QUICKREADS

Ensure one-time disposal of pending maps: CM Yogi to development authorities
CM Yogi Adityanath directs development authorities to clear pending map approvals, expand LDA jurisdiction, and expedite urban projects including metro corridors, new townships, and infrastructure development across Uttar Pradesh by end of 2025.

‘Trying to create confusion regarding caste census in state’: BJP's BY Vijayendra slams Karnataka CM
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for creating confusion over the state's caste census, claiming his government engages in "dirty politics." Former PM Deve Gowda also challenged Siddaramaiah's record on caste census action. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government initiated a comprehensive caste census to gather demographic data, aiming for equitable reservation benefits and social justice.

Delhi HC asks school to issue transfer certificate for child of warring parents
The Delhi High Court ordered a private school to issue a transfer certificate to a student despite the father's objections due to a pending matrimonial dispute. Justice Vikas Mahajan emphasized the child's best interests and stated that the school could not deny the certificate under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. The court mandated issuance within one week.

14 die in unseasonal rains in Gujarat, IMD warns of rough weather in coming days
Unseasonal rains in Gujarat killed 14 people, with lightning, tree falls, and structural collapses causing fatalities. IMD warns of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hailstorms in multiple districts, with temperatures expected to drop 3-5°C in coming days.

U.P. Woman SI dismissed after conviction in corruption case
Woman sub-inspector Amrita Yadav dismissed after being convicted of accepting a ₹20,000 bribe to remove rape charges. Sentenced to seven years imprisonment and fined, she was caught red-handed by anti-corruption officials in 2017.

Sambit Patra skips meeting with 21 Manipur MLAs, returns to Delhi
BJP leader Sambit Patra visited Manipur, meeting key figures like N. Biren Singh and Governor Bhalla, but avoided the 21 MLAs seeking a popular government. He met with Nemcha Kipgen and tribal representatives, discussing political uncertainty and community demands.

Karnataka MLA and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy sentenced to 7 years in Obulapuram illegal mining scam
Mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy sentenced to 7 years in illegal mining scam, fined ₹10,000. Court found him guilty of manipulating mining boundaries, causing ₹884 crore public loss between 2007-2009. Convicted alongside three co-accused.

Main accused in Agra jeweller’s murder gunned down in police encounter
Police killed the main murder suspect Aman in an encounter after he allegedly attempted to snatch an officer's pistol. His brother Sumit was arrested, while another suspect Farooq remains at large. The incident followed a jewellery shop robbery and murder in Agra.

Blackout drill for 10 min at 7.30 pm on Wednesday in Chandigarh
Chandigarh will conduct a 10-minute blackout drill on Wednesday from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm, as advised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Residents are urged to switch off all lights and appliances. The drill aims to prepare for potential threats, and hospitals will not be affected. Participation is voluntary.

Meghalaya pushes for expansion of Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills
Meghalaya seeks AAI takeover of Baljek Airport to enhance regional connectivity, aiming to operationalize 20-seater aircraft initially and later upgrade to ATR-72. The strategic airport promises economic development, improved accessibility, and potential military utility near the India-Bangladesh border.

Substance abuse rings alarm bells in dry Bihar
A social media influencer from Bihar fell into substance abuse after connecting with wrong people. The incident highlights a growing trend of drug addiction among youth, cutting across economic and social boundaries, with easy access to cheap drugs posing a significant challenge for families and society.

Court dismisses corruption complaint against CM Siddaramaiah, minister over ad revenue losses
A Bengaluru Special Court dismissed a conspiracy complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, alleging significant revenue losses for the BBMP from 2015 to 2017. The court found the claims speculative and lacking evidence, ruling that irregularities did not equate to corruption. The Karnataka Lokayukta had previously closed the case, and the court upheld those findings.

Mock drills in Karnataka: Three locations in the state to train civilians tomorrow. Full details
Karnataka will conduct security mock drills in Bengaluru, Raichur, and Karwar, focusing on strategic locations like ISRO, thermal power station, and nuclear facility. The nationwide exercise aims to enhance civilian preparedness and infrastructure protection amid heightened security concerns.

'If you riot, I will not back your cause': Mamata Banerjee warns Waqf protestors
Mamata Banerjee warns protesters against violence over Waqf Act, urging peace after communal clashes in Suti. She visited riot-affected areas, distributed compensation, and emphasized unity while criticizing BJP and external provocations.

How dare you hit me! Principal and librarian exchange slaps at MP school; suspended
In Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, a physical altercation between a school principal and librarian escalated into a viral video, leading to their suspension. The fight, stemming from work-related disputes, saw both women exchanging slaps and hair-pulling. Authorities are investigating, and both have filed complaints against each other with local police.

Guest Column| Punjab on brink: From myths, misgovernance to reforms
Punjab faces a severe water crisis, with 117 of 150 administrative blocks over-exploited. Rivers run dry, groundwater depletes, and storage infrastructure is limited. The state lacks capacity to retain water, challenging narratives of intentional water wastage and highlighting complex hydrological and ecological constraints.