Local Round-up: Floods in Maharashtra to rising cancer cases and more this week!

From heavy floods in Maharashtra to rising cancer cases, fast immigration with e-cards, and more, India witnessed a week of significant highs and lows. With cultural achievements, environmental challenges, and political decisions shaping the national discourse, here is a local round-up of the biggest headlines making waves across the country.

Maharashtra rains cause worry in the state

Cancer cases in India on rise

In a new report published by The Lancet, it has been reported that the cancer cases in India are on the rise by 26% from 84.8 per 1 lakh population in 1990 to 107.2 in 2023. It also shows that there has been an increase in deaths from cancer by 21% in the same time period.

Government proposes acoustic alert system for EVs

The transport ministry has proposed an Accoustic vehicle Alerting System, in all electric cars, buses, and trucks from October 2027. This system will automatically generate a sound alert. However, the same has not been proposed for three-wheelers, as well as e-rickshaws, which produce no noise. This is to alert other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users!

Immigration to be faster with e-arrival cards

In a recent development, international visitors will have an ease in the immigration process, with the introduction of e-arrival cards. This will require the usual details like passport number, purpose of visit, nationality and more. All tourists will have the option to deliver or submit the e-cards, digital cards online. 

Thane’s bullet train to connect rail, metro, bus and jetty

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is planning to transform the upcoming station, which is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor, to function as a junction that connects the bullet train withsuburban railways, metro, inner-city metro, bus services, waterways (jetty), cab and rickshaw services, as well as highways and the airport, as per the annoucement Thane Municipal Commissioner.

Portals of Kedarnath and Yamunotri temples closed for winter in Uttarakhand

The government has closed the portals of the revered Kedarnath and Yamunotri temples in Uttarakhand for the winter season. As per the ceremonial closure, it was attended by a large number of devotees along with temple committee members and administrative officials. The closure signifies the end of the annual pilgrimage season.