Panic gripped authorities on Wednesday afternoon after Navi Mumbai Police received two separate bomb threats. One caller claimed that a bomb had been planted on a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, while the other warned of a blast at Mumbai’s international airport scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The calls were received between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., prompting immediate action from security agencies. The aircraft mentioned in the threat and various areas of the airport were thoroughly searched. Fortunately, no suspicious objects or explosives were found during the checks.

Navi Mumbai Police have treated the threats as serious hoaxes meant to spread fear and disrupt public order. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with public mischief and causing alarm.

Investigators have already traced the phone numbers used to make the threatening calls and are working to identify and locate the individuals responsible. While no arrests have been made yet, the police have confirmed that a detailed probe is underway.

Authorities have assured the public that all safety protocols were followed and that air travel operations were not significantly affected.

The incident highlights the growing concern over fake threats, which not only cause public panic but also strain emergency response resources. Security forces remain on high alert, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

With Raksha Bandhan just around the corner, markets in Navi Mumbai are witnessing a new trend—Labubu-themed rakhis. Inspired by the popular character from the Vietnamese digital art brand The Monsters, these quirky rakhis are becoming a hit among all age groups.

Labubu, known for its small body, big eyes, and unique expression, has gained widespread popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Originally appearing in animated clips and toy collections, the character has now found its way onto rakhis, making it the latest festive fashion statement.

Local vendors say demand for Labubu rakhis has skyrocketed, with many already selling out or accepting pre-orders. “More than half of our stock is gone, and customers are still asking for more,” said Bharat Rajpurohit, a rakhi seller.

Priced between Rs 200 and Rs 350, these rakhis feature miniature Labubu figures attached to colourful threads. Alongside them, traditional designs made with zari, pearls, peacock feathers, and kundan stones remain available, with prices ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 550. Cartoon-themed rakhis featuring superheroes, unicorns, Minions, and Tom & Jerry also remain favourites among children.

The popularity of Labubu rakhis reflects a growing trend of blending tradition with modern pop culture. As Raksha Bandhan continues to evolve, this year’s celebration is set to showcase a mix of heartfelt rituals and social media-driven style.

Vendors and buyers alike expect Labubu rakhis to remain the season’s top choice, adding a fun and fashionable twist to the age-old festival.

A 15-year-old boy, Arav Srivastava from Belapur, tragically died after being electrocuted at Nerul railway station on July 6. The incident occurred when Arav, along with three friends, climbed onto a stationary locomotive out of curiosity.

While exploring the top of the train, Arav’s hand came dangerously close to a high-voltage overhead wire, triggering an arc flash. Though he did not directly touch the wire, the powerful electric discharge caused severe burns over 60–65% of his body, along with serious head injuries. He was immediately rushed to the National Burns Centre in Airoli, where he battled for six days before passing away on July 12.

Initially believed to be an attempt to shoot a social media video, police later clarified that the act was not intended as a stunt or reel but stemmed from innocent curiosity. His friends, identified as Rujhaan Bhandari, Kanishk Debasish Mukerjee, and Manas Vikas Patil, witnessed the incident and are assisting in the ongoing investigation.

The Vashi Government Railway Police (GRP) have registered an accidental death report and are looking into safety lapses at the station. Notably, the spot lacked fencing, warning signs, or staff to prevent such dangerous activity.

The tragedy has raised concerns about the need for better security measures and awareness campaigns at railway stations to prevent such incidents, especially among youth.