The Times of India

Starting October 2026, all new intra-city public buses manufactured nationwide will be low-floor, featuring a ground clearance of 440 meters. This mandate, aimed at enhancing passenger accessibility, requires buses 9 meters and above to have a floor height of 400 mm, aligning with AIS-216 standards for improved safety and ease of boarding.

Maharashtra's civic elections saw a significant political shift as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a dominant victory, particularly in Mumbai's BMC. Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP celebrated substantial gains, ending Shiv Sena's long-held control. Uddhav Thackeray's Sena and the Congress faced major setbacks, while Raj Thackeray's MNS and Sharad Pawar's NCP also saw diminished influence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BJP workers and thanked Maharashtra's people for the NDA and Mahayuti's sweeping victory in municipal corporation elections. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the success to a development-focused agenda, highlighting the alliance's strong performance, particularly in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Delhi-NCR faces renewed pollution crisis as authorities re-implement GRAP-III restrictions. Non-essential construction, demolition, and mining activities are halted. Vehicular curbs target older diesel and petrol models. Essential services and critical projects are exempted, with schools offering hybrid learning. This move aims to combat the 'severe' air quality forecast.

The Ministry of External Affairs has urged around 9,000 Indian citizens, primarily students in Iran, to depart the country due to recent developments. Advisories have been issued for both those in Iran and those planning to travel there. India is actively monitoring the situation and preparing to assist citizens wishing to return home.

In a light-hearted twist following the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra civic elections, MP PC Mohan cheekily took a dig at Raj Thackeray by referencing 'rajmalai'. This comes on the heels of Thackerays playful jab at K Annamalai, calling him 'rasmalai' during a spirited debate on Mumbai's essence.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN for misusing the platform and promoting a divisive agenda. Islamabad's envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the General Assembly, prompting India to accuse Pakistan of spreading baseless allegations and falsehoods detached from reality.

European leaders will attend India's Republic Day parade and the 16th India-EU summit, aiming to finalize a free trade agreement and a defense partnership. Discussions will focus on trade, security, and clean energy, building on a new strategic agenda to strengthen bilateral ties amidst global uncertainties.

Global public health, veterinary and legal experts caution mass sheltering Indias free-living dogs would undermine rabies control, disrupt urban ecosystems, breach the law and raise costs without making cities safer.

Says Army Is Ready For Any Kind Of Situation

National highways will now deny No Objection Certificates for vehicle registration, insurance, and ownership transfers if toll fees remain unpaid. This move, coinciding with the upcoming rollout of barrierless tolling, aims to enhance digital toll collection and prevent evasion on key NH stretches.

According to the PRO of 'Shri Akal Takht Sahib'Tek Singh at the Secretariat.

Exit polls project a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance in the BMC polls, with projections indicating they will surpass 130 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT)MNS alliance is expected to secure just over 60 seats, falling short of expectations. The elections saw nearly 50% voter turnout across Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra.