Devotees from various states and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence.

More than seven crore pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam — the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers — from January 11 to January 16 on the occasion of the Maha Kumbh Mela, according to an official statement.

According to it, more than 30 lakh devotees bathed in the sacred waters on Thursday alone, seeking virtue and divine blessings.

The state government had anticipated that over 45 crore people will attend the Maha Kumbh this time. The early figure of 7 crore pilgrims in the initial days of the religious congregation strongly indicates this projection to be true, the statement said.

Devotees from various states and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence.

The statement said that before the start of the Maha Kumbh, approximately 45 lakh people bathed in the sangam on January 11 while January 12 saw a record 65 lakh devotees.

On the first day of the Maha Kumbh, a record 1.70 crore pilgrims took the holy dip and on January 14, around 3.50 crore people bathed in the Sangam. In the first two days of Mahakumbh alone, more than 5.20 crore devotees took the holy dip, it said.

On Wednesday, a 21-member delegation from 10 countries arrived at Arail Tent City in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

The delegation, invited by the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, will take a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Denesh Persaud from Guyana, expressed his joy and fulfilment after taking a holy dip in the River Ganges.”It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to come here and take a holy dip in the River Ganges. I have fulfilled that wish,” Persaud said.

Sally El Azab from United Arab Emirates, is among the many international pilgrims who have travelled to Prayagraj, to experience the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.

The visiting group included representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This showcases the global interest in this spiritual event.

The statement noted that the Mahakumbh, organised under the leadership of the Yogi government, has drawn global attention this year. Their accommodations were arranged at the Tent City in Arail, an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya—Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

“During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets”.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday (January 13, 2024) announced that the indigenously-developed third-generation fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘Nag Mk 2’ and the entire system was ready for induction into the Army following successful field firing trials.

Field evaluation trials of Nag-Mk 2 were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range in the presence of senior officers of the Army, a statement from the DRDO said. “During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets – maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range.”

Stating that the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, the DRDO announced, “With this, the entire weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to congratulate the Army and the industry on the successful field evaluation trials.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)
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The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024.

In a landmark achievement, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the nation’s first satellite docking experiment under the SpaDeX mission.

The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024. After multiple attempts and close manoeuvres on Sunday, the satellites were successfully docked, marking a historic milestone for India’s space program.

ISRO announced the success of the docking experiment on the social media platform X, stating, “Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.”

The announcement detailed the precise manoeuvring process, which included moving the satellites from a 15-meter distance to a 3-meter hold point, initiating docking, and achieving spacecraft capture. The retraction process was completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation to ensure stability.

Following the successful docking, ISRO’s new chairman, V Narayanan, who was in Delhi at the time, congratulated the entire team for their efforts. In its social media post, ISRO confirmed that the satellites were now operating as a single entity and mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days.

“Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days,” ISRO said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X greeted the scientists for the achievement.

He said: “Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted ISRO for achieving the feat.

“We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission,” Kharge said in a post on X.

He said this significant milestone marks a pivotal step for the future of India’s space programme, which has been built over years, and is a collective achievement for the nation.

The docking, initially scheduled for January 7, faced postponements as the distance between the satellites was reduced from 500 meters to 225 meters. On Sunday, after bringing the satellites to a 3-meter distance, the teams conducted a separation to ensure safety before the final docking maneuver.

The SpaDeX docking experiment, executed at a cost of Rs 370 crore, has positioned India as the fourth country in the world to achieve this critical space capability. The accomplishment has brought widespread acclaim among space science enthusiasts and bolstered the nation’s ambitions in space exploration.

The docking technology is vital for upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Missions. Successful spacecraft docking facilitates the transfer of supplies, equipment, and potentially astronauts, paving the way for advanced human spaceflight and interplanetary missions.

Congratulatory tweets

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in his congratulatory message said: “This milestone marks a significant leap in India’s capabilities, paving the way for greater space programmes and missions. Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire the world and make every Indian proud.”

Union Minister of State for Science, Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh posted: “Congrats #ISRO. Finally made it. SpaDeX has accomplished the unbelievable’ docking complete’ and it is all indigenous ‘Bharatiya Docking System’.”

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on ‘X’: “We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission.”

A Stepping stone: PM MOdi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate the ISRO team. “Congratulations to our scientists at

@ISRO. This is a significant stepping stone…” he said

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

Dr Aseem Malhotra, British-Indian cardiologist, with close ties to RFK Jr and a Trump admin connection, doubles down on an ingredient-focussed diet plan.

British-Indian Dr Aseem Malhotra has a close rapport with Robert F Kennedy Jr and has appeared on podcasts with Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. According to the Daily Mail’s insight, the cardiologist could potentially land a key role in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Donald Trump’s new administration.

