Karnataka: Siddaramaiah to table his 14th budget in assembly today

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will present his 14th budget on Friday, which will also be his seventh as a chief minister. The budget is expected to be around ₹3.39 lakh crore ($52.6bn), an increase from the previous budget of ₹3.09 lakh crore. The increased budget size will facilitate the implementation of five schemes promised by the Congress government ahead of the Assembly elections. The government is also expected to do away with some schemes implemented during the BJP regime, while continuing with essential schemes in the education and health sectors.

RWA polls remain elusive in many Noida, Gr Noida sectors

RWA elections remain stalled in many Noida and Greater Noida housing societies, with delays spanning years due to administrative apathy, internal disputes, and lack of accountability despite district administration directives.

Coming soon: Longer trains from CSMT

Central Railway plans to demolish an office building at CSMT to extend platforms 5 and 6, enabling 15-car trains. This will increase train capacity by 25%, with platform extensions to accommodate more services on the Main Line corridor.

“Deva Bhau” tattoo helps Thane rural police identify the victim, crack murder case

Police cracked a murder case using a "Deva Bhau" tattoo to identify victim Ashok Sukhdev. Two contract killers, hired by Sheetal Fodse, were arrested for killing Sukhdev after he pressured her about marriage.

Pune hyacinth menace: After 2 months, environment dept clears only 5 of 43 water bodies

Pune's environmental department has cleared only 5 of 43 water bodies infested with water hyacinth, causing significant mosquito breeding concerns and public health risks in the city's rivers and lakes.

Man who opened bank accounts for cyber frauds arrested

A 35-year-old man was arrested for opening bank accounts for cyber frauds, specifically involving a freelance consultant who was duped of ₹1.62 crore through a fake online trading scheme promising high returns.

State to spend ₹4,820 cr to develop religious sites

Maharashtra will invest ₹4,820 crore to develop religious sites, including Tuljabhavani Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Ashtavinayak Temples. A dedicated authority will oversee the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, expecting increased devotee participation.

Metro, buses will not be impacted by drill, say officials

Delhi's city-wide mock security drill at 50+ locations on Wednesday will not disrupt metro, bus, or airport services. Transport officials confirm normal operations will continue, with minimal impact on commuters across the city.

3 dead in Gulmohar tree collapse

During heavy Mumbai rains, a Gulmohar tree collapsed on a moving rickshaw in Kalyan, killing the driver and two passengers. Emergency services rescued the victims, who were later pronounced dead at the hospital.

RWAs, traders confused, say they don’t know what the drill entails

A multi-location emergency drill in Delhi's malls, markets, and residential areas will test public response, with officials deliberately keeping details vague. Traders and RWAs are preparing, focusing on minimizing panic and ensuring readiness for potential scenarios.

Ludhiana: PAC, city’s green activists decry proposed carcass plant at Garhi Fazal

Green activists and PAC oppose a proposed carcass processing plant near Garhi Fazal, citing environmental risks to Mattewara Jungles and Sutlej River. They argue the project threatens local ecosystems, public health, and contradicts previous conservation commitments.

Civil defence drill: Hospitals to prepare for patient influx

Delhi hospitals conduct a large-scale civil defence drill to test emergency preparedness, training staff on handling sudden patient influxes, mass casualties, and potential threats through mock scenarios, evacuation plans, and awareness sessions across government and private healthcare facilities.

Water war escalates: Delhi accuses Punjab of choking supply, AAP hits back

Delhi's water minister accuses Punjab of deliberately reducing water supply in retaliation for AAP's election defeat. BJP stages protests, claiming conspiracy. AAP denies allegations, stating Punjab cannot control Delhi's water sources. Tensions escalate over alleged water supply manipulation.

Ludhiana: Two weeks on, sewerage works at Feroze Gandhi market crawl at snail pace

Sewerage work at Ludhiana's Feroze Gandhi market stalls for two weeks, causing massive disruption. Commuters and businesses complain about inaccessible lanes, dust, and debris. Authorities cite technical issues and concrete drying time, promising imminent completion.

Pune civic body rescinds rotational water cut following opposition from politicos

Pune Municipal Corporation withdrew its planned weekly rotational water cut in multiple areas after political opposition, reverting to the previous daily water supply schedule following a review of water levels in Khadakwasla reservoir.

Delhi forest dept to crack down on illegal pet shops selling protected species

Delhi's forest department is cracking down on illegal pet shops selling protected wildlife species. They will inspect shops citywide, seize unauthorized exotic and native animals, and prosecute violators under the Wildlife Protection Act. Only domesticated pets like dogs and cats are permitted.