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A Prayagraj resident’s frustrated plea to Mahakumbh visitors has gone viral on Reddit, urging devotees to stop coming to the city as it has reached its breaking point. In a post filled with exasperation, the local resident expressed his frustration over the overwhelming crowds, gridlocked roads, and the near-impossibility of daily life in the city. “I don’t even know where to start, man. Prayagraj has officially reached its breaking point, and as a local resident, I can’t f****g take it anymore,” he wrote. Mahakumbh’s Impact on the City Preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 began last year, with extensive road construction, flyover development, and city beautification. However, as the festival nears its end, the crowds have only grown larger instead of subsiding. Initially, Prayagraj locals were excited to welcome visitors from across the country. But as the user described, the ever-increasing influx has made normal life unbearable. “The last Amrit Snan is already done. We are literally in the ending phase of Mahakumbh. So why the hell is the crowd only increasing instead of decreasing?!” “The City is Exhausted” The Reddit user painted a grim picture of Prayagraj’s current state, saying the city’s infrastructure is overwhelmed: “It’s like people from all over India just refuse to stop coming. The city is beyond exhausted,” he lamented. He also criticized the behavior of some visitors, accusing them of worsening the traffic situation, littering, and spitting without civic responsibility. “Outer people just keep coming with their own vehicles, walking in huge groups, completely choking the city. There is literally no space left anywhere.” “Locals Are Being Blamed” The most frustrating part, according to the user, is that locals are now being blamed for the chaos. He shared a personal experience from February 18, when he finally decided to leave his home after weeks of staying indoors. “I took my vehicle out, only to be stopped by random strangers yelling at me, saying ‘Aap logon ki wajah se jam lag raha hai!’ (The traffic jam is because of you people),” he wrote. He questioned why residents should be expected to stay locked in their homes indefinitely while the city struggles to manage the unrelenting crowds. Final Plea to Devotees Ending his post with an emotional appeal, the user urged visitors to delay their trips to Prayagraj until after Mahakumbh. “Ganga ji aur Sangam kahin nahi ja rahe. You can come peacefully later. Have some mercy on this city and its people. We are begging you.” The post has resonated with many online, sparking discussions about overcrowding, urban planning, and the strain religious tourism places on host cities.

Guwahati, February 25, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, emphasizing Assam’s economic growth and the Northeast’s role in India’s development. He announced that the value of Assam’s economy has doubled to ₹6 lakh crore under the BJP government, attributing this progress to the impact of the “double-engine” governance model. Advantage Assam: Connecting the Nation with Northeast’s Potential Addressing the summit, PM Modi reiterated that Assam and the entire Eastern region have historically played a crucial role in India’s prosperity. He emphasized that Advantage Assam will serve as a platform to showcase the state’s economic and industrial potential to the country and the world. “Eastern India has played a very big role in India’s development. Our Northeast will now show its potential. I congratulate the Assam government and the team of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their efforts,” PM Modi stated. Certainty in India’s Economic Growth Amid Global Uncertainty The Prime Minister also touched upon India’s broader economic scenario, asserting that despite global economic instability, India’s growth remains strong and certain. He highlighted Assam’s ambitious goal of reaching a $150 billion economy by 2030, expressing confidence in the state’s ability to achieve this target. “In the last decade, several peace accords have been signed, and long-pending border-related issues have been resolved. Every region of Assam and every citizen is working towards the state’s development. We have improved the ease of doing business and created a comprehensive ecosystem for industry and innovation,” he said. Massive Infrastructure Push: Bridges, Railways, and Air Connectivity PM Modi underscored the central government’s investment in Assam’s infrastructure development. He pointed out that before 2014, Assam had only three bridges over the Brahmaputra River, whereas four new bridges have been built in the last decade, including one named after Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. He also highlighted significant improvements in Assam’s railway budget, which has increased from an average of ₹2,100 crore (2009-2014) to ₹10,000 crore under the BJP government. He further mentioned advancements in air connectivity, reinforcing Assam’s role as a key player in India’s trade and economic expansion. Strengthening Global Trade and Connectivity Speaking on India’s international trade initiatives, PM Modi said that the country’s free trade agreements with various regions are enhancing connectivity with East Asia. He also emphasized the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which is expected to unlock new economic opportunities for the region. “Amidst the growing global trust in India, today, we gather in Assam, on the sacred land of Maa Kamakhya, to celebrate progress and envision a brighter future for the Northeast,” he concluded. With Advantage Assam 2.0, the state aims to position itself as a major industrial and investment hub, aligning with India’s broader vision of economic expansion and regional connectivity.

