QUICKREADS

HT interview: Centre must give clear timeframe for J&K statehood, says CM Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir's first chief minister, reflects on his challenging year in office, addressing issues like the Pahalgam terror attack's impact on tourism and the economy, conflicts with the Lt Governor, and the delay in restoring statehood. He emphasizes the need for clarity on governance and expresses concern over democracy's future in the region.

Operation Pehchaan: UP police tighten rent rules, puts onus of tenant’s verification on owner

Lucknow Police has initiated ‘Operation Pehchaan’ to enforce mandatory tenant verification for landlords to combat crime and monitor outsiders. This online registration process aims to prevent criminals from using false identities to rent homes. Landlords must register tenants' details, obtain character certificates, and cooperate with police for verification, with legal consequences for non-compliance.

Kashmir cops book Mohali organisers as ‘cricket league’ comes to abrupt halt

The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated an inquiry after the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) abruptly collapsed, leaving players and staff unpaid. Organisers allegedly fled, prompting police to file a cheating case. The T20 league featured international cricketers but faced backlash for mismanagement, raising concerns over the government’s oversight in allowing the event to proceed.

Traffic Awareness Month: Licences of habitual traffic violators to be cancelled

Lucknow Traffic Police launched Traffic Awareness Month, announcing stricter measures including cancellation of licenses for repeat offenders. The reward for Good Samaritans aiding accident victims was increased to ₹25,000. The campaign aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030, emphasizing road safety education and strict enforcement of traffic rules. A meeting addressed traffic congestion caused by e-rickshaws.

PIL seeking transfers of undertrials jailed outside UT: Courts remain our last hope, says PDP chief after hearing

Mehbooba Mufti, former J&K chief minister and PDP leader, has petitioned the J&K High Court to address the situation of Kashmiri youth incarcerated outside the region, urging their return for family visits. She called for reforms in the criminal justice system to ensure fairness and humanity. The Awami Ittehad Party criticized her approach, questioning her political motives and legal consistency.

89% of work under 2024-25 business plan done: PVVNL

Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has completed 89% of its Business Plan for 2024-25, focusing on infrastructure improvements to ensure reliable electricity supply. Key initiatives include replacing faulty equipment and enhancing substation capacities. Residents' associations are encouraged to engage in meetings to address ongoing issues, particularly regarding faulty meters and billing discrepancies, as summer approaches.

83% dip in field fires but air quality still bad in Haryana

Despite an 83% decline in stubble burning cases in Haryana, air quality remains poor, with cities like Kaithal recording an AQI of 393. Five out of the thirteen locations with "very poor" AQI in India are in Haryana. Experts attribute ongoing pollution to factors beyond stubble burning, including vehicular emissions and industrial activities.

Kinnar Akhada splits, ‘Sanatani’ splinter group formed

The Kinnar Akhada has split, with Kaushalyanand Giri, or "Tina Maa," forming the Sanatani Kinnar Akhada in response to actress Mamta Kulkarni's increasing influence. Tina Maa, previously a Mahamandaleshwar, accused the Akhada's leadership of imposing decisions and compromising the community's integrity. The new Akhada will formally declare her as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar following consecration rituals.

Taking wife’s jewellery alone doesn’t amount to cruelty: HC

The Delhi High Court ruled that a man cannot be charged with cruelty towards his wife solely for taking her jewelry, as it does not constitute "cruelty" under Section 498A of the IPC. The court emphasized that allegations must be supported by evidence and clarified that a man can still be charged even if the marriage is declared invalid.

Five years after collapse, masjid dome awaits restoration efforts

The 200-year-old Masjid Mubarak Begum in Old Delhi, once a glorious structure, has suffered neglect since its central dome collapsed in 2018. Despite multiple site visits by officials and a stalled restoration agreement with the World Monument Fund, no repairs have been made. The mosque, built by Mubarak Begum, symbolizes her historical significance and power in a male-dominated society.

Delhi CM reviews Delhi air crisis, orders strict action on polluters

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a meeting to address rising air pollution, implementing measures like continuous water sprinkling and regular road cleaning. Special teams will target polluting industries and vehicles, with fines for waste burning. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of pollution, claiming air quality has worsened. BJP officials defended their record, citing recent improvements.

Pharma diploma first year trimmed to 5 months due to delay in college approval

The Diploma in Pharmacy course's first-year duration in Pune has been reduced to five months due to delays in approvals from the Pharmacy Council of India. The academic session runs from October to April 18, 2026, with three internal exams scheduled before the annual exam on April 30. Students will face an intensive crash course to complete the syllabus.

SC tells DDA to plant 167k trees across 185 acres by March 2026

The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi Development Authority to plant 167,000 tree saplings across 185 acres by March 2026, following illegal tree felling in the Delhi Ridge area. The court emphasized the need for effective afforestation and monitoring to ensure sapling survival, mandating a comprehensive scheme and biannual progress reports from the DDA and Delhi government.

Roundabout | Will take a step less but shall walk with swagger

Filmmaker Gurvinder Singh, known for transforming Punjabi cinema, began his journey with the short film ‘Pala’. His notable works include adaptations of Gurdial Singh's novels, such as ‘Anhe Ghore da Daan’, which highlighted caste issues. His latest project, ‘Rehmat’, features stories by Ajeet Cour and stars Naseeruddin Shah, marking a significant addition to Punjabi film.

Haryana’s sex ratio shows signs of recovery

Haryana's Sex Ratio at Birth has improved to 913 girls per 1,000 boys from January to October 2025, up from 905 in the same period last year. This eight-point increase reflects effective enforcement against illegal sex-selective abortions, with 16 out of 22 districts showing gains. Health officials anticipate further improvements if the trend continues.

PWD issues SOPs to curb cost overruns

The Delhi Public Works Department has implemented new arbitration guidelines to identify lapses by officials in projects with cost escalations. The chief engineer must examine arbitration cases and recommend accountability if the award exceeds 10% of the project cost. The department has removed arbitration clauses from contracts, directing officials to ensure client departments pay arbitration awards or face court involvement.