#the_times_of_india

Students Struggle with Extreme Heat as Exam Centers Lack Coolers in Nagpur Nagpur, a city grappling with scorching temperatures exceeding 44°C, has become a focal point of concern as students endure unbearable conditions during examinations. On Monday, students appearing for tests organized by Nagpur University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) reported that many exam centers failed to provide essential relief measures such as coolers and sufficient drinking water. The lack of basic amenities forced students to endure sweltering environments inside examination halls, with some struggling to maintain focus and performance during afternoon sessions. Despite directives issued by the district collector last week, which mandated educational institutions to ensure cooling arrangements and safe drinking water for examinees, particularly during peak heat hours, many centers remained unprepared. Nagpur University had specifically instructed exam centers to install coolers and supply water for students in the 2.30pm-5.30pm shift, when temperatures are at their highest. However, a visit by The Times of India (TOI) to major centers in areas like Civil Lines, Kamptee Road, and Katol Road revealed widespread non-compliance. Many institutions had not arranged coolers or proper ventilation, leaving students visibly distressed. Invigilators, too, faced challenges, with some stepping out of halls periodically to escape the oppressive heat. The physical toll of the situation was evident as well. An LLB student suffered from dehydration during the exam and required immediate assistance after center staff rushed to provide glucose and emergency care. The student later recovered and continued the examination.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #civil_lines #institute_of_chartered_accountants_of_india

New ‘Addition’ To Mistakes In NU Report Card Nagpur University faced widespread criticism after errors in the Winter 2025 examination results sparked confusion and frustration among students. The university, which had previously blamed affiliated college clerks for incorrect entries, was itself found to have made glaring calculation mistakes in the marksheets issued for results announced on May 10. These errors affected first, third, and fifth-semester marksheets of both regular and backlog students, with hundreds reporting discrepancies in the “maximum marks” column. In several cases, the total marks listed as 150 were inconsistent with the combined theory and practical marks, which totaled only 120 according to the marks scheme. Many students were incorrectly marked as “failed,” leading to panic and confusion as they awaited admissions and further academic processes. The errors extended beyond the marking scheme. Students highlighted major mistakes in the marks awarded column, such as a final tally of 16 theory marks and 8 internal marks being recorded as 76 instead of 24. These inconsistencies raised concerns about the accuracy of the results and the reliability of the grading process. The delay in announcing the results—three to four months past the 45-day deadline—had already caused significant distress among students, who spent time seeking corrections amid the Summer exam period. After The Times of India raised questions about the errors, the university’s exam section began uploading revised results for affected students by the evening. Despite these revisions, some issues persisted.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #deputy_registrar_motiram_tadas #winter_2025_examination #result_scrutiny_committee

Despite SC Ban, 546 Sanitary Workers Continue Manual Scavenging in Nagpur Sanitary worker Suresh Wankhede, who descended into a manhole to clear a blockage in Nagpur on April 21, is not an isolated case. He is among 546 workers routinely exposed to hazardous conditions to maintain the city’s sewer network. The practice persists despite a Supreme Court directive that strictly prohibits manual entry into sewers without safety measures. Gaps in infrastructure, limited mechanisation, and a civic system reliant on human labor have perpetuated the issue. Recent incidents reported by The Times of India have highlighted this contradiction, with officials admitting that many manholes cannot be cleaned mechanically and workers entering without safety gear. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has deployed 546 sanitary workers across its zones to address sewer blockages, particularly in areas beyond the reach of machines. Each zone employs around 50 workers tasked with clearing blocked lines in narrow lanes, encroached conservancy paths, and densely populated neighborhoods. While mechanisation is often touted as a solution, its implementation remains limited. The NMC currently operates 15 suction-cum-jetting machines: 7 hired on rent by the solid waste management department, 8 funded by the state government, and 5 managed by the corporation’s workshop department (down from 9 after older units were scrapped). Even where machines exist, their effectiveness is constrained. Only a few small-capacity vehicles can navigate inner lanes, and these fail in extremely narrow stretches between houses. In such cases, pipes are extended up to 40 feet—beyond which manual intervention becomes unavoidable.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #mayor_neeta_thakre #sanitary_worker_suresh_wankhede #shivaji_nagar_incident

