State-owned telecom company, Bhartiya Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), on Monday said that it has extended the deadline for its ‘Freedom Plan’ by 15 days to September 15.

“BSNL is extending its ‘Freedom Plan’ by 15 days, in view of the overwhelming customer response,” a Ministry of Communications statement said.

The plan was launched on August 1, offering complimentary 4G mobile services for 30 days at a token Re. 1 to new activations. Originally, the scheme was available for activations up to August 31; however, now, the offer window has been extended to September 15.

The schemes ‘ benefits include unlimited voice calls (as per terms and conditions), 2GB high-speed 4G data per day, 100 SMS per day, and a Free SIM card.

“BSNL has recently deployed a Make-in-India, state-of-the-art 4G mobile network across the country, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Freedom Plan—absolutely free of service charges for the first 30 days—gives customers a proud opportunity to experience our indigenously developed 4G network,” BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J. Ravi, said.

“We’re confident that the service quality, coverage, and the trust associated with the BSNL brand will encourage customers to stay with us well beyond the introductory period,” he added.

Customers can get the Freedom Plan by visiting the nearest BSNL customer service centre, carrying valid documents for KYC. You can request the Freedom Plan SIM with just Rs 1 activation, complete your KYC, and collect your free SIM. Once you insert the SIM and follow the activation process as guided, your 30-day complimentary benefits will begin from the date of activation.

Earlier this year, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia credited the PM Narendra Modi government’s strategic revival steps for bringing BSNL back from the brink, saying that the state-run telecom giant, once left on ‘ventilator support’ by the previous UPA government, has now firmly re-established itself in the hearts of Indian consumers.

Speaking exclusively to on BSNL’s remarkable turnaround, the minister said: “At one point, BSNL was not even on ventilator support but in a critically failing state.””Prime Minister Modi made a strong resolve to bring BSNL back into full service for the country. Today, we are seeing the result of that commitment,” the minister said.

Maharashtra: A 49-year-old driver lost his life on Saturday evening in Panchavati, Nashik, after a gas cylinder exploded at a welding shop. The tragic incident occurred near Tapovan Corner, along the compound wall of the old bus depot, according to the Panchavati police.

The deceased has been identified as Ramnath Somvanshi, a resident of Swami Samarth Nagar on Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Road. Police said Somvanshi had visited the gas welding shop for work related to his vehicle’s registration number plate.

At the time of the incident, the shop owner was using a gas cutter to remove a tyre nut from a car. Shortly after switching off the cutter, the welding gas cylinder exploded, causing severe injuries to Somvanshi. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following a preliminary investigation, the Panchavati police registered a case under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence against the welding shop owner on Sunday night.

Officials stated that the shop owner failed to ensure adequate safety measures, despite working with hazardous and explosive materials. Although no arrest has been made so far, the accused has been issued a notice to remain present for further inquiry.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess whether the safety protocols at the site complied with regulations.

Mumbai: The ongoing Maratha reservation agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil at Azad Maidan took a crucial turn today after a delegation of state ministers assured the protestors that the government will issue a Government Resolution (GR) to implement the Hyderabad Gazette. This step would grant Kunbi status to Marathas from the Marathwada region, paving the way for their inclusion in the OBC quota.

According to officials, the GR is expected to be issued within an hour. The development came soon after the Bombay High Court accepted the agitators’ request for a temporary pause in the protest to allow discussions with the government-appointed sub-committee.

Meanwhile, Maratha leaders at the venue appealed to demonstrators, urging that apart from around 5,000 people stationed at Azad Maidan, the rest should proceed towards Navi Mumbai in compliance with the High Court’s directions.

Earlier in the day, Patil had declared that he would not vacate Azad Maidan “even at the cost of his life,” after police served a notice citing violation of the court’s interim order that had outlined conditions for the protest. In response, police teams began clearing agitators gathered at CSMT railway station, while heavy deployment of security personnel was also seen around BMC headquarters and Kila Court, where officers requested people to leave roads and footpaths to maintain order.

The situation remains tense as protestors await the government’s official resolution, while the administration continues to balance law and order with the demands of the Maratha community.