QUICKREADS

Snatching mobile phone lands Chandigarh youth in jail for 7 years
A youth in India has been sentenced to seven years in jail for snatching a mobile phone from an auto-rickshaw driver. The court imposed a fine of ?25,000 ($340) on the convict, Rohit Kumar, and stated that offences like snatching must be dealt with severely to deter others from committing similar crimes. The court rejected the defence counsel's request for leniency and probation, stating that a minimum sentence of five years was prescribed for the offence.

Proximity to LoC makes Poonch town vulnerable: Lt Gen (retd) Sharma
Poonch, near the LoC, faces intense Pakistani shelling, causing 12 deaths and 40 injuries. Proximity to border makes it vulnerable. Residents flee, with only 5-7% population remaining, as cross-border attacks continue to target strategic areas.

HC allows BMC to construct road connecting lagoon road to Infiniti mall
Bombay High Court permits BMC to construct a road connecting Lagoon Road to Infiniti Mall, allowing mangrove removal with compensatory planting of 370 trees for 37 cut, citing public interest and obtaining necessary environmental clearances.

Question paper mix-up sparks chaos in university’s law exam
University of Mumbai's law exam descends into chaos as wrong question papers circulate. ATKT students receive papers meant for freshers, causing confusion. Exam disrupted with multiple paper versions, repeated exchanges, and students unsure which test to complete.

Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Panel fails to find money trail from main accused
A government panel found BMC and GRP officers responsible for the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, which killed 17 people. Despite investigating, they couldn't trace the financial trail of main accused Bhavesh Bhinde. The report recommends policy changes and banning video hoardings.

Pune civic body issues show cause notice to Manipal Hospital
Pune Municipal Corporation issued a show cause notice to Manipal Hospital for allegedly holding a deceased patient's body hostage over unpaid medical bills, violating healthcare regulations and patient rights.

42-year-old arrested for raping minor daughter
A 42-year-old man was arrested for repeatedly sexually assaulting his 15-year-old daughter, threatening to stop her schooling and beating her. The incident came to light after the girl told her sister, leading to a police complaint.

Those who targeted ‘sindoor’ of India’s daughters lost their clan: Yogi
Yogi Adityanath praised "Operation Sindoor" as a powerful response to terrorists, emphasizing the Indian forces' commitment to protecting national honor after the Pahalgam attack, and urging citizens to support security efforts.

Rising India-Pak tensions trigger panic buying in Punjab
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following counter-terror strikes, Punjab witnessed panic buying, with residents in border districts and beyond stockpiling essentials like groceries, fuel, and medicines. Security operations were launched, and authorities urged calm while managing public anxiety.

Ludhiana: MC workers protest over job regularisation
Ludhiana municipal corporation sanitation workers protested for job regularization, demanding permanent positions, promotions, medical insurance, and an end to outsourcing, highlighting their long-standing service and need for fair treatment.

Ludhiana: Robbers’ gang busted, stolen mobiles seized
Police in Ludhiana busted a robbery gang, arresting four suspects and recovering 23 mobile phones, five motorcycles, and other stolen items. The criminals targeted multiple city areas, threatening victims with weapons and committing at least six robberies since December 2024.

Trial based one-way traffic system in PU from May 12
Panjab University will implement a trial one-way traffic system on three campus roads from May 12, aiming to manage peak-hour congestion. The system will operate during morning and afternoon hours, with a map to be circulated to help students and staff navigate the changes.

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.