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Which Religion Dominates Venezuela? Understanding The Country’s Religious Landscape Amid Political Turmoil

As Venezuela remains at the centre of intense global political attention, public interest is rapidly growing not only in the country’s leadership and power struggle but also in its deeper social fabric. In a nation where religion is closely woven into everyday life, political instability does not stay confined to government corridors. It influences religious institutions, community relationships, and the delicate social balance that binds Venezuelan society together. This has sparked widespread curiosity about Venezuela’s religious composition and the role faith plays during times of national uncertainty. ALSO READ: Why Venezuela Is Known As The Land Of Beauty Queens: From Miss Universe Triumphs To Global Headlines Venezuela’s Dominant Religion Christianity is the most widely followed religion in Venezuela, with Roman Catholicism representing the largest share. An estimated 65 to 70 percent of the population identifies as Catholic. While many citizens may not be actively practising, Catholic traditions continue to hold strong cultural significance across the country. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro comes from a Roman Catholic background. He was born into a Catholic family and publicly identifies as a Christian. The Historical Role Of The Catholic Church (Image Source: Twitter/@Masfe_org) The roots of Catholicism in Venezuela date back to the Spanish colonial era. For centuries, the Church played a vital role in shaping the country’s education system, healthcare services, and social development. Schools, hospitals, and welfare institutions were long supported by church networks. However, over the past few decades, political confrontations and shifting social dynamics have reduced the Church’s direct influence compared to its historic reach. Protestant And Evangelical Growth Around 10 to 17 percent of Venezuela’s population belongs to Protestant Christian groups, with Evangelical churches experiencing particularly rapid growth. Many families who were once Catholic have gradually transitioned into Protestant congregations. These communities actively strengthen their presence through social programmes and religious gatherings. Their relationship with the government, however, has often been strained. Muslim Community In Venezuela Though small in number, Venezuela’s Muslim population is considered well-organised and socially influential. Approximately 100,000 Muslims, about 0.4 percent of the population, live in the country. Most trace their origins to Lebanon and Syria, whose ancestors migrated during the 20th century in search of trade and employment opportunities. Where Muslims Live And What They Do (Image Source: Twitter/@BaytAlFann) The Muslim community is mainly concentrated in Caracas and Nueva Esparta. These areas host mosques, Islamic centres, and cultural institutions. Muslims in Venezuela are actively engaged in business, education, and community service, generally maintaining a peaceful coexistence while staying largely away from political involvement. Religion Under Venezuela’s Constitution Venezuela’s constitution officially declares the country a secular state. Religious freedom is guaranteed, and the state remains separate from religious institutions. No faith holds official status, and government policies are not governed by religious law. How Religion Is Used In Politics Although Venezuela is not a religious state, faith has increasingly been used as a political tool. Supportive religious groups have received funding and protection, while critical institutions, particularly some churches, have faced pressure and restrictions. Religion, rather than acting as a centre of power, has often become an instrument of political influence and control.

