Beyond The AI Hype: What Does It Mean For Business India
AI is moving from the boardroom conversation to real business impact. As organisations rethink how they operate, innovate and grow, India stands at an important inflection point.In this episode of TOI AIQ Talks, Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia, and Mayank, Founder & CEO, ADROSONIC, unpack the opportunities, challenges and possibilities emerging in an AI-led business landscape.Watch the full conversation now.AXIS is where the world is explained through Indias lens. For decades, global narratives have been shaped by Western media... told through Washington, London or Beijing. But as India rises as a major economic, military and diplomatic power, why should others define the world for us? Why shouldnt India shape its own voice, own perspective, and own narrative? Thats where AXIS comes in. We decode global power shifts, wars and conflicts, the India-China rivalry, Pakistan, West Asia, oil shocks, trade battles and neighbourhood politics - with one key question: What does this mean for India and for you? As India rises, so should its share of voice! Subscribe To AXIS The World Through INDIA'S LENS.#India #Geopolitics #China #Pakistan #Bangladesh #WorldNews #Defence #IndianArmy #Indian Navy #IAF #TimesAXIS #TOI
Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios Mirzapur: The Movie is among the most awaited films in Indian cinema. The film marks the theatrical transition of the popular Mirzapur franchise, bringing its much-loved world to the big screen for the first time. Following the release of its teaser and trailer, anticipation around the film has further increased. As the film approaches its theatrical release, Excel Entertainment co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani is also marking 25 years in the Indian entertainment industry. Over the years, the production house has backed films across genres, with Sidhwani continuing to focus on stories that appeal to audiences. In a recent interview, Sidhwani was asked, How has Excel's run been in the last 25 years? And what makes you believe that a story must be told? Reflecting on Excel Entertainments journey, Ritesh Sidhwani said, Dil Chahta Hai birthed bromance and friendship films in the industry. We then went on to make Lakshya followed by Don and Honeymoon Travels. Each of them were different from the other. Over time, we realized that a production company should feature diverse voices. It shouldn't restrict itself to one particular genre, which many production houses tend to do. Till now, we only proceed with a film if we genuinely believe in the story 100%. However, there have been times when we believed in a project and it did not work. In those cases, we have always stood by our decisions. We have never gone back to the filmmaker and said, I told you this wouldn't work. He further added, We are fortunate that such great stories continue to choose Excel Entertainment and it's still going. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, and co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani. Mirzapur: The Movie is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 4, 2026. Also Read : Mirzapur: The Movie: Ritesh Sidhwani reveals why the film needed its own story; says It needed its own midpoint, emotional journey and payoff
BJYM-MNS clash: Yuva Morcha warns of answer in kind after BJP chief asks youth
Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan has asked the BJP youth wing to avoid protests against MNS leaders, but BJYM chief Krishnaraj Mahadik said workers would respond if their events were disrupted amid tensions over the removal of PM Modis photo in Pune
'Savarkar never hated Muslims': Grandnephew targets Rahul Gandhi in Pune court
In a recent court hearing, Satyaki Savarkar emphasized that V.D. Savarkar had no hatred for Muslims, contradicting Rahul Gandhi's portrayal of him as a rabid extremist. He pointed out that Savarkar's literature offered constructive pathways for Muslim development. Also entered into evidence was Gopal Godse's interview, which discussed Nathuram's ties to the RSS, directly related to the ongoing defamation case regarding Gandhi's remarks made in London in 2023.
Why did you sell it?: Sons beat up parents in Pune over land dispute
Weaker rupee and costly airfares make seasonal international travel unviable
Weak rupee, costly airfares make international travel less attractive this festive season
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar did not harbour hatred towards Muslims and, instead, his writings contained ideas aimed at their progress, his grandnephew Satyaki Savarkar told a Pune court during his cross-examination in a criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Satyaki is the complainant in the case arising from remarks allegedly made by Gandhi during [] The post Savarkar never hated Muslims, sought their progress, kin tells Pune Court in Rahul Gandhi defamation case appeared first on India Legal .
