QUICKREADS
Punjab: Blast in Ferozepur village injures couple, house reduced to rubble
A couple was injured in a blast at their home in Kadma village, Ferozepur, on Friday. The explosion, caused by stored potash, destroyed their house and damaged nearby structures. Tarsem Lal and his wife Rani were hospitalized but are out of danger. Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged residents to avoid storing flammable materials.
AQI turns poor in Chandigarh again
Chandigarh's air quality worsened over the weekend, with the AQI rising from 170 (moderate) on Saturday to 233 (poor) on Sunday, and 216 (poor) on Monday. Panchkula's AQI remained worse at 308 (very poor) on Sunday, dropping to 294 on Monday. Temperature inversion and increased farm fires in Punjab are contributing factors to the decline in air quality.
Three injured in fire at illegal gas refilling shop in Gurugram
A fire at an illegal gas stove repair center in Laxman Vihar injured three individuals, including the shop owner, on Sunday night. The blaze, caused by a gas leak, destroyed the shop and damaged nearby establishments. Firefighters evacuated nearby residents and controlled the fire, while police restricted access to the area for safety. One injured person is in serious condition.
Chandigarh MC tightens noose around waste collectors
The Chandigarh municipal corporation has approved a new memorandum of understanding with door-to-door garbage collectors, implementing strict penalties for non-compliance. Key changes include mandatory biometric attendance, comprehensive waste segregation, and collection from all floors without charges. These reforms aim to improve cleanliness and achieve a seven-star rating in the annual Swachh Survekshan survey.
Faridabad constable trainee clears CDS, to join Army as lieutenant
Priyanshu, a 23-year-old trainee constable from Faridabad, achieved an all-India rank of 13 in the CDS exam and will join the Indian Army, undergoing 1.5 years of training at the IMA, Dehradun. His journey inspires fellow officers, and he aims to fulfill his childhood dream of serving in the armed forces, becoming the first in his family to do so.
FIR against owners after fire ravages two wedding venues in Zirakpur
A fire broke out during wedding ceremonies at two adjoining halls in Zirakpur on Sunday night, likely caused by fireworks. Guests were safely evacuated as flames spread quickly through flammable decorations. Police have filed an FIR against the venue owners for negligence. Fire officials emphasize the need for improved safety measures, as similar incidents have occurred previously.
Chandigarh MC’s first live streamed House meet | Councillors come to blows as city watches
During Chandigarh's first live-streamed municipal meeting, tensions escalated between BJP and Congress councillors, nearly resulting in a physical altercation. BJP's Gurbax Rawat criticized MP Manish Tewari for excluding her from inaugurations, while Congress's Sachin Galav countered that Rawat's absence from public events led to her being overlooked. The heated debate culminated in chaos, prompting intervention from other councillors.
NCR traffic police ramp up fog patrols, safety checks as winter nears
As winter approaches, traffic police in the National Capital Region are enhancing road safety measures due to reduced visibility. Actions include reflective tapes for vehicles, crash barricades, and increased patrols. An advisory will encourage a 500-metre distance between vehicles. Additionally, road signage and immediate response teams will be deployed to prevent accidents during foggy conditions.
MCM begins ₹2.2 crore road and sewage upgrade in Kukrola village
Praveen Yadav, senior deputy mayor of Municipal Corporation of Manesar, initiated road and sewage line construction in Kukrola village, addressing long-standing local demands. The projects, costing ₹2.2 crore, aim to improve infrastructure within four months. Villager Raman Kumar expressed relief over the improvements, which will alleviate waterlogging and commuting difficulties. The MCM plans to complete all basic facilities by next year.
2 of Ashish Chopra gang held with 205-gm heroin n Ferozepur
Two members of the Ashish Chopra gang were arrested in Ferozepur, with police seizing 205 grams of heroin. The operation, conducted by the Anti-Gangster Task Force and local police, revealed the suspects were in contact with a shooter linked to a murder case. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the gang's network and uncover drug supply connections.
4 nabbed in Ajmer as ₹1-cr Jalandhar robbery cracked
Jalandhar police arrested four suspects involved in a ₹1 crore jewelry heist five days after the crime. The main accused, Karan, Kushal, and Gagan, were identified through CCTV footage, while Gaurav was arrested for sheltering them. The robbery occurred at Vijay Jewellers, where the thieves threatened the owner with a pistol and escaped in three minutes.
Punjab: Warring apologises for remark on ex-Union minister, SC panel seeks explanation
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring apologized for his casteist comments about late Union minister Buta Singh during a rally, following summons from the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission. Rival parties condemned Warring’s remarks, labeling them as disrespectful and indicative of an anti-Dalit mindset within Congress. Warring clarified his intent was positive, emphasizing the party's inclusivity.
GMDA seeks ₹20 crore from NHAI to relay blocked recycled water pipeline
The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has requested ₹20 crore from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to lay a recycled water pipeline along 1.5 kilometers of the Dwarka expressway. The previous pipeline became unusable due to a stormwater drain construction. GMDA officials aim to enhance treated water supply for maintaining greenery in the area. NHAI is currently reviewing the request.
MCG captures 52 monkeys in ongoing drive amid rising ‘menace’ in Gurugram
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has initiated a drive in Sectors 27 and 34 to address rising monkey attacks, capturing 52 monkeys for relocation. Residents report increased monkey sightings, leading to health concerns. Officials plan to conduct similar operations citywide, while activists link the problem to deforestation. Residents express dissatisfaction with the authorities' response to the crisis.
Farm fires surge, 175 FIRs registered in a day in Punjab
Punjab Police registered 175 FIRs for stubble burning on Monday, marking the highest single-day total this kharif season, with 256 new cases reported. The state has seen 2,518 incidents so far. A crackdown involves 862 teams monitoring farmers, leading to environmental fines totaling ₹52.75 lakh. Air quality remains poor, with Khanna reporting an AQI of 253.
INS flays halt in newspaper deliveries in Punjab
The Indian Newspaper Society condemned disruptions in newspaper deliveries across Punjab, where cargo vehicles were halted for security checks, impacting thousands of readers. The organization stressed that such actions impede press freedom and the public's right to information. Opposition parties criticized the checks as a means to suppress news about government allegations against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, calling it a "chilling attack" on media freedom.

