Driver killed for confronting cabbie over wrong side driving in Mira Road

A Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation driver, Sainath Jaysing Chavan, was killed by a speeding truck after confronting a cab driver for driving on the wrong side. Following a scuffle around 2:10 a.m., Chavan was pushed into the truck's path. Police arrested four suspects, including the cab driver, based on CCTV evidence. Chavan was the sole breadwinner for his family.

Amid Pune noise row, NCRB data shows zero noise pollution offences in Maharashtra

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad face escalating tensions between police and Ganesh mandal representatives over noise restrictions ahead of the Ganesh festival, with the NCRB reporting zero noise pollution offences in Maharashtra for 2024, raising concerns about data accuracy. Local police recorded differing noise violation cases, while experts emphasize the need for better classification of noise complaints amid ongoing enforcement efforts.

6 killed, 3 injured as vehicle falls into gorge in Poonch

Six people died and three were injured, one critically, when a Maruti Eeco van veered off a road into a gorge in Poonch’s Surankote sub-division. The vehicle was reportedly operating without a transport permit. The deceased, all from Seri Chouhana, have been transported to the district hospital. Officials, including the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, have expressed condolences and called for support for affected families.

Stan Wawrinka gets US Open lifeline, late wild card keeps Slam career alive

Stan Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has received a last-minute wild card to compete in the 2026 U.S. Open after initially being rejected. His earlier farewell stirred controversy, but with Patrick Kypson’s withdrawal due to injury, Wawrinka's opportunity arose. He joins the tournament as he plays through his final season, aiming for one last memorable performance.

ED summons GMADA chief engineer, ex-official over ₹40-cr waiver to realtor on 1.13-acre food-court site allotment case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned GMADA chief engineer Ajay Garg and former chief engineer Sunil Kansal regarding a money-laundering investigation into a ₹40 crore waiver linked to a food-court site in Mohali. The inquiry follows complaints about irregularities in the allotment process and an engineering report that raised doubts about the site's feasibility. Background includes earlier decisions, objections from the finance department, and potential legal consequences for non-compliance with the ED's summons.

3 more arrested in Kishtwar minor’s rape and death case

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three additional suspects in the rape and death case of a 14-year-old tribal girl, following the initial arrests of the prime accused and his brother. Investigations are ongoing, with DNA tests and CCTV footage being reviewed. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is also investigating the alleged mishandling of the case.

Rules, routes, QR codes: Lucknow still struggles to rein in e-rickshaws

Authorities in Lucknow struggle to regulate the burgeoning e-rickshaw population, prompting the Allahabad High Court to demand an urgent policy from the Uttar Pradesh government. Amid reports of 80,000 to 1.25 lakh e-rickshaws, measures such as a colour-coded zone system have failed due to poor enforcement and driver non-compliance, highlighting the need for stricter registration controls. E-rickshaws surged from 892 in 2015 to over 1.36 lakh by 2025, straining traffic management, as the court suggests a separate traffic police cadre.

Punjab unit’s rift on display again at protest over rising sugar prices

The Punjab Congress' protest against rising sugar prices revealed internal factionalism, with prominent leaders, including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, absent from the event led by PCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Despite the Congress high command supporting Warring, the Channi faction's dissent continues, emphasizing rising sugar costs and criticizing government policies.

Five cops suspended over delay in Jaunpur robbery case

Five policemen, including a sub-inspector, were suspended for failing to promptly register a robbery case involving a victim who was lured and robbed of Rs 3 lakh. The DIG emphasized that negligence in legal action against criminals would not be tolerated. The police later arrested three suspects and recovered the stolen cash and vehicle following a thorough inquiry.

NCB busts heroin cartel in Jammu; cross-border links suspected

In a significant operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, dismantled a cross-border heroin trafficking cartel, seizing 5.160 kg of heroin and arresting its mastermind along with two accomplices. The operation, initiated from intelligence gathered on August 22, revealed links to Pakistan and highlighted NCB's commitment to dismantling drug networks. Ongoing investigations aim to trace suppliers and distribution connections.

