Rescue operation underway after a stampede occurred on ‘Mauni Amavasya’ during the ongoing ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ festival, in Prayagraj, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Several casualties have allegedly been reported during the stampede.
| Photo Credit: PTI

ISRO creates history with the 100th launch from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) morning launched its historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The GSLV-F15 with the NVS-02 satellite lifted off from the spaceport’s second launch pad at 6.23 am.

Stampede breaks out at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj; casualties feared, rescue ops underway

Multiple casualties were feared after a “stampede-like” situation broke out at the Sangam on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh, as a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, officials said .Officer on Special Duty for the Mela Akanksha Rana said, “Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured”.

India rejects Canadian commission’s ‘insinuations’ on interference in elections

India on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) night strongly rejected “insinuations” made against it in a report by a Canadian commission that investigated allegations that certain foreign governments were meddling into Canada’s elections. In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it rejects the report’s “insinuations” on India.

Waqf panel asks government to bring in new law to protect tribal lands

In its 655-page-long draft report circulated less than 24 hours before the panel’s final meeting, the Parliament’s Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has urged the government to introduce a law to protect tribal land from being declared as “Waqf” property.

Replace regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a set of guidelines on Sunday (January 26, 2025) recommending use of lower-sodium salt substitutes. While the international body had already strongly recommended reducing sodium intake to less than 2 g/day, it has proposed a set of guidelines to replace regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Election Commission asks Kejriwal to furnish evidence of poisoning of the Yamuna

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal to provide factual evidence to substantiate his allegation that the Yamuna river was being poisoned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled neighbouring State of Haryana.

OpenAI says California apt jurisdiction for copyright suits by Indian news agency

OpenAI Global, LLC repeated an argument in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) that the ChatGPT maker cannot be sued for copyright infringement in Indian courts, as its terms of use bind users to pursue either arbitration or legal action in the courts of California. The hearing came as two industry bodies — the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) and the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) — intervened in the case, filed by the newswire agency ANI Media Pvt. Ltd. 

Sri Lankan Navy fires at Indian boat, two fishermen injured

India has lodged a “strong protest” against a Sri Lankan Navy patrol which fired at an Indian fishing boat in the early hours of Tuesday, causing “serious injuries” to two fishermen, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Sri Lanka, however, claimed that the Indian fishermen were illegally fishing in its territorial waters, and had attempted to “assault” its naval officers, adding that two fishermen received “slight injuries” due to an “accidental fire”.

Had frank, in-depth talks on issues of concern, says China

China on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) said it stressed on properly handling differences and the promotion of India-China relations on a stable track in the recently concluded talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. It also highlighted decisions to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between the two countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron announces major overhaul to modernise Louvre, dedicated room for Mona Lisa

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) that the Mona Lisa will get its own dedicated room inside the Louvre museum, which he said will be renovated and expanded in a major overhaul that will take years to complete.

IND vs ENG third T20I: Duckett, Livingstone and bowlers help England stay afloat

An indifferent Indian batting line-up made a meal of England’s 171/9 as the visitor stormed back into the five-match series with a 26-run victory in the third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here on Tuesday. The Indian top-order’s no-holds-barred approach right from the go opened the door for England and the tourist grabbed the chance with alacrity.