Once every twelve years, the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. It is the biggest public assembly and gesture of faith in the world. Ascetics, saints, seers, and pilgrims from all walks of life make up the majority of this group.

In a historic ruling on Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath designated the Maha Kumbh region in Prayagraj as a new district.

PM Modi thanked the staff, shramiks, and safai karmacharis for their hard work and dedication, which helped make the Mahakumbh a huge success. PM Modi declared, “India is a land of sacred sites and pilgrimages.” He stated that rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, and Narmada flow through the area and many other innumerable rivers.

The Prime Minister reflected on the Mahakumbh’s great size and scope, stating that it is one of the world’s largest gatherings, with a complete new city built for the event and lakhs of devotees welcomed every day for the 45-day Mahayajna.

The Prime Minister declared, “A new history is being written on the land of Prayagraj,” adding that the Mahakumbh event next year would elevate the country’s spiritual and cultural identity to new heights and that such a “MahaYagya” of unity would be discussed globally.

Describing the significance of numerous pilgrimage locations and Prayag as the meeting, gathering, assembling, combining, influencing, and power of these rivers’ sacred flow.

PM Modi explained the significance by saying that it has been said that Prayag is a sacred moment when the sun enters Makar’s home and all of the divine energies, nectar, sages, and saints descend on Prayag.

For rural women, the Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to be a major source of employment. To improve their standard of living, thousands of rural women from self-help groups (SHGs) are being given shops and stalls at the Mahakumbh ground. ‘Shri Anna’ counters, canteens, and cafeterias will be run by these ladies.

The Maha Kumbh emblem is being used on mufflers because of the cold weather during the event. Additionally, “selfie caps” are being created for the younger demographic.

Eklavya Ajeevika Mahila Samuh’s Neha Nishad stated: “The women in my group are making these things, and they all have the Kumbh logo on them. The Maha Kumbh logo and slogan will also be displayed on the Angavastram that is stored in the baskets being prepared for Prasad.

‘Shri Anna’ counters will be set up by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) at the event, providing these wholesome goods at five canteens and a cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. Furthermore, over six counters will be set up to sell Shri Anna items that are purchased directly from farmers who grow Shri Anna. During the Mahakumbh, these kiosks will also sell a variety of goods manufactured from barley, sorghum, millet, and desi jaggery, according to Chinta Devi, President of Nari Shakti Prerna Sankul Samiti.

What a fantastic accomplishment! In the chess world, Gukesh D’s triumph as the 18th World Chess Champion marks a significant turning point. His ascent to the top at such a young age has been nothing short of remarkable, displaying remarkable talent, tenacity, and a profound knowledge of the game. The 18-year-old Gukesh has proven to be a master under pressure, and this title solidifies his place among the top chess players of our time.

Today, in a 14-game contest in Singapore, D Gukesh of India defeated Ding Liren of China to become the youngest-ever World Champion in chess. The 18-year-old from Chennai became just the second Indian to win the World Chess Champion after Anand after taking advantage of a mistake made by Ding in the winner-take-all 14th game. He won the match 7.5 to 6.5.

After breaking Garry Kasparov’s record of winning the title at age 21, Gukesh’s victory over Ding marks the beginning of a new chess king and makes him the 18th World Champion in the game’s more than 100-year history.

Five-time champion Viswanathan Anand lost the World Chess Championship title to Magnus Carlsen of Norway in Chennai in 2013, making Gukesh the second Indian to win the title in less than ten years. Ding defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi after Carlsen abdicated the throne in 2023.

After battling for 13 games in three weeks, Ding was eager for the quick and blitz tiebreakers because he had successfully repelled the young Indian challenger’s bold strategies to push the match to a draw.

However, Gukesh had an additional piece in the king pawn ending after China, 32, executed a spectacular move that trapped his rook and caused it to lose the game.

After almost jumping out of his seat, Gukesh paused, calmed down, and asserted that the rook had secured the victory and captured the audience.

“The only explanation for this is that I am living my dream, which I have had for the past ten to twelve years since I began playing chess. Gukesh commended Ding Liren for his battle in this match despite his poor physical state, saying, “First of all, thank God, because I am living a miracle and it could only be possible because of God.”

