Bengal rural polls: TMC, BJP set to slug it out again early next year

Panchayat polls are due to be held in West Bengal early next year with identity politics likely to be a factor in some places as the ruling Trinamool Congress and Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party are set to slug it out again following a bitter electoral battle in the 2021 assembly polls. A year earlier, the BJP registered its best electoral performance in the state, winning 18 of the state's 42 seats in the national polls.

Centre, state oppose Abu Salem’s plea for early release

The Centre and Maharashtra government oppose Abu Salem's plea for early release, arguing he has only served 19.5 years of his 25-year sentence for the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. They propose his release dates range from 2030 to 2046.

Two arrested with 10kg heroin, ₹1-lakh drug money in Amritsar

Punjab Police arrested two drug operatives linked to international smuggler Jassa, seizing 10kg heroin and ₹1 lakh in cash. This is the third module busted by counter-intelligence in Amritsar within ten days, targeting a wanted narcotics network.

Brokerage firm staffer arrested for duping customer of ₹1.58 cr

A former Motilal Oswal Financial Services employee was arrested for fraudulently siphoning ₹1.58 crore from a senior citizen's demat account by changing account details and forging her signature, and transferring shares to his bank account.

Clash over credit delays ₹165-cr skill centre project in Pune’s Baner

Political rivalry between deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde is delaying the ₹165-crore skill development centre in Pune's Baner. PMC has requested CM Devendra Fadnavis to intervene and lay the foundation stone amid credit disputes.

2008 Malegaon blast case: Special NIA court likely to give judgment on July 31

Special NIA court set to deliver verdict on July 31 in 2008 Malegaon blast case, involving seven accused including BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur. The bomb killed six and injured 101 in a Muslim-majority area, with trial concluding after examining 323 witnesses.

50,000 to 60,000 illegal school buses in Maha, transport min warns RTOs

Transport minister warns of 50,000-60,000 illegal school buses in Maharashtra, giving owners three months to register. Emphasis on student safety, with potential action against RTO officials if unauthorized buses continue operating after the deadline.

HC orders survey of alleged encroachments on IIT Bombay land

High court orders survey of alleged land encroachments around IIT Bombay after a PIL revealed unauthorized occupation by contractors. Collector to investigate claims, ensure police protection, and remove illegal structures if encroachment is confirmed.

PIL seeks heritage status for Savarkar Sadan

Public interest litigation filed in Bombay HC seeks heritage status for Savarkar Sadan in Mumbai, preventing potential demolition and preserving the historic residence of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, which currently houses a mini museum.

275 Bangladeshis detained in six days

Mumbai police detained 275 Bangladeshi nationals in six days, bringing the year's total to 650. Around 200 have been deported following a home ministry notification targeting illegal immigrants working in various sectors, with 350 cases registered.

13 flights cancelled at Pune airport amid India-Pak tensions

Pune airport cancelled 13 flights due to Operation Sindoor, affecting routes like Amritsar, Cochin, and Chandigarh. Passengers were informed in advance and offered refunds or alternative flights, following DGCA guidelines.

BMC bleeds crores on defunct cycle track

Mumbai's 39-km cycling track, costing ₹500 crore, lies unused and deteriorating. Built along Tansa pipeline, it's become a dumping ground for waste and illicit activities, draining ₹9.5 crore in maintenance costs while serving no practical purpose for cyclists.

Gomti’s future tense: Will Lucknow’s lifeline become a river on ‘life support’?

Lucknow's Gomti River faces critical challenges from rapid urbanization, with sewage loads expected to double by 2035. Without urgent infrastructure upgrades, the river risks becoming a toxic drain, threatening environmental and public health in the expanding metropolis.

BEST fares hiked from today, to generate ₹590 crore annually

BEST bus fares doubled, with minimum rates rising to ₹10 for non-AC and ₹12 for AC buses. New pricing aims to generate ₹590 crore annually, with concessions for students, senior citizens, and special needs passengers.

Drug peddler killed in encounter in Jagraon

In a drug bust near Jagraon, one peddler was killed and another escaped during an ANTF encounter. Police recovered 2 kg heroin, a pistol, and a vehicle after the shootout, with investigations continuing to track the fugitive.

Chhota Rajan granted bail in 2009 attempt-to-murder case involving ex-Shiv Sena leader

Gangster Chhota Rajan granted bail in a 2009 attempt-to-murder case involving a Shiv Sena leader. The case, linked to the Pune Porsche crash's grandfather, was deemed non-critical by the CBI court, which found no impediment to his release.