Top Headlines: 30 Injured In Stampede-Like Situation At Maha Kumbh, Akharas Skip Holy Dip

  1. 30 Injured In Stampede-Like Situation At Maha Kumbh, Akharas Skip Holy Dip
  2. At least 29 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur
  3. Union Cabinet clears ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ to boost self-reliance
  4. ‘No Definitive Link To Foreign State’: Canada Probe Vindicates India’s Stand On Nijjar Killing
  5. Anti-India Propaganda, Threats to Dignitaries’ Children Studying Abroad: Govt Exposes Pannun’s SFJ

What Else

  1. Chinese firm to install 3,000 EV charging stations in Pakistan
  2. Pakistan: President Zardari signs controversial PECA amendment bill
  3. Pakistan FO notes ‘profound concern’ on weapons in Afghanistan as US demands military equipment’s return
  4. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader warns of launching nationwide campaign against govt
  5. Bangladesh: Awami League calls for General Strike, Blockade
  6. Yunus challenges Trump’s presidency: Holds meeting with Alex Soros in Dhaka
  7. Myanmar refugees face sudden discharge from Thai hospitals shuttered by US aid freeze
  8. Nepal: Opposition slams coalition’s plan to fast-track ordinances

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30 Injured In Stampede-Like Situation At Maha Kumbh, Akharas Skip Holy Dip

  • A stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on the morning of Mauni Amavasya, resulting in around 30 women being injured, with many deaths feared.
  • The incident happened when barricades about a kilometer away from the Sangam broke, causing some women to faint and triggering the stampede.
  • In response to the incident, PM Modi extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the local administration is assisting those affected.
  • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the situation is under control, but crowd pressure remains, and urged devotees to take a dip at the nearest ghat.
  • The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has called off their Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan in light of the incident.
  • The Uttar Pradesh govt has deployed over 1,000 medical professionals and 300 specialist doctors to handle emergencies.
  • The Maha Kumbh Mela, which started on Jan 13 and will continue till Feb 26, has already witnessed over 15 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip in the past 17 days. (more)
  • The Hindu- at least 30 dead and 60 injured, citing DIG Vaibhav Krishna. (more)
  • CM Yogi Adityanath on Wed ordered a judicial probe into a pre-dawn stampede (more)

At least 29 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur

  • In a significant development, 29 Maoists, including seven women, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, citing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and internal conflicts within their organization.
  • This marks a major success for security forces in the region, with 71 total surrenders this year.
  • The former members of the Maoist Kutul area committee were reportedly influenced by ongoing development projects in the region, such as the rapid construction of roads, which have inspired them to seek a normal life away from militancy.
  • The govt’s rehabilitation policy, which offers housing and employment to surrendered Maoists, has also played a crucial role in encouraging these individuals to reintegrate into society.
  • Each surrendered member received financial assistance of ₹25,000 as part of the rehabilitation efforts. (more)

Union Cabinet clears ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ to boost self-reliance

  • The Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission with a budget of approximately $213 million and expected investments of $235 million from public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other entities.
  • The mission aims to make India self-reliant in the critical mineral sector, which is crucial for high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense.
  • The NCMM will cover all value chains, including exploration, mining, processing, and recycling. Goal
  • Intensifying exploration: Identifying and extracting critical minerals within India and its offshore areas.
  • Fast-track approvals: Streamlining regulatory processes for critical mineral mining projects.
  • Financial incentives: Encouraging exploration and production of critical minerals.
  • Global partnerships: Collaborating with resource-rich countries to secure critical mineral supplies.
  • Research and development: Promoting innovation in critical mineral technologies and setting up a Centre of Excellence.
  • The mission will work closely with various ministries, PSUs, private companies, and research institutions to achieve its goals. (more)

‘No Definitive Link To Foreign State’: Canada Probe Vindicates India’s Stand On Nijjar Killing

  • A public inquiry in Canada has concluded that there’s “no definitive link” between India and the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Nijjar.
  • This finding contradicts PM Justin Trudeau’s earlier accusations against India.
  • The report did, however, accuse India of running a “disinformation campaign” following Trudeau’s allegations.
  • Nijjar was killed on June 18, 2023, outside a gurdwara in British Columbia.
  • Initially, Canadian authorities thought it was a gang-related crime, but later suspected [claimed] Indian involvement.
  • The inquiry’s findings may help ease tensions between Canada and India, which have been strained since Trudeau’s accusations. (more)

Anti-India Propaganda, Threats to Dignitaries’ Children Studying Abroad: Govt Exposes Pannun’s SFJ

