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Lionel Messi participates in Maha Aarti during visit to Vantara in Gujarat

Global football superstar Lionel Messi recently visited Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, founded by Anant Ambani. During his visit, Messi participated in traditional Hindu cultural practices and learned about the facility's extensive conservation efforts.

The visit, which took place on December 16, saw the Argentinian icon hosted by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani. He was reportedly joined by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul for the unique cultural and environmental tour.

Focus on Conservation and Culture

A primary focus of the visit was Vantara's work in wildlife conservation. Messi engaged in discussions with Anant Ambani about the center's mission to rescue and rehabilitate animals. The event highlighted a blend of global sportsmanship with local tradition and environmental stewardship.

A significant part of the experience involved Messi's participation in traditional Hindu rituals. Reports and images from the visit show him taking part in a Maha Aarti, a revered Hindu ceremony of worship. This gesture was in line with the cultural ethos of the center and offered the football star a glimpse into local traditions.

Details of the Visit

The event was documented across various social media platforms, showing Messi and his teammates at the Ambani-led facility. Key activities during their time at Vantara included:

  • Observing wildlife up close within the conservation center.
  • Participating in a traditional Aarti ceremony.
  • Engaging directly with Anant Ambani on the subject of wildlife conservation.

The visit underscores a growing intersection of global personalities showing interest in India's cultural and environmental initiatives. Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, has positioned itself as a major center for animal welfare, and this high-profile visit brings international attention to its work.


Photo Credits : CCTV

New Delhi, December 10, 2025:
Deepavali, India's iconic Festival of Lights (also known as Diwali), has achieved a major global milestone by being officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition was announced during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, which is currently being hosted in New Delhi at the historic Red Fort.

The inscription of Deepavali makes it the 16th element from India to be featured on this prestigious global list, which aims to protect and promote 'living expressions' passed down through generations.

Why This UNESCO Recognition is Important

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted that the festival strengthens social bonds, promotes inclusivity, and embodies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The five-day festival is celebrated across India and globally by various communities, marking new beginnings and seeking prosperity. It is a time for cleaning and decorating homes with diyas (lamps), exchanging sweets, and performing rituals.

The move is expected to bring increased global awareness and support for the traditions and communities that keep this festival alive. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the honour as a responsibility, stating, "We must ensure Deepavali remains a living heritage," and that it celebrates the "universal message... hope over despair."

Celebration and Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition, calling it a "thrilling" moment and stating that Deepavali is "the soul of our civilisation" and personifies illumination and righteousness. The announcement was met with cheers from delegates at the Red Fort meeting.

The nomination dossier for Deepavali was submitted for the 2024-25 cycle, prepared through extensive consultation with artisans, practitioners, and cultural groups across the country. The inscription on the Intangible Heritage list is a testament to the festival's deep-rooted cultural significance—from the legend of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

This latest inclusion joins other Indian traditions on the list, such as the Garba dance of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), and the Kumbh Mela (2017).

The hosting of the 20th session of the UNESCO committee in India for the first time underlines the nation’s growing commitment to safeguarding its cultural inheritance. The recognition is anticipated to boost local economies associated with the festival, such as potters and traditional sweet-makers. Future efforts will focus on documenting the diverse regional practices of Deepavali to ensure the tradition is transmitted to the next generation sustainably.


Visakhapatnam, 07-12-2025: Following a commanding series victory over South Africa, celebrated cricketer Virat Kohli was seen offering prayers at a temple in Visakhapatnam. The star batsman's visit has drawn significant attention, coming on the heels of his exceptional performance in the recent One Day International (ODI) series. The event, Virat Kohli Visits Simhachalam Temple After India ODI Series Win, saw the player engaging in traditional rituals alongside his family.

The temple visited by the cricketer was identified as the historic Simhachalam Temple, also known as Simhachalam Devasthanam, a prominent place of worship in Visakhapatnam, or Vizag. According to reports, Virat Kohli was accompanied by his family during this visit, where he took blessings and performed traditional ceremonies after the conclusion of the cricket series.

The visit followed India's strong 2-1 series win over South Africa in the ODI series. Virat Kohli was instrumental in this victory, delivering what many have described as a stellar performance that saw him rediscover his form. His outstanding contributions with the bat were a key factor in the team's success and earned him high praise from fans and critics alike.

Throughout the series, Virat Kohli demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. His performance highlights include:

  • Scoring a total of 302 runs across the series.
  • Smashing two centuries and one fifty.
  • Being named the "Man of the Series" or "Player of the Series" for his crucial role.

This remarkable comeback and his subsequent spiritual visit have been widely covered, with images and videos of him at the temple circulating online.

After leading his team to a significant win, Virat Kohli chose to spend time at the Simhachalam Temple in a display of faith. Sources confirmed he was there to offer prayers and seek blessings. The visit is seen by many as a moment of thanksgiving for his rediscovered form and the team's successful campaign against South Africa. His decision to visit with his family underscored the personal significance of the occasion for the celebrated athlete.


New Delhi – In a significant gesture of cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The exchange took place on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi.

A Symbolic Welcome in Delhi

President Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day state visit to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Breaking usual protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed the Russian President at the Palam Airport. In a show of close friendship, the two leaders traveled together in the same car to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, for a private dinner.
It was during this meeting that PM Modi gifted the sacred text. Sharing a picture of the moment on social media, PM Modi wrote:
👉 "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world."

Why This Gift Matters

The gift is seen as more than just a formal exchange. It highlights the deep cultural connection between India and Russia. The specific version gifted is the Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, published by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
This holds special historical importance. In 2011, a lower court in the Siberian city of Tomsk had heard a case seeking to ban this specific Russian translation, alleging it was "extremist." The case caused concern in the Indian Parliament at the time. However, the Russian courts eventually rejected the ban, allowing the text to remain available. By gifting this very book, PM Modi has subtly reaffirmed the value of Indian culture and religious freedom, while celebrating the text's acceptance in Russia.

President Putin's visit will continue on Friday with formal delegation-level talks. The two leaders are expected to discuss important agreements on defense, nuclear energy, and trade. 

The decision follows concerns raised by the mobile phone industry regarding technical feasibility and user choice, shifting the focus to voluntary promotion.

New Delhi – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its directive that made it mandatory for mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new smartphones sold in India. The move marks a significant policy reversal after industry bodies raised substantial concerns about the rule's feasibility and its impact on consumer choice.

The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched in May 2023, is a citizen-centric initiative by the government aimed at enhancing mobile security. It empowers users to block and trace lost or stolen mobile phones, check the authenticity of a device before purchase, and view and manage all mobile connections registered in their name. To boost its adoption, the government had initially mandated its pre-installation on devices, a move intended to make these security features readily accessible to every user from the moment they unbox their new phone.

However, the directive was met with strong opposition from the mobile manufacturing industry, led by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major players like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. The ICEA argued that the mandate posed significant technical and logistical challenges. They highlighted that forcing a single app into the complex, globally integrated software and supply chain ecosystem would be disruptive and time-consuming. Manufacturers pointed out that such a country-specific requirement would complicate production lines and could delay the launch of new models in the Indian market.

Furthermore, the industry raised valid points about user freedom and the issue of 'bloatware'. Forcing the app on every device, they contended, would limit a consumer's right to choose the applications they want on their personal devices. Pre-installing apps that a user might not need or want contributes to unnecessary clutter and consumes valuable storage space.

Acknowledging the feedback, the government has now opted for a more collaborative approach. Instead of a mandate, the DoT will work with manufacturers and industry stakeholders to promote the Sanchar Saathi app and encourage voluntary downloads. The new strategy will likely involve awareness campaigns, placing QR codes on smartphone packaging that link to the app, and making it easily discoverable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

For consumers, this decision means they retain control over their device's software. They can still access the full suite of powerful features offered by Sanchar Saathi by simply downloading the application at their convenience. The core services of the portal remain fully functional, ensuring that the goal of enhancing citizen safety and curbing mobile phone theft is still actively pursued, albeit through promotion rather than compulsion.

This policy shift underscores a balanced approach, where the government's objective of national security and consumer protection is pursued in harmony with industry feasibility and the fundamental principles of user choice in a competitive digital market.



Dr. Ganesh Baraiya's journey from a Supreme Court victory against the medical council to serving as a government doctor inspires many.

