The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday temporarily suspended registration for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage following an unprecedented surge of devotees during the New Year period. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after crowd density reached critical levels at the Katra

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is scheduled to attend the state funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 31, marking a significant diplomatic gesture at a time of strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. The decision comes amid heightened political uncertainty in Bangladesh and a broader reassessment of regional alignments in South Asia following last year’s dramatic change of government in Dhaka. Kha

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is often observed with fasting, temple visits and devotional practices, but traditional sources describe it as far more than a symbolic religious occasion. Ancient Hindu texts and yogic teachings present the observance as a carefully timed alignment of cosmic movements, biological rhythms and human consciousness, established long before the emergence of modern scientific terminology. The day is traditionally observed during Dhanur Masa, in the bright fortnight of Margashirsha, immediately preceding Makara Sankranti, when the Sun begins its northward journey known as Uttarayana. While many temples ceremonially open a northern gate on this day, classical interpretations clarify that the reference is not primarily architectural. Yogic literature describes Vaikuntha as a state beyond limitation and suffering, and Dvara as a gateway. Together, the term points toward an internal transition rather than a physical passage. According to yogic physiology, this gateway corresponds to the Sushumna Nadi, the central energy channel that runs along the spinal axis. Texts such as the Shiva Samhita state that liberation is experienced when prana, or vital energy, flows freely through this central channel without obstruction. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed on Ekadashi tithi, a lunar phase traditionally associated with reduced digestive activity in the human body. Yogic science holds that on this day the digestive system operates at a minimum, making fasting less stressful on the body. Through fasting, the downward-moving energy known as Apana Vayu is restrained, allowing prana to move upward more naturally. This upward movement is believed to balance the Ida and Pingala nadis, often described as the lunar and solar energy channels, creating conditions favorable for the activation of the Sushumna Nadi. Contemporary scientific research into fasting has begun to recognize restorative processes that align with these ancient observations. Classical yogic texts further explain this mechanism. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika notes that when food intake and sensory distractions are restrained, prana is more likely to enter the central channel. The timing of Vaikuntha Ekadashi coincides with the Sun’s transition toward Uttarayana, symbolically mirroring the upward movement of consciousness described in yogic practices. This phase is traditionally associated with the awakening of higher centers of awareness, moving from the lower chakras toward Ajna and Sahasrara. Hindu scriptures also describe cosmic time in a distinctive way, defining a single day of the devas as consisting of six months of Uttarayana and six months of Dakshinayana. In this framework, one human year equals one full day and night for celestial beings. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is therefore regarded as marking a cosmic dawn within this larger cycle. Devotional practices on this day traditionally include the recitation of the Dwadashakshari mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya, as a form of japa. Beyond ritual observance, the day is understood as an opportunity for internal alignment, where seasonal astronomy, lunar dynamics and human physiology converge. Ancient seers embedded this observance into the calendar as a reminder of harmony between the cosmos and the individual. The invocation Hari Om, often associated with Vaikuntha Ekadashi, reflects this integrated vision. Hari signifies the principle that removes sorrow, ignorance and bondage, while Om represents the primordial sound identified with ultimate reality. Together, they express an aspiration toward clarity and balance within the larger cosmic order. Viewed through this lens, Vaikuntha Ekadashi stands as a structured convergence of spiritual practice and natural rhythms, emphasizing introspection, restraint and alignment rather than mere ritual formality.

Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United States after the car they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along a mountainous stretch of road in California. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on Alabama Hills Road, a scenic but challenging route known for its winding terrain. The deaths have sent shockwaves through their hometowns in Telangana, where families and residents are struggling to come to terms with the sud

Tensions in Bangladesh have escalated sharply following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, triggering widespread protests and renewed anti-India sentiment across the country. A radical student outfit linked to Hadi, Inqilab Moncho, has issued a strong ultimatum to the interim Yunus administration, demanding sweeping action within strict deadlines, including the suspension of work permits issued to Indian nationals. The group announced its demands during a protest gathe

India on Monday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of mistreatment of religious minorities, asserting that Islamabad lacks the moral authority to comment on such matters given its own record. Responding to remarks from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, New Delhi said attempts to highlight alleged incidents in India cannot mask Pakistan’s well-documented history of systemic discrimination and persecution of minorities. The response came after Pakistani Foreign Affairs spokespers

With just days left before the December 31, 2025 deadline, taxpayers across India are being urged to check whether their PAN is linked with Aadhaar. The warning comes from the Income Tax Department, which has made it clear that failure to complete the linking process on time could lead to serious financial and tax-related disruptions. PAN Aadhaar linking is the process of connecting an ind

Pakistan has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that Indian drone strikes caused damage at the strategically sensitive Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi during Operation Sindoor, marking a significant shift from its earlier attempts to downplay or deny the impact of the attacks. The admission came during a year-end press briefing on December 27, when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Fresh details have emerged in the death of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a violent racial attack in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. A medical report issued by Graphic Era Hospital has revealed the extent of the trauma he endured, including complete pa

One passenger was killed after a fire broke out in two coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in the early hours of Monday in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. The incident occurred around 1 am near Elamanchili railway station when the locomotive pilot noticed flames emerging from one of the co

Fresh signs of internal tension have emerged within the Congress after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appeared to counter senior party leader Digvijaya Singh through a social media post praising the leadership of

Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed the two men referring to themselv

The winter session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly has begun on a dramatic and politically charged note, drawing statewide attention as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao come face to face on the Assembly floor. This moment is being closely watched as it mark

The political atmosphere in Telangana is rapidly heating up with strong indications pointing towards a direct confrontation between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao in the upcoming winter session of the Telangana Assembly. After remaining largely away from a

The killing of a 20-year-old Indian student near a major Canadian university has sparked widespread shock, fear, and concern among international students, particularly those from India studying in Canada. Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, was shot dead in a fatal incident close to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, an area that students routinely use for commuting and recreation. According to the

China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance. Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes

An investigation by The New York Times has revealed that the Donald Trump Presidency raised an unprecedented $2 billion in donations during 2025, making it the most heavily funded second-term presidency in American history. Among the hundreds of donors were at least six Indian-origin Americans or the companies they lead, many of whom reportedly benefited from decisions taken by the Trump administrat

An Indian student from Telangana pursuing higher education in the United States has died under suspicious circumstances, triggering concern among the Indian diaspora and student communities. The deceased has been identified as Pawan Kumar Reddy, a native of Melladuppalapalli village in Nalgonda district. The incident reportedly occurred late at night while he was having dinner with his friends.

The United States has cautioned India about China’s evolving two-front strategic approach that combines diplomatic calm along the Line of Actual Control with an aggressive expansion of military support to Pakistan. The warning comes from the US Department of Defense’s 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China, a comprehensive assessment of Beijing’s military modernisation and regional ambitions. The report h

Canada and the United Kingdom emerged as dependable alternatives for Indian students seeking overseas education, especially as uncertainty around US work visas grew. Clear post-study work routes, predictable immigration rules, and relatively stable visa approval trends helped both countries attract hundreds of thousands of Indian students. However, policy changes in 2025 are reshaping that confidence and forcing students and families to reassess long-held assumptions about studying abroad.