The post Dense Fog Slows Tejas and Shatabdi Trains Across North India appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>According to railway officials more than a dozen long distance trains reached their destinations behind schedule. Foggy conditions slowed down train movement on multiple routes resulting in delays ranging from two to ten hours. Passengers faced inconvenience as platforms remained crowded due to late arrivals.
Air travel was also affected with several flights departing from and arriving at Lucknow witnessing delays. Poor visibility during early hours disrupted normal flight operations forcing airlines to adjust schedules. Airport authorities stated that operations gradually improved as visibility increased later in the morning.
Weather experts said the cold wave has intensified across the region leading to harsh morning chill. However conditions are expected to change by evening as winds begin to shift direction. This change may lead to partial relief from fog in the coming days.
The Meteorological Department reported that temperatures remained below normal during the morning hours. Over the next three days minimum temperatures are likely to hover around low levels while maximum temperatures may rise slightly during daytime.
Officials advised commuters to remain cautious during early morning travel and stay updated on train and flight schedules as fog conditions may persist intermittently.
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]]>The post Former Bus Conductor, Doctors Among 45 Padma Shri Awardees Named Unsung Heroes appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Anke Gowda, once a bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, has been honoured for setting up Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free access library. The library houses over two million books in more than 20 languages along with rare manuscripts and has emerged as a major centre for learning and knowledge sharing across the country.
Medical professionals feature prominently among the awardees. Mumbai based paediatrician Armida Fernandes has been recognised for founding Asia’s first human milk bank, a pioneering initiative that has significantly improved infant survival. Shyam Sundar was selected for developing an affordable diagnostic test for Kala Azar, also known as black fever, while veteran haematologist Suresh Hangavadi was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the treatment of Haemophilia.
The list also includes Ladakh based Padma Gurmet for promoting ancient Tibetan medicine, Tamil Nadu veterinary scientist Punniamurthy Natesan for combining traditional practices with modern animal healthcare, Hyderabad based geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj, and Gujarat based social worker Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, founder of Donate Life, who has played a key role in promoting organ donation.
Several artists preserving India’s rich cultural heritage have also been honoured. These include Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Silambam martial art exponent K Pajanivel from Puducherry, 90 year old tribal Tarpa musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, and 100 year old Nata Sankirtana performer Yumnam Jatra Singh from Manipur.
Other awardees include folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu from Bihar, Rajasthani Bhapang musician Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Gujarati Maanbhatt artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya and Taga Ram Bheel, who has worked to preserve the fading Algoza musical tradition.
The Padma Shri has also been conferred on theatre and performing arts contributors, such as, Odisha based Sakhi Nata actor Simanchal Patro, Naga folk theatre guru Sangyusang S Pongener, and Assam scenographer Nuruddin Ahmed.
Among those recognised for social service and community development are Jammu and Kashmir based social worker Brij Lal Bhat, Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, Ramchandra and Sunita Godbole for providing affordable healthcare to tribal communities in Bastar, former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sandhu for sanitation advocacy, and Techi Gubin for preserving the culture of the Nishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
The list further honours literary figures and artisans, such as, Santhali author Charan Hembram, senior journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi for over six decades, Kashmiri writer Shafi Shauq, and Naresh Chandra Debbarma for advancing Tripura’s Kokborok language.
Craft and environmental contributions were recognised through awards to brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, bronze sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Kantha embroidery mentor Tripti Mukherjee, Jamdani weaving trainer Khem Raj Sundriyal, 92 year old environmentalist Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G from Kerala, Meghalaya’s Hally War for traditional afforestation and water conservationist Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh.
Agricultural innovation and rural development were acknowledged through honours to Shrirang Devba Lad for the Dada Lad cotton farming technique, Mahendra Kumar Mishra of Odisha for protecting tribal voices, Raghupat Singh from Uttar Pradesh for farming innovations, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar for using Tamasha art to raise awareness on drug addiction.
Sources said the Padma Awards this year continue the tradition of celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions to society, many of whom have overcome personal hardship while serving communities in remote and marginalised regions.
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]]>The post Why GPS Systems Get Disrupted During Lightning Strikes appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>According to scientists, lightning strikes and loud thunder create disturbances in the ionosphere, the upper layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. This layer plays a crucial role in transmitting GPS and radio signals from satellites to the ground. When lightning hits the ground, it triggers turbulence in the ionosphere, disrupting the smooth transmission of these signals.
The study highlights that India experiences some of the highest lightning incidents globally. As per a report by the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council, more than 180 million lightning strikes are recorded in India every year. This makes the country particularly vulnerable to GPS-related disruptions, posing challenges for navigation systems that rely on satellite data.
Researchers from Lucknow University analysed data collected in 2024 from four Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Pune. The findings showed that lightning strikes create rapid fluctuations in the ionosphere’s Total Electron Content (TEC), which directly affects GPS signal accuracy.
The study further observed that within just 2 to 35 minutes of intense lightning activity, significant variations occur in ionospheric electron density. During this period, mobile phone GPS systems are most likely to provide incorrect location data, causing navigation errors for users.
Scientists concluded that understanding these atmospheric disturbances is essential for improving the reliability of GPS systems, especially in countries like India where lightning incidents are frequent.
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]]>The post Rain and Snowfall Disrupt Normal Life Across North India appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>In the hill regions, fresh snowfall was reported in Shimla, Manali, Narkanda, Kufri, and surrounding high-altitude areas. Snow accumulation covered roads and rooftops, forcing authorities to regulate traffic in vulnerable stretches. Tourists visiting these destinations were seen enjoying the snow, even as cold conditions intensified and temperatures dipped significantly.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded around 31 millimetres of rainfall during the recent weather activity. The impact was also felt in Uttar Pradesh, where rain was reported in nearly 35 districts. Meerut recorded a sharp drop in temperature, with the mercury falling to around 10.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest locations in the region.
The meteorological department issued alerts for parts of Uttar Pradesh, warning of strong winds and the possibility of power disruptions due to falling trees and damaged electricity lines. District administrations were advised to remain alert as sudden weather changes could affect normal services.
According to weather officials, the influence of western disturbances is expected to continue for the next few days. This may lead to further rain and snowfall in higher reaches of the Himalayas, along with fluctuating temperatures in the plains. Residents, travellers, and farmers have been advised to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to landslides, waterlogging, and weather-related accidents.
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]]>The post Bubbling Seawater off Gujarat Coast Triggers Concern Among Authorities and Fisherfolk appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The phenomenon has been described as large stretches of seawater continuously bubbling and churning, resembling boiling water. Videos recorded by fishermen operating in the area have highlighted the scale and intensity of the disturbance.
Vivekanand Kadam, head of the Palghar District Disaster Management Cell, said the situation requires urgent scientific and technical examination.
Kadam stated that such turbulence in the sea is highly unusual and must be closely studied by specialised marine and industrial agencies. He added that the affected area lies close to major sea transport routes and important fishing zones, increasing the level of concern.
According to officials, there are fears that the activity could be linked to gas leaks from the seabed, underwater geological movements, or possible leakage from undersea pipelines. The Palghar Disaster Management Cell is coordinating with maritime and other concerned authorities to determine whether the disturbance is caused by natural geological processes or a man-made industrial incident.
As a precautionary measure, fishing boats and other vessels have been advised to remain extremely cautious while navigating near the identified coordinates until more clarity emerges.
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]]>The post Snowfall Likely to Return to North Indian Hills After a Dry Winter Says Weather Agencies appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>According to Skymet Weather the entire western Himalayan belt experienced over ninety percent deficit rainfall and snowfall in December 2025. Uttarakhand was among the worst affected states where snowfall was almost absent during the peak winter month. Prolonged dry weather meant that while cold conditions prevailed the typical winter landscape was missing across many mountain areas.
Weather agencies now indicate that conditions may start changing from January 16. A western disturbance is likely to reach the western Himalayan region around this date which could trigger snowfall at elevations above twelve thousand feet. Another stronger western disturbance is expected around January 19 which may increase both the intensity and spread of snowfall. Forecasts suggest that snowfall activity could gradually intensify after January 21 with its impact possibly extending till around Republic Day on January 26.
The expected snowfall has raised hopes in Ladakh where the Khelo India Winter Games are scheduled between January 20 and January 26. Events are planned at the NDS Ice Hockey Stadium in Leh the Ladakh Scouts Ice Rink and Gupuk Pond and fresh snow could support both sporting conditions and local expectations.
Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of dense fog and cold wave conditions across more than ten states. Between January 17 and January 20 rain and snowfall are likely in Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand while light rain may occur in parts of Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
Cold conditions continue to grip the plains as well. Minimum temperatures have dropped sharply with Meerut recording 3.1 degrees Celsius Ayodhya and Muzaffarnagar 3.5 degrees Bathinda 3.2 degrees Narnaul one degree and Bhiwani 1.2 degrees Celsius. The weather department has warned that cold wave conditions may persist over Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Punjab Haryana Chandigarh western Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Odisha for the next two days before gradual improvement sets in. In some areas of Punjab Haryana and Chandigarh cold day conditions are also likely meaning daytime temperatures may remain significantly below normal.
Dense fog is expected to continue over northwest India and Bihar for the next five days. Punjab Haryana Chandigarh and Uttarakhand may experience dense to very dense fog during morning and night hours till January 17 with patchy fog possibly continuing till January 22. Western Uttar Pradesh may see dense fog till January 18 and eastern Uttar Pradesh till January 19 while similar warnings have been issued for Bihar sub Himalayan West Bengal Sikkim Gangetic West Bengal Assam and Meghalaya on different days.
As for temperature trends minimum temperatures in northwest India may rise by three to five degrees Celsius over the next four days after which no major change is expected for three days. Central India is likely to see stable temperatures over the next twenty four hours followed by a rise of two to four degrees over the next three days. Eastern India may witness little change for three days before temperatures increase by two to three degrees over the following four days. In Maharashtra temperatures may fall by two to three degrees over the next two days before rising again while Gujarat could see a rise of two to three degrees in the next two days.
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]]>The post Akshay Kumar, Rani Mukerji Come Together For The First Time In OMG 3 appeared first on The Edge Media.
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According to sources, work on OMG 3 has already begun and the makers have selected a powerful and timely subject for the upcoming film. The central social issue in this instalment is said to revolve around women, making it a hard hitting narrative that reflects contemporary concerns.
An insider revealed that Rani Mukerji has been cast because the script specifically required an actor of her calibre. The film will be directed by Amit Rai, who also helmed OMG 2.
Discussions with both Akshay Kumar and Rani Mukerji have already taken place, and Mukerji’s role is described as substantial rather than a brief appearance.
Through her character, the film will address an important issue concerning women, and her performance is expected to surprise audiences. The pairing of Akshay and Rani is also expected to evoke nostalgia for fans of 1990s cinema.
The Oh My God franchise began in 2012 with the release of the original film starring Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. Directed by Umesh Shukla, the story followed the journey of an atheist shopkeeper who challenges God in court after an earthquake destroys his livelihood. The film explored themes such as religious exploitation and the commercialisation of faith.
The franchise returned in 2023 with OMG 2, a spiritual sequel directed by Amit Rai. The second film featured Pankaj Tripathi as a devout follower of Lord Shiva, with Akshay Kumar portraying a divine messenger. It addressed issues faced by teenagers and highlighted the importance of sex education, receiving positive responses from viewers.
Sources indicate that OMG 3 is expected to go on floors in the first quarter of 2026.
Apart from this project, Rani Mukerji will next be seen in Mardaani 3, while Akshay Kumar has several upcoming releases lined up, including Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, Haiwaan, and the ensemble comedy Welcome to Jungle.
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]]>The post MPCB Cracks Down on Ready Mix Concrete Plants to Tackle Mumbai Air Pollution appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has stepped up enforcement measures against air pollution in Mumbai by shutting down four ready mix concrete plants and initiating action against 37 units, recovering penalties worth ₹1.87 crore. The action comes as part of a broader drive to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms across construction related activities in the region.
MPCB member secretary M Devender Singh said special flying squads have been deployed to immediately inspect RMC plants and verify adherence to prescribed pollution control conditions. He added that strict action, including closure of facilities, will be taken against units found violating norms that contribute to deteriorating air quality.