Unpacking his five-ingredient Metabolic Reset diet, the British doctor has devised a no-calorie counting way to counter health problems that have collectively affected 140 million Americans and Britons. His new diet is expected to tackle diabetes and high blood pressure just within days. Now, his secret is ours.

Trump doctor’s five-ingredient diet plan to counter diabetes and high blood pressure

“If an item comes out of a packet and it contains five or more ingredients then it is not allowed,” said Dr Malhotra. For reasons yet to be explained, the longer an ingredient list is, the more it is believed to have been through processing. In turn, the more processed the diet is, the higher the vulnerability to diabetes and high blood pressure.

His formulation has proved helpful in reversing his patients’ prediabetes and lowering their blood pressure in 28 days. The best part of the diet, which was worked out alongside London -based nutritionist Kim Pearson, is that it is not required to be followed forever. The cardiologist recommended following the diet plan for a month or so. Thereafter, carbs can be gradually introduced to the meal plan on the weekends.

Dr Malhotra graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in medicine in 2001. His areas of expertise include evidence-based medicine, obesity, coronary artery disease, and preventive cardiology. Meanwhile, Pearson is also a clinical director and wellness editor. She specialises in weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity.

Do’s and don’ts prescribed by British-Indian doctor – tapped by Donald Trump

As diets have often been synonymously equated with making one feel hungry, Dr Aseem Malhotra’s plan goes the other way. “We don’t want people to feel hungry,” he pointed out. However, he does ban a certain group of foods. All sugary foods minus fibre, such as white bread, rice and pasta, packaged food with a long list of ingredients, diet sodas and ‘fake sugars’ are completely off the table.

The main agenda here is to “snap out of” one’s addiction to junk food and “reset” metabolic health. The primary takeaway is to eat three meals a day, leaving four to five hours between each. Moreover, the fasting window overnight should last between 14 to 16 hours. It helps “reset the digestive system.” Intake of at least five vegetables or pieces of fruit is recommended per day. These should be included in at least two meals.

The 47-year-old doctor’s diet is based on the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasises consuming plant-based foods and healthy fats like olive oil and raw nuts. Such options are believed to help remove excess cholesterol from arteries, keeping blood vessels open.

Breakfast-lunch-dinner options

Another good source of fibre is berries, which are nutrient-heavy. The filling antioxidants low in calories help with digestion, slowing down food’s passage through the digestive tract. As a result, a berry smoothie (rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, B vitamins and magnesium) emerges as a viable breakfast option. A vegetable omelette is another one.

For lunch, he and Pearson recommend a protein salad – red meat is allowed. The night options are a stir fry with fibre-rich Japanese noodles or meatballs with vegetable spaghetti.

What about beverage consumption?

Dr Malhotra greenlights only zero calories coffee, water and tea on the drinks side. Although he doesn’t outrightly ban alcohol to ensure the plan’s long term sustainability. Therefore, moderation suggestions amount to three small (175 ml) glasses of dry wine or seven single (25 ml) measures of white spirit.

To “make goals more digestible,” he also introduces a “simple switch”—though not part of his diet plan—eating McDonald’s burgers without the buns. His investigation revealed that the bread itself contains 50 additives. Conversely, the patties alone with toppings are a better option.

80/20 rule leaves room for occasional cheat days

Further making the diet more accessible and easy to follow, he shared the ‘80/20’ rule, which gives people room to cheat occasionally, either on the weekend or at social events where recommended options are nowhere to be found. Sticking to the diet 80% of the time also goes a long way in adopting healthy habits.

The Daily Mail reported that the Metabolic Reset diet, set to launch on February 10, will be available on metabolicreset.co

* The official website clearly establishes that the diet plan is “For educational and informational purposes. Dr Malhotra and Kim are not able to advise you on your individual circumstances.”

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

He emphasised that India has made remarkable progress towards becoming a strong, secure, and self-reliant nation by manufacturing cutting-edge defence equipment domestically and exporting to other countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday celebrated India’s success as a global start-up leader and urged the youth to align their aspirations with the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047, under the “Viksit Bharat” initiative.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of a university in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Rajnath Singh said, “India has emerged as the third-largest start-up hub, with over 100 unicorns shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

He emphasised that India has made remarkable progress towards becoming a strong, secure, and self-reliant nation by manufacturing cutting-edge defence equipment domestically and exporting to other countries.

The “Viksit Bharat by 2047” initiative envisions India as a developed nation by the centenary of its independence in 2047.

Highlighting the importance of innovation and ideas, Singh said, “India is establishing itself as one of the strongest nations today. Our youth, armed with new confidence and energy, can represent the country on the global stage. If you have an idea, a skill set, and the determination to work hard, opportunities and resources will never be in short supply.”

