Mukkanuma, observed on the fourth day of Sankranti, holds special cultural significance. After 3 days of strictly vegetarian meals, people traditionally prepare and relish a variety of non-vegetarian dishes on this day. The practice reflects a scientific and dietary principle, allowing the body to detox during the initial days before consuming heavier foods.
Hyderabad’s first-ever Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Parade Grounds moved into its second day today, drawing growing crowds. After a successful opening, the colourful balloon displays continue today. The vibrant evening spectacle marks a new attraction for the city, with visitors able to book hot air balloon ride tickets online.
Donald Trump unexpectedly praised Iran for cancelling over 800 scheduled executions, hinting at easing tensions as nationwide protests subside. Speaking on the White House South Lawn before leaving for Mar-a-Lago, he expressed “great respect” for the move, calling it impactful. This follows his warnings of potential US military action if repression escalated.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has added yet another feather to its cap by winning the esteemed Governance Now Digital Transformation Award for last year. The honour acknowledges APSRTC’s innovative system of pre-announcing bus arrival information at stations. The award was formally received by APSRTC Managing Director Dwaraka Tirumala Rao.
Ram Charan’s “Peddi,” a sports action drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana, is generating massive hype. The first single, Chikiri Chikiri, is dominating music charts, delighting fans. In a recent interview, Ram Charan confirmed the film’s release on March 27, 2026, and called “Peddi” the most interesting character of his career, raising audience expectations.
Sivakarthikeyan’s period drama “Parasakthi,” directed by Sudha Kongara, received negative reviews and is trending toward a flop, with audiences citing lack of entertainment. In an interview, he expressed disappointment over not receiving comedy scripts lately, saying he misses full-fledged comedy films and hopes his next project will be a complete entertainer.
US aviation authorities warned airlines to “exercise caution” over Mexico, Central America, Panama, and parts of South America due to military activities and potential GPS interference, issuing 60-day Notices to Airmen. The advisory follows a US raid capturing Venezuela’s Maduro, while Trump suggested possible land strikes against Mexican drug cartels.
The EU Aviation Safety Agency advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid heightened risks from US threats, warning of potential misidentification by Iran’s air-defence systems. Protests over living costs have killed at least 3,428 people, with over 10,000 arrests. The US threatened military action but praised Iran for canceling scheduled executions.
IndiGo has processed refunds for passengers affected by flight cancellations between December 3 and 5, the DGCA said. The airline also offered two ₹5,000 travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture. However, passengers continue to flag refund delays on social media. The DGCA has reviewed the disruptions and submitted a report, with action under consideration.
West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari filed a ₹100-crore defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of falsely linking him to a coal scam. He moved Alipore court after she failed to reply to his legal notice. Adhikari said Banerjee offered no evidence and warned any damages awarded would be donated to charity.
The BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena are set to capture the BMC with 117 of 227 seats, ending the Thackerays’ decades-long control. BJP leads in 88 wards but needs Shinde’s 29 to govern, giving him kingmaker leverage. Shinde may demand the mayor’s post, citing Sena legacy, possibly through a 2.5-year power-sharing deal with the […]
PM Modi will visit West Bengal and Assam today and on Jan 18 to launch major rail and road projects. He will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and new Amrit Bharat Express services. He will also attend a Bodo cultural event in Assam and lay the foundation for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor […]
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump, calling it recognition of his support for Venezuelan democracy. The Nobel Committee clarified the award cannot be transferred. The gesture drew international criticism, with Norwegian officials and analysts calling it embarrassing and disrespectful.
India has moved closer to acquiring 114 additional Rafale fighter jets after the Defence Procurement Board cleared the proposal. The plan now goes to the Defence Acquisition Council and CCS. The move aims to address the IAF’s critical squadron shortage, worsened by MiG-21 retirements and delays in Tejas Mk1A deliveries, with a strong ‘Make in […]
India is in talks with the US to extend the Chabahar port sanctions waiver ahead of its April 2026 expiry, the MEA said. While exploring options to reduce exposure, India remains committed to the project’s strategic role. New US tariffs are expected to minimally impact India-Iran trade, amid concerns over Indian citizens’ safety in Iran.