News from India

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, emphasising rural transformation and empowerment. The six-day event at Bharat Mandapam promotes sustainable practices and celebrates rural India's spirit.

Fifteen flights were diverted at Delhi's IGI Airport early Saturday due to dense fog affecting visibility. IndiGo and Air India reported delays as CAT III non-compliant aircraft faced issues.

Jasprit Bumrah left the field during BGT's fifth test for medical treatment, sparking concerns. Virat Kohli steps in as captain amid developments.

Odisha launches new flight routes from Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda under the NDP 2024. Air India Express and Star Air operate these, boosting connectivity.

Odisha will sponsor the Indian national Kho Kho team from January 2025 to December 2027 with Rs 5 crore annually, as announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The funding is through the Odisha Mining Corporation.

Team India captain Rohit Sharma dispels retirement rumours, stating his decision to skip the 5th test is in team's interest. He informed coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT released draft rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, stressing parental consent for child data. Feedback is open till February 18, 2025.

Indian health officials, led by Dr Atul Goel, assure no alarm over China's HMPV outbreak. Regular precautions against respiratory infections are advised.

Following the mammoth success of Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkumar Rao's Stree 2, Maddock Films announced an exciting lineup under Maddock Supernatural Universe for the coming years. While Thama will star Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, Bhediya 2 will be a sequel to the Varun Dhawan-starrer. Similarly, Stree 3 and Maha Munjya will be a follow-up to their predecessors. However, the makers are yet to announce the cast for Shakti Shalini, Chamunda, Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh. However, the recent buzz in the industry is Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani are signing exciting projects with Maddock Films.

Former actress Sangeeta Bijlani made some shocking revelations about her ex-beau Salman Khan during her recent appearance on Indian Idol 15. She disclosed that Salman didn't allow her to wear short clothes. Though she didn't take the Sikandar star's name, she mimicked him and it was evident from her gestures whom she referred to. Amid this, an old video of Gauri Khan has surfaced on social media in which she reveals that Shah Rukh Khan didn't let her wear white shirts.

The first song from Loveyapa starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor in the lead was dropped on the internet recently. The first reaction of the netizens was that the song “Loveyapa Ho Gaya’ was cringe and so embarrassing.

A tragic incident occurred in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh where a six-year-old tribal girl was raped and murdered. Accused Ajay Dhurve has been arrested.

The MEA announced 27 awardees for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025. The awards, recognising Indian diaspora's global impact, will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu in Odisha from January 8-10.

1989's timeless love story Maine Pyar Kiya marked Salman Khan's debut as the male lead and Bhagyashree's debut in Bollywood. However, did you know that Bhagyashree was not the first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya? Recently, actress Upasana Singh revealed that she was the first choice for Suman.

Rohit Sharma's Test career seems uncertain following his absence from the Melbourne Test. With T20 retirement, his future in Tests and ODIs is under scrutiny as selectors deliberate post-Australia series.