UPDATED: Oct 23, 2026 11:39 ISTA statewide power strike by electricity department employees in Haryana has plunged several parts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, and adjoining districts into severe power outages. The agitation erupted after the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission granted a 25-year parallel distribution licence to a private entity, Eleven Power Private Limited, for Gurugram and Nuh.
With industrial, commercial, and residential areas facing disruptions, the state government has scheduled talks with striking employee representatives. State authorities have indicated plans to oppose the privatisation move and examine legal options to challenge the regulator's decision.
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Data indicates that over 450 farm fire incidents have been recorded in Punjab over the past month. Concurrently, the Delhi Transport Association has urged the government to conduct a 15-day scientific pilot prior to implementing vehicular curbs, warning of potential spikes in transportation costs and disruption to essential goods supplies.
Meteorological forecasts from the India Meteorological Department project calm wind conditions, which could worsen pollutant concentration and trigger further curbs under GRAP 2 and GRAP 3. Authorities have urged residents to adhere to anti-pollution guidelines, avoid using non-compliant vehicles, and halt open garbage burning.Political Row Over Red Carpet For Photo Exhibition In Kerala Amid Protests By Unemployed YouthA political controversy has erupted over preferential treatment and a special welcome extended for a photography exhibition in Kerala.
The opposition party has questioned the political double standards, contrasting the red-carpet reception with police action against unemployed youth protesting in the state. The issue gained traction after an official invitation was extended to host the entire exhibition without exclusions following restrictions faced elsewhere.
Questions have been raised regarding the state-level prominence accorded to an individual who is neither an elected representative nor technically involved in active politics.Gurugram Power Outage: Electricity Staff Strike Enters Day 2, State Challenges PrivatisationParts of Gurugram have experienced severe electricity outages as a three-day strike called by power department employees entered its second day, impacting residential areas, commercial businesses, and essential facilities. The agitation was initiated following a regulatory decision permitting private power distribution in Haryana.
The state government stated it strongly opposed electricity privatisation and announced plans to challenge the regulatory ruling before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity within five to six days to seek a stay. While authorities appealed to the protesting personnel to withdraw the strike and return to work, unions continued their demonstration over unmet demands, leading to widespread disruptions across localities lacking backup power systems.Gurugram Faces Massive Power Outage, Parallel Water Crisis Amid Haryana Electricity Staff StrikeA massive power crisis has hit Gurugram and several districts across Haryana following a strike by electricity department employees protesting against the privatisation of power distribution.
The widespread disruption plunged dozens of areas into darkness since midnight, disrupting residential and commercial sectors alike. Alongside the blackouts, the power failure triggered a severe parallel water crisis, leading to over 5,500 complaints within hours.
Around 40,000 electricity board employees joined the three-day strike across districts including Ambala, Sonipat, Rohtak, Rewari, Gurugram, and Nuh. The situation has raised serious questions over administrative preparedness and emergency backup arrangements.

