Hyderabad: The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) has extended the last date for admissions to first-year intermediate courses for the academic year 2024-25. Students can now enroll in these courses until August 20, 2024.
Junior colleges offering the two-year intermediate programs have been instructed to continue admitting students until the new deadline. This extension provides additional time for parents and students to complete the admission process.
Parents and students are encouraged to enroll in colleges affiliated with the TSBIE. A comprehensive list of these affiliated colleges is available on the board’s official website at https://tgbie.cgg.gov.in/.
Hyderabad: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is set to introduce two new categories of buses, Semi Deluxe and Metro Deluxe, in an effort to increase revenue. While Semi Deluxe buses will operate between major cities, Metro Deluxe buses will serve intra-city routes. With some buses already at depots, these services are expected to start soon.
The new bus services come in response to the financial strain caused by the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, which offers women free travel in express and city ordinary buses. This scheme has led to a significant increase in passenger numbers but a decline in RTC’s ticket revenue. Currently, the government has pending dues of about Rs 610 crore to reimburse RTC for ticket sales, causing major concern for the corporation.
To counteract the revenue decline, RTC is planning to launch the new bus categories. Presently, Palle Velugu, Express, Deluxe, Super Luxury, and Garuda buses are the major revenue earners for RTC, with Express services being the most profitable. However, the introduction of free travel has halved RTC’s direct income from Express buses. Additionally, Deluxe category buses have seen lower popularity and fewer numbers.
The new Semi Deluxe category aims to bridge the gap between Express and Deluxe services. The ticket price will be 5-6% higher than Express buses and 4% lower than Deluxe buses, with improved seating. Express buses will be diverted to routes with high demand, addressing the issue of overcrowding due to free travel accommodations for women, which has made it difficult for men to find seats. RTC officials noted that 20% of men have switched to alternative transportation due to this issue.
Metro Deluxe buses, previously phased out due to age, are now being restored. With the reintroduction of this category, women will need to purchase tickets, potentially boosting RTC’s profits.
By launching these new services, TGSRTC aims to enhance its revenue streams and provide better transportation options for passengers.
Hyderabad: A 24-year-old software engineer was allegedly gang-raped by two men at a hotel party in the city on Tuesday. The incident came to light when the woman reported it to the police, detailing the harrowing experience.
According to the police, the victim went to a restaurant-cum-bar in Vanasthalipuram with her childhood friend, who was also her former school classmate, to celebrate her new software job. The group was partying and consuming alcohol when the situation took a turn for the worse.
Later in the evening, the two accused allegedly raped her in a hotel room while she was in an inebriated state. Despite her protests, they sexually assaulted her. The woman filed a police complaint, naming a friend and another man known to her as the perpetrators, and demanded strict action against them.
Based on the victim’s complaint, the Vanasthalipuram police have registered a case and are actively searching for the two accused, who are currently absconding. The police have visited the hotel and are in the process of gathering evidence to further the investigation.
New Delhi: The Congress party on Wednesday took a significant step by moving a Privilege Motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The motion comes in response to PM Modi’s social media post, which included remarks by BJP leader Anurag Thakur that had been expunged from the parliamentary proceedings.
The motion, moved under rule 222, was initiated by Charanjit Singh Channi, former Punjab Chief Minister and current Jalandhar MP. Rule 222 allows a member, with the Speaker’s consent, to raise questions involving a breach of privilege concerning a member, the House, or a Committee.
In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Channi highlighted that on July 30, 2024, certain remarks made by Anurag Thakur during a debate on the caste census were expunged by the Speaker. Channi’s letter expressed shock that PM Modi shared the expunged portions on social media platform X, along with the entire speech video.
PM Modi’s post praised Thakur’s speech, describing it as “a must hear” and “a perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance.” This action by the Prime Minister has drawn sharp criticism from Congress leaders.
Rahul Gandhi, who was directly targeted in Thakur’s remarks, accused the BJP MP of insulting him. Gandhi stated he did not want an apology but emphasized the importance of passing the caste census in Parliament. “Abuse or insult me as hard as you can but don’t forget we will pass the caste census in this Parliament for sure,” Gandhi asserted.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned PM Modi’s actions. He emphasized that caste should not be a topic of discussion in Parliament and criticized the Prime Minister for supporting such indecent comments. “In Parliament, you don’t ask anyone’s caste. This has been done deliberately to insult. Even the Prime Minister should not support such indecent things,” Kharge remarked.
The Privilege Motion against PM Modi is a significant development in the ongoing political tensions surrounding the caste debate in India.
