A fire engulfed two vehicles parked near the Mahakumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early Saturday morning. The blaze, reported around 6:30 AM, caused panic among locals. Firefighters promptly controlled the fire using six tenders. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries. An Ertiga car was completely burnt, while a Venue car was partially damaged. Fire Officer Vishal Yadav attributed the incident to extreme heat and assured devotees' safety. This comes a week after a cylinder explosion at the Mahakumbh venue destroyed 70+ huts and tents. Authorities have been urged to prevent future mishaps.

According to a Pew Research Center report, India will surpass Indonesia to become the country with the largest Muslim population by 2050, reaching 311 million Muslims. This growth is attributed to factors like a younger average age and higher fertility rates. Indonesia, currently with the largest Muslim population, will drop to third place, with 257 million Muslims by 2050. The report also highlights that India will maintain the largest Hindu population, which will grow to 1.03 billion. Globally, the Muslim population is projected to increase significantly, reaching nearly 2.8 billion by 2050.

Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis will continue to operate, but the Ambassador model may soon be a thing of the past. The state government has lifted restrictions, allowing all light commercial vehicles with taxi permits to be painted yellow, a move aimed at preserving the city's cultural heritage. Once dominated by Hindustan Motors' Ambassadors, the yellow taxis are now facing a decline, with numbers dropping from 18,000 a decade ago to just 7,000 in 2024. Experts see the decision as a balance between maintaining tradition and meeting modern transport needs in the city.

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been inducted as the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. Renamed as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, Kulkarni's induction follows her close association with the order for over a year. Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan confirmed the ongoing rituals and stated Kulkarni's devotion to the Kinnar Akhada. The actress, known for her 1990s hits like Karan Arjun, donned saffron attire and performed 'Pind Daan' at Sangam Ghat. Kulkarni recently returned to Mumbai after a long hiatus, with a Bombay High Court ruling clearing her name in a ₹2,000 crore drug case.

A 20-year-old woman in Mumbai’s Vasai area was allegedly raped by an auto-rickshaw driver, who later abandoned her unconscious near a temple. Medical examination revealed a cesarean blade and stones inside her body. Deputy Commissioner of Police Smita Patil confirmed the driver’s arrest, with further investigations underway. However, reports suggest the woman may have fabricated parts of the case. Authorities claim she inserted the objects herself, fearing parental scolding for staying out late. Police are examining her past, which includes two prior rape complaints, and suspect mental health issues. The case has sparked debates on sexual violence and victim credibility.

India will launch its first human underwater submersible in 2025 under the Deep Ocean Mission. Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the submersible will initially dive to a depth of 500 meters, with plans to reach 6,000 meters next year. He emphasized the mission’s reliance on indigenous technology, which underscores India’s self-reliance. The initiative will explore critical resources, rare minerals, and marine biodiversity, contributing to a sustainable blue economy. “This mission will unlock vast underwater treasures for economic growth and environmental sustainability,” Singh stated. The submersible aligns with India’s landmark missions, including Gaganyaan, marking progress in scientific excellence.

A horrifying crime has emerged in Telangana, where Gurumurthy, a retired Army jawan, allegedly murdered his wife Puttavenkata Madhavi. According to police, he claimed to have killed her during an argument, then meticulously dismembered her body. The suspect reportedly chopped her body in the bathroom, boiled body parts in a pressure cooker, and crushed bones with a pestle over three days. He then allegedly disposed of the remains in a nearby lake. The couple, married for 13 years with two children, lived in Venkateswara Colony. Investigation is ongoing, with police yet to confirm the death.

Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane sparked outrage with controversial remarks about Saif Ali Khan's recent stabbing incident. Questioning the authenticity of the attack, Rane made inflammatory comments about the actor's discharge from the hospital and made derogatory statements targeting Bangladeshi nationals. The minister's remarks drew criticism, with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attempting to downplay the controversy. The incident involves a Bangladeshi national, Shariful Shehzad, who has been arrested for allegedly attempting to burglarize Khan's residence and attacking the actor.

In a significant consumer rights move, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to Ola and Uber, demanding clarification on reports of differential ride pricing based on mobile device types. The investigation stems from social media allegations that users experience varying fares when booking rides through Android and iOS devices. While Uber has denied personalizing trip pricing based on phone manufacturers, the government remains committed to ensuring transparent pricing practices. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has mandated a thorough inquiry, emphasizing zero tolerance for consumer exploitation.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, along with their children, have been given temporary police protection after Saif survived a knife attack at their Bandra home. The actor suffered six injuries, including cuts to his neck and back, while protecting his family and staff. Following surgery and five days in the hospital, Saif returned home with upgraded security, including CCTV cameras and private guards. The intruder, a Bangladeshi national, targeted Saif's home for burglary. Police have increased patrolling in the area, while Saif's fans cheered his recovery. The accused is in custody, and investigations continue.