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Multi-Storey Building Collapses in Mohali, Many Trapped

Rescue operations are underway following the collapse of a multistorey building in Sohana village, Punjab's Mohali district, on Saturday. Local officials report that several individuals are feared trapped under the rubble. The district administration has deployed two excavators and a National Disaster Response Team (NDRF) to assist in the rescue efforts, which also involve the fire brigade. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his concern over the incident, emphasizing the administration's commitment to rescue operations and promising action against those responsible. Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek confirmed that efforts to clear the debris are ongoing, though it remains unclear how many people are trapped. Preliminary reports suggest the collapse may have been linked to excavation work in a nearby area, with witnesses describing a loud noise at the time of the incident. Local leaders, including Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang, are also on-site to oversee the situation. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 7 pm

Students Threaten 3 Delhi Schools Over Delayed Exams, Holiday

Delhi Police have uncovered that bomb threats emailed to at least three schools were orchestrated by their own students, who sought to delay exams. The Venkateshwar Global School received a threatening email following a blast at a nearby multiplex on November 28. The two siblings responsible admitted during counselling that they were inspired by previous bomb threat incidents. Following the threats, police conducted thorough checks and deemed them hoaxes, allowing the students to leave after their parents were warned. Similar threats were reported at two other schools in Rohini and Paschim Vihar, with the same motive of closing schools. In recent weeks, over 100 bomb threats have caused panic across Delhi, with more than 50 incidents targeting various institutions since May. Police face challenges in tracking the perpetrators, as the emails were sent via a VPN, hindering their investigation efforts. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 6 am

Six-Storey Building Collapses in Mohali, Five Trapped

A six-storey building in Mohali, Punjab, collapsed on Saturday evening, trapping five people beneath the rubble. Rescue operations are currently underway, with one individual successfully rescued and transported to the hospital. Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire teams are on-site, investigating the cause of the collapse. Authorities suspect that the building's structural integrity may have been compromised following excavation work for a nearby basement. Local officials, including Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, are overseeing the rescue efforts. Mann expressed his concern on social media, emphasizing the administration's commitment to ensuring safety and accountability. The building reportedly housed a gym across three floors, and estimates indicate that between five to eight individuals may still be trapped. Medical teams are on standby to assist as needed. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 4 am

GST Council Exempts Gene Therapy, Lowers Rice Kernel Tax

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant decisions following the 55th GST Council meeting, including a reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on rice kernels from 18% to 5%, aimed at supporting economically weaker sections reliant on public distribution. The Council also exempted life-saving gene therapy from GST and maintained tax exemptions for components used in manufacturing surface-to-air missiles. Sitharaman noted that caramelised popcorn would see an increase in GST to 18% due to health concerns linked to added sugars. Additionally, black pepper and raisins sold by farmers remain GST-free, while those sold by merchants incur taxes. The Council discussed, but did not finalize, the taxation of delivery charges by e-commerce firms and the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel under the GST framework. Efforts to simplify registration for small companies and clarify definitions for prepackaged goods were also highlighted. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 2 am

Man Escapes Jaipur Fire That Killed 9 After Jumping

A catastrophic collision on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan early Friday morning resulted in a deadly inferno, claiming at least nine lives and injuring over 40 others. The incident occurred around 5:30 am when an LPG tanker caught fire after a truck collided with it and several other vehicles near a petrol pump. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, with flames visible from over a kilometer away. One survivor recounted narrowly escaping the explosion, while another reported seeing a man engulfed in flames. The blast was powerful enough to engulf vehicles within a 300-meter radius, with many drivers suffering severe burn injuries. Preliminary investigations indicated that the truck involved was loaded with a chemical. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and assured that the local administration is working to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. sources