Singh underscored the decisive role of young ignited minds in achieving this vision. He added that the youth’s dreams, commitment, and innovative thinking would define India’s identity on the global stage. “The strength of a nation lies in the knowledge, skills, and determination of its young minds,” he said.

Quoting the adage, “Every age has its own heroes,” Singh described the youth as the heroes of India’s future. He encouraged the students to draw strength from their optimism, which he identified as the key to finding opportunities in challenges.

The Defence Minister also urged the youth to remain connected to India’s history, culture, and values, as these provide valuable lessons during times of challenge and doubt. “When you look beyond individual achievements and work towards social betterment, you accomplish something that ensures you are remembered for a lifetime,” he said.

Paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion of his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as National Youth Day on January 12, Singh described him as India’s first “Global Youth.” He encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and vision.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Prime Minister Modi stated in a video message during the Genomics Data Conclave, organised by the Department of Biotechnology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indian nationals, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology research.

The Genome India Data, which reflects the vast genetic diversity of the country, will be accessible to researchers through managed access at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC). “I am confident this will be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research,” Prime Minister Modi stated in a video message during the Genomics Data Conclave, organised by the Department of Biotechnology.

“Today, India has taken a historic step in the world of research. Five years ago the Genome India Project was approved. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, our scientists have completed the project. I am very happy that more than 20 research organisations have played a very important role in the research,” Modi said.

Highlighting the importance of the database, the PM said, “Now the data of the project is available in the Indian Biological Data Center. This project will prove to be a big milestone in the Department of Biotechnology Research.”

Addressing the experts and scientists, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of recognizing India’s vastness and diversity, not just in its food, language, and geography, but also in the genetic makeup of its people. He emphasized that the genetic diversity of India plays a pivotal role in the manifestation and treatment of diseases.

Pivotal role in medicine

He emphasized that the genetic diversity of India plays a pivotal role in the manifestation and treatment of diseases. With over a billion people and a multitude of ethnic groups, the genetic profile of each community is distinct, which in turn affects how diseases manifest and how they can be effectively treated.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Among the awardees is Lekh Raj Juneja, 72, who was born in Haryana’s Gharaunda and travelled to Japan four decades ago to study fermentation science. Juneja, who headed a Japanese pharmaceutical firm earlier, now helms a snack company. He is being honoured in the ‘science & technology’ category.

FROM A former pharma CEO in Japan to a Spanish politician, a medical practitioner empanelled with the Saudi royals to a businessman in Malawi — the honours for overseas Indians this year typify the range and reach of the 35.4 million diaspora.

The 27 individuals and organisations chosen for the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA), to be honoured by President Droupadi Murmu Friday, hail from 24 countries, including Malawi in East Africa, Fiji, Spain, Romania, US and the UK.

Among the awardees is Lekh Raj Juneja, 72, who was born in Haryana’s Gharaunda and travelled to Japan four decades ago to study fermentation science. Juneja, who headed a Japanese pharmaceutical firm earlier, now helms a snack company. He is being honoured in the ‘science & technology’ category.

In a recent interview to a Japanese daily, Juneja said the formula for global success was an integration of the best of Indian and Japanese working styles. “Indians are very aggressive when it comes to creating strategies and moving forward, but Japanese people are great at completing things properly,” he said.

Robert Masih Nahar, 50, to be awarded in the ‘community service’ category, is a politician from Catalonia who became a member of the Senate of Spain in 2017 – the first person of Indian origin to do so. Born in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, he got a degree in chemistry and moved to Barcelona in 2005. A few years later, he started to promote cricket in Catalonia and founded the Catalonia Cricket Club. He is known as the “godfather of local cricket” in Catalonia.

Syed Anwar Khursheed from Saudi Arabia is being honoured in the ‘medical services’ category. “As I was working in King Faisal Hospital, Taif, I had the privilege to help people… Then I moved to National Guard Hospital, Riyadh. I am the royal protocol physician there… it is a great privilege for me to work for the royal family in Saudi Arabia,” he told reporters in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians (Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation established and run by them), as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. A jury headed by the Vice President finalises the names of the recipients.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Jammu-based spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said he died of natural causes.

Having served as a despatch runner for the Army during the Battle of Naushera and Jhangar in 1947-48, and then going on to fight in four Indo-Pak wars, Havildar Baldev Singh (retired) became a respected war hero and received many honours. On Monday, he died in his hometown of Naushera in J&K’s Rajouri district at the age of 93.

Jammu-based spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said he died of natural causes.

