A Pivotal Election for Delhi’s Political Future

As the Delhi 2025 Assembly elections approach, the city’s political atmosphere is charged with anticipation. With both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulling out all the stops, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For AAP, retaining power would mean overcoming several challenges, including attacks on its governance record, while for BJP, a victory would signify a return to political dominance in the capital. This election could have far-reaching effects beyond Delhi, potentially shaping national political dynamics.

AAP’s Grassroots Campaign: A Return to the 2015 Playbook

AAP’s 2025 strategy is grounded in its tried-and-tested approach from 2015—door-to-door campaigns. Leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi have crisscrossed Delhi, engaging with voters directly in their neighborhoods. This approach is designed to reinforce AAP’s image as a party that is not just about policy, but about connecting with the people on a personal level. By listening to voters’ concerns and addressing their issues, AAP is making a concerted effort to rekindle the magic of 2015, when it swept to power with a stunning victory.

AAP’s Middle-Class Appeal: A Key Battleground

The middle class has long been a stronghold for AAP, and the 2025 elections are no different. With promises of affordable electricity, free healthcare, and education, AAP continues to focus on issues that resonate with this crucial voter segment. The party’s messaging has been clear: it is the only one that is truly committed to improving the lives of Delhi’s middle-class citizens. This appeal is likely to play a decisive role in the election outcome, particularly in urban constituencies where the middle class constitutes a significant voter base.

Freebies vs Governance: AAP Forces BJP to Rethink

One of the most contentious debates in the run-up to the 2025 elections has been the issue of freebies. AAP has doubled down on its welfare initiatives, including free electricity, water, and healthcare, defending these measures as essential to improving the lives of Delhi’s citizens. BJP has traditionally criticized such schemes, arguing they are unsustainable. However, AAP’s success in framing these initiatives as a core part of its governance philosophy has forced BJP to reconsider its stance, leading to a shift in the narrative surrounding welfare programs in the election.

BJP’s Challenge: A Battle Beyond Governance

While AAP focuses on welfare and governance, BJP’s campaign in the 2025 Delhi elections has been a multi-pronged attack. The party has consistently targeted AAP’s record, accusing it of corruption, inefficiency, and failure to deliver on key promises. In response, BJP has emphasized its own record on national security, development, and economic growth, presenting itself as the party of stability and progress. BJP has also aimed to rally Delhi’s urban voters, focusing on issues such as job creation and infrastructure development, which may resonate with voters seeking change after years of AAP rule.

AAP’s Strengths and Weaknesses in 2025

AAP’s resilience in the face of adversity, including legal battles and political challenges, has been a hallmark of its leadership. Arvind Kejriwal’s persona as a leader committed to “clean politics” remains a key strength for the party. However, AAP also faces criticism for not fully addressing the rising cost of living and traffic congestion in the city—issues that BJP is likely to focus on in its campaign.

 The Battle for Delhi’s Future

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections will be more than just a local contest—it is a battle for the political future of the city. AAP’s campaign strategy, which combines grassroots engagement, welfare promises, and a strong middle-class appeal, puts it in a strong position to retain power. However, BJP’s aggressive opposition and its ability to frame key issues like governance and development present a formidable challenge. As the election day approaches, the people of Delhi will decide whether to continue with AAP’s vision for the city or embrace BJP’s vision for its future.

Congress MP Bimol Akoijam Critiques President’s Address for Overlooking Manipur Crisis

In a scathing response to the President’s Address delivered in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Bimol Akoijam criticized the government’s failure to acknowledge the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The speech, which laid out the government’s priorities for the year, notably omitted any mention of the severe ethnic violence that has been wreaking havoc in the northeastern state since May 2023.

Bimol Akoijam Questions the Centre’s Response to Ongoing Manipur Conflict

Akoijam, representing the Inner Manipur constituency, expressed his deep disappointment with the Union government’s response to the ongoing conflict in his home state. “I was genuinely hoping the President’s Address would acknowledge the crisis in Manipur and outline the steps the government plans to take to resolve this issue. However, the government’s silence shows a lack of commitment to the state and its people,” he remarked.

Despite the continued ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has led to significant loss of life and widespread displacement, the Centre’s lack of action and the omission in the speech left many, including Akoijam, questioning the government’s priorities.

Silence on Manipur Crisis in President’s Address Sparks Political Debate

The failure to address the crisis in Manipur has sparked intense political debate. Akoijam accused the BJP-led government of attempting to conceal the crisis, not only from the Indian public but also from the international community. He called it a calculated effort to make the ongoing violence “invisible,” highlighting the government’s neglect of its responsibility to the people of Manipur.

