QUICKREADS

Police lathicharge protesting teachers near CM’s house in Sangrur
Police in Punjab used force to disperse protesting teachers demanding the regularisation of their services and detained 20 of them. The teachers were protesting near the chief minister's house for the past 19 days, claiming that they were not being paid according to the scale of regular teachers and were not receiving other benefits. The teachers rejected a recent salary hike announcement by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating that they wanted regular pay scale and regularisation of their services. The detained teachers were later released.

UP leads municipal bond boom: VNN raises ₹50 cr through its first bond issue
Varanasi Nagar Nigam raises Rs 50 crore through its first municipal bond at 8.01% rate, becoming UP's fifth ULB to do so. Funds will develop a hotel complex and market complex, potentially generating Rs 8-9 crore annual revenue and creating 500 jobs.

Jan Aushadhi Kendra numbers set to increase in UP soon
Uttar Pradesh plans to establish Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all district hospitals and community health centers, aiming to increase affordable generic medicine outlets to over 1,100, ensuring wider access to low-cost drugs.

Major traffic reforms mulled to decongest Lucknow roads
City officials discussed comprehensive traffic reforms in Lucknow, targeting illegal roadside eateries, unauthorized e-rickshaws, and road encroachments. Plans include new bus terminals, anti-encroachment drives, road improvements, and addressing infrastructure issues to decongest city roads.

Tankers to the rescue as water supply complaints in Prayagraj surge amid rising mercury
As temperatures rise, Prayagraj water department deploys 95 tankers to address supply shortages. Control rooms handle 10-40 daily complaints, aiming to restore water within 60 minutes. City provides 400 MLD against 370 MLD demand, ensuring residents' water needs.

Bigger, juicier, sweeter: Expect an XL mango crop, say experts
Experts predict an excellent mango crop in Uttar Pradesh this season, with timely rains and favorable weather conditions promising larger, sweeter fruits. Farmers expect better yields and higher prices, with varieties like Dussehri anticipated to hit markets in early June.

U.P. braces for rising temps, light showers to linger
Temperatures in Uttar Pradesh set to rise gradually, with IMD predicting moderate heat and light showers primarily in southern districts. Maximum temperatures expected around 39°C, with partly cloudy skies and no imminent heatwave forecast.

Four cops among 5 killed in Aligarh road accident
Four policemen and an undertrial died in Aligarh when a police van hit a stationary container on Delhi-Kanpur highway. The accident occurred at 8:15 am, potentially due to driver fatigue. Authorities are investigating and have informed human rights bodies.

POCSO Act never meant to criminalise consensual relationships: Allahabad HC
Allahabad HC emphasized POCSO Act isn't meant to criminalize consensual teen relationships. Granting bail to an 18-year-old accused of raping a 16-year-old, the court noted the consensual nature and lack of medical evidence should be considered.

HYDRAA will check unauthorised constructions in Telangana capital: CM
Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced the formation of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to combat unauthorized constructions and civic issues, aiming to prevent pollution and infrastructure decay. He emphasized the need for timely decisions to avoid problems faced by other major cities and defended HYDRAA against opposition claims of being anti-poor.

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.

Businessman shot at in central Delhi; bouncer among 2 held
Police in New Delhi have arrested two suspects, Sahil Malik and Shivam Bhadauria, in connection with a May 2 shooting of businessman Rajendra. The duo was apprehended while planning another robbery. The investigation revealed that accomplice Prashant masterminded the heist by tracking Rajendra's movements. A firearm and stolen motorcycle were recovered from the suspects. Further investigations are ongoing.

Govt shares RTE admission data update: Basti, Hardoi, Etah lead in EWS admissions
The Uttar Pradesh government reported significant increases in Right to Education (RTE) admissions, with Basti district leading at 93%. Over 1.85 lakh seats were allotted this year, with 1,06,592 enrollments in private schools. Officials emphasized the importance of education for economically weaker sections, though concerns remain about inadequate financial support for private institutions.

Transport dept identifies 50,000 sq ft advertisement space for DTC's revenue generation
The Delhi Transport Corporation aims to enhance revenue by utilizing around 50,000 square feet of advertising space across the city. With liabilities skyrocketing from Rs 28,263 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 65,274 crore in 2021-22, the initiative includes advertising on buses, commercializing depot spaces, and converting old buses into shops to improve financial health.

South Delhi faces waterlogging threat as drain cleaning remains behind schedule
South Delhi faces potential waterlogging this monsoon as three key drains remain undesilted. Municipal Corporation of Delhi admits cleaning may not complete before June's end, risking flooding in multiple neighborhoods due to delayed maintenance work.

Pollution board vacancies: SC contempt notice to chief secys of Haryana, Delhi
Supreme Court issues contempt notices to Delhi, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan chief secretaries for failing to fill vacancies in pollution control boards, highlighting 55% posts vacant in Delhi and demanding explanations for non-compliance.