QUICKREADS

Ludhiana | Tenders for ₹300-crore railway station project likely to be floated in May
Railways is likely to float tenders for the ₹300-crore project to revamp the Ludhiana station, one of the biggest junctions in Ferozepur division, in May. No major renovation since 1860s The British-era railway station has not undergone any significant renovation since it was established in the 1860s. Mayor Balkar Sandhu said that the railways' team had come to the MC seek suggestions and he had directed MC officials to look into the project.

Fear of war looms over Valley
Tensions rise in Kashmir Valley after India's precision strikes on Pakistan, with residents fearing potential retaliation. People are anxious, stocking essentials, and uncertain about future escalation, while normal life continues amid border shelling and war apprehensions.

Ludhiana: NCC, students practise emergency response during school mock drills
NCC and students at multiple schools in Ludhiana conducted emergency response mock drills, teaching evacuation procedures, safety techniques, and disaster preparedness in response to recent security tensions, involving coordination with medical and district officials.

Ludhiana: Mock drill at Verka milk plant, select areas face brief blackout
A comprehensive mock drill at Verka Milk Plant tested emergency response capabilities, involving multiple agencies like NDRF, fire department, and police. The exercise aimed to enhance crisis preparedness and train personnel in coordinated rescue and safety protocols.

Ludhiana: PAU hosts ‘green ammonia’ talk by US-based scientist
US scientist Eric Davidson discusses green ammonia's potential at PAU, highlighting its role in reducing carbon emissions, producing fertilizers and fuel sustainably, and supporting climate-smart agriculture through renewable energy technology.

Ludhiana: Private players dominate, offer more than MSP
Private traders in Ludhiana dominate wheat procurement, buying 1.6 lakh metric tonnes at rates higher than MSP. Government agencies have procured 6.39 lakh metric tonnes, with 97% of the target already achieved before the May 15 deadline.

Phagwara double murder cracked: Lawyer, woman friend’s bodies recovered
A lawyer and his woman friend were kidnapped and murdered by her ex-husband Harvinder Singh after their relationship soured. Police recovered their bodies from an agricultural field in Ludhiana, arresting six suspects after a detailed investigation.

3 of Gurugram firm booked for workers’ death at Bathinda STP
Three sanitation workers died while cleaning a sewage treatment plant in Bathinda. Police booked three Gurugram firm officials for culpable homicide, citing lack of safety equipment and negligence. The contractor agreed to pay ₹37 lakh compensation to each victim's family.

Ghaziabad to continue mock security drills
Ghaziabad conducted mock security drills amid India-Pakistan tensions, involving five high-rises and ten schools. District officials aimed to train residents in safety measures, following Indian Army's precision strikes on terror sites in Pakistan.

Gautam Budh Nagar: Volunteers to get disaster response training
100 volunteers from Gautam Budh Nagar will undergo 12-day disaster response training in Lucknow, becoming "Aapda Mitras" skilled in rescue techniques, first aid, and emergency response to enhance community-level disaster preparedness.

Bomb hoax on Katra-bound bus sparks panic in Samrala
A Katra-bound bus received a bomb threat, prompting swift evacuation of 45 passengers near Samrala. Police, bomb disposal teams, and senior officers responded, searching the vehicle. The hoax was resolved without incident, with authorities working to trace the caller.

We need to adopt AI than fear it: Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal encourages students to embrace AI, highlighting its potential in agriculture and other sectors. He emphasized responsible technology adoption, predicted India's economic growth, and stressed AI's role in transforming education and opportunities.

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.