Men carry the body of a woman killed in a stampede on a railway platform at the main railway station in Allahabad, India, Feb. 10, 2013.Kevin Frayer/The Associated Press
A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on Feb. 11, 2013.
Stampede kills 37 during religious festival in India
One of India's holiest days was marred by tragedy when 37 people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede at a train station in Allahbad. The stampede was triggered when a last-minute scheduling changed was announced at the station where thousands of religious pilgrims had gathered. An estimated 30 million pilgrims take a ritual, purifying dip at the Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers meet, part of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival. Here is India correspondent Stephanie Nolen's report on the festival
Pope to resign, search for successor begins
The Vatican shocked the world today by announcing that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning, citing a "incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." The surprise announcement will trigger intense speculation as to who may succeed the pontiff; Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who was appointed Cardinal in 2003, is considered a possible contender. The Pope, elected pontiff in 2005, is the first pope to resign in office since Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415. The resignation is effective Feb. 28. Follow our live coverage here.
Incoming premier to choose cabinet
It's cabinet day in Ontario, as incoming premier Kathleen Wynn pulls together a team made up of former rivals and backbenchers to lead the province forward. Leadership contender Charles Sousa is expected to be named to the key finance post, while Liz Sandal is reportedly replacing Laurel Broten as education minister, a challenging assignment as the province faces off against teachers in the ongoing labour dispute. The official unveiling will happen this afternoon at Queen's Park.
Horsemeat scandal widens in Europe
Supermarkets across Europe are pulling some meat products off the shelf as the widening horsemeat scandal prompts concerns about how food safety. The scandal – prompted by random testing late last year in Ireland that showed a large amount horsemeat in hamburgers – has deepened as tests suggest that some products supposed to contain beef were 100 per cent horsemeat. That's prompted some governments to call in police to launch criminal investigations into the supply chain, and some food producers and retailers threatening lawsuits against suppliers. While none of the horsemeat found is dangerous to eat, there are concerns that harmful substances – like painkillers used on horses – will find their way into the food supply chain.
Manitoba plane crash kills man, three boys
Four people are dead in a small plane crash in Manitoba, with one report suggesting the a father, his two sons and another boy are the victims. The crash of a Cessna aircraft in southwestern Manitoba occurred Sunday evening and RCMP are withholding further details until relatives of the victims have been notified.
Jill Mahoney