Ganesh Visarjan in Pune: Laser lights banned from September 14 to 25
The Pune district administration has imposed a complete ban on the use of laser lights during Ganesh Visarjan processions from September 14 to 25, including Anant Chaturdashi. District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the measure aims to ensure peaceful celebrations and safeguard public health and law and order
Just a few days after Pune, I was in Goa, which will go to the polls early next year. I saw there the familiar Congress problem: A party fighting itself rather than its principal opponent A fortnight ago, I was in Pune. And something rather unusual caught my eye. From hoardings to lampposts, from signboards []
ABVP protests delay in release of scholarships for CAP admitted students
126-yr-old voters? Draft roll entries force electors to fill Form 8 for corrections
Savarkar never hated Muslims: Kin tells court in Rahul case
Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of V D Savarkar, testified in a Pune court, stating that Rahul Gandhi's remarks portrayed Savarkar as a Muslim hater and mob lyncher, which he claims is false. Savarkar asserted that his granduncle's writings promoted Muslim progress. The testimony was part of a defamation case filed against Gandhi concerning his alleged statements about Savarkar's writings.
Mahayuti govt does not listen unless citizens resort to agitations: Supriya
No idea who will be called for hearing, unmapped voters await notices
Maharashtra 5% short of kharif sowing target; maize & pulses acreage drops
Heres Why You Shouldnt Pay For Private Tankers From Your Pocket In Pune
Food distribution to the needy in Khadki
PMC revives Rs 75-crore furniture, textile waste plant plan in Hadapsar to check open dumping
Three-day The Schools of India Summit 2026 will be held from Oct 30
Two minor boys detained for possessing firearm
Next-Gen Birthmark Clinic in the offing at Bharati Hospital in Pune
HC orders PCMC to declare land reservation for Kasarwadi road lapsed
Enquire for ICU bed before referral: Sassoon
Retd IAF officer cheated of Rs10L in SIR scam
Sari-clad 47-year-old widow runs 3km race barefoot to help fund her daughters studies, wins 5,000
Pune district collector imposes restrictions on use of laser lights during Ganeshotsav processions
Mumbai: 140 BJP Yuva Morcha, MNS workers detained in Mahim
The controversy began after a video showing Amit Thackeray during a visit to a college in Maharashtra's Pune on Monday surfaced on social media and went viral
31 Students Fall Ill After Eating Contaminated Food at Maharashtra School
Pune, September 1: A serious incident has emerged from the Shri Ambru Naik Secondary Ashram School located in Nagarala, Jivati Tehsil, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. Shortly after consuming their meal, students began to exhibit symptoms of illness. The students complained of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness soon after eating. A total of 31 students were ... Read more 31 Students Fall Ill After Eating Contaminated Food at Maharashtra School
BJP Yuva Morcha, MNS workers clash in Mahim over Amit Thackeray video row
The BJP objected to a video showing Thackeray during a visit to a college in Pune on Monday, asking MNS workers to remove a photograph of PM Modi from a wall. The video surfaced on social media on Monday and subsequently went viral
Major Breakthrough in MPSC Paper Leak Case: Rituja Patil Arrested
Pune, September 1: The Crime Branchs Property Cell team achieved a significant breakthrough in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Drug Inspector recruitment paper leak case on Tuesday. Rituja Patil, a wanted suspect in the MPSC paper leak, was apprehended by the Crime Branch team in Nandurbar. On August 26, the Mumbai Crime Branch had ... Read more Major Breakthrough in MPSC Paper Leak Case: Rituja Patil Arrested
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja takes over as 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
New Delhi, Sep 1: Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assumed the appointment of the 47th Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on September 01, 2026. As the DGAFMS, Air Marshal Thareja will oversee the provision of comprehensive medical support to the Defence Forces. His appointment comes at a time of significant transformation within the AFMS, with continuing emphasis on operational medical preparedness, jointness, modernisation of military healthcare, digital health, medical research and innovation, human-resource development and delivery of high-quality healthcare to serving personnel, veterans and their dependents. An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Air Marshal Thareja was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1986. A distinguished physician and gastroenterologist, he completed his MD in Medicine from Delhi and DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi. During an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, the Air Marshal has held a wide spectrum of clinical, academic, operational and administrative appointments. His important command and administrative assignments include Commandant, 167 Military Hospital, Brigadier In-Charge Administration and Commander Troops, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt and Commandant Command Hospital (Central Command). His tenure at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by the management of complex and rapidly evolving healthcare and administrative challenges. During his command of Command Hospital, Lucknow the Detailed Project Report for a new Command Hospital was prepared in record time. As Director and Commandant at AFMC Pune, he spearheaded several initiatives aimed at strengthening medical education and research. As DGMS (Air) he gave thrust to Gaganyaan Mission and was the leading force behind Analog experiments to Astronaut Selection & Training. BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes were gifted to the Maldives by the Prime Minister and as part of HADR to Jamaica, Cuba, Sri Lanka & Myanmar under his stewardship. Prior to taking over as DG AFMS, Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi paid homage to the fallen heroes.
