Wed Jan 29 07:10:00 IST 2025: **ISRO Achieves Historic 100th Launch as Stampede Mars Maha Kumbh Mela**

Prayagraj, India & Sriharikota, India – January 29, 2025 – India celebrated a landmark achievement in space exploration today as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 100th mission from Sriharikota. The GSLV-F15 rocket, carrying the NVS-02 satellite, lifted off at 6:23 am. However, this joyous occasion was overshadowed by tragedy as a stampede at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj left several injured. The incident occurred at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya holy bath, when a large number of pilgrims surged forward. Officials confirmed injuries and ongoing rescue operations, though the exact casualty count remains unknown.

**International and Domestic News:**

* **India-Canada Tensions:** India strongly rejected “insinuations” in a Canadian report alleging Indian interference in Canadian elections.
* **Waqf Bill Concerns:** A parliamentary committee recommended a new law to protect tribal lands from being declared Waqf property.
* **WHO Salt Recommendation:** The World Health Organization urged replacing regular table salt with lower-sodium potassium-containing substitutes.
* **Delhi High Court Case:** OpenAI argued that California courts are the appropriate jurisdiction for a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by an Indian news agency.
* **Sri Lanka-India Incident:** India lodged a strong protest after a Sri Lankan Navy patrol fired upon an Indian fishing boat, injuring two fishermen. Sri Lanka claimed the fishermen were fishing illegally.
* **India-China Talks:** China reported “frank and in-depth” talks with India, focusing on managing differences and improving bilateral relations. Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights were highlighted.
* **Louvre Museum Overhaul:** French President Macron announced a major renovation of the Louvre Museum, including a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa.
* **Cricket Match:** England defeated India in the third T20I match by 26 runs.
* **Yamuna River Allegation:** The Election Commission of India requested evidence from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal supporting his claim that Haryana is polluting the Yamuna River.

The contrasting events highlight a day of both significant progress and concerning incidents in India. Investigations into both the stampede and the other reported incidents are underway.

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