Yoga Se Hi Hoga! Not Just A Slogan But What New-Age Travellers Are Swearing By

Yoga is no longer just a morning routine or a fitness trend for travellers heading to India. For a growing number of global visitors, it has become the very reason to travel -- shaping itineraries, destinations, diets and even daily rhythms. From the ghats of Haridwar to the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh, India’s ancient wellness traditions are witnessing a modern resurgence, driven by seekers looking beyond asanas to something deeper. From intimate riverside stays to intensive Himalayan programmes, India’s wellness map is being redrawn by travellers who are less interested in ticking off destinations and more focused on transformation. For yoga guru Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, the surge of global travellers to India isn't a trend, it's a return. "We were under rule for hundreds of years. People needed to be comfortable with their basic needs. Once that is done, then you are bound to think something more. And that is what is happening with India now," said the yoga guru. 'Yoga Real Made In India' Calling yoga a deeply indigenous offering, he added, “Yoga is something which you can call real Made in India. People made it popular, which is very good, but the roots remain in India. Now when people are looking for advanced methods and techniques, they need to come back to India. India is ready.” That belief played out on the ground in Rishikesh, where a 10-day immersive retreat titled “Awaken: The Journey of Self-Discovery” brought together 150 participants from over 30 countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, the US and several parts of Europe. Curated over months, the programme blended classical Himalayan yoga with advanced consciousness training. The sessions focused on breathwork, Surya practices, physical postures and elemental grounding in serene Himalayan landscapes, while afternoons and evenings move into meditation, stillness training, and masterclasses on consciousness, karmic patterns and cosmic alignment, supported by personalised energy guidance. Akshar explained how participants, ranging from entrepreneurs and doctors to educators, spiritual practitioners and global leaders, are showing great interest towards yoga. Retreats Over Rooms This inward-looking approach to travel is also reshaping how and where people stay. Along the Ganga in Haridwar, boutique properties are seeing wellness-led bookings replace conventional tourism. According to Varun Bajaj, Director of Amrit Bhawan, the past year has been particularly telling. “We’ve seen a clear rise in full-house retreat bookings at Amrit Bhawan. While we’ve hosted yoga retreats in previous years as well, 2025 has been especially strong, particularly with inbound foreign guests travelling with a retreat facilitator,” Bajaj says. What stands out is the intent. “Their focus is often less on asana-led yoga and more on a deeper spiritual connection, an interest in Hindu traditions, local rituals and the cultural texture of Haridwar.” Privacy and simplicity now drive decisions. Travellers increasingly seek quieter, more exclusive spaces, making private riverfront ghats and gardens a key draw. “They prefer simpler meals, flexible service timings, early starts and early wind-downs,” Bajaj notes, adding that many now ask for structured wellness packages rather than straightforward room bookings. As Akshar puts it, the journey is no longer about discovering yoga but rediscovering where it truly belongs.

ABP LIVE Pet First | 7 Effective Natural Remedies To Soothe Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

