Two days after a deadly stampede near the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, police are investigating reports of a second incident in the Jhusi area. While 30 people have been confirmed dead, with 60 injured, there were claims of another stampede-like situation. DIG Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, assured that the footage from cameras installed at the site would be examined. Locals reported chaos at the Sector 21 crossing, with overcrowding exacerbating the situation. The UP government has announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025, revealing major tax relief for the middle class. She announced that no income tax would be levied on earnings up to ₹12 lakh. Sitharaman, who is presenting her record eighth consecutive budget, also outlined a focus on agriculture, MSMEs, and simplifying the tax system. She promised a new income tax bill next week that will be clearer and simpler for taxpayers. The budget also includes provisions to reduce compliance burdens and boost employment and investment opportunities in India.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman posed outside the Finance Ministry with her Budget 2025 tablet in a red ‘Bahi Khata’ sleeve, continuing her tradition since 2019. Dressed in a white-red Madhubani saree, she later proceeded to meet President Droupadi Murmu before heading to Parliament. The shift from the colonial-era briefcase to the Bahi Khata in 2019 and the digital transition in 2021 align with India’s Digital India push. “Moving out from the British handhold felt right,” Sitharaman had stated earlier. The Union Budget presentation will outline key economic policies and financial roadmaps for the year ahead.

India’s tiger population has doubled to over 3,600 in just over a decade, now making up 75% of the world’s tigers, a new study in Science reveals. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and community involvement, have driven this success. However, challenges remain in states affected by poaching, armed conflict, and habitat loss. Researchers say India’s model offers key lessons for global conservation. "It's not just about human density, but attitudes," said lead author Yadvendradev Jhala. Sustainable rural prosperity is vital for continued recovery, balancing economic growth with tiger conservation.

President Droupadi Murmu performed the auspicious ritual of feeding Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 'dahi-cheeni' for good luck ahead of her eighth Union Budget presentation. Sitharaman, who arrived in Parliament, will focus on tax relief, infrastructure spending, and fiscal discipline amid economic challenges. The Cabinet is set to approve the Budget before the session begins. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key leaders, including Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, attended the session. The Budget is expected to introduce tax reforms and address India's economic slowdown. Stay tuned for key announcements.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced a 50% airfare reduction for travelers to Mahakumbh Mela 2025 starting February 1. The move follows government intervention after airfares to Prayagraj surged due to high demand. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously approved 81 additional flights, increasing total operations to 132. Despite the fare cut, the government has ensured airlines do not suffer losses. The Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, has already seen over 199.4 million visitors. A recent stampede at the main bathing ghats resulted in 30 deaths due to overcrowding.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 today, marking her 8th consecutive budget. Key expectations include tax relief for the middle class, corporate tax cuts, and increased infrastructure spending. The budget comes amid economic challenges, with India facing global uncertainties and potential US tariff changes under President Trump. Experts anticipate reforms in tariff structures, AI investments, and measures to boost domestic manufacturing. The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is projected at 4.5% of GDP. Sitharaman’s speech will begin at 11 AM, shaping India’s economic outlook.

India's GDP growth for fiscal 2025-26 is projected to range between 6.3% and 6.8%, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. The survey cited robust domestic economic fundamentals, including stable private consumption, strong external accounts, and fiscal discipline. However, it highlighted pressures in the manufacturing sector due to weak global demand and seasonal conditions. The survey also noted that food inflation is expected to ease in the latter part of FY25, supported by a favorable rabi crop. Investment activity is anticipated to rebound with improving business sentiment and policy support, providing optimism for future growth.

Thousands of pilgrims are stranded in long traffic jams on roads leading to Prayagraj after Uttar Pradesh imposed a traffic ban to ease congestion at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The measures, which include sealing city borders and banning vehicles, follow a deadly stampede that killed 30 people and injured 60. Devotees, including women and children, are facing severe hardships, with no food, water, or shelter. Despite efforts to provide aid, many are forced to sleep in the open or walk long distances. The restrictions will remain in effect until February 4.

A second stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, just hours after the first, leaving several dead. It happened at Jhusi, 2 km from Sangam Nose, at around 5:55 am on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as barriers broke, and people trampled over each other. Rescue efforts faced delays, and many elderly people were found dead in the rubble. Reports say the crowd was uncontrollable due to the large number of devotees gathered for Mauni Amavasya. Officials confirmed that the death toll of 30 includes victims from both stampede sites. The tragic event has raised concerns over crowd management.