Articles by News Desk

First ‘pod’ hotel at Mumbai Central railway station Indian railways’ first pod hotel was inaugurated at Mumbai Central station on Wednesday, November 17th, by Raosaheb Danve, minister of state of railways. The hotel is spread over 3000 square feet and is located on the first floor of the station building, with facilities such as 48 capsule-like rooms and separate pods for women and differently-abled persons. Affordable overnight accommodation is also available. For 12 hours, passengers will have to pay Rs 999, and Rs 1,999 for 24 hours.  Source: Hindustan Times Private hospital in Mumbai becomes first provide free COVID-19 vaccination …

With Bengaluru experiencing near continuous rainfall over the last few days, water scarcity is the last thing on any one’s mind. But come February, when the water taps open to a trickle and the tanker water suppliers hike their rates, it won’t be easy. What does it take to save every possible drop and manage water demand to avoid the typical summer worries? As per the BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board), the current water demand for the city is 2,100 MLD (Million Litres per Day), which is an increase of 50% compared to the demand 10 years ago.…

Devotees bathe in Yamuna despite toxic foam To mark Chhath Puja on November 10th, hundreds of devotees stood in knee-deep waters of the Yamuna river that was heavily polluted with white toxic foam. Caused by pollutants from industries in New Delhi that dispose off their toxic waste into the river, the 1,336 km Yamuna is one of the world’s most polluted rivers, and provides more than half of New Delhi’s water. Three Yamuna Action Plans have done little so far to clean up the river. Ironically, union cabinet minister Nitin Gadkari announced just after the media splashed pics of people…

Chennai faces week of deluge and water logging Chennai faced above average rainfall in two intense spells this week, leaving most of the city water-logged. Many residents found themselves marooned when heavy rains lashed the city, with power supply being cut to prevent mishaps. The city saw 5.5 times more rainfall than is the norm for November in just a week, leaving civic agencies scrambling to run rescue and relief operations. Multiple agencies including Chennai Corporation, the Fire department, and state and national Disaster Response forces were deployed to rescue stranded individuals and those in distress and provide shelter and…

99% of Mumbai vaccinated at least once, according to BMC data Ninety-nine percent of Mumbai’s population has been vaccinated at least once, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data. BMC said it administered 15.067 million vaccine doses (both doses) until November 10. This includes vaccine doses administered at all private, municipal, state and central government-operated vaccination centres since January 16 this year, when the vaccination drive began across the country. The city's eligible population is 9,236,500. “So far, a total of 9,204,950 beneficiaries have been given their first dose, of which 5,862,933 beneficiaries have received both their doses.” A BMC…

High COVID count in four wards Four BBMP wards - Koramangala, Hagadur, Bellandur and Begur - have high COVID counts, reporting around 25 cases a day. The reason is said to be the increased influx of migrants, who had not been tested properly at railway and bus stations, said a civic health official. BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said they are monitoring the situation in the four wards and are continuing surveillance and genome sequencing to check for any new strain. Of 286 cases reported in the state on Thursday, 169 were from Bengaluru Urban district. However, active case count in…

BBMP Commissioner Gaurav Gupta, in a press release, said the revised voters' list for all 28 Assembly Constituencies within BBMP limits was published on November 8th. The list has been published at the Voter's Registration Office, office of the Assistant Electoral Officer and in the ward offices. Citizens can review their details and make any corrections if required. This is in the line up to the Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls - 2022. The voters' list is also available at the website of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Karnataka as well as the BBMP website. You can also find…

Air pollution in Delhi reaches hazardous levels post-Diwali The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached an alarming 1645 at 1 am on Friday, November 5th, a day after Diwali. AQI data revealed that, post 6pm on Diwali, the air quality in the city worsened, as firecrackers were burst across the city. Citizens complained of itchy throats and watery eyes. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and beyond, ‘severe.’   Source: Times of India Read more: Delhi: Super commission fiddles while…

Mumbai set to get its first new rail corridor in 100 years For the first time in a century, Central railway is set to build a new railway corridor of 17.5 km all the way to South Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The project will demolish over 700 structures, rebuilding many that are on the route and diverting the old harbour line to P D’Mello Road. Source: Mid-Day Read more: Mumbai is not fully open until the trains start running Diwali crackers in full force in Mumbai despite strict Supreme Court curbs Representative Image | Source: Wikicommons Despite a…

Door delivery of govt services launched State government has launched two initiatives - ‘Janasevaka’ (peoples’ servant), and ‘Janaspandana’, an IPGRS (Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System) - to deliver government services at the doorsteps of citizens. These services are modelled after the Delhi government’s doorstep service delivery scheme. Janasevaka can help citizens avail of 56 government services at their doorsteps. These include home delivery of ration at subsidised rates, of Aadhaar card, caste certificate, income certificate, senior citizen card, BBMP khatha transfer and health card. Source: Indian Express Markets crowded, cracker sales brisk for Deepavali Though heavy rains played spoilsport on Deepavali, shoppers…