At least 30 people have died and 60 more were injured in a tragic crowd crush during the Kumbh Mela festival, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the tragedy and expressed condolences to the victims. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos at the Ganges River bank, with belongings scattered as people tried to escape the crush. Officials had expected up to 100 million attendees for the ritual bathing day. Despite the chaos, tens of thousands continue to attempt the holy dip, but the atmosphere remains subdued.

Ukraine launched 104 drones targeting Russian oil and power facilities, according to Russia’s defense ministry. Drones targeted nine regions, including Smolensk and Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are active. A nuclear power plant was reportedly among the targets, though it remains operational. Debris from a destroyed drone caused a fire at an oil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod. Flights temporarily halted at Kazan and Pulkovo airports have resumed. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports downing 29 of 57 Russian drones launched overnight, with attacks damaging buildings in Odesa's port area. Both sides continue escalating drone warfare amidst ongoing conflict.

A tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Mauni Amavasya claimed 15 lives and left several injured. Lakhs had gathered for the auspicious Amrit Snan at the Sangam, resulting in chaotic crowding. Emergency teams rushed to the site, transferring the injured to a central hospital within the Mela grounds. Akharas called off their traditional Amrit Snan, while announcements urged pilgrims to vacate the ghats. Prime Minister Modi reviewed the situation with CM Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing immediate support measures. Enhanced crowd management and medical facilities remain priorities amid this tragedy.

John Perumbalath, the Indian-origin Bishop of Liverpool, faces allegations of sexual assault and harassment by two women. Reports claim incidents occurred between 2019 and 2023 in Essex during his tenure as a bishop. While denying the allegations, Perumbalath stated he cooperated with investigations by the National Safeguarding Team and police, which led to no further action. Controversy deepened as Archbishop Stephen Cottrell was accused of ignoring warnings before Perumbalath's appointment. Perumbalath, originally from Kerala, South India, was ordained in 1994 and moved to the UK in 2001. These revelations raise concerns about the Church’s accountability and disciplinary processes.

The Supreme Court declared domicile-based reservations in postgraduate (PG) medical courses unconstitutional, citing violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. The three-judge bench emphasized that PG medical admissions must be strictly merit-based, though it clarified that existing domicile-based quotas would remain unaffected. The court highlighted that while residency-based reservations might apply to MBBS courses in certain cases, PG courses demand specialized skills, making such quotas impermissible. The ruling follows appeals against a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court decision invalidating residence-based quotas for PG admissions at Chandigarh's Government Medical College and Hospital.

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.

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.

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.

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.