Lift Crash at Chhattisgarh Power Plant Claims Four Lives, Six Injured 2
Four workers lost their lives and six others were injured after a lift crashed from a significant height at a power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night at RKM Powergen Pvt Ltd’s facility in Dabhra, located in Ucchpinda village of Sakti district. According to Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma, ten workers were inside the lift, descending after completing their routine work, when it suddenly plummeted to the ground.
All ten workers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to Jindal Fortis Hospital in Raigarh. Despite efforts by doctors, four succumbed to their injuries during treatment, while six others remain hospitalized and are undergoing medical care.
Preliminary reports suggest that the lift, which had a load capacity of approximately 2,000 kilograms, had undergone maintenance recently on September 29. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether any negligence was involved.
This tragic incident has once again raised questions about industrial safety standards and maintenance protocols in private power plants across the state.
PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s First Fully Digital Aviation Hub 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport on Wednesday, October 8, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation sector. With its launch, Mumbai joins the ranks of global cities like London, New York, and Tokyo that operate multiple international airports.
Developed through a public-private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is India’s first fully digital and AI-enabled aviation hub. Commercial flight operations are expected to commence in December this year.
Spread across 1,160 hectares, the greenfield airport will initially handle 20 million passengers annually with one runway and terminal, eventually expanding to four terminals and two runways with a total capacity of 155 million passengers per year.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the airport is projected to generate over 2 lakh jobs across aviation, logistics, IT, hospitality, and real estate sectors. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have announced plans to operate from NMIA, with initial flight schedules targeting 40% international traffic—expected to rise to 75% over time.
The wait is finally over! After decades of wait, a new era of connectivity is set to begin with the inauguration of The Navi Mumbai International Airport, tomorrow at the hands of Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji.
The airport boasts cutting-edge digital facilities, including AI-powered check-in and baggage systems, digital immigration, pre-booked parking slots, and an online food ordering app for passengers. The terminal features 66 check-in counters, 22 self-baggage drop points, 29 aerobridges, and 10 bus gates, along with an 80-room transit hotel and lounges for 500 travellers.
NMIA is India’s first major aviation hub with integrated multimodal transport links. It connects directly to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Sion-Panvel Highway, and Ulwe Coastal Road, while the operational Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and upcoming Metro Line 8 will link it to Mumbai’s existing airport. Plans for water taxi and high-speed rail connectivity are also underway.
Inside the terminal, travellers can experience immersive digital art installations, interactive exhibits celebrating Mumbai and Maharashtra’s heritage, and a children’s play area. Retail facilities cover 5,000 sq m, including 1,800 sq m of duty-free outlets at both arrivals and departures, ensuring a world-class passenger experience from takeoff to touchdown.
Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix Over Sameer Wankhede's Defamation Suit 6
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to actor Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix, and Red Chillies Entertainment on a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede, who alleged that his reputation was tarnished by the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued summons to all defendants, including Gauri Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Netflix, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt Ltd, and John Doe. The parties have been directed to submit their responses within seven days. The matter will next be heard on October 30.
The court, however, refrained from granting any interim injunction at this stage but directed the defendants to file their replies to Wankhede’s application seeking removal of the alleged defamatory content from multiple online platforms.
In his plea, Wankhede sought ₹2 crore in damages, which he proposed to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients. The petition claims that the series spreads a “misleading and negative portrayal” of anti-drug enforcement agencies, undermining public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Wankhede further alleged that the show was deliberately conceptualised and produced to malign his reputation, particularly since the case involving Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.
Singer Maithili Thakur Hints at Political Debut from Benipatti, May Join BJP Ahead of Bihar Polls 8
As the Bihar assembly elections approach, popular folk singer Maithili Thakur has hinted at entering politics, expressing her willingness to contest from her hometown Benipatti in Madhubani district.
Thakur recently met BJP national general secretary and Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde along with Union Minister Nityanand Rai, sparking strong speculation about her possible induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party and candidature from Benipatti.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to perform at the Narmada Mahotsav, the 25-year-old singer said she feels deeply connected to her native place and would like to begin her political journey from there. “There hasn’t been any official announcement yet, but I would like to go to my village area because I have a special connection with it. Starting from there will also give me a chance to learn. Meeting people, talking to them — I will understand more if I start from my village,” Thakur said.
When asked about her plans for the Bihar elections, she stated that she is ready to contribute in every possible way to the country’s development. Thakur also mentioned that her discussions with Tawde and Rai focused on Bihar’s future and development prospects.
Born in Benipatti to a family of Maithili musicians, Thakur rose to fame in 2011 at the age of 11 and has since become one of India’s most loved folk singers.
The Benipatti constituency is currently represented by senior BJP leader and former minister Vinod Narayan Jha, who defeated Congress candidate Bhavana Jha by over 30,000 votes in the 2020 assembly elections. The seat, known for its Brahmin voter base, could see an interesting political contest if Thakur decides to enter the fray.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar strongly condemned the incident in which a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, calling the CJI the “pride of Maharashtra” and terming the act an attack on democracy and the judiciary.
In a statement issued late Monday night, Pawar said the Supreme Court is the supreme temple of India’s judicial system and that any attack on the judiciary or judges amounts to an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy. “There is no place for such incidents in our democracy. Preserving the dignity of the judiciary is every Indian’s moral responsibility. Strict action must be taken against those responsible,” Pawar said.
Meanwhile, the opposition NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) staged a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday, condemning the attack and describing it as an assault on the Constitution. Led by MLA Rohit Pawar, party workers raised slogans praising Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution while demanding accountability from the government.
Rohit Pawar criticised the BJP, alleging its leaders reacted to the incident only after several hours. “This is an extremely condemnable act. BJP leaders, who tweet instantly on trivial matters, spoke up only seven to eight hours later when public outrage began surfacing. What should this silence be construed as?” he questioned.
The incident occurred on Monday when lawyer Rakesh Kishore, 71, allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court. Quick action by security personnel foiled the attempt, and the Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore’s license.
Lawyer Tries to Throw Shoe at CJI Gavai in Supreme Court, Shouts 'Sanatan ka Apman Nahi Sahenge' 12
A dramatic scene unfolded in the Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe towards Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place while a Bench led by the CJI was hearing the mentioning of cases. The lawyer suddenly approached the dais, removed his shoe, and tried to throw it towards the judge.
Alert security personnel acted swiftly, intercepting the attempt and escorting the lawyer out of the courtroom before he could cause any harm. As he was being taken away, he shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” — meaning “We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma.”
Chief Justice Gavai remained composed amid the disruption and calmly asked the lawyers present not to be distracted. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he remarked.
The Supreme Court’s security unit has launched an inquiry into the incident. Further details about the lawyer’s identity and the motive behind the act are awaited.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre, Ladakh Response on Sonam Wangchuk's NSA Detention 14
The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh over a petition filed by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and seeking his immediate release.
A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria sought a response from the authorities but declined to pass any interim order on providing the grounds of detention to Wangchuk’s wife. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 14.
Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism and advocacy for Ladakh’s autonomy, was detained under the stringent NSA on September 26 — two days after protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent, leaving four people dead and over 90 injured.
The activist is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. His detention has sparked widespread debate and concern among civil society groups and human rights advocates, who have termed the action an attempt to silence dissent in the Union Territory.
ICC Women's World Cup: India Beat Pakistan by 88 Runs; Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma Take Three Wickets Each 16
Kranti Gaud (3-20) and Deepti Sharma (3-45) starred with the ball as India humbled Pakistan by 88 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Defending a total of 247, India bowled out Pakistan for 159 in 43 overs.
The win marked India’s 12th consecutive victory over Pakistan in the format and propelled them to the top of the points table.