Is your fur baby constantly scratching, biting, itching, or licking their skin? Itchy skin is one of the most common issues faced by dogs, and while chemical creams or medicines are options, natural remedies can provide safe, soothing relief. In India, pet owners are increasingly turning to home solutions that are effective, easy to find, and gentle on their canine companions. ABP Live Pet First brings you a guide to 7 natural remedies that target the root cause of your dog's skin irritation, soothe inflammation, and leave your pup feeling comfortable and happy. Let's dive into these simple, fun, and practice solutions to make itchy skin a thing of the past. ALSO READ: ABP Live Pet First: Meet Gurgaon's Cat ‘Petfluencer’ Who Turned Pure Cuteness Into A ₹4.5 Lakh Empire 1. Oatmeal Baths (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Nothing calms irritated skin better than a soothing oatmeal bath. Oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it perfect for dogs with itchy or sensitive skin. To prepare, grind plain, unflavoured oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it into warm water. Let your dog soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes while gently massaging the mixture onto their skin. These baths are ideal for dogs suffering from allergies, dry air, or seasonal skin irritations. After the bath, pat your dog dry with a soft towel, avoiding harsh rubbing, and watch as the scratching reduces almost immediately. 2. Coconut Oil (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Coconut oil is a wonder remedy for your dog's itchy skin. Rich in lauric acid and fatty acids, it provides antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturising benefits. You can apply it directly to the affected areas or mix it into your dog's diet to boost skin health from within. A small amount rubbed onto inflamed patches can calm redness, reduce dryness, and stop scratching. Coconut oil is especially effective for dogs with flaky skin or dry skin caused by winter air or allergies. Ensure you use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil and avoid over-application, as a little goes a long way. Its natural fragrance is mild, making your dog’s skin smell fresh while healing irritation. 3. Aloe Vera (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Aloe vera is a superhero when it comes to soothing itchy and inflamed skin. Known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, this natural plant gel can provide immediate relief to dogs suffering from rashes, burns, or allergies. Extract the gel from a fresh aloe leaf and apply a thin layer to the affected areas. Avoid commercial aloe products that contain alcohol or artificial additives, as these can irritate your dog’s skin further. Aloe vera not only eases itching but also promotes skin healing, reduces redness, and prevents secondary infections caused by constant scratching 4. Apple Cider Vinegar (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile remedy that helps tackle itching caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Its acidic properties restore the skin’s natural pH and keep microbes at bay. To use, dilute ACV with an equal amount of water and spray it gently onto the itchy areas, avoiding open wounds or raw skin. For dogs who enjoy baths, adding a few tablespoons of ACV to their bathwater can also reduce irritation. The natural anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and prevent further scratching. ACV is particularly effective for dogs with hotspots, flea-related irritation, or yeast infections. 5. Turmeric Irritation (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Turmeric isn’t just for your curry, it’s a golden healer for your dog’s itchy skin. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. For topical use, make a paste using turmeric powder and a little coconut oil. Apply the paste to itchy areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off gently. Turmeric helps soothe inflammation, heal minor wounds, and reduce redness from scratching. You can also sprinkle a small amount in your dog’s food to improve skin health from the inside. 6. Oatmeal And Yogurt Mask (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Combining oatmeal and yogurt creates a cooling mask that tackles dryness, inflammation, and itchiness simultaneously. Yogurt contains probiotics that restore healthy skin microbiota while oatmeal soothes irritation. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. This mask is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin or those prone to seasonal allergies. Regular application can prevent dryness and bacterial overgrowth on the skin, making it a perfect natural home remedy for Indian pet owners. The gentle, cooling properties are especially soothing during hot and humid months. 7. Chamomile And Green Tea Rinse (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Chamomile and green tea are natural anti-inflammatory agents that calm irritated skin and reduce itching. Brew chamomile or green tea, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after your dog’s bath. Its soothing properties reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation caused by allergies, flea bites, or environmental factors. Both teas are rich in antioxidants, which help heal minor skin wounds and prevent infection. Indian households can easily find these teas, making it an accessible, budget-friendly solution for pet care. Regular use ensures your dog remains comfortable, itch-free, and happy.

iPhone 17 Is Now Rs 14,000 Cheaper In India: Here's How To Get This Deal

iPhone 17 Discount: Apple’s latest smartphone is now available at a lower price as the year begins. The iPhone 17 has received a price cut under ongoing New Year offers, making it a more attractive option for buyers planning an upgrade. The discount applies to the 256GB variant, which is now the base model. With instant cashback, card-based offers, and an exchange bonus combined, the overall price drops sharply.  The offer is time-bound and depends on stock availability, so interested buyers may want to act quickly before the deal ends. iPhone 17 Is Now At A Discounted Price The iPhone 17 was launched in India at a starting price of Rs 82,900 for the 256GB variant. As part of the New Year deal available at select offline iNvent stores, buyers can access multiple discounts that bring the price down in stages. First, there is a flat Rs 4,000 instant cashback, which reduces the price to Rs 78,900. This discount is applied directly at the time of purchase. In addition to this, customers using eligible bank credit or debit cards can get another Rs 4,000 off during payment. The biggest saving comes from the exchange offer. Buyers who trade in an older smartphone can receive an exchange bonus of up to Rs 6,000. This bonus is applied on top of the regular exchange value of the old device, depending on its condition and model. When all discounts are combined, the effective price of the iPhone 17 can drop to as low as Rs 68,900. Those exchanging an older iPhone may see the final price go even lower, based on the device’s valuation.  iPhone 17 Specifications: Display, Performance & Cameras The iPhone 17 comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that supports HDR10. It offers up to 3000 nits of peak brightness outdoors and features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. An oleophobic coating helps reduce fingerprint smudges. While the phone has a compact form factor, display size preference may vary among users. Under the hood, the device is powered by the A19 Bionic chipset, built on TSMC’s 3nm process. The processor has six cores, split into two performance cores and four efficiency cores. The phone includes 8GB of RAM and is available in 256GB and 512GB storage variants. On the camera front, the iPhone 17 features a dual rear setup with a 48MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide sensor. The ultra-wide camera supports up to 8x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, the device houses an 18MP front camera.

