Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.
Telugu actor Allu Sirish complained to Hyderabad Police about a temple playing loud music late at night, disturbing residents. He clarified his complaint was about civic sense, not religious devotion, after facing criticism from netizens.
A seven-year-old girl in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, died after allegedly collapsing due to loud music from a Ganesh immersion procession. Two individuals, the DJ owner and operator, have been arrested, and a police officer suspended for negligence. The incident has led to a ban on DJs during upcoming festivals in the municipal area.
In Pune, 31 prominent Ganapati mandals celebrated a "DJ-free" Dahi Handi, advocating for traditional instruments over high-decibel sound systems for upcoming festivals like Ganeshotsav. This initiative, led by Punit Balan, aims to preserve Maharashtra's cultural heritage and reduce noise pollution, gaining support from around 200 mandals and the Chief Minister.
A poultry farm owner in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has filed a complaint against a DJ, alleging that loud music from a wedding procession caused the death of 140 chickens at his farm.
Hundreds of Pune residents have protested against the use of loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, citing health issues and noise pollution. Ganesh Mandals, however, claim selective targeting and have pledged to follow guidelines to reduce noise.
A wedding celebration in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, turned tragic after a dispute over DJ music and food led to a violent clash between the bride's and groom's families, resulting in one death and another injury.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested seven individuals, including two foreign nationals, for their involvement in an interstate cocaine trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala. The operation, named 'Domino', led to the seizure of 33.1 grams of cocaine worth Rs 16.55 lakh and uncovered links to individuals previously deported from the UAE for drug offences.
Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.
'Many devout religious people have told me categorically that they like celebrating festivals, but they are vehemently against the noise pollution and traffic obstruction that are being imposed under the pretext of celebrations.'
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong concerns about the divisive role of social media in society, alleging it fuels anger and religious disputes. He also criticised the unbridled use of high-decibel sound systems, questioned the government's economic policies despite GDP growth claims, and objected to political messaging in public offices. Thackeray further addressed linguistic politics and endorsed the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.
Chennai Super Kings lodge complaint with BCCI over DJ comments and song played during RCB clash, calling the incident "unacceptable".
Mumbai resonated with 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants and dhol-tasha beats as devotees immersed Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 12-day festival. Over 430 idols were immersed by noon, with no untoward incidents reported, as elaborate arrangements by police and BMC ensured smooth proceedings.
Four individuals, including an aide to Samajwadi Party MP Laxmikant, alias Pappu Nishad, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Vishal Kumar. Kumar had previously filed a complaint against the MP under the Prevention of Atrocity Act. Police rescued Vishal Kumar within 24 hours, thwarting a plan to take him to Ayodhya and kill him.
The third season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) is scheduled to commence on October 3, featuring an impressive roster of former cricket stars including David Warner, Yuvraj Singh, Dwayne Bravo, and AB de Villiers. Organisers have announced that the tournament will run until October 18, with the venue yet to be disclosed. The upcoming season promises increased star power and the addition of Bangladesh Champions to the competition.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.
How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?
Spain's national football team celebrated their second World Cup victory with a massive parade through Madrid, drawing nearly two million ecstatic fans. The players, fresh from their 1-0 win over Argentina, were also greeted by King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised their achievement and looked forward to future successes.
A DJ's father was shot dead in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, following a dispute over music at a wedding function. The incident occurred after the DJ stopped the music late at night, leading to an argument with the groom's relatives.
Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting a TMC protest march concerning the Baruipur rape and murder case, alleging that the police acted as an 'arm' of the saffron party by failing to enforce a Calcutta High Court order permitting the rally.
What remained at Shivaji Park was not Gen Z anger but of momentum -- a generation that had, in its own telling, made an emperor bow, and intends to keep singing and meme-ing about it.
'I woke up and I'm like Oh damn! It's hit 1 million views. Yeah it was crazy.'
Police in Gurugram have booked two club operators for allegedly disturbing residents by playing DJ music at high volume late at night. Authorities seized music systems and speakers from the clubs after receiving complaints.
Telangana's anti-narcotics unit arrested six individuals, including a model-actor and a DJ, for alleged drug consumption at a resort party in Hyderabad. The raid was conducted based on intelligence, and those arrested tested positive for various drugs.
A camp operator and three associates have been booked for allegedly assaulting a group of tourists from Delhi at a camp in Shivpuri, near Rishikesh, after a noise complaint.
Two Dalit youths were allegedly beaten up and subjected to casteist slurs for drinking water from a pot during a wedding ceremony in Gaulapur area of Haldwani, police said.
An eight-year-old boy was allegedly murdered in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich, with his throat slit during a wedding celebration, police said on Wednesday.
A wedding celebration in Uttar Pradesh turned violent after a dispute over music selection led to a shooting and the cancellation of the wedding.
FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked by locals during a visit to Sonarpur, West Bengal, to meet families affected by post-poll violence.
The son of a senior IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh was among seven people arrested for allegedly consuming narcotic drugs during a raid on a pub in Hyderabad. The raid, conducted by the Telangana's EAGLE Force, targeted drug abuse in public areas.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.
A speeding car rammed into a wedding procession in Jaipur, India, injuring approximately a dozen people. The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
A court in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, sentenced six individuals to life imprisonment for a murder that occurred during a wedding procession in 2017 following a dispute over loud music.
A dispute over music at a club in Faridabad escalated into a violent scuffle, with allegations of assault and theft.
A video of a wedding in Punjab's Tarn Taran has gone viral showing the groom and guests showering the bride with cash. While some claim crores were involved, a DJ at the event says the amount was much less.
I had been eyeing Keinemusik (a German DJ trio) concert tickets ever since they dropped almost six months ago. The ticket prices started at Rs 3,000 and had reached Rs 6,000 on the week of the concert.
In part 3 of a Rediff series exploring new careers for aspiring professionals, Sanjay Salunkhe, founder of Jaro Education highlights how young professionals can adapt to the evolving AI-driven landscape in the creative industry.
