Category: Cities

Explosion at Ammunition Factory Claims 20 Lives in Nagpur

An explosion at SBL Explosives Ltd. in Raulgaon, near Nagpur, has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and 15 critical injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 AM on Sunday during a shift change.

Key facts:

• Location: Kalmeshwar taluka, 35 km from Nagpur.
• Incident: Explosion at SBL Explosives Ltd., a manufacturer of industrial explosives.
• Casualties: 20 confirmed deaths, 15 critically injured.
• Response: Rescue operations are underway; investigations have commenced.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, amidst calls for comprehensive safety audits of explosives units in the region. This follows previous fatal incidents at similar facilities.

Source

Gehlot Criticizes Modi’s “Political Desperation” in Ajmer Speech

Jaipur – Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using a government platform for political purposes during a recent speech in Ajmer.

• Gehlot stated Modi’s comments against the Congress party reflected “political desperation.”
• He questioned Modi’s silence on Rajasthan’s “Right to Health” initiative and Gig Workers Welfare Act.
• Gehlot defended Congress’s historical role in India’s freedom struggle.
• He criticized Modi for politicizing the paper leak issue instead of praising Rajasthan’s strict anti-cheating law.
• Gehlot also accused the BJP of halting Congress-era development schemes, rendering their “Double Engine” claim a “Double Zero.”

Source

Rajasthan Businesses Grapple with Extortion Threat

Kuchaman City, Rajasthan – Fear grips Rajasthan’s business community following a surge in extortion threats. The murder of businessman Ramesh Rulaniya last October, allegedly by masked men, has highlighted the severity of the problem.

• October 7 Murder: Ramesh Rulaniya was killed in a brazen gym attack.
• Extortion Gangs: Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara gangs are primary culprits.
• Police Response: Six extortion FIRs registered in Kuchaman last year.
• Business Exodus Feared: Many businessmen are scared and some have already folded.

Businesses are demanding greater protection as gangs operate with impunity.

Source

Dog Bite Cases Surge at Delhi’s IGI Airport

Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport is grappling with a rise in dog bite incidents, raising concerns about safety. Twenty-four cases have been reported since January 1, 2026, compared to 30 in all of 2025.

Key facts:

• Staff Targeted: 22 of the 24 incidents involved airport personnel.
• Legal Framework: Current laws prioritize animal welfare, requiring sterilization and vaccination over removal.
• Airport Response: DIAL is collaborating with MCD, establishing feeding zones, and conducting vaccination drives.
• Supreme Court: Awaits final verdict regarding stray dog management, with previous orders mandating capture from institutional areas.

Animal activists advocate for better coordination, passenger awareness, and accurate dog population data for effective sterilization.

Source

Mumbai Mayor Addresses Watch Speculation

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde refuted claims of wearing a luxury watch after social media buzzed with speculation. Tawde clarified the timepiece was a birthday gift from her children, dismissing notions of extravagance.

• Source: ANI news agency.
• Clarification: Tawde stated the watch is a Michael Kors model.
• Price: Approximately ₹15,000-16,000.
• Focus: Mayor Tawde emphasized her dedication to public service, not personal brands.
• Other: The controversy coincided with a meeting addressing fake birth certificate allegations.

Source

Rajasthan Revamps City Names, Announces Job Drive

Jaipur, Rajasthan – Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma unveiled a series of initiatives on Friday, including renaming three cities and a large-scale government job recruitment plan.

• City Renaming: Mount Abu will now be known as Abu Raj, Jahazpur as Yagyapur, and Kaman as Kama Van.
• Job Creation: 125,000 government jobs will be created in the coming year.
• Skill Development: The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Global Centre for Advanced Skilling will be established in Jaipur with a budget of ₹450 crore.
• Wheat Procurement: Wheat will be purchased at ₹2,735 per quintal, plus a bonus of ₹150.

Source

A Delhi court discharged all 23 individuals, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, named in the CBI’s excise policy case, citing insufficient evidence to frame charges.

• Discharge vs. Acquittal: Proceedings terminated without trial, not a judgment on guilt.
• CBI’s Allegations: The CBI alleged a ₹100 crore payment influenced the now-scrapped liquor policy.
• Court’s Reasoning: Found “no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent,” criticizing CBI’s reliance on conjecture.
• Next Steps: The CBI plans to challenge the ruling in the Delhi High Court.
• ED Case Continues: A separate money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate remains active.

Source

BEST Committee Approves Compensation Amidst Opposition

Mumbai – The BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) committee’s inaugural meeting saw heated debate before approving ₹40.5 lakh in compensation for accident victims involving BEST buses.

• Approved: ₹40.5 lakh compensation for seven accident victims.
• Opposition: Raised concerns over amounts exceeding original claims.
• Justification: Committee noted the settlement was less than the initial ₹83 lakh demanded by families.
• Transparency questioned: Opposition demanded claimant details and ID proof.
• Next steps: The administration must pay the remaining ₹39.75 within 45 days.

Source

Mumbai Gets New East-West Connector Flyover

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis virtually inaugurated the Tardeo-Nagpada-Mumbai Central flyover Thursday, restoring a crucial east-west link. Built by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the project was completed ahead of schedule in just 15 months.

Key Facts:

• Replaces a 130-year-old dismantled British-era bridge.
• Total length is 333 meters with a 7-meter wide carriageway.
• Aims to ease congestion on key roads including Jehangir Boman Behram Road.
• Completed despite challenges including utility shifting and legal hurdles.

The flyover is now open for public use after load tests and safety certifications.

Source

Delhi to Bolster Last-Mile Connectivity with New Electric Bus Fleet

Delhi is set to enhance its public transportation network with the addition of 500 compact, seven-meter electric buses by 2027-28. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the acquisition under the Centre’s PM e-Drive scheme.

• Enhanced Connectivity: The smaller buses will navigate narrow streets, improving access to congested areas.
• Modern Features: Despite their size, the buses will include air-conditioning, CCTV, panic buttons, GPS, and real-time passenger information.
• Expanded Fleet: Delhi aims to operate over 5,000 e-buses by March, increasing to 13,760 by 2028, creating one of the world’s largest e-bus networks.

Source