  • The Indian govt has accused Pannun and SFJ of spreading anti-India propaganda, organizing protests, and filing court cases against Indian dignitaries in several countries.
  • Gurpatwant Pannun is a Canadian-American lawyer who leads the Khalistani organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ).
  • Pannun has also been known to release videos and messages that were threatening.
  • On July 22 last year, a recorded voice note was received on the landline of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence. 
  • Additionally, he warned Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada, which elicited widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians.
  • Pannun has been designated as a terrorist by the Indian govt, which claims he has raised funds for terrorist acts and the assassination of Indian leaders.
  • The SFJ has also allegedly prepared a list of children of police officers and politicians studying abroad to target for revenge.
  • The Indian govt has extended a ban on SFJ, which a tribunal upheld.
  • There are 104 cases against SFJ, including 96 registered by state police and eight by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • Pannun has denied the accusations against him, claiming he is being persecuted for his separatist beliefs. (more)

[neighborhood]

Chinese firm to install 3,000 EV charging stations in Pakistan

  • A Chinese company, ADM Group, plans to install 3,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Pakistan to promote green energy and create jobs.
  • The initiative was discussed in a meeting with Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, who confirmed that the stations will be located in urban areas and along highways, with govt support.
  • Each charging station will cost approximately Rs8 million, requiring an initial deposit of Rs1 million.
  • The project is expected to generate around one million jobs and includes plans for establishing EV manufacturing plants in Pakistan.
  • ADM Group has signed an agreement with the federal govt for the development of charging infrastructure and aims to produce locally manufactured electric vehicles for potential export to 7 countries, including India.
  • The company plans to set up 3 manufacturing plants in Karachi, Punjab, and Balochistan, with an annual production capacity of 72,000 units.
  • This investment is anticipated to enhance Pakistan’s EV industry, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and promote environmental sustainability. (more)
  • Pakistan has been ranked 12th among the top 15 global military powers in the 2025 Global Firepower (GFP) Index, which evaluated 145 countries.
  • India, Pakistan’s nuclear-armed neighbor, ranked higher at 4th place.
  • The GFP Index noted Pakistan’s strategic military capabilities, highlighting its 7th position globally for air fleet strength, while India ranked 4th.
  • In naval power, Pakistan was placed 27th, with India at 6th.
  • The GFP Index assesses military strength based on over 60 factors, including military units, financial standing, and logistics capability, giving Pakistan a PowerIndex (PwrIndx) score of 0.2513, where a perfect score is 0.0000. (more)

Pakistan: President Zardari signs controversial PECA amendment bill

  • Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA), aimed at combating digital crimes.
  • This move has sparked concerns among journalists and media organizations, who fear it may curb press freedom and freedom of expression.
  • Provisions of PECA:
  • Penalties for Disinformation: Up to 3 years in prison and fines of Rs2 million for spreading fake news.
  • Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA): A regulatory body to oversee social media platforms and remove unlawful content.
  • Social Media Regulation: Redefines social media platforms and mandates compliance from companies.
  • Critics argue that PECA may be used to silence dissent and curb online expression, while supporters see it as essential to combat fake news and hate speech. (more)

Pakistan FO notes ‘profound concern’ on weapons in Afghanistan as US demands military equipment’s return

  • The Foreign Office of Pakistan expressed deep concern over advanced weapons left in Afghanistan being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
  • Following the U.S. withdrawal in Aug 2021, while many military assets were destroyed, a significant amount was left behind, which has since been utilized by the Afghan Taliban and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for cross-border terrorism.
  • Despite the Biden administration’s claims that no usable equipment was left, former President Trump had previously stated that military equipment was given to the enemy and conditioned aid on its return.
  • Reports indicate that the Afghan Taliban is unwilling to return this equipment.
  • FO Spox reiterated concerns about the safety of Pakistan, noting that these weapons have been used in attacks by terrorist organizations, including the TTP.
  • Since the TTP ended a ceasefire in 2022, terrorism-related incidents have surged, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • A recent attack on the Mianwali Training Air Base involved terrorists allegedly using American weapons. (more)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader warns of launching nationwide campaign against govt

  • Junaid Akbar, President of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) KP chapter, has warned of a nationwide campaign against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition govt due to its failure to address political tensions through dialogue.
  • His comments follow PTI’s absence from the fourth round of talks with the govt, effectively halting negotiations that began in Dec 2024.
  • Akbar criticized the govt’s lack of action regarding judicial inquiries into past protests and announced plans for district-level protests on Feb 8 against alleged election rigging, as well as a demonstration at D-Chowk in Islamabad.
  • He indicated that PTI would not negotiate during these protests and mentioned a planned reorganization of the party, replacing its current leadership with more hardline figures.
  • Additionally, Akbar accused the federal govt of attempting to create divisions within PTI and expressed optimism about the potential release of Imran Khan this year. (more)