CBSE’s Second Board Exam Poses Challenges for Vidarbha Students Amid Extreme Heat As the CBSE’s second board examination for Class 10 students begins on May 15, with exams scheduled from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, Vidarbha students face an added challenge of enduring scorching temperatures that often exceed 45 degrees Celsius during the peak summer months. While the exams are optional for students, teachers and school staff must still report for duty regardless of the number of participants. The timing has raised concerns, particularly in rural areas where power outages frequently disrupt classrooms, leaving students without functioning fans. Students who spoke to The Times of India under the condition of anonymity highlighted the physical toll of the heat. Many reported that extreme temperatures impair their ability to write clearly, cause discomfort, and, in some cases, have led to fainting during past exams. One student criticized the timing as unfair, arguing that conducting exams during a heatwave adds unnecessary physical stress to an already demanding academic period. The short gap between the March main exams and the May papers also disrupts study routines and vacation plans, exacerbating the pressure on students. Parents emphasized the need for schools to provide adequate facilities to ensure student safety. They called for uninterrupted electricity, backup generators or inverters, sufficient drinking water, proper ventilation, and trained medical personnel on standby. While some parents acknowledged the importance of building resilience in students, they stressed that schools must prioritize creating a safe environment.#class_10_students #cbse #the_times_of_india #vidarbha #mathematics_standard

NMC Drew Over 9,300 Million Liters from Gorewada Lake in 2025 Despite Contamination Red Flags Nagpur’s water management crisis has been laid bare, exposing serious risks to public health and governance as official records reveal erratic extraction patterns and continued reliance on a contaminated source without clear safeguards. In 2025, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) water works department extracted over 9,300 million liters (ML) from Gorewada Lake, despite its own laboratory flagging bacteriological contamination. Documents obtained by The Times of India show that these withdrawals were neither systematic nor aligned with seasonal demand, highlighting deep-seated planning failures. The extraction pattern was highly inconsistent. The highest withdrawals occurred immediately after the monsoon, with September alone accounting for 2,716.07 ML. July saw 2,116.63 ML pumped from the lake, followed by 816.08 ML in August. This concentration during a period when reservoirs are typically replenished suggests a lack of a stable sourcing framework. In contrast, withdrawals dropped to negligible levels in March (2.27 ML) and remained low in October (58.01 ML), despite these being periods when water planning should anticipate demand fluctuations. Even during peak summer stress, the department continued to rely on the lake, extracting 402.43 ML in April and 651.44 ML in June. This fluctuating dependence on Gorewada reflects an ad hoc approach rather than calibrated resource management. The water quality further raises alarms. A November 2025 report from the civic body’s Central Water Testing Laboratory recorded total coliform levels at 350 MPN per 100 ml and E. coli at 22 MPN per 100 ml—clear indicators of sewage or organic contamination. While parameters such as pH (8.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #gorewada_lake #central_water_testing_laboratory

Cab Drivers’ Strike at Nagpur Airport Sparks Chaos for Travelers Nagpur: The ongoing strike by cab drivers at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport entered its third day on Thursday, causing significant disruptions to airport operations. Union representatives warned that the protest could escalate further if their demands remain unaddressed, with plans to intensify the agitation through a sit-in protest if no resolution is reached by Friday. The strike has left passengers stranded, with limited availability of transport options and rising costs for alternative services. Union leader Deepak Sane, representing the drivers, stated that the administration had failed to engage with their concerns. "We have tried reaching out to the district administration, but officials are occupied with VIP movements in the city. Our discussions with airport authorities have also not yielded any outcome," he said. Sane emphasized that the drivers are not seeking to inconvenience passengers but are demanding a formal resolution to their grievances. Key issues cited by the protesters include the imposition of a 100 rupee parking fee and the absence of a binding agreement with the airport authorities. The strike has severely impacted last-mile connectivity for travelers. With app-based cab services largely unavailable and local operators charging inflated prices, passengers are facing prolonged waits and higher costs. Some commuters have resorted to private pickups, while others have walked long distances outside the airport premises in search of transport. Sanika Shende, a passenger, described the ordeal as "stressful," noting that she waited nearly half an hour before a cab was booked.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar_international_airport #deepak_sane #sanika_shende

