QUICKREADS

Bilkis Bano case: SC quashes Gujarat govt's remission order, 11 convicts to return to jail
The Supreme Court of India has overturned the remission granted by the Gujarat government to 11 men convicted of gangraping Bilkis Bano and murdering seven of her family members during the 2002 riots. The court stated that the remission order was without application of mind and questioned whether heinous crimes against women permit remission. The convicts, who were released in August 2022, will now be sent back to jail within two weeks. The court also nullified a previous order asking the Gujarat government to consider the remission plea of one of the convicts, stating that it was obtained by "playing fraud on the court."

Ladakh admn bans flying of drones, UAVs
Ladakh administration bans drone and UAV flights in Leh and Kargil districts due to security concerns, warning of strict legal action against violators. Locals, tourists, and private persons are prohibited from flying drones near the Pakistan border.

Punjab: Hoarders warned of action, ban on firecrackers
Punjab authorities warn against hoarding essential goods and impose firecracker bans in border districts. Officials across multiple regions emphasize adequate supply of essentials and promise legal action against hoarders, ensuring public safety and preventing panic buying.

Ferozepur, Fazilka villages move to safer zones amid Pak attack
Punjab border villages near Pakistan are voluntarily evacuating, with 45-50% of families relocated. Around 15 most vulnerable villages in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts are moving women, children, and livestock to safer areas amid rising tensions and potential cross-border conflict.

Pak drones target army bases in Pathankot, Jalandhar; neutralised
Pakistan launched drone and rocket attacks on military facilities in Punjab's Pathankot and Jalandhar. Indian forces neutralized the threats, with no casualties reported. Blackouts were declared in 16 districts, and authorities urged calm while remaining vigilant.

Leaves of health staff cancelled in Punjab amid India-Pak tensions
Punjab government cancels health staff leaves amid India-Pakistan tensions, directing medical personnel to stay at stations, maintain emergency readiness, and ensure medical supplies are available. State transport and police are also on high alert for potential security challenges.

Amid rise in border tensions, Golden Temple footfall drops by 70%
Golden Temple experiences 70% drop in visitors due to India-Pakistan tensions, after missile debris discovery near Amritsar. Locals are anxious, with shrine premises unusually empty and devotees preferring to stay home amid escalating border concerns.

16 of 23 Punjab districts go dark amid Pak attack
Punjab imposes blackout in 16 districts following tensions with Pakistan. Authorities advise citizens to switch off lights and remain calm, with measures taken as a precautionary response to potential attacks, following air force and army directions.

BBMB row, repeal of Dam Safety Act: A hardening stance behind Punjab’s firm resolution
Punjab unanimously passed a resolution demanding repeal of the Dam Safety Act 2021, citing infringement on state water rights and tensions with BBMB over water distribution, arguing the central law undermines Punjab's sovereign control over rivers and dams.

Opposition slams Mann govt for failing to act on water rights issue
Opposition leaders criticize Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for inaction on water rights, accusing him of failing to challenge a high court ruling favoring the Bhakra Beas Management Board and potentially losing additional water to Haryana through legal negligence.

Will challenge HC order before top court: Mann
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will challenge the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision on BBMB and water sharing in the Supreme Court, accusing the BJP of attempting to illegally divert Punjab's water and vowing to fight politically and legally.

Janardhan Reddy disqualified as Karnataka MLA after conviction in mining case
Karnataka MLA G Janardhan Reddy has been disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly following his conviction in a CBI case. The disqualification, effective May 6, is based on Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Reddy will remain disqualified for six years post-release unless a court intervenes.

BBMB chairman’s ‘detention’: Bittu demands FIR against Mann, Bains
Union minister Ravneet Bittu demands FIR against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and education minister Harjot Bains for allegedly detaining the BBMB chairman while overseeing dam security, criticizing their political tactics and questioning their actions.

Samana crash: Driver of truck that killed 5 school kids arrested
Driver of truck that killed 5 school children arrested after fatal head-on collision. Police booked driver and truck owners. Punjab government announces strict road safety measures, including speed limits and fitness checks, amid public anger and grief.

‘Exemplary Leadership’: HD Deve Gowda praises PM Modi after Operation Sindoor
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda praised India's "mature and restrained" military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, commending Prime Minister Modi's leadership during the crisis. In a letter, he emphasized national unity and India's peaceful global image while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Gowda expressed appreciation for Modi's swift actions and the pressures faced in recent weeks.

Mohali court summons Dharamsot’s son in 2022 corruption case
Mohali court summoned Harpreet Singh, son of former Punjab forest minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, in a 2022 corruption case involving a suspicious plot sale. They are accused of conspiring to purchase and sell a plot at a significantly reduced price.