“I became emotional because I didn’t think I would win from that position,” he continued. I was about to press. However, I suggested that we concentrate on tie-breaks. However, I realized that I had realized my desire when I saw the error.

PM Narendra Modi said on X, “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.“

In an effort to provide high-quality education to remote areas of India, tech giant Google said on Monday that it has partnered with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

In the upcoming months, NCERT will establish a number of YouTube channels that correspond with the curriculum for grades 1–12 as part of the cooperation. The channels will empower teachers, parents, and students nationwide by providing educational information in interesting and easily accessible formats in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language.

“The core of YouTube has always been education. Additionally, through creative collaborations, tools, and resources, YouTube can assist in making learning content more available in India, where accessible education is essential to maximizing the country’s potential, according to a Google blog post by Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management, YouTube Learning.

Additionally, Google stated that it will be launching Credentialled Courses in partnership with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning. NPTEL provides 50 accredited courses covering a wide range of topics, from literature and the pure sciences to sports psychology and rocket propulsion.

As a result of this move, Katzman stated, “anyone who is not part of the IIT system can now take a course on NPTEL’s YouTube channels, finish the online certification on the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, and receive a certificate from the IITs.” In the upcoming months, more courses will be offered, he noted.

In 2022, YouTube, which is owned by Google, began offering courses in India to assist producers in providing a structured educational environment. The company concentrated on giving even more producers the ability to create and distribute courses in 2024 so they could reach a larger audience and have a greater influence on students.

Additionally, it has gone one step further with the introduction of “Key Concepts” to help with comprehension.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), we can recognize ideas discussed in a video and maybe offer definitions from the database of those ideas, which spans disciplines like chemistry, biology, and physics. We use the video’s transcript and other related video metadata to surface definitions and images from Google’s Knowledge Graph,” Katzman explained.

To assist students in applying what they have learned, the online video-sharing platform has now added quizzes. Its YouTube Player for Education is a product for students that enhances the way YouTube videos appear in well-known teaching resources.

“The YouTube Player for Education is being used by our partners to develop a variety of learning activities, such as interactive classes, extra study, and formative evaluation. The player is utilized in classrooms worldwide and has been incorporated into the tools of edtech businesses like Quizizz and Teachmint, as well as Google Classroom in India, according to Katzman.

Google’s major AI courses, including Introduction to Generative AI, Introduction to Responsible AI, and Introduction to Large Language Models, are accessible on YouTube thanks to the AI Skills House program, which was introduced by YouTube earlier this year. These free classes will soon be extended to include seven Indian languages.

Sanjay Malhotra, the revenue secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Malhotra, a 1990 Batch Rajasthan Cadre IAS Officer, would succeed Shaktikanta Das, whose term ends on December 10, 2024. Malhotra will become the 26th governor of the RBI. The cabinet’s appointments committee accepted Malhotra’s appointment for a three-year term beginning on Wednesday.

He holds an engineering degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, as well as a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States. His long 33-year career has spanned a variety of businesses, including power, banking, taxes, information technology, and mining. He is currently the revenue secretary at the finance ministry, having previously served as secretary in the same ministry’s department of financial services. His extensive experience in finance and taxation spans both the state and federal governments.

Sanjay Malhotra has over 33 years of experience in a variety of industries, including power, finance and taxation, information technology, and mining. He currently serves as Secretary (Revenue) at the Ministry of Finance. According to the Finance Ministry website, he previously worked as a Secretary in the Department of Financial Services of India’s Ministry of Finance.

He has substantial experience in finance and taxation at both the state and national levels. As part of his current responsibilities, he contributes significantly to the development of direct and indirect tax policies.

Shaktikanta Das was first named RBI Governor in December 2018, after Urjit Patel, the then-central bank leader, resigned before his term was set to finish. Das was the RBI’s second longest-serving governor, following Benegal Rama Rau’s seven-year stint.

Das, a former IAS officer with a long stint in the Finance Ministry, became governor after retiring from the service. His tenure as RBI Governor also resulted in a smoother working relationship between the central bank and the Finance Ministry, following the friction that marked his predecessor’s tenure.