SPPU management council sanctions ₹39.20 lakh for ‘Nirbhay Kanya Abhiyan’ among other schemes

The Savitribai Phule Pune University's management council approved student-centric initiatives, including ₹39.20 lakh for the ‘Nirbhay Kanya Abhiyan’ to empower female students, providing scanned answer sheets, home delivery of degree certificates, and an MoU with NAMTECH for skills development in advanced technologies. These measures enhance student safety and access to employment-oriented skills.

Punjab: Pannun says FBI has warned him of new threat on his life

Prominent Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has received warnings from the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police about a new credible threat to his life, following a death plot against him. Nikhil Gupta from India awaits sentencing for his role in this scheme. Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen, remains determined to continue his advocacy for Sikh rights.

2 students drown in Pabbar river, bodies recovered

The bodies of two 16-year-old students who drowned in the Pabbar river while bathing have been recovered through joint efforts on Wednesday. The boys, studying at the Government Senior Secondary School in Rohru, were swept away while swimming after school. Local authorities, police, and the NDRF conducted search operations, ultimately retrieving both bodies. The administration will provide support to the families.

Anurag writes to Sukhu, demands immediate withdrawal of lottery tender

Former Union cabinet minister Anurag Thakur has urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to withdraw the tender for reintroducing state-run lotteries in Himachal Pradesh, citing potential social harm and financial burdens. With lotteries banned for over two decades due to their detrimental effects, Thakur advocates for responsible fiscal reforms instead, encouraging strengthened GST compliance as a better revenue source.

Punjab: ‘Power hungry’ SAD desperate to tie up with BJP, says Mann

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Shiromani Akali Dal of seeking a dangerous alliance with the BJP to regain power, asserting that Punjabis remember their role in the drug crisis. Amid speculation of a tie-up ahead of the 2027 polls, Mann emphasized his government's merit-based achievements and commitment to Punjab's development since taking office in 2022.

PMC withdraws policy to regularise unauthorised overhead cables

The Pune Municipal Corporation's General Body has withdrawn a policy aimed at temporarily regulating unauthorized overhead cables, despite prior approval from the standing committee. This decision raises concerns about the safety and aesthetics of the city, as well as a setback for committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale. The policy had proposed shifting cables underground after one year, but now the future regulation of overhead cables remains uncertain.

Mayor faces backlash over Ganeshotsav remark; says comments were taken out of context

Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure faced backlash over her comments concerning Ganesh festival DJ restrictions, which some viewed as endorsing high-volume music. Nagpure clarified her remarks, stating decisions on sound systems would be made by police. Pressure from citizens and activists highlights ongoing concerns about noise pollution, with nearly 14,000 complaints received this year alone. Overall, balancing festival enjoyment with community needs remains crucial.

Punjab: 76L women registered under Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, says Mann

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that 76.11 lakh women are registered under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, with ₹2,381 crore disbursed to beneficiaries. The scheme provides monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to general category women and ₹1,500 to Scheduled Castes. Mann urged eligible women to enroll and praised 'Satkar Sakhis' for their crucial role in outreach, emphasizing the scheme's importance for women’s dignity and self-respect.

Sukhu orders removal of caste column from school admission forms

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the removal of the caste column from school admission forms starting next academic session to combat caste-based discrimination and foster equality. While Scheduled Caste individuals will still submit caste details for government schemes, the initiative aims to prevent feelings of inferiority among children. The government is also enhancing support for the Scheduled Caste community through various financial schemes.

Punjab: In a first, Sukhbir lashes out at Amritpal, his party

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and his group, Waris Punjab De, accusing them of colluding with political powers to undermine Punjab’s interests. At a rally in Malout, Sukhbir questioned Amritpal's credibility and motives, highlighting concerns over his political rise since 2022. He alleged past connections to Congress and linked Amritpal’s image to a political conspiracy aimed at discrediting SAD.

