The Mahakumbh 2025, beginning on January 13, is anticipated to draw 450 million devotees over 45 days, resulting in a significant economic impact. With an estimated revenue of ₹2 lakh crore, the event will fuel growth in the tourism, hospitality, and trade sectors. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹7,500 crore for infrastructure and security. Additionally, the food and beverage sector is expected to contribute ₹20,000 crore, while religious offerings could add another ₹20,000 crore. The event has attracted major brands like Pepsico and Reliance, enhancing its commercial potential.

Meta India apologised for Mark Zuckerberg's statement on India's 2024 election, calling it an "inadvertent error." Zuckerberg claimed on a podcast that most incumbent governments, including India's, lost power post-COVID-19. Meta India’s Vice President Shivnath Thukral clarified that the claim was incorrect for India, reaffirming the company's respect for the nation. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey welcomed the apology, calling it a victory for citizens. He stated that Meta and other platforms would still be summoned on other matters. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also criticized Zuckerberg, emphasizing that India reaffirmed trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

On the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, over 1.38 crore devotees took part in the sacred ‘Amrit Snan’ in the bone-chilling waters of Prayagraj’s Sangam. Despite temperatures expected to dip to 8°C, devotees braved the cold. Authorities set up night shelters and bonfires for their comfort. The event, marking Makar Sankranti, was accompanied by captivating performances by Naga Sadhus wielding traditional weapons. The Maha Kumbh, occurring once every 12 years, holds exceptional significance this year due to unique celestial alignments. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates 35 crore attendees throughout the festival.

Five coaches of a Puducherry-bound MEMU train derailed near Tamil Nadu's Villupuram railway station on Tuesday morning. Swift action by the loco pilot, who stopped the train immediately, averted a major accident. All passengers were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. Railway staff and engineers began repair work while the Villupuram Railway Police launched an inquiry. The train derailed while crossing a curve shortly after departing at 5:25 am. Restoration efforts are underway to clear the route for other trains. Last week, a similar derailment in Andhra Pradesh disrupted train schedules, underscoring safety concerns in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹2,700-crore Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, J&K, making the region accessible year-round. The 6.5-km bi-directional tunnel enhances connectivity and boosts tourism. PM Modi praised workers for their dedication and highlighted progress on connectivity projects, including the upcoming Zojila tunnel. While lauding the peaceful transition in J&K, he refrained from specifying a timeline for Statehood restoration. J&K CM Omar Abdullah urged fulfillment of the Statehood promise, emphasizing democratic progress. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced plans to reduce travel time from Delhi to Srinagar to eight hours. The project marks a new era for the region.

The Maha Kumbh Mela's first Amrit Snan began today, Makar Sankranti, in Prayagraj, with 13 Akharas participating in a meticulously planned schedule. This holy dip, believed to cleanse sins, is marked as the world’s largest religious gathering. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates 35 crore devotees will attend the event, which continues until February 26. Religious leaders highlight its celestial significance, occurring after 144 years. Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani led the ritual, starting at 5:15 am. Each Akhara is allocated specific timings for smooth coordination, concluding with Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara at 5:20 pm. Organizers expressed satisfaction with arrangements.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of Hinduism's most sacred events, commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, attracting an estimated 400M pilgrims. Held every 12 years, the festival features spiritual rituals like holy dips in the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The event spans 45 days and boasts a 10,000-acre tent city, 400km of roads, and 150,000 toilets. Advanced technologies, including facial recognition and AI-enabled surveillance, ensure safety for millions. However, concerns over health risks, pollution, and environmental degradation persist. The event, costing $815M, showcases both spiritual significance and logistical marvels, underscoring its global cultural importance.

An 18-year-old Dalit woman in Kerala has accused 64 men of sexually abusing her over five years, starting at age 13. The accused include her neighbors, sports coaches, and her father’s friends. Police have arrested 28 individuals under multiple laws, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The abuse reportedly began with molestation and explicit photos, escalating to gangrape. The woman’s ordeal came to light after counseling under a government scheme. Authorities are investigating further, and she has been moved to a shelter for safety.

The Tapti Ganga Express, traveling from Surat to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, came under attack near Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Stones hurled at the train shattered the windows of the B6 coach, sparking fear among pilgrims, 45% of whom were headed to the event. A video shared online highlighted the broken windows and passengers' appeals for increased security. Railways have heightened police presence on the train, while authorities investigate the incident to determine if it was a random act or part of a larger plan. With 45 crore expected at Maha Kumbh, safety concerns have been amplified.

Chandramouli Biswas, 48, former bassist of the iconic Bengali band Fossils, was found dead in his Kolkata home on Sunday. Golok vocalist Mohul Chakraborty discovered his body after failed attempts to contact him. Police confirmed a suicide note and revealed Biswas struggled with long-term depression and financial difficulties. Known for his 18-year tenure with Fossils, Biswas left the band in 2018 due to health issues. Fossils’ manager Rupsha Dasgupta called his death "a huge loss for Bengal’s music industry." Biswas, a former engineer, pursued his passion for music, earning a devoted fanbase. He is survived by his parents.