Pacific

India kicks off a massive Hindu festival touted as the world’s largest religious gathering

India kicks off a massive Hindu festival touted as the world’s largest religious gathering

Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj draws millions for ritual bathing in sacred rivers. Hindu pilgrimage, political event, vast organization. 400M expected.

Seoul’s spy agency says North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine haven’t shown desire to defect

Seoul’s spy agency says North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine haven’t shown desire to defect

Captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine haven't sought asylum in South Korea. Zelenskyy offered exchange for Ukrainian POWs. N. Korea’s combat losses are high.

Josh Allen leads balanced offense as Bills dominate Broncos for 31-7 wild-card win

Josh Allen leads balanced offense as Bills dominate Broncos for 31-7 wild-card win

Bills beat Broncos 31-7 in playoffs with balanced offense led by Allen (272 yards, 2 TDs) and Cook (120 rushing). Face Ravens next.

Hurts tosses 2 TD passes and Goedert throws 3 stiff-arms to lead Eagles past Packers 22-10

Hurts tosses 2 TD passes and Goedert throws 3 stiff-arms to lead Eagles past Packers 22-10

Eagles beat Packers 22-10 in playoffs. Hurts returned with 2 TDs. Goedert scored a tough TD. Defense had 3 INTs. Eagles host next game.

Croatia’s President Milanović wins another term after defeating ruling party candidate in runoff

Croatia’s President Milanović wins another term after defeating ruling party candidate in runoff

Milanović, opposition-backed, won re-election with 74% against Primorac. He's a vocal EU/NATO critic, setting up clashes with PM Plenković.

Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war want to rebuild. Many face a long wait

Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war want to rebuild. Many face a long wait

Lebanon faces slow reconstruction after conflict. Hezbollah is providing some compensation, but funds are limited. Gov lacks resources. International aid uncertain.