THUMB: Makar Sankranti Celebrated With Fervour

Makar Sankranti Festivities
Makar Sankranti, the Festival of Harvest, was celebrated across India today with diverse traditions and customs. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other leaders extended their greetings, wishing joy, prosperity and harmony to the people.

India to Host AI Summit
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that India will host the prestigious AI Impact Summit next month under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking at IIT Madras during Pongal celebrations, he reviewed the institute’s progress and preparations ahead of the global event.

CM Joins Rituals
People in Odisha Makar Sankranti with devotion as thousands took ritual dips in rivers and ponds. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji joined devotees at the Baitarani river in Keonjhar, later offering prayers at a Shiva temple, highlighting tradition and unity.

Odia Language Medate
The Odisha government has directed that all official work be conducted in Odia across administrative levels, from block and district offices to state departments. The move reinforces linguistic pride and ensures wider use of the State’s official language in governance.

Rituals Halted
Rituals at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar were suspended on Makar Sankranti after disputes erupted among servitors. Devotees faced disappointment as traditional proceedings were disrupted, triggering tensions within temple management.

New Police District
The Odisha government announced the creation of a new police district at Rairangpur, comprising 14 police stations, five outposts and two beat houses. The move aims to strengthen law enforcement, improve administrative efficiency and enhance security across the region.

Airport Sets Record
Biju Patnaik International Airport in Odisha has achieved a record milestone, handling 5.15 million passengers. The capital city’s gateway now connects travellers to 25 destinations across India, marking significant growth in regional air connectivity and boosting tourism and business.

Trump Warns Iran
US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning of strong action if authorities proceed with hanging protestors. The statement underscores Washington’s firm stance against Tehran’s handling of dissent and highlights rising tensions over human rights concerns.

US Courts Free Indians
Federal courts in California, Michigan and Pennsylvania ruled against ICE in cases involving Indian nationals, ordering their release and mandating prompt bond hearings. Judges rejected mandatory detention practices, affirming legal protections for individuals already residing in the United States.

Kohli Tops ODI Rankings
India’s Virat Kohli reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the latest ICC men’s ODI batter rankings after a four wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI. Teammate Rohit Sharma dropped to third, marking a significant reshuffle in India’s batting hierarchy.