West Bengal: Kurmi leaders held for attack on Abhishek Banerjee’s convoy

Eight members of the Kurmi community, including two leaders, have been arrested in West Bengal's Jhargram district for attacking several cars in the convoy of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The attack took place at Salboni on Friday evening. The Kurmis are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and have been holding agitations under the banner of the 'ghagar ghera' movement, which includes six organisations. The community has also demanded inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and recognition of Sarna as a separate religion.

Himachal cabinet okays ₹1,500-aid for female house helps

Himachal Pradesh cabinet approves ₹1,500 aid for female domestic workers, expands Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana. Also approved: homestay policy, organic crop MSP hike, water tariff relief, and various infrastructure and healthcare developments.

GPS tracking leads Mohali police to accused in ₹40-lakh theft

Mohali police arrested Navjot Singh in a ₹40-lakh film equipment theft case using GPS tracking. Two stolen vehicles and production gear recovered. Seven bouncers and three industry associates linked to the crime, with more arrests anticipated.

Amritsar cop caught ‘taking bribe’

Amritsar police officer Ajaib Singh arrested by Punjab Vigilance Bureau for demanding ₹50,000 bribe, caught accepting ₹25,000 first installment. Case registered under Prevention of Corruption Act, further investigation ongoing.

Srinagar: Mock drills conducted at Dal Lake to test emergency preparedness

Srinagar police conducted mock drills at Dal Lake with SDRF, focusing on emergency preparedness like boat capsizing and rescue operations. The exercise follows the Pahalgam terror attack and aims to enhance safety protocols across six Kashmir valley districts.

Prepared for civil defence exercise at multiple levels: Misra

Haryana is fully prepared for the nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, with comprehensive preparations across 10 districts. The exercise includes activating sirens, emergency response plans, evacuation drills, and training for civilians and key personnel.

JPNIC row: Ideologically attached to project...willing to take it, says Akhilesh

Akhilesh Yadav expressed readiness to acquire JPNIC if BJP sells it, citing ideological and emotional attachment. He criticized BJP's asset selling, defended SP member Gulshan Yadav, and claimed government exploitation of laborers.

Have urged Centre for 4-laning of Shimla-Rampur NH: Vikramaditya

Himachal Pradesh seeks Centre's approval for four-laning Shimla-Rampur national highway. PWD minister urges strategic road expansion, tunnel construction, and public cooperation for land acquisition, emphasizing importance for border personnel and transportation.

Rape victim alleges police inaction against sarpanch

A woman alleges rape by a sarpanch who threatened her with a viral video. She claims police have failed to arrest the accused despite filing a complaint two weeks ago, raising concerns about the investigation's progress.

Ambala DC orders complete ban on use of drones

Ambala DC bans drone usage and transport without permission due to security concerns, especially near military installations, following tensions with Pakistan. Order applies to all UAVs, with exceptions for authorized government agencies after prior notification.

Beer prices in Haryana to soar under 2025- 2027 excise policy

Beer prices in Haryana will surge by 55% for Indian and 45% for imported brands starting June 12. A 650ml Kingfisher Ultra will rise from ₹90 to ₹140, while a Corona will cost ₹290 instead of ₹200. The government aims to increase revenue and align prices with neighboring states.

Soldier among 4 dead, 43 injured as bus falls into gorge in Poonch

A private bus plunged into a 100-feet gorge in Poonch, killing four, including a soldier on leave, and injuring 43. Rescue teams responded, and critical patients were referred to hospital. Local leaders expressed condolences and promised support.

Gomti’s revival drifts off course as Dist Ganga Committee meets after two months

District Ganga Committee meeting fails to address Gomti River's critical pollution levels, focusing instead on beautification projects like gateways and Aarti mandaps, despite sewage contamination and low oxygen levels threatening river's ecosystem.

Haryana’s quality control body to get more teeth

Haryana's Quality Assurance Authority will gain legal backing to enforce quality standards in engineering projects, with powers to audit, recommend improvements, streamline protocols, and enhance infrastructure through comprehensive quality control mechanisms.

Waste from Bandhwari dumped in Mangar’s Aravallis: activists

Waste from Bandhwari landfill is being illegally dumped in Mangar's Aravalli hills, destroying protected forest land. Environmentalists warn of ecological damage, toxic contamination, and potential illegal land occupation through deliberate terrain alteration.

Srinagar: Senior Kashmiri scribe Hilal Mir detained by cops

Kashmiri journalist Hilal Mir detained by J&K police for allegedly spreading "extremist content" on social media. Digital devices seized. Police claim his posts disturb peace and promote secessionist ideology. Mir has worked with local and international media for over two decades.