“The government has chosen to remain silent on this tragedy, which can only be seen as a deliberate effort to downplay the suffering of thousands of people,” Akoijam asserted. His criticism reflects broader concerns about the Centre’s approach to ethnic conflicts and its disregard for inclusive politics.

Akoijam Calls for Urgent Action to Address Ethnic Violence in Manipur

In his speech, Akoijam urged the Union government to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and address the underlying causes of the violence. He emphasized the importance of engaging in a peaceful dialogue between the warring communities and taking steps toward reconciliation.

“The government must recognize the severity of the situation and act now. The people of Manipur have been suffering for far too long. It is time for the government to come forward with concrete solutions,” Akoijam said.

The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has caused extensive loss of life and left many people displaced. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the Centre has been slow to act, and the absence of the issue from the President’s Address has left many feeling that their suffering is being ignored.

The Call for Accountability and a New Approach to Manipur’s Crisis

Akoijam concluded his address by calling for the Centre to prioritize Manipur’s crisis in its policymaking. He urged the government to take responsibility for the ongoing violence and work towards a lasting solution that promotes peace and harmony among all communities in the state.

With the crisis showing no signs of abating, Akoijam’s impassioned plea underscores the need for the government to step up and take accountability for the situation in Manipur. As the state continues to grapple with ethnic violence, the people of Manipur are calling for a response that is both comprehensive and compassionate.

Technical Issue Halts Orbit-Raising Maneuvers of NVS-02 Satellite
ISRO’s landmark 100th successful launch, which saw the NVS-02 satellite deployed aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket on January 29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in India’s space journey. The launch was expected to strengthen India’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and provide enhanced positioning and navigation services. However, shortly after the satellite’s deployment, ISRO faced an unexpected challenge when the satellite’s orbit-raising maneuvers were stalled due to a technical glitch.

The NVS-02 satellite was designed to orbit in a geostationary orbit to serve critical navigation functions, but the failure of the satellite’s propulsion system has delayed this step. While the satellite remains healthy, the malfunction has prevented the opening of the oxidizer valves necessary to fire the thrusters for orbit-raising operations.

ISRO Reassures Public as Communication with Satellite Remains Active
Despite the setback, ISRO has confirmed that communication with the NVS-02 satellite is intact, and the solar panels onboard the satellite have been successfully deployed, ensuring that power generation is operating at nominal levels. The satellite’s systems remain fully functional, and the space agency has established reliable communication with the satellite through ground control.

The issue lies specifically with the propulsion system, where the valves responsible for feeding the oxidizer to fire the thrusters did not open as expected. This failure has led to the stalling of the satellite’s planned orbit-raising maneuvers. While this issue is a significant challenge, ISRO has assured the public that the satellite remains operational, and the engineers are working to address the malfunction.

Alternate Strategies in Place for NVS-02 Satellite Operations in Elliptical Orbit
Although the satellite’s orbit-raising maneuvers have been delayed, ISRO has outlined that the NVS-02 satellite can still be utilized in its current elliptical orbit. While this orbit is not ideal for the satellite’s mission, it remains functional and capable of supporting certain aspects of India’s navigation system.

ISRO has already begun working on alternate strategies to optimize the satellite’s use in the elliptical orbit. The space agency is exploring new operational modes to ensure that the satellite can continue contributing to India’s GNSS operations even if it does not reach its intended geostationary orbit. The engineers are also troubleshooting the malfunctioning propulsion system, hoping to eventually resolve the issue and raise the satellite’s orbit to the designated position.

In the meantime, ISRO is confident that the mission will not be derailed and that the satellite will eventually fulfill its role in India’s navigation infrastructure. The space agency continues to monitor the situation closely and work toward resolving the glitch as quickly as possible.

ISRO’s Commitment to Overcoming Challenges
Despite the technical challenge, ISRO’s response has been swift and transparent, reinforcing the agency’s reputation for resilience in the face of difficulties. The success of the NVS-02 launch, even with the temporary glitch, underscores the progress India has made in space technology. ISRO has continually demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt, and this incident is no exception.

The agency remains committed to resolving the issue and ensuring the long-term success of the NVS-02 satellite. The mission is just one of many ongoing efforts by ISRO to strengthen India’s space capabilities, including upcoming satellite launches and advanced missions to further India’s space exploration goals.