Bhavnagar, Gujarat – Dr. Ganesh Baraiya, who stands at three feet tall, has begun his medical career as a medical officer at a government-run Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Bhavnagar, five years after a landmark Supreme Court ruling allowed him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

In 2018, the Medical Council of India (MCI), now the National Medical Commission, had disqualified Dr. Baraiya from pursuing an MBBS degree, citing his short stature due to dwarfism. The council's committee argued that he would be unable to perform essential duties, including emergency procedures, because of his height. This decision denied him a place in medical school despite clearing the entrance examination.

Determined not to give up, Dr. Baraiya, then 18, challenged the decision. He first approached the Gujarat High Court, which upheld the MCI's decision. Undeterred, he took his case to the Supreme Court of India. In a significant judgment in 2018, the apex court ruled in his favour, stating that his disability should not be a barrier to his education. The court affirmed that he was eligible for admission into the MBBS program.

Following the verdict, Dr. Baraiya enrolled at the Government Medical College in Bhavnagar. He successfully completed his MBBS degree and is now undertaking his internship at the Sir-T hospital, affiliated with the same college, before serving at the PHC.

Speaking about his experience, Dr. Baraiya has stated in multiple interviews that while patients are often surprised by his height initially, they quickly become comfortable and cooperative once he begins his work. He expressed immense satisfaction in being able to serve the community and fulfill the dream he fought relentlessly to achieve.

Dr. Baraiya's story is a powerful testament to perseverance against systemic hurdles. His legal victory has set a precedent, challenging discriminatory norms and paving the way for other differently-abled individuals to pursue careers in medicine and other fields from which they might have been previously excluded.

He is currently serving his duties as a medical officer, handling numerous patients daily and has been warmly accepted by both his colleagues and the local community he serves.




Ruling alliance secures one of the largest victories in state history; Nitish Kumar set for record fifth term.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won a massive and decisive victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Results announced on Friday, November 14, show that the alliance has crossed the 200-seat mark in the 243-member state legislature, giving it a powerful mandate for the next five years. The final tally from the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirms the NDA has secured over 200 seats, well above the 122-seat majority mark.

This sweeping win—one of the largest in Bihar's recent political history—is a result of strong performances by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), and allies like the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)).

The victory is largely being credited to welfare schemes and the strong support of women voters, whose turnout was remarkably high (over 71%). These voters prioritized the government’s work on infrastructure, security, and financial aid over political changes. The combined appeal of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi resonated strongly across the state.

Following the victory, Prime Minister Modi thanked all NDA workers and said the mandate was a win for the aspirations of the Mahila (Women) and Youth of Bihar.

In contrast, the main opposition, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), struggled significantly, securing a tally far lower than expected. Although RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav successfully retained his Raghopur seat, the alliance failed to convert public dissatisfaction into votes, especially due to a split in the opposition vote by smaller parties. The Opposition camp alleged the election was not conducted fairly.

With this commanding win, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn in for a record fifth term. The focus will now immediately shift to the formation of the new cabinet and the implementation of development projects promised during the campaign.


High-Security Zone Incident: Delhi Police and Special Cell Investigating Cause of Blast.

New Delhi, November 10, 2025 (Monday): An explosion in a parked car near the Red Fort Metro Station late Monday evening resulted in the death of one person and injuries to four others, triggering a high security alert across the National Capital.

The incident occurred around 6:30 PM near Gate Number 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, a bustling and highly sensitive area close to the historic Red Fort monument. The blast immediately caused a fire, which quickly spread to three to four nearby vehicles. Videos shared from the scene showed dense smoke billowing from the burning cars, causing immediate chaos among commuters and pedestrians.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) responded quickly, deploying seven fire tenders to control the blaze. Fire officials confirmed that the fire has been extinguished, and cooling operations are now underway. The injured individuals were rushed to the nearby Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital for emergency treatment. The identity of the deceased is yet to be officially confirmed by the authorities.

As of the latest update, the official cause of the explosion remains unknown. Police sources have stated that they are investigating all possibilities, including a potential mechanical failure (like an Oxygen cylinder explosion or a fuel tank burst) and other angles. However, authorities have yet to issue a verified statement confirming the nature of the explosion.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: "We have collected samples from the site and our priority is to determine if the explosion was accidental or due to external factors. A full report will be released only after forensic experts complete their analysis."

