Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

As Christmas 2025 is being celebrated across the world, people are marking the occasion by sharing warm messages with family, friends and loved ones. The festival commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed as a time of faith, kindness and togetherness. Along with prayers, gifts and festive meals, social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have become popular spaces for expressing Christmas greetings.

Christmas is traditionally associated with reflecting God’s love through generosity and compassion, while also strengthening bonds with close ones. Many people choose short, meaningful lines as their social media status to capture the spirit of the day and convey goodwill.

Here is a curated list of loving Christmas 2025 wishes that can be used as WhatsApp or Instagram status messages on the joyful occasion:

1. Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with love, laughter and your favourite moments.
2. Wishing you a Christmas as bright and cheerful as your smile.
3. May your heart be full of joy and your home be filled with love this Christmas.
4. Sending warm Christmas wishes with a touch of festive magic.
5. Merry Christmas! May peace and happiness surround you today.
6. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
7. May the spirit of Christmas bring love to your heart and warmth to your home.
8. Wishing you a Christmas that is merry, bright and full of cheer.
9. May your Christmas be rich with laughter, love and cherished traditions.
10. Sending love, joy and the warmest Christmas wishes your way.
11. Merry Christmas! Celebrate the day with family, friends and good food.
12. Wishing you a Christmas filled with magic, wonder and joy.
13. May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.
14. Wishing you a Christmas as special as you are.
15. Merry Christmas! Wishing happiness and good fortune always.
    

These short messages reflect the essence of Christmas 2025 and can be easily shared as status updates to spread positivity and festive warmth.

At least 10 people lost their lives after a private sleeper bus caught fire following a collision with a truck on National Highway-48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. The accident took place in the early hours of Thursday when the bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga.

According to police, the incident occurred around 2:30 am when a truck coming from the opposite direction reportedly jumped the divider and rammed into the bus. The impact triggered a massive fire, leaving several passengers trapped inside the vehicle.

A senior police officer said preliminary findings suggest the truck may have struck the fuel tank of the bus, causing diesel to gush out and ignite. While a few passengers managed to escape, eight bus passengers and the truck driver were confirmed dead.

Bus carrying 32 people gutted in blaze

The sleeper bus, operated by a private travel company, had 32 people on board, including the driver and conductor. Eyewitnesses said the flames spread rapidly, giving passengers little time to react.

A commuter who was travelling on the same stretch of road said the bus had overtaken his vehicle moments before the crash. He added that the truck crossed the divider and hit the bus near the diesel tank area, leading to the fire.

One of the surviving passengers recalled scenes of panic inside the bus. He said people were screaming as the fire broke out, the doors could not be opened, and some passengers broke the window glass to escape. Despite efforts to rescue others, the spreading flames made it extremely difficult.

Traffic disruption and reactions from leaders

The accident caused heavy traffic congestion on the highway, with commuters stranded for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar also expressed grief over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The state BJP president shared similar sentiments, offering condolences to the bereaved families.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.