald Trump? Shukla achieved these records at an event organised by Guinness in Dubai. His record-setting attempts were recorded and are available on the Guinness World Records website. In an interview, he credited his ability to yoga, which he said helps him maintain focus and stay calm. In addition to practising mathematics for five to six hours daily, he spends time on other interests, including reading and video games. Record breaker These six records add to Shukla’s previous achievement of the fastest time to add 50 five-digit numbers, set a year ago. His father emphasised that their family does not have a history of exceptional mathematical abilities, describing Aaryan as "a one in a billion kind of person." Also read: Timothée Chalamet becomes youngest male actor to win SAG Best Actor award for A Complete Unknown Shukla is among several young mathematicians who have recently gained attention for their work. In 2022, American high school students Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson developed a new proof for the Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry. Their work, previously thought to be impossible, was published in American Mathematical Monthly in 2024, alongside nine other newly developed trigonometric proofs.

‘Human calculator’: 14-year-old Indian breaks 6 math world records in 1 day

A one-and-a-half-year-old boy was killed after a car allegedly ran over him and his mother while they were asleep on a footpath in Mumbai’s Wadala area.

Wadala accident: Car runs over family sleeping on footpath in Mumbai

The latest annual report from the Indian Finance Ministry has revealed that USAID funded seven significant projects worth $750 million in the fiscal year 2023-24. Watch this report for more details!

USAID funded $750m for seven projects in FY24: Indian Finance Ministry Report

After team India crushed Pakistan in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday (Feb 23) - IIT baba who gained recognition in Maha Kumbh 2025 - became a subject of troll due to his claim before the match that India "will not win". He had also said that even if Virat Kohli and team "try their best", they "won't win" in what seemed like a challenge.&nbsp;
As soon as India marked its victory in the match by scoring 244 runs against Pakistan's 241 - social media users started their sarcastic troll on Abhay Singh aka IIT baba.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/abhay-singh-aka-iit-baba-reveals-the-reason-behind-his-abrupt-maha-kumbh-exit-8633363">Abhay Singh aka 'IIT Baba' reveals the reason behind his abrupt Maha Kumbh exit</a>
<h2>'Tell Virat Kohli...'</h2>
It all started when the aerospace engineer-turned-sadhu appeared on a podcast earlier.&nbsp;
He confidently claimed that "Iss bar India nahi jeetegi. Virat Kohli aur sabko bol do ki jeet ke dikha dein. Maine bola nahi jeetegi India toh nahi jeetegi. (India will not win this time. Tell Virat Kohli and Company to try their best to win but they won't. If I say they won't win, they won't win).&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-how-can-pakistan-qualify-for-semifinal-updated-champions-trophy-points-table-after-india-pakistan-match-8751400">Champions Trophy: As host Pakistan stare at early exit here's updated points table</a>
But guess what IIT baba - they won!&nbsp;
<h2>New candidate for 'Panauti' post&nbsp;</h2>
As the clip of his claim circulated online, someone on the social media platform X said, "If IIT baba's prediction proved true then I will go to meet him."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7isay1y-9hpq2hpd-rvf8d3aw">
Kya bol raha tha IITian baba <a href="https://t.co/x7ts2rsaib">pic.twitter.com/x7ts2rsaib</a>
&mdash; Sagar (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/1893709224183574856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
But after India's win - cricket fans started sharing memes and harsh words for him with some even urging content creators to not invite him on their podcasts.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7isb3a6-hywsdynv-atuv20s7">
Baba...🙏😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITianBaba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITianBaba</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0dTKADhGM">pic.twitter.com/t0dTKADhGM</a>
&mdash; Himanshu Sankhla (@himanshu_zerO9) <a href="https://twitter.com/himanshu_zerO9/status/1893699442198426108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-hope-pcb-doesnt-play-indian-national-anthem-again-says-former-pakistan-spinner-8751282">Champions Trophy 2025: 'Hope PCB doesn't play Indian national anthem again...', says former Pakistan spinner</a>
In the funniest gesture, Prafull Billore, the founder of MBA Chai Wala Group, resigned from his "Panuti" post (a title given to him by netizens for his "bad luck"). He said now IIT baba will take over the post.&nbsp;
"I have resigned recently from my job. It&rsquo;s All yours now !! Ram ram, Jay Shri Ram," MBA Chai Wala wrote on X sharing a picture of IIT baba.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7isaqld-dc46sone-hn9wusy4">
I have resigned recently from my job. It&rsquo;s All yours now !! Ram ram, Jay Shri Ram <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITianBaba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITianBaba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/jAgky6BzOS">pic.twitter.com/jAgky6BzOS</a>
&mdash; Prafull Billore (@pbillore141) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbillore141/status/1893709705412796674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
Some people seemed frustrated by IIT baba's constant desire to stay in limelight and told him to stay away from predictions.&nbsp;
<h2>IIT baba flipped&nbsp;</h2>
After receiving tons of backlash on the internet, IIT baba issued an apology for his prediction on X.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-shoaib-akhtar-rips-into-pakistans-tactics-after-crushing-loss-to-india-8751055">Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar rips into Pakistan&rsquo;s tactics after crushing loss to India</a>
"I want to publicly apologize and ask each one of you all to celebrate it's party time... Mujhe man hi man pata tha ki india jetega (I knew in my heart that India will win)," he wrote adding a wink emoji.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7isajk7-4okm1o3c-f6hfhy2i">
I want to publicly apologize and ask each one of you all to celebrate,it's party time... Mujhe man hi man pata tha ki india jetega.😉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITianBaba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITianBaba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/QHozGNzfmF">pic.twitter.com/QHozGNzfmF</a>
&mdash; Abhay Singh (IIT BOMBAY) (@Abhay245456) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhay245456/status/1893705169231089694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | Sports | As soon as India marked its victory in the match by scoring 244 runs against Pakistan's 241 - social media users started their sarcastic troll on Abhay Singh aka IIT baba.