The Delhi government has advised the public to avoid the area near the Red Fort Metro Station to allow investigators and emergency services to work without disruption. Further updates on the cause of the blast and the condition of the injured are expected early tomorrow morning, following initial forensic findings.

io Users Get 18 Months Free Google AI Pro (Gemini 2.5 Pro) Worth ₹35,100
Major step taken to bring advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to common people across India.

New Delhi: Tech giant Google and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) have announced a big strategic partnership to speed up the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. The most immediate benefit of this deal is that eligible Jio customers will get 18 months of free access to Google’s premium AI Pro plan, which includes the advanced Gemini AI model.

The free subscription, which is officially valued at approximately ₹35,100, is set to roll out soon. The move is seen as one of the country's largest efforts to bring cutting-edge AI technology directly into the hands of consumers.

What is Included in the Free Plan?

The Google AI Pro plan gives users access to several high-end tools:

  1. Gemini 2.5 Pro Model: This is Google's most powerful AI model, used for complex tasks, writing, research, and coding.

  2. Creative Tools: Higher limits for generating high-quality images and videos using models like Nano Banana and Veo 3.1.

  3. Storage: A large 2 Terabytes (TB) of cloud storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos.

  4. Learning Help: Expanded access to NotebookLM, which is an AI tool designed for study and research.

Who is Eligible and How to Get the Offer?

The rollout will begin for a specific group of users first. Eligible customers must be Jio 5G users on an Unlimited 5G plan and must be aged between 18 and 25 years. This focus on youth is part of the companies’ goal to equip the next generation with AI tools. Eligible users can activate this free plan directly through the MyJio app by clicking the “Claim Now” banner once the offer is live for them. The companies have promised to expand this offer to include every Jio customer nationwide soon.

Beyond the Consumer

The partnership is not just for individual users. Reliance and Google are also working together on the business side. Reliance Intelligence will team up with Google Cloud to help Indian companies use advanced AI systems for their work. This includes increasing access to special hardware (Tensor Processing Units or TPUs) needed to train very large AI models, which will help strengthen India's overall AI infrastructure.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, said, “We aim to make India not just AI-enabled but AI-empowered—where every citizen and enterprise can harness intelligent tools.” Similarly, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, noted that the announcement will put Google’s "cutting-edge AI tools in the hands of consumers, businesses, and India's vibrant developer community.”

This announcement comes as competition in the Indian AI market heats up, following rival telecom operators like Airtel also partnering with AI companies to offer free premium services to their users. This signals a healthy race to make advanced technology more affordable and accessible in the country.

The next step is the phased rollout of the offer and the formal launch of enterprise AI solutions based on this new collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the Google AI Pro offer for Jio users? A: Jio, in partnership with Google, is offering 18 months of free access to the Google AI Pro premium subscription. This plan includes the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model and other high-end features.

Q2. What is the value of this free subscription? A: The 18-month Google AI Pro subscription is officially valued at approximately ₹35,100 per user.

Q3. Who is eligible to get this offer first? A: In the initial phase, the offer is available to Jio users aged 18 to 25 years who are subscribed to an Unlimited 5G plan.

Q4. How long does the free access last? A: The complimentary access will last for 18 months from the date of activation, provided the user stays on an eligible Jio 5G plan.

Q5. Will all Jio users get this free plan? A: The companies plan to expand this offer to include all eligible Jio customers nationwide in a phased manner following the initial youth-focused rollout.

Q6. Where can I activate the free subscription? A: Eligible users can claim the offer directly through the MyJio app by looking for the “Claim Now” banner.


Inspiring act by a senior citizen at the popular adventure spot proves that age is no limit to thrilling experiences.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A truly inspiring event took place recently in Shivpuri, Rishikesh, when an 82-year-old woman successfully completed India's highest bungee jump. The woman, whose identity has not been widely shared, has become a national sensation after a video of her fearless leap went viral across social media platforms.

The jump was performed from a fixed platform located in Shivpuri, known as one of India's major adventure sports hubs. The height of the jump is believed to be over 80 meters, making it the country's highest such platform. Bungee jumping requires strict safety checks and physical fitness, especially for senior citizens.

