QUICKREADS

LG lays foundation stone for construction of new houses for flood-affected families in Chishoti

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation for 19 new houses for flood-affected families in Chishoti Paddar, Kishtwar, following a devastating cloudburst in August that killed 65 people. The houses will be built free of cost with support from HRDS India. Sinha emphasized the commitment to rehabilitate affected families and improve local infrastructure, including road and mobile connectivity.

Two Navi Mumbai engineers duped of ₹2.7 cr each in trading frauds

Two engineers from Navi Mumbai lost ₹5.41 crore in separate cyber frauds involving scammers who posed as online trading experts. Victims were lured via WhatsApp groups and fake investment platforms, leading them to download fraudulent trading apps and transfer money. Both cases involved blocked withdrawals and demands for large fees, prompting police involvement.

Court acquits two in 2020 Delhi riots case, cites lack of identification

A Delhi court has acquitted two men, Jony Kumar and Mithan Singh, accused of vandalism during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The judge stated that mere presence in a chanting mob does not constitute evidence of participation in violence, as prosecution witnesses failed to identify the accused as part of the rioting group.

HC dismisses pleas challenging voters’ lists for local body polls

The Bombay High Court dismissed four petitions challenging the electoral rolls for upcoming local body elections, stating that finalized lists cannot be altered by courts. Petitioners claimed irregularities, including missing names despite online registration. The court emphasized that voters’ lists, finalized as of July 1, 2025, are definitive, and those with grievances must follow legal procedures for appeal.

Noida woman lawyer ends life after man refuses to marry her, threatens to leak videos

A 24-year-old lawyer in Noida died by suicide, allegedly after her lawyer friend refused to marry her and threatened to release private videos. The family reported a heated argument before her death. Police have registered a case against the man for abetment to suicide and intimidation, and he has been detained for further investigation.

17 municipal councils in district to go to polls on Dec 2

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced local body elections for 17 municipal councils in Pune district, including Baramati and Chakan. Baramati's polls are particularly significant due to potential competition between factions of the Nationalist Congress Party. With over 6.34 lakh voters across these councils, the district administration is prepared for the elections and will enforce the model code of conduct.

Ludhiana: Western Command steps in to restore statue of 1965 war hero

The Western Command has pledged to reinstall the statue of Major Bhupinder Singh, Maha Vir Chakra, at Bharat Nagar Chowk, Ludhiana, after months of public demand from ex-servicemen and citizens. The statue was removed during roadworks earlier this year, sparking protests. Brigadier Inder Mohan Singh confirmed the Command's commitment to restoring the memorial, which honors the war hero’s sacrifice.

Revenue official arrested for graft in J&K’s Samba; ₹35 lakh seized

The Jammu and Kashmir anti-corruption bureau arrested a patwari, Sunil Kumar, in Samba district for demanding a bribe of ₹80,000 for processing a report. During the investigation, over ₹35 lakh was found in his vehicle. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are ongoing.

Noida, Ghaziabad see ‘very poor’ air for third day

Air quality in Noida and Ghaziabad remains "very poor," with Noida's AQI at 304 and Ghaziabad at 325, marking the third consecutive day of hazardous levels. Contributing factors include lower temperatures and stagnant winds. Officials are intensifying pollution control measures, including night patrols in industrial areas, as pollution typically rises in October and November.

Data gaps, odd patterns: Questions over Delhi AQI

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) dropped from 366 to 309 between November 2 and 3, raising concerns about the accuracy of pollution readings. An analysis revealed data gaps, suspicious measurement patterns, and algorithmic loopholes that may distort true pollution levels, particularly during peak pollution times. These discrepancies suggest that the reported AQI may not accurately reflect the city's air quality conditions.

Ludhiana: 4 months on, supplement test reports still pending

The local health department inspected supplement stores in July due to concerns over adulteration in health supplements used by gym goers. Despite collecting samples, reports are still pending four months later. Delays in testing arose from equipment issues. Health officials warn of potential health risks and advise caution in using supplements, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Bus fire, crash trigger traffic snarls in south Delhi; curbs planned for Friday

Traffic in south Delhi faced significant disruptions on Tuesday due to a DTC bus fire and a road accident, causing congestion on major routes. The fire was extinguished without injuries, but the aftermath affected traffic on key roads. Additionally, the Delhi Traffic Police warned of upcoming restrictions for a large procession on Friday, advising alternative routes for commuters.

Ludhiana MC issues over 50 challans for open dumping of garbage

Following orders from MC commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, the municipal corporation has intensified efforts against open garbage dumping in the city. Over 50 challans were issued to violators, who are also required to clean up their waste. Mayor Inderjit Kaur urged residents to support cleanliness efforts, warning of penalties for continued violations, including waste burning.

280 hutments razed in Malwani mangrove zone

In a significant operation, Mumbai authorities demolished over 280 hutments encroaching on mangrove land in Malwani, freeing nearly 10,000 square meters of government property. The drive, which involved advanced satellite imagery for planning, aims to combat illegal land occupation linked to the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. Officials warned that future encroachments would face strict penalties.

HT spot check: No let-up in firecracker sales in Delhi

Despite a Supreme Court ban on firecracker sales in Delhi following Diwali, vendors continue to sell them unchecked due to the ongoing wedding season. Spot checks reveal widespread violations, with many unaware of the restrictions. Residents report increasing noise from firecrackers during celebrations, prompting concerns over enforcement of the ban, according to local officials and community leaders.

UP Police launches action plan to curb road mishaps, traffic snarls

Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has launched a statewide plan in Uttar Pradesh to reduce road accidents and enhance traffic management, marking November as Traffic Awareness Month. The initiative prioritizes high-density areas, aims to create a data-driven model for road safety, and includes specific measures for accident hotspots. Successful pilot interventions have already shown significant reductions in accidents.