From a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh to India’s historic space milestone and global economic shifts, here’s a look at the biggest stories making headlines today.
Maha Kumbh Stampede: 10 Feared Dead, Holy Dip Called Of
A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya has left at least 10 people feared dead and 30 injured. The tragedy occurred early Wednesday morning at the Sangam Ghat after a barricade collapse triggered a panic rush among lakhs of devotees gathered for the holy dip. Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana confirmed that the situation escalated due to overcrowding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, assuring all necessary support. The Akharas, citing safety concerns, have decided to call off the holy dip for the day.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy: What we know so far
Jasprit Bumrah Wins ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, capping off a stellar season. Bumrah took 71 wickets in 13 Test matches at an astonishing average of 14.92, making him only the fourth Indian bowler to take 70+ wickets in a calendar year. He also became the first Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets with an average below 20. Smriti Mandhana was honored as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, further solidifying India’s dominance in the sport.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024, wins Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy
ISRO’s 100th Mission: NVS-02 Satellite Launched from Sriharikota
Marking a historic milestone, ISRO successfully launched its 100th space mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Wednesday morning. The GSLV-F15 rocket placed the navigation satellite NVS-02 into orbit, strengthening India’s satellite-based navigation capabilities. The mission aims to enhance key sectors like aviation, fleet management, and emergency services. The launch was completed after a 27-hour countdown, signifying another leap forward in India’s space ambitions.
India Summons Sri Lankan Envoy After Fishermen Injured in Navy Firing
In a strong diplomatic move, India summoned Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner in New Delhi after five Indian fishermen were injured in a firing incident near Delft Island. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a formal protest, stating that the use of force against unarmed fishermen is unacceptable under any circumstances. Indian officials have visited the injured in Jaffna, providing medical and legal assistance. The high commission in Colombo has also raised concerns with Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry.
Election Commission Asks AAP to Provide Proof on ‘Yamuna Poisoning’ Allegations
The Election Commission (EC) has asked Delhi Chief Minister Atishi to provide evidence by 8 pm today supporting AAP’s claim that the BJP-led Haryana government has deliberately polluted the Yamuna River. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had accused the BJP of “biological warfare,” alleging that toxic ammonia levels were spiked to disrupt Delhi’s water supply ahead of the February 5 elections. The EC warned that such serious allegations could create hostility between states and carry a potential three-year jail term.
Also Read: Delhi CM Atishi accuses Haryana of water terrorism over rising ammonia levels in Yamuna
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Claims Life of 17-Year-Old in West Bengal
A 17-year-old boy from North 24 Parganas has succumbed to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare but potentially fatal neurological disorder. The teenager was admitted to Kolkata’s Neel Ratan Sarkar Medical College on January 23 after exhibiting symptoms similar to GBS. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has reported a worrying spike in GBS cases, with 111 cases recorded in Pune alone. The state health department has initiated emergency response measures to curb the spread of the disease.
US Tech Stocks Steady After DeepSeek AI Disruption
US tech stocks stabilized on Tuesday after suffering a sharp decline following the rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. The company’s AI model, developed at a fraction of the cost of its American counterparts, sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley. Nvidia shares rebounded after a 6% slump on Monday, with experts calling the initial sell-off an “overreaction.” US President Donald Trump acknowledged the development as a “wake-up call” for America’s tech industry but remained optimistic about future AI advancements.
Trump Hints at Scrapping Income Tax, Replacing It with Tariff
In a major economic proposal, US President Donald Trump has suggested eliminating income tax and replacing it with tariffs on foreign imports. Addressing the Republican Issues Conference in Florida, Trump argued that tariffs made America “rich and powerful” before the introduction of income tax in 1913. He named China, India, and Brazil as high-tariff nations that could face new trade restrictions under his policy shift.
Congo Crisis: Rebels Close in on Goma as Bodies Pile Up
Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated as M23 rebels move closer to capturing the key city of Goma. The situation on the ground remains dire, with hospitals struggling to handle casualties and bodies lying unclaimed on the streets. The Congolese government maintains that it is still in control, but concerns are mounting over looted food warehouses and growing anti-foreign sentiment. Calls for peace talks have intensified as international pressure builds on Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the rebels.
Salman Khan Shoots for ‘Sikandar’ in Mumbai Amid Fan Frenzy
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan created a massive buzz as he filmed scenes for his upcoming movie Sikandar at a crowded railway station in Mumbai. Fans went into a frenzy upon spotting the actor, who was heavily guarded by security. Salman waved at the cheering crowd in between takes, sending social media into a meltdown. The action-packed entertainer, directed by AR Murugadoss, is expected to hit cinemas later this year.