Barely 24 hrs after eviction, hawkers reclaim footpaths Hawkers in Nagpur have swiftly reoccupied footpaths just days after being evicted by authorities, highlighting persistent challenges in regulating street vending. The rapid return of vendors underscores the lack of a functional regulatory framework, which has left the issue unresolved for years. Despite efforts by officials to enforce rules against encroachment, the cycle of eviction and reoccupation continues. Proposals for designated hawker zones and organized marketplaces have been discussed but remain unimplemented. Many vendors resist relocation, citing economic hardship and the absence of viable alternatives. The situation has drawn attention after a recent push by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to clear footpaths of unauthorized stalls. However, the ground reality remains unchanged, with authorities struggling to enforce compliance. Local officials, including Nagpur Mayor Chandrakant Thakre and assistant commissioner (encroachment) Harish Raut, have not responded to queries from The Times of India, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The absence of a clear strategy to address the issue has allowed vendors to repeatedly reclaim spaces, complicating efforts to maintain pedestrian-friendly streets. The recurring nature of the problem reflects broader systemic failures in urban governance. While Gadkari’s initiative aims to prioritize public space, the lack of support from municipal authorities and the reluctance of vendors to comply have stalled progress. Without a sustainable solution, the cycle of eviction and reoccupation is likely to persist, leaving both residents and vendors in a state of limbo.#nagpur #nitin_gadkari #the_times_of_india #harish_raut #chandrakant_thakre

Iron Rods Jut Out In 3 Yrs: Cotton Market RuB Turns Into All-Season Nightmare Nagpur: Barely three years after its inauguration on April 1, 2023, the railway under bridge (RuB) at Cotton Market square, constructed by MahaMetro, has rapidly deteriorated into a commuter hazard. Commuters report severe road damage and persistent waterlogging affecting the area throughout the year. While the underpass is prone to flooding during monsoon season, the condition remains hazardous in summer and winter due to a poorly maintained road surface. The stretch near the exit towards Cotton Market from the Tekdi Mandir side is particularly problematic, with exposed steel rods and pipes jutting out near a drainage point. Water stagnation has worsened the road’s condition, creating a surface that resembles mismatched puzzle pieces. Sudden dips and crater-like potholes force motorists to brake abruptly, leading to frequent near-mishaps and traffic disruptions. Deepak Meshram, a daily commuter, described the danger: “It is extremely risky, especially for two-wheeler riders. You don’t realize the depth of the pothole because of the water, and suddenly you have to apply brakes.” Another commuter, Shrikant Navghare, highlighted the safety threat posed by the exposed rods: “If someone loses balance or skids, it can lead to serious injuries. This is a newly built structure—it shouldn’t be in such a condition so soon.” Locals claim the drainage system, intended to mitigate water accumulation, has failed to prevent stagnation even in summer. “The water collects near the drain itself even in summers, which shows something is wrong with the design or maintenance,” said a commuter. “Authorities need to fix this permanently instead of temporary patchwork.#the_times_of_india #mahaMetro #cotton_market_square #tekdi_mandir #ruB

NMC to spend Rs2.23 crore as 385 wells remain unclean The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to allocate Rs2.23 crore for cleaning public wells, despite a significant portion of the city’s 860 wells remaining contaminated. Internal documents obtained by The Times of India reveal a persistent gap between spending and results, with nearly 45% of wells—385 in total—still unclean after repeated cleaning efforts. The 2025–26 budget proposal plans to address 353 wells, leaving many unaccounted for. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had previously warned that leaking underground sewer lines were contaminating well water, yet the civic body lacks a targeted plan to tackle the root cause, relying instead on periodic cleaning that fails to resolve pollution sources. Spending patterns highlight inefficiencies. NMC allocated Rs73.25 lakh for well cleaning in 2024 and Rs51.56 lakh in 2025, but the 2026 budget nearly doubles this to Rs2.23 crore. Zone-wise data underscores planning gaps. For example, Gandhibagh, which has 126 wells, marked eight as "clean" while 91 were cleaned between 2022 and 2024. The 2026 plan proposes cleaning only 37 wells in the zone, indicating a cycle of repeated efforts without addressing neglected wells. Similar inconsistencies are evident in other areas, such as Ashi Nagar, where 84 wells were cleaned in 2023 and 26 in 2025, yet the 2026 proposal includes cleaning 78 wells. This duplication and weak monitoring suggest a lack of prioritization and oversight. The report also notes the use of guppy fish in select wells in Dhantoli, Lakadganj, and Ashi Nagar to curb mosquito breeding. However, there is no clarity on whether this measure has improved water quality, particularly in wells affected by sewage contamination.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #gandhibagh #ashi_nagar

