Deadly Crowd Crush at India's Kumbh Mela Festival Results in Over 30 Fatalities

An air hostess in Gurugram has alleged that she was sexually assaulted while on ventilator support at a private hospital on April 6. The incident reportedly came to light on April 13 when the 46-year-old woman disclosed the assault to her husband after her discharge. He subsequently alerted the police, who registered a case at the Sadar Police Station, according to officials. The woman had been in Gurugram for training and was hospitalized following a drowning incident, which required her admission to two separate facilities. During her stay in the second hospital, she asserts that she was assaulted by hospital staff while unconscious and unable to communicate. Gurugram police spokesman Sandeep Kumar confirmed that the authorities are investigating the matter, with teams assessing duty charts and reviewing CCTV footage to identify suspects. Meanwhile, hospital authorities have declined to comment, with security staff denying knowledge of the incident. The investigation is ongoing as police seek to apprehend the accused.

The Delhi Police have dismantled a human trafficking ring responsible for selling newborns to affluent families in the National Capital Region (NCR). Three suspects were arrested in Dwarka, while the gang's mastermind, identified as Saroj, remains at large, according to police officials. Operating primarily in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the NCR, the gang reportedly kidnapped children from economically disadvantaged families, with over 30 infants sold for prices ranging from ₹500,000 to ₹1,000,000 (approximately $6,000 to $12,000) each. Among the rescues was a four-day-old newborn. The arrests followed a 20-day investigation where authorities analyzed call records of over 20 suspicious mobile numbers. "The team worked on classified information before apprehending the three suspects on April 8," stated Dwarka Deputy Commissioner of Police Ankit Chauhan. Notably, one of the arrested, Anjali, had previously been arrested in a separate trafficking case. Police are also in the process of identifying and pursuing legal action against families who purchased the children, aiming to hold all parties accountable for their involvement in this illicit trade.

India has successfully tested its first high-powered laser weapon, marking a significant advancement in its defense capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a field demonstration of the Laser Directed Weapon MK-II at Kurnool. This system effectively tracked and destroyed fixed-wing drones and drone swarms, showcasing its potential in modern combat scenarios, as noted by DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat. According to the DRDO, the MK-II's successful trials place India alongside global powers like the United States, Russia, and China, which have also developed similar capabilities. The laser weapon engages targets at the speed of light, aiming to cut through drones swiftly and minimizing collateral damage. Kamat emphasized that this marks only the beginning of India's journey into advanced weaponry, with ongoing developments in high-energy technologies intended to enhance military effectiveness. The rise of unmanned aerial systems stresses the urgent need for efficient countermeasures, and the MK-II is positioned to replace traditional missile systems due to its cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity.