Category Archives: public safety

area, government, politics, public safety, transport

‘India Losing 3% Of GDP Annually Due To Road Accidents,’ Says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

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New Delhi: India is losing 3 per cent of its GDP due to around 5 lakh road accidents annually in the country, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday.

The Minister for Road, Transport and Highways made the remarks while addressing AMCHAM’s event on “Technology Interventions For Road Safety: US-India Partnership” in the national capital.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Gadkari said the most important problem for the country is road accidents. He noted that every year, India witnesses approximately 4,80,000 accidents, resulting in 1,88,000 deaths, predominantly among people aged between 18 and 45 years.

The minister also raised concerns over the loss of young lives, pointing out that around 10,000 deaths annually are of children below 18 years of age.

He emphasized, “It is one of the major public health issues, and the most important thing is that we are losing 3 per cent of GDP because of road accidents.”

Gadkari further cited poor Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) as one of the key reasons contributing to these accidents. He stated, “DPR consultants are the main culprits responsible for the road accidents. Sometimes, due to cost-saving measures, other reasons, and a non-serious approach, these reports are inadequately prepared.”

To encourage public assistance for accident victims, the government has decided to provide an award of Rs 25,000 to any third person who helps a victim of an accident.

Additionally, Gadkari mentioned, “If any patient, by accident or after an accident, is admitted to any hospital, we can provide Rs 1,50,000 maximum or cover up to 7 years of expenditure for their treatment by the doctor.”

These measures aim to improve road safety and support accident victims across the country.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-losing-3-of-gdp-annually-due-to-road-accidents-says-union-minister-nitin-gadkari

government, law, public safety, transportation

‘Filming reels prohibited’: Delhi Metro cracks down on making videos

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By Snehil Singh | Sep 24, 2025, 02:29 PM

**Delhi Metro Cracks Down on Social Media Content Creation Inside Trains**

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has launched a new campaign to curb commuters from creating social media content, such as shooting reels, inside metro trains. The initiative began on September 14 and is being implemented across the entire metro network this week, according to a DMRC official quoted by Hindustan Times.

### Passenger Experience and Comfort

As part of the campaign, in-train announcements have been introduced to warn passengers against recording videos or playing loud music while on board. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, explained that these measures aim to enhance passenger comfort and ensure that all commuters can travel without inconvenience.

He stated, “This step has been taken to ensure that fellow passengers are not inconvenienced due to such activity.” The new announcements are made in both English and Hindi and complement existing rules that prohibit sitting on floors or eating inside metro coaches.

### Legal Framework and Existing Rules

While the Metro Railways Act, 2002, does not explicitly ban the recording of reels, it empowers authorities to penalize individuals for “creating a nuisance.” This provision covers disruptive behavior inside metro stations and coaches.

The decision to broadcast specific in-train announcements comes amid growing concerns that the Delhi Metro has become a popular spot for shooting social media content — a trend that often disrupts other commuters.

### Enforcement Challenges

The DMRC faces challenges in enforcing these rules effectively. In 2023, the metro’s flying squads—originally assigned to prevent men from accessing women-only coaches—were also instructed to monitor and address complaints about objectionable content being recorded inside trains, as reported by The Times of India.

Additionally, enforcement actions have been taken for other violations. For instance, in April this year, a 25-year-old commuter was arrested for allegedly drinking alcohol inside a metro coach, highlighting DMRC’s commitment to maintaining discipline and passenger safety.

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Through these combined efforts, the Delhi Metro aims to create a more comfortable and respectful environment for all passengers while adapting to the challenges posed by the rise of social media activities in public spaces.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-metro-bans-reels-social-media-videos-fines-for-violations/story

government, law, public safety, transportation

‘Filming reels prohibited’: Delhi Metro cracks down on making videos

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By Snehil Singh | Sep 24, 2025, 02:29 PM

**DMRC Launches Campaign to Curb Social Media Content Creation on Delhi Metro Trains**

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has initiated a new campaign aimed at discouraging commuters from creating social media content while traveling on the metro. Launched on September 14, this campaign will be enforced across the entire Delhi Metro network over the coming week, according to a DMRC official quoted by Hindustan Times.