In a tragic incident, two people were killed and 20 others injured when at least 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed in Jharkhand’s Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The accident occurred near Barabamboo, approximately 80 km from Jamshedpur, at 3:45 AM on Tuesday. The derailment took place under the Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway (SER).
Rescue and relief efforts were quickly initiated, with injured passengers receiving medical assistance at Barabamboo before being transferred to Chakradharpur for further treatment. The railway authorities announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 5 lakh for those with major injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. The majority of passengers were transported to Chakradharpur railway station, with a special train arranged to take them to their destinations.
West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary, who is present at the accident site, confirmed the fatalities and injuries. Senior DCM of Chakradharpur, Aditya Kumar Choudhary, stated that the investigation would be led by the Commissioner of Safety, Railways. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to expedite relief operations and ensure the injured receive medical care.
SER spokesperson Om Prakash Charan reported that a nearby goods train also derailed, although it is unclear if both incidents happened simultaneously. The accident site lies near the border between the West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts.
For those seeking information, the South Eastern Railway has established helpline numbers in various locations, including Mumbai, Bhusawal, Nagpur, Tata, Chakradharpur, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. Additional numbers are available for Howrah, Shalimar, and Kharagpur, ensuring that passengers and their families can access the necessary assistance and information.
Recent Train Accidents in India
This year, India has witnessed a significant number of train accidents. Some notable incidents include:
Odisha Train Collision (June 2024): A devastating collision involving three trains in Odisha’s Balasore district resulted in the deaths of over 292 people and injured more than 1,000 others.
Bhopal-Ujjain Passenger Train Blast (March 2024): An explosion on a passenger train near Jabdi station in Madhya Pradesh killed 10 people and injured 50.
Guwahati-Howrah Saraighat Express Derailment (January 2024): A derailment near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal resulted in the deaths of 7 passengers and injured 30 others.
These incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in India’s railway network, despite various measures being implemented to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
Train mishap again!
18 coaches of the Mumbai-bound Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand after colliding with a goods train, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries.
A devastating landslide near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district has claimed at least 89 lives, with hundreds more feared trapped. Rescue efforts are in full swing as emergency teams strive to locate and assist survivors.
Health Minister Veena George reported that over 70 people have been injured and that a bridge in the area has been washed away. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, with additional NDRF units on the way. Two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been mobilized to support the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring full support from the Centre. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. “We are trying every possible thing to rescue our people. We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured,” said Health Minister Veena George.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that all government agencies are actively participating in the rescue operations. A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed, and two Air Force helicopters, including an Mi-17 and an ALH, are scheduled to support the rescue operations from Sulur at 7:30 a.m.
Rahul Gandhi Addresses Parliament on Wayanad Landslide Tragedy
“The Devastation Unfolding in Wayanad is Heartbreaking”
Speaking in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi has called on the Union government to provide all possible support for the Wayanad landslide disaster, including increased and immediate compensation for bereaved families.
Growing Concern Over Landslides
Gandhi emphasized the alarming rise in landslides across the country in recent years. He stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive action plan to address the increasing frequency of natural calamities, particularly in ecologically fragile regions. [Watch the video of Rahul Gandhi’s address in Parliament today]
The devastation unfolding in Wayanad is heartbreaking. I have urged the Union government in Parliament to extend all possible support, including increased compensation and its immediate release to the bereaved families.
Due to heavy rainfall and increasing flood flow from upper catchment areas, authorities at the Srisailam reservoir have implemented flood management protocols by raising three gates this week. The water level at Srisailam currently stands at 878.40 feet, slightly below its full capacity of 885 feet.
Kurnool Chief Engineer Kabir Basha confirmed that gates 6, 7, and 8 have been lifted to manage the floodwaters. Each gate has been raised by ten feet, facilitating an outflow of 27,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) per gate, resulting in a total release of 81,000 cusecs directed downstream to Nagarjuna Sagar.
The Srisailam reservoir has a full storage capacity of 215.80 TMC and currently holds approximately 179.89 TMC of water. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as floodwaters continue to rise, ensuring safety remains a top priority.
The dramatic release of water from the reservoir has become a natural spectacle, attracting visitors who are drawn by the sheer force and beauty of the Krishna river.
A tragic incident occurred in Volgograd, Russia, when a passenger train carrying 800 people collided with a Kamaz truck, leading to the derailment of eight carriages. At least two people lost their lives, and up to 100 were injured in the accident, according to Russian media.
