Could the 13-km missing link on PuneMumbai Expressway have prevented 32-hour jam?
A 32-hour traffic nightmare on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, caused by a gas tanker accident, has intensified calls for the opening of the 13.3-km missing link. This bypass, nearing 98% completion and slated for a May 1 opening, aims to significantly reduce travel time and enhance safety by avoiding the accident-prone Khandala ghat section.
UK aviation regulator seeks explanation from Air India over Boeing fuel switch issue
The UK's aviation regulators are investigating Air India regarding a recent fuel switch problem involving a Boeing 787 in London. Following fleet-wide assessments, the airline reported no discrepancies. Nevertheless, a safety advocacy group has raised concerns with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, cautioning against hasty judgments that may undermine the probe and public confidence.
IIT-Bombay student dies by suicide: Masti, engineering & fun was his last Instagram caption
Police probe role of online Korean game in sisters deaths
Three minor sisters died in Ghaziabad early Wednesday after allegedly jumping from the balcony of their ninth-floor apartment. Police said preliminary findings point to possible addiction to a Korean online task-based love game, which the sisters had reportedly been playing since the COVID-19 period
Libya: Muammar Gaddafis son Saif al-Islam shot dead in Zintan
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed on Tuesday in an armed attack at his residence in Zintan, western Libya, according to Xinhua. Reports said masked gunmen disabled surveillance cameras before engaging in a direct confrontation. His political team has called for an international investigation into killing
Australian researchers target unique bacterial sugar to combat infections
Australian scientists have developed a novel strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by designing antibodies that target a sugar found only on bacterial cells. In laboratory tests, the antibody successfully cleared a normally fatal bacterial infection in mice by binding to pseudaminic acid and triggering the immune system to destroy
Humanoid robot Moya debuts with lifelike movement and expressions
Robotics firm DroidUp has unveiled Moya, billed as the worlds first fully biomimetic embodied AI robot, in Shanghai. Standing 5.5 feet tall and weighing 32 kg, the humanoid can walk naturally, maintain eye contact and display subtle facial expressions. Designed to perceive, reason and act in the physical world
Massive traffic jam on Mumbai-Pune Expressway after gas tanker accident
A major traffic gridlock hit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway after a tanker carrying highly inflammable propylene gas overturned near the Khandala Ghat section on Tuesday evening. Gas leakage from the damaged tanker forced authorities to shut down the Mumbai-bound carriageway and adopt extreme safety measures to avert a possible explosion
NCP merger talks on hold as Sharad Pawar prioritises family unity
NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar met Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and her sons in Baramati, days after his remarks hinted at hurdles in a possible merger between the two NCP factions. Emphasising family solidarity following the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, Sharad said supporting each other was the current priority
Rahul Gandhi: PM Modi shed responsibility during 2020 India-China conflict:
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that PM Modi avoided political responsibility during the 2020 India-China conflict, citing claims from former Army chief MM Naravanes unreleased memoir. Gandhi said the book suggests the PM left critical decisions to the Army chief during the Ladakh crisis
Sanitation and hygiene must be prioritised this year
BMC has notified new Cleanliness and Sanitation Bylaws, 2025, imposing fines ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 25,000 for offences such as spitting, littering, poor waste segregation and illegal dumping of construction debris. With penalties covering 21 violations, the move aims to improve civic hygiene
The shows and no-shows of 1996
As India prepares to host the 2026 T20 World Cup, memories of the 1996 ODI World Cup resurface a tournament marked by controversy, solidarity and unforgettable moments. Australia and West Indies forfeited matches in Sri Lanka over security concerns, while Asian nations stood united in support of the hosts
Maharashtra: Smooth-coated otter spotted at Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Birdwatchers at Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary in Nashik were delighted after spotting a rare smooth-coated otter, a Schedule I species. Officials say the sighting reflects a healthy wetland ecosystem at the Ramsar-listed site
Tensions run high in Bollywood as reports emerge that at least five stars have received extortion threats linked to gangster Shubham Lonkar, believed to be working for the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi. A recent gunfire incident at popular director Rohit Shetty's residence has added to the chaos, yet mysteriously, no one has stepped forward to file a complaint.