ABP Live Leaks Before Launch | No iPhone 18 In 2026? Apple May Be Changing Its iPhone Launch Strategy

iPhone 18 Leaks: Apple’s iPhone launch cycle could be heading for a major change. A fresh report suggests the regular iPhone 18 may not go on sale until 2027, breaking Apple’s long-standing pattern. If this happens, the iPhone 17 would stay on sale for around 18 months, something that has never happened before for a standard iPhone.  Until now, almost every regular iPhone has been replaced within a year. This shift could mark a new strategy as Apple’s product lineup continues to grow. iPhone 18 Launch Date May Move To 2027 For more than ten years, Apple has launched its main iPhone lineup together in the fall. While there have been rare delays, such as during the pandemic, the announcement window has mostly stayed the same.  That could now change. According to Forbes, Apple may split its launches into two phases. Premium models like the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still expected to arrive in the fall. However, the regular iPhone 18 could be pushed to spring 2027. This new timeline contradicts a recent rumour that suggested an earlier launch in spring 2026. If the latter date is correct, the base iPhone 18 might arrive alongside the iPhone 18e. There are also reports that the second-generation iPhone Air could appear around the same time. This approach would be similar to how Apple released the iPhone 16e much later than the rest of the iPhone 16 series. iPhone 18 Release Delay Linked To Bigger Lineup One reason for the possible delay is Apple’s expanding iPhone range. With models like the iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and a rumoured foldable iPhone expected soon, Apple could be selling up to eight iPhone models at the same time. Spreading launches across the year could help reduce overlap, give each model more time in the spotlight, and make pricing clearer for buyers. There may also be cost-related reasons. Reports suggest Apple could move to a more advanced 2-nanometer chip for the iPhone 18 series, which may increase costs. Delaying the regular model could give chip prices time to settle. Design changes are also expected, including a smaller camera bump and a reduced Dynamic Island, possibly shifting Face ID sensors under the display. While many reviewers have praised the iPhone 17, asking buyers to wait longer for the more affordable option carries some risk. Still, since most users don’t upgrade every year, Apple may believe the timing will work in its favour.

Sakat Chauth 2026: Know Complete Puja Samagri List, Moonrise Time, Vrat Rituals, And More

Sakat Chauth 2026: Sakat Chauth, one of the most spiritually powerful fasts of the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. Celebrated in the Krishna Paksh of the month of Magh, this sacred day is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. Mothers across India observe a strict vrat on this day, praying for the health, protection and long life of their children. Also known as Tilkuta Chauth, Vakra-Tundi Chaturthi and Maghi Chauth, this fast holds deep emotional and spiritual value in Hindu households. According to the Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 8:01 am on 6 January and conclude at 6:53 am on 7 January, with moonrise at 8:54 pm, after which devotees break their fast. ALSO READ: Sakat Chauth 2026 Daan Secrets: Know Why Til And Jaggery Are Called The Most Powerful Offerings Of Magh Month Why Sakat Chauth Is Considered The Greatest Chaturthi Among all Chaturthi fasts of the year, Sakat Chauth is regarded as the most powerful. The vrat is believed to create a divine shield of protection around children and removes negative influences from family life. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this night strengthens fortune, stability and harmony within the household. Complete Puja Samagri List For Sakat Chauth 2026 (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) A Sakat Chauth puja is considered incomplete without these essential items: Ganga Jal Betel leaves and betel nuts Janeu Flowers and garlands Cloves Puja mat and wooden platform Til ke laddoo Fruits Kalash Diya and ghee Durva grass Modak Idol or picture of Lord Ganesh Milk Vrat Katha book Roli and Haldi Ensuring the presence of these sacred items is believed to invite divine blessings and fulfil the purpose of the vrat. Importance Of Charity On Sakat Chauth Charity plays a vital role on this auspicious day. Donating ghee, jaggery, warm clothes, copper vessels, sesame seeds and food grains is said to enhance the spiritual benefits of the vrat and attract lifelong prosperity. Vrat Rituals And Moon Offering Mothers observe a day-long fast and break it only after offering Arghya to the moon at night. It is believed that sincere devotion on Sakat Chauth ensures that Lord Ganesha personally safeguards the devotee’s children from all misfortunes and obstacles. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

