Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into India’s holy River Ganges today in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins.

A bone test is being carried out to confirm the age of a young suspect in custody over the fatal assault and gang rape of a woman on a bus in India’s capital.

Sixteen Hindu pilgrims were killed and another 50 injured in a stampede during a religious ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges in northern India, an official said today.

MILLIONS of people living in Europe, Africa and Asia watched as the moon passed across the face of the sun, causing an annular eclipse in which only a fiery solar rim can be seen.