QUICKREADS

Maharashtra: ₹31k-crore relief for rain-hit farmers: CM

Maharashtra government announces ₹31,628 crore relief package for flood-affected farmers, covering crop losses, land restoration, and infrastructure. CM Fadnavis claims historic support, though opposition and farmers' leaders criticize the package as insufficient.

Punjab: SAD leader Vardev Singh Noni Mann held for 2024 Jalalabad clash

SAD leader Vardev Singh Noni Mann was arrested in Chandigarh for his alleged involvement in a violent clash outside a BDPO office in Jalalabad last year. The incident, linked to local election tensions, involved stone-pelting and gunfire, injuring AAP candidate Mandeep Singh Brar. Mann's bail application was previously rejected, and he will appear in court on Wednesday.

Karnataka farmer dies after setting himself on fire outside DC office over land compensation delay

A 55-year-old farmer, MD Manjegowda, died from severe burns after setting himself on fire outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mandya district, protesting a long-pending compensation issue related to land acquisition. Despite repeated requests for compensation and alternative land, he received neither. The police have not yet received a formal complaint regarding the incident.

On Gurpurb, Punjab CM Mann calls for reopening of Kartarpur Corridor

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the Golden Temple to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, urging the Centre to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor. He emphasized the need for peace and trade with Pakistan, suggesting that the government should act independently to facilitate reopening, highlighting ongoing cricket matches and trade through Gujarat. Mann believes resuming trade would create jobs and benefit the economy.

‘They really destroyed MG Road’: Viral post exposes Bengaluru’s patchwork mess

A viral Reddit post has highlighted the deteriorating condition of Bengaluru's MG Road, prompting outrage among residents. Users lamented the poor infrastructure, comparing it unfavorably to roads in tier-2 cities, despite Bengaluru's high road taxes. Personal anecdotes emphasize the normalization of bad roads, with one user sharing concerns about driving safely during a pregnancy.

Soldier injured in encounter between security forces, terrorists in Kishtwar

Security forces in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, engaged in a fierce encounter with Pakistani terrorists on Wednesday morning, following a joint operation based on specific intelligence. The encounter began around 7:30 am, leading to an exchange of fire. The area has been cordoned off, and additional reinforcements have been deployed as the operation continues.

Bengaluru Airport commute set to get smoother as Hebbal flyover loop nears completion

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) reports progress on the new loop connecting the Hebbal flyover, enhancing travel between Kempegowda International Airport and the city. Civil works are complete, with steel girders pending installation. The project aims to improve traffic flow from Yelahanka, Sahakaranagar, and Jakkur, easing congestion on the Hebbal flyover and enhancing connectivity across Bengaluru.

₹150 crore error in Bengaluru Metro fare hike? Tejasvi Surya accuses BMRCL of miscalculation

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya criticized the Namma Metro fare hike, claiming a calculation error by BMRCL has overcharged commuters by nearly Rs 150 crore. He highlighted that fares in Bengaluru are significantly higher than in other major Indian cities and urged BMRCL to address the anomalies and ensure affordable public transport. BMRCL officials promised a formal explanation soon.

Zirakpur marriage palace blaze | Fire systems at both venues were defunct, reveals probe

Following a fire at two wedding venues in Zirakpur, police filed an FIR against the owners for fire safety violations. Investigations revealed their fire safety systems were defunct and staff untrained. Mohali's deputy commissioner ordered audits of all local marriage palaces to ensure safety during the wedding season, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and staff training.

Chandigarh: Couple gets ₹15 lakh relief in road mishap

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 15.63 lakh in compensation to Lata Devi and Bal Mukand after their son, Neeraj Kumar, died in a road accident in July 2020. The tribunal found the accident resulted from the negligence of both drivers involved. The couple's claim was partly approved, with annual interest at 7.5%.

Chandigarh: Elderly woman killed, three children injured as wall collapses in Daria

A 75-year-old woman, Gangiya Devi, died and three children were seriously injured after a wall collapsed in Daria village when a truck hit it. Local residents accused the transport company of negligence, citing the wall's poor condition. The injured children were hospitalized, with one requiring transfer to a specialized facility. Police are investigating the incident.

Chandigarh: Parents protest ₹20 lakh deposit, urge one-year fee cap for Group Home

Parents of individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities are advocating for a one-year security deposit for admission to a Group Home, contrasting with the administration's two-year requirement. A decision will be made at an upcoming governing body meeting. A public interest litigation has also prompted a reassessment of the deposit, which could significantly decrease from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 2-4 lakh.

Chandigarh roads need urgent repair: Councillors

The municipal corporation approved a Rs 170.92 lakh project for re-carpeting roads and parking in Transport Area, Sector 26. Heated discussions highlighted the city's deteriorating road conditions, with councillors urging urgent repairs. AAP councillor Jaswinder Kaur expressed frustration over unaddressed issues in her ward, while officials promised that all roads would soon be included in repair plans.

PU withdraws ‘anti-protest’ affidavit after week-long students’ agitation

Panjab University withdrew its controversial “anti-protest” affidavit following student protests, including a hunger strike by PUCSC general secretary Abhishek Dagar. The affidavit restricted students' rights to protest and faced backlash from various student groups and political leaders. While the affidavit's withdrawal is seen as a victory, students plan to continue their agitation against proposed senate reforms.

Accident or murder? 8 yrs on, Mohali court issues summons to 6 in woman’s death case

A Mohali court has summoned six individuals, including a teacher, for the alleged pre-meditated murder of Surinder Kaur in 2017, initially deemed a hit-and-run. Evidence presented by her son, including CCTV footage and witness statements, suggests a conspiracy linked to the teacher's alleged affair with the cab driver involved in the incident. The accused face trial under murder and conspiracy charges.

Chandigarh Master Plan against flyover construction: Petitioner to HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court heard petitions opposing flyovers in Chandigarh, citing the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031's vision for a pedestrian-friendly city. Petitioners argue the administration ignored alternative solutions and fresh traffic studies. The court questioned the project's alignment with the master plan, while the UT administration defended it as necessary for decongesting Dakshin Marg.