QUICKREADS

NITI Aayog India Innovation Index: Karnataka tops list for third year running
Karnataka has ranked first in the NITI Aayog's India Innovation Index (2021 report) for a third time in a row; the state has topped the list in both previous editions too. The first edition was released in October 2019 and second in January 2021. In the latest edition Telangana, Haryana and Maharashtra stood second, third and fourth in the list of top states.

Extensive emergency mock drills conducted across Gautam Budh Nagar
Gautam Budh Nagar police conducted extensive emergency mock drills across Noida, involving multiple agencies at high-traffic locations. The exercises simulated crisis scenarios like terrorist attacks and fires, aiming to improve inter-agency coordination and emergency response capabilities.

Drug racket busted: Three held with heroin, 2 pistols in Ferozepur
Police in Ferozepur busted a cross-border drug racket, arresting three suspects with 5.4kg heroin and two pistols. Investigations suggest drone deliveries from Pakistan, with cases registered under NDPS and Arms Acts.

Ludhiana: After 2 years, civil hospital ICU reopens as new posts sanctioned
After two years, Ludhiana's civil hospital reopens ICU with 4 beds and ventilator support. Newly sanctioned staff will help handle emergencies, reducing patient referrals to distant hospitals and providing critical local healthcare services.

Air raid sirens, blackouts: Mock drills held across Punjab, Hry, HP
Mock drills simulating emergencies like airstrikes and blackouts were conducted across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The nationwide civil defence exercise tested emergency response systems, public preparedness, and inter-agency coordination amid rising security tensions.

Punjab cancels leaves of all cops
Punjab Police cancels all personnel leaves due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Border state on high alert, with officials preparing for potential challenges. Additional measures include increased security checks, army vehicle support, and healthcare readiness.

Uphaar Cinema tragedy: SC issues notice to Delhi govt on status of trauma centre
Supreme Court seeks Delhi government's response on implementing a trauma centre for Uphaar Cinema fire victims, using ₹60 crore compensation from Ansal brothers, ten years after the original 2015 court order directing its construction.

PWD begins work on city’s first high-security prison
Delhi is constructing its first high-security prison in Narela, costing ₹140 crore. The 256-cell facility will house hardcore criminals, featuring advanced surveillance technology, isolated cells, and a unique starfish-like design to prevent inmate communication.

NHRC report flags violations at Tihar Jail No 4
NHRC report reveals severe human rights violations at Tihar Jail No. 4, including overcrowding, extortion, discriminatory treatment, and inhumane conditions for inmates. Jail officials transferred, investigation launched after findings of systematic abuse and bribery.

Mayor approves hiring of new waste management contractor
Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh approves hiring a new six-month waste management contractor for Central and West zones, addressing garbage collection issues. The estimated cost is ₹22-25 crore per zone, with plans to float a longer-term tender in the coming months.

Mann, Kejriwal cancel scheduled events
In response to Indian air strikes on Pakistan terror launch pads, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann cancelled scheduled events in Punjab. Both expressed solidarity with the armed forces and unity against terrorism.

Schools in Punjab border districts to remain closed
Schools in Punjab's border districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur—closed following border tensions with Pakistan after military strikes. Ferozepur extended closure to two days, while PTU deferred semester exams.

Delhi logs light rain, yellow alert on till Friday
Delhi experienced light rainfall and lightning, with IMD issuing a yellow alert for Thursday and Friday. Temperatures range from 24-38°C, with potential thunderstorms and winds up to 50 kmph. Scattered rain expected to continue for several days.

Delhi govt clears cloud-seeding trials
Delhi government approved five cloud-seeding trials to combat pollution, costing ₹3.21 crore. IIT Kanpur will lead the project, with the first trial planned for late May-June, covering 100 sq km, pending multiple agency clearances.

Delhi CM, state cabinet hail Operation Sindoor, PM Modi
Delhi CM and cabinet praised "Operation Sindoor," India's air strikes in Pakistan and PoK, expressing gratitude to PM Modi and armed forces for neutralizing terrorists and avenging the killing of innocent civilians.

Delhi hospitals attend to mock patients alongside medical processes
Delhi hospitals conducted a nationwide mock drill to test emergency preparedness, simulating mass casualty scenarios. Ambulances, patients, and medical staff participated, with volunteers acting as injured individuals. Hospitals practiced rapid response protocols and coordinated multidisciplinary interventions across government and private healthcare facilities.