Looking Ahead: ISRO’s Space Milestones
While the NVS-02 satellite’s orbit-raising issues are being addressed, ISRO’s broader space ambitions remain on track. The successful 100th launch of the GSLV-F15 rocket is a testament to the agency’s growing expertise and capabilities in space exploration. With future missions planned, including additional satellites and deep-space missions, ISRO’s achievements in space continue to make significant strides.

In conclusion, ISRO’s 100th launch, while marked by a temporary technical setback with the NVS-02 satellite, showcases the agency’s ability to overcome challenges and adapt. With alternate strategies in place and engineers working diligently on a solution, the mission remains on course to contribute significantly to India’s space infrastructure.

Goa to Begin School Year in April 2025: Major Shift in Education Calendar

Goa is taking a progressive step by changing its academic calendar to begin from April 1, 2025, for students in Classes 6-10 and Class 12. The Goa government made this decision in an effort to reduce the disruptions caused by the monsoon season, which often affects school operations. This move will apply to all government, government-aided, and unaided recognized schools in the state, marking a significant shift in the region’s educational landscape.

Goa Government Announces Early Start to School Year

For years, Goa has adhered to a school calendar that starts in June, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon. However, the monsoon often causes attendance issues, transportation delays, and classroom disruptions, affecting students’ academic progress. To address these concerns, the Goa government has decided to move the academic year start to April, a change that will benefit both students and educators.

This new schedule is expected to provide students with a more stable academic environment, free from the unpredictable challenges posed by Goa’s monsoon season.

Why April 2025 Marks a New Era for Goa’s Schools

Starting the school year in April ensures that students will not face the same issues caused by the monsoon season. It will also allow the academic year to end on a more predictable note, with exams and assessments scheduled without seasonal interruptions. By shifting the school year, Goa is taking a big step forward, ensuring that students can complete their syllabus without major delays.

The move also brings Goa in line with many other states in India, providing a standardized academic experience for students across the country.

What the Change in Goa’s School Start Date Means for Students and Educators

The shift to an April start offers several key benefits for both students and educators. For students, it ensures fewer disruptions in learning, with more consistent classroom schedules and better preparedness for exams. Additionally, it provides a more stable academic year, allowing students to engage in extracurricular activities without the constant interruptions caused by weather conditions.

For educators, this change means they can plan their lessons and assessments more effectively, knowing that they won’t be delayed by seasonal challenges. Teachers will have more time to focus on teaching and less time spent adjusting to unforeseen interruptions.

Goa’s Bold Step to Tackle Monsoon Disruptions in Education

This move highlights Goa’s commitment to improving its educational framework. By addressing the specific challenges posed by the monsoon season, Goa is setting an example for other states to follow. The new academic schedule is expected to result in better educational outcomes for students, enabling them to perform better in exams and improve their academic results.

Goa’s decision to begin the academic year in April 2025 is a significant step in modernizing the state’s education system. By avoiding disruptions caused by the monsoon season, students, teachers, and families will benefit from a more predictable and productive school year. This change is poised to enhance Goa’s education system, setting the stage for a brighter future for its students.

A stunning celestial event is set to unfold tonight, January 25, 2025, when five planets and the Moon will align in a rare straight-line formation across the night sky. This cosmic event promises to be the first major stargazing opportunity of the year, drawing astronomy enthusiasts and curious sky gazers from all around the globe.

Astronomical Phenomenon: Five Planets and Moon to Align

Tonight, the night sky will witness one of the rarest astronomical events of the year, as five planets and the Moon align in a straight line. Beginning at 10:30 PM IST on January 25, 2025, the Moon will be positioned alongside Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, forming a striking arch across the sky. This incredible alignment marks the first major sky gazing event of 2025.

For those interested in stargazing, this is a unique and thrilling event, as it is not every day that such a celestial spectacle graces our skies. The planets, along with the Moon, will be visible to the naked eye, making this a perfect opportunity for skywatchers to witness the beauty of our solar system’s celestial bodies.

When and How to Watch the Spectacular Celestial Event

The planetary alignment will be visible from 10:30 PM IST on January 25, 2025, and can be observed without the need for telescopes. All five planets, as well as the Moon, will appear on the same side of the Sun, creating a straight-line formation in the sky. This event will be visible from most parts of India, weather permitting.

While the timing of the event is crucial to observe the alignment in its full glory, stargazers should also take note of the best viewing spots. Urban areas with minimal light pollution or rural locations are ideal for witnessing the phenomenon. It is recommended to find an open space with an unobstructed view of the horizon, away from city lights, to maximize visibility.

What Makes Tonight’s Planetary Alignment Unique?

