Ghaziabad

Delhi Residents Report Loud “Boom” During Earthquake: What Was It?

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earthquake

New Delhi, India – A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi and its surrounding areas early Monday morning, February 17, 2025, sending tremors across the national capital region (NCR). While no casualties or injuries were reported, many residents experienced an unexpected loud “boom” during the quake, sparking curiosity and concern. Earthquake Details The earthquake occurred at approximately 5:36 am IST, with its epicenter located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, at a shallow depth of 5 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremors were felt across Delhi and its neighboring cities, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. The Mysterious “Boom” In addition to the tremors, many residents reported hearing a loud, booming sound during the earthquake. This phenomenon was reported in various parts of the city, leaving residents puzzled and prompting speculation about its cause. Possible Explanations While the exact cause of the “boom” is yet to be definitively determined, several theories have been put forward to explain this phenomenon. 1. Seismic Phenomena According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), rumbling sounds during earthquakes are often associated with shallow-focus earthquakes. When seismic waves reach the air, they can become sound waves. The shallower the epicenter, the more energy can reach the surface, and high-frequency seismic waves passing through the ground can sometimes create audible sounds. Hard ground can also amplify these rumbling sounds. 2. Atmospheric Conditions Some experts suggest that atmospheric conditions may have played a role in the audibility of the sound. Temperature inversions or other atmospheric phenomena can sometimes trap sound waves and cause them to travel greater distances, making them more easily heard. 3. Man-Made Activities While less likely, it is also possible that the “boom” was caused by man-made activities, such as construction or industrial operations. However, given the widespread reports of the sound coinciding with the earthquake, this explanation seems less probable. Public Reaction The earthquake and the accompanying “boom” generated a significant buzz on social media, with many residents sharing their experiences and expressing concern. Some residents reported feeling intense shaking, while others described the loud sound as alarming. Official Response Following the earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, advising them to follow safety protocols in preparation for potential aftershocks. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority also reiterated the importance of earthquake preparedness, given the city’s high seismic vulnerability. Delhi’s Seismic Vulnerability Delhi falls under Zone IV of India’s seismic map, which is classified as a high-risk earthquake zone. The city has a history of moderate earthquakes and often experiences tremors from earthquakes originating in the Himalayas, Afghanistan, or China. Safety Measures In light of the recent earthquake and the city’s seismic vulnerability, it is crucial for residents to be aware of earthquake safety measures. These include:  

Dense Fog Triggers Massive Pile-Ups on Delhi-Meerut and Eastern Peripheral Expressways, Leaving Five Injured

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Delhi-Meerut Expressways

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – A thick blanket of dense fog wreaked havoc on commuters in Ghaziabad early Wednesday morning, causing two major pile-ups involving approximately 50 vehicles on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). The collisions, which occurred around 7:30 am, resulted in injuries to at least five people, though fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The first incident took place on the Meerut-Ghaziabad carriageway of the DME, near the Bhojpur police station area, roughly 2 kilometers from the popular Hawa Hawai restaurant. In this chain-reaction collision, a bus initially collided with a stationary vehicle, triggering a cascade of impacts involving 30-35 vehicles, mostly cars. “Three people were injured in the DME pile-up and were immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment,” confirmed Surendra Nath Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural Zone). A passenger traveling from Roorkee, whose vehicle was caught in the melee, recounted the harrowing experience: “We applied brakes after spotting a stationary bus ahead, but the cars following us couldn’t stop in time. This caused a domino effect, leading to a pile-up of 25-30 vehicles. My sister and I missed an important interview in Delhi due to this.”   The second pile-up occurred on the Baghpat-Duhai carriageway of the EPE, where 20-25 vehicles met a similar fate due to the fog-induced low visibility. “Two people sustained minor injuries in this accident,” said Siddharth Gautam, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Masuri-Muradnagar Circle).   Both accidents were directly attributed to the dense fog, which drastically reduced visibility on the expressways, making it nearly impossible for drivers to react in time to avoid collisions. The sudden appearance of stationary vehicles in the fog, coupled with the inability of trailing vehicles to see and stop in time, created a dangerous domino effect. Following the incidents, police and emergency services swiftly mobilized to the scene to clear the roads and manage the traffic chaos. The damaged vehicles were removed from the expressways, and traffic flow was eventually restored. The authorities have issued a strong advisory urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and maintain safe distances while driving in foggy conditions. They have also emphasized the importance of reducing speed and using fog lights to enhance visibility. These pile-ups serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by dense fog, particularly during the winter months in the region. The reduced visibility can create treacherous conditions for drivers, making even routine commutes risky. It is crucial for drivers to be extra vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Key Takeaways for Drivers in Foggy Conditions: The authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidents and are likely to review safety protocols and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, it is imperative for drivers to take personal responsibility for their safety and exercise utmost caution when driving in foggy conditions.