Pakistan struggled from the outset, falling behind the required run rate within 15 overs. Sidra Amin top-scored with 81 off 106 balls, reaching her fifty in 82 deliveries and being dropped four times, but she lacked support from the rest of the lineup as India’s bowlers kept the pressure on.
Kranti Gaud and Renuka Singh Thakur opened the attack with precise line and length, extracting swing and seam movement that left Pakistan’s top order searching for answers. Deepti Sharma’s sharp fielding also contributed, including a direct-hit run out of Muneeba Ali.
Earlier, the Indian women struggled on a sluggish pitch, with several batters failing to convert starts. Harleen Deol (46) and Richa Ghosh (35*) added crucial runs in the final overs to push the total to 247. Multiple interruptions, including a 15-minute break for pest control, stretched the innings over four hours.
Pakistan’s chase saw some resistance from Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz (33), but wickets fell at regular intervals.
India’s bowlers remained disciplined throughout, with Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh Thakur sharing the wickets. Richa Ghosh’s two missed catches did little to impact India’s dominance, as Pakistan’s batting line-up lacked depth.
Kranti Gaud was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Brief Scores: India 247 in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*; Diana Baig 4-69, Fatima Sana Khan 2-38) beat Pakistan 159 in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33; Kranti Gaud 3-20, Deepti Sharma 3-45) by 88 runs.
Six Dead in Jaipur Hospital Fire; PM Modi, CM Sharma Express Condolences 18
At least six patients died after a devastating fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late on Sunday night. Police officials said a short circuit was the likely cause of the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “The loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to the hospital to review the situation and assured that all the injured would receive the best possible treatment and care.
“The incident of a fire breaking out at the trauma centre of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur is extremely unfortunate. Upon reaching the hospital, I gathered information from doctors and officials and instructed for immediate relief efforts. Every possible step is being taken for the safety and care of patients, and the situation is being continuously monitored,” Sharma said in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, who accompanied the Chief Minister during his late-night visit, also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. “The incident of a fire breaking out late tonight at the trauma centre of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur is extremely heartbreaking. As soon as I received information, I reached the spot with Hon’ble CM Bhajanlal Sharma Ji, reviewed relief and rescue operations, and met the affected patients and their families,” Bairwa wrote on X.
The Rajasthan government has set up a six-member committee to investigate the cause of the fire and recommend safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Israel Strikes Gaza After Trump Urges End to Bombing, Says Hamas Ready for Peace 20
Israel carried out fresh airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, local authorities said, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump called for an immediate halt to the bombardment and announced that Hamas was ready for peace under a U.S.-brokered plan.
According to Gaza officials, Israeli fire killed six people across the enclave. Four people died when a house was hit in Gaza City, while two others were killed in Khan Younis in the south.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s proposed Gaza plan, which includes the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas’s response to Washington’s terms.
Soon after, Israeli media reported that the country’s political leadership had instructed the military to scale back offensive operations in Gaza. The Israeli military chief of staff said forces were preparing for the first phase of Trump’s plan but did not specify if this included a reduction in attacks.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, submitted its response to Trump’s 20-point peace proposal after being warned by the U.S. president to accept the terms by Sunday or face severe consequences.
Trump, who has positioned himself as the key mediator capable of ending the two-year-long Gaza conflict, said he believed Hamas had shown willingness for “a lasting PEACE.” He called on Israel to stop the bombing to facilitate the safe release of hostages.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that discussions on the details were already underway. “This is not about Gaza alone; this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Netanyahu’s office responded that Israel would continue to work closely with Trump and his team to end the war “in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
Before Israel’s latest strikes, families of hostages still held in Gaza had called on Netanyahu to begin immediate negotiations for their return. Domestically, the prime minister faces mounting pressure from hostage families and a weary public to end the war, while hardline members of his far-right coalition demand that the military campaign continue until Hamas is fully defeated.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Gaza’s health authorities report that Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 66,000 people—mostly civilians—and devastated much of the enclave. Aid restrictions have deepened a humanitarian crisis, with famine conditions emerging in parts of Gaza.
