BMC
Mumbai and Thane authorities ground aerial firecrackers after Diwali blazes
Authorities in Mumbai and Thane implemented a ban on aerial firecrackers following a significant rise in fire incidents. Reports indicate that the Mumbai Fire Brigade responded to numerous fire calls, primarily due to firecrackers. This ban aims to prevent fire hazards, especially from falling embers onto flammable materials. Violators of the ban may face legal consequences under the Disaster Management Act.
Mumbai bans sky rockets, aerial fireworks till November 25 after fire incidents
The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority has banned the use of sky rockets and aerial fireworks across BMC limits until November 25, 2026, due to fire hazards. This decision follows multiple fire incidents attributed to firecrackers, with concerns raised over the safety risks posed to densely populated areas and buildings in the city.
Mumbai records 137 firecracker-induced blazes on Diwali, highest single-day tally in years
Mumbai experienced a significant increase in firecracker-related incidents during Diwali as 137 fires occurred. This year's count exceeded the total recorded in previous years, highlighting a worrying trend. Two women were injured amid the surge of fire incidents reported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Authorities issued safety guidelines urging citizens to exercise caution while using firecrackers. Emergency contact numbers were provided for residents to report any fire or emergencies.
Biggest tunnel boring machines coming to Mumbai: Giant TBMs to dig twin Coastal Road tunnels between Kandivli and Malad; check route, project details
Mumbai's 22-km Versova-Dahisar Link Road project has moved closer to the construction stage, with two giant tunnel boring machines undergoing factory tests in Chennai. The 15.6-metre TBMs will excavate 3 km of the proposed 3.9-km twin underground road tunnels between Malad and Charkop, nearly 40 metres below ground. Scheduled for launch in May 2027, the machines will be transported to Mumbai in parts on around 100 trailers. Here is a look at the tunnel project, construction challenges, traffic benefits and environmental concerns.
MIT scientists scanned a larval zebrafish brain 200 times per second; ultraviolet light triggered electrical activity that spread across its brain
A groundbreaking microscope developed by MIT enables ultra-fast imaging of neuronal activity in zebrafish brains, achieving scans at an impressive 200 frames per second. Although only 25% of neurons have shown responses thus far, this represents a pivotal stride in neuroscience. Researchers aspire to leverage this technology for insights into neuron interactions within networks, potentially broadening its application to more sophisticated animal models in future investigations.
Delhi's AQI 'very poor' for fourth day, set to get 'severe'
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 369 at 4 pm on Thursday, compared to 377 recorded at the same time on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
School holiday today, November 5: Which states will remain closed? Check Diwali vacation, weather alerts and election-related updates
November school holidays: Schools in several states may remain closed on November 5 due to Diwali vacations, election-related holidays and weather alerts. Andhra Pradesh has declared a holiday for MPTC and ZPTC polling, while heavy rainfall warnings across parts of southern and eastern India could prompt local school closure orders. Check state-wise updates and the latest holiday announcements.
Who was Divit Auluck? Honey Singh’s 18-year-old nephew and son of Speed Records founder dies in Jalandhar accident
In a devastating incident in Jalandhar, 18-year-old Divit Auluck and his companion Aarav Talwar tragically perished in a road accident. Their vehicle crashed into a stationary Municipal Corporation tractor-trolley while the area was being cleaned. Divit, the beloved son of influential Punjabi music figure Dinesh Auluck, is mourned by a family and community, including well-known friends such as Honey Singh and Gippy Grewal, who expressed their sorrow.
Delhi air turns hazardous; AQI touches 605, GRAP-II vehicle curb enforced at Gurgaon border
Delhi AQI: Among the worst-affected locations, Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 452, followed by Dhaula Kuan at 417, ITO at 418, RK Puram at 423 and Ghazipur at 410. The air quality around India Gate stood at 414, with all these locations falling in the severe category.
Bombay HC asks BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video, questions politicians’ remarks
The Bombay High Court asked BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video after BJP leaders objected to her inclusion in the civic body’s anti-pollution campaign. The bench questioned the remarks against the actress, saying it was disturbed by the comments and asking whether India was not a secular country.
Bombay HC invokes secular spirit, slams 'petty mindset', says restore Dia Mirza clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali campaign video. Political objections led to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to delete the clip. The court emphasized the need for a secular approach in environmental awareness efforts. Justice Gokhale criticized local politicians for not advocating for environmental issues effectively.
BJP attacks Dia Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah over 'selective' environmental concerns
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticized actors Dia Mirza and Naseeruddin Shah for what he called selective outrage regarding environmental issues. He noted their silence during pollution spikes associated with other religions' festivals while targeting Hindu celebrations. The Bombay High Court expressed skepticism over a video Mirza produced for an eco-friendly Diwali campaign, emphasizing the importance of consistent advocacy for the environment across all cultural events.
Bombay HC slams row over Dia Mirza's Diwali video, directs BMC to re-upload clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's video promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision came after objections from certain political figures who labeled the campaign as anti-Hindu. The court emphasized the message was important for environmental awareness, irrespective of individual beliefs. Consequently, the court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to restore Mirza's video on social media.
Imran Khan tenders unconditional apology to Bombay HC, vows not to join protests amid ‘Leave India’ notice row
Imran Khan submitted an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court as he challenges a 'Leave India Notice'. This notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office after his alleged participation in a protest. The court has scheduled a hearing for December 7, which keeps the notice in abeyance for the time being.
BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the video’s message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.
Dia Mirza's Diwali video row explained: Why BMC deleted Bollywood actress' pollution-free video
Dia Mirza recently faced controversy after her Diwali video message was reportedly removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The video featured her urging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers due to pollution concerns. BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam criticised her involvement, claiming locals do not need advice from outsiders. Read on to know what happened next.
Anirudh Ravichander is pure vegetarian, looks much younger than his age, though he loves ‘spicy Andhra meals’ and potatoes. Vegetarian food can make you look 10 years younger, says doctor
In addition to his thriving career, Anirudh has generated interest in his methods of fitness and dietary choices. In a 2012 post on X, the composer revealed that he was a pure vegetarian, providing insight into his eating habits. In an interview he had said he was a lover of Andhra dishes despite being from Tamil Nadu.
Patna Municipal Corporation to raise Rs 200 crore via municipal bonds
The Patna Municipal Corporation is set to launch ₹200 crore worth of municipal bonds, with bids opening on October 30. This move marks Bihar's inaugural bond issuance, sparking renewed enthusiasm for municipal bonds. Meanwhile, Kanpur Nagar Nigam is also gearing up to issue ₹125 crore soon. Early interest from investors like HUDCO and NaBFID indicates a growing momentum in the bond market, supported by governmental efforts to boost urban financing.
BMC to pay Rs 33,000 Diwali bonus this year; over 83,000 employees to benefit: Union leaders
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has declared a Diwali bonus of Rs 33,000 for its employees this year. This bonus is an increase from last year's payment of Rs 31,000 to its workforce. The payment will also include teachers and non-teaching staff from aided private schools. Union leaders confirmed that over 83,000 permanent employees and staff will receive this bonus before Diwali. The announcement was made during a meeting at BMC headquarters.
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