The train, traveling from Kazan in Tatarstan to Adler on the Black Sea, derailed near the Kotelnikovo station, approximately 1,200 km (750 miles) south of Moscow. Emergency services, including 324 workers and helicopters, responded swiftly to the scene.
Visuals from the accident showed twisted and battered carriages, with passengers attempting to climb out. The Mash Telegram channel reported the fatalities and suggested the death toll might increase, while the Interfax news agency estimated up to 100 injuries. TASS reported that law enforcement sources confirmed 20 injuries from the collision.
This incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures on Russia’s railways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Rau IAS Delhi Flooding: 13 Coaching Institutes Sealed for Misuse of Basements – Full List Released
A tragic incident in Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar has brought attention to the widespread misuse of basement spaces in the city. The deaths of three young civil service aspirants in a flooded coaching centre basement have prompted authorities to take action. The Master Plan of Delhi 2021 (MPD 2021) and Unified Building Bylaws (UBBL) 2016 provide clear guidelines on basement usage, yet violations are rampant.
Regulations and Violations: MPD 2021 specifies that basements in residential and commercial buildings can only be used for storage, parking, and utility areas. Rau’s IAS Study Circle, located in Old Rajender Nagar, violated these regulations by using its basement as a library. Despite possessing a completion certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) that restricted basement use, the coaching center continued to operate its library in the basement.
List of Sealed Coaching Institutes:
IAS Gurukul
Chahal Academy
Sai Trading
Guidance IAS
Career Power
IAS Setu
Topper’s Academy
Dainik Samwad
Civil’s Daily IAS
99 Notes
Vidya Guru
Easy for IAS
Plutus Academy
Widespread Misuse: This issue is not isolated. Across Delhi, basements house gyms, restaurants, offices, and other establishments, creating potential hazards. While certain professionals like lawyers and doctors are permitted to operate in basements under UBBL 2016, and educational institutions can have study areas in basements, strict compliance with local laws is required.
Complaints and Enforcement: A complaint about the illegal use of the basement at Rau’s IAS Study Circle was filed on June 26. The MCD and Delhi government were notified, but the MCD did not confirm receipt of the complaint. An official noted that the MCD zone officer was already under suspension for another pending complaint.
The Delhi government and MCD have now sealed 13 coaching institutes for unauthorized use of basements. This action is a direct response to the tragic flooding incident and aims to enforce compliance with safety regulations and prevent further loss of life.
Delhi Police have arrested five additional individuals in connection with the deaths of three civil service aspirants who drowned in the flooded basement of a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.
Recent Arrests and Charges:
The latest arrests include four relatives of the building owner, Amarjeet, and the owner of a Force Gurkha car, whose vehicle is believed to have caused significant water damage to the coaching centre’s gate. A viral video shows the SUV driving through the waterlogged street, leading to a large wave of water crashing into the institute’s gate, which then allowed water to flood the basement.
Earlier, the owner and coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle were arrested on Sunday. They were charged with culpable homicide, negligence, and other related charges, and have been sent to judicial custody.
Ongoing Investigations:
Police are scrutinizing the building’s structure and the role of the local municipality in managing the area’s drainage system. The Delhi Fire Service is inspecting the building and its basement, which was illegally used as a library.
Municipal officials responsible for maintaining the drainage system have been named in the FIR. Police will question them and issue notices seeking information.
Bulldozer Action and Encroachment Removal:
Following prior approval from Delhi Police, bulldozer action has commenced to remove encroachments near Rau’s IAS Study Centre.
Official Statements and Public Response:
Deputy Commissioner of Police M. Harshavardhan stated, “Whoever is at fault in this incident will not be spared. We are taking strict action against those responsible and maintaining law and order in the area.”
Amid growing public anger and protests demanding justice for the victims, security has been tightened in Old Rajendra Nagar. Paramilitary forces and police have been deployed to maintain order.
Government Actions and Safety Violations:
The Delhi government announced that a civic body team visited the central Delhi coaching hub to take action against institutes operating from basements. Thirteen coaching centres were sealed during this action.
An MCD official highlighted “gross criminal negligence” on the part of the institute owner, citing the absence of a proper drainage system, safety violations, and illegal basement operations as the causes of the tragedy.
The Incident:
More than 35 individuals, including students and staff, were trapped on Saturday evening when heavy rains led to water flooding the coaching centre’s basement. Tragically, three students—Shreya Yadav from UP, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala—lost their lives.
Delhi Police have registered an FIR and formed multiple teams to investigate the incident, and the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy.