Professor Mohammed Allegedly Proposes to Student at Medical Institute, Sparks Campus Chaos A heated confrontation erupted at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences in Bengaluru Rural district after a professor allegedly proposed to a student in class, claiming she had reciprocated his feelings. The incident unfolded during a routine lecture, where the professor reportedly approached the student and made the romantic overture. The student immediately rejected the proposal, questioning the professor about when she had allegedly expressed her affection for him. The professor, however, insisted that the student had confessed her feelings, citing a statement such as “I love you, Mohammed.” He further claimed that CCTV footage from the classroom would corroborate his account, prompting the student to demand the footage be shown. Tensions escalated as the professor exited the classroom, vowing to address the matter the following day. During his departure, he distributed chocolates to students, having brought a carton of sweets and arranged for someone to hand them out. The situation quickly spiraled out of control after the professor left. What began as a verbal altercation between the student and the professor turned into a full-blown altercation on campus. The agitated student allegedly hit the professor with her slipper or sandals, while other students joined in, hurling abuse and physically assaulting him. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Nelamangala Rural Police Station. A senior police officer from the station informed The Times of India that no formal complaint had been filed by either the student or the professor as of now. The police are reportedly monitoring the situation but have not initiated any investigation.#the_times_of_india #sri_siddhartha_institute_of_medical_sciences #bengaluru_rural #nelamangala_rural_police_station #professor_mohammed

Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone have finalized a deal to acquire 100% ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the cricket franchise currently holding both the Indian Premier League and Women’s Premier League titles. The transaction, valued at $1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,600 crore), is set to take effect after the IPL 2026 season. The acquisition is pending approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL governing council, and other regulatory bodies. Under the new ownership structure, Aryaman Vikram Birla, a director at Aditya Birla Group, will serve as RCB chairman, while Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will hold the role of vice-chairman. The deal marks a significant shift in the franchise’s ownership, following its previous acquisition by United Spirits Ltd (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo Plc. The acquisition highlights the growing interest of diverse stakeholders in cricket franchises. Aditya Birla Group, a major Indian conglomerate, joins forces with The Times of India, a leading media outlet, Bolt Ventures, a tech startup, and Blackstone, a global investment firm. This collaboration underscores the intersection of media, technology, and sports in India’s evolving cricket ecosystem. RCB’s journey to this milestone includes several key moments. In 2008, when the BCCI launched the IPL, USL had submitted a winning bid of $111.6 million (around Rs 485 crore) to acquire the franchise. The team later paid Rs 901 crore to secure the Women’s Premier League team in 2023. In 2024, RCB claimed its first WPL title, and the following year, they won their maiden IPL title, becoming the first franchise to hold both league titles simultaneously. The $1.#aditya_birla_group #the_times_of_india #blackstone #bolt_ventures #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india

Conductors with repeat violations stay on job, NMC officer under lens A significant oversight has emerged in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's transport department, revealing that conductors with multiple ticket-related violations were allowed to continue working despite clear guidelines for termination after three offenses. Internal records obtained by The Times of India indicate that at least a dozen conductors have faced repeated cases, some with five to eight incidents, yet their employment IDs remained active and penalties were treated as routine rather than escalating to disciplinary action. According to established rules, any conductor caught in three cases—particularly those involving ticket irregularities or cash discrepancies—should be terminated to prevent financial losses in the city’s bus service. The NMC’s own website lists Pipurde as the labor officer in the transport department, responsible for personnel actions involving conductors and other staff. Officials acknowledged that the transport wing is already struggling with controlling losses and operational inefficiencies, and the failure to act against repeat offenders has further undermined accountability. The controversy has intensified as corporators have initiated a detailed review of decisions made during the four-year administrative period, with several departments, including the transport wing, facing scrutiny for alleged irregularities and lack of accountability. The inquiry into Pipurde’s conduct has gained importance after he was recently served a show-cause notice by the civic administration for allegedly overstepping his authority.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #papurde #mangala_khekre #nmc_transport_department

