Local Round-up: Mansa Devi Stampede, PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu Visit, to Supreme Court Guidelines for Students

From a deadly temple stampede in Haridwar to PM Modi launching infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, to The Supreme Court issued landmark mental health guidelines for students, while Operation Sindoor found its way into textbooks. From drone-launched missiles to India’s improved global passport ranking, here’s a snapshot of the week’s biggest headlines across sectors.

Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar Leaves Six Devotees Dead

At least six people died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday. The tragedy occurred when a massive crowd, gathered for darshan, surged beyond capacity during peak pilgrimage hours. Victims were aged between 12 and 60. Authorities have launched an investigation and promised stricter crowd management protocols. The incident has raised serious concerns over safety arrangements at popular religious sites during pilgrimage season.

PM Modi Launches Rs. 4,800-Crore Projects During Tamil Nadu Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu this week and inaugurated development projects worth Rs. 4,800 crore. The initiatives span infrastructure, housing, and energy — including a significant focus on renewable resources and transport connectivity. The Prime Minister said the projects were a major step towards transforming Tamil Nadu into a developed state. He also addressed public rallies, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to regional development and aligning with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Operation Sindoor’s Military Success to Be Taught in New NCERT Textbooks

The NCERT will introduce a new module highlighting the military triumph of Operation Sindoor in school textbooks. The curriculum update aims to familiarise students with modern defence achievements alongside historical battles. The operation, conducted under tight secrecy, was a recent coordinated mission reflecting India’s enhanced defence preparedness. The move is part of a broader curriculum revision that seeks to balance traditional history with contemporary national milestones.

Supreme Court Issues Nationwide Guidelines on Student Suicides and Mental Health

The Supreme Court of India has issued 15 comprehensive guidelines to address the alarming rise in student suicides. Directed at all educational institutions nationwide, the rules include mandatory mental health audits, counselling access, grievance redressal cells, and sensitivity training for faculty. The apex court cited growing mental health issues exacerbated by academic pressure. These guidelines aim to build safer, more supportive academic environments and will apply to both public and private institutions.

DRDO Successfully Tests UAV-Launched ULPGM-V3 Precision Missile

India’s defence capability received a major boost as the DRDO successfully test-fired the indigenously developed ULPGM-V3, a precision missile launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The missile hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, demonstrating India's growing edge in autonomous warfare technologies. Officials confirmed the successful integration of advanced guidance systems. This new weapon system enhances India's tactical preparedness, particularly in terrains where traditional missile systems are hard to deploy.

PM Modi Becomes Second Longest-Serving Indian PM with Unbroken Tenure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi’s 48-year-old record to become the Indian PM with the second-longest uninterrupted stint in office. As of this week, he has served over 10 years and 64 days without a break. The milestone places him behind only Jawaharlal Nehru, whose tenure lasted over 16 years. Political analysts view this as a reflection of Modi’s continued electoral dominance and strategic consolidation of the BJP-led government.

Kanwar Yatra Leaves 7,000 Metric Tonnes of Waste in Haridwar

Over 4.5 crore pilgrims participated in this year’s Kanwar Yatra, leaving behind more than 7,000 metric tonnes of waste in Haridwar. The municipal system was overwhelmed, with sanitation workers struggling to manage the debris near Har-ki-Pauri and other holy sites. Environmentalists criticised the lack of planning, and the state government is under pressure to implement sustainable pilgrimage management systems. Clean-up operations are currently ongoing, with military assistance brought in to assist.

Landslide Shuts Trek To Kedarnath Near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand

Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand triggered a landslide near Gaurikund, forcing authorities to shut the trekking route to Kedarnath Dham. Pilgrims were halted mid-journey and shifted to safer locations by rescue teams. No casualties were reported. This disruption comes amid peak pilgrimage season, prompting calls for better early-warning systems and preventive infrastructure. The district administration has deployed additional personnel to assess damage and restore access once conditions are declared safe.

Government Ban on Streaming Platforms, 25 Including ULLU and ALTBalaji

In a sweeping move to regulate online content, the Indian government has banned 25 OTT platforms, including ULLU and ALTBalaji, citing the broadcast of “obscene and pornographic material.” Officials stated that these platforms violated content guidelines and failed to implement age restrictions or content warnings. The move has sparked debate over censorship versus regulation in digital entertainment. Critics argue for a content rating framework rather than blanket bans, while others welcome the crackdown.

India Climbs to 77th Position in 2025 Henley Passport Index

India has improved its global travel ranking, moving from 85th to 77th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to 62 countries. The rise reflects improved diplomatic engagements and updated visa agreements, especially with Central Asian and African nations. While still trailing behind top Asian passports, the gain is seen as a positive step towards increasing mobility for Indian travellers and professionals.