Woman infected with new Covid variant in Rohtas

A woman from Bihar's Rohtas district has tested positive for XBB 1.16, a new variant of the Omicron Covid-19 strain, marking the first such case in the Indian state, according to health officials. The woman had no travel history and was asymptomatic, but had come into contact with some relatives who had travelled from outside the state. As of 23 March, the number of active cases in Bihar had risen to 50. The health department has urged the public to follow Covid-19-appropriate behaviour, including mask wearing, to prevent further transmission.

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.

State honours Ahilyadevi Holkar, woos Dhangars

The Maharashtra government honors Ahilyadevi Holkar with numerous initiatives, including a medical college, memorial conservation, biographical movie, and water structure restoration, aiming to win support from the Dhangar community ahead of potential elections.

Contractors fined ₹20 lakh per day for delay in Carnac Bridge revamp

Mumbai's BMC imposed steep ₹20 lakh daily fines on contractors delaying Carnac Bridge reconstruction. The crucial bridge's girders must arrive by May 10, with completion targeted before monsoon, ensuring timely connectivity between key city areas.

DU panel suggests dropping Marx, Malthus from Sociology syllabus

Delhi University's sociology panel recommends removing Marx and Malthus from a 'Population and Society' paper, sparking debate about foundational population theories. Other proposed changes include syllabus modifications across various departments, with final decisions pending academic council approval.

Political parties gear up for local body polls in Pune

Supreme Court orders Maharashtra to hold Pune municipal elections within four months. Political parties are preparing, with potential ward restructuring due to merged villages. Parties welcome the directive and are ready to contest, with plans for joint alliances.