FIITJEE Faces Crisis: Coaching Centers Shut Down Across North India Amidst Teacher Exodus and Unpaid Salaries

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FIITJEE Faces Crisis

New Delhi, January 24, 2025 – In a shocking turn of events, renowned coaching institute FIITJEE, known for its rigorous training for the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE), is facing a severe crisis. At least eight of its centers across North India have abruptly shut down, leaving students and parents in a state of distress just ahead of crucial board and entrance examinations. The closures, impacting cities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, are reportedly triggered by a mass resignation of teachers citing long-pending unpaid salaries.   Affected Centers and the Fallout The sudden shutdown has affected FIITJEE centers in major cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Lucknow, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, along with centers in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Laxmi Nagar in Delhi. The closure of these centers has thrown the academic plans of hundreds of students into disarray, causing widespread anxiety and anger among parents who have invested significant amounts of money and time in the institute.   Parents and students are now protesting outside the closed centers, demanding answers and seeking refunds for the remaining course duration. The situation is particularly critical for students preparing for their upcoming board exams and the crucial IIT-JEE, as they now face uncertainty and disruption in their studies.   Teacher Resignations: The Root Cause The primary reason behind this unprecedented crisis is the mass resignation of teachers due to non-payment of salaries. According to sources, many teachers had been working for months without receiving their dues, leading to growing discontent and ultimately culminating in their collective resignation. This mass exodus of experienced faculty members has left the institute unable to continue operations at several centers, forcing their closure.   FIITJEE’s Response and the Road Ahead FIITJEE has yet to release an official statement addressing the situation. However, reports suggest that the institute attempted to arrange alternative teachers for some centers, including the one in Noida. These efforts proved futile, leading to the eventual closure of these centers as well. The current situation raises serious questions about the management and financial stability of FIITJEE. The institute, which has been a prominent name in the coaching industry for decades, now faces a significant challenge in regaining the trust of students and parents. Impact on the Coaching Industry This crisis at FIITJEE has sent shockwaves through the entire coaching industry. It highlights the challenges faced by coaching institutes in maintaining financial stability and managing human resources effectively. The incident could also lead to increased scrutiny of the industry’s practices and regulations. The Future of Affected Students The most pressing concern now is the future of the students affected by these closures. With board exams and entrance exams just around the corner, these students face a significant academic setback. They now need to find alternative resources and support to continue their preparations. Other coaching institutes may come forward to offer assistance, but the disruption caused by the sudden closure will undoubtedly have an impact on their performance. A Wake-Up Call for the Education Sector The FIITJEE crisis serves as a wake-up call for the entire education sector. It underscores the importance of ethical management practices, timely payment of dues to employees, and maintaining transparency in operations. It also highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework for the coaching industry to protect the interests of students and parents. Final Thought The closure of FIITJEE centers across North India is a deeply concerning development. It has not only disrupted the academic pursuits of numerous students but also raised serious questions about the functioning of the coaching industry. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for FIITJEE to address the concerns of students and parents, take corrective measures, and work towards restoring its reputation. The incident also calls for a broader discussion on the need for greater accountability and regulation in the education sector to prevent such crises from occurring in the future.

Software Engineer Duped in Elaborate Cybercrime Scheme

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Cybercrime Scheme

Ghaziabad, India: In a disturbing incident highlighting the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, a software engineer in Ghaziabad has fallen victim to a meticulously planned scam. The victim, Gargi Gupta, was falsely accused of sending drugs to Canada via courier and subjected to a 24-hour digital arrest, during which she was defrauded of a staggering 10 lakh rupees. How the Scam Unfolded The ordeal began when Gupta received a call from an unknown number claiming to be a Canadian law enforcement official. The caller accused her of being involved in an international drug trafficking operation, alleging that a parcel containing illicit substances had been intercepted and linked to her. Fearful and confused, Gupta was coerced into providing her personal information, including her Aadhaar card number and bank account details. The scammers then proceeded to digitally arrest her, threatening dire consequences if she did not cooperate. Over the course of 24 hours, they repeatedly called her, escalating their threats and demanding a substantial sum of money to be transferred to a specified account. Understanding Digital Arrest The term “digital arrest” refers to a form of cybercrime where perpetrators use technology to create a sense of urgency and fear in their victims. By impersonating law enforcement officials or other authority figures, scammers can manipulate individuals into believing that they are facing serious legal trouble. This psychological pressure often compels victims to comply with the criminals’ demands. Common Tactics Employed by Cybercriminals Protecting Yourself from Cybercrime Law Enforcement Response The Ghaziabad police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities are working to trace the culprits and recover the stolen funds. However, given the transnational nature of cybercrime, tracking down the perpetrators can be challenging. Conclusion This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercrime. As technology continues to advance, so too do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. By understanding the common tactics used by scammers and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves, we can reduce our risk of becoming victims. [Insert relevant images or infographics, if available] Keywords: cybercrime, digital arrest, fraud, scam, software engineer, Ghaziabad, India, cyber security, online safety, data privacy Note: To provide a more comprehensive and informative article, consider adding the following: Would you like me to add any of these elements to the article? Please let me know if you have any other requests or if you would like me to focus on a particular aspect of this topic.