The alignment of five planets and the Moon in a straight line is an exceptional event that occurs infrequently. What makes this alignment even more spectacular is that all the celestial bodies involved will be bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, offering a rare opportunity for amateur astronomers and casual sky watchers alike.

The event will feature a lineup of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – Earth’s neighboring planets – alongside the Moon. Each of these planets will be positioned in such a way that they form an arch-like structure above the Earth. This formation, although not perfectly straight, will still appear as a remarkable sight in the night sky.

This alignment offers a rare chance to see these planets at once, especially since the positions of the planets and the Moon will be favorable for viewing. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the solar system, as many of these planets can be observed with basic stargazing equipment.

Why Is This Event So Special?

While planetary alignments are not exceedingly rare, events involving this many planets and the Moon are not common. Alignments like this are highly anticipated by astronomy enthusiasts because they showcase the grandeur and precision of our solar system’s mechanics. Additionally, the visibility of planets like Saturn and Jupiter in particular, which are typically distant and require telescopes to observe in detail, adds to the allure of tonight’s spectacle.

Furthermore, the timing of this alignment, at the start of the new year, makes it an ideal event for aspiring stargazers looking to kick off their astronomical observations for 2025. The alignment will occur after sunset, giving viewers the best opportunity to enjoy the celestial display under the night sky.

ICICI Bank’s Q3 FY2025 Net Profit Jumps 14.8%, Reflecting Strong Financial Growth

Mumbai, January 25, 2025 – ICICI Bank has posted a stellar performance in the third quarter of FY2025, with its net profit increasing by a significant 14.8% year-on-year to reach Rs 11,792 crore. This is a remarkable jump from Rs 10,272 crore reported during the same quarter last year, solidifying the bank’s position in the private banking sector.

The surge in profits is attributed to a combination of factors, including a healthy rise in the bank’s net interest income (NII), increased deposits, and efficient cost management. Let’s take a deeper look into the key highlights of ICICI Bank’s performance for Q3 FY2025.

Profit Growth and Key Financial Performance

In Q3 FY2025, ICICI Bank’s profit after tax (PAT) reached Rs 11,792 crore, marking an impressive 14.8% growth compared to the previous fiscal. This growth was largely driven by a strong increase in the bank’s net interest income (NII), which grew by 9.1% year-on-year, reaching Rs 20,371 crore, compared to Rs 18,678 crore in Q3 FY2024.

The bank’s NII growth indicates a strong core performance in its lending business. NII, a key indicator of profitability for banks, shows the difference between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits. ICICI Bank’s strong NII growth signals the effectiveness of its lending strategies and its robust portfolio of assets.

ICICI Bank Reports Impressive Rise in Net Interest Income (NII)

The 9.1% growth in NII can be attributed to the bank’s strategic approach to lending, alongside rising interest rates that have benefited the private-sector lender. ICICI Bank’s balance sheet has remained resilient, supported by its well-diversified loan book and a focus on maintaining high-quality assets.

The bank’s strong NII growth reflects its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, including the evolving interest rate environment. As interest rates rise, banks benefit from higher yields on loans, which in turn boosts their interest income. ICICI Bank has leveraged this advantage, ensuring a robust income stream from its lending operations.

Customer Deposits Surge with Increased Current and Savings Accounts

ICICI Bank has also witnessed a significant increase in its customer deposit base, further strengthening its financial position. The average current account deposits grew by 13.1% year-on-year, and average savings account deposits surged by 12.3% in Q3 FY2025.

This increase in deposits highlights the bank’s success in attracting and retaining customers. With a strong focus on digital banking services and an expanded branch network, ICICI Bank has effectively tapped into the growing demand for secure and accessible banking solutions. The increase in current and savings accounts is a positive indicator of the bank’s strong customer trust and its growing presence in the market.

Future Outlook for ICICI Bank and its Market Position

ICICI Bank’s impressive performance in Q3 FY2025 sets a strong foundation for future growth. The bank has successfully navigated the challenges of a dynamic market environment, leveraging its diversified portfolio, digital transformation, and strategic investments to maintain profitability.

Looking ahead, ICICI Bank remains optimistic about sustaining its growth momentum in the coming quarters. With the continued rise in customer deposits, strong NII performance, and an enhanced focus on digital banking, the bank is well-positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities.

In conclusion, ICICI Bank’s financial performance in Q3 FY2025 underscores its ability to deliver consistent results in a competitive banking landscape. As the bank continues to expand its customer base and strengthen its financial position, it is likely to maintain its leadership in India’s private banking sector.