Following a high level review meeting chaired by MPCB chairman Siddhesh Kadam, the board constituted four special inspection teams for Mumbai city and two teams for Navi Mumbai. These teams are conducting on site inspections to strengthen enforcement and take swift action against non compliant plants.
The review focused on tightening oversight of industries linked to dust and particulate emissions, especially RMC units, which are considered a major source of construction related air pollution.
In a related move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation recently suspended bullet train related construction work at the Bandra Kurla Complex after finding lapses in compliance with anti air pollution measures.
According to the MPCB, inspections carried out so far have resulted in penalties amounting to ₹1.87 crore being recovered from 37 ready mix concrete plants, while four units have been ordered to stop operations due to serious environmental violations. The board has indicated that inspections and enforcement actions will continue in the coming weeks to curb rising pollution levels.
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]]>The post Rajasthan CM Rules Out Mining in Aravallis, Reaffirms Commitment to Conservation appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>read also: Centre Says Only 0.19 Percent of Aravalli Region Open to Legal Mining
Addressing a public programme in Jhalawar district, Sharma underlined that the protection of the Aravalli range is a priority for his administration and said no form of interference would be tolerated. He emphasised that conservation efforts require firm intent and concrete action rather than symbolic campaigns.
Taking a dig at the Congress, the chief minister said social media drives such as changing display pictures under the Save Aravalli banner were insufficient.
He cautioned against misleading the public and reiterated that his government would ensure the Aravallis remain protected, with no mining permitted in the region.
The statement coincided with statewide protests by Congress workers and several social organisations demanding stronger safeguards for the Aravalli range. Sharma made these remarks while addressing a women empowerment conference in Dudhalia village, organised to mark the completion of two years of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan.
Highlighting the role of women in national development, Sharma said true progress is not possible without empowering women, describing them as the backbone of families and key contributors to nation building.
According to an official statement, he noted that women are advancing across sectors and said the double engine government is implementing multiple initiatives for their upliftment.
Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who was present at the event, praised Sharma’s leadership and said Rajasthan is moving swiftly towards becoming a developed state under his stewardship.
During the programme, the chief minister transferred Rs 187.59 crore as LPG subsidy to the bank accounts of 78 lakh women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Rasoi Gas Subsidy Scheme. He also released the first instalment of Rs 2,500 each to 18,000 beneficiaries under the Lado Protsahan Yojna.
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]]>The post Centre Says Only 0.19 Percent of Aravalli Region Open to Legal Mining appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>He claimed that the Congress, during its time in power in Rajasthan, allowed widespread illegal mining and is now attempting to mislead the public by creating confusion over the revised definition.
According to Yadav, the new definition approved by the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Ministry of Environment is intended to curb illegal mining and allow limited and sustainable mining only under strict scientific oversight.
read also: Government Says Over 90 Percent of Aravalli Region Will Remain Protected
The minister explained that no fresh mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. This plan will scientifically identify zones where mining may be permitted only in rare and exceptional cases, while also demarcating ecologically sensitive and conservation critical areas where mining will remain strictly prohibited.
Yadav said that legally sanctioned mining currently covers only about 0.19 percent of the total geographical area across 37 Aravalli districts in Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. He added that Delhi, which also has Aravalli districts, does not allow any mining activity at all. Existing mines, he said, can continue operations only if they strictly comply with the sustainable mining norms laid down by the committee.
The Supreme Court in November 2025 approved a uniform legal definition of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range. Under this framework, an Aravalli Hill is defined as a landform rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain, while an Aravalli Range is identified as two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other. Yadav clarified that all landforms within this 500 metre zone, regardless of their height or slope, are excluded from mining permissions.
Environmental groups and scientists have raised concerns that several ecologically significant features such as foothills, low ridges and recharge zones may fall outside the 100 metre threshold.
They argue that opening such areas to development could weaken groundwater systems, biodiversity and climate resilience. These concerns have sparked protests and online campaigns across several states.
Rejecting these allegations, the Centre has maintained that more than 90 percent of the Aravalli region remains protected and that the revised definition does not dilute environmental safeguards. The government has said the primary objective of the new framework is to prevent illegal mining while ensuring long term ecological protection of one of India’s oldest mountain systems.
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