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Indian Railways Gears Up for Maha Kumbh 2025 with Over 3,000 Special Trains and Advanced Facilities

In preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025, the Indian Railways has unveiled an extensive plan to accommodate an estimated 40 crore pilgrims expected to visit the religious festival. Among them, 5 crore pilgrims are anticipated on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, making it a logistical challenge of immense proportions.
To ensure smooth and efficient travel for devotees, the Railways has announced the deployment of over 3,000 special trains, a 4.5-fold increase compared to the 2019 Ardh Kumbh. Nearly 25% of these are long-distance trains. The initiative also includes 10,000 regular trains, of which 1,869 are short-distance, 706 long-distance, and 559 ring trains catering specifically to Mahakumbh.
To further support the operations, freight trains will be diverted to Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) to prioritize passenger trains. Over the past three years, the Ministry of Railways has invested ₹5,000 crore in Kumbh-related projects to enhance infrastructure and services.
Enhanced Passenger Amenities
For real-time monitoring and safety, 1,176 CCTV cameras have been installed across nine stations in the Prayagraj region of North Central Railways. Additionally, a 12-language announcement system has been introduced at key stations, including Prayagraj, Naini, Cheoki, and Subedarganj. Pilgrims can also access a 22-language booklet providing detailed information about the Kumbh.
Ticketing has been streamlined with 554 counters, including 151 mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counters. A dedicated war room will oversee and coordinate operations, ensuring a seamless experience for millions of passengers.
Upgraded Infrastructure
To manage the heavy influx of pilgrims, 48 platforms, 21 foot overbridges (FoBs), 23 holding areas with a combined capacity of over 1 lakh pilgrims, and 21 road overbridges (ROBs) and road underbridges (RUBs) have been developed.
Major infrastructure projects, including the Banaras-Prayagraj doubling project (featuring the Ganga Bridge) and the Phaphamau-Janghai doubling project, are nearing completion. Together, these projects have a total investment of ₹3,700 crore, with critical sections already operational to ensure better connectivity to Sangam and adjoining areas.
Key Highlights
- Special Trains: 3,134 trains, including 706 long-distance and 559 ring trains.
- CCTV Monitoring: 1,176 cameras across nine stations for real-time oversight.
- Language Assistance: Multilingual announcements and a 22-language booklet.
- Ticketing Counters: 554 counters, including mobile options.
- Infrastructure Investment: ₹8,700 crore for Kumbh-related upgrades and ongoing projects.
The Maha Kumbh, regarded as the world’s largest religious congregation, will begin on Paush Purnima and continue until its culmination. With enhanced infrastructure, technology, and safety measures, Indian Railways aims to deliver a smooth and sacred experience for millions of devotees.
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Air India Express Launches Daily Direct Flight Service Between Mangaluru and Delhi

Mangaluru: In a significant development for air travel, Air India Express has officially launched a daily direct flight service between Mangaluru and Delhi. This new service aims to enhance connectivity and provide greater convenience for travelers between the two cities.
The flight, which will operate daily, is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, connecting the coastal city of Mangaluru with the national capital. The launch of this route is expected to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two cities, offering a faster and more comfortable option for passengers.
This direct flight service is set to reduce travel time significantly, providing an easy and convenient option for both business and leisure travelers. It is also seen as a step forward in strengthening regional connectivity within India.
Air India Express has committed to providing top-notch services on the route, with modern amenities and a smooth flying experience for its passengers. The airline’s decision to expand its network to include Mangaluru is a clear indication of its focus on increasing domestic connectivity.
Travelers from Mangaluru and nearby regions are now excited about the enhanced connectivity, which is expected to open up more travel opportunities to the vibrant capital city of Delhi.
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Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Income Tax Exemption Increase to ₹12 Lakh

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at providing relief to the middle class, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an increase in the income tax exemption limit from 7 lakh to 12 lakh under the Union Budget 2025. This reform is expected to boost disposable income and drive economic growth.
Revised Tax Slabs for 2025:
- Income up to 12 lakh – No tax
- Income from 12 lakh to 15 lakh – 10% tax
- Income above 15 lakh – 20% tax
Additionally, Sitharaman announced an increase in the rebate under Section 87A to 60,000, providing further relief to taxpayers. Salaried individuals opting for the new tax regime will now enjoy an effective tax-free income of up to 12.75 lakh, considering the standard deduction.
Impact on Taxpayers and Economy
The government estimates that nearly 10 million taxpayers will benefit from these revised tax slabs. The annual revenue impact due to these tax cuts is projected to be around ₹1 trillion. Sitharaman emphasized that the revised structure aims to simplify the tax system, increase consumer spending, and promote savings and investment.
Addressing the nation, Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “This budget focuses on empowering taxpayers and ensuring a stronger economic foundation. The tax relief will enable more disposable income, benefiting both individuals and the economy as a whole.”
With these major tax reforms, the Union Budget 2025 is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the middle class, strengthening economic stability while ensuring ease in taxation.
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Monalisa Bhosle, Viral Sensation from Mahakumbh, Lands Lead Role in Hindi Film

Monalisa Bhosle, the 16-year-old girl from Madhya Pradesh who captured the internet’s attention during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, is now stepping into the world of cinema. The internet sensation, who became a viral star for her striking presence at the Mela, has been cast in the lead role of the upcoming film The Diary of Manipur. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, known for his previous work The Diary of West Bengal, the film is already generating significant interest.
Monalisa, originally from Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh, gained widespread recognition during the Mahakumbh, where she was seen selling rudraksha garlands at the Kila Ghat along the Narmada River. Despite coming from a modest background, selling flowers for years to support her family, Monalisa’s captivating eyes and unique charm caught the attention of a content creator, and her image quickly went viral across social media platforms. Her popularity skyrocketed almost overnight, turning her into a household name.
The viral video from the Mahakumbh marked a turning point in Monalisa’s life. What began as a simple moment selling garlands soon led to an avalanche of social media attention, propelling her into the spotlight. Monalisa’s journey from a quiet life in Khargone to becoming a recognized face on digital platforms is a testament to the power of social media in shaping careers.
Now, as she prepares to make her mark in the film industry, Monalisa is eager to embrace her new opportunity. She is set to begin shooting for The Diary of Manipur in February. Director Sanoj Mishra recently met Monalisa and her family to discuss the film, although specifics about their conversation have not been disclosed.
Reflecting on her new journey, Monalisa shared her excitement, stating, “I will work hard and give my best to this role. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m ready for the challenge.” Her transformation from a viral sensation to a lead actress is a remarkable story of unexpected success, and many are eager to see how she fares in her new venture.
Monalisa’s rise to fame is a reminder of how social media can alter the course of one’s life, offering opportunities that may have once seemed out of reach. As she prepares for this next chapter, all eyes will be on her as she embarks on her acting career.
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