Discover insights and stories from this independent contributor
On the instructions of the Supreme Court, worship of Maa Vagdevi has started on Vasant Panchami in Dhar's Bhojshala. The administration has set aside a separate place for the Muslim community to offer namaz. 8000 policemen have been deployed to maintain law and order, along with surveillance through CCTV and drones. A procession and religious gathering will also be organised.
OnePlus may soon launch a new smartphone OnePlus 15T, which has appeared on the Chinese certification site. It is expected to have 100W fast charging, 7000mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The phone can also have a 6.31 inch 1.5K OLED display and IP69 rating. It may launch in March and will come in multiple storage options.
After the nomination for Chandigarh Mayor election, manipulations among political parties have intensified. BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are making strategies for victory. BJP is ensuring its votes, while AAP is eyeing the disgruntled councilors of BJP. Party discipline is important as cross-voting becomes difficult. Congress is also busy in making new equations, which has proposed AAP councilor for Deputy Mayor.
Yellow and white colors have special significance on Vasant Panchami. Yellow color symbolizes Jupiter, the planet of knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, which communicates new energy and enthusiasm. It is considered auspicious for mustard fields and students. At the same time, white color symbolizes peace, purity and pure intelligence, which is associated with Mother Saraswati and increases concentration by reducing ego. Both these colors positively influence life and luck.
Rispana-Bindal elevated road in Dehradun will now be a high-speed corridor. Following objections from NHAI, its design has been modified, increasing the minimum speed. The speed has been fixed at 50 kmph on Bindal and 80 kmph on Rispana. This ₹6200 crore 25 km long project will reduce the risk of accidents by widening curves to enhance traffic management and safety.
US President Trump has given a strong warning to Iran while returning from Davos. He claimed that America's large naval fleet is moving towards Iran and they are closely monitoring its activities. However, Trump made it clear that he did not want war and that the use of force would be the last option. This warning has increased fears of US action against Iran, while the number of people killed in protests in Iran has also been released.
Environment friendly urban transport system is being developed in major cities including Dehradun in Uttarakhand. UKMRC has given in-principle approval to e-BRT in Dehradun and Harki Paidi Ropeway in Haridwar. Ropeway projects are also in progress in Neelkanth, Nainital and Mussoorie. The aim of these projects is to reduce traffic pressure, reduce pollution and provide fast, safe and economical transport facilities to citizens and tourists.
Jharkhand's tableau will become the center of attraction in the Bharat Parv of Republic Day 2026. Its theme is Mantra of Independence: Vande Mataram and Developed India, which will reflect nature and patriotism. Dasham Falls, wildlife and eco-tourism will be prominently displayed in the tableau. It will effectively showcase Jharkhand's rich natural heritage, biodiversity and commitment towards environmental conservation, and also showcase the tribal society's connection with nature.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari met Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav in Delhi. He demanded opening of Ayurvedic Medical College in Jharkhand, to which the Union Minister gave in-principle consent. Hi-tech labs, wellness health centers and increasing the number of MBBSPG seats in medical colleges were also discussed in the meeting. It was also agreed upon to cooperate with the Center for Abua Health Scheme.
A major step has been taken under the Central Government's Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program DRAP for disposal of more than 13 lakh tonnes of old waste in Patna. This initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 will achieve the target of 'zero dumpsites' by October 2026. This program will not only improve the cleanliness of the city, but will also benefit the environment and public health, and the vacated land can be used for development work.