Blackbuck count at Abohar sanctuary in Punjab going down, reveals wildlife census

The population of blackbucks, the state animal of Punjab, has drastically decreased, according to a census by the Wildlife Institute of India at Shri Guru Jambeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The experts' reports stated that the animal was spotted in so few locations that it was impossible to estimate their population. The central institute attributed the decline to a lack of grassland due to farming and livestock overgrazing, which has led to the destruction of their mating environs and rampant predation by feral dogs. The blackbucks are now “on the verge of extinction in Punjab,” the report warned.

Over 5,000 Delhi govt staff got ‘illegal’ ration cards

Delhi government discovered over 5,600 employees illegally holding ration cards meant for low-income households. Action initiated to cancel cards, with 1,567 already revoked. Employees from various departments wrongly registered under Public Distribution System.

Delhi CM, Khattar meet, discuss development issues

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar met to discuss urban development issues, including housing, infrastructure, and land policies. They aim to resolve long-standing problems and provide relief to Delhi residents through coordinated efforts.

Blackout, sirens: Tricity holds its breath as tensions rise on western borders

Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula) experienced a three-hour blackout and heightened security amid border tensions. Schools closed, exams postponed, flights grounded, and medical staff put on standby as precautionary measures against potential Pakistan-related threats.

IBJA conclave: Work out road map for gems, jewellery park in U.P: Yogi

Yogi Adityanath urges IBJA to develop a gems and jewellery park in U.P., highlighting the state's safe business environment, reduced crime, and potential for economic growth in the sector contributing 7% to national GDP.

LG inaugurates Delhi’s first centre of excellence in taekwondo, weight lifting

LG VK Saxena inaugurated Delhi's first DDA sports excellence centre in Dwarka, spanning 23.3 acres with diverse indoor and outdoor facilities, offering professional coaching in boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, and taekwondo.

State govt to expedite rollout of all Defence Corridor MoUs

Uttar Pradesh government to fast-track Defence Corridor MoUs, with 170 agreements worth ₹30,000 crore. Six strategic nodes will host defense production units, promising significant investments, job creation, and manufacturing of missiles, drones, and ammunition.

April IGRS rankings: Shravasti on top in grievance redressal, Shahjahanpur second

Shravasti topped April IGRS rankings with a 93.57% complaint resolution rate, followed by Shahjahanpur and Amethi. The district implemented daily public hearings and feedback checks, aligning with CM Yogi Adityanath's vision for effective grievance redressal.

Haryana CM condemns holding BBMB chairman ‘hostage’, demands water release

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized the Punjab government for mishandling a water dispute, alleging an illegal hostage situation involving the Bhakra Beas Management Board chairman. He condemned Punjab's refusal to comply with a high court ruling and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to respect the decision, asserting Haryana's right to its share of water for drinking purposes.

Ludhiana: Drug suspect groom evades police arrest

Police raided a pre-wedding celebration in Ludhiana to arrest drug suspect Gurvinder Singh. Amid chaos, family and guests helped him escape, prompting officers to fire warning shots. An FIR has been filed, and a manhunt is underway.

Ludhiana: Gyan Post to ensure easy access to educational material

India Post launched Gyan Post, a new mail service for affordable textbook distribution, offering rates between ₹20-₹100 for 300gm-5kg parcels. Targeting students in rural areas, the service aims to improve educational material access nationwide from May 1, 2025.

Ludhiana: Giaspura School head seeks CM intervention

School officials discovered missing ration quantities for mid-day meals at Giaspura Government Primary School. The head teacher wrote to the chief minister after an internal inquiry revealed significant food stock discrepancies, with no resolution from local education authorities.

Ludhiana DC Jain reviews West bypoll preparedness

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reviewed bypoll preparedness, directing nodal officers to ensure smooth election conduct. He emphasized manpower management, EVM security, model code of conduct, law and order, and media communication strategies.

Ludhiana: Bihar resident held in drug case, 1kg heroin seized

Police arrested Bihar resident Pardeep Kumar in Ludhiana, seizing 1.05 kg heroin during a drug bust. His accomplice Raju Kumar was also booked. A case under NDPS Act was registered, with investigations ongoing.

CM Saini’s Karnal event, others postponed

Haryana CM Nayab Saini's Karnal event and other state programmes postponed due to security concerns, following government advisory. Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations at Salwan village cancelled, with officials prioritizing national security.

No fuel to drivers with covered faces, without number plates: Yamunanagar SP

Yamunanagar SP directs petrol pump operators to deny fuel to drivers with covered faces and without number plates to prevent criminals from escaping identification and committing crimes undetected.