Author: Deshwale National Desk

Mumbai is all set to get its first Amrit Bharat Express. This new train will run between Saharsa in Bihar and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Kurla, giving Mumbaikars a direct link to the eastern parts of the country. It’s the third such train in the country, following the ones launched on the Darbhanga-Anand Vihar and Malda Town-Bengaluru routes. Now, what’s special about this train? Well, it’s designed for the common traveller. It’s a superfast, non-air-conditioned train made for long-distance travel—more than 800 km—and has sleeper and unreserved coaches. Think of it like a Vande Bharat, but for the aam…

If you’re planning to take the Central Railway late at night this weekend or early next week, just a heads up – some train services will be affected. Why? Two key upgrade works are on the table – one at Badlapur to ease crowding and another between Diva and Mumbra to fine-tune train power usage. Starting from the night of 20 April, Central Railway is getting down to business with two planned night blocks. These works are important for making future travel smoother, but yes, they’re going to mess with train timings for a bit. Let’s break it down simply,…

Afghanistan’s Public Executions Draw UN Fury The Taliban’s harsh justice system is once again under fire. UN experts have called for an immediate end to public executions and flogging in Afghanistan. Their urgent appeal follows the execution of four men on 11 April in Badghis, Farah, and Nimroz provinces. These executions, carried out under the Taliban’s interpretation of Qisas (retribution), bring the known total to at least 10 since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The UN said turning executions into public events violates international law and human dignity. “It normalises brutality,” they warned, “and creates a climate…

Mumbai is one of the fastest-developing metropolitan cities in the country. The city constantly witnesses new building constructions, road widening, and various development projects. As a result, a significant amount of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is generated. Currently, Mumbai produces an estimated 8,500 metric tons of C&D waste daily. If not managed properly, this waste can have serious consequences on the environment and public health. Illegal dumping leads to roads, grounds, and public spaces getting filled with debris. This not only affects the aesthetics but also deteriorates air quality, contaminates water sources, and poses health risks. Recognizing this situation,…

In a decisive move to boost cybercrime response, Mumbai Police has launched a three-day Cyber Investigation & Forensics Training programme for 253 officers. The training, held in collaboration with FedEx and United Way Mumbai (UWM), aims to strengthen the force’s ability to combat the rising tide of digital crime. The training targets personnel from cyber cells, crime branches, detection units, and anti-narcotics cells, sharpening their skills in handling threats like online fraud, phishing, financial scams, and misuse of social media platforms. Crime Fighting Goes Digital As technology advances, so do the methods of criminals. Addressing officers during the training, Datta…

Apollo Hospital in Indore has partnered with Medtronic India to launch a specialised renal denervation therapy centre, aiming to transform hypertension care. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 17, 2025. Tackling India’s Silent Killer Hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer,” is one of India’s most widespread health concerns. According to the National Health Mission, it contributes to 1.6 million deaths annually due to ischemic heart disease and stroke. With only 20% of patients having their blood pressure under control globally, the need for innovation in treatment has become urgent. What is Renal Denervation…

Mumbai is on a mission to fix its decades-old road woes. The city aims to be pothole-free by 31 May 2025. This promise comes as part of a massive ₹6,632 crore cement concrete (CC) road overhaul by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Officials have been instructed to speed up the work while ensuring all quality benchmarks are met. The goal is not just smoother roads, but lasting results that survive monsoons and heavy traffic. Quality Control Gets Serious The city has taken a strict stance against shoddy work. Two road contractors have been fined ₹20 lakh each for poor construction…

Good Friday – a solemn and sacred day, is observed by Christians across the world as part of the Holy Week, within the Paschal Triduum. It’s a day to reflect deeply on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Though marked by sorrow, Good Friday also brings with it a powerful message of hope and love. Why Is It Called ‘Good’ Friday? Ever wondered why a day remembering such immense suffering is called Good Friday? The term has sparked debate for years. In German, it’s referred to as Karfreitag, meaning Sorrowful Friday. Some believe the English…

On 16 April 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated Amravati Airport in Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone for the region’s infrastructure and economy. The newly launched airport is expected to play a vital role in improving connectivity in Vidarbha, an area historically underserved by air travel options. The Prime Minister hailed the project as a game-changer for Vidarbha’s economic growth, emphasising that the airport would enhance trade, business opportunities, and tourism. He noted that improved air connectivity would not only make travel easier but also bring in investments that would accelerate regional development. With the new airport in place, the region…

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an innovative initiative called “Suvidha” to improve cleanliness and public health across the city. Mumbai, being a vast metropolis, has long struggled with the shortage and poor maintenance of public toilets. Addressing this issue, BMC partnered with Hindustan Unilever Limited to implement the Suvidha initiative, which provides citizens with access to clean, safe, and high-quality public toilets, bathing facilities, laundry services, and clean drinking water. In densely populated areas and slums of Mumbai, although public toilets existed, they were often unhygienic and unusable due to lack of maintenance. Women, in particular, faced serious…