Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited Prayagraj in 644 CE, praised its pleasant climate, good health, and fruit-filled trees. He noted its cultural importance, mentioning the large religious festivals and the gathering of kings and rulers. Xuanzang also described the sacred temples and the belief that bathing in Prayagraj cleanses sins. Archaeological discoveries back up the city’s historical significance. Prayagraj will host the Maha Kumbh-2025 from January 13 to February 26.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has ended its compensation scheme for delays on private trains, according to a response from a Right to Information (RTI) query. The scheme, which had been in place from 2019 to 2024, was officially discontinued on February 15, 2024. It provided compensation for delays on Tejas trains running between New Delhi-Lucknow and Ahmedabad-Mumbai.

A 50-year-old woman from Karnataka, missing for 25 years, has been found in an old age home in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Sakamma, originally from Ballari, lost contact with her family after accidentally boarding a train to Chandigarh. She will reunite with her family and return home on Wednesday, thanks to a young IPS officer who traced her.

Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has caused at least 4 deaths and led to the closure of 223 roads, including national highways. Despite the tough conditions, tourist spots like Shimla and Manali are seeing more visitors. Many areas are still without electricity, and rescue operations are ongoing as road conditions worsen.

Tata Motors will invest ₹914 crore in a new manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu to produce high-end cars and SUVs. The facility, located in Panapakkam, Ranipet District, will focus on next-generation vehicles, including electric and luxury models. The company aims to increase production to over 2.5 lakh units per year, with the project moving forward in phases and creating 1,500 new jobs.

The Kerala government is making the rehabilitation of both people and domestic animals affected by landslides in Wayanad a top priority. Minister J. Chinchurani launched the International Livestock Conclave at Pookode Veterinary College, focusing on rebuilding efforts and addressing problems in the dairy farming sector. The conclave will also cover entrepreneurship development and solutions for disaster-hit areas. Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University earned top rankings for its academic excellence.

Coforge Ltd has partnered with ACORD Solutions Group to boost digital transformation in the global insurance industry. As part of ACORD’s Licensed Integrator Partner program, Coforge will use ACORD’s Transcriber and ADEPT platforms to improve key insurance processes like document digitization, claims management, and data exchange. This collaboration highlights Coforge’s focus on creating connected enterprise solutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to open 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), which will benefit many students and create job opportunities. This includes expanding a KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The plan will create 5,388 new jobs and offer quality education to over 82,500 students. The total cost for this project is ₹5,872.08 crore over eight years.

AI/ML and analytics are the top job areas in demand, with cybersecurity now more popular than cloud roles. The most sought-after jobs include Data Scientist, AI/ML Expert, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Architect, and DevOps Engineer. More people are using GenAI tools for learning and development. There’s also a shift toward hybrid work, with some returning to the office. Job satisfaction and career growth are key for Gen Z and millennials.

Two NRI sisters were scammed out of Rs 1.9 crore in Lucknow by fraudsters who pretended to be officers from the Mumbai Crime Branch. The scammers claimed their bank accounts were tied to terrorist activities and pressured them into transferring the money to avoid being arrested. A case has been filed, and Rs 25 lakh has been recovered. The investigation is still ongoing, with similar scams happening across India.