Kolkata’s iconic Kumartuli Ghat, a key part of the city’s cultural and religious heritage, is set to undergo a major transformation before Durga Puja 2026. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority has announced that the renovation work will be completed ahead of the festival season. The ₹10-crore project aims to restore the historic riverside ghat used by Kumartuli’s idol makers, who collect sacred clay for Durga idols. Planned upgrades include riverbank protection, improved walkways, decorative lighting, CCTV surveillance, seating areas and better public amenities. Officials say the revamp will preserve Kolkata’s heritage while enhancing safety and visitor experience. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan's airspace while carrying out a go-around manoeuvre near Amritsar airport, the airline said. The incident involved flight AI479 on June 22, when the crew had to abort its landing approach and circle back for another attempt. Air India described the airspace entry as a “marginal infringement” and said the aircraft returned safely to Indian airspace. The airline has informed the relevant aviation authorities and launched an internal investigation into the incident. No passengers were affected, and the flight landed safely in Amritsar. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal is moving closer to merging tiger habitats in the South 24-Parganas forest division with the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, a proposal already cleared by the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The merger awaits a state notification, pending for nearly a year. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said efforts would be made to expedite the process. Once implemented, the reserve will expand from over 2,500 sq km to more than 3,600 sq km, becoming India’s second-largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Officials and conservationists believe unified administration, stronger protection, higher funding, better staff incentives, and reduced human interference will significantly strengthen tiger conservation across south Bengal. (PC: fra.animalia-life.club)

Mumbai's long-awaited southwest monsoon finally arrived on June 24, ending a 13-day delay from its usual onset date. While the rains brought relief from intense heat and humidity, they also caused severe waterlogging across several parts of the city. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, and traffic disruptions were reported near Saki Naka, Andheri, and other low-lying areas. Authorities closed the Everard Nagar subway and restricted access to heavily inundated zones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts as heavy rainfall is expected to continue. Civic officials and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remain on high alert to manage flooding and ensure commuter safety.

A shocking murder investigation in Pune has revealed that a businessman allegedly ignored several warning signs before his death at a historic fort. Police claim his fiancée first attempted to kill him during an earlier trip, but the effort failed. Days later, she allegedly lured him to a 400-foot cliff at a fort and pushed him to his death. Investigators say the accused carefully planned the crime and attempted to make it appear accidental. Authorities have arrested the woman and are examining motives, including possible financial and personal disputes. The case has sparked widespread public attention due to its dramatic and disturbing details.

A seven-year-old Labrador retriever named Mary played a pivotal role in helping Sambhal Police solve a child sexual assault case after investigators found no CCTV footage, eyewitnesses or immediate forensic leads. Using the scent from a scarf recovered near the crime scene, Mary traced a trail through narrow lanes and stopped outside the accused’s house, located less than 300 metres away. Although the suspect initially fled, police later tracked and arrested him. Investigators also conducted a scent identification parade, where Mary reportedly identified the accused again. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Police rewarded Mary with ₹10,000 for her contribution.

Commercial flight operations from Mundra Airport are set to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration in western India. Announcing the development, Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings, said the launch of commercial services will significantly improve access to Mundra and enhance connectivity for passengers and businesses. The move is expected to provide better transportation links to the region, which is home to major industrial, logistics and port infrastructure. Improved air connectivity is likely to support trade, tourism and investment while offering faster travel options for residents and corporate travellers. The initiative marks an important milestone in Mundra’s infrastructure and connectivity growth.

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead at her home in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, a day after appearing for the NEET re-examination. Police said a handwritten note was found on her question paper. In the note, she reportedly wrote, “I am not capable of anything.” Investigators believe she may have been upset about her expected exam performance. Her family said she dreamed of becoming a doctor and following her brother’s path. Police have sent the note for forensic and handwriting examination. The exact cause of death is under investigation, and the post-mortem report is awaited. (PC: HT)

A preliminary investigation into the deadly Lucknow building fire has found that the structure was using electricity far beyond its approved limit. Officials said the building had a sanctioned load of 20 kilowatts but was drawing over 34 kVA before the blaze. The fire killed 15 people, including students and professionals, in Aliganj's Sector D. Investigators are now examining whether earlier warnings about power overload were ignored. Authorities are also looking into safety approvals, electrical systems and emergency preparedness. The exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed. A detailed technical investigation is underway. (PC: PTI)

A devastating fire that killed 15 people in Lucknow's Aliganj area has drawn attention to the troubled history of the commercial building where the tragedy occurred. Official records show the property had faced demolition proceedings in 2016 over alleged unauthorised construction, with the Lucknow Development Authority initially issuing a demolition order before later withdrawing it. The building also changed ownership multiple times since its original allotment in 1980. Investigators are examining whether violations of building regulations and fire safety norms contributed to the scale of the disaster. Preliminary findings indicate the blaze may have started in an air-conditioning duct, while inadequate emergency exits and rapid smoke spread may have trapped victims inside.