As part of the campaign, in-train announcements are being made to warn passengers against recording reels or playing loud music inside coaches. These measures are designed to improve the overall passenger experience by minimizing disruptions.

### Enhancing Passenger Comfort

Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, explained that the primary goal is to ensure that fellow passengers are not inconvenienced by such activities. He stated,
“This step has been taken to ensure that fellow passengers are not inconvenienced due to such activity.”

The new announcements, delivered in both English and Hindi, complement existing rules such as prohibitions on sitting on the floor or eating inside coaches.

### Legal Framework and Enforcement

While the Metro Railways Act, 2002, does not explicitly ban shooting reels inside metro coaches, violators can be fined under existing provisions for “creating a nuisance.” These regulations apply to inappropriate behavior both inside coaches and at metro stations.

The decision to introduce these in-train announcements comes amid growing concerns over the Delhi Metro becoming a hotspot for video content creation, which often causes disruptions for other commuters.

To address enforcement challenges, DMRC has expanded the responsibilities of its flying squads. Previously focused on preventing unauthorized men from entering women’s coaches, these teams are now also tasked with monitoring and curbing objectionable content filming on the metro, according to a report by The Times of India.

### Other Notable Incidents

In April 2025, a 25-year-old commuter was arrested for allegedly drinking alcohol inside a metro coach, underscoring the ongoing efforts by DMRC to maintain decorum and safety within the metro system.

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The new campaign reflects DMRC’s commitment to ensuring a comfortable and disturbance-free travel experience for all passengers. Commuters are encouraged to adhere to the rules and help maintain a respectful environment inside Delhi Metro trains.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-metro-bans-reels-social-media-videos-fines-for-violations/story

crime, justice, public safety, society

MP News: Relative Arrested For Raping 16-Year-Old Girl In Gwalior; Lured Her On Pretex Of Temple Visit, But Took Her To Forest

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**16-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by Distant Relative in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh**

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a distant relative in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district. The accused, Pawan Kushwaha, lured her under the pretext of visiting a temple but instead took her to a nearby forest and sexually exploited her. He also recorded obscene videos of the girl and used them to blackmail her.

According to reports, the crime took place in the Chinaur area of Bhitarwar. The incident began when Kushwaha, who is a distant relative of the victim, used to visit her house frequently. Police reports reveal that Kushwaha confessed his love for the minor and promised to marry her.

Taking advantage of the victim being alone at her sister’s house, Kushwaha allegedly sexually exploited her and recorded obscene videos. When the girl stopped meeting him, he started threatening to make the photos and videos viral.

The crime escalated further when Kushwaha arrived on his bike to visit the minor again. He lured her with the promise of a visit to the Dhumeshwar temple. However, instead of heading to the religious site, he took her to a nearby forest where he raped her once again.

Frightened by the assault and ongoing blackmail, the girl confided in her family. They promptly lodged a formal complaint against the accused at Chinaur police station.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police registered cases under the Rape and POCSO Act and launched a manhunt. Following a tip-off from an informer, authorities tracked Kushwaha to his brother-in-law’s residence in Chak Kishanpur village, where he was apprehended.

Station in-charge Shailendra Gurjar took immediate action and arrested the accused. CSP Gwalior Robin Jain stated, “The heinous crime was committed by the victim’s distant relative, whom she had known for the last two years. The girl, who stayed in a hostel, was raped twice.”

The police have assured that the accused will be dealt with strictly as per the law. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-relative-arrested-for-raping-16-year-old-girl-in-gwalior-lured-her-on-pretex-of-temple-visit-but-took-her-to-forest

community, football, law enforcement, public health, public safety

Police cracking down on drunk driving during AFL grand final weekend

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Victoria Police are cracking down on drunk and drug drivers over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.

As the celebrations begin, authorities are increasing patrols and checkpoints to ensure roads remain safe for all commuters. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and avoid getting behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or drugs.

Stay safe and remember: the consequences of impaired driving can be severe.

*Published on September 24, 2025, at 4:53 PM.*
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/police-cracking-down-on-drunk-driving-during-afl-grand-final-weekend-20250924-p5mxos.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

accident, government, india, investigation, public safety

Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse Tragedy: State Cabinet Accepts Justice Bhosale Committee Report, Orders Action Against Officials

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**Mumbai: State Cabinet Accepts Justice Dilip Bhosale Committee Report on Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse**

The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday accepted the report submitted by the Justice Dilip Bhosale committee, which was constituted to investigate the illegal hoarding collapse incident that occurred in Ghatkopar in May last year. The tragic accident claimed 17 lives and left 74 others injured.

