US freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries

IANS | January 14, 2026 11:00 PM

Washington, Jan 14, (IANS) The Trump administration has ordered an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, citing concerns that applicants could become a “public charge” and draw on American welfare and public benefits, according to a State Department directive and public statements from senior administration officials.

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.

‘Manikarnika Ghat’ development underway; Varanasi DM warns against misinformation on social media

IANS | January 14, 2026 8:21 PM

Varanasi, Jan 14 (IANS) Varanasi’s historic Manikarnika Ghat is undergoing extensive development work aimed at improving cremation management and public convenience. Amid the ongoing project, the district administration has clarified that no temples or cultural structures are being harmed and has cautioned the public against misinformation being spread through viral photos and AI-generated videos on social media.