The Catch Up: 29 January

Jan 29, 2025

Recent turmoil marks a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, with leaders expressing concern while facing criticism over management priorities. Political tensions rise as Haryana prepares legal action against AAP's Kejriwal for alarming claims about water safety, demanding an apology. On a positive note, India celebrates ISRO's launch of its 100th satellite and unveils the National Critical Minerals Mission, aiming to boost domestic resources and reduce foreign dependency. A tapestry of challenges and progress unfolds in the heart of India.

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Key Updates from India: Tragedies, Legal Battles, and Space Milestones

00:00 • 3min

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 29th of January and here are the headlines.

Following a stampede-like incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the tragedy, offering condolences and ensuring the injured are receiving treatment. Opposition parties criticized the government for mismanagement and the prioritization of VIPs over common devotees. Despite these tensions, Adityanath assured the public that the situation is under control, urging pilgrims to remain cautious as the mela continues.

The Haryana government has decided to file a case against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for his claims that the BJP government is poisoning Delhi's water supply. The statement has sparked panic across both states, prompting Haryana officials to take legal action. Kejriwal faces further backlash as Haryana's Chief Minister demands an apology or faces a defamation suit, intensifying political tensions between AAP and the BJP in both Haryana and Delhi.

The Indian government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), a Rs 16,300 crore initiative to reduce the country’s dependency on foreign mineral imports. The mission focuses on domestic exploration, mining, and processing of essential minerals to support technological growth and industrial needs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of securing India’s mineral future as the nation seeks to strengthen its economic infrastructure and ensure sustainability in key industries.

The Joint Committee of Parliament has adopted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, despite criticism from Opposition MPs about the rushed process and lack of sufficient review time. The bill, which proposes changes to the management of Waqf properties, has sparked disagreement within the committee. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the short notice to review the 655-page report, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary procedures in the final stages of the bill's consideration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone by completing its 100th satellite launch, placing the NVS-02 navigational satellite in orbit. This success underlines India’s growing space capabilities, with ISRO having launched 548 satellites, including a significant number of foreign satellites. The milestone highlights India’s increasing role in global space exploration and its commitment to advancing its navigation systems, further cementing ISRO's reputation as a leader in space technology.

This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.