BMC gets only 2 bids for Worli jetty helipad
Mumbadevi robotic parking delay: BMC sued, contractor seeks 55cr in damages
Maharashtra man arrested for stealing ornaments worth 14L
Maharashtra: Worker dies in crane accident at under-construction site in Thane
Mumbai woman duped of Rs 18 lakh from man she met on matrimonial site
Mhada announces redevelopment of four unsafe buildings in Mumbais Sion Pratiksha Nagar
Two from Mumbai arrested in Rs 4.6 crore digital arrest fraud
Will act as vigilant watchdog in Thane Municipal Corporation despite being in power, says BJP
New Vaitarna rly bridge likely to open next month
Maharashtra: Thane tribunal awards Rs 1.4 crore to kin of lawyer killed in 2021 road mishap
Nashik police official caught taking bribe, arrested
Woman, her daughter confined at home in Latur for two years by son, rescued
Relatives said the women, rescued on Tuesday, were kept isolated after allegedly disturbing neighbours by throwing stones. The room from which they were rescued was found littered with several hundred empty plastic water bottles and emitted a foul smell
Remove unfit garbage trucks pronto: BMC
Palghar Police seize 2.965 kg ganja during raid at farmhouse, two men arrested
Following the seizure, the police registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested Mohammad Changez Haji Abdul Rauf Sheikh (36) and Atish Ganesh Kumare (28), both residents of Valsad in Gujarat
India-US trade deal: Kharge targets Centre; Goyal calls decision `landmark step`
Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the India-US trade deal, saying it threatens Indian farmers and benefits US agriculture. He also raised concerns over inequality, social justice, and unemployment under the current government
Power outage in parts of Mahim inconveniences residents on sultry afternoon in Mumbai
Birthday balloons explode inside lift in Mumbais Goregaon; CCTV captures chilling moment
A young student, Himani Tapriya, sustained severe burns after dozens of gas-filled balloons exploded in a lift at Amol Tower, Goregaon. The incident occurred when a delivery man, Raju Kumar Mahato, entered the lift with the balloons. Police have registered a negligence case against the shop owner for failing to provide safety instructions to his employee, who also suffered injuries.
Indian Railways roll out 12-day Bharat Gaurav tour covering Rajasthan and Ujjain
Gaurav Jha, Group General Manager, IRCTC West Zone, Mumbai, said the specially curated Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, comprising both AC and non-AC coaches, has been designed to provide pilgrims and tourists with a comfortable and well-organised travel experience
No issues found in checks of operational B787 planes` fuel control switches: AI
The airline said that it has completed precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its operational fleet, the airline said on Wednesday
India-US trade deal: What it means for agriculture, dairy
Indias agriculture and dairy sectors are protected under the India-US trade deal, ensuring farmer livelihoods and food security, while exports gain improved access to the US market
SC asks Centre to review Sonam Wangchuk`s detention
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to reconsider climate activist Sonam Wangchuks detention under the NSA, citing his poor health. Wangchuk, accused of inciting Leh protests in 2025, and his wife argue the detention is illegal and violates his rights
Malegaon mayor election on Feb 7; ISLAM-SP alliance near majority
The race for Malegaon mayor and deputy mayor intensifies as multiple corporators file nominations, with elections scheduled for February 7 following a closely fought civic poll
Manipur: Presidents Rule withdrawn, Yumnam Khemchand Singh to take oath as CM
Manipur had been under Presidents Rule since February 13 last year, four days after then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence
Thane court acquits three men in 2017 explosives case over lack of evidence
A Thane court has acquitted three men accused in a 2017 explosives conspiracy case after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove their involvement. The court cited the absence of eyewitnesses and no clear link between the accused and explosives found in an unused SUV in Mumbra, granting them the benefit of doubt
Mamata argues in SC, alleges targeting of West Bengal in SIR exercise
Urging the top court to save democracy and intervene to ensure fair special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission keeping in mind the fact that people alive have been declared dead by the poll panel
PM Modi to visit Malaysia on February 7 at invitation of PM Anwar Ibrahim
The February 7-8 visit would be Prime Minister Modi`s third to Malaysia, and the first after the elevation of the India-Malaysia bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024
CM Fadnavis responds to demand to rename Ladki Bahin Yojana after Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said the government will consider renaming the Ladki Bahin scheme after late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The demand was raised by NCP MLC Amol Mitkari, calling Pawar a beloved leader among women across the state
Israeli fire in Gaza kills 17; IDF soldier dies after in militant attack
Israeli fire in Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians, most of them women and children, hospital officials said Wednesday, while Israel said militant gunfire had injured an Israeli soldier
Piyush Goyal in Parliament says, `India-US trade deal benefits both nations`