Archery | Dhoni fan Prithika getting ready for Asian Games debut
The Nagercoil-born Prithika, who was brought up in Pune, is sharpening her skills along with experienced team-mates V. Jyothi Surekha and Chikitha Taniparthi at the Sonipat camp
Raj Thackeray's son booked for removing Modi's photo
Two Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers have been arrested in Pune for allegedly removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph from a government polytechnic office. The incident occurred during a visit by MNS leader Amit Thackeray, who is also facing a case related to the alleged act. BJP criticised the MNS leader for political immaturity.
Vice Admiral Manish Honwad Takes Charge as Director and Commandant of AFMC
New Delhi, September 1: Vice Admiral Manish Honwad assumed the role of Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune on Tuesday morning. This institution plays a crucial role in military medicine. According to the Ministry of Defence, Honwad is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New ... Read more Vice Admiral Manish Honwad Takes Charge as Director and Commandant of AFMC
NCERT gave Mughals 13 pages under UPA, says Devendra Fadnavis as he targets Cong
Addressing the BJP Maharashtra State Executive Meeting in Pune, Fadnavis said NCERT textbooks during the UPA era dedicated 13 pages to the Mughals while reducing the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a single passage
BJP workers must gear up to fight fake narratives: Devendra Fadnavis
Addressing the concluding session of the BJP State Executive Committee meeting in Pune, Fadnavis urged party workers to prepare for what he described as an upcoming political battle against misinformation and fake narratives
A Pune-based senior citizen missed the income-tax appeal deadline by 191 days after his wifes death. The ITAT Pune, in ITA No. 1586/PUN/2026, directed the appellate authority to condone the delay and hear his tax appeal on merits.
'I will be happy': Amit Thackeray on FIR filed over removing PM Modi's photo at Pune college
Internal probe over, Army plans court martial in JCOs shooting case
Six held for hacking 26-year-old man to death in Maval
13.3L cases flagged for hearings in Pune dist, 62L electors on draft roll, 28.6L out
New 30-km alternative road to decongest Talegaon-Shikrapur highway by Dec
Ex-serviceman strangles wife for strained relations with his sister, attempts to kill son
Pune gears up for Big Butterfly Month with new walks, surveys this Sept
Pune police detain 10 Congress workers to maintain law and order, release them later
Bigger, premium homes dominate festive property market
MSFDA trains 22,000 aided college teachers, expands initiative to counselling
Surgeon vice admiral Manish Honwad new AFMC director, commandant
Conman fools 79-yr-old man, flees with gold chain & ring worth Rs1.5L
Defamation case registered against influencer
Finance executive booked for drunk driving
Fearing the police, man lands on IAF premises, detained
PMPML bus runs over casual worker, bicyclist injured
PMC begins drive to repair crumbling roads ahead of Ganeshotsav, commuters wary of quick fix
Amit Thackeray Removes PM Modis Photo During College Visit in Pune
Pune, September 1: A controversy erupted at the Government Polytechnic College in Pune when Amit Thackeray, a leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), ordered the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modis photograph during his visit. Principal Rajendra Patil reported that Thackeray, accompanied by 20 to 25 supporters, noticed the photographs of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ... Read more Amit Thackeray Removes PM Modis Photo During College Visit in Pune
Army Chief General reviews operational preparedness of Southern Command in Pune
During the visit, General Seth was briefed by Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, on the operational environment, the Command's preparedness, training initiatives and measures to improve combat effectiveness and mission readiness
Pune Police announce new no-parking zones in seven divisions, check details
Pune Police have advised the motorists to take note of the new restrictions and parking arrangements while travelling through the affected areas, officials said
Ravi Kishan teases something special ahead of Mirzapur: The Movie release: Garma-garam report
