Rescue and recovery operations are underway after an explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills claimed 18 lives. An NDRF team reached the Thangskai area to assist local authorities. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured strict action against those responsible and announced Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia for the victims

Eknath Shinde directed the department to expedite the completion of the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project. Once operational, the project will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune and provide an alternative route during emergencies, he said