Two days after a deadly stampede near the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, police are investigating reports of a second incident in the Jhusi area. While 30 people have been confirmed dead, with 60 injured, there were claims of another stampede-like situation. DIG Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, assured that the footage from cameras installed at the site would be examined. Locals reported chaos at the Sector 21 crossing, with overcrowding exacerbating the situation. The UP government has announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025, revealing major tax relief for the middle class. She announced that no income tax would be levied on earnings up to ₹12 lakh. Sitharaman, who is presenting her record eighth consecutive budget, also outlined a focus on agriculture, MSMEs, and simplifying the tax system. She promised a new income tax bill next week that will be clearer and simpler for taxpayers. The budget also includes provisions to reduce compliance burdens and boost employment and investment opportunities in India.

Donald Trump has reignited the debate on birthright citizenship, arguing that it was originally intended for the children of slaves, not for individuals globally. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that birthright citizenship should not apply to “unqualified people” and their children. He expressed support for the provision but stressed that it was not meant to allow people worldwide to claim U.S. citizenship. Republican Senators have introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, which aims to restrict birthright citizenship to children born to legal immigrants and U.S. citizens, excluding children of illegal immigrants.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the key priorities of Budget 2025, focusing on boosting the middle class, farmers, women, and youth. Reforms will target taxation, power, urban development, mining, finance, and regulation. Key measures include the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to improve agricultural productivity, a 6-year mission in pulses, and support for MSMEs with a doubled credit guarantee cover. A Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will boost urban infrastructure. Sitharaman emphasized a vision for "Viksit Bharat," aiming for zero poverty and universal access to education and healthcare.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman posed outside the Finance Ministry with her Budget 2025 tablet in a red ‘Bahi Khata’ sleeve, continuing her tradition since 2019. Dressed in a white-red Madhubani saree, she later proceeded to meet President Droupadi Murmu before heading to Parliament. The shift from the colonial-era briefcase to the Bahi Khata in 2019 and the digital transition in 2021 align with India’s Digital India push. “Moving out from the British handhold felt right,” Sitharaman had stated earlier. The Union Budget presentation will outline key economic policies and financial roadmaps for the year ahead.

A medical transport jet carrying a child patient and five others crashed near a shopping mall in Philadelphia, exploding into a fireball that engulfed multiple homes. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before disappearing from radar. The company could not confirm survivors. "Our immediate concern is for the victims and their families," a spokesperson said. US President Donald Trump expressed condolences, calling it a "sad tragedy." Emergency crews are on-site, and roads near Roosevelt Mall remain closed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

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.

US President Donald Trump will impose tariffs of 25% on Mexico and Canada, and 10% on China starting Saturday, the White House announced. Trump cited fentanyl distribution, undocumented migration, and trade deficits as reasons. Canadian oil will face a 10% tariff from February 18. Trump also warned of future tariffs on the EU, accusing it of unfair trade practices. Canada and Mexico have vowed retaliation, while China urged a "win-win" trade solution. Economists warn the move could increase US inflation and fuel a trade war. Trump admitted short-term disruptions but defended the decision as fulfilling campaign promises.