A stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, left over 30 devotees injured, mostly women, during the Mauni Amavasya morning ritual. Barricades broke about a kilometre from the Sangam, causing panic and pushing some women to faint. Fearing casualties, Akharas decided to defer the Amrit Snan for the day. Despite the chaos, millions continued taking the holy dip. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are overseeing relief efforts. The Maha Kumbh, attracting around 40 crore pilgrims, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

President Donald Trump has proposed a buyout program offering eight months' pay to federal workers who resign by 6 February. The move aims to reduce government size and could save $100 billion, with up to 200,000 employees expected to accept. Certain groups, including military personnel and immigration officials, are excluded. Workers were warned of potential downsizing if they stay. The initiative follows Trump’s mandate for remote federal employees to return to offices and is part of his broader push to cut government spending and regulations. Democrats and advocacy groups have expressed concerns over potential disruptions to essential programs.

Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have requested paparazzi not to photograph their children, Taimur and Jeh, citing heightened security concerns. This decision follows Saif's stabbing incident at his Bandra home on January 16, leaving him with spinal and other injuries. Kareena's team held a meeting with Mumbai paparazzi to convey their request and asked media not to gather outside their residence. The couple clarified that their photos at public events could still be taken. Kareena earlier urged media to respect their privacy during this difficult time, emphasizing the risks posed by constant scrutiny.

At least 10 people were feared dead during a stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as crowds gathered for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip. Eyewitnesses described being pushed and unable to exit the area safely. Vinay Kumar Yadav claimed, "There was no place for people to go out." Another witness from Bihar shared that his wife was among the victims. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath attributed the tragedy to barricade breaches but assured the situation was under control. The ongoing Maha Kumbh expects 40 crore pilgrims by February 26, marking it as the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

India rejected Canada's allegations of election meddling in Toronto, calling them baseless. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accused Canada of interfering in India's internal matters, fostering illegal migration and organized crime. This follows a Canadian report claiming New Delhi provided clandestine support to candidates. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal denounced the "smear campaigns," emphasizing damage to bilateral ties. India also highlighted Canada's inability to link India to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Strained relations worsened after both nations expelled six diplomats each in October 2024 over alleged violence campaigns. India urged Canada to address its own issues instead.

After stampede-like scenes at Prayagraj's Mahakumbh on Mauni Amavasya, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath declared the situation "under control." The chaos, caused by devotees crossing barricades, left some injured. Despite the heavy rush of nearly 10 crore attendees, the 'Amrit Snan' continues. Adityanath emphasized the administration's efforts, with PM Modi and Union Ministers closely monitoring the situation. Advanced safety measures, including 2,700 AI-powered cameras and 1,000 police officers, were in place. Religious gatherings, like this, remain challenging for crowd control. Mauni Amavasya, a holy day for a purifying dip at Triveni Sangam, witnessed record attendance.

A Canadian court sentenced Tanner Fox, 24, to life imprisonment for the 2022 killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in the 1985 Air India bombing case. Fox and co-accused Jose Lopez, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, were hired to kill Malik but have not revealed their contractor. Malik’s family pleaded for answers, expressing fear for their safety. Malik, a Sikh businessman, was shot in Surrey, British Columbia, outside his business. The 1985 Air India bombing, Canada’s deadliest terror attack, killed 329 people. Fox apologized in court, calling the murder a "horrible offence." Lopez's sentencing is pending.

A stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during Mauni Amavasya claimed 15 lives and injured dozens. The incident occurred at 2:30 am near Triveni Sangam when the crowd became uncontrollable. Bird-eye view visuals revealed crores gathered for the holy dip despite the tragedy. Several akharas postponed their amrit snan to prevent further chaos. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to avoid Sangam Nose and use other ghats. Rescue operations continued as authorities worked to control the situation. Mauni Amavasya remains one of the most sacred events, attracting millions of pilgrims for spiritual rituals.

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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that talks with Ukraine were possible, but not with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he labeled "illegitimate" due to his expired term under martial law. Putin suggested that any other Ukrainian representatives could lead negotiations. He also claimed that the conflict could end in two months if the West ceased supporting Kyiv, asserting that without financial and military aid, Ukraine would collapse in a month or two. This comes amid ongoing calls for peace talks, including from US President Donald Trump, though no direct communication has occurred between Trump’s team and Moscow.