The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is bringing a new railway technology to India with the introduction of movable crossings, also called swing-nose crossings. The system is being deployed on the high-speed corridor to support safe and dependable train operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

The technology represents a significant change from the fixed crossings generally used on conventional Indian railway routes. In a fixed crossing, there is a small gap at the crossing nose where the rails meet. At very high speeds, particularly above 250-300 kmph, trains passing over this section can experience greater wheel-rail forces.

These forces can contribute to increased vibration, structure-borne noise and wear on both railway components and train wheels. Irregularities in the track can further affect wheel movement as trains pass through the turnout. The movable crossing is designed to overcome this limitation. Instead of leaving a gap in the rail path, the crossing nose moves into position along with the switch rails. This creates a continuous running surface for the wheels and allows them to remain properly guided throughout the turnout.

For passengers, the technology is expected to result in smoother train movement with less vibration and interior noise. From an infrastructure perspective, reducing repeated impact forces could also help limit wear on rails, turnouts and rolling-stock components. The high-speed turnouts will use two independent point machines to control the system. One point machine operates and locks the switch rails, while the second controls and locks the movable crossing nose. The two machines function together through the railway's signalling and control system.

When a route is selected, the signalling interlocking system commands both components to move into their required positions. The train movement is authorised only after the system confirms that the switch rails and movable crossing have reached the correct positions and are securely locked. This arrangement provides an additional level of operational security because the continuous rail path must be correctly established and mechanically secured at both critical points before a train can pass through the turnout.

The point machines themselves are designed to meet demanding high-speed railway requirements. They need accurate movement control, precise positioning and strong locking mechanisms capable of handling the forces generated during high-speed train operations. Multiple detection and verification mechanisms are also incorporated into the system. These checks confirm the final position and locking status of both the switch rails and movable crossing. The interlocking system will release the route only after the required confirmations have been received. The adoption of movable crossings and dual point-machine technology is therefore an important part of the MAHSR infrastructure, supporting the corridor's requirements for safety, smoother rides, reduced equipment wear and reliable operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NHSRCL.

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FDA) has cancelled 16 drug licences and suspended eight others as authorities step up action against an alleged counterfeit medicine network in the state. The action follows a raid conducted on August 18 at an allegedly unauthorised facility near Kurubarakeranahalli in Bidadi. Officials said medicines, expired drugs, packaging material and equipment were recovered during the operation, with the total value of the seized material estimated at around ₹5.05 crore.

According to officials, the investigation began after the FDA's Drug Enforcement Wing received information about the facility. Investigators suspect that lower-cost medicines sourced from outside Karnataka were being repackaged and relabelled as higher-value medicines. The raid reportedly resulted in the seizure of thousands of medicine vials, along with expired stocks and equipment allegedly used in the repackaging process. Authorities are examining the seized products to determine their composition, quality, sterility and potency.

The FDA has also widened its investigation to pharmacies, wholesalers and other businesses that may have handled the suspected medicines. Officials have cancelled the licences of several establishments and suspended eight others as part of the ongoing probe. Authorities have blocked the identified medicine batches on the FDA portal and sent samples to government laboratories for testing. The laboratory results are expected to help investigators determine whether the medicines contained the ingredients stated on their labels and met prescribed quality standards.

A criminal case has been registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. A Special Investigation Team is also examining the suspected supply chain to establish the source of the medicines and identify those involved in their alleged manufacture, repackaging, storage and distribution. Karnataka authorities have indicated that the investigation may extend beyond the state if links to an interstate supply network are established.

The case has also prompted scrutiny of medicine distribution channels, particularly because some of the products under investigation are injectable medicines. Authorities have advised consumers to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and retain purchase bills so that products can be traced if concerns arise. The investigation remains underway, with further action expected after laboratory reports and supply-chain inquiries are completed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from deccan herald.

Surendra Koli, who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2025 in the final case linked to the infamous 2006 Nithari killings, was found dead in Haridwar on Friday, police said. He was in his early 50s. According to the police, Koli was found hanging at a tea stall he had been operating in Haridwar after being released following his acquittal. Authorities said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway.