Das worked as a secretary in the Finance Ministry’s Departments of Revenue and Economic Affairs, where he was directly responsible for eight Union Budgets. He also served on the 15th Finance Commission and as India’s Sherpa at the G20. Das has also served as India’s alternate governor for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have devised a cutting-edge biological approach for converting methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) into cleaner biofuels via methanotrophic bacteria.

The novel technique, which addresses two urgent global challenges: the negative environmental impact of greenhouse gases and the depletion of fossil fuel supplies, is a big step toward sustainable energy solutions and climate change mitigation.

Methane, a greenhouse gas that is 27-30 times more strong than CO2, contributes significantly to global warming. While converting methane and CO2 into liquid fuels can help cut emissions and provide renewable energy, current chemical processes are energy-intensive, expensive, and emit toxic byproducts, limiting their scalability.

The team from IIT Guwahati created a wholly biological process that uses Methylosinus trichosporium, a species of methanotrophic bacterium, to convert methane and CO2 into bio-methanol under mild working conditions. Unlike previous chemical processes, this procedure does not require expensive catalysts, produces no harmful byproducts, and uses less energy.

“This research is a breakthrough because it demonstrates that bio-methanol, derived from bacteria feeding on methane and carbon dioxide, can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels,” said Prof. Debasish Das, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati.

“Unlike conventional biofuels, which rely on crops and compete with food production, our technique use greenhouse gasses, avoiding the ‘food vs. fuel’ dilemma. It is an environmentally and economically viable solution that uses low-cost resources while helping to reduce emissions,” Das said.

The novel two-stage process involves trapping methane to produce bacteria-based biomass, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide into methanol. The researchers refined the process using advanced engineering techniques to improve gas solubility, resulting in much higher methanol yields. The bio-methanol produced was mixed with diesel (5-20% ratio) and tested in a four-stroke diesel engine. The findings, published in the journal Fuel, include a reduction of up to 87% in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, and smoke emissions.

Diesel-methanol mixes surpassed pure diesel in terms of fuel consumption, energy economy, and engine performance, while preserving comparable mechanical efficiency. The researchers stated the approach has enormous potential to decarbonise essential industries such as oil and gas, refineries, and chemical manufacture, opening the way for a more sustainable future.

On India’s escalating air pollution, internet giant Google announced Air View+ , an artificial intelligence-based solution that can provide important hyperlocal air quality information to the government and the people.

Air View+ is powered by Google AI and works in partnership with local climate technology companies. This can offer real-time hyperlocal air quality data for local sustainability companies, researchers/climate action groups, corporations, city administration, and individuals.

The ecosystem can deliver “valuable air quality insights to government agencies responsible for environmental monitoring and urban planning,” according to Google in a blog post.

It will also offer “real-time hyperlocal air quality information in Google Maps for users across India,” it said.

Air View+ provides local municipalities with hyperlocal air quality data for their communities. This can be used to create in-house AQ dashboards through collaboration with researchers and sustainable partners.

“These dashboards provide air quality data for unmonitored areas and help urban planners identify hotspots and make necessary interventions,” Google informed us.

Air View+’s capabilities were evaluated during a pilot run last year. Google noted that partnerships with municipal corporations such as Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Greater Chennai had delivered very encouraging results.

Furthermore, Air View+ enables ordinary people to access hyperlocal air quality information across the country using Google Maps.

“Using a multi-layered AI fusion approach that incorporates data from many input sources, including the sensor network, government data, satellite images, weather and wind patterns, traffic conditions, land cover, and more, we construct dynamic hyperlocal Air Quality Index (AQI) at a granular level. We have customized the model for India to reflect the methodology, categorization, and guidelines outlined in the National Air Quality Index (NAQI),” the IT behemoth stated.

The information gathered may assist vulnerable populations such as small children and the elderly in taking appropriate preventative steps and safeguards for their health, such as wearing N95 masks or limiting outdoor exposure.

People may easily access AQI in Google Maps by selecting the Air Quality layer from the Layers menu on the home screen and touching on any area on the map. The Weather widget on the Explore tab on the home screen can be used to access AQI information for their present location.

