Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to the nation on Saturday, commemorating the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple.

He reflected on the “centuries of sacrifice, penance, and struggle” that led to the temple’s construction, highlighting its role as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

In a post on X, he expressed, “Best wishes to all the countrymen on the first anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This temple, built after centuries of sacrifice, penance, and struggle, is a great heritage of our culture and spirituality. I am confident that this divine and magnificent Ram temple will become a great inspiration in the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India.” The Prime Minister also included a video with his message.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, a grand three-day event organized by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust commenced in Ayodhya. The festivities, scheduled from January 11 to 13, involve cultural programs featuring esteemed musicians and artists.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to inaugurate the celebrations with a ceremonial ‘abhishek’ (ritual bath) of the Ram Lalla idol, followed by an address to the public at Angad Teela. A large number of devotees, including saints and spiritual leaders, have gathered for the event.

Ayodhya has been transformed into a vibrant display of devotion and celebration, decorated with lights and various displays. Local administration and trust officials have made detailed arrangements to welcome the influx of pilgrims and visitors. Both Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh are also anticipated to participate in the festivities, with Chief Minister Yogi’s visit planned to last approximately five hours.

The trust has encouraged devotees from across the nation to engage in this historic celebration, which underscores the unifying and timeless significance of Lord Ram. The festivities will feature Ram Katha, cultural performances, and daily rituals, alongside a large pavilion and Yagnashala prepared to accommodate thousands of attendees.

VIP invitations have been extended to those who could not attend the earlier ceremony, and the public is invited to partake in this spiritual event. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform the ‘abhishek’ on January 11, with the celebrations designed to provide a grand spiritual experience for all.

Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, the AAP leader and MLA from Ludhiana West, passed away due to a gunshot injury. Family members and state party officials stated that the fatal injury occurred when a bullet accidentally discharged from his pistol while he was cleaning it.

Punjab AAP President Aman Arora, who visited the bereaved family, noted that Gogi routinely cleaned his licensed weapon every day. Tragically, while performing this task on Friday night, the gun fired accidentally, leading to his death.

Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja stated that the bullet struck Gogi in the temple. He was promptly taken to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where he was declared dead upon arrival. The incident happened around 11:30 PM on Friday at Gogi’s residence.

According to family accounts, the shooting was accidental. Gogi, 58, is survived by his wife and two children, with his cremation scheduled for 3 PM at the cremation ground near KVM School.

The police are currently investigating the matter. Just hours prior to his tragic death, Gogi participated in a meeting with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, discussing the cleanup of the polluted Buddha Nullah.

He had also visited the Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir in BRS Nagar, where a recent theft had occurred, and pledged to seek justice for the incident.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep sorrow over Gogi’s passing, stating that his absence would create a significant void, and that his commitment to public service would be fondly remembered.

In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “Deeply saddened to learn about the untimely passing of Sh. Gurpreet Gogi Bassi Ji, MLA from Ludhiana. A leader who served his people with unwavering dedication and compassion, his absence will leave a void that is hard to fill. May his soul rest in peace.” He also extended condolences to Gogi’s family, offering them strength during this challenging time and reaffirming support for the people of Ludhiana in their loss.

Gogi became a member of the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and won against two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the state assembly elections for the Ludhiana West seat. His wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, recently contested but lost in the municipal corporation elections. Last year, in protest over delays in the Buddha Nullah rejuvenation project, Gogi infamously demolished the foundation stone of the initiative.

Before becoming a legislator in 2022, Gogi served two terms as a municipal councillor in Ludhiana and was the chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation during the previous Congress administration. He had previously held the position of Ludhiana district Congress (urban) president from 2014 to 2019. His nomination filing in 2022 gained attention when he arrived on a scooter to submit his papers.

Indian Post Payments Bank (IPPB) account holders are being warned of a new phishing scam exploiting the updated PAN Card rules introduced by the Central Government. Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent messages to users, falsely claiming that their bank accounts will be frozen if PAN Card details are not updated.

These messages often contain links that direct users to malicious websites, designed to steal personal and financial information. The fear of losing access to their bank accounts has led many individuals to fall prey to these scams.

How the scam works

The scammers use the recent PAN Card 2.0 update as a pretext to trick individuals. They send alarming messages suggesting account freezing due to non-compliance with PAN updates, prompting users to click on phishing links. By doing so, cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to sensitive financial data.

IPPB’s guidance to stay safe

Indian Post Payments Bank has issued a set of recommendations to help customers protect themselves from such fraudulent activities. The bank urges account holders to follow these secure digital banking practices:

• Regularly update passwords for better account security.
• Avoid calling fake customer care numbers or sharing personal details.
• Monitor account activities regularly for any unauthorized transactions.
• Stay cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Verify the authenticity of all banking-related communications.

Essential scam prevention tips

To further protect against such scams, experts recommend the following precautions:

1. Be wary of suspicious emails and messages: Avoid opening unknown attachments or clicking unfamiliar links, as scammers often disguise malicious content in these.
2. Check for signs of fraud: Look for typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, or unrealistic offers in messages that could indicate a phishing attempt.
3. Avoid password-protected files from unknown sources: Such files may contain hidden viruses that can compromise your device and steal sensitive information.
4. Strengthen account security: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and store them securely in a password manager.
5. Verify sources: Always ensure the authenticity of customer care numbers and banking communications before responding or sharing personal information.

The bigger picture

Scammers are exploiting the lack of awareness about recent financial regulations to target unsuspecting individuals. With increasing reliance on digital banking, customers must stay vigilant and informed to protect their assets.

If you receive any suspicious messages regarding PAN updates or account freezes, immediately report them to your bank and avoid clicking on any associated links.