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Heavy rainfall triggers landslide, Konkan Railway services disrupted | Maharashtra weather updates
The incident, which occurred around 6:30 PM, brought train movement to a halt along the busy 741-kilometre-long route that connects Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.

The incident, which occurred around 6:30 PM, brought train movement to a halt along the busy 741-kilometre-long route that connects Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. A Konkan Railway spokesperson confirmed that a huge boulder had fallen onto the tracks amid heavy rainfall in the coastal Konkan and Goa region, impacting rail traffic on the Mumbai-Goa route.
Restoration work carried out
Following the landslide, train traffic was suspended temporarily, and the removal of debris was undertaken swiftly. The KR spokesperson said services were restored a few hours later, at around 8:00 PM, after the tracks were cleared.
The spokesperson also informed that only one train had to be regulated due to the incident. Despite the limited regulation, passengers reported that several trains on the Konkan route were running late.
Konkan Railway on landslide, restoration work
A planned work of loose scaling in Veravali Vilavde section was underway with the protection of the site from both sides. During the work, a few boulders were rolled down and infringed the track. However, an emergency block was executed to remove the infringement and protect the site. Moreover, adequate precautions were taken and traffic was restored within two and half an hours from reporting of the incident. Few trains were regulated at arequent announcements were done for the passengers. Adequate catering arrangements were done at Ratnagiri, Vaibhavwadi,Sawant wadi stations, the CPRO of the Konkan Railway said in a statement.
Heavy rainfall across Konkan and Goa
Heavy unseasonal rains lashed the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa on Tuesday, contributing to the landslide. The highest rainfall of 121 mm was recorded at Pernem station in Goa, an official said.
Officials noted that the continuous downpour in the region had made the debris removal more challenging, delaying the clearance operations.
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in parts of Maharashtra
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said several parts of Maharashtra are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and gusty winds between May 21 and 24 due to a developing weather system over the Arabian Sea.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, a cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the east-central Arabian Sea, off the Karnataka coast. A low-pressure area is likely to develop over the same region around May 22, which may then move northwards and intensify.
IMD official Shubhangi Bhute said that under the influence of this system, rainfall activity across Maharashtra is likely to increase during the forecast period. Regions expected to be affected include south Konkan, parts of south-central Maharashtra, and Mumbai.
“There is a likelihood of heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph or even higher,” Bhute added.
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Air India Targeted: DGCA Launches Safety Audit Following Ahmedabad Accident

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive safety audit of Air India, triggered by the deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 271 lives.

Why the Audit Was Ordered
The crash of Air India Flight AI-982 shocked the nation. Early reports point to operational lapses and possible crew mismanagement. In response, the DGCA announced an urgent audit from June 24 to 26 across Air India’s main operational hubs.

What the Audit Will Cover
The DGCA audit will investigate:
- Flight operations and SOP adherence
- Pilot duty hours and crew fatigue management
- Cabin safety and emergency preparedness
- Maintenance records and technical inspections
- Training and simulator usage records

DGCA’s Previous Warnings to Air India
Even before the June crash, DGCA had flagged:
- Irregularities in cabin crew rostering
- Concerns over pilot rest periods and flight-hour limits
- Non-compliance with mandatory reporting protocols
Three senior officials were removed from duty last month after repeated non-compliance warnings.

Air India’s Response
Air India stated that it:
- Welcomes the audit
- Will fully cooperate with DGCA
- Has initiated an internal review of its operational protocols
The airline also offered financial assistance and counseling support to victims’ families.
Implications for Indian Aviation
- The incident raises concerns about oversight of privatized carriers
- Could trigger audits for other airlines (e.g., IndiGo, Akasa)
- Might lead to stricter enforcement of safety protocols across all carriers
News
Israel–Iran Conflict LIVE: Israel Katz Vows “Forceful” Military Response

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to “respond forcefully” following Iranian missile launches that reportedly breached a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Here’s where the situation stands:

What’s Happened So Far
- Iranian Missile Fire
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles toward Israel mere hours after a U.S.-backed ceasefire was announced by former President Donald Trump. Some missiles were intercepted, but others struck targets including residential buildings in Beersheba, causing fatalities and injuries - IDF’s Response Order
In reaction, Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed he has ordered the IDF to “respond forcefully” with intensified strikes targeting regime-critical sites in Tehran - Ceasefire in Disarray
The initial ceasefire—intended by Trump to last 12 hours—was disrupted. Both sides continue hostilities despite official statements, with Israel hitting Iranian missile facilities and Iran retaliating with further missile and drone attacks

Immediate Impact
- Civilian Casualties
- In Iran: Follow-up Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted Tehran’s nuclear-related sites and regime infrastructure, including Evin Prison, resulting in significant damage and reported casualties
- Regional Weaponization
Additional strikes were reported, including drone-launched missiles hitting U.S. bases in Qatar. The U.S. responded with strikes on Iranian nuclear installations

Geopolitical Backdrop
- U.S. Involvement
President Trump hailed the ceasefire as a diplomatic success. However, with hostilities continuing, U.S. forces engaged Iranian-led threats, triggering fresh strikes - International Concerns
Global leaders—including those from the EU, UN, and China—are urging restraint. The unfolding situation raises fears of a wider regional conflagration .

What to Watch Next
- IDF Operations – Will Israel follow through on Katz’s directive with large-scale strikes on Tehran?
- Missile & Drone Exchanges – More launches from Iran (or allies) could provoke further escalation.
- U.S. Military Posture – Monitoring how the U.S. responds to threats against its forces in the region.
- Ceasefire Viability – Despite official declarations, the situation remains volatile; Israel maintains high alert across civilian zones
News
Snake Charmers Release Snakes in Moving Train, Passengers Panic

Snake charmers allegedly let loose snakes inside a moving passenger train in Uttar Pradesh, creating chaos and fear among commuters.

What Happened
- A group of itinerant snake charmers boarded the Chambal Express (Howrah–Gwalior route) in a general-class coach without tickets, requesting donations for their snakes
- When some passengers refused to pay, the charmers reportedly released cobras into the coach to intimidate them .
- A travel influencer onboard captured a chilling moment: the charmer waved a cobra near passengers—even using it to wake sleeping travelers

Passenger Reaction & Intervention
- Panic erupted as passengers hurriedly moved, some climbing seats, while fear spread through the coach
- After creating the disturbance, the charmers reportedly caught the snakes and escaped by jumping off near Mahoba station, leaving behind alarmed passengers
- According to local reports, Railway Police (GRP) conducted a thorough search, relocated frightened passengers, and filed a case against the unidentified charmers

Broader Context
- Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including on the Jan Shatabdi Express, where a snake sighting caused panic and coach evacuation
- Snake charming is now largely illegal in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but some performers still carry snakes—sometimes disabling venomous features—to maintain their act

Implications
- Passenger safety: Such stunts endanger lives and strain both commuters and railway staff.
- Policy enforcement: Highlights need for stricter Railway and Wildlife Act enforcement to prevent wildlife misuse.
- Increased surveillance: Suggests need for vigilance on general coaches and proactive patrolling by Railway Police.
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