Check the live updates of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 as the world's largest religious gathering welcomes thousands of devotees from across India and abroad.

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Los Angeles wildfires claimed 24 lives as forecasters predict strong winds this week. Red flag warnings have been issued for severe fires.

Meanwhile, South Korean soldiers fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine have been ordered to kill themselves rather than being captured alive, according to a South Korean lawmaker.

In other news, former White House strategist Steve Bannon vows to take Elon Musk ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

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Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Live Updates: Festivities begin at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

 Thousands of devotees take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam - a scared confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati as today, January 13 - Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Photograph: (ANI)

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The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 returns to Prayagraj after 12 years, celebrating spirituality, mythology, and culture at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. The 44-day event takes place from January 13 to February 26 and is special this year due to a rare celestial alignment of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, occurring once every 144 years.

Los Angeles wildfires: Death toll rises to 24 as forecasters warn of strong winds ahead

 The costs of damages have been expected to be between $135 billion and $150 billion, as per the preliminary estimate by AccuWeather, making it possibly the costliest fire for the nation. Photograph: (AFP)

The death toll from Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24 as forecasters warn strong winds could fuel the fire even further. At least 16 people were missing and officials are expecting the number to increase. 

North Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine told to kill selves before capture: Seoul

 N. Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine told to kill selves before capture: Seoul Photograph: (Reuters)

North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine have been told by Pyongyang to kill themselves rather than be captured alive, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday after a briefing from the country's spy agency.

'Truly evil guy'; Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon vows to take Elon Musk down before inauguration day

 Steve Bannon and Elon Musk  Photograph: (AFP)

The drama between the MAGA movement and Elon Musk is far from over. Now, former White House strategist Steve Bannon has declared war on Musk, making it a personal mission to take him down.

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