EP GROUND CHECK

A fire swept through a popular pub in Bangkok near the Chatuchak market, killing at least 27 people and injuring 63 others, many critically. The blaze spread rapidly through the crowded venue, trapping customers inside who struggled to find emergency exits. Emergency responders arrived to find heavy smoke and flames consuming the building, with survivors […]

India’s school network shrank during the 2025-26 academic year, with an average of 13 schools closing every day, according to the latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report released by the Ministry of Education. The report shows that the total number of schools across the country declined from 14,71,473 in 2024-25 to

Mumbai’s Rustom ice cream parlour, an 80-year-old landmark that has served generations of the city’s residents, has been shut down by the FDA following an inspection that revealed serious hygiene lapses. According to ET Finance, the iconic shop failed to meet basic food safety standards, prompting authorities to issue a closure order. The FDA’s inspection

India’s push towards ethanol-blended petrol is entering a new chapter, but not before the current one has sparked one of the biggest public debates around automotive fuel in recent years. Over the past week, the country’s mandatory E20 petrol programme has faced growing criticism from motorists who claim the fuel has reduced mileage and affected

A debris slip at a tunnel construction site in Kerala’s Wayanad district has killed at least three workers, with search teams continuing efforts to locate five more people who remain missing. The incident occurred on a road construction project in the hilly terrain of the district. Debris consisting of soil, rocks, and construction material suddenly

The Indian government is likely to delay the proposed shift to E25 petrol – a blend of 75 per cent petrol and 25 per cent ethanol following widespread consumer backlash over the impact of higher ethanol content on vehicle performance and fuel economy. A senior-level government meeting last week acknowledged the need to address concerns

A new study has brought attention to the mental health struggles facing tea garden executives across India, exploring a crisis that industry insiders say has been quietly building for years but rarely discussed in formal settings. The research examines the unique pressures that tea estate leaders encounter. These executives manage large operations in remote locations,

India’s kharif (monsoon) crop sowing has gained momentum in recent weeks, but new data shows farmers are still planting significantly less than they did a year ago. According to the agriculture ministry, kharif sowing stands 21 percent below last year’s levels at the same point in the growing season. The shortfall is spread across major

Mumbai and neighbouring districts came to a standstill on Monday as relentless monsoon rain swept through the region, forcing authorities to shut schools and colleges and triggering widespread disruptions across transport and commerce. The India Meteorological Department declared an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and waterlogging in low-lying areas. The decision

India’s transition towards cleaner electricity could face fresh challenges if a super El Niño develops, with a new study warning that extreme weather may increase the country’s dependence on coal. According to a report published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India could face an estimated 18 terawatt-hour electricity shortfall