In the viral video, the elderly woman shows amazing energy and excitement. She can be seen cheerfully dancing with the instructors as they prepare her for the jump. Without any sign of fear, she confidently steps off the high platform and dives into the valley below. Onlookers and staff celebrated her successful landing with loud cheers.

The video has been viewed by millions, with countless people praising her spirit. Many social media users called her an example for others, often repeating the phrase, "Age is just a number." Her graceful jump has encouraged many people—young and old—to overcome their fears and seek out new adventures.

The incident also highlights the professional standards of adventure sports operators in Rishikesh, who ensure thorough medical checks and safety protocols, making sure that even very senior citizens can safely participate in extreme sports with the necessary clearance.

The woman’s daring achievement serves as a powerful reminder that life can be full of thrills at any age. The video continues to spread joy and motivation across India.

Satish Sharma meets Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Seeks enhanced support for strengthening sports infrastructure, youth engagement in J&K

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 09: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma today called on the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi and held an extensive discussion on measures to strengthen sports infrastructure, enhance youth engagement, and promote athletic excellence in Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting, Satish Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Union Minister, reiterating the J&K Government’s commitment to transforming Jammu & Kashmir into a vibrant hub of sports and youth empowerment.

The memorandum detailed key proposals focusing on infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation aligned with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022.

Highlighting the significance of sports as a medium for peace, unity, and integration, Satish Sharma said, “Jammu & Kashmir stands at a defining moment in its sporting journey. With the Centre’s continued support, we can channelize the energy of our youth, nurture their talent, and position J&K as a model of sporting excellence and national unity.”

The Minister sought the Union Government’s assistance in accelerating the development of world-class sports infrastructure, including the establishment of a National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg, modernization of district stadiums with all-weather facilities, and creation of sports amenities at the panchayat level to ensure equitable access for rural youth.

He also called for expanding Khelo India grassroots programs, enhancing scholarship and financial aid schemes for athletes, integrating sports science and physiotherapy into training systems, and promoting public-private partnerships for the management and maintenance of sports facilities.

To encourage sports-linked tourism and international exposure, Satish Sharma proposed the hosting of international winter sports events at Gulmarg, which would position Jammu & Kashmir as a leading global destination for winter and adventure sports.

The Minister further requested the early release of 103.82 crore as proposed earlier for construction of critical sports infrastructure projects under Khelo India, enabling rapid execution of ongoing and planned initiatives. He also stressed the need for providing funds for promotion of sports in rural areas and funds be placed at each rural Panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir

Reaffirming the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s commitment, Satish Sharma said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah we are determined to build a robust, inclusive, and self-sustaining sports ecosystem that empowers our youth and strengthens the spirit of national integration.”

The Union Minister assured that soon policy for promoting sports in rural areas will be framed, besides funds for sports equipments will be provided.

Election Commission of India MCC Guidelines

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a press note instructing all political parties to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and relevant guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their campaign materials, especially synthetic videos targeting rival parties and candidates. This directive comes following the announcement of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar and bye-elections for eight Assembly Constituencies, bringing the MCC into immediate effect.

Key Announcements

  • The ECI emphasized that the MCC now applies to all online and social media content posted by candidates and political parties.

  • Parties have been warned that criticism of opponents must be limited to policy, program, past record, and work, avoiding any remarks about private lives unrelated to public duties.

  • Criticisms based on unverified allegations or distortions are strictly prohibited.

Guidelines on AI and Synthetic Content

  • The Commission has specifically advised against the misuse of AI-driven tools to create deepfakes, misinformation, or distorted content on social media platforms.

  • All political actors must clearly label AI-generated, digitally enhanced, or synthetic campaign content with prominent notations such as “AI-Generated” or “Synthetic Content”.

Enforcement and Monitoring

  • A strict watch is being maintained on social media to prevent the vitiation of the election environment, and the Commission has implemented comprehensive measures for the effective enforcement of MCC guidelines.

  • Any violations will be dealt with strictly by the authorities.

This press note reiterates ECI's commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in the digital era and maintaining a fair campaign environment as the elections approach.