At least 10 people are feared dead and dozens injured after a stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025. Thousands had gathered for the second Shahi Snan during Mauni Amavasya when barriers broke, triggering the chaos. Authorities rushed ambulances, and several injured individuals were sent to a makeshift hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are monitoring the situation. Despite earlier cancellations, the Amrit Snan proceeded after the crowd thinned. Authorities urged devotees to avoid the Sangam and adhere to crowd control measures.

The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to witness 10 crore devotees performing the sacred Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. The Indian Railways has deployed 60 additional trains, bringing the total to 190, for hassle-free pilgrim travel. Security measures include AI-powered CCTV cameras, drones, and 10,000 RPF personnel. The Triveni Sangam has already hosted 15 crore pilgrims over 17 days, with 3.5 crore attending on Makar Sankranti alone. The auspicious Amrit Snan, marked by saintly processions, symbolizes spiritual cleansing. Helicopters will shower flower petals to honor the event. Residents are urged to limit vehicular use for smoother pilgrim movement.

A tragic incident occurred during a Jain Nirvana festival in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, as a makeshift bamboo and wooden stage collapsed, leaving 5 dead and 40 injured. The accident happened during a laddoo ceremony attended by hundreds of devotees. District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that 20 injured individuals have been discharged after first aid, while others continue treatment. Authorities, including senior police officials, swiftly responded to the scene. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and directed officials to ensure comprehensive medical care for the injured. The annual religious event has been conducted for nearly 30 years without previous incidents.

Ahead of Mauni Amavasya on January 29, the Uttar Pradesh Police issued a traffic advisory for Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Vehicles are restricted in the Mahakumbh zone to ensure safety amid an expected rush of 8-9 crore devotees. Parking arrangements include designated spots near landmarks like Alopi Devi Temple and CMP Degree College. Pontoon bridges will have one-way traffic or be closed for safety. The area has been declared a "no-VIP zone." The police aim to provide a smooth and safe experience for attendees at this world-renowned religious gathering, where over 14.76 crore pilgrims have already participated.

Actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times during a failed burglary at his Bandra home on January 16. Police arrested Bangladeshi national Sariful Islam, who entered India illegally and used a stolen Aadhaar card to get a SIM card. The SIM was traced to Khukumoni Sheikh from Bengal, who claimed her phone was stolen. Islam, using the alias Bijoy Das, worked in Mumbai without documents. Kareena Kapoor Khan and a nurse witnessed the attack. Saif underwent emergency surgery and was discharged on January 21. Islam's father claims his son is being framed.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has shared breathtaking photos of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Captured at night, the images show the grandeur of the world's largest human gathering, illuminated near the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Pettit, known for his astrophotography, posted the images on X, highlighting the scale and vibrancy of the event. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is being facilitated with extensive upgrades, including AI-enabled security and 24/7 electricity.

Maharashtra minister Uday Samant has objected to Vicky Kaushal's upcoming film Chhaava, set for release on February 14, 2025. He criticized a scene depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing and demanded its removal. “We will not let it release,” Samant declared, urging the film be reviewed by historians to ensure accuracy. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, also requested to view the film, advocating historical precision. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj, along with Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, chronicles the life of Shivaji’s son. Samant warned of blocking the release if changes aren't made.

Delhi experienced its warmest Republic Day in 8 years on January 26, with the maximum temperature reaching 23.7°C, surpassing the normal by 2°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The previous record was in 2017 at 26.1°C. Clear skies provided an ideal backdrop for the Republic Day Parade, as foggy conditions were absent. IMD attributes the warmth to dry northwesterly winds and bright sunshine. Temperatures are expected to rise further due to an incoming western disturbance, with minimum temperatures increasing to 9-11°C by the weekend. Meanwhile, Delhi’s AQI deteriorated from 'moderate' to 'poor,' standing at 240 on Monday.

Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic moment in India's legal landscape. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal today, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit. The UCC ensures equal rights in marriage, property, and succession, prohibiting polygamy and mandating marriage registration. The legislation, passed in February 2024, received presidential assent in March. Dhami emphasized its role in fostering equality and eradicating discrimination based on religion, gender, or caste. This landmark move underscores the state's commitment to a secular, harmonious society.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared details about the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025. Speaking at NDTV Mahakumbh Samvaad, he said the government focused on sustainable development. Roads, railways, and river cleanliness were improved. A civil terminal was built in 2019, and this year, 14 underpasses and flyovers were added. The mela area now covers 15,000 acres, with 5,000 acres for parking. Around 12 crore people have already taken a holy dip at the Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence. Adityanath emphasised that events like Mahakumbh are chances to develop cities and ensure better infrastructure and connectivity for the future.