### Recommendations Against Officials

The committee’s report recommended action against state officials responsible for permitting the illegal hoarding. In response, the state government’s Action Taken Report (ATR) stated that departmental enquiries (DE) are currently underway against former Government Railway Police (GRP) commissioners Quaisar Khalid and Dr. Ravindra Shisve.

### Formation of the Committee and Action Taken Report

The Ghatkopar tragedy prompted the state government to set up the Justice Bhosale committee, comprising key members including the Director General of Police, Additional Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a structural engineer from IIT Bombay, an Income Tax officer, and a chartered accountant.

The committee submitted its report to the government in May, which was then forwarded to the home department for further action. Subsequently, another committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the home department was formed to examine the report and prepare the ATR.

The ACS committee recommended 21 guiding principles, including establishing a nodal mechanism to take action against unauthorized hoardings. It was emphasized that municipal bodies possess full authority to enforce these measures.

### Guidelines for Hoardings

The report includes detailed recommendations aimed at improving safety and regulatory compliance related to hoardings. Key guidelines suggest that hoardings should not be installed on terraces or compound walls.

Additional considerations cover location-specific hazards, traffic safety, pedestrian convenience—particularly for persons with disabilities—design standards, and environmental impact.

Directions are being issued to the BMC and other civic authorities across Maharashtra to implement these recommendations and action points in the ATR.

### Action Against GRP Officials

The committee recommended disciplinary action against senior railway officers who headed the GRP at the time of the incident.

According to sources, the home department’s ATR confirms that departmental enquiries are underway against both officers, with Quaisar Khalid currently placed under suspension.

### New Regulations on Hoarding Size and Removal

The ATR also introduces strict regulations on hoarding dimensions moving forward. No hoarding exceeding 40 feet by 40 feet will be allowed, with height restrictions set between a minimum of 11 feet and a maximum of 60 feet.

Furthermore, all illegal hoardings across the state will be removed immediately by the relevant civic or local authorities.

To streamline the licensing and permission process, civic authorities will establish an independent agency, with the civic body chief serving as the final authority on approvals.

The ATR also states that civic bodies will initiate action against illegal hoardings and, if necessary, collaborate with police forces to ensure enforcement.

### Committee’s Mandate

The Justice Bhosale committee was specifically tasked with investigating the roles of those responsible for erecting the ill-fated hoarding and the adjacent petrol pump in Ghatkopar.

Its objective was to scrutinize the conduct of GRP officials involved and provide recommendations to prevent any such incidents in the future.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-tragedy-state-cabinet-accepts-justice-bhosale-committee-report-orders-action-against-officials

disaster, local news, maharashtra, public safety, weather

Person with disability rescued from swollen river in Maharashtra`s Beed district

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A person with a disability was dramatically rescued from a flooded river in Takalsingh village, located in the Ashti tehsil of Maharashtra’s Beed district, amid relentless rainfall on Monday, police said.

The man was spotted being swept away by strong currents near the village, prompting five local youths to spring into action, reported news agency PTI. They tied ropes around their waists and bravely entered the raging waters to pull him to safety, officials confirmed. The man is currently receiving treatment at the Takalsingh Primary Health Centre, according to Head Constable Pravin Kshirsagar.

Heavy and continuous rains have created havoc in the region, severely disrupting connectivity across several villages, including Kada, Khilad, Suleman Devla, Shiral, Devi Nimgaon, and Dhanora. Multiple rivers and streams in the area are in spate, forcing authorities to shut down key bridges, including those on the Kada-Dhamangaon Highway and near Shiral, to prevent accidents, PTI reported.

Rising water levels in the Kada River along the Ahilyanagar-Beed highway have also led to warnings being issued for residents in low-lying areas. Local officials are urging caution as more rain is expected, and rescue teams remain on alert.

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### IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Mumbai, Palghar, and Thane as Rains Lash Parts of Maharashtra

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Palghar, and Thane districts in Maharashtra as heavy rains lashed parts of the state.