Vikrant Massey stars ‘The Sabarmati Report’ is about the fire of the Sabarmati Express train. The terrible incident occurred on February 27, 2002, when a rowdy mob set fire to the S6 coach of the Sabarmati Express at Gujarat’s Godhra railway station. The film, directed by Dheeraj Sarna, delves into the circumstances surrounding the fire of the Sabarmati Express’s S-6 coach near Godhra station on February 27, 2002. The incident claimed the lives of 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya, sparking rioting throughout Gujarat.

The film’s protagonist, Vikrant Massey, plays a Hindi journalist who defies the system by reporting the truth.Raashii and Vikrant play journalists in the film, which depicts the tragic events surrounding the Sabarmati Express.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to view the film ‘The Sabarmati Report’ on Monday at 4 p.m., just days after complimenting its presentation of the truth of the 2002 Godhra train burning. Days ago, Prime Minister Modi praised the video for “revealing the truth” about the Godhra train disaster, which killed 59 people, including women and children. “It is good that this truth is being revealed, and that too in a way that ordinary people can understand,” PM Modi added, applauding the film, which stars Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw ‘The Sabarmati Report,’ a video about the 2002 Godhra train burning, at the Parliament Library. The photos of PM Modi viewing the movie while sat with other Parliamentarians generated a lot of interest on social media, with many netizens leaving comments. After watching the film about the Godhra train disaster, the Prime Minister praised the filmmakers for their efforts.
“Joined fellow NDA MPs at a screening of ‘The Sabarmati Report.’ I commend the makers of the film for their effort,” wrote PM Modi on X. “A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out,” PM Modi replying to an X user.

Vikran Massey, the principal actor, characterized it as the “highest point of his career.” “I saw the film with the Prime Minister, all Cabinet ministers, and several MPs. It was a pretty unique experience. I am quite thrilled. “This is the pinnacle of my career,” Massey told reporters following the film screening.

“It is excellent that the truth is being revealed, especially in a form that ordinary people can understand. A phony story can only exist for a limited time. “The facts will always come out,” PM Modi stated while applauding the film, which stars Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra.

Interestingly, many BJP Chief Ministers, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, have seen the film. The film has also been proclaimed tax-free in states such as Odisha, MP, UP, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and other BJP-ruled states, in an effort to encourage more people to see the film, which depicts the “reality” of the Godhra train catastrophe.

Notably, Chief Minister Yadav spoke with Vikrant Massey via video call and commended him on his work. Yadav had invited him to watch the film alongside the state cabinet. During the chat, Massey expressed gratitude for the state’s decision to exempt the picture from taxes.

Ekta Kapoor took to Instagram to share a collection of photos from the screening, which included the Prime Minister and the film’s stars, including Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Riddhi Dogra.

Ekta wrote: “Pride and gratitude beyond words! Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji graces #TheSabarmatiReport screening. Humbled by this acknowledgment of the truth we have strived to bring forth! Here’s to a story inspired by true values, one that has reached millions. Thank you all for your support!”

Expressing her happiness, Ekta wrote: “A moment of immense pride as The Sabarmati Report reaches the highest office! Thank you, Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, for your kind words and encouragement. We are deeply grateful Sir @narendramodi ji”

Producer Ekta Kapoor, who is garnering a lot of favorable feedback for her recent theatrical film ‘The Sabarmati Report’, has conveyed her gratitude to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for granting tax-free status.

CM Mohan Charan Majhi went to his X to convey the update, as he posted, “People’s government has decided to make the film ‘Sabarmati Report’ based on a true incident tax free in Odisha. The film shows how Karsevak was burnt alive in the Godhra fire incident to fulfill their vested interests and create unrest. This film will bring to the people such a hair-raising, heart-wrenching truth of the past and make the general public more aware. #TheSabarmatiReport”.

Ekta responded to the CM on X, “Heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Ji and Government of Odisha for making #TheSabarmatiReport tax-free in the state. This support will help bring the truth of a significant chapter in our history to more people”.

Union Health Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party President J.P. Nadda attended the special screening of ‘The Sabarmati Report’ and praised the entire film team on revealing the truth.

“I viewed the video with the Prime Minister, all Cabinet Ministers, and numerous MPs. It was a pretty unique experience. I am quite thrilled. “This is the pinnacle of my career,” Vikrant told reporters following the film’s screening.

