QUICKREADS

Meghalaya launches self-defence training for girls in schools

The Meghalaya government has launched a self-defence training initiative for girl students in schools, aiming to enhance safety awareness and confidence. Jointly implemented by various departments and the police, the program will be conducted in schools with trained instructors. Alongside, improvements in school facilities will promote hygiene and attendance. The initiative emphasizes empowerment and inclusion for all students.

Noida hospital develops ‘Healing Garden’ for kids

A previously unused land at the Super Speciality Paediatric Hospital in Noida has been transformed into a "Healing Garden," offering a tranquil space for child patients and caregivers. Inaugurated as part of a therapeutic initiative, the garden features wheelchair-accessible paths, medicinal plants, and fruit trees, promoting emotional relief and connection with nature during hospital visits.

Noida: Man loses ₹66.4L to woman he met on dating app

A 43-year-old Noida man was allegedly duped of ₹66.42 lakh over two years after connecting with a woman on a dating app. After initially helping her with a medical emergency, she and her associates extorted him through threats. Following persistent harassment, he filed a complaint with the police, leading to an investigation into the fraudulent activities.

Greater Noida: Man held for killing Badalpur farmer after being rejected to marry his daughter

In Greater Noida, police arrested 22-year-old Deepak Goswami for the murder of 45-year-old farmer Mahipal, following a rejected marriage proposal. The suspect allegedly shot Mahipal twice after stalking him for months. Police traced Goswami using CCTV footage and electronic surveillance. A case of murder and possession of an illegal firearm has been registered against him.

Noida: ICU patients survive oxygen pipe leak scare after short-circuit

In Noida, eight ICU patients were safely relocated after a high-pressure oxygen pipeline leak occurred due to a short circuit at Mark Hospital. Fire officials reported no casualties, and hospital staff quickly addressed the situation by shutting off the power and using portable oxygen. The leak was repaired within an hour, allowing emergency services to resume.

SGPGI staff demand raise in retirement age from 60 to 65 years

The All Employees’ Welfare Association of SGPGIMS has requested an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65 years, citing practices of leading institutions like IITs and AIIMS. They argue that this change would help retain experienced staff, address workforce shortages, and maintain operational efficiency, urging the director to forward the proposal to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Rituals, grandeur to mark Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on Nov 5

On November 5, 21 Brahmins will perform a Vedic worship of Maa Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat for Dev Deepawali, organized by Ganga Seva Nidhi. The event features cultural performances, extensive security measures, and a campaign to promote environmental conservation. The festival will be live-streamed, allowing devotees worldwide to participate virtually.

Dadumajra landfill: Chandigarh pollution committee flags poor waste mgmt with NGT

The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee reported mismanagement of solid waste at the Dadumajra landfill, exacerbated by excessive rainfall. Despite operational leachate treatment plants, the treated effluent quality remains high. The municipal corporation has implemented corrective measures, including repairs and preventive actions following a major fire. Bio-mining of legacy waste is now expected to conclude by November 2025.

At Nirankari event, Haryana CM hails message of unity, humanity

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praised the Nirankari Mission for promoting selfless service and unity at the 78th Sant Samagam in Panipat. He emphasized the importance of introspection and social service alongside spirituality. Additionally, he addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan-2025, advocating for Arya Samaj teachings to restore India’s legacy and announced funding for local yogshalas to enhance health and character development.

Mohali: Asst engineer’s e-mail hacked, abusive complaint filed against senior

Police have filed an FIR after the email of Nayagaon municipal council's assistant engineer was hacked, leading to a false, abusive complaint against a junior engineer. The assistant engineer, Harbhajan Singh, reported the incident to cyber police after receiving a call about the complaint. Investigations traced the hacking to Rakesh Kumar, who faces multiple charges, but has not yet been arrested.

UHBVNL to pay ₹7.5 lakh for denying job to disabled lineman’s son

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited to pay ₹7.5 lakh with 6% annual interest to Pankaj Kumar, whose job applications on compassionate grounds were rejected. His father, a disabled employee, was assured of his son's employment, but the utility's subsequent denials were deemed a failure of administrative duty and insensitivity.

Three arrested for illegally excavating soil at Chandigarh’s IT Park

Police arrested three men for illegal sand mining at IT Park, Chandigarh, after officials discovered fresh digging marks and missing soil during an inspection. The suspects, identified as Aalam, Jasveer, and Rahul, were found with tippers and a Poclain machine. In a related action in Dera Bassi, police seized four vehicles and registered three FIRs for similar offenses.

High water levels may affect this winter’s bird count: Experts

Maharashtra's recent heavy monsoons have filled waterbodies, complicating this year's migratory bird census. With birds dispersing across numerous smaller habitats instead of clustering in traditional wetlands, researchers anticipate reduced sightings and delayed studies. Key locations like Ujani Reservoir have seen fewer birds, leading to postponed surveys. Experts suggest changing weather patterns are influencing migration trends and distribution.

Youth being forced to migrate, say Congress, JJP

Congress and JJP criticized the Haryana government for youth migration due to unemployment. Sirsa MP Kumari Selja highlighted delays in government recruitment and the plight of young men and women seeking jobs abroad, facing dangers. JJP leaders emphasized the lack of concern for youth and farmers, with many youths resorting to desperate measures for opportunities.

PMC rolls out SOP to fix uneven drainage chambers

The Pune Municipal Corporation has launched a Standard Operating Procedure to level drainage chambers across the city, aiming to enhance road safety for motorists. This initiative, part of the Pune Grand Challenge, addresses recurring road hazards and follows a survey identifying over 1,500 uneven chambers. Contractors have begun work, with hopes of smoother roads ahead of an international cycling event in January.

Panchkula: Court grants default bail to accused in ₹72 cr HSVP embezzlement case

An additional sessions court has granted default bail to Vijay Kumar in a ₹72 crore embezzlement case linked to Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran. The court overturned a previous ruling, citing the prosecution's failure to file a challan within the required 90 days. Kumar's counsel argued he was not involved in the alleged illegal activities.