India’s tiger population has doubled to over 3,600 in just over a decade, now making up 75% of the world’s tigers, a new study in Science reveals. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and community involvement, have driven this success. However, challenges remain in states affected by poaching, armed conflict, and habitat loss. Researchers say India’s model offers key lessons for global conservation. "It's not just about human density, but attitudes," said lead author Yadvendradev Jhala. Sustainable rural prosperity is vital for continued recovery, balancing economic growth with tiger conservation.

President Droupadi Murmu performed the auspicious ritual of feeding Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 'dahi-cheeni' for good luck ahead of her eighth Union Budget presentation. Sitharaman, who arrived in Parliament, will focus on tax relief, infrastructure spending, and fiscal discipline amid economic challenges. The Cabinet is set to approve the Budget before the session begins. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key leaders, including Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, attended the session. The Budget is expected to introduce tax reforms and address India's economic slowdown. Stay tuned for key announcements.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced a 50% airfare reduction for travelers to Mahakumbh Mela 2025 starting February 1. The move follows government intervention after airfares to Prayagraj surged due to high demand. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously approved 81 additional flights, increasing total operations to 132. Despite the fare cut, the government has ensured airlines do not suffer losses. The Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, has already seen over 199.4 million visitors. A recent stampede at the main bathing ghats resulted in 30 deaths due to overcrowding.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 today, marking her 8th consecutive budget. Key expectations include tax relief for the middle class, corporate tax cuts, and increased infrastructure spending. The budget comes amid economic challenges, with India facing global uncertainties and potential US tariff changes under President Trump. Experts anticipate reforms in tariff structures, AI investments, and measures to boost domestic manufacturing. The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is projected at 4.5% of GDP. Sitharaman’s speech will begin at 11 AM, shaping India’s economic outlook.

India's GDP growth for fiscal 2025-26 is projected to range between 6.3% and 6.8%, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. The survey cited robust domestic economic fundamentals, including stable private consumption, strong external accounts, and fiscal discipline. However, it highlighted pressures in the manufacturing sector due to weak global demand and seasonal conditions. The survey also noted that food inflation is expected to ease in the latter part of FY25, supported by a favorable rabi crop. Investment activity is anticipated to rebound with improving business sentiment and policy support, providing optimism for future growth.

Thousands of pilgrims are stranded in long traffic jams on roads leading to Prayagraj after Uttar Pradesh imposed a traffic ban to ease congestion at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The measures, which include sealing city borders and banning vehicles, follow a deadly stampede that killed 30 people and injured 60. Devotees, including women and children, are facing severe hardships, with no food, water, or shelter. Despite efforts to provide aid, many are forced to sleep in the open or walk long distances. The restrictions will remain in effect until February 4.

A second stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, just hours after the first, leaving several dead. It happened at Jhusi, 2 km from Sangam Nose, at around 5:55 am on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as barriers broke, and people trampled over each other. Rescue efforts faced delays, and many elderly people were found dead in the rubble. Reports say the crowd was uncontrollable due to the large number of devotees gathered for Mauni Amavasya. Officials confirmed that the death toll of 30 includes victims from both stampede sites. The tragic event has raised concerns over crowd management.

A fire broke out in 15 tents at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday morning near Chatnag Ghat. Firefighters struggled to reach the site due to a lack of access roads but managed to douse the flames in time. No casualties or injuries were reported. This incident follows a tragic stampede in the Sangam area on Wednesday that left 30 dead and over 60 injured. Earlier, on January 19, a fire broke out at the Sector 19 campsite after a gas cylinder explosion. Authorities are monitoring safety measures at the religious gathering.

The Uttar Pradesh government has banned all vehicles and VVIP passes at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj until February 4 after a deadly stampede on ‘Mauni Amavasya’ killed 30 people and injured 60. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to implement one-way bath routes, establish holding areas to prevent overcrowding, and ensure smooth train and bus operations. Additional police and administrative personnel have been deployed for crowd control. Traffic on major routes will be closely monitored. Authorities are also ensuring food, water, and uninterrupted electricity for pilgrims. The next major event, ‘Amrit Snan’ on February 3, will see heightened security.

A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh left 30 dead and 60 injured when barricades collapsed due to a surge of devotees at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. The rush for the ritual bath led to pilgrims sleeping on the ground being crushed. Deputy Inspector General Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the barricades around the ghat and akhadas gave way under pressure. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the incident “heart-wrenching” and assured full administrative support. Emergency response teams, including the NDRF and SDRF, have been deployed to manage the situation.