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has revealed that Kartik Aaryan was originally signed for Hera Pheri 3, but later dropped due to a change in the storyline. In an interview with Siddharth Kanan, Rawal clarified that Kartik was never meant to replace Akshay Kumar’s iconic role of Raju, contrary to popular belief. “At that time, the story was different. Isko Raju samajh ke pakad ke leke aaye thay, par ye alag hi kirdar tha. This is what I know because even I didn’t hear the whole story,” he stated. Paresh Rawal’s Criticism of Phir Hera Pheri While Hera Pheri (2000) became a cult classic, its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006) received mixed reactions. Rawal expressed his disappointment, stating that the film lost the simplicity that made the original special. 🔹 “Not me, but everyone else became overconfident. The film lost its innocence.”🔹 “I told Neeraj (Vora), tu bhar raha hai iss mein, woh zaroori nahi hai yaar. Keep the simplicity of the first part.”🔹 “You have a character like Baburao, which has a goodwill of ₹500 crore. If you just change the jokes without changing the backdrop, what’s the meaning of that?” Priyadarshan Open to Directing Hera Pheri 3 Back in January 2025, veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan expressed his interest in directing Hera Pheri 3, but only if the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—returned. Paresh Rawal’s Upcoming Projects The actor has an exciting lineup of films:🎬 Bhooth Bangla – A horror-comedy with Akshay Kumar and Tabu, directed by Priyadarshan (April 2, 2026)🎬 Welcome To The Jungle – The next installment in the Welcome franchise, featuring Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, and Jacqueline Fernandez With Hera Pheri 3 still in development, fans eagerly await Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal’s return in their beloved roles!

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed that the now-scrapped liquor policy implemented by the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Delhi resulted in an overall revenue loss of ₹2,002 crore. The report was tabled in the Delhi Assembly today by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, amidst strong opposition from AAP MLAs. Their protest against the report’s presentation led to their suspension from the House. AAP Leaders Arrested Amid Liquor Policy Scam The liquor policy, which was marred by allegations of financial irregularities, led to the arrests of several top AAP leaders. Among them were party chief Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain. The scam has remained a focal point of political controversy in the national capital. Pending CAG Reports to Be Tabled by BJP Government The incumbent BJP government in Delhi has announced its plan to table all 14 pending CAG reports during the ongoing Assembly session. The latest CAG report on the liquor policy covers a period of four years, from 2017-18 to 2020-21, highlighting significant revenue losses due to procedural lapses and irregularities in implementation. Key Revenue Losses Identified in CAG Report The audit report has detailed specific instances of revenue loss amounting to ₹2,002 crore. One of the major findings was the Delhi government’s failure to re-tender surrendered licences, which resulted in an estimated loss of ₹890 crore. Additionally, delays in taking action led to further losses of ₹941 crore due to exemptions granted to zonal licensees. Violations in Awarding Liquor Licences One of the most glaring issues highlighted by the report was the violation of licensing norms. The Kejriwal-led government failed to ensure the proper implementation of Rule 35 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, which prohibits multiple licences being issued to a single entity. While some retailers held on to their licences until the policy’s expiration, others surrendered them early, creating disruptions in supply. The absence of an advance notice requirement for licence surrender further aggravated the situation. Moreover, the government issued licences without proper scrutiny, failing to check essential criteria such as solvency, submission of audited financial statements, sales data, and criminal background verification of applicants. Lack of Transparency in Pricing of IMFL The CAG report also highlighted serious discrepancies in the pricing of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). The audit found that the Excise Department allowed L1 licence holders to declare their own ex-distillery price (EDP) for liquor priced above a certain level. However, this discretionary pricing mechanism led to revenue losses as it allowed L1 licensees to manipulate liquor prices for their own benefit. “The Excise Department permitted L1 licensees to determine the ex-distillery price, after which all additional price components, including manufacturer profits, were added later,” the report stated. The lack of proper regulation over this pricing system resulted in reduced liquor sales and subsequent revenue loss for the Delhi government. Conclusion The findings of the CAG report have intensified the political battle over the controversial liquor policy. With the BJP government vowing to bring further scrutiny to the financial dealings of the previous administration, the fallout from this scandal is likely to continue shaping the political landscape in Delhi. 4o

Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, is one of the most highly anticipated projects in Indian cinema. The film is being extensively shot across various locations in India. While Ranbir and Sai have already filmed certain portions in Mumbai, Yash, who is also a producer of the film, has now begun shooting for his role as Ravana. According to the latest reports, Yash arrived in Mumbai recently and commenced filming his portions for Ramayana – Part 1 on February 21. Before stepping into the role, the actor underwent two days of costume trials. His current shoot schedule focuses on intense war sequences, with major battle scenes being filmed at Aksa Beach in Mumbai. After completing this outdoor segment, the production team will move to a studio in Dahisar for further filming. A source close to the project revealed, “The war portions are being mounted on a grand scale, with the action choreography designed to reflect Ravana’s strategic prowess. It will be a combination of green screen shots and real battle sequences, incorporating heavy VFX work. This particular segment does not require Ranbir Kapoor’s presence, as it is not the climactic Ram-Ravana face-off. Other key actors have joined Yash for this leg of the shoot.” The ambitious Ramayana adaptation will be released in two parts, with the first installment set to premiere on Diwali 2026, followed by the second part on Diwali 2027. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Lara Dutta, Sunny Deol, and Indira Krishna in pivotal roles. With grand visual effects, large-scale battle sequences, and a stellar cast, Ramayana is poised to be a cinematic spectacle unlike any other.

Belagavi, Karnataka – A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act against an NWKRTC bus conductor, who was assaulted in Balekundri (KH) on Friday for not conversing in Marathi with a passenger. Police confirmed that the passenger in question, a college student, is a minor girl. According to the complaint filed by conductor Basavaraj Hukkeri, the altercation began when he asked the minor’s male companion to purchase a ticket. The girl allegedly insisted that he speak to her in Marathi, leading to a verbal dispute. Later, around 20 individuals boarded the bus at Balekundri and physically assaulted both the conductor and the driver, Rajesab Momin. Hukkeri is currently receiving treatment at a Belagavi hospital. Protests Escalate Over the Incident The incident has ignited protests, with Kannada activist groups condemning both the attack on the bus staff and the Pocso case against the conductor. Activists of Karnataka Nava Nirmana Sene blackened the face of a Maharashtra bus conductor and vandalized a bus windshield in Chitradurga. Meanwhile, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists demonstrated at Marihal police station and Channamma Circle. Arrests and Border Tensions Authorities have arrested four individuals, including a minor, in connection with the assault. While three were remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, the minor was sent to a remand home on Friday night. The situation has also led to disruptions in bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra, with Kannada groups in Karnataka and Shiv Sena activists on the Maharashtra side staging protests. Police Action and Border Security Measures Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang confirmed that three teams have been formed to locate the remaining accused. He added, “Precautionary measures are being taken to maintain law and order. SPs along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border will be coordinating on preventive actions.” With tensions rising between pro-Kannada and pro-Marathi factions, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

