Breaking News Updates: 4 die in Tirupati stampede during distribution of tokens to offer prayers

• Four people have died in a stampede that occurred at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens.
• "CM N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to officials over the phone about the treatment being provided to the injured in the incident. CM has ordered higher officials to go to the scene of the incident and take relief measures to ensure that the injured get better treatment," CMO stated.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bhubaneswar airport, Odisha.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, tomorrow.

BJP president JP Nadda will hold a crucial Delhi election management meeting on Thursday at Delhi BJP office, sources told ANI.

The key organizational meeting aims to review Delhi election preparations ahead of the polls.

A fire breaks out in a tanker parked at SR Compound in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Fire tenders are present at the spot and efforts to douse the fire are underway.

Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, presently Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, MEA stated.

In Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...In the field of railways, Andhra Pradesh is one of the states where 100% electrification has been completed. More than 70 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh are being developed under the 'Amrit Bharat Station Yojana'. For the convenience and travel of the people of Andhra Pradesh, 7 Vande Bharat trains and Amrit Bharat trains are also being operated...The infrastructure revolution in Andhra Pradesh, better connectivity, and improved facilities will change the entire landscape of the state. This will increase ease of living and ease of doing business. This development will form the foundation for Andhra's vision of a 2.5 trillion dollar economy. Visakhapatnam and the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh have been the gateway for India's trade for centuries...We are promoting the entire utilization of opportunities related to the sea through the blue economy on a mission mode..."

At the foundation stone laying event in Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "After a gap of 60 years, a government has been elected for the third time in the country and after the formation of the government, this is my first official program and the wonderful welcome you gave me, the way people were blessing me on the way today and N Chandrababu Naidu has hit all the sixers in his speech. I respect the spirit of each of his words, his sentiments and I assure the people of Andhra Pradesh, the countrymen that the sentiments that Chandrababu was expressing today, together we will definitely achieve those goals."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore. At the ceremony, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was also present.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday slammed BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri's 'roads like Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks' statement and called it "ridiculous".

"It is a ridiculous remark. He never spoke about his cheeks. All this is unnecessary. During the elections, we should talk about the important issues of the people of Delhi," Priyanka Gandhi said.

On Delhi Assembly elections, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said," When Arvind Kejriwal gets on election field, he makes his own equations, how he said Congress and BJP are fighting together. He very well knows it is impossible...I want to tell Kejriwal that politics will go on but the Rs 25 lakh health cover scheme introduced today provides universal coverage. The central govt should analyse the schemes which were introduced in Rajasthan.... the govt must come forward to support its people in healthcare. Ayushman Bharat covers only 40% of the population. Rajasthan is the only state where health scheme coverage was given to all households...A law similar to Rajasthan's Right to Health should be passed in every state."

Breaking News Live: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu felicitates PM Modi in Visakhapatnam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. “He was received by Governor, S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and other dignitaries,” PMO stated.

He is set to lay the foundation stones for projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore aimed at driving sustainable growth and infrastructure development.

Arvind Kejriwal took to X and stated, "TMC has announced support to AAP in Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamta Didi. Thank you Didi. U have always supported and blessed us in our good and bad times."

After several members from the BJP's temple cell joined AAP, Kejriwal said, "Those who work 24X7 for Sanatana Dharma, such as the priests and saints, God has given us the opportunity to serve to them for which I consider myself and AAP very fortunate... BJP has a temple cell, and they have made promises to saints from time to time but delivered nothing. However, AAP does what it says."

Several members from the BJP's temple cell joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, MP Sanjay Singh and party leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Manish Sisodia on Wednesday.

"Today is a very joyous occasion as Hasibul Hasan ji, who was a ward councilor, along with many of his colleagues, is joining the AAP family. I heartily welcome you all," said AAP MP Sanjay Singh at a press conference in Delhi.

JDS party workers hold a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office over the state government's decision to increase Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fare.

The Allahabad High Court has directed the then district magistrate and senior superintendent of police of Hathras to personally appear on January 15 and explain why they should not be held liable for the stampede in 2024 that claimed 121 lives.

"The organisers call innocent people for their benefit and due to lack of proper arrangements, such incidents happen. It is the responsibility of the administration to see whether there is proper arrangement of police force, medical, etc., or not," the judge said while hearing the bail plea of one Manju Devi. (PTI)

Cold conditions have intensified across the Kashmir valley, with night temperatures dropping below freezing after a brief respite.

According to officials, clear skies have led to a sharp dip in temperatures, with several areas in the region experiencing sub-zero conditions.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 1 degree Celsius, a drop from the previous night’s 0.9 degrees Celsius. Despite the chill, the city witnessed bright sunshine during the day.

Gulmarg, the popular skiing destination in north Kashmir, recorded the lowest temperature in the valley at minus 9.8 degrees Celsius, down from the previous night’s minus 6.6 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam, a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, saw a slight drop to minus 8.2 degrees Celsius from minus 7.8 degrees the previous night.

