QUICKREADS

Iron bars bent, spoons turned into knives in war inside Tihar
The murder of a gangster inside Tihar Prison in New Delhi has raised questions about the security and safety arrangements in what is arguably South Asia's largest prison complex. The killing of Tillu Tajpuria came less than 20 days after the death of another criminal, Prince Tewatia, who swore allegiance to Lawrence Bishnoi, a suspect in the murder of Punjab Congress leader and singer Sidhu Moosewala. Tajpuria was allegedly involved in the murder of Jitender Gogi in Rohini Court complex in September 2021, and despite being aware of the rivalry between Tajpuria and members of Gogi's gang, he was kept in jail number 8 along with members of the Gogi gang.

Chandigarh: Police arrest two aides of Happy Passia with explosives
Chandigarh police arrested two associates of gangster Happy Passia, seizing explosives and firearms near Ziri Mandi Chowk. The suspects are being interrogated about a potential bomb attack, with evidence sent for forensic analysis.

BSF fortifies grid at forward posts along LoC in north Kashmir
BSF strengthens defenses along LoC in north Kashmir amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Additional troops, checkpoints, and heightened surveillance are deployed to prevent potential infiltration and respond to ceasefire violations.

Delhi CM Gupta reviews quick response firefighting vehicles
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed quick response vehicles (QRVs) designed for firefighting in narrow streets, emphasizing their importance in congested areas. Equipped with advanced fire suppression and rescue tools, 100 QRVs will soon be deployed. Gupta announced a Rs 504 crore budget for fire services, aiming to modernize Delhi's firefighting capabilities with new technology and resources.

Human right panel seeks status report of integrated complexes by Aug 20
Haryana Human Rights Commission summons officials to report on integrated complexes' progress, highlighting delays in land identification and construction across districts, with specific focus on Gurugram's unresolved land issue for a children's complex.

PDA kept away from education, jobs: Akhilesh
Akhilesh Yadav criticizes UP government, claiming PDA communities are excluded from education and jobs. He predicts 2027 elections as 'Yogi vs Pratiyogi' and accuses BJP of privatization, corruption, and hindering youth opportunities.

Last rites of Lance Naik, who died in Poonch shelling, performed in Palwal
Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, 32, killed in Poonch sector shelling, was cremated with military honors in Palwal. Survived by pregnant wife, two children, and two army-serving brothers, he was remembered as a brave soldier by grieving family and officials.

Kendriya Hindi Sansthan granted deemed university status
Kendriya Hindi Sansthan gains deemed university status, enabling expanded educational opportunities, research focus, and Hindi language promotion under the ministry of education's recent notification from May 5, 2025.

Rural families in U.P. to get potable water sans financial strain
Uttar Pradesh government will cover community contribution for the Har Ghar Nal scheme, eliminating upfront costs for rural households. Villagers receive tap water connections without financial burden, paying only Rs 50 monthly for maintenance.

FIR against U.P. Cong chief over lemon-chilli remarks on Rafale jets
U.P. Congress chief Ajay Rai faces FIR for controversial remarks about Rafale jets, after displaying a toy plane with lemon-chilli, allegedly ridiculing the aircraft and demoralizing armed forces, as per a complaint filed by a local resident.

Meerut on high alert amid India-Pakistan standoff
Meerut district prepares for potential India-Pakistan border tensions by placing health services, transport, and public safety on high alert. Hospitals reserve emergency beds, transport readied for quick mobilization, and police intensify security checks. Nauchandi Fair may be postponed.

Man held for duping people on pretext of doubling money
Physiotherapist Sukhdev Singh arrested for allegedly scamming 2,934 people out of ₹80 crore by promising double investment returns through a fraudulent company, using 25 agents to lure victims.

World Bank president in Lucknow on May 9
World Bank president Ajay Banga visits Lucknow on May 9, meeting CM Yogi Adityanath, touring a ration plant and beekeeping center, and discussing Uttar Pradesh's economic transformation and development potential.

Two held for killing woman, stuffing body in trolley bag in Gurugram
Two men have been arrested in Gurugram for allegedly killing 33-year-old Parveen, whose body was found in a trolley bag on Faridabad road. The suspects, Dinesh Kumar and Viplav Vishwas, reportedly suffocated her during a dispute over money. The incident occurred on May 3, and police are continuing their investigation.

Delhi govt to launch 'Talent Hunt Scheme' to promote budding artists
The Delhi Government is launching a 'Talent Hunt Scheme' to support and promote emerging artists in the capital. Chaired by Art, Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, the initiative aims to provide a platform for artists in various fields, offering guidance and international exposure. The scheme focuses on inclusivity, cultural diversity, and enhancing Delhi's creative landscape through workshops and mentorship.

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.