Defender V8 Petrol: What Makes This Luxury SUV So Popular In India

We see a lot of Defenders on the road and the road presence is undeniable to say the least while its popularity hasn't dimmed that. The Defender is one of the most popular luxury cars and Land Rover sells a lot of these SUVs. The appeal is easy too with the looks, toughness and luxury coming into play. There are a lot of options and variants on offer but amongst all there is now a petrol V8 which is actually one of the most attainable SUVs to be coming with this sort of powertrain. This Defender V8 isn't to be confused with the Defender Octa which is a whole different ball game altogether while having a different engine with more power. Anyways the Defender V8 as seen here is priced at Rs 1.4 cr starting while it comes with a P425 V8 engine developing 425hp and 550Nm thanks to the gigantic 5.0-litre, supercharged motor. The gearbox on offer is an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The sound that it makes when you fire up the beast is enough for the V8 to be worth every rupee. It is not very loud so as to wake up the entire neighbourhood but it is enough to plant a smile on your face. On The Road: Ride, Handling And Efficiency Inside, the V8 noise is less heard but it is still fun and you enjoy getting any chance to hear it. Yet, at low speeds, this isn't some performance SUV which is stiff as the Defender is easy to drive despite its size and the steering is light as well along with a proper SUV driving position. The low speed ride is a bit stiff but it simply batters bad roads while on the air suspension, it simply flies over bad roads. It is fun to drive the Defender V8 as it has the performance but you don't need to worry about speed breakers or having no roads at all. What is also surprising is the handling despite the size and weight as while it has body roll but the way it tackles corners is surprising while being extremely fun to drive. Fuel efficiency is not going to be a priority for anyone buying this car but 6-8 kmpl actually isn't bad for a V8 engine SUV like this. Cabin Appeal And Allrounder Character The other factors which make the Defender a success includes the fact that the cabin is the right mix of luxury as well as ruggedness with enough space plus all the luxuries which you expect but not going over the top. The exposed screw heads and the chunky buttons for example remind you that this isn't your usual luxury SUV. There is a reason why the Defender is a success and that's got to do with its allrounder appeal where luxury meets ruggedness without sacrificing both. The V8 engine version makes great sense if fuel bills dont bother you as the engine just has so much character which puts a smile on your face everytime you step onto the driver's seat! Segment Pricing Context Looking at the top-end turbo petrol, the Seltos range here begins at Rs 12.8 lakh and goes on till Rs 19.9 lakh. The Sierra with the turbo petrol begins at Rs 17.9 lakh and goes till Rs 20.9 lakh for the top-end. The Creta turbo petrol range begins at Rs 19.6 to Rs 20.05 lakh. The Victoris does not get a turbo petrol but the strong hybrid model range starts at Rs 16.3 lakh to Rs 19.9 lakh. The new Seltos comes with a diesel engine as well as with the Creta plus the Sierra. Here, the new Seltos diesel starts at Rs 12.5 lakh while the top-end diesel AT is Rs 19.9 lakh. The Creta diesel meanwhile starts from Rs 12.2 lakh and is till Rs 20.2 lakh. The Sierra diesel range starts at Rs 12.9 lakh while the most expensive version is Rs 21.2 lakh. The new Seltos then is priced right alongside rivals and it is interesting to see how the market reaction to this SUV would be.