After team India crushed Pakistan in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday (Feb 23) - IIT baba who gained recognition in Maha Kumbh 2025 - became a subject of troll due to his claim before the match that India "will not win". He had also said that even if Virat Kohli and team "try their best", they "won't win" in what seemed like a challenge. As soon as India marked its victory in the match by scoring 244 runs against Pakistan's 241 - social media users started their sarcastic troll on Abhay Singh aka IIT baba. Also read: Abhay Singh aka 'IIT Baba' reveals the reason behind his abrupt Maha Kumbh exit 'Tell Virat Kohli...' It all started when the aerospace engineer-turned-sadhu appeared on a podcast earlier. He confidently claimed that "Iss bar India nahi jeetegi. Virat Kohli aur sabko bol do ki jeet ke dikha dein. Maine bola nahi jeetegi India toh nahi jeetegi. (India will not win this time. Tell Virat Kohli and Company to try their best to win but they won't. If I say they won't win, they won't win). Also read: Champions Trophy: As host Pakistan stare at early exit here's updated points table But guess what IIT baba - they won! New candidate for 'Panauti' post As the clip of his claim circulated online, someone on the social media platform X said, "If IIT baba's prediction proved true then I will go to meet him." Kya bol raha tha IITian baba pic.twitter.com/x7ts2rsaib — Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 23, 2025 But after India's win - cricket fans started sharing memes and harsh words for him with some even urging content creators to not invite him on their podcasts. Baba...🙏😂#INDvsPAK #ViratKohli𓃵 #IITianBaba pic.twitter.com/t0dTKADhGM — Himanshu Sankhla (@himanshu_zerO9) February 23, 2025 Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: 'Hope PCB doesn't play Indian national anthem again...', says former Pakistan spinner In the funniest gesture, Prafull Billore, the founder of MBA Chai Wala Group, resigned from his "Panuti" post (a title given to him by netizens for his "bad luck"). He said now IIT baba will take over the post. "I have resigned recently from my job. It’s All yours now !! Ram ram, Jay Shri Ram," MBA Chai Wala wrote on X sharing a picture of IIT baba. I have resigned recently from my job. It’s All yours now !! Ram ram, Jay Shri Ram #IITianBaba #INDvsPAK #ViratKohli𓃵 #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/jAgky6BzOS — Prafull Billore (@pbillore141) February 23, 2025 Some people seemed frustrated by IIT baba's constant desire to stay in limelight and told him to stay away from predictions. IIT baba flipped After receiving tons of backlash on the internet, IIT baba issued an apology for his prediction on X. Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar rips into Pakistan’s tactics after crushing loss to India "I want to publicly apologize and ask each one of you all to celebrate it's party time... Mujhe man hi man pata tha ki india jetega (I knew in my heart that India will win)," he wrote adding a wink emoji. I want to publicly apologize and ask each one of you all to celebrate,it's party time... Mujhe man hi man pata tha ki india jetega.😉#IITianBaba #INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/QHozGNzfmF — Abhay Singh (IIT BOMBAY) (@Abhay245456) February 23, 2025 (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy: IIT baba gets trolled for predicting India will lose game against Pakistan

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Champions Trophy: IIT baba gets trolled for predicting India will lose game against Pakistan

Bhopal hosts two-day Global Investors Summit 2025