Punjab: Govt services to be hit as 3L staffers go on casual leave today

More than 300,000 Punjab government employees will stage mass casual leave on Thursday to protest unpaid dearness allowance (DA) arrears and other demands, anticipating disruption of essential services. With 6% annual interest warranted on delays, their primary demand is immediate DA payment due to a court ruling. Employee unions are engaging with the government for negotiations amidst rising tensions.

PMC engineers told to inspect roads on two-wheelers, focus on ‘riding quality’

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) mandates engineers to inspect roads on two-wheelers, enhancing road safety and ‘Riding Quality’. The directive, issued by city engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, requires inspections of roads under construction or maintenance daily from 9:45 am to 11:45 am. This policy addresses increasing concerns about road conditions and potholes, emphasizing comprehensive evaluations beyond just filling potholes.

Pimpri-Chinchwad police pull down 19 paan stalls near schools & colleges under zone 1

In a crackdown to prevent tobacco sales near schools, Pimpri-Chinchwad police dismantled 19 paan shops within 100 metres of educational institutions. Led by Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, the operation involved multiple areas including Nigdi and Sangvi. Officials emphasized ongoing enforcement to protect students and ensure vendor compliance regarding tobacco sales near schools.

Fresh FIR against 150 Congress, NSUI workers over alleged COEP hostel trespass

Pune city police have filed an FIR against approximately 100 to 150 Congress and National Students’ Union of India workers for unlawfully entering the College of Engineering Pune's hostel during a protest. Allegations include manhandling security staff and filming a female student. This marks the second FIR related to clashes involving student groups. Investigations continue.

Bittu flags ‘teacher shortage’ after inspecting 2 govt schools in Ludhiana

Former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized Punjab’s government schools for a severe teacher shortage, citing that some schools operate with only one teacher for up to 90 students. He questioned the government’s education claims and highlighted poor facilities. In response, AAP officials noted improvements and new school initiatives, questioning Bittu’s previous contributions to education reform.

Ludhiana: Civic body commences desilting of choked sewer line to ease pressure on Jamalpur sewage treatment plant

The Municipal Corporation has begun desilting a 78-inch sewer line near Gaughat Gurdwara to alleviate waterlogging in Thoka Mohalla and adjacent areas. Utilizing Swiss-German technology, this operation, expected to last one to two months, aims to enhance sewage flow to the Bhattian sewage treatment plant, easing pressure on the Jamalpur system. The project addresses long-standing issues impacting local residents, reflecting the civic body's commitment to practical solutions.

Bar on sale of loose oil in force since 2011, Mundhe clarifies

Mumbai's FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed that the ban on loose edible oil remains, despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's suggestion of a compromise. The FDA’s August 20 order aimed to combat adulteration, following a nationwide prohibition since 2011 due to health risks. Mundhe stated that systems are being implemented for continued enforcement and consumer safety.

UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand rush to evacuate as Nepal floods kill 160

Officials in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand are evacuating vulnerable areas after a flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River killed at least 160 people, with hundreds, including 133 Indians, missing. As water levels in Indian rivers rise, authorities are mobilizing disaster response teams, while assessing potential risks related to further rain and barrage releases. Historical flood data shows such incidents are common in the Himalayan region.

Ludhiana: SUV stolen from New Model Town house

A Mahindra Scorpio was stolen in New Model Town late Monday night. CCTV footage shows suspects arriving in a Honda City, unlocking the SUV, and fleeing around 2:30 am. The vehicle was a recent Father's Day gift. Police are tracking the suspects via the Honda City's registration and examining nearby CCTV footage for leads. Investigations are ongoing.

Ludhiana: Bomb threat email to MC turns out to be hoax

A bomb threat email to the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation on Wednesday led to extensive searches, but no explosives were found, confirming it as a hoax. The email, referencing terrorist groups and a prior threat in Bathinda, is being traced by the cybercrime wing. This incident marks the eighth bomb threat received by the MC since January 2026.