Mahant Satyendra Das, 85, head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, is in critical condition after suffering a brain stroke. He was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) on Sunday. Doctors said he is diabetic and hypertensive but is responding to commands. Das has been associated with the temple since 1992 and is a respected figure in Ayodhya. "We pray for his recovery," said Vishva Hindu Parishad spokesperson Sharad Sharma. Das, a member of the Nirvani Akhara, has been a key figure in the Ram temple movement.

India is facing a Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune, with 160 reported cases since January. The rare disorder, which attacks the nervous system, has resulted in 5 suspected deaths, while 48 patients remain in intensive care and 21 are on ventilators. Health officials traced the outbreak to the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, commonly linked to contaminated poultry and water. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with authorities to monitor cases and analyze trends. Special hospital wards have been set up, and officials urge people to avoid undercooked poultry and drink boiled water to prevent further infections.

Akhilesh Yadav has accused the BJP-led government of concealing the real death toll from the Maha Kumbh stampede, demanding transparency and Army intervention. He stated, “The double-engine government is hiding facts while innocent lives are lost.” Reports suggest that the official casualty figures are lower than eyewitness claims. Yadav urged authorities to release the actual numbers and ensure proper crowd management. Opposition parties have intensified criticism, questioning security lapses at the religious gathering. The government, however, maintains that all necessary measures were in place, promising a detailed investigation into the incident.

India has added mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to its ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England. Vice-captain Shubman Gill confirmed his inclusion, with reports suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir wants him to maintain rhythm ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Chakaravarthy, who took 14 wickets in the recent T20I series against England, was named Player of the Series. He has already joined training in Nagpur, but his final selection for the Champions Trophy will depend on his ODI performances. India can make squad changes until February 12, giving Chakaravarthy a crucial opportunity.

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps conducted a live firing demonstration along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim, reinforcing combat readiness in high-altitude warfare. The exercise featured the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch System (MBRL), capable of firing 12 rockets in under 44 seconds with a range of 40-75 km. The drill tested coordination between infantry, mechanised units, and artillery, ensuring rapid response to threats. Despite border agreements with China, the Army remains vigilant along the Northern Borders, focusing on modernisation and indigenisation to maintain a robust defence posture in extreme conditions.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan stunned Virat Kohli in the Ranji Trophy, bowling him for 6 and sending his off-stump flying. Before the match, even the team bus driver advised Sangwan, saying, “Bowl at the fourth-fifth stump line to Virat Kohli, and he’ll get out.” However, Sangwan stuck to his strengths, delivering a sharp inswinger. His Instagram followers soared from 750 to over 18,000 after the viral dismissal. Kohli later signed the match ball, joking, “Oh teri ki! Maza aa gaya tujhe toh.” Sangwan, who struggled for years in domestic cricket, credited hard work and patience for his success.

Five people were shot Tuesday at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, police said. The attack is being investigated as attempted murder, arson, and aggravated weapons offenses. Students were evacuated, while nearby schools were locked down. Local hospitals prepared for casualties, and at least four victims were admitted to Orebro University Hospital. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the incident “very serious” and assured government support. Police warned, “The danger is not over. The public MUST stay away.” Sweden has witnessed rare but increasing school violence, including fatal stabbings in recent years. Investigations are ongoing.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan alleged that bodies of stampede victims were dumped into the river, contaminating the Maha Kumbh water in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She accused the BJP-led government of neglecting arrangements for common devotees and concealing the real death toll. “They are lying about crores of people gathering,” she said outside Parliament. The January 29 stampede killed 30 and injured 60. Opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, have demanded a parliamentary discussion. A judicial commission is investigating the tragedy. The Maha Kumbh, held after 12 years, will continue until February 26.

The US has deported Indian migrants using a military aircraft, marking the farthest such transport under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. A C-17 aircraft carrying migrants departed for India, taking at least 24 hours to arrive. The Pentagon is also facilitating flights to deport over 5,000 migrants from detention centers in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Trump has increasingly used the military for deportations, despite high costs—one flight to Guatemala reportedly cost $4,675 per migrant. Previous deportation flights primarily targeted Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The move highlights Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.

A car bomb exploded near Manbij, Syria, killing at least 15 people, including 14 women, and injuring dozens. The vehicle targeted was carrying agricultural workers. Conflicting reports suggest 18 women may have died. The attack comes as Manbij remains a hotspot of violence between Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian civil defense confirmed critical injuries among the wounded. Another bombing in Manbij on Saturday killed 4 civilians. The city continues to face instability despite the downfall of President Bashar Assad in December.