Mon Jan 13 00:50:48 UTC 2025: ## India News Roundup: Maha Kumbh Preparations, Political Wrangling, and More

**Prayagraj, India (January 13, 2025)** – The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, billed as the world’s largest gathering, is set to begin in Prayagraj on Monday. Over 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend the event, concluding on February 26. Authorities have implemented heightened security measures throughout the city and along major roadways.

**Delhi Elections: BJP Candidate Denies Chief Ministerial Aspirations** Ramesh Bidhuri, BJP candidate for the Kalkaji Assembly constituency, has dismissed Aam Aadmi Party claims that he is the BJP’s chief ministerial face for the upcoming Delhi elections, calling them “baseless propaganda.”

**India-Bangladesh Border Tensions Rise** Bangladesh has expressed “deep concern” over India’s construction of border fences without prior consultation. The Indian High Commissioner has been summoned to discuss the matter.

**Oil Exploration Approved in Assam Wildlife Sanctuary** The Centre’s wildlife panel has approved oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, despite concerns from conservationists. The decision was justified on grounds of “national interest.”

**Croatia Re-elects President Milanovic** Zoran Milanovic, a critic of the EU and NATO, has won re-election as Croatia’s president with a landslide victory.

**Medical Negligence Allegations in West Bengal** Three women remain critically ill after allegedly receiving expired intravenous fluids at a West Bengal hospital. One woman already died, prompting allegations of medical negligence and the transfer of the remaining patients to a Kolkata hospital via a “green corridor.”

**Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Rate Rises Unexpectedly** Kerala’s historically low maternal mortality rate is rising, not due to increased deaths, but due to a significant drop in the number of births.

**CBI Director Credits Modi with Interpol Silver Notice** CBI director Praveen Sood stated that the new Interpol Silver Notice, aimed at tracing illicit offshore assets, was an idea proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

**Tripura Emblem Sparks Controversy** The newly approved Tripura state emblem has faced criticism from the Opposition, who claim it doesn’t reflect the state’s culture and landscape.

**India Cricketers Rest for T20 Series, Advised to Play Ranji Trophy** Most Indian cricketers returning from Australia have been rested for the upcoming T20I series against England, but urged to participate in the Ranji Trophy to improve their First-Class game time.

**India and U.S. Partner on Sonobuoy Production** India and the U.S. will co-produce sonobuoys for the Indian Navy, with final assembly taking place in India starting in 2027.

**Amit Shah Attacks Sharad Pawar** Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on NCP leader Sharad Pawar, accusing him of “politics of betrayal” in Maharashtra.

**Air India’s International Market Share Soars** Air India has seen a significant increase in its international market share, particularly on long-haul routes, since its privatization.

**India’s Champions Trophy Squad Selection Delayed** The selection of India’s Champions Trophy squad has been delayed to January 19th to consider performances in ongoing domestic matches, particularly the fitness of key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

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