Budget Sessions 2026: Union Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that India and the US are complementary economies and the bilateral trade deal protects sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. He said lower tariffs will boost exports, MSMEs and manufacturing while advancing Indias Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
NCP merger talks on cards? Ajit Pawars sons meet Sharad Pawar in Baramati
The meeting took place at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institute in the Pawar familys hometown of Baramati, and lasted around one-and-a-half hours. There was no official word on the agenda, though sources indicated the discussions may have focused on the possible merger of the two NCP factions
Dense fog disrupts movement in Delhi as AQI remains `very poor`
Delhi woke up to dense fog on Wednesday, affecting visibility and disrupting vehicular movement across the city. The IMD issued a yellow alert, warning of dense fog conditions during the morning and forenoon
Three Ghaziabad sisters die by suicide; cops suspect online game addiction
A senior police officer said preliminary investigations indicate the three sisters were hooked on a Korean task-based interactive love game, and their parents had raised concerns about their excessive mobile phone use in recent days
Tamil Nadu likely to witness fog, light rain and mild chill in the next few days
Tamil Nadu is likely to witness light rainfall in southern and delta districts, while early-morning fog may affect visibility in western, and north-western regions. Most other parts of the state, including Puducherry, will remain dry with a slight rise in daytime temperatures
SIR row: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Supreme Court against EC
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reached the Supreme Court for a crucial hearing on petitions challenging the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. She sought permission to argue in person amid tight security
Maharashtra council panel summons Kunal Kamra over remarks against Dy CM Shinde
Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee has summoned comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare. They are to appear for a hearing regarding alleged insulting remarks made against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The committee issued notices 15 days ago. Failure to appear may lead to further action.
Union budget 2026-27, Economic Survey, India-EU trade agreement and more: The week in 5 charts
The Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 was presented in Parliament, the Economic Survey looking back over the last year was published, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a helicopter crash over the last week. Here are graphics explaining these and other top stories from last week.
A dramatic incident unfolded on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway when a gas tanker flipped, bringing traffic to a standstill overnight. Cars were rerouted to the older highway as emergency crews scrambled to manage a dangerous leak of propylene gas near the Adoshi tunnel. For over 12 hours, countless drivers found themselves stranded, lacking essential services.
IIT-Bombay student jumps to death from hostel terrace
A 21-year-old IIT Bombay student, Naman Agarwal, a second-year BTech Civil Engineering student from Rajasthan, died by suicide after allegedly jumping from a hostel terrace. Campus authorities alerted police, who are investigating the circumstances. No suicide note has been found, and statements are being collected.
Fadnavis has no right to comment in NCP merger talks, Sharad Pawar says
Sharad Pawar has asserted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cannot comment on Nationalist Congress Party merger discussions. Pawar clarified that Fadnavis was not part of the talks. He mentioned that Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar were leading the merger negotiations. The focus now is on mutual support. Pawar expressed happiness regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy CM.
Ayush services to be available after AIIMS Bibinagar completion: G Kishan Reddy
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy reviewed the progress of AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, stating that Ayush treatment services will be available once the hospital becomes fully operational. He said most new buildings and the emergency block are nearly complete and highlighted the institutes super-speciality status and improved connectivity
Tremors felt in Kolkata after earthquake hits Myanmar, Bangladesh and Tibet
Tremors were felt in parts of Kolkata on Tuesday following a series of earthquakes in neighbouring regions, including Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Residents reported shaking of household items and sudden jerks
Intelligence-based Op Kiya underway in Udhampur after contact with terrorist
The joint operation involves troops from CIF Delta, the White Knight Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF
Rajya Sabha continues discussion on motion of thanks on President`s Address
Parliament witnessed chaos during the Motion of Thanks debate as eight opposition MPs were suspended and Rahul Gandhi accused the government of blocking his speech on national security and Ladakh standoff issues
India and US boost strategic ties, focus on Quad and minerals cooperation
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed expanding bilateral and Quad cooperation, focusing on critical minerals, trade opportunities, and Indo-Pacific security during talks in Washington
