Thirty people have lost their lives and 60 more have been injured in a stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The state's DIG held a press conference, announcing that 25 of the deceased have been identified while the remaining five are yet to be identified. Chief Minister Yogi has expressed his condolences and announced a judicial enquiry and ex-gratia for the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also offered his deepest condolences and is in constant touch with the state government.
Stampede at Mahakumbh: Tragedy Strikes Religious Gathering
Background:
Mahakumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. Millions of pilgrims congregate at the holy site to take a dip in the sacred waters and perform rituals.
Tragic Incident:
On June 10, 2023, a stampede occurred near the Raj Ghat bridge during the Mahakumbh Mela. As per official reports, 30 people lost their lives and 60 sustained injuries in the incident. A high-level investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the stampede.
Government Response:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. The state government has also constituted a judicial inquiry to probe the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his deepest sympathies and assured the victims of all possible assistance.
Past Occurrences:
Tragic incidents have marred Mahakumbh in the past as well. In 2003, a stampede at the Allahabad railway station claimed the lives of approximately 32 people. In 1954, a stampede at the same location resulted in 45 deaths.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
What caused the stampede?
How many people were affected?
What are the government's plans to prevent future incidents?
What is the significance of Mahakumbh?
Has there been a stampede at Mahakumbh before?
During his four-day visit to Japan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Kobe. In his post, he mentioned how Bapu's message of cleanliness has brought about change in the country and his disciplined and ideal life will continue to inspire people. The CM will also hold meetings with industrialists and promote investment opportunities in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He extended an invite to Japanese industrialists to attend the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal.
The Swedish media reports that Salwan Momika, a man from Iraq known for his Quran burnings, has died in a shooting near Stockholm. The Stockholm District Court has postponed the verdict in a trial where Momika was a defendant due to his death. Momika had gained worldwide attention for his protests against Islam, which led to riots and unrest in several places. Momika and a co-defendant were facing charges of incitement to racial hatred and were supposed to be handed over on Thursday.
A tragic mid-air collision occurred at Ronald Reagan National Airport when a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. An immediate search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River, but there is no news yet about casualties or the cause of the collision. This is the first plane crash in the US in 15 years, sparking desperate search efforts and raising questions about flight safety. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a crucial transport and air assault aircraft for the US Army, and its operational readiness has been proven in the toughest conditions. The Army confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was not carrying any VIPs at the time.
Amidst preparations and special arrangements for the Maha Kumbh mela, a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured. Challenges in managing crowds and vehicular traffic have also been brought to light, with the Chief Minister issuing guidelines for the upcoming Amrit Snan. Politicians are calling for accountability and better compensation for the victims, while top officials have arrived to inspect the site of the tragedy.
In a concerning incident, an American Airlines regional passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. The FAA confirmed that the incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, while CNN reported it was an Army Black Hawk. Both American Airlines and the U.S. Army are cooperating with local officials to investigate the cause of the collision.
A fatal collision between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport, leading to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to assist the 60 passengers on board the plane and the three soldiers on the helicopter. The incident caused a temporary halt in all takeoffs and landings at the airport. According to data from the aircraft's radio transponder, the plane was rapidly losing altitude before the crash. Moments before the collision, air traffic controllers had asked the arriving plane if it could land on a different runway, to which the pilot responded affirmatively. However, in a matter of seconds, the two aircraft collided.
After meetings between India's Foreign Secretary and China's key leaders, the two countries have announced plans to repair their relationship, including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and reinstating direct flights. However, the finer details of their statements reveal potential discrepancies in their approach. India emphasizes reviewing their relations and taking people-centric steps, whereas China highlights consensus and development. While both nations agree on restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, China expresses a sense of urgency in its statement.
The 76th Republic Day celebrations in India ended on a high note with the magnificent Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk. Distinguished guests, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister, graced the event with their presence. This year's Republic Day highlighted the country's 75th year of Constitution, showcasing unity and cultural diversity. As part of the government's efforts to promote 'Jan Bhagidari,' 10,000 special guests attended the parade, symbolizing the country's progress towards a 'Swarnim Bharat.' Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's presence as the Chief Guest added significance to the celebrations.
In a major boost to King's College Hospital London Dubai's reputation as a leading healthcare provider, UK board-certified OB/GYN consultant Dr. Nighat Aftab has joined its renowned medical team. With over 30 years of experience in Dubai and impressive qualifications from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK, Dr. Aftab brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to the practice. Her addition is a testament to the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services in the region and supporting underserved communities through her humanitarian efforts.