Koli and his former employer, Moninder Singh Pandher, had faced allegations in several cases involving the rape and murder of children in and around Noida's Nithari area. Both men were convicted in some of the cases at different stages of the legal proceedings, but were subsequently acquitted in all the cases.

Nithari killings shocked the country: The Nithari case came to public attention in December 2006 after human remains, including bones and skulls believed to belong to children, were discovered in a drain near Pandher's house in Nithari village, Noida. Clothes and footwear were also recovered from the area. The discovery triggered widespread outrage in India and drew international attention. At least 19 children were reported dead in connection with the case, while Pandher's bungalow, D-5 in Sector 31, Noida, became widely referred to as the "House of Horrors."

Pandher and Koli, who had worked as a domestic helper at the property, were arrested soon after the discoveries. The Central Bureau of Investigation later took over the investigation and filed several cases against Koli, alleging offences including murder, abduction, rape and destruction of evidence. Pandher was separately accused in a case involving alleged immoral trafficking.

Supreme Court acquitted Koli in final case: Koli had been convicted in 12 cases between 2009 and 2017, with courts imposing the death penalty in those matters. His final case was decided by the Supreme Court in November 2025, when the court acquitted him. The verdict marked the end of the criminal cases against Koli connected with the Nithari killings. The Supreme Court questioned the reliability of the circumstantial evidence presented against him, noting the absence of adequate forensic support and highlighting investigative shortcomings.

The court also referred to alleged leads concerning possible organ trafficking that, according to the judgment, were not properly pursued during the investigation. Koli had previously faced execution proceedings. In 2007, his death sentence came close to being carried out before a last-minute intervention by the then Chief Justice of India resulted in a temporary halt. Following his acquittal in the final case, Koli remained free until his death in Haridwar. Police are now examining the circumstances surrounding his death and conducting further investigation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from wikimedia.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday outlined a series of welfare and public service programmes being held across the national capital to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday. Addressing the media, Gupta said a 108-Kundiya Hawan was organised at the Khatu Shyam Temple on GT Karnal Road, where prayers were offered for the Prime Minister’s health and long life.

“Today is the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have completed a 108-Kundiya Hawan here and, after seeking blessings at the feet of Baba Khatu Shyam, prayed for the Prime Minister’s long and healthy life and for his continued service to the nation,” Gupta said. Among the initiatives announced on the occasion, the Delhi government launched its first official organ donation portal and platform. Gupta said she became the first person to register as an organ donor through the new government initiative.

A large-scale blood donation drive was also organised across Delhi, with thousands of residents expected to participate. Gupta said the programmes were inspired by PM Modi’s repeated emphasis on public service. “Inspired by his constant message of serving the people, we have organised several programmes through the government today,” she said, adding that the mega blood donation campaign was one of the major initiatives.

The Delhi government also introduced the NaMo Shramik Kendra, aimed at helping workers and labourers access government welfare programmes more easily. According to Gupta, the centre will provide direct connectivity to various schemes and make it simpler for eligible workers to receive government assistance. Another programme to be launched on the occasion is a song prepared by school students, Gupta said.

She added that people across Delhi would participate in an evening lamp-lighting initiative, described as “Aashirwad ka Diya”, as a gesture of goodwill and prayers for the Prime Minister. BJP MP Yogender Chandolia said a large 108-kund Mahayagya was also held to mark Modi’s birthday. He said a nationwide Sankalp Abhiyan would be observed from September 17 to October 17, focusing on beneficiaries of government welfare programmes.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma extended birthday wishes to Modi on behalf of the people of Rajasthan. He said September 17 provided an opportunity to recognise a political leader whose public life, in his view, has been centred on service to the people and the country. Sharma said the nationwide celebrations were being held under a “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” and described Modi’s political journey as one that began with his tenure as Gujarat chief minister and later expanded to national public service.

He also credited the Prime Minister’s leadership with accelerating development across both urban and rural areas. Sharma said government welfare measures had benefited large numbers of families and argued that India’s confidence on the international stage had grown in recent years. Referring to the “double-engine government” model, Sharma said policies aimed at young people had strengthened their confidence in the government and created new opportunities for empowerment. He further said that national security had become stronger under Modi’s leadership and that welfare and development programmes were reaching a wider section of society.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.