Maharashtra: How Shubhada Kawale is changing exam futures in rural area
Former chemistry professor Shubhada Rohit Kawale continues to teach and mentor underprivileged Std XII students in Sangamner years after retirement. Through free classes, counselling, and emotional support, she helps rural students overcome academic stress and financial barriers to succeed in Maharashtra State Board examinations
Candelas electric hydrofoil ferry sets new distance record at sea
Sweden-based Candelas electric hydrofoiling ferry P-12 has completed a record 160-nautical-mile journey from Gothenburg to Oslo, marking the longest electric sea voyage by a passenger vessel. Using submerged hydrofoil wings to lift its hull above water, the ferry cuts drag significantly and reduces energy consumption by nearly 80 per cent
French prosecutors raid X offices, summon Elon Musk in cybercrime probe
French prosecutors have raided the offices of Elon Musks social media platform X as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged cybercrime offences, including the spread of child sexual abuse material, sexually explicit deepfakes and Holocaust denial. Authorities have summoned Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino for voluntary interviews
Canada arrests three Indian nationals in Surrey firing incident
Canadian police have arrested three Indian nationals after shots were fired outside a residence in Surreys Crescent Beach neighbourhood during an anti-extortion patrol. The accused were taken into custody following reports of gunfire and a small fire outside the home and have been remanded until Thursday
Thirteen-year-old swims 4 km for help after family swept out to sea
A 13-year-old boy swam for nearly four hours to shore after his family was swept out to sea in Geographe Bay while kayaking and paddleboarding. After his kayak capsized, the boy continued swimming and alerted authorities, enabling marine rescue teams to locate and save his family 14 km offshore
Mahatma Gandhi statue stolen from Indian community centre in Australia
A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was cut and stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The statue, gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and inaugurated in 2021 by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, was allegedly stolen by three unidentified offenders
Bihar govt tables Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget in assembly
The Bihar government on Tuesday tabled a Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget in the state Assembly, projecting a strong economic growth rate of 14.9 per cent for the current financial year. Presented by Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav, the budget allocates an annual scheme outlay of Rs 1.22 lakh crore
Dont inconvenience citizens while upgrading infra
Officials acknowledged crowd management needs attention and that will be addressed once work is complete.
The India-US trade deal strengthens one of the most consequential economic partnerships
Bombay High Court curbs sale of basements and parking spaces
The Bombay High Court ruled that basements and parking spaces are common amenities and cannot be sold as independent units or used to claim housing society membership. The judgment strengthens rights of co-operative housing societies across Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar`s son Parth Pawar likely to be nominated to Rajya Sabha
Parth Pawar is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha following his mother Sunetra Pawars appointment as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. However, controversy surrounding a Pune land deal has prompted discussions within the NCP about considering his brother Jay Pawar instead
2 Injured, Over 70 Rescued After Fire In Thane's Residential Building
Two persons were injured and more than 70 trapped people rescued after a fire broke out in an electric duct of an 18-storey residential building in Maharashtra's Thane city early on Tuesday, an official said.
Even after customs exemption in Union Budget, best cancer drugs still far from affordable
Firing at Rohit Shettys residence in Mumbai: Lawrence Bishnoi aide gave Rs 40k for 2-wheeler
Gangster Shubham Lonkar, allegedly behind the firing at Rohit Shetty's bungalow, paid Rs 40,000 for the attack scooter. Four Pune youths, involved in arranging the vehicle, were arrested. Lonkar, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is still at large. The gang has prior involvement in attacks on Salman Khan and Baba Siddique.
2 taxiing aircraft brush wingtips at Mumbai airport, all passengers and crew safe
Two Airbus A320 aircraft, an Air India and an IndiGo, had their wingtips brush during taxiing operations at Mumbai airport on Tuesday. No injuries were reported, but both aircraft were grounded for inspection. Air India confirmed damage to its aircraft's wingtip, while IndiGo stated all passengers were safely disembarked.
Study: Horse dung polluting water, soil and air in Matheran
CBI probe shut, 10-yr ED case on MCX, Jignesh Shah closed
Man held with four pistols, cartridges in Thane
Sena MP Naresh Mhaske flags welfare fund imbalance, seeks higher cashless cover for accident
Police not expected to act on home mins instructions to perform illegal acts: Court
Two teen girls arrested for mans murder in Bhiwandi
Thane court acquits five in 2020 police assault case; cites contradictions, lack of evidence
Kandivli man booked for sexually abusing dog
Mangrove clean up drive in Navi Mumbai, 1250 kg waste removed
Animal Welfare activists raise concern over detention of sterilized stray dogs in Navi Mumbai