Punjabi actress Sonia Mann, daughter of Kirti Kisan Union leader Baldev Singh, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). She was welcomed into the party on Sunday in the presence of AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. AAP’s Punjab unit confirmed the news, posting on X:“Kirti Kisan Union leader S Baldev Singh Ji’s daughter and Punjabi actress Sonia Mann joined Aam Aadmi Party under the leadership of National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. She is very welcome in the Aam Aadmi Party family.” Who is Sonia Mann? Sonia Mann is a multi-lingual actress who has worked in Punjabi, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, and Marathi films. 🔹 Debut: Malayalam movie Hide n’ Seek🔹 Bollywood Debut (2014): Kahin Hai Mera Pyar🔹 Recent Hindi Film: Happy Hardy and Heer (2020)🔹 Music Collaborations: Worked with several Punjabi singers, including the late Sidhu Moosewala in 2018. Sonia Mann’s father, Baldev Singh, was a farm leader and activist who was assassinated by Khalistani militants in the 1980s. Arvind Kejriwal’s Punjab Focus Following AAP’s defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal has shifted his focus to strengthening AAP in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. 📌 AAP’s 2025 Delhi Defeat:▪️ BJP won 48 out of 70 seats in Delhi.▪️ Kejriwal lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma after 13 years in power. With two years to prepare, Kejriwal is aiming to consolidate AAP’s presence in Punjab, where the party is still in power. Sonia Mann’s entry into politics could boost AAP’s rural and youth outreach in the state.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her six cabinet ministers were officially sworn in as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) today. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Delhi Assembly, marking the beginning of the new government’s tenure. MLAs Take Oath in Multiple Languages Notably, some MLAs took their oaths in regional languages: BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker, taking his oath at the Raj Niwas before the session commenced. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The proceedings began with the singing of Vande Mataram, and Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva was present in the Speaker’s gallery to witness the session. New Speaker to be Elected Today The election for the new Delhi Assembly Speaker is scheduled later today, with BJP MLA Vijender Gupta being the frontrunner for the position. CAG Reports to be Tabled Tomorrow The Delhi Assembly bulletin has confirmed that: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the importance of presenting the CAG report in the first session, stating that the previous government would be held accountable for the alleged misuse of public funds. Atishi Becomes Delhi’s First Woman Leader of Opposition Following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) electoral loss, its 22 MLAs unanimously selected Atishi as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly. This makes her the first woman to hold the post in Delhi’s legislative history. AAP convenor Gopal Rai announced the decision, emphasizing that the party would ensure the BJP government fulfills its promises. Atishi particularly mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing ₹2,500 to women in Delhi by March 8, stating: “AAP will ensure that the BJP fulfils all its promises as the ruling party.” BJP’s Landslide Victory in Delhi The BJP won 48 out of 70 seats in the February 5 Assembly elections, bringing an end to AAP’s decade-long rule. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and several senior leaders lost their seats, leading to a major political shift in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has nominated ten well-known figures from politics, sports, business, and entertainment to support his campaign against obesity and promote awareness about reducing edible oil consumption in India. During his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, PM Modi emphasized the urgent need to combat obesity, highlighting its alarming rise, especially among children. PM Modi’s Call for Healthier Lifestyles In his address, PM Modi shared a concerning statistic: “One in every eight people today is troubled by obesity. Cases of obesity have doubled in recent years, and among children, the problem has increased fourfold.” He warned that excess weight contributes to various health issues, including heart disease and diabetes, and suggested small lifestyle changes to tackle the problem. One such recommendation was reducing edible oil consumption by 10%. “You can decide that while buying oil for cooking, you will buy 10% less oil,” he urged listeners, stressing that such minor efforts could collectively make a significant impact. Neeraj Chopra Backs PM’s Initiative Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, who participated in the discussion, echoed PM Modi’s concerns, emphasizing the need for exercise and a balanced diet. “Parents should play outdoor sports with their children, adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and dedicate at least an hour a day to physical activity,” he suggested. Who Did PM Modi Nominate? PM Modi took to social media platform X to announce his nominees, urging them to spread awareness and nominate ten more individuals each to expand the movement. His ten nominees are: Omar Abdullah Joins the Campaign Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah was among the first to respond positively to PM Modi’s call. He acknowledged the severe health risks associated with obesity, stating, “Obesity causes a number of lifestyle-related health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and breathing problems, not to mention mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.” Abdullah’s Nominations Taking the initiative forward, Abdullah nominated several influential figures, including: A Nationwide Movement Against Obesity PM Modi’s campaign aims to build a nationwide conversation on obesity and healthy living, leveraging influential personalities to encourage small but effective lifestyle changes. With more public figures joining in, the movement is expected to gain widespread traction, inspiring millions to adopt healthier habits.

Rescue operations are in full swing to evacuate the eight workers trapped inside the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. The workers have been stuck for nearly 48 hours, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to lead the rescue efforts. Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao, who visited the site, expressed concerns over the workers’ survival, stating that the situation inside the tunnel is extremely challenging. The accumulation of debris has made movement nearly impossible, forcing rescuers to use rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate. Tunnel Collapse Details The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a three-meter section of the tunnel’s roof collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta. This happened just four days after construction had resumed following a long hiatus. While several workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped inside. The collapse has led to severe obstructions, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Rescue Efforts Face Major Challenges The NDRF, in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Indian Army, is working tirelessly to reach the trapped workers. However, the exact location of the workers remains unknown due to the debris blocking the tunnel’s final section. NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta revealed that the team has advanced approximately 13.5 kilometers into the tunnel using locomotives and conveyor belts. However, the last 200 meters are completely blocked, preventing them from confirming the condition of the workers. The team attempted to call out to the workers but received no response. Adding to the complexity, sections of the tunnel between the 11 to 13 km marks are filled with water, which must be removed before further operations can proceed. Rescue teams are facing immense difficulty in reaching the collapsed section due to knee-deep mud and debris accumulation. Identification of Trapped Workers The eight workers trapped inside the tunnel have been identified as Manoj Kumar and Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, Sunny Singh from Jammu & Kashmir, Gurpreet Singh from Punjab, and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand. Among them, two are engineers, two are operators, and four are laborers. Government and Army’s Involvement Authorities at both the state and central levels are closely monitoring the situation. Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has stated that he is in constant touch with officials in Telangana, ensuring that efforts to rescue the trapped laborers continue. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also spoken to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy regarding the situation. Meanwhile, the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) from the Bison Division in Secunderabad has been deployed for rescue operations. A defense statement confirmed that the army is working alongside other agencies to expedite the efforts and ensure the safe extraction of the trapped workers. Uncertain Fate of the Trapped Workers As the rescue teams push forward, the chances of survival remain uncertain. The thick layers of debris, the blocked passage, and the waterlogged sections of the tunnel have significantly slowed down operations. Officials remain hopeful but acknowledge the difficulties involved in reaching the workers. With multiple agencies working together, every effort is being made to safely rescue those still trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.