Bangladesh: Awami League calls for General Strike, Blockade

  • The Awami League in Bangladesh has announced a series of protests, including a general strike and nationwide blockade, in response to what it calls “false cases” against former PM Sheikh Hasina and the persecution of religious minorities.
  • The protest schedule includes leaflet distribution from Feb 1-5, a protest march on Feb 6, another rally on Feb 10, a blockade on Feb 16, and a nationwide hartal (general strike) on Feb 18.
  • The party demands the withdrawal of legal cases against Hasina, including a “false murder case,” and an end to what it describes as a “farcical trial” in the ICT Tribunal.
  • The Awami League also calls for government action to protect religious minorities from violence and persecution.
  • This marks the party’s first major mobilization since Hasina’s ouster on Aug 5, but logistical challenges may hinder the effectiveness of the protests, as many leaders and members are currently in hiding due to fears of legal repercussions. (more)
  • Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, stated that the Awami League will not be permitted to hold protests until the party apologizes for past killings during the student-led uprising and its leadership faces trial.
  • Alam criticized the AL for not expressing remorse for past actions, including alleged genocide, and emphasized that the party must separate itself from its current leadership and ideology before being allowed to protest.
  • He asserted that the interim govt supports lawful protests but will not tolerate any attempts to incite violence.
  • He accused the AL leadership, particularly Sheikh Hasina, of establishing a corrupt regime and being responsible for past violence against peaceful protesters.
  • Alam warned that any illegal protests under the AL banner would be met with legal consequences. (more)

Yunus challenges Trump’s presidency: Holds meeting with Alex Soros in Dhaka

  • Muhammad Yunus, a prominent figure in Bangladesh and a close associate of Hillary Clinton, is reportedly preparing for potential actions from President Donald Trump’s administration amid rising tensions.
  • Yunus, who leads an interim govt backed by the Bangladesh Army, has been meeting with influential figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Alex Soros to discuss economic reforms and asset recovery in Bangladesh.
  • On Jan 29, 2025, Yunus met with the Open Society Foundations, seeking support for tracing $234 billion allegedly siphoned off during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
  • He described Bangladesh’s economy as “devastated and war-torn,” despite the absence of recent conflict, and claimed that media now enjoys unprecedented freedom, while also requesting help to combat what he termed misinformation.
  • Critics argue that Yunus’s regime is responsible for economic decline and that his requests for censorship reflect a desire to suppress dissent.
  • Yunus’s connections with the Clintons and Soros suggest a coordinated effort to challenge Trump’s presidency, as he has previously condemned Trump’s election and criticized his comments on violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
  • Yunus’s actions indicate a growing concern about Trump’s influence and a push to align with alternative power structures in the U.S. (more)

Myanmar refugees face sudden discharge from Thai hospitals shuttered by US aid freeze

  • Healthcare centers serving tens of thousands of refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border have been ordered to shut down following a freeze on most U.S. foreign aid by President Donald Trump.
  • The International Rescue Committee, which funds these clinics, informed them to close by Jan 31, leading Thai officials to transport critically ill patients to other facilities.
  • The aid freeze has created uncertainty in the global aid sector, heavily reliant on U.S. funding.
  • While the State Dept issued a waiver for life-saving humanitarian assistance, it remains unclear how many centers across the 9 camps housing around 100k refugees are affected.
  • At Mae La camp, patients, including pregnant women and those needing oxygen, have been discharged, and essential services like water distribution and garbage disposal have been impacted.
  • Local officials are working to transfer the most severely ill patients to state hospitals, but there are concerns that basic healthcare needs in the camps will go unmet, leaving refugees dependent on dwindling assistance. (more)

Nepal: Opposition slams coalition’s plan to fast-track ordinances

  • The opposition in Nepal has criticized the ruling coalition’s plan to fast-track five recently issued ordinances, leading to a standoff between the two sides.
  • The govt, led by PM KP Sharma Oli, endorsed these ordinances quickly to address public concerns and improve governance.
  • A Cabinet meeting confirmed that regulations to implement the ordinances are being drafted.
  • The upcoming winter session of Parliament, starting Friday, is expected to see heated debates over these ordinances.
  • While the ruling coalition holds a nearly two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, it faces challenges in the upper house, where it lacks a majority.
  • Opposition parties, particularly the CPN (Maoist), are strategizing to expose what they call the govt’s “anti-people activities,” including increasing debt and corruption.
  • They have criticized the government’s reliance on ordinances, questioning its trust in the parliamentary process.
  • Despite the ruling parties’ efforts to defend the ordinances, opposition leaders argue that legislative delays are the ruling coalition’s responsibility.

The session will include discussions on 18 pending bills, with the govt aiming to maximize output during this period. (more)

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