Published:
Dec 20 2024, 1 pm

12-Year-Old Gurugram Boy Sends Bomb Threat for Online Classes

A 12-year-old student from Shriram Millennium School in Gurugram has been accused of sending a bomb threat via email in a misguided attempt to force the school to transition to online classes. The incident came to light when the school reported the threat on December 18, prompting an investigation by the Cyber Crime police. Authorities traced the email back to the student, who admitted to sending it without fully understanding the seriousness of his actions. Station House Officer Naveen Kumar confirmed that the boy is cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing. The case highlights the potential consequences of impulsive actions by young individuals in a digital age, as police emphasize the importance of understanding the gravity of such threats. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 11 pm

Fadnavis retains Home; Shinde receives three Maharashtra ministries

MUMBAI: Nearly two weeks post the Maharashtra oath ceremony, cabinet portfolios were announced on Saturday, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde receiving Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works, but not the sought-after Home portfolio. Ajit Pawar, the second Deputy Chief Minister, was appointed to the crucial Finance Ministry and State Excise portfolio. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will oversee Home, Energy (excluding renewable), Law and Judiciary, and other key departments. The cabinet comprises 42 members, just one short of the permissible 43. The allocation followed a week-long winter session of the state Legislature. Opposition leaders criticized the session as merely formal, accusing the government of failing to tackle pressing issues. Uddhav Thackeray's party leader, Aaditya Thackeray, remarked on the delay in portfolio allocation as "a joke," highlighting that ministers had received perks without responsibilities. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 10 pm

ISRO Creates First 'POEM' to Explore Life in Space

India's space agency, ISRO, is set to launch its first biological experiments into space aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) as part of the upcoming C-60 mission. This marks a significant milestone for India, as it will involve three experiments using living biological materials, including spinach, cowpea, and gut bacteria. The experiments aim to understand how these organisms survive in the harsh conditions of space, with data collected remotely from a sealed environment. The initiative is part of ISRO's broader goal to enhance astrobiological studies and is seen as a precursor to future missions, including the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send an Indian astronaut into space. The PSLV will also facilitate the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX), demonstrating satellite docking capabilities. This venture not only supports ISRO's research but also encourages collaboration with Indian startups and academic institutions, fostering innovation in space science. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 10 pm

15 Trapped After Punjab Building Collapse; Army Assists Rescue

Fifteen individuals are feared trapped following the collapse of a multi-storey building in Mohali, Punjab, on Wednesday evening. The Indian Army has deployed specialist engineering equipment to assist in the rescue efforts, which also involve teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, along with local officials, is supervising the operation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed the incident, expressing concern for the victims and promising action against those responsible. Preliminary reports suggest the collapse may have been triggered by excavation work for a basement in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise at the time of the collapse, while local media noted that the building housed a gym across its three floors. The administration is urging public cooperation during this critical rescue phase. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 10 pm

Allu Arjun Addresses Misinformation in Stampede Controversy

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has expressed his distress over the "humiliating" allegations surrounding a tragic stampede at the Hyderabad premiere of his film 'Pushpa 2', which resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son critically injured. Addressing reporters, Arjun emphasized that he is not blaming anyone for the incident but feels the accusations are a form of "character assassination." Chief Minister Revanth Reddy claimed that Arjun attended the event without police permission, leading to chaotic scenes, while the actor countered that he believed he had the necessary clearance. He denied conducting a roadshow and stated that he was unaware of the crowd's dangers until informed by his manager. Following his arrest related to the incident, Arjun was released on bail within 24 hours, reiterating his empathy for the victims and their families. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 8 pm

Poll Rule Change Hinders Access to Electronic Records, Causes Controversy

The Indian government has amended an election rule to restrict public access to certain electronic records, including CCTV footage and webcasting from polling stations, citing concerns over potential misuse and threats to voter secrecy. This change, prompted by a court case, modifies Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which previously allowed public inspection of all election-related documents. The amendment clarifies that only specific "papers" listed in the rules are open for public scrutiny, effectively excluding electronic records. The Election Commission (EC) argues that this is necessary to prevent the creation of misleading narratives through artificial intelligence. The opposition, particularly Congress, has condemned the move as a threat to electoral integrity and plans to challenge it in court, emphasizing the need for transparency to maintain public trust in the electoral process. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2024, 8 pm

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