Havildar Singh was born on September 27, 1931, in the village of Naunihal in Naushera. At just 16 years of age, he volunteered to join the Bal Sena Force under the leadership of Brigadier Usman, who was Commander of the 50 Para Brigade and came to be known as the Lion of Naushera, during the Battle of Naushera and Jhangar in 1947-48.

The Bal Sena, a group of local boys aged 12-16, served as despatch runners for the Indian Army in critical moments of the battle. In recognition of their bravery, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru presented them with gramophones, watches, and the opportunity to join the Army.

Singh enlisted on November 14, 1950, and served for nearly three decades. His service spanned multiple wars, including the 1961, 1962, and 1965 Indo-Pak Wars, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

After retiring in October 1969, he was recalled during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and served in the 11 JAT Battalion (25 Infantry Division) for an additional eight months before returning to civilian life.

Throughout his career, Singh received numerous honours for his service, including recognition by the country’s first Prime Minister Nehru and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.

The last rites were held at Naunihal village on Monday with full military honours and service protocols.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

“Glad to know about Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. It was also wonderful discussing various aspects of tech, innovation and AI in our meeting,” Narendra Modi said.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a discussion on various aspects of tech innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) while committing to make India an AI-first nation.

After the interaction, Nadella took to X to hail Modi’s leadership and said: “Thank you, PM Narendra Modi ji for your leadership. Excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first and work together on our continued expansion in the country to ensure every Indian benefits from this AI platform shift.”

In a reply to Nadella’s X post, PM Modi too appreciated Microsoft’s efforts in expanding and investing in India. “It was indeed a delight to meet you, Satya Nadella! Glad to know about Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. It was also wonderful discussing various aspects of tech, innovation and AI in our meeting,” Modi wrote.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

China secured only 5.3% of global remittances in 2024, its lowest share in at least two decades.

In 2024, India received an estimated $129.1 billion worth of remittances, the highest ever for a country in any year. Moreover, India’s share in global remittances was 14.3% this year, the highest such share since the turn of the millennium for any country. The conclusions are based on a blog article published last week by the World Bank.

Remittances refer to the money that individuals working abroad send back to support their families in their home country. They are often a crucial source of income for households in developing countries and can contribute significantly to the economy of the recipient country.

Following India, Mexico and China received the largest remittances in 2024.

Chart 1 shows the top 10 receivers of remittances in $ million in 2024.

The Philippines, France, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Guatemala, and Germany are the other countries on the list. While China was third on the list, past years’ numbers provide interesting insights.

Chart 2 shows the share of global remittances for the top 10 countries mentioned in Chart 1 in the 2000-2024 period.

China’s share of remittances grew from less than 1% in the early 2000s to over 10% by the late 2000s and early 2010s, matching India’s numbers, before gradually declining to below 10% in the late 2010s.

From 2020, the share declined rapidly reaching a two-decade low of 5.3% in 2024. According to the World Bank, China’s rising economic prosperity and an ageing population slowed the pace of emigration of less-skilled people, which contributed to this decline.

India’s share has remained above the 10% mark for most of the years since 2000, with few exceptions. In fact, in the post-pandemic years, there has been a rapid increase in its share. India’s share in global remittances was twice the share of Mexico’s in 2024 (7.5%); Mexico was a distant second.

Though India leads in absolute remittance inflows, in some economies, remittances play a more critical role in funding current account deficits and fiscal shortfalls.

To better understand this, Chart 3 depicts estimated remittances in 2024 as a share of a country’s GDP. Each circle is a country. The farther the circle is to the right, the higher the remittance in 2024 as a share of GDP. The bigger the circle, the higher the remittance in 2024 in absolute figures.

In Nepal, remittances formed over 25% of the GDP in 2024. In Tajikistan, Nicaragua, Lebanon, Samoa, Honduras, and Tonga, the share of remittances in 2024 formed over 25% of their respectives GDPs. In India, remittances formed 3.3% of the GDP this year.

For many low-and middle-income countries, remittances act as a major source of income. In 2024, these countries received $685 billion as remittances, the highest ever in a year. According to the blog, remittances to these countries have consistently outpaced other types of external financial flows.

In recent years, remittances have even surpassed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in low-and middle-income countries put together. FDIs are investments by a foreign country to control or run a business in another country. Remittances are also much higher than the official development assistance (ODA) received by these countries. ODA is the aid from rich countries to help poorer ones develop, often through grants or cheap loans.

Chart 4 compares remittances, FDI, and ODA received by low-and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2024.

Over the past decade, remittances increased by 57% while FDI declined by 41% in low-and middle-income nations, the blog notes.

Source: The data for the charts were sourced from a blog article published by the World Bank on December authored by Dilip Ratha, Sonia Plaza and Eung Ju Kim

vignesh.r@thehindu.co.in

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)