India's recreated 5th-century ‘stitched’ vessel in historic voyage revives ancient maritime ties with Oman

IANS | January 14, 2026 11:09 PM

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya has successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat, Oman, marking a milestone in India’s maritime diplomacy and cultural heritage revival. The stitched sail vessel, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inspired by a fifth-century ship depicted in the Ajanta cave paintings, arrived in Muscat after a 17-day journey across the Arabian Sea.

Magh Mela 2026: Prayagraj witnesses massive pilgrim turnout

IANS | January 14, 2026 10:21 PM

Prayagraj, Jan 14 (IANS) The Magh Mela in Prayagraj is once again drawing huge crowds as devotees throng the Sangam to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, coinciding with Shattila Ekadashi. By 8 a.m. on Wednesday, around 15 lakh devotees had already immersed themselves in the confluence, with participants ranging from young children to elderly citizens.

Chhattisgarh: Solar power brings light to schools in Maoist-affected Mohla-Manpur

IANS | January 14, 2026 9:45 PM

Mohla-Manpur (Chhattisgarh), Jan 14 (IANS) Schools in the Naxal-affected forested regions of Mohla-Manpur, in Chhattisgarh, which had remained in darkness for years, are now glowing with light, thanks to the newly installed solar power plants. This development is providing a fresh direction to education in areas long challenged by insurgency and limited infrastructure.

Delhi: Nangloi gets upgraded Ayushman Aarogya Mandir to boost local healthcare

IANS | January 14, 2026 9:17 PM

Nangloi (Delhi), Jan 14 (IANS) In a major boost to neighbourhood-level healthcare in West Delhi, an Ayushman Aarogya Mandir was inaugurated in Nangloi on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards improving access to quality primary medical services for residents. The facility was inaugurated by Nangloi’s Municipal Councillor Poonam Surender Saini amid the presence of a large number of residents, community members, and local leaders.

Marathi and Hindu inseparable: Fadnavis doubles down pitch for Mumbai Mayor (IANS Interview)

IANS | January 14, 2026 9:02 PM

Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) “If a Tamilian can become Chennai Mayor, a Gujarati can become Ahmedabad Mayor, a Telugu Hyderabad Mayor and a Punjabi as Punjabi Mayor then why in Maharashtra’s Mumbai, a Marathi can’t become its mayor,” asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, staunchly defending his pitch for Marathi-Hindu mayor in the upcoming BMC elections.