Indian govt is expected to begin the census in 2025
The Central government is expected to initiate the long-awaited census in 2025, completing it by 2026, after a four-year delay. Following this, a delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha seats will commence, likely concluding by 2028. The Congress-led opposition is pushing for a caste-based census, arguing that it is essential for ensuring proper representation for OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis. Congress leader Manickam Tagore criticized the government's refusal to conduct such a census, calling it a betrayal of OBC communities. Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a caste census to assess the participation of marginalized groups in India.
DEMU train engine catches fire in MP’s Ratlam, no one hurt
On Sunday afternoon, a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train caught fire in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district while en route from Dr. Ambedkar Nagar to Ratlam. The incident, occurring at around 5:30 PM, caused panic among passengers, leading to a stampede as many tried to escape. Some jumped from the moving train, suffering minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The train driver stopped the train upon noticing smoke, and local farmers assisted in extinguishing the flames until firefighters arrived. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, and railway officials confirmed that the situation is under control, with passengers being safely transported to the nearest station.
Lucknow hotels receive Bomb threats via email, with a ransom demand of $55,000
On October 27, 2024, at least ten major hotels in Lucknow received bomb threats via email, prompting police to conduct extensive search operations. An anonymous sender demanded a ransom of $55,000, claiming explosives were hidden on the hotels' grounds. The hotels targeted include Comfort Hotel Vista, Clarks Awadh, and Lemon Tree Hotel, among others. Hotel management quickly informed law enforcement, and investigations are ongoing. This incident follows similar threats issued to hotels in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, just days prior, raising concerns about security in the hospitality sector.
Fire breaks out at cracker shop in Hyderabad, woman injured
A significant fire broke out at the illegal firecracker shop, Paras Fireworks, in Hyderabad's Abids area on Sunday, quickly spreading to a neighboring restaurant. The blaze resulted in minor injuries to a woman and destroyed at least eight parked vehicles. Emergency services, including three fire engines, responded swiftly, managing to extinguish the flames by 10:45 PM. Authorities confirmed the shop operated without a valid license, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Maharashtra: Platform Ticket Sales Restricted, 2 New Trains Introduced for Chhath Puja Rush
Central Railway has temporarily restricted platform ticket sales at key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar, and Pune, to manage crowding during the festive season. This follows a stampede at Bandra Terminus that injured at least 10 people. Senior citizens and those with medical needs are exempt from the restrictions. Additionally, Central Railway has announced two unreserved special trains between CSMT and Gorakhpur to accommodate increased passenger demand, bringing the total number of special services for the festivals to 583.
