Rajdhani Express Fire Disrupts Mumbai–Delhi Rail Corridor
A fire broke out in the B-1 AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, causing significant disruption to rail traffic on the busy Mumbai–Delhi corridor. Railway officials acted swiftly to evacuate all 68 passengers safely within minutes and detached the affected coaches to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident led to delays and regulation of several trains on the route. In a related development, five railway staff members were injured when a repair van overturned while heading towards the accident site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Bajrang Dal Accused of Targeting Muslim Staff at Dehradun Showroom
Members of Bajrang Dal allegedly entered a footwear showroom in Dehradun’s Rajpur Road area following claims that Hindu employees were being harassed by Muslim managers. A video circulating on social media purportedly showed activists confronting Muslim staff members, removing their name tags and writing 'jihadi' on them. Bajrang Dal leader Vikas Verma confirmed visiting the showroom and alleged that Hindu employees were being overworked without overtime pay. Police stated that no formal complaint had been received so far, and no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the matter. The incident has sparked tensions in the area, with local authorities monitoring the situation closely.
India, Netherlands Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership
India and the Netherlands upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to The Hague. PM Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten signed 17 agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, trade, and maritime security. The two countries also unveiled a strategic partnership roadmap for the period 2026-2030. Among the key outcomes were agreements on mobility and migration to ease opportunities for Indian students and professionals, as well as the return of Chola-era copper plates to India. This elevation in ties is expected to deepen collaboration in high-tech sectors and enhance economic engagement.
Delhi CNG Price Crosses Rs 80 Mark After Second Hike in 48 Hours
Delhi’s CNG prices crossed Rs 80 per kg for the first time after Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) increased rates by Re 1 per kg on Sunday. The latest hike came just two days after the company had raised prices by Rs 2 per kg. With the new revision, CNG in Delhi now costs Rs 80.09 per kg. The back-to-back increases are expected to impact transportation costs for private vehicle owners, cab drivers, and public transport commuters who rely on CNG as a relatively affordable fuel option. The price rise has drawn criticism from consumer groups, who urge the government to intervene to stabilize fuel prices.
WHO Declares International Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international public health emergency over the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The outbreak has killed dozens of people, with cases continuing to rise in eastern Congo’s Ituri province. WHO stated that the situation met the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), though it stopped short of declaring a pandemic emergency. Health authorities are continuing screening, surveillance, and contact tracing efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. The declaration aims to mobilize international resources and coordinate a global response to the crisis.