Other areas like Qazigund, Konibal, Kupwara, and Kokernag also recorded sub-zero temperatures.

BSP chief Mayawati today called on the Centre to prioritise national and public welfare over "narrow politics" following the revision of the GDP growth estimate for the current fiscal.

Mayawati's remarks come amid growing economic concerns, with the Indian rupee hitting a record low of 85.83 against the US dollar and the GDP growth rate forecast to fall to 6.4 percent for 2024-25, marking the lowest growth rate in four years.

In a post on X, Mayawati expressed her concern over the economic situation, stating that the expected GDP growth decline would impact the country's most vulnerable citizens.

"The GDP growth rate is expected to fall to 6.4 percent. Most newspapers highlighted this as their top news today. The ones who are truly saddened by this are the country's poor and hardworking population, who, despite their tough lives, are not ready to hear any harm coming to their nation," she said.

A local court has scheduled March 5 as the next date of hearing in a case concerning the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey in Chandausi. The case follows the Supreme Court's directive to lower courts, instructing them not to entertain new suits requesting surveys of places of worship until further notice.

Shakil Ahmad Wari, an advocate representing the Muslim side in the case, confirmed that a copy of the Supreme Court's order had been filed in the court. He emphasized that the matter is now pending judicial review.

In response to claims made by the Hindu side, asserting that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple, Wari stated that it is ultimately up to the court to decide on the issue.

The final speed trials for the Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project were successfully conducted today. The trials were part of the mandatory inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).

The tests included runs over two engineering marvels: the Anji Rail Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge connecting Katra and Reasi, and the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge. Both structures are pivotal components of the USBRL project, aimed at enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Boby Chemmanur, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, was taken into custody in connection with a sexual harassment case filed by a Malayalam actress, according to official sources.

The case was registered based on the actress's complaint.

The BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC) is set to meet on January 10 to finalise candidates for the remaining seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections 2025.

Key party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will be present at the meeting, along with other CEC members, according to sources.

The first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 'One Nation, One Election' is set to take place in Delhi today at 11 am. The session, convened by JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary, will feature a detailed briefing from officials of the Ministry of Law and Justice's Legislative Department.

The committee is tasked with examining the feasibility and implications of holding simultaneous elections across the country, a proposal that has sparked widespread debate.

A fire broke out in a residential building near Sion Hospital in Mumbai this morning.

According to officials, the fire was quickly contained, and no casualties have been reported.

The Central Government has approved the establishment of a designated site within the "Rashtriya Smriti" complex, located within the Rajghat precinct, for the Samadhi of Late Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India.

This move has been hailed as a tribute to the esteemed leader, reflecting his legacy and contributions to the nation.

In response to this announcement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla commented, "Pranab Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna by Prime Minister Modi's government, and now the government has announced the creation of a 'Rashtriya Smriti.' This should be welcomed. The Congress' first family, unfortunately, operates with a narrow mindset, continually disrespecting its own great leaders. This disrespect spans from figures like BR Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, to Sardar Patel, as seen throughout history."

In an update from Dima Hasao, Assam, one body has been recovered from the coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso area, where nine people were trapped on January 6.

The search and rescue operation is still ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining individuals trapped in the mine.

The Income-Tax (I-T) Department has announced the launch of a "24x7 control room and complaint monitoring cell" to allow the public to report instances of illegal inducements, such as cash distribution, during the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The announcement comes after the Election Commission released the poll schedule on Tuesday, with voting set for February 5 and counting on February 8 for the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the I-T (Investigation) wing confirmed that the control room would be based at the Civic Centre in central Delhi.

Additionally, the department has set up a toll-free number — 1800111309 — for individuals to report any concerns or irregularities related to the elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch development projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam today during his two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the projects aim to boost sustainable development, industrial growth, and infrastructure.

PM Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, themed "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat", on Thursday. Organised in collaboration with the Odisha government, the event will connect members of the Indian diaspora from over 50 countries.

PM Modi will also virtually flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.

Departing from Delhi's Nizamuddin, the train will cover multiple religious and tourist destinations over three weeks.

>> South Coast Railway Headquarters: The foundation stone will be laid in Visakhapatnam.

>> Bulk Drug Park: To be established in Nakkapalli, Anakapalli district, it will generate thousands of jobs and boost economic growth due to its location near the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor.

>> Krishnapatnam Industrial Area: A flagship project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, KRIS City will be developed as a greenfield industrial smart city in Tirupati district. With an estimated investment of ₹10,500 crore, it is expected to create one lakh jobs and attract major manufacturing players.

PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub, the first under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The hub will include 20 GW renewable energy capacities and produce 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of derivatives like green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.

The facility will significantly contribute to India's goal of achieving 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.