ABP Live Leaks Before Launch | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Colour Variants Leaked: Black Shadow, Galactial Blue...

Samsung Galaxy S26 Leaks: With Samsung’s new flagship series just around the corner, leaks and rumours are picking up pace. The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch either in late January or early February. A fresh leak spotted today hints at the possible colour options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, pointing towards a shift in Samsung’s usual branding strategy.  Alongside this, another tip has surfaced about the phone’s camera design, further building excitement ahead of the official launch. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Colour Options A new leak has sparked discussion around the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra colour choices. An X user, @jan_agrs, shared screenshots that are claimed to be from an early teaser seen on Instagram in Indonesia. According to the post, the teaser briefly showed the Galaxy S26 Ultra powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset. Exclusive :S26 Ultra to come in these colors:🖤 Black Shadow🤍 White Shadow🩵 Galactial Blue💜 Ultraviolet https://t.co/pcbHkHKHb6 — Jan (@jan_agrs) January 1, 2026 The screenshots also revealed four possible colour options: Black Shadow, White Shadow, Galactial Blue, and Ultraviolet. If this information turns out to be accurate, Samsung may be adding more vibrant shades like Blue and Violet this year, alongside classic Black and White. What caught most people’s attention was the absence of the word “Titanium” in the colour names. Last year, Samsung highlighted Titanium heavily in its branding. This time, that label appears to be missing. Tipster Ice Universe reacted to the leak, pointing out that the colours are no longer branded as “Titanium ___”. This has led to speculation that Samsung could move away from a titanium frame. Some believe the company might switch back to an aluminium body, similar to what Apple has done in the past. However, there is no solid confirmation yet, and Samsung has not commented on this change. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Has Been 'Launched' At Just Rs 8,000... But, Hold Your Horses. Here's The Truth Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Design Apart from colours, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra design has also leaked. Ice Universe claimed that they saw the device in person and shared details about its rear camera setup. According to them, the phone features metal rings around the camera lenses. Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra early news.Main camera, replaceUltra wide-angle camera, replace.Front camera, replace.Telephoto camera, unchanged. — Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) January 4, 2026 They noted that this new look is similar to the metal ring design seen on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though Samsung’s camera rings are said to be slimmer. This suggests Samsung may be refining its camera design while keeping a familiar premium feel. That said, all of this information is still based on leaks and tipster claims. Samsung has not officially confirmed the colours, materials, or camera design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. There is always a chance that some details may change before launch. For now, it’s best to treat these updates with caution and wait for Samsung’s official announcement to see what the Galaxy S26 series truly brings to the table. If you are interested in more such leaks, we've got you covered! We keep a close eye on every latest Samsung Galaxy S26 leak, so stay tuned to know more.

PM Modi’s Birthday Wish To Mamata Turns Into Meme Fest On X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday greeting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on X on Monday quickly became a subject of humour and memes online. In his post, Modi extended his greetings to Banerjee and prayed for her long and healthy life, a message he has shared on previous birthdays as well.  However, social media users seized on the cordiality between the usually rival political figures and turned the exchange into a meme trend, highlighting the lighter side of political discourse on platforms like X and Instagram. What a gesture you have Modiji. after having political differences you never forget to wish opposition leaders on their birthday. This gesture of yours makes you different and lovable among public pic.twitter.com/I4WinYLraA — Nishant🇮🇳 (@iNishant4) January 5, 2026 Users took to reels and meme formats to playfully comment on the tweet. Some meme creators used existing clips of Mamata Banerjee’s speeches, such as the viral “Mr. Prime Minister? Mr. Busy Prime Minister? Mr. Mann Ki Baat Prime Minister?” catchphrase from her earlier address, to add humorous context to the greeting.  Didi O Didi! pic.twitter.com/m9sE6v2uWN — Krishna Anand (@KrishnaAnand_) January 5, 2026 Elsewhere, archival content of meme trends involving both Modi and Banerjee has shown how users commonly remix political figures’ public moments into satire. Previous episodes included AI-generated videos of Banerjee set to meme templates that drew attention to how political figures are portrayed humorously online.  On visual platforms like Instagram, users also posted playful responses to political greetings, blending criticism with humour in short reels and story formats. 