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu on November 30, diminished on Sunday, but heavy rain continued. The Army intervened to remove people stranded in inundated streets around the union territory. Heavy rains and flooding caused damage in parts of Tamil Nadu as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and offered all possible assistance in dealing with the water situation and devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal.

Chief Minister Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Modi, demanding Rs 2,000 crore in interim relief from the National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF) to carry out rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of the Cyclone’s widespread and devastating devastation. In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Stalin stated that severe rains and heavy winds caused devastation in many areas across the state, according to Source.

The Chief Minister stated that the disaster claimed the lives of 12 people, flooded 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, destroyed 1,649 kilometres of electric wires, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers.

It also damaged 9,576 kilometers of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks, in addition to extensively damaging infrastructure, residences, and huts.

The Chief Minister stated: “The flood has caused enormous disruptions, inundating huge areas, displacing residents, and severely affecting infrastructure and livelihoods. This disaster has negatively impacted 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals.”

He went on to add: “The districts of Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi, in particular, received rainfall equivalent to an entire season’s average – more than 50 cm in a single day, resulting in widespread flooding and severe damage to infrastructure and crops.”

After describing the initiatives taken by the State government to lessen the calamity’s effects, CM Stalin stated that an initial assessment estimated that Rs 2,475 crore will be necessary for temporary restoration operations.

CM Stalin stated, “Despite our best efforts, the scope of this calamity has surpassed the State’s resources, and we urgently want financial assistance to manage the aftermath from this natural disaster. Given the scale of the devastation and the urgent need for repair, I respectfully request that Rs 2,000 crore in interim aid be released from the National Disaster Response Fund immediately.”

He stated that this help will considerably benefit emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts.The Chief Minister also urged Prime Minister Modi to form a centralized committee to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage.

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy said that families of those who lost loved ones owing to the storm and rainfall will receive a ₹5 lakh compensation. He stated that 3.54 lakh families under the public distribution system will receive ₹5,000 each, directly paid to their bank accounts.

Bengaluru has been experiencing rain since Sunday evening, and according to IMD officials, Coastal Karnataka and areas of South Interior Karnataka are anticipated to see extensive rainfall today, while light to moderate rainfall.

The national broadcaster of India, Doordarshan (DD), has teamed with the Hockey India League (HIL) to provide the exciting action of the event to millions of people across the country.

HIL is scheduled to begin on December 28. This year’s edition is noteworthy because it includes the maiden season of the Women’s Hockey India League, as well as the highly anticipated men’s competition. The league will include eight men’s and four women’s teams participating in Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing outstanding talent from India and around the world.

The addition of the women’s league demonstrates Hockey India’s commitment to expanding gender inclusivity in sports and promoting women’s hockey on a large scale.

Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, stated, “Prasar Bharati is honored to collaborate with the Hockey India League, a platform that honors our national sports and brings people together across diverse categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we hope to deliver the exhilarating spirit of hockey to viewers worldwide, including the historic launch of Women HIL, crossing the urban-rural gap and increasing the league’s effect.”

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, stated, “With two back-to-back medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Indian sports fans are convinced that the golden period of Indian hockey is returning. Doordarshan, the public broadcaster, is excited to contribute to this bigger vision through this relationship. The goal is to enhance hockey production and broadcasting to international sporting standards. Sports fans throughout the world may now watch the Indian Hockey League, both men and women, via DD Sports and Waves, Prasar Bharati’s recently launched OTT platform. Stay tuned for broadcasts beginning December 28, 2024“.

Speaking on the partnership, Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee Chairperson Dr Dilip Tirkey stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the Hockey India League.” This year is especially notable for the introduction of the Women’s HIL, a watershed moment in the promotion of women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s extraordinary reach and devotion to sports are perfectly aligned with our goal of bringing hockey to every corner of the country. Together, we hope to inspire millions and propel the HIL to unimaginable heights.”

Fans around the country may now watch live telecasts of all Hockey India League matches on Doordarshan, providing hockey aficionados with convenient access nationwide.

In a historic move, Doordarshan has expanded its cooperation with Hockey India to include all National Championships. Going forward, all Hockey India National Championships in various categories, as well as other Hockey India-owned hockey events in India, will be broadcast on DD.