In a weather bulletin, the IMD predicted, “Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated places in Mumbai on September 22.” A similar prediction was made for several parts of Maharashtra, including Thane and Palghar districts.

An orange alert was issued for Nashik, Jalgaon, Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar districts in Maharashtra, predicting “heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places.”

Earlier in the day, the weather department, in its Mumbai weather updates, had forecast a partly cloudy sky for Mumbai city and its suburbs, with the possibility of moderate rainfall. Officials also warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, urging residents to remain cautious, particularly during peak travel hours.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/marathwada-rains-person-with-disability-rescued-from-floodwaters-in-beed-23595280

disasters, earthquakes, public safety

4.3 magnitude earthquake jolts San Francisco area

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An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 shook the San Francisco area early Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred just east-southeast of Berkeley shortly before 3 a.m. PDT.

Many people reported feeling a sharp shake and receiving phone alerts. It was not immediately known if there were any injuries or significant damage caused by the quake.

This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the information provided. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion, without notice, for any reason whatsoever.

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/united-states-news-4-3-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-san-francisco-area-many-people-report-sharp-shake-23595253

community, crime, firearms, law enforcement, public safety

Cops find illegal gun stash after arrest over alleged violent attack

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Police Seize Illegal Firearms and Charge Two Men Following Assault Investigation

Police have seized a cache of illegal firearms and charged two individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The incident traces back to September 14, when a 45-year-old man was seriously injured after allegedly being assaulted by a man known to him at a residence in Lower Barrington. An official report was made to police on September 17 concerning the assault.

On September 19, law enforcement officers, including specialist units, arrested a 40-year-old man in the Beechford area relating to the assault. He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and has been detained to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court.

Following the arrest, police conducted a search of a Beechford residence where several illegal firearms were discovered. The items found included:

– A sawn-off shotgun
– A rifle
– Six homemade pistols
– An antique pistol
– Two imitation firearms (gel blasters)
– Two crossbows, one of which was homemade

A 53-year-old man, who was not involved in the assault, was also charged with several firearms-related offences. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court on October 22.

Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer commented on the discovery, stating, “Every illegal firearm in our community is a concern to Tasmania Police, and poses a risk to public safety. Firearms, particularly homemade ones, are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. They pose a significant threat to the community.”

She added, “Police remain committed to removing illegal weapons from our streets, and we urge anyone with information in relation to illicit firearms to help us by providing information.”

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https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9071817/illegal-firearms-found-after-arrest-over-lower-barrington-assault/?src=rss

community, crime, law enforcement, public safety, transportation

Arrests on first day of transit safety initiative ‘no surprise’: Winnipeg police

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Winnipeg police say their new transit safety initiative has already borne fruit, with arrests occurring as early as Wednesday—the very day the project was announced.

Officers stationed at the Unicity Transit Hub made two separate arrests on launch day. In one incident, a 37-year-old man was apprehended as he attempted to board a bus to flee with goods stolen from a nearby business. The man was charged with theft under $5,000.

“It comes as no surprise to us,” said Supt. Brian Miln. “There’s a direct link to our transit strategy, as some individuals involved in retail crime use transit as a means to leave the area after committing shoplifting and theft inside retail outlets.”

The second incident involved a report from a transit driver who witnessed a man smash a bus window with his elbow. Police patrolling the hub quickly tracked down the 35-year-old suspect, who was charged with mischief under $5,000.

Additionally, police found flammable liquid and a lighter on the man, items he was banned from possessing under the conditions of a release order. He was subsequently charged with failing to comply with those conditions and taken into custody.

Although the transit safety initiative has only been in place for a few days, Miln said public response has been positive so far. “We’ve had a couple of people reach out to us through various means—emails, phone calls, etc.—who are very pleased to see a police presence on buses, saying the initiative is very welcome and overdue.”

The campaign was launched in response to a record high number of violent crimes recorded on transit buses and around bus shelters last year—more than triple the numbers reported in 2019. Authorities say this troubling trend is continuing.

The ramped-up police presence involves both uniformed and plainclothes officers and will focus on routes and stops flagged as problem areas to enhance safety for transit users.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11436989/winnipeg-transit-police-arrests-day-one/