Mirzapur: The Movie is heading to theatres on September 4, and Ravi Kishan has added to the anticipation with a fresh update from Gorakhpur. The actor shared that the film is receiving a positive response while teasing fans with what he called a garma-garam report ahead of its worldwide theatrical release. Sharing the update, Ravi Kishan said, I am coming directly from Gorakhpur with a garma-garam report. There is a great response to the film, and people can't wait for 4th September! His comments come just days before the theatrical release of the film, which marks the Mirzapur franchises transition from streaming to the big screen. The franchise, which began in 2018, has built a strong following over three seasons of the series. Mirzapur: The Movie brings back familiar faces Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. The cast includes several familiar faces from the franchise, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chadha, Pramod Pathak and Harshita Shekhar Gaur, among others. Ravi Kishan is also part of the ensemble. The film will additionally see the return of some popular characters from the series. Divyenndu will reprise his role as Munna Bhaiya, while Kulbhushan Kharbanda returns as Satyanand Tripathi and Shriya Pilgaonkar as Sweety Gupta. Mirzapur franchise heads to cinemas With the film, the Mirzapur story is expanding beyond its streaming format and onto the theatrical stage. The makers are taking the characters and their ongoing conflicts to a larger cinematic setting, while bringing back several actors who have been closely associated with the franchise. Ravi Kishans latest update comes as the film enters its final stretch of promotions. With the actor highlighting the response he has seen in Gorakhpur, attention now turns to how Mirzapur: The Movie performs when it arrives in cinemas on September 4, 2026. Also Read:Mirzapur: The Movie: Ritesh Sidhwani reveals why the film needed its own story; says It needed its own midpoint, emotional journey and payoff
Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Rasika Dugal, Sonal Chauhan, Romy, Rashmeet Kaur, Dhanda Nyoliwala, Anand Bhaskar, Ginny Diwan, Junaid Kumar, John Stewart Enduri, director Gurmmeet Singh and writer Puneet Krishna attended the music launch of Mirzapur The Movie in Mumbai. During the trailer launch, the media was told that Ravi Kishan would attend. However, he was nowhere to be found. This time, the invite message didnt mention Ravi Kishans name but he made it. The actor-turned-MP is on a roll right now on social media. As expected, he rocked the show. Ravi Kishan danced with Sonal Chauhan as Rashmeet Kaur performed on the song Ghoom Ghoom. He then praised the host of the show by saying, Aap abdhut hai. You are amazing. Youre rocking the show right now. I am mesmerized with your energy and presence of mind. Aap se milke bahut accha laga! Ravi then credited the films director and writer, Thank you to Guru bhai and Puneet bhai. You guys wanted me to be a part of it. They have incorporated my character so beautifully that you wont feel ki yeh aadmi alag se aaya hai. People will love my character Babban while Babban is in love with Mumtaz (played by Sonal Chauhan). Ravi Kishan further said, All my ati-priya actors are sitting here like Kaleen Bhaiyya, as in Pankaj Tripathi, then Ali, Divyenndu babuJitendra, whos the superstar of Panchayat, is also here! Also, Id like to salute the nari shakti of the show. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) Ravi spoke highly of Sonal Chauhan, Next to me, theres also a shakti standing. Inki shakti ke baare mein bataunga toh aap log pagla jaayenge! This woman, standing next to me, is unbelievable. Ill tell you how. When we were shooting this song, the temperature was 2 or 3 degrees. Divyenndu babu and I were wearing warm clothes due to the weather. But not this lady. Hawa bhi chal rahi thi. Whenever we would be told that hamara shot nahin hai, we would run. But not her. Then, in his style, Ravi Kishan added, Today, the advance booking has begun and people have gone bonkers. Kamaal ka response hai iska. I have just come from my constituency, Gorakhpur. So, Ive got a garma-garam report that people cant wait for September 4, the day the film releases. He continued, I have an experience of working on so many films. I can guarantee that people will come out of the theatres satisfied. They would not feel cheated. Youll see Kaleen Bhaiyya, Babloo, Guddu and Munna in a virat roop and youd see me in a pagal roop! Toh bada hi maza aayega ki itne toofanon ke saath ek paglait bhi rahega. Also Read: Ravi Kishan teases something special ahead of Mirzapur: The Movie release: Garma-garam report
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accuses Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehoods at Pune event
The News Mill
Nirupa's Yeola Paithani & Silk Sarees opens Pune showroom
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 31: Nirupa's Yeola Paithani & Silk Sarees, a leading brand specialising in traditional Yeola Paithani and silk sarees, has opened its first showroom in Pune on Bhandarkar Road. Spread across approximately 6,500 to 7,000 sq ft, the new showroom was inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP and Chairperson of a Parliamentary Committee, Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni.