Delhi’s Air Under Threat: Dangerous Superbugs Found At Alarming Levels In New Scientific Study

What if the air you breathe carries more than just dust and pollution? A new scientific investigation suggests that Delhi’s atmosphere may also be carrying dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a hidden threat that could have serious consequences for public health. Researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have uncovered disturbing evidence showing unusually high concentrations of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” present in both indoor and outdoor air across several parts of the capital. ALSO READ: 20 New Diarrhoea Cases Detected In Indore; 142 In Hospitals Superbugs Detected Far Beyond Safe Limits (Image Source: Twitter/@zizelle_) The study focused on airborne microbial contamination, particularly bacteria that no longer respond to common antibiotics, along with the genes responsible for this resistance. According to the findings, staphylococcal bacteria levels in Delhi’s air were far higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organization for safe microbial exposure. Air samples were collected from diverse urban locations, including the Vasant Vihar Urban Slum, Munirka Market Complex, Munirka Apartments, and the Sewage Treatment Plant at JNU. Each site revealed significant contamination, painting a concerning picture of the city’s invisible health risks. Winter Brings The Highest Risk Seasonal patterns emerged clearly from the analysis. Airborne methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) were found in their highest concentrations during winter months, while monsoon rainfall appeared to dilute outdoor contamination levels. The team documented the presence of eight distinct staphylococcal species, with human-linked Staphylococcus epidermidis and animal-associated Staphylococcus arlettae emerging as the most common. “Eight staphylococcal species were identified, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus arlettae being the most prevalent human- and animal-associated species, respectively,” said the researchers Himani Kumari and Madhuri Singh, from JNU's School of Environmental Sciences, in the paper. Multidrug Resistance Raises Alarm Even more troubling was the bacteria’s resistance profile. Nearly 73 percent of the methicillin-resistant samples showed multidrug resistance, making them immune to several widely used antibiotic classes, including macrolides and beta-lactams. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of multiple antibiotic resistance genes, offering resistance against medications such as trimethoprim, gentamicin, chloramphenicol and lincosamides. Among the most concerning discoveries: 14 of 36 multidrug-resistant isolates carried the mecA gene, a known marker of methicillin resistance. Why This Matters For Urban Health “These findings raise serious concerns about the role of urban air as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance,” the researchers warned. “This study emphasises the potential health risks posed by airborne reservoirs of antibiotic resistance in urban environments and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental AMR surveillance to develop effective mitigation strategies,” the team said. They further stressed that constant monitoring of both resistant bacteria and their genetic markers is essential to fully understand the scale of the crisis. “Such efforts are essential to accurately assess the scope of the AMR threat and to inform the development of integrated action plans aimed at mitigating the growing challenges posed by AMR in urban settings,” the researchers said. What Lies Ahead As Delhi continues to grapple with air pollution, this study adds a new and unsettling dimension to the health risks residents face. The threat is invisible, complex and evolving, making proactive surveillance and policy action more critical than ever.

Fresh images of Mars show signs of relatively recent ice age

Evidence of a past Martian ice age has been revealed in Coloe Fossae, where long, shallow grooves suggest ice once flowed across the landscape. These features, formed by slow-moving mixtures of ice and rock, indicate glaciers spread into mid-latitudes, offering a glimpse into Mars's icy history as recently as half a million years ago.

Scientists trying to build computers that think like brains using mushrooms

Scientists are exploring fungi, specifically mushrooms, to create more efficient and adaptable computers. Unlike rigid silicon machines, fungal networks like mycelium exhibit learning-like behavior by adjusting signal pathways. This biological approach offers a potentially cheaper and more resilient alternative to current complex and costly neuromorphic hardware, hinting at a novel direction for future computing.