Will pursue spider museum closure issue: Mungantiwar Amravati: Former forest minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar on Monday criticized Melghat Tiger Reserve officials for secretly closing India’s first National Museum of Spiders, established in 2018 at the Forest Training Institute in Chikhaldara. Mungantiwar expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, noting that with only two days remaining in the Maharashtra legislature session, a formal motion to address the issue could not be introduced due to the required three-day notice period. He stated he would continue pushing for resolution through direct communication with relevant authorities. Speaking to The Times of India over the phone, Mungantiwar, who had inaugurated the museum, criticized the officials for their reluctance to engage with the public, suggesting they lacked confidence in the museum’s value to visitors.#the_times_of_india #sudhir_mungantiwar #chikhaldara #melghat_tiger_reserve #maharashtra_legislature

Induction Cooktops Surge in Demand Amid LPG Shortage Nagpur: A sudden shortage of LPG cylinders in the city triggered an unprecedented rush for induction cooktops. Retail outlets and online platforms reported that the appliances were sold out or critically low in stock. A check by The Times of India across multiple quick commerce platforms showed induction cooktops were largely unavailable, with most listings marked as sold out and no clear restocking timeline. Similar scenes were reported at electronics stores, where customers enquired in large numbers and were placed on waiting lists. Retailers attributed the surge in demand to delays in LPG cylinder availability, prompting households to seek electric cooking alternatives. Induction cooktops, seen as an immediate and convenient substitute, disappeared from shelves as demand spiked over recent days. Santosh Taori, an electronics dealer, noted the pace of stock depletion was unprecedented. "Even at our stores, the stock is depleting as we speak. The demand surged nearly 25 times compared to normal days," he said. Taori added that the trend is not limited to Nagpur but is being witnessed nationwide. "Even our bulk suppliers are seeing very high demand. Fresh consignments are also getting booked quickly," he explained. The buying pattern also shifted, with customers purchasing multiple units. "People are coming in and buying one for current use and sometimes another as a backup. Many households are treating it as a safety measure until the LPG supply situation normalizes," Taori said. Shop owners reported continuous customer inquiries but limited stock. A resident of Mahal, Ashok Deo, shared that even on major e-commerce platforms, most induction cooktops were out of stock.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #santosh_taori #mahal #ashok_deo

Top Stocks to Buy: Stock Recommendations for March 16, 2026 Week Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd has recommended Coal India and State Bank of India (SBI) as the top stock picks for the week starting March 16, 2026. Coal India is highlighted for its strong position in the evolving global and domestic coal market. Rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and constrained global gas supply are driving utilities to shift from gas-based power generation to coal, which is expected to boost coal demand and pricing. The recent rise in coal prices is beneficial for realizations, particularly in the e-auction segment, which typically offers higher margins compared to long-term fuel supply agreements. Additionally, India’s growing electricity demand and continued reliance on coal for baseload power are projected to sustain strong off-take from the power sector. Coal India’s low-cost production base, improving realizations from non-FSA and washed coal sales, and robust free cash flow generation support its resilient balance sheet and stable earnings outlook. State Bank of India is recommended for its strategic advantage in the credit market, with systemic loan growth exceeding 13% and management projecting strong credit growth ahead. The bank’s healthy retail, small and medium enterprise (SME), and corporate segments, combined with stable deposit funding and controlled repricing, are expected to drive a sustainable 14% loan compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY26–28. Margin resilience and operating leverage underpin a positive profitability outlook. Domestic net interest margins (NIMs) are targeted above 3%, with a stable cost-to-income trend. The bank also benefits from easing funding costs and improving fee income.#coal_india #e_auction #motilal_oswal_financial_services_ltd #state_bank_of_india #the_times_of_india