Archives for December 2025

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued notices to major quick-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto and Bigbasket, to overhaul their delivery policies, following a surge in traffic violations and reckless driving by their riders.

The notices have been served to the companies’ dark stores and platform operators, directing them to streamline and align their internal policies with road safety regulations within the next 15 days, a statement said here on Wednesday.

The department warned that failure to comply would invite further legal action.

The MVD pointed out that the growing practice of promising ultra-fast deliveries—within seven or 20 minutes—is contributing to unsafe driving behaviour on roads.

Speeding, rash riding and failure to wear safety gear such as helmets were identified as some of the most common violations among delivery riders, it said.

Other road users are often forced to avoid these riders due to the fear of accidents.

The department noted that riders are frequently under pressure to complete orders quickly in order to maximise their income and move on to the next assignment.

In many cases, unrealistic deadlines set by online platforms and aggressive marketing strategies that promise customers rapid delivery timelines are leading to compromised road safety.

Emphasising that public safety cannot be sacrificed for commercial competition, the MVD said online delivery platforms must ensure responsible business practices and strict adherence to traffic laws to prevent accidents and protect lives.

Chikkkamgaluru: Three blackbucks were found dead with suspected gunshot injuries in Kadur taluk here, official sources said

The bodies were found on a private farm land close to Basur Amrit Mahal Kaval, a blackbuck conservation reserve, on Tuesday, they said.

The carcasses of two female and one male blackbuck are said to be below two years of age.

Upon receiving information from locals, Forest department officials visited the spot and inspected, the sources said, adding that they have found evidence of gunfire at the spot and signs of vehicular movement nearby.

According to officials, a case has been registered, and further investigation is on to nab the culprits behind.

Post-mortem has been conducted and samples have been collected for further examination, they said, amid suspicion by some locals and environmentalists about the involvement of poachers.

Kolkata: Kolkata Police has put in place elaborate security arrangements across the city ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, with special emphasis on Park Street and adjoining areas that are expected to witness heavy footfall, a senior officer said on Wednesday.

Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed during the festive period, including 10 deputy commissioners, 25 assistant commissioners, 27 inspectors and 250 sub-inspectors, he said.

Additional forces will be stationed in the Park Street-Dharmatala belt to ensure effective crowd control and prevent any untoward incidents, the IPS officer said.

He said traffic regulations will be enforced depending on crowd density, with restrictions likely to be imposed in the Park Street area from 4 pm onwards on December 25, 26 and 31.

Security has also been tightened at all major entry points to the city, with intensified naka checking and police patrolling in areas such as Dhola Bridge, Shyambazar, the Howrah-Burrabazar connector, Diamond Harbour Road, Ekbalpur and around Red Road, he said.

“Surveillance has been stepped up at shopping malls, cinema halls, Metro and railway stations, nightclubs and bars,” he added.

“Checks are being carried out at strategic locations to prevent any security breach. We are also keeping a close watch on sensitive and high-footfall areas,” another senior officer said.

As part of the security plan, 15 watchtowers have been set up at key locations across the city, including five in Park Street area alone.

Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been kept on standby to deal with emergencies, he said.

Women officers from Kolkata Police’s ‘Winners’ team will be deployed, and plainclothes personnel will be present in crowded areas.

“Any emergency will be dealt with swiftly. Our teams are fully prepared,” he added.

Citizens have been advised to contact Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar control room or dial 100 in case of any emergency.