29/06

Social Security Schemes Now Cover 95 Crore Indians, Says Government

Citing a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, the Indian government announced that over 95 crore people in the country now receive benefits from at least one social security scheme. This represents more than 64% of the population, a significant increase from fewer than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015. The expansion of social protection, covering areas from health to financial security, marks a major milestone in the country's social welfare framework and national development.

Stampede at Puri's Rath Yatra Kills Three, Injures Dozens

A stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, has resulted in at least three deaths and around 50 injuries. The incident occurred early Sunday morning near the Shree Gundicha Temple as a large crowd of devotees gathered. Odisha’s government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the security and crowd management lapses that led to the tragedy. The Chief Minister has apologized for the incident and promised stringent action against those found responsible for negligence.

Cloudburst in Uttarakhand Triggers Landslide, Nine Labourers Missing

A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has caused a major landslide, sweeping away a labourers' campsite and leaving eight to nine people missing. The incident occurred along the Barkot-Yamunotri road, disrupting traffic and forcing a temporary suspension of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The IMD has issued a red alert for the state, warning of more extremely heavy rainfall. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are underway amid widespread weather-related disruptions across the region.

India's Ban on Pakistan-Linked Ships Raises Freight Costs, Delays Imports

An Indian ban on ships carrying Pakistani cargo, imposed after a recent terror attack, is reportedly causing significant trade disruptions for Pakistan. Importers there claim the measure has increased shipping times by 30-50 days and raised freight charges by forcing reliance on smaller feeder vessels. While the immediate impact on Pakistan's exports is said to be minimal, the disruption to supply chains for imported raw materials could have broader economic consequences for its value-added export industries.

Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Eight Indian Fishermen Near Rameswaram

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their boat near Delft Island, accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line to fish illegally. This latest incident highlights the recurring and contentious issue faced by Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, who cite depleted fish stocks and historic fishing rights. Fishermen’s associations have again called for immediate diplomatic intervention from New Delhi to secure the crew's release and find a permanent solution.

Seven Engineers Suspended Over Bhopal Bridge with 90-Degree Turn

The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended seven engineers and blacklisted a design firm over the construction of a new rail over-bridge in Bhopal with a hazardous 90-degree turn. The Rs 18 crore project faced widespread public ridicule and safety concerns. Following an inquiry, the Chief Minister ordered the suspensions and a probe into a retired engineer, stating the bridge will not open until safety improvements are made to rectify the widely criticized and dangerous design flaw.

Mumbai Mosques Adopt Mobile App for 'Azan' Amid Loudspeaker Curbs

In an innovative response to restrictions on loudspeaker use, several mosques in Mumbai have started using a mobile app to broadcast the 'azan' (call to prayer) directly to worshippers' phones. The "Online Azan" app live-streams the call in real-time, allowing the faithful to stay connected to their local mosque without violating noise regulations. The move is being hailed as a creative and peaceful solution, with organisers promoting "innovation over confrontation" to navigate the sensitive social issue.

28/06

Iran Holds Mass Funeral for Officials Killed in Israeli Strikes

Tehran held a massive state funeral for 60 people, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists, killed during a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Thousands mourned Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard, and others targeted in what Israel called a campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. The conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24, reportedly saw over 1,000 killed in Iran. The funeral procession underscores the heavy losses and heightened tensions in the region.

Railways Caps Waiting Lists at 25%, Sparking Debate

Indian Railways has implemented a new policy capping passenger waiting lists at 25% of a train's class capacity, a move experts and some officials criticize as impractical and potentially loss-making. The Ministry of Railways says the decision is based on data showing less than a quarter of waitlisted passengers typically get confirmed seats. However, critics argue the cap will obscure true travel demand, hinder the planning of special trains, and might not reduce crowding as intended.

Government Proposes Mandatory Inclusion of Two Helmets with New Two-Wheelers

The Indian government is considering a new rule that would make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two helmets with every new two-wheeler sold. The proposal aims to enhance road safety by ensuring both the rider and the pillion passenger have access to protective headgear from the point of purchase. This potential policy change, if enacted, would have a significant impact on vehicle manufacturers and buyers across the country, directly addressing India's high rate of road-accident fatalities.

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Outcry

Italian luxury brand Prada has formally acknowledged that sandals in its upcoming menswear collection were inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. The admission came after protests from Indian artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, who cited the footwear's Geographical Indication (GI) status and accused the brand of appropriation. Prada stated it is committed to a dialogue with local artisan communities to ensure rightful recognition, highlighting a significant moment for cultural heritage protection in global fashion.

Two Arrested for Poisoning Tigress and Four Cubs in Karnataka

Authorities in Karnataka have arrested two men for allegedly poisoning a tigress and her four cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills forest range. The act was reportedly one of revenge after the tigress preyed on a cow belonging to one of the accused. The men allegedly laced the cow's carcass with poison, which the big cats consumed upon returning to feed. The incident highlights the severe challenges of human-wildlife conflict and has been condemned as a significant blow to tiger conservation efforts.

Puri Rath Yatra Resumes After Overnight Halt

The annual Rath Yatra procession in Puri resumed Saturday morning after an unexpected overnight halt. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were stopped on the Grand Road Friday evening after one of the chariots got stuck while negotiating a turn. Amidst chanting and renewed enthusiasm, thousands of devotees, who had stayed in the holy town overnight, resumed pulling the chariots towards the Gundicha temple. The festival continues to draw massive crowds under heavy security.

Fourth Arrest Made in Kolkata Law Student Gang Rape Case

Police in Kolkata arrested a college security guard in connection with the gang rape of a first-year law student, bringing the total number of arrests to four. The crime allegedly occurred on campus on June 25. The main accused, a criminal lawyer and alumnus, along with two current students, were arrested earlier. Police suspect the attack was an act of vengeance after the victim rejected a marriage proposal from the prime accused. The guard was arrested for failing to perform his duty.

Badrinath National Highway Shut Down by Heavy Rains in Uttarakhand

Heavy monsoon rains in Uttarakhand have triggered landslides, forcing the closure of the Badrinath National Highway near Nandprayag. The blockage has disrupted traffic, stranding pilgrims and tourists traveling to and from the major Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath. This closure highlights the annual challenge faced by the state's infrastructure during the monsoon season, where landslides frequently sever critical road links in the mountainous region, impacting both local life and religious tourism.

« Page 13 of 46 »