Excel Entertainment co-founder and producer Ritesh Sidhwani has opened up about the challenges of bringing Mirzapur from streaming to the big screen with Mirzapur: The Movie. The upcoming film marks the theatrical transition of the popular franchise and is set to bring its established characters and world to cinemas on September 4, 2026. With the series having already completed three seasons, one of the key challenges for the makers was creating a feature film that could offer something new to existing fans while also functioning as a standalone cinematic experience. During an interview, Sidhwani was asked what Mirzapur: The Movie could do in a theatre that the series could not, particularly given the challenge of fitting the franchises extensive story into a three-hour feature. Explaining the approach, he said, We are taking an IP created as a series and turning it into a feature film. We have seen the reverse happen many times, where films are turned into series. So, in a way, we are breaking the format again and trying something different. Mirzapur has a very loyal fan base, and we are giving those fans something new to experience in theatres. We are essentially saying, You already love these characters. Now come and experience them in a completely different way. Sidhwani further explained that the film does not attempt to compress the three seasons of the series into one theatrical outing. Instead, the makers developed an untold chapter set within the timeline of the first season. He said, The idea was to take an untold chapter from Season 1 (between two or three episodes) and bring it to the big screen. We also wanted to bring back beloved characters, including Munna Bhaiya and others who were no longer around by Season 3. The first challenge was to tell a story without affecting the narrative of the later seasons. Secondly, we had to ensure the film didn't feel like three stitched-together episodes of the series. It had to work as a film, with its own beginning, middle and end. It needed its own midpoint, emotional journey and payoff so that audiences could enjoy it as a complete story without affecting Season 4, which will follow. However, if anyone has not watched any season of the series, he/she would still be able to enjoy the film. The films theatrical format is being positioned as a new way for audiences to revisit the Mirzapur universe, while retaining its established characters and tone. The return of characters such as Munna Bhaiya has further added to the anticipation surrounding the film. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. Mirzapur: The Movie is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 4, 2026. Also Read: Mirzapur The Movie is not the first Indian film based on a web series, this regional project did it less than a month ago
Amit Thackeray, 20-25 MNS workers booked over removal of PM Modi photo at Pune college
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) declared results on 29 August 2026 for First & Second Year M.A & M.Sc Result on 29 August 2026. Check your result directly at onlineresults.unipune.ac.in using the official SPPU result dashboard.
Pune residents want loud music banned on Ganeshotsav
Hundreds of Pune residents have protested against the use of loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, citing health issues and noise pollution. Ganesh Mandals, however, claim selective targeting and have pledged to follow guidelines to reduce noise.
Manoj Bajpayee Buys Farm Land At THIS Price
Manoj Bajpayee has expanded his real estate portfolio with the acquisition of 4.45 acres of agricultural land in Pune's scenic Mulshi taluka.
Ganeshotsav 2026: Pune Residents seek DJ ban as Ganesh festival approaches
One protester said high-volume music systems used during Ganesh celebrations in recent years had become unbearable for many people. According to the protesters, some residents even leave Pune for two to three days during the immersion processions to escape the noise
Cipla Gets Relief After Bombay HC Questions Maharashtra FDA
Bombay HC flags due-process concerns as FDA agrees to reconsider Ciplas Pune licence cancellation.
'Makes us ill': Pune residents demand ban on loud DJs during Ganesh Chaturthi
Makes us ill Pune residents demand ban on loud DJs during Ganesh Chaturthi
Glacier-rock collapse poses flood threat beyond GLOFs
Srinagar, Aug 30:The deadly August 26 flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have drawn attention to a high-altitude hazard that can unleash destructive floods without a glacial lake - the sudden failure of glacier ice, rock and debris on an unstable slope. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said satellite analysis showed a high-magnitude glacier-rock collapse, or ice-rock avalanche, entering Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi river, before turning into a debris flood. The event was initially linked to a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Subsequent satellite analysis and expert assessments pointed to an ice-rock avalanche associated with glacier and bedrock failure. Experts Seek Geological Mapping of Unstable Slopes Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a scientist at the National Institute of Hydrology's Western Himalayan Regional Centre (WHRC) in Jammu, said the source area had warm permafrost and fractured bedrock. The failure entrained large volumes of glacier ice, snow and loose debris. It rapidly moved downstream and transformed into a highly destructive debris flood, Mir said. Recent and prolonged warming, snow and glacier-ice melt, and increased water infiltration into bedrock fractures could have further weakened the slope. However, the direct contribution of climate change remains uncertain, he said. These features now require identification and vulnerability assessment. Mir said Himachal Pradesh, the Chenab Valley in Jammu - Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban - and Ladakh should be priorities for detailed geological assessment followed by Kashmir. Prof Ghulam Jeelani, Dean of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kashmir, said parts of Ladakh, including Zanskar, Shyok, and Nubra share similar high-altitude terrain. Jeelani explained glacier-rock collapses and GLOFs are separate processes. Landslide or glacier collapse cannot create flash floods unless some surface water body, mountain river or water channel is there, he said. The collapse itself does not require a glacial lake. He said an ice-rock avalanche can enter a river channel, pick up water, sediment and boulders and develop into a destructive debris flood. It can also strike a glacial lake, damage its natural dam and trigger a GLOF. Thawing permafrost can weaken high-altitude slopes. Earthquakes, to which the Himalayan region is already at risk can trigger rockfalls, landslides and avalanches or damage natural dams, Jeelani said. Western Himalaya Warming A June 9 study published in the Journal of Earth System Science by researchers from BIT Mesra, IITM Pune and Ashoka University identified the Western Himalaya - J&K, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh - as the most climate-sensitive of the three Himalayan sectors examined. The study, Vulnerability of the Himalayan region under climate change, found the Western Himalaya has warmed by about 1 degree Celsius since the early 20th century. Under a high-emissions pathway, winter temperatures during 2081-2100 could rise by 7.18 degrees Celsius above early-20th-century levels. The study also warned that GLOF risk could shift westward as glaciers retreat and new glacial lakes form. A separate Department of Geoinformatics, University of Kashmir, study published in the Journal of Glaciology examined 155 glacial lakes in Kashmir using satellite data from 1992 to 2024. It identified Bramsar, Chirsar, Nundkol, Gangbal, and Bhagsar as having very high GLOF susceptibility. A preliminary assessment placed 2704 buildings and about 15 major bridges within potential impact zones. Roads and a hydropower project were also identified as exposed. The findings do not mean the lakes are on the verge of an outburst. They indicate higher susceptibility under specific triggering conditions. The study, however, does not cover unstable glacier-rock slopes that can fail independently of a glacial lake. Need for real-time alerts Mir said risk assessments must go beyond glacial-lake inventories. The vulnerability assessment has to consider the entire system -the glacier, rock slope, permafrost, water, river channel and the downstream area, he said. Experts called for detailed geological mapping of high-altitude slopes, fractured bedrock and permafrost zones. They also sought assessment of glacier stability, potential ice-rock avalanche paths and downstream debris-flood corridors. Vulnerable sites should be monitored through satellite imagery and ground-based systems, Mir said. Real-time monitoring and early-warning systems are important in areas where sudden slope failures can threaten downstream settlements and infrastructure, he said. For Jammu and Kashmir, Mir said Kishtwar is the main hotspot in the Chenab valley and faces high risk from both glacier-related hazards and GLOFs. Doda and Ramban also require assessment. Ladakh has the highest exposure to glacier-rock collapses and GLOFs, while Kashmir has lower GLOF exposure but remains vulnerable to glacier-rock collapses.
IISER students protest continues in Pune
Their demands include improvement to mental health infrastructure, end to oppressive gender-based hostel curbs, adequate space and access to campus facilities, protection from disciplinary action for peaceful protests
Dhol-tasha troupes in Pune cover drums with bedsheets, mattresses to turn down the volume
32-year-old man stabs his mother to death over alcohol
Four killed in separate road accidents in Pimpri Chinchwad
59-year-old Nigdi resident loses 12 lakh to digital arrest scam
Techie found hanging in room, boyfriend booked for abetment to suicide
Maha schools must hold 4 parent meets a year, educators flag teaching time loss
45 from Maha stuck in Nepal on way back, praise bravery & hospitality of locals
State schools told to rejig 34 student clubs formed last year
Railway uses vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion in Mumbai-Pune ghat sections
The Bhor Ghat between Karjat and Lonavala and the Thal Ghat between Kasara and Igatpuri are vulnerable to soil erosion, surface runoff, boulder falls and shallow landslides during the monsoon. These hazards can disrupt train operations and pose safety concerns
Pune Ganeshotsav 2026: Citizens demand ban on DJs, loudspeakers
Citizens participated in a march from Abhinav Chowk to the historic Shaniwar Wada and staged demonstrations at Goodluck Chowk, raising slogans such as Abki Baar, Loudspeaker Hadhpaar (this time, loudspeakers must go)
