Months before stepping down in 2014, Manmohan Singh asserted his leadership was not weak and would be judged kindly by history. In a press conference, he criticized BJP’s Narendra Modi, referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots and expressing confidence in the UPA’s future success. Singh defended his record, addressing compromises as peripheral, not affecting national issues.

Two young sisters, aged 8 and 9, were found dead inside a water drum in Pune. The police arrested a 54-year-old cook, who admitted to drowning the girls and attempting a sexual assault. The cook, who was familiar with the victims’ family, lured the girls to his room under false pretenses before committing the crime.

Kumbh Mela is famous for the sacred river bathing ritual to wash away sins, along with religious talks, cultural performances, and processions.