386 special trains, 5,743 buses to Konkan to cater to festive rush

Mumbai’s railways are running 386 special trains for the Ganpati festival, accommodating over 250,000 reserved passengers, with 100,000 expected to travel unreserved from CSMT to Sawantwadi. The Central Railway operates most trains, while MSRTC deploys 5,743 special buses. Heavy passenger movement raises crowd management concerns, prompting additional security measures to ensure safety and efficiency.

Pandals hinder traffic movement in central Pune

Pune's large Ganpati pandals are obstructing road space, disrupting traffic and raising safety concerns, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and police to call for compliance with road accessibility. Key locations affected include Babu Genu and Natubaug mandals. Residents urge festival organizers to respect space, which is critical for emergency services. Authorities are coordinating efforts for smooth celebrations.

After BRICS push for ‘greater role’, US economist backs India for UNSC seat

American economist Jeffrey Sachs emphasized the need for India and China to collaborate, urging Beijing to support India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. His remarks followed the BRICS summit's endorsement of India and Brazil's aspirations for a greater UN role, highlighting India's significant population and economic standing as justification for its UNSC inclusion.

Over 130 silent zones in Pune but most remain noisy despite rules

Despite having 121 designated silent zones, Pune struggles with persistent noise pollution, consistently exceeding the 50-decibel limit due to factors like traffic and festivals, with average levels reaching 68.6 dB. Residents and officials call for better enforcement and monitoring, as current regulations often go unheeded, highlighting a need for improved coordination and public awareness to address health impacts from noise.

Ludhiana: Two shooters sent to target blood donation camp killed in encounter

An attack on a blood donation camp in Ludhiana, held in memory of slain Congress leader Rajwinder Singh Grewal, was thwarted when police shot two suspected gangsters linked to the Davinder Bambiha gang during an encounter. Identified as Karanjot Singh and Sandeep Singh, they were armed and had traveled from Amritsar. The police are investigating further connections and motives behind the attack.

Shots fired at singer Gulab Sidhu’s house in Barnala

Three masked gunmen opened fire at Punjabi singer Gulab Sidhu’s home in Barnala's Pharwahi village while he was in Australia, with his family inside. Local authorities have launched an investigation and registered a case, following a purported audio from gangster Doni Bal claiming responsibility. Sidhu, a friend of slain singer Sidhu Moose Wala, has received prior threats.

After DJ row, dhol-tasha groups push tradition

Pune's Dhol-Tasha Federation Maharashtra has urged celebrators to incorporate traditional instruments, indigenous games, and cultural performances into Ganeshotsav festivities amid noise pollution concerns. The federation encourages dhol-tasha groups to include diverse elements such as five-hand dhol and social initiatives like health camps. This initiative aims to promote and preserve Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage during the celebrations.

Punjab CM names New Chandigarh road, park after Col Manpreet Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dedicated a local road and park in New Chandigarh to Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was killed in a 2023 encounter in Kashmir. Mann emphasized the importance of honoring martyrs, stating that their sacrifice inspires the nation. Colonel Singh, a third-generation soldier, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery.

Power cuts bring Punjab rice mills to grinding halt

Frequent power cuts in Punjab have forced rice millers to halt operations, impacting their ability to purchase arriving basmati stocks. With 80% of mills affected, losses mount as mills face losses and looming deadlines for custom milling. Despite claims of improved power supply, ongoing shortages hinder operations and threaten future allocations under the new CMR policy.

MPSC staff announce work boycott over alleged intimidation of secretary

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) officials are initiating a work boycott to protest against the mistreatment of secretary Mahendra Harpalkar, demanding immediate safety assurances from the state government. They seek legal action against those involved in the incident, asserting that individual wrongdoing shouldn't implicate the entire workforce. Employees emphasize their protests aim for accountability, not against candidates.

Dalit man’s ‘suicide’: Rival Cong camps set to join Pilot-led Sept 15 protest

In a significant show of solidarity, Punjab Congress factions led by Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will join a protest on September 15 against the AAP government following the alleged suicide of a Dalit man. The march, organized by Sachin Pilot, aims to call for finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema's removal. This event represents a crucial test for party unity ahead of the 2027 assembly elections amidst recent internal divisions.

Punjab: Blast at Jalalabad police station triggers panic, probe on

Panic ensued in Jalalabad after loud blasts at the City police station around 2 am Saturday, damaging parked vehicles. Senior police officials, including SSP Gagan Ajit Singh, inspected the site, while a forensic team investigated potential causes, suggesting battery explosions might be responsible. CCTV footage is being reviewed to aid the investigation, with results pending.

Parking spillover from Chatori Gali chokes adjoining road

The Lucknow Development Authority's leasing of unused shops near Samta Mulak crossing has inadvertently created a traffic bottleneck, as visitors parking on adjoining roads obstruct through traffic. This issue affects emergency access, prompting LDA officials to promise action against the leasing agency if safety concerns persist. The initiative aimed to revive the long-neglected Asha Jyoti Lane.

2 killed, 12 hurt after truck rams truck, setting off multi-vehicle collision on Pune-Bengaluru highway

Two people were killed, and 12 were injured in a multi-vehicle accident on the Pune-Bengaluru highway near Jambhulwadi early Sunday, with three in critical condition. The victims, Hridaynath Mohan Gaikwad and Anandibai Ramchandra Wadkar, died during treatment after an Ashok Leyland truck collided with an Eicher truck, causing a chain reaction involving two cars. Police arrested the truck owner and are pursuing the driver.

The progressive shift: Sriganganagar’s success inspires Abohar horticulturists to switch to carrots

Progressive horticulturists in Abohar, Punjab, are thriving through carrot cultivation, with 2,500 acres in villages like Haripura and Dharampura adopting this profitable rabi crop. Farmers highlight benefits from a 10-year switch from wheat to carrots, aided by government initiatives like a new mandi. Carrots require less water and labor, presenting a lucrative opportunity for farmers.

Swine flu cases rise to 22 in Bareilly amid intensified health surveillance

Swine flu cases in Bareilly surged to 22 after two more infections were confirmed, prompting enhanced health department surveillance. An 84-year-old and a 47-year-old man, linked to the outbreak, are receiving treatment while officials track their contacts. The absence of recent travel histories complicates source identification, raising concerns about local transmission, especially in crowded areas. Health authorities urge residents to practice hygiene precautions.

Sukhbir takes on Waris Punjab De in Amritpal’s home turf Khadoor Sahib

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) held a rally in Khadoor Sahib, attacking the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De as a creation of the Aam Aadmi Party, with president Sukhbir Singh Badal alleging financial backing from Punjab’s chief minister. The rally reflects SAD's confidence ahead of elections, despite internal dissent following leadership changes within the party.

ARAI’s Pune facility gets NABL accreditation for high-pressure cylinder testing

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for its new cylinder-testing facility in Pune, enhancing the region’s infrastructure for high-pressure alternative fuel systems. This comprehensive facility supports diverse sectors with rigorous testing services for gaseous cylinders, promoting safety, compliance, and efficiency in product development. Established standards facilitate quicker commercialization of alternative fuel technologies, benefiting various stakeholders.

Start preparing for 2027 UP polls now: Anupriya Patel to party workers

Union minister Anupriya Patel urged Apna Dal (S) workers to prepare for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, emphasizing grassroots organization and outreach to villages to promote party policies. She asserted that reservation is a constitutional right and necessary until social discrimination and underrepresentation persist. The meeting featured prominent party leaders discussing strategies for electoral success.

Alleged med procurement scam: ED seeks seven years of UPMSCL records

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a ₹100-crore scam involving the procurement of medicines in Uttar Pradesh, seeking seven years’ records from UP Medical Supplies Corporation. The inquiry follows allegations against former MLA Mukesh Srivastava and associates, with concerns over tender irregularities and financial trails. Srivastava, arrested for disproportionate assets, denies the claims, calling them politically motivated.

Chandrashekhar seeks CBI probe as politics gathers pace over Gonda trader’s murder

The murder of Gonda trader Vinod Kumar Sahni is now a political issue, prompting demands from Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad for a CBI inquiry, labeling it a “political murder.” Police restricted his visit, leading to confrontations. Support from SP MLA Pallavi Patel included demands for justice and family security, amid protests after Sahni’s violent death on September 9.

Gangster Buri Basantkotia, 4 aides held with six pistols after Gurdaspur chase

Punjab Police arrested gangster Balraj Singh and four aides in Gurdaspur, dismantling a cross-border arms smuggling ring. Six pistols and 49 cartridges were seized, linked to drone deliveries from abroad. Balraj, with 26 FIRs against him, faces new charges under the Arms Act. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover further details about the operation.

Punjab faces pharma drug threat as drone tech chokes heroin inflow

Punjab is ramping up its anti-drug operations as it confronts a rise in pharmaceutical narcotics from other states despite successful anti-drone measures against heroin smuggling. The Punjab Police, equipped with new drone detection systems, are enhancing border surveillance. Authorities have recovered over 11.54 lakh pharmaceutical tablets from out-of-state sources—70% of the drugs in Punjab.

People of Punjab want solutions, not jokes: Saini takes dig at Mann govt

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized Punjab's AAP government for prioritizing publicity over actual development and employment at a public meeting in Kakrala village. He highlighted issues such as drug-related violence and governance failures, claiming that promises made by both the Congress and AAP remain unfulfilled. Saini asserted that Haryana's economic progress surpasses Punjab, foreseeing a BJP victory in the 2027 assembly polls.

Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan addresses criticism over ‘boring’ contestant line-up

Viewers have criticized the contestant line-up of Bigg Boss 20 as “boring” due to the absence of popular faces, prompting host Salman Khan to address the concerns during Weekend Ka Vaar. Despite the criticism, the show remains engaging, with contestants facing unique challenges. Bigg Boss 20, featuring 16 contestants, premiered on September 6.

3 caught stealing X-ray films from Sonepat medical college

Three individuals were caught stealing X-ray films from Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College and Hospital in Gohana, leading to the suspension of a radiographer following an internal investigation that deemed his involvement suspicious. Security personnel intervened after three bundles were seen being loaded into a vehicle. Hospital protocols require proper disposal of such films under supervision.

₹58-crore storm water project in Ambala Cantt to make area open-drain free: Vij

Haryana Minister Anil Vij launched a ₹58-crore storm water drainage project in Ambala Cantonment, aiming to eliminate open drains and improve drainage. The project will cover areas like Lal Kurti and Ekta Vihar, following a successful ₹65-crore project in the Sadar area. Vij urged resident cooperation for effective execution and highlighted ongoing flood-control measures.

Ex-Ayushman Mitra held for deleting Hisar hospital data, ₹5-lakh extortion

Hisar police have arrested Rohit Kumar, a former Ayushman Mitra, for allegedly deleting hospital data, blackmailing Dr. Rajiv Aggarwal, and extorting ₹5.70 lakh. After leaving his role in January, Rohit deactivated the hospital's Ayushman ID and filed complaints against it, demanding payment to withdraw them. The police registered a case under multiple sections, leading to his arrest.

Haryana sanitation staff set to return to work today

The Haryana Municipal Employees Federation anticipates the return of over 700 employees to duty on Monday following a recent agitation. Despite a September 11 agreement with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on 16 demands, local officials failed to implement it, prompting threats of more strikes. The union demands permanent posts and plans upcoming conferences and a national rally.

UP draws ₹43,000 crore investment in electronics, semiconductor sector

Uttar Pradesh is rapidly becoming an electronics and semiconductor hub, producing over 55% of India's mobile phones. With more than 200 companies and ₹43,000 crore in investments, the state is expanding into various technology sectors and has established significant manufacturing clusters. The UP Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025 has further fueled growth, aiming to create an innovative tech ecosystem.