QUICKREADS

ETF panel approves bidding document presented by UPPCL

ETF panel approves UPPCL's bidding document for power distribution privatization in 42 districts. Three new companies will be formed, with 51% private equity. Employees assured job protection and benefits, while maintaining government's 49% stake.

Haryana CM orders punitive action against officials for Gurugram water works irregularities

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini ordered punitive action against officials for irregularities in the Basai Water Treatment Project tender, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption. He also inaugurated Hisar-Jaipur flight services, highlighting the state's development and connectivity.

Hyderabad Gazette effect: Now, Banjaras stake claim on quota as STs

Banjaras demand ST status using Hyderabad Gazette, citing historical recognition. Backed by NCP leaders, they protest in seven districts, seeking 4% quota increase. This follows Maratha OBC inclusion, sparking tensions among reservation categories.

Three from Rajasthan arrested in Vasai with heroin worth ₹8 crore

Three Rajasthan men were arrested in Vasai with 2.11 kg of heroin worth ₹8 crore. Police intercepted their Swift car, seized the drugs, and registered a case under the Narcotics Act. Investigations are ongoing to trace the drug source and intended buyers.

Need for clarity on rights of viable foetus, says HC while allowing minor to terminate 27-week pregnancy

Delhi High Court highlights legal ambiguity surrounding viable foetus rights while allowing a 15-year-old minor to terminate her 27-week pregnancy resulting from sexual assault, emphasizing the need for legislative clarity on late-term abortion cases.

Demolition begins on British-era Elphinstone Bridge

Mumbai began demolishing the 112-year-old Elphinstone Bridge at 10 pm Friday, making way for a new double-decker connector. The project involves complex railway coordination, utility shifting, and potential rehabilitation of nearby buildings, with minimal disruption planned.

Eight tigers from Tadoba to be resettled in Sahyadri reserve

Eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench reserves will be relocated to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve to reduce territorial conflicts and help repopulate the area. The move aims to manage tiger numbers and mitigate human-animal interactions in Maharashtra.

Shelar pushes for koliwadas to be demarcated, entered in DCPR

Mumbai's guardian minister Ashish Shelar directed officials to demarcate and record koliwadas in the city's development regulations, protecting the Koli fishing community's settlements from being labeled as slums and safeguarding their cultural identity.

‘We have lost’: Residents accept defeat as Elphinstone Bridge closes

Mumbai residents accepted defeat as Elphinstone Bridge closure began, with police deploying 250 officers and barricading both ends. Residents retreated after receiving legal warnings, leaving their protest ineffective and unresolved, with vague promises of future rehabilitation.

Anish Damania to join state think tank

Finance expert Anish Damania joins Maharashtra's MITRA think tank as honorary advisor, focusing on attracting investments, supporting startups, and aligning state growth with national development goals under Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.

Bomb hoax disrupts HC proceedings for 2 hours

A bomb hoax disrupted Bombay High Court proceedings for two hours. Staff, lawyers, and litigants evacuated after an email threat. Police conducted a thorough search, found nothing suspicious, and resumed court activities by 3 pm.

Meat ban in Panchkula likely to face fresh high court challenge

Panchkula municipal corporation's meat ban in Mansa Devi Complex faces potential high court challenge. Shopkeepers argue the order violates rights, impacts local businesses, and lacks justification, planning to contest the blanket restriction on meat sales.

Plant compensatory trees/mangroves before cutting them infra projects: HC

Bombay High Court mandates compensatory afforestation before cutting mangroves for infrastructure projects, requiring transparent documentation on a public website and planting 370 saplings for 26 mangroves near the original site, emphasizing environmental preservation alongside development.

Detection of dwarf virus in Kangra, Sirmaur raises concern among paddy farmers

Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus detected in Kangra and Sirmaur districts, threatening paddy crops. Spread by white-backed plant hoppers, the virus causes stunting and yellowing. Agriculture authorities are monitoring fields and advising farmers on prevention and management.

INSAS rifle theft case: Crime scene recreation reveals conflicting accounts from accused and complainant

Crime scene reconstruction reveals conflicting accounts in INSAS rifle theft case. Two brothers accused of stealing a rifle from a naval installation, with potential links to local vendetta or Naxal activities. Multiple agencies investigating national security implications.

Mithi flooding brings Kurla slum colonies a silver lining

Record Mithi River flooding sparks hope for 630 families in Kranti and Sandesh Nagar slums. MMRDA plans to repair HDIL Premier complex and resettle residents, offering 1BHK units after years of delay and repeated flood-related evacuations.