Big relief for Magh Mela devotees as UP rolls out over 250 buses to Ayodhya and Prayagraj | Details here
With the Magh Mela season beginning, Uttar Pradesh Roadways has announced a major relief for pilgrims travelling to Prayagraj. Magh Mela 2026 is going to begin from January 3. The transport department has deployed additional buses on the Prayagraj-Ayodhya route to ensure smooth travel for devotees heading for ritual baths as well as for those planning to visit Ayodhya afterwards. According to Vimal Rajan, Regional Manager of the Ayodhya Transport Corporation, a total of 270 buses have been pressed into service between the two cities. Several of these buses will operate up to Gonda, which will further improve connectivity for those arriving in Prayagraj for the Magh Mela.
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Death count rises to 40 in explosion at Switzerland bar on New Year’s Eve, probe underway
At least 40 people were killed and 100 others were injured after an explosion tore through a luxury bar in Switzerland and triggered a massive fire during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Italian Foreign Ministry said, citing Swiss police. Moreover, the Swiss authorities said the explosion, which happened at the basement of the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, was being considered a fire and not a terror attack. More than 150 people were in the bar at the time of the explosion.
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‘Why can’t we arrange that’: Irfan Pathan gives his take on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma ahead of NZ series
The stage is set for team India’s next assignment. The Men in Blue will take on New Zealand next in a multi-format white-ball series. It is worth noting that India and New Zealand will take on each other across three ODI matches and five T20Is.
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‘What kind of Muslim is she?’: When Nushrratt Bharuccha spoke about facing criticism for her religious beliefs
Nushrratt Bharuccha visited Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, during New Year’s Eve, where she took part in the sacred Bhasma Aarti. However, her personal spiritual visit soon became a talking point on social media, with sections questioning her decision to visit a Hindu temple because of her Muslim faith.
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Congress leader Nana Patole compares Rahul Gandhi with Lord Ram, BJP calls it ‘excessive sycophancy’
A political controversy erupted on Thursday after Congress leader Nana Patole compared Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which termed the remark “sycophancy pro max”. Nana Patole said this while responding to questions about Rahul Gandhi not visiting the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya since its inauguration. He stated that Rahul Gandhi was “doing the work of Lord Ram”, explaining that Lord Ram stood for justice for the oppressed and deprived, a role he claimed Rahul Gandhi is fulfilling today.
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Hindu man attacked with sharp weapons and set on fire by mob in Bangladesh, suffers severe injuries
A Hindu man in Bangladesh was left severely injured after a violent mob allegedly attacked him and set him on fire, marking yet another disturbing assault on minorities in the country. The horrific incident took place on December 31 in Shariatpur district, where rising hostilities against minority communities have become a worrying pattern. According to reports, the 50-year-old victim was returning home when a group of attackers allegedly cornered him. The mob is said to have assaulted him with sharp weapons, subjected him to repeated beatings and then set him ablaze. The brutality of the assault has sparked outrage among rights groups who note an alarming rise in targeted violence, as per reports.
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2026 Space outlook: Gaganyaan’s uncrewed mission and private rocket launches to define India’s space sector
Building on the success of Shubhanshu Shukla’s maiden journey to the International Space Station (ISS), India is prepared to take its first definitive steps toward independent human spaceflight. Later this year, the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is set to soar, marking a historic chapter for the nation.
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ECI directs West Bengal government to release enhanced honorarium for BLOs, warns against ‘intimidation’
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the West Bengal government to immediately release the enhanced honorarium for each Booth Level Officer (BLO) as approved. The ECI emphasized that polling stations will be set up across high-rise buildings, gated communities, and slums to ensure voter access.
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IGL slashes domestic PNG prices in Delhi-NCR ahead of New Year | Check new rates
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has announced a New Year gift for households across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The city gas distributor declared a significant reduction in the price of domestic Piped Natural Gas by Rs 0.70 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM) for all residential consumers. The fresh rates apply from the beginning of the upcoming year and are set to ease household fuel expenses at a time when families are preparing for year-end budgets.
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Kiribati welcomes the New Year first: Here’s why the world takes 26 hours to catch up
Kiribati gets there first. While most of the world is still brushing its teeth on December 31, this small Pacific island nation quietly steps into 2026.
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