QUICKREADS

SP files objections to quota in urban local body polls
The Samajwadi Party has reportedly submitted a petition to the director of the Local Bodies Directorate in Lucknow claiming there was less than the permissible level of reservation for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes in the Uttar Pradesh government?s draft notification for forthcoming local body polls. The notification, issued on 30 March, provided 288 reserved seats for women, 205 for other backward classes, 110 for scheduled castes and two seats for scheduled tribes. Samajwadi Party state unit president Naresh Uttam Patel has called for amendments to the notification.

2 held for raping minor in car after abduction near Faridabad school
Two men were arrested for kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old girl near her school in Faridabad. The suspects, Intezaar Khan and Vikas Kumar, were caught after fleeing to Uttar Pradesh. Police recovered the car and registered a case under Pocso Act.

Ghaziabad: 2 residents move Allahabad high court over human-monkey conflict
Two Ghaziabad residents filed a high court PIL highlighting the human-monkey conflict, citing safety risks, property damage, and an exponential rise in monkey population across 32 city areas. They seek relocation, afforestation, and proper monkey management strategies.

Bar licence fee up 40% in Haryana, nightlife may cost more
Haryana increases bar license fees by 40%, potentially raising alcohol prices by 20%. Restaurateurs and patrons fear higher dining costs, with nightlife expenses possibly jumping from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, threatening the city's vibrant entertainment scene.

25-yr-old woman jumps in front of train at golf course Metro station
A 25-year-old BA student died after jumping in front of a metro train at Golf Course station. Her male friend was present but couldn't prevent the incident. Police found no suicide note, and the reason for her anger remains unknown.

‘Dead’ woman found alive after Aadhaar alert
A missing woman and daughter, presumed dead after bodies were found, were discovered alive in Jodhpur through an Aadhaar notification. They voluntarily left home in 2020, and police are investigating the case after bringing them back to Noida.

Haryana charges 6 officials over illegal Aravalli mining in Nuh
Six Haryana officials face charges for illegal Aravalli mining in Nuh district, spanning 25 acres from 2011 to 2025. The state found massive stone extraction, prompting a crackdown and potential further investigations into environmental violations.

Noida to offer space for start-ups at cheap rates
Noida Authority plans to offer affordable office space for start-ups in an unused eight-storey City Bus Terminal building in Sector 82, providing entrepreneurs with discounted rates and modern amenities to encourage business growth.

Noida authority acts against its staffers over negligence
Noida Authority takes disciplinary action against a lekhpal, supervisor, and gardener for negligence, illegal construction oversight, and poor performance. CEO Lokesh M recommends suspension and aims to enforce stricter administrative accountability in the region.

Form environment committees immediately: DIOS to GB Nagar schools
DIOS mandates Gautam Budh Nagar schools to immediately form environmental committees, addressing ecological concerns through monthly meetings, student engagement, and eco-friendly initiatives after repeated unheeded directives.

Rescued parakeet gets new lease of life, beak after rare surgery
A rose-ringed parakeet, rescued from illegal captivity and severely malnourished, received a custom prosthetic upper beak. The complex surgery enabled the bird to feed and preen independently, with potential future release into its natural habitat.

Quack’s illegal clinic busted in Panchkula
Health officials raided an illegal clinic run by unqualified Tushar Saha, who performed an abortion causing severe complications. Authorities seized illegal medicines and requested police to file an FIR for practicing medicine without credentials.

Gurugram to simulate air raid, blackout in mock drill today
Gurugram will conduct a large-scale mock air raid and blackout drill, testing emergency preparedness. Five task forces will simulate evacuation and relief across the district, with residents urged to switch off lights and stay indoors during the evening exercise.

Chandigarh administrator pushes for health policy tailored for octogenarians
Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria calls for a health policy targeting octogenarians, emphasizing immediate medical assistance for seniors living alone and proposing strengthened health services at local dispensaries.

Panjab University forms five panels to check substance abuse in hostels
Panjab University forms five committees to combat substance abuse in hostels, checking drug use, cleanliness, and food quality. Dean of Students Welfare promises proactive measures, parent involvement, and continuous monitoring to prevent drug-related incidents.

Close shave for driver as car catches fire on Zirakpur flyover
A Tata Nano caught fire on the Zirakpur flyover, with the driver escaping unharmed. Fire department extinguished the blaze, causing traffic disruption. Simultaneously, another fire broke out in a Dhakoli showroom due to a short-circuit, with no injuries reported.