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Many millions of Hindus are gathered along the shores of their holiest river, the Ganges, in one of the world's largest religious gatherings, the Kumbh Mela. Over a few weeks, up to 70 million Hindus swim in the chilly waters — many of them on what India's astrologers deem to be "auspicious" bathing days.

Pakistan's constitution has been suspended and its independent news media is under blackout orders after the country's leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, declared emergency rule. Musharraf made the announcement just before Pakistan's Supreme Court was to rule on his future as president.

Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf faces many challenges in his bid to retain power, but the country's Supreme Court has yet to decide if it's legal for him run for a new term. The court seems to have become genuinely independent — as, possibly, has another institution, the Pakistani media.

Benazir Bhutto's 19-year-old son Bilawal Zardari on Sunday was named chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, with his father, Asif, as co-chairman. Party leaders meeting in Bhutto's ancestral home also decided to participate in the Jan. 8 elections, but the vote is expected to be postponed.

Indian Atal Behari Vajpayee resigns after his Hindu-nationalist party was dealt a shocking defeat in national elections. Italian-born Sonia Gandhi's Congress party now readies itself to take power in the world's largest democracy. Gandhi vowed to put together a secular government but would not say whether she would become the next prime minister. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Sonia Gandhi is likely to become India's next prime minister. She's the Italian-born daughter-in-law of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Her Congress Party staged a surprise electoral victory in recent parliamentary elections. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks to NPR's Philip Reeves.

Insurgent attacks strike in Iraq following the parliament's approval of a partial government. As many as 25 were reported killed in an attack on Kurds in the north, and scores more have been killed in car bombings in and around Baghdad. Sunday, U.S. and Iraqi forces rounded up suspects in the kidnapping of aid worker Margaret Hassan, who is believed dead.

The Scottish synth-pop band turns up with a small arsenal of synthesizers to perform highlights from last year's album The Bones of What You Believe.

Julián Castro went from being the youngest member of San Antonio's city council, to mayor of San Antonio, to